Rodeo

Aaron Copland captured the American west in his score for the ballet, Rodeo.  Copland included folk tunes such as "If He'd Be a Buckaroo By Hish Trade," "Sis Joe," and "Old Paint."  The "Hoe Down" is famously associated with the "Beef.  It's What's for Dinner" campaign.  I heard two of the four movements of this composition performed by the Eastern Symphony Orchestra.

The ballet tells the story of a young Cowgirl. Aware of men and romance for the first time, she seeks the attention of the Head Wrangler and the Champion Roper. After the opening, in which the Western scene is immediately set, we find the Cowgirl in the corral with the men. They pay no attention to her, concentrating on their riding and ranch work. They gallop off without even a parting glance, and she rides away in anger and tears. 

In 'Corral Nocturne,' girls from the city, wearing pretty dresses instead of dungarees, have come to visit the Rancher's Daughter and to enjoy the Saturday night dance. Once more the Cowgirl is ignored; she cannot compete with feminine frills. A tranquil, somewhat sad mood pervades the scene as darkness falls. The couples move off, eager for the dance. The Cowgirl is left behind again.

Saturday night at the ranch is the time for dancing. The Cowgirl, still in dungarees and boots, sits alone, watching the festivities. The Roper and the Wrangler take pity on the wallflower and ask her to dance. She is too shy and misses her opportunity. As the 'Saturday Night Waltz' begins, the Roper insists that the Cowgirl dance. She starts to, then sees the Wrangler dancing with the Rancher's Daughter. Jealous, confused, she stands seemingly paralyzed amidst the dancers. Annoyed, the Roper turns and leaves her. The Cowgirl runs from the dance floor.

The dancing reaches a climax in the hilarious 'Hoe-Down'.  Suddenly the Cowgirl reappears, this time wearing a party dress. She is vivacious, pretty, the center of attention. The Roper again asks her to dance. Though she would rather have the Wrangler, she wisely accepts the Roper and joins the others in the wild dancing as the ballet ends. 

America the Beautiful

Coca-Cola has done a nice job of capturing the beauty of America in this commercial aired during Super Bowl XLVIII.  It's unfortunate that some people haven't seen enough of "America the Beautiful" to appreciate the motto:  E pluribus unum (Out of many, one).

Christmas in Dixie

A week ago I was in "Dixie" watching freezing rain and a bit of snow - much more winter than the locals were accustomed to having in December.  The hotel lobbies, homes, stores, and countryside showed evidence that it was nearly Christmas.  (Stay tuned for other posts showing said evidence.)  I ran across this song awhile back but have listened to it several times this season.  Since I'm not going to be in the Caribbean or at a beach this year, I will have to have to settle for a few "exotic" Christmas/winter memories from the Southern USA.  This song can help with that!

Meanwhile

I remember liking "Choose Your Own Adventure" books as a kid, so was similarly intrigued when I learned about Meanwhile.  I usually make a post for a book only after I have finished reading the complete book.  I make an exception here since author and cartoonist Jason Shiga has created 3856 different story possibilities in this clever hybrid of a comic strip and choose your own adventure.  I have followed several story lines through - some leading in disappointing or disturbing endings - but have yet to find the "best" line through the book.  (Another holiday gift for one of my nieces/nephews!)

Memphis, TN

What is more Memphis than having Elvis sing about Marie?  I went to Memphis to run in a half marathon but it was cancelled due to exceptionally cold and icy weather.  So I toured Memphis for the weekend... no sign of Marie.

Dot.

Dot.  Written by Randi Zuckerberg (Mark's sister), this is a cute book that has a definite message:  Get offline!  (This is going to be a gift received by one of my nieces!)

Bumble-Ardy

I have never been a fan of books by Maurice Sendak.  (In fact, I'm not sure I knew of any of his writing besides Where the Wild Things Are.)  However, when I ran across an old interview of the late author (by one of my least favorite interviewer - and I think this interview exemplifies why I dislike her style), I was intrigued by his book, Bumble-Ardy.  The new book (2011) is based on a collaboration between Sendak and Sesame Street in the 1970s.  There are a few changes between the movie and the book (e.g., wine becomes brine in the book).

SS Edmund Fitzgerald

On this date (November 10) in 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank to the bottom of Lake Superior in the middle of a strong winter storm.  The song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" commemorates this event.

Little Shop of Horrors

It is rare - in my experience - for a college musical production to match the quality of a professionally produced show.  My recent experience with Little Shop of Horrors was no exception.  This 1982 musical version of the 1960 movie of the same name, takes the audience on a journey into the unrealistic and absurd with catchy songs and simple lyrics.  Characters range from naive to devious, trusting to ambitious.  In the end, the plant - a Venus Flytrap - wins out.  Nothing thought provoking in the production.  Just suspend reality and be awash in the early 1960s style music and story line from science fiction.

Of Thee I Sing

George Gershwin's music and Ira Gershwin's lyrics took center stage at the Allerton Music Barn Festival in a concert version of the 1931 Pulitzer Prize Winning musical, Of Thee I Sing.  I would not rank it among the most memorable music Gershwin composed.  The story is a political satire that could as easily apply today as when it was written more than eight decades ago.

The musical lampoons American politics; the story concerns John P. Wintergreen, who runs for President of the United States on the "love" platform. When he falls in love with the sensible Mary Turner instead of Diana Devereaux, the beautiful pageant winner selected for him, he gets into political hot water.

Monty Python's Spamalot

While I'm not a fan of Monty Python or similar style humour (yes, with a u in a nod to the British origins of the material), I did attend a performance of "Monty Python's Spamalot:  The musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail."  To expect more than mindless plots and absurd characters would prove disappointing.  All in all, this production holds together as light entertainment with several hum-able melodies and a share of laughs.

Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish

Author David Rakoff deviates from his previously work in memoir to write a novel.  This is not any common novel, but one written in rhymed couplets.  Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish was published posthumously after Rakoff died in 2012 of cancer.  While the form is intriguing, I found the substance to be lacking.  The novel follows several generations of family and relationships across many decades.  None of the characters seem to get much time for development in the slim 113 page volume.  This is a book better checked out from the library and read in a weekend, than purchased to keep on your bookshelf after several readings.

A Song About Pi

For my mathematically inclined readers:  This song about Pi was recently brought to my attention.  What do you think?

Pokey LaFarge

An announcement that Pokey LaFarge is coming to play a concert nearby caught my attention.  I had not heard of him (although he is from the region) so I investigated his music online.  I'm intrigued and looking forward to attending the concert in a few weeks.  Below are four favorite songs I've heard of his so far.

Xylophone

A unique and relaxing way to perform a familiar tune...