The Spectator - A&E - Hamilton College

A&E

Sea Wolf fights cold, plays hopeful set in latest CAB Coffeehouse

March 10, 2016

Because the tantalizingly titled “I Heart Female Orgasm” event was happening just down the hall at the same time, fewer people than usual initially showed up at Thursday night’s CAB Coffeehouse. Those who did, however, were rewarded with the usual tasty Opus beverages and platters of cookies that kept magically regenerating as the night progressed, and eventually the audience expanded to its customary people-even-in-the-balcony attendance. Even though the event was scheduled for 7:30 p.m., a lack of an opener meant that the music actually started at roughly 8:07 p.m., after a raffle yielded the usual excitements and disappointments. More ...

Pa Negre tells a heartwrenching story of growing up after the Spanish Civil War

March 10, 2016

Last Tuesday, March 1, the Hispanic Studies Department showed Pa Negre (2010). The film was the third installment in their film series. The series celebrates the new wave of Ibero American Cinema. More ...

Original play depicts anxiety on stage

March 3, 2016

This past Saturday, Feb. 27, Michael Breslin ’13 and Alison McLaughlin ’11 performed their original piece, kiss me just once more, which provides an interesting approach to theatre. The play, which premiered off-off-Broadway in September, has been in the works for over a year and has undergone several revisions in that time. Breslin told The Spectator that throughout the process and production of the piece, changes have been made to enhance the performance. Interestingly, the script was constructed from pieces by various playwrights and authors, including Chekhov and Shakespeare. The originality of the production lies in the delicacy of its composition of other famously recognized works. More ...

Step Afrika! thrills audience in night of interactive fun

March 3, 2016

This past Saturday, Step Afrika! performers wowed audience members with breathtaking visual effects, memorable personalities and incredible choreography. More ...

Josefine Báez’s writing reminds listeners to embrace joy

March 3, 2016

The scene is set: the gentle hum of conversation, the aroma of Hispanic food and a red floor upon which she stands. She dances to the music which plays from a video playing behind her. As she waits for the event to start, more and more students pour into the Red Pit. Wondering if the woman before us matches the face on the poster, we stare. We catch her eye and she graces us with a smile. Yes, we realize. This is Josefina Báez. More ...

88th Academy Awards delivers predictable but entertaining night

March 3, 2016

Another Academy Awards ceremony is in the books. Hosted by Chris Rock, this year’s show provided a few laughs but, as usual, also plenty of stuffiness. The Oscars have always struggled with the mantle of being the most prestigious awards show, which often leads to a relatively more conservative and predictable show than alternatives like the Golden Globes. Here are several thoughts I had regarding this past Sunday’s show: More ...

Glasper brings all-age crowd for new jazz sound

February 25, 2016

For those of us who regularly attend Wellin Hall concerts, it’s basically a fact of life that the median age of the audience is advanced enough to qualify for Medicare. That wasn’t the case this past Saturday when pianist Robert Glasper’s trio brought his hip-hop-infused brand of jazz to the stage. More ...

Thomas ’85 lectures on Albert Murray’s “Blues Idiom” in 20th century America

February 25, 2016

This past Thursday, Feb. 18, Jazz Critic and Hamilton Alumn Greg Thomas ’85 delivered a moving lecture on the “Blues Idiom” life philosophy, as developed by 20th century literary and jazz critic Albert Murray. Thomas began his lecture with a summary of early history of the blues, from the days of New Orleans group free styling all the way through the 20th century, highlighting the evolution of blues not only as an art form but also as a distinct worldview. After providing this context, Thomas presented the insightful ideas of Murray, who lived through the whole period and defended the philosophical legitimacy of the genre with courage and brilliance. More ...

Outing Club hosts Banff film fest

February 25, 2016

As a way to celebrate and promote the vigorous spirit of outdoor sports, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour showcased nine short films last Wednesday Feb. 17 about interesting adventures in the wilderness. More ...

Despite an energetic performance, Magic Man at latest coffeehouse lacks authenticity

February 25, 2016

Magic Man performed in Tolles Pavilion this past Thursday as part of FebFest and CAB’s Acoustic Coffeehouse series. The rising indie rock band has been under the spotlight since its global hit single “Paris” came out in 2014. More ...