New Year's Eve Bash 2008 JTW