Jolie Holland
Things don’t always turn out as they should, but Texasborn singer/songwriter Jolie Holland has no desire to turn life’s lemons into anything but woeful songs. With addiction, depression, and both shattered hearts and dreams rampant, the fine line between dead and alive is often indistinguishable. It’s not ideal listening material for those with suicidal tendencies, but fans of the country-blues will find Holland’s fourth studio release relaxed and fluent. Holland’s warm fiddling on “Sweet Loving Man,” which could play on any smoky small-town bar’s jukebox, makes it a favorite. Though her warbling vocal style borders on annoying when it’s too ambitious (is there a tongue depressor in her mouth?), her whistling on the disc’s two most traditionalsounding folk songs, “You Painted Yourself In” and “Love Henry” is beyond impressive, and could easily be mistaken for singing saw. Portlanders M. Ward and Rachel Blumberg (formerly of the Decemberists) make notable contributions — Ward’s rock-influenced guitar on “Your Big Hands” adds pick-me-up spunk to sad-sack lyrics, and Blumberg’s drumming, particularly on “Corrido Por Buddy” and “Mexico City,” has just enough heft and meter to keep the arrangements from dragging. Dishes clang behind the giggly acoustic cover of “Enjoy Yourself” (“it’s later than you think”), and though it seems like an unnecessary, tack-on closing track, it seals in the admirably pragmatic outlook Holland has been singing about throughout: “I’ll dance at your funeral/if you dance at mine”(“Palmyra”).
Oct 1st, 2008 by Amber Herzog
Behind the Scaffolding
There’s a lot going on in City Hall right now – not that you’d know from Milwaukee’s broadcast news and daily paper. With increased coverage of suburban issues – Shoplifter at Large in Glendale! – the most important issues of the day for the region’s economic and cultural hub are largely left untouched. That’s why VITAL Source is making space for this column. To give you the inside scoop on what’s going in City of Milwaukee government. Hopefully it will be both enlightening and entertaining. Let’s start with the 2009 city budget. About two weeks after posturing as an anti-tax guy (read: afraid of talk radio) and vetoing a much-needed “wheel tax,” Mayor Barrett introduced a host of increased fees – from snow removal to “solid waste” removal – in his new budget. (That latter fee is your garbage collection, in case you were wondering what constitutes “solid waste.”) Here’s the key difference between the wheel tax, which passed with 11 cosponsors, and all the new fees that Mayor Barrett is trying to implement in the budget: the $20-per-year wheel tax is actually replacing the street assessments, which totaled thousands of dollars, saving money for property owners. Barrett’s new budget fees replace nothing – they’re just new fees. Advantage: aldermen. (And alderwoman – can’t forget Coggs.) Whether libraries are closed, fire fighters are cut or sanitation services are consolidated, times are tough for the City of Milwaukee. Watching the committee meetings, you get the sense that the department heads are scrambling to make ends meet. Milwaukee should have a long-term plan for progress, but it seems like everything is addressed at the 11th hour. I don’t think the heads of Manpower, Harley or even VITAL manage their funds this way, so I don’t know why it doesn’t bother the mayor. Captain Jim Harpole, who was in the running for MPD Chief and has been at the helm for the District Three Police Station – in the heart of the central city – is being promoted to Assistant Chief. The promotion got little attention from the Journal Sentinel and nothing from the TV stations, but it could have far-reaching ramifications. City Hall insiders – and those who pay attention to crime statistics – know that Harpole has worked wonders at D3, so his replacement will be key. Alds. Murphy, Bauman and Hines are sure to be especially nervous. Another Mayor-Common Council conflict of late is how to deal with Milwaukee’s foreclosure crisis. In August, President Willie Hines wrote a letter to Barrett, asking that he consider hiring a full-time Housing & Foreclosure Policy Advisor, as many other cities have done. The mayor has granted that request, but it seems like the new advisor will only be a low-level manager, not a cabinet-level adviser, as Hines requested. My next column will focus more on the nuts-and-bolts of the departments behind the scenes, as I interview the people who actually fill potholes (hopefully), board up houses and weigh babies (public health nurses) for […]
Oct 1st, 2008 by Dan Corcoran
Meet Milwaukee Film
