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Blake Hannon - Entertainment Reporter

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A crispy classic
by Blake Hannon
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

There are some particularly cozy feelings that come up when thinking about the Thanksgiving turkey coming out of a hot oven. It’s a reliable and undeniable way to prepare the highlight of a holiday feast.
But some traditions need to be broken. And with deep-fried turkey, you and your family can prepare a tasty alternative.

The Shuffle: Age restrictions
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Nov. 16, 2009

American rock ’n’ roll stalwart Aerosmith has made more news in the past two years than it has since the 1990s. Unfortunately, that has nothing to do with the band’s music.

Young lives
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Nov. 16, 2009

America is a culture obsessed with recapturing youth from a physical standpoint. But with many of the problems adults face, they may also be wishing they were a kid again to go back to childhood when things were much simpler.

‘Tis the season to be jazzy
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Nov. 16, 2009

It doesn’t take long for people to start getting into the holiday spirit. Stores already have swapped out the orange and black colors of fall for shades of red and green, ornaments and snowflakes.
And sure enough, those familiar Christmas carols will start drilling their way into your heads. But your ears may perk up when you hear the Second Annual Holiday Jazz Express perform at 4 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Missouri Theater.

This is: “Father Wind” by Aleda Haug
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Nov. 16, 2009

This is: “Father Wind” by Aleda Haug

Putting in the work
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

Country music is flooded with blonde starlets and hunky heartthrobs. There’s the occasional duo, trio or guitar hero.
So, the popularity that the everyman Georgia-based outfit Zac Brown Band has attained is a bit refreshing by Music City’s current standards.

Entertainment calendar for Nov. 13, 2009
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

Entertainment calendar for Nov. 13, 2009

All aboard!
by Blake Hannon
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

There’s a lot of activity going on in Union Station in Kansas City at any given time. Between its numerous traveling exhibits and permanent fixtures like Science City, it’s enough to make you forget why people came to Union Station in the first place.
But through the KC Rail Experience, people get a healthy reminder of the building’s original purpose along with the storied history and nostalgic allure of train travel.
While Union Station was built in 1914 and still operates as a train stop for Amtrak today, it wasn’t until 2004 that officials realized people may want to come for activities that tied in to the station itself.

The Shuffle: Campaigning for Mayer
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

I think that whether you’re a casual listener or a geek with encyclopedic knowledge, every music fan has at least one artist that they have to do a little campaigning for. You say that you like them and for any number of reasons, you encounter resistance from your peers and the questioning of your taste. So, you state a case — yours and theirs — to convince them that not only is your fanship justified, but that they should get on board.
For me, that artist happens to be John Mayer.

Sister’s theater
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

“Late Nite Catechism” makes a lot of references to the “joy” that was the Catholic school experience. Does anyone remember the Pagan Baby Fund? Have you resorted to burying a St. Joseph statue in your yard to help sell your house in this economy? Have you committed an act of insubordination that it will go on ... GASP ... your permanent record?
If so, you could find yourself on a blast from the past. If none of this sounds familiar to you, don’t worry. Mary Zentmyer, who plays Sister in the production coming to St. Joseph at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Missouri Theater, says there is one aspect of “Late Nite Catechism” that crosses any religious barriers.

This is: Science Hill
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Nov. 9, 2009

This is: Science Hill

The night the music lived
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

When Buddy Holly emerged on the music scene in the 1950s, he didn’t have the California cool of The Beach Boys. He didn’t spark an “invasion” like The Beatles. He didn’t walk with the devilish blues swagger of The Rolling Stones.
But that’s only because Buddy Holly, a Lubbock, Texas, kid in black horn-tipped glasses, preceded all of that — and helped create the template that would become rock ‘n’ roll.

Entertainment calendars for Nov. 6, 2009
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Nov. 6, 2009

Treading the line
by Blake Hannon
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009

The local alt-rock trio Pompous Pilot wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the ongoing quest to strike a balance.

This is: David Rogers
by Blake Hannon
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

This is: David Rogers

The Shuffle: Losing early
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009

When former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno announced his move to prime time to debut “The Jay Leno Show,” reports said the show had the potential to revolutionize the 10 o’clock hour, causing other networks to abandon the usual scripted dramas for the cheaper talk show production costs five nights a week.
But since its debut, “The Jay Leno Show” has been making news for entirely different reasons.

Business owner honored for supporting arts
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009

A local arts supporter is getting a spotlight, courtesy of the state of Missouri.