by Howie Goldklang + Photo by Kat Berger Film festivals are a tough business, man. One day you’re wearing your cleanest dirty suit in some board room asking for sponsorship money and the next you might be unloading office furniture from a rental truck, arguing about which films to program or waiting around for the Road Runner guy to show up between 3 pm and 10 pm on a Tuesday. And so it goes, on and on into an abyss of film submissions, stacks of papers and messes of wires up and down your office walls, dealing with filmmakers, the endless quest for sponsor dollars, securing equipment partners, a constant need to build build build – film programs, screenings, screenplay readings, competitions, contests, and then your actual festival! My god, you mean we have to show films? Yes! Creating the printed program, hawking down sponsors for ads two weeks late, finding reliable projectionists, pulling a jury together, organizing parties and panels, printing tickets and those cool-guy laminated passes, glad-handing sponsors, and on and on into an abyss of … You get it. The film festival world is a fucking grind and to be the core staff of a successful one means you are either crazy, bulletproof or both. Enter Jonathan Jackson, Kyle Heller and T.J. Fackelman – keys to the defunct Milwaukee International Film Festival (MIFF) now forging ahead with a new organization called MILWAUKEE FILM. (Peep the Facebook group of the same name. Now!) But wait? What the hell happened to MIFF? We’re a beer and shot away from that conversation, so if you see me at a bar, walk over with a Magic Hat and Makers and we can get into it. For now, think about reasons that arts non-profits might split. Then think about who the original organizers were. Go ahead, name names. Then do a Mad Libs called FOUNDERS VS. FESTIVAL and carefully place the words Money, Ego, Sponsors, Vision, Credit and Direction. Then buy me another drink. (Search the REEL MILWAUKEE Blog at vitalsourcemag.com for more on the 4W/H about what happened to MIFF.) But I digress. Can you imagine doing the brick-by-brick, day-to-day festival grind for five years and without warning, it’s gone? These dudes couldn’t. Up from the ashes came Milwaukee Film, which is both a kick to the teeth of the powers that stole MIFF from Milwaukee and a dog whistle to independent filmmakers and artists in Milwaukee that the real supporters of MIFF don’t go out like that. “The whole staff went through a grieving process. Having put a festival together for the last five years, I feel like a big part of my life is missing,” says Milwaukee Film Artistic Director Jonathan Jackson. “Ultimately though, I am ecstatic about the future. We have an incredible opportunity to create a cultural organization that will maximize its potential and provide entertaining and socially conscious film programming throughout the year. We can’t guarantee perfection, but the staff and board of Milwaukee Film are […]
Oct 1st, 2008 by Howie Goldklang
Zoning Committee Approves 26-Story Tower
The only item on this meeting's agenda was a request from New Land Enterprise for a change in zoning from RM7 to Detailed Planned Development which would facilitate the construction of a 26-story condominium tower on the Goll Mansion property.
Sep 30th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Hometown Gas Station Demolished
The Hometown Gas Station on North Avenue has been almost completely demolished.
Sep 30th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Sydney Hih Nomination Held at Historic Preservation
This Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC") meeting included agenda items for the high profile projects, The Palomar, The Brewery and the Goll Mansion redevelopment.
Sep 30th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee celebrates
Holy cow, the Brewers are in the playoffs and their fans are ready to par-tey!!! Well, I’m glad. Truthfully, I would have liked the Mets and Brewers to have won yesterday to force a game between the two teams to decide which one moved on. You see, I’ve always been a Mets fan but that’s another story. But how can you not be happy for Brewers fans? The 26 year drought without an appearance in the playoffs is over!! Finally, the city can stop looking back nostalgically on a seventh game loss in the World Series. Big time thanks to Mark Attanasio, the kid from the Bronx who grew up rooting for the Yankees before making a fortune which allowed him to rescue this team from the cursed Seligs. This guy had the courage and commitment to open up his checkbook and bring CC Sabathia to town. Baseball fans can reasonably disagree about lots of things but there is no chance that the Brewers would have made the playoffs sans CC. How exciting it must have been to watch the Brewers win at Miller Park and then stay to cheer as the Mets fell to the Marlins. Me, I was home watching the Packers lose while on the phone with my brother who was providing me with a play-by-play of the Jets game. Clearly, this is not the day to talk football and relive the Brett soap opera but give me a break? Aaron Rodgers has played great and he may be the future of the team but if he misses a single game due to injury, boy will the Packer brain trust get an earful! So I will be totally and completely rooting for the Brewers against the Phillies and, hopefully, against the Cubs or the Dodgers, and, yes, against the Red Sox, Rays, Angels, Twins or White Sox in the World Series. Sure it’s a long shot but that’s why they play the games. Oh, and one last thing. Back in 2000 when I had just moved to Wisconsin I went nearly insane with excitement when the Mets and Yankees met in the first (and, so far, only) Subway Series of my life. Did anyone here care? Who cares about baseball, I was told. The Packers season has started! Well, folks, whaddya know? It’s October (almost) and baseball still matters in Milwaukee. Whoo Hoo!
Sep 29th, 2008 by Ted Bobrow
Moon Over Buffalo
By Jenna Raymond Very often, comedies can be overdone. Characters can seem generic and ridiculous as the entire plot grows to completely unrealistic proportions. However, under the direction of Debra Krajec, Marquette University’s production of Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo is nuanced, seamless and zany in the best way. The action takes place behind the scenes of a traveling theatre company in Buffalo, NY in the early 1950s. George and Charlotte Hay head up the company that used to employee their daughter, Rosiland. She has since left to lead a “normal” life outside the theatre, including a weatherman fiancée, Howard. Rosiland returns to introduce Howard to her family, only to find that her father has impregnated another company member; her ex-lover is still in love with her; and the family attorney wants to run away with her mother. And then Frank Capra calls to say he needs to re-cast his next movie immediately and will fly out to catch their matinee as an audition for George and Charlotte. Mistaken identities, chases, missing persons and frantic confusion ensue. The roles of both George and Charlotte require an immense amount of physical acting: duels and fights abound, and George appears in several stages of drunkenness that cumulates in a fall into the orchestra pit. Senior Kevin Hogan is flush with excellence in this roll. Even when it’s revealed that George has cheated on his wife, Hogan is able to keep George endearing. Nick Inzeo, playing the part of Paul, Rosalind’s ex-lover, displays superb physicality that is an added bonus to the relationship between Paul and George. The two are able to reach slapstick without compromising the integrity of Ken Ludwig’s play. As Charlotte, Jennifer Shine is over the top in the best way. Charlotte is certainly meant to be extremely emotional, and Shine is able to consistently reach Charlotte’s heightened reactions. Bonnie Auguston plays Rosiland, and after the first few scenes she was able to fully emerse herself into the character and was especially charismatic in her scenes with Inzeo. Comedy is often much more difficult to perform than drama. Timing really is just about everything and the entire cast hit nearly everything spot on. Comedic acting is mostly talent with excellent guidance, and director Debra Krajec chose an apt cast that benefited from her experience and instruction. Marquette University opened its 2008-2009 season with a high benchmark. If Moon Over Buffalo is indicative of the kind of theatre Marquette is capable of this season, their theatre department should be regarded on the same level as some of Milwaukee’s professional theatre. Moon Over Buffalo runs through October 5 at the Helfaer Theatre on Marquette University’s campus. For tickets or more information call 414.288.7504 or visit Marquette’s Theatre department website at: www.marquette.edu/theatre.
Sep 29th, 2008 by Vital Archives
Gypsy
This iconic musical retells the story of a show business mother, Rose, and her two daughters, Louise and June. Louise went on to become the Burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. Gypsy: A Musical Fable, provides a softer framing for what June described as a “much darker childhood” than the fable presented in the musical based upon the book by Arthur Laurents. Gypsy is considered to be one of the greatest American musicals, containing memorable songs and sparking a film and numerous Broadway revivals that continually receive awards. Off the Wall Theatre’s production evokes the feel spoken of in the show’s lyrics: “This world…small… funny… and fine.” The staging, defined with Dale Gutzman’s astute direction, required using every inch in Off the Wall’s elongated, intimate space to capture the larger than life and exceptionally fine performances. The audience is within a few feet of the stage where Rose, Louise, June, and Herbie (the faithful lover Rose refuses to marry) confront them almost face to face. Created with minimal set design, even portraying the burlesque house with effective restraint, the entire stage frames the extraordinary talent presented in the theater. Sharon Rise portrays Rose’s complex personality as a person the audience can grow to understand, making it believable that she would lovable in eyes of Herbie and Louise. Rise’s stunning presence illuminates this real life tale, stretching the limits of the quintessential overbearing parent, while Robert Hirschi inhabits Herbie with a compassionate grace without lapsing into sentimentality. Liz Mistele’s blonde June and Alison Mary Forbes’ brunette Louise, who eventually becomes Gypsy Rose Lee, each obey the demands of their mother with reluctant devotion. When June elopes to claim her independence, leaving Louise as their mother’s last hope for stardom, Forbes and Rise cement their chemistry in the musical’s second act. This transformation in the configuration of the characters allows Rise and Forbes to deliver the emotional weight to sustain the production. Rise plays Rose letting go of Louise’s life, one she had once hoped to be her own, completing the formidable task every mother must accomplish when her children reach adulthood. A host of young performers round out the extraordinary cast, which includes the four-piece musical ensemble directed by Anne Van Deusen. Among the musical delights is “You Gotta Get A Gimmick,” the assorted stories of three strippers performed with delicious humor and accompanied by the audience’s laughter. While this autobiographical musical reveals the intricate relationship interplay between mother and daughter, the classic story also masks a dysfunctional family that gravely impacted the children’s education and welfare. Underneath the engaging music and comic entertainment, Off the Wall’s production of Gypsy uncovers the fine line between serious encouragement and the dreams parents press on their progeny. Search the sidelines of today’s athletic fields, behind the performing art stage doors, or the homes of Honor Society members to discover contemporary versions of mother Rose. Gypsy questions the ultimate value of parents’ projecting their uncompromising hopes for success on their children. Off the Wall Theatre’s […]