Destination unknown
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

All of the newer AFI fans that emerged with the band’s platinum-selling success from 2003’s “Sing The Sorrow” and 2006’s “Decemberunderground” might be surprised where these master crafters of goth-rock anthems originally came from. In fact, it’s even a bit of a shock to the band’s co-founder/drummer Adam Carson to reflect on his group’s hardcore past on the West Coast in the 1990s.

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 30, 2009
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 30, 2009

A collective spectacle
by Blake Hannon
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

It’s hard to classify what Sleep Walker really is. Some people play music. Others create visual art. Everyone seems set out to be a part of something unique and almost otherworldly by St. Joe’s standards. But Sleep Walker’s creator, Todd Long, sees the group differently.

Creativity without the cost
by Blake Hannon
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

The country’s economic downturn hasn’t been kind to anybody, and it especially hasn’t been kind to artists. This is a reality Richard Fritz, co-manager of Art Flea KC Market, realizes all too well.
“If you think about it, art is always the first thing that gets cut in schools when you look at budget cutbacks,” Mr. Fritz says. “Folks aren’t running out to buy paintings if they are worried about their electric bill.”

This is: The art of Marc Zimetbaum
by Blake Hannon
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

This is: The art of Marc Zimetbaum

The Shuffle: Identity crisis
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009

Everybody knows the concept of dinner and a movie. But tonight, get ready for (drum roll please ....) WEATHER AND A MOVIE!

Renting smart
by Blake Hannon
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

The relationship between landlords and their tenants should ideally be a symbiotic one. But let’s face it. That isn’t always the case.

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 23, 2009
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 23, 2009

Let’s go Wildcats!
by Blake Hannon
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Making it through high school usually means you have to traverse some tricky terrain. You’ve got to deal with peer pressure, cliques, social awkwardness and identity issues. But most of those downsides and challenges get a lighter touch once Disney gets its hands on them.

Vocal and local
by Blake Hannon
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

The St. Joseph Community Chorus has been bringing expressive and talented local voices together for 28 seasons. It was a significant fact Dr. David Benz kept in mind when he took over as the chorus’ artistic director.

The Shuffle: Joetown letdown
by Blake Hannon
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

Last weekend, popular stand-up comic Alex Reymundo filmed two performances at the Missouri Theater. The footage would comprise his one-hour special that will air on Showtime and Comedy Central in 2010. As he put it, he brought “Hollywood to the Heartland.” Too bad the Heartland didn’t show up.
Sure, people nearly packed the house for Reymundo’s 7 p.m. taping. But when I showed up for the 9 p.m. show, the crowd was severely lacking. The theater was only one-third full. The approximately 600 people couldn’t even fill up the floor level, let alone most of the balcony.

This is: “Flood House 3” by Rebecca Foley
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009

This is: “Flood House 3” by Rebecca Foley

Concert review: MUTEMATH at the Beaumont Club
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009

When it comes to seeing a band live, different want people want to see different things. Some people want the flawless execution of their favorite tunes they've cranked up on their iPods. Others revel in getting a unique transformation of those songs when they hit the road. All of them would like to have that "Holy Crap!" moment that has them fumbling for their digital cameras and camera phones so they can show their friends.

Expanding the space
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Oct. 19, 2009

Unless you have the power to design, customize and build it from the ground up, nobody has the perfect apartment. One way or another, priorities are made and space in some areas is sacrificed.

Festival helps students find Missouri’s voice
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Oct. 19, 2009

Starting today, the words and melodies of Missouri are going to get a proper showcase.
The Missouri Verses and Voices Festival, an event that highlights Missouri poets and composers both past and present, will have multiple activities starting at 6 p.m. this evening and Tuesday at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church, 5505 Frederick Blvd.

Review: ‘Where the Wild Things Are’
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

The few hundred words, playful drawings, beastly characters and lessons of childhood emotion in Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” has helped it to become a cultural landmark in children’s literature. But it’s also made the task of adapting it for the big screen without losing the book’s essence seem impossibly daunting. This is left up to the imagination of visionary writer/director Spike Jonze, who even with a talented voice-over cast and spectacular images, only gets half the job done.

Conquering the divide
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

MUTEMATH is not the type of band that’s short on ideas. How else would you explain the New Orleans-based electro-rock quartet’s seamless blend of orbital soundscapes, chilled-out grooves and driving rock on its breakthrough self-titled album or the groundbreaking video for the single “Typical,” where the band performed the entire song backwards — and earned a Grammy nomination in the process.

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 16, 2009
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 16, 2009

Pop eye
by Blake Hannon
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

Andy Warhol is quoted as saying, “In the future everyone will have 15 minutes of fame.” And it’s safe to say his own legacy has greatly surpassed that sliver of time.

This is: Todd Agnew
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

This is: Todd Agnew

The Shuffle: Kids and the camera
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

Most popular children’s stories that have been adapted for the big screen have had the same look and intent. They need to stay true to the source material while keeping the kids occupied and entertained with eye-popping visuals, loveable characters, goofy antics and a clearly discernible moral message — and make a lot of money doing it.
But a new trend may be giving these stories a new look, voice and direction. Call it the “art house-ification” of child literature’s cinematic adaptation.

Review: 'Paranormal Activity’
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

The shoe-string budget. The clever democratic marketing scheme. The mythic frightening effects on legendary director Steven Spielberg. Every one of these aspects has aided in the success of “Paranormal Activity,” the horror film that’s making crazy profits in extremely limited release and will be unleashed upon the movie-going public in a nationwide release this Friday. And the cleverly simplistic concept with abundant scares and disturbia lives up the hype it’s been given.

Comic touring St. Joseph
by Blake Hannon
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009

If you happen to be having dinner or drinks at your favorite St. Joe restaurant or watering hole this week, don’t be surprised if a comedian and a camera crew show up.

Pumpkinfest Is Spooky Fun For Everyone
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 9, 2009

Pumpkinfest runs all weekend in the park just north of the Pony Express Museum at 11th & Penn.

Fun for the little ones
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 9, 2009

For the past 14 years, the Pony Express Pumpkinfest has claimed a special place in St. Joseph’s wide variety of yearly events. But sometimes, the organizers forget just how much it means to people.
Pumpkinfest Director of Development Cindy Daffron remembers some personal encounters that struck a cord, like when she gave a souvenir to a 6-year-old boy who saved up money to buy one for himself, only to misplace it. Or a father who showed his gratitude for the festival’s selling of inexpensive pumpkins so his family members could each have one of their own to carve before Halloween.

Going out singing
by Blake Hannon
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

There’s a certain aesthetic quality to Saffire: The Uppity Blues Women that helped them get plenty of attention starting out.
They were a trio of ladies — middle-aged ladies, actually — all singing and performing acoustic blues on multiple instruments. For a while, that’s all anyone could write about — until they opened up their ears.

This is: The Zeros
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009

This is: The Zeros

The Shuffle: Late night scandal, early thoughts
by Blake Hannon
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009

From New York, the city that never sleeps but frequently sleeps around, it’s “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Tonight, special guests infidelity, scandal, possible coercion, confession and controversy. Guests for tomorrow and the days following: uncertainty.

Loud and clear
by Blake Hannon
Monday, Oct. 5, 2009

The days of radio being the dominant entertainment medium are pretty much ancient history. Families aren’t exactly gathering around the radio anymore, especially when they’ve got HDTVs, MP3 players, DVD and Blu-Ray movies, satellite radio and iPhones to turn to.
With this trend, radio needed to do something to catch up.

Turning on a dime
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009

Most bands don’t have to face mass scrutiny of every microscopic musical detail the way Wilco does. Then again, most bands haven’t created what Wilco has in its 15-year existence.
This decade alone, Chicago’s seminal alt-country outfit released a universally praised masterpiece of melody and experimentation with 2002’s “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.” But with the bar set so astronomically high, every subsequent studio release — the excessive length and wavering moods in 2004’s “A Ghost is Born,” the reigned-in, rootsy instrumentation of 2007’s “Sky Blue Sky” — gave birth to detractors while the band continued to gain a devoted fan following.

The Shuffle: A questionable character
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009

There is a video game character out right now who’s causing all kinds of chaos in the music world — and his name is Kurt Cobain.
Before “Guitar Hero 5” was released last month, the game’s creators tried to use one of its special features in commercials to give it some added marketing power. In “GH5,” players can unlock the avatars of several legendary musicians and artists, including country great Johnny Cash, Latin rock guitar hero Carlos Santana and alt-rock icon Kurt Cobain.

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 2, 2009
by Blake Hannon
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 2, 2009

Hump day hip-hop
by Blake Hannon
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009

If you’re planning to go out and find something unique at the bars in the middle of the week, good luck to you.
Sure, you’ll find people belting out karaoke. An open mic night or two. A live band if you’re lucky. But at Joe City Live every Wednesday night at Room 107, live hip-hop is definitely king.
Joe City Live is the place where local MCs showcase their abilities and St. Joe hip-hop has a weekly home.