Sep 29th, 2008 by Peggy Sue Dunigan
Inside McCain’s brain
Hope burns eternal, and in an effort to be unbiased in this election year, I picked up the October Atlantic and began reading a lengthy page 40 feature titled “The Wars of John McCain.” The cover featured a headshot of the Senator from Arizona. Something in his eyes looked “sincere,” but I grew up during World War II, and always was a sucker for a man in uniform. Any man in uniform, though as I recall, I tended to favor celluloid pilots in flight jackets as I recall. So on I read. The text (interspersed with lively photos) seemed to be mostly focused on why McCain supports various wars, including the one in ‘Nam. He thinks that one could have been won, if only the troops had more support, both there and here. He also believes our current war (the one in the Middle East) could be won. If only … Midway through the article, I began to feel for McCain, if only because he seems almost schizophrenic, or at least, greatly confused. At this stage he’s pretty old (my age) to be trying to remember what confused him. Everyday I get more pissed over his choice of Sara Palin as a running mate, though likely it’s because other possible choices recognized the sinking ship and ran for cover, leaving him to fly (almost) solo with the embarrassment from Alaska, where by the way, a huge rally was staged to protest her ideas. I went to Maureen Dowd’s site, a site recommended by fellow blogger Bobrow, and at least had a moment of hilarious respite from the depressing Atlantic article. For the past year, I’ve been writing a weekly column for my old hometown Iowa newspaper, which has been publishing for 150 years. I fear the 1,000 readers (mostly Republican) aren’t quite adjusted to my column. A few weeks ago, I addressed Cindy McCain’s hideously expensive ensemble, trotted out at the Republican National Convention, and asked why her advisors allowed her to trot forth in rich rags when most readers are down to their last barrel. Incoming! Along came an email from a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He wasn’t exactly nasty (the volley was signed “Very Respectfully Yours”), but he took strong issue with what he perceived to be an endorsement for the Dems, nevermind that the column included fashionista references to Jackie-O, Bess Truman, Nancy Reagan and Rosalind Carter. I ended the column by saying “considering the number of service people who return from the disastrous middle east war, minus arms and legs, Cindy’s frock seemed of no consequence.” He still didn’t get it, and asked me, “Have you ever even been to Iraq?” And then, “have you ever been thanked by an Iraqi kid who you gave candy to?” Very Respectfully Yours, Dem Bones
Sep 29th, 2008 by Stella Cretek
Weekly Bookmarks – Monday, 29. September 2008
JS Online: Project development JS Online: Zilber names organizations to spearhead neighborhood projects Biden backs Midwest rail – All Politics JS Online: Fullhouse anchors new project JS Online: Waukesha should get lake water, report says JS Online: Zilber Foundation’s 1st efforts: Lindsay Heights, Clarke Square County board rejects St. Michael plan for mental health complex – The Business Journal of Milwaukee: JS Online: Barrett suggests replacing library Sydney Hih may get historic designation – Mary Louise Schumacher: Art City City unveils southeast side for public review – Small Business Times Real estate deal of the week – Small Business Times Bridge supporters: Leave the Hoan alone
Sep 29th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Milwaukee Film Wants You! Volunteer Today!
Want to meet fun, new people? Want free movie tickets? Want to help with Milwaukee’s newest film festival? Milwaukee Film is currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to help us out with upcoming events. Milwaukee Film are looking to fill volunteer positions in all areas from ticket-taking and ushering at the theatres to helping make sure the parties run smoothly. Please email MilwaukeeFilm414@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook or Myspace, and include all of your contact information (email, phone #, address). Volunteering is the best way to ensure that Milwaukee’s film festival becomes the institution Milwaukee deserves. You also receive great benefits, for each shift volunteered you will get 1 ticket to the 2009 Film Festival presented by Milwaukee Film. If you know anyone who is interested in volunteering, please forward this message to them and tell them to e-mail Milwaukeefilm414@gmail.com with their contact information. Volunteer information for the Milwaukee Show on October 23rd and Song Sung Blue on November 6th will be released shortly so sign up quickly! Thank you in advance for your support!
Sep 26th, 2008 by Howie Goldklang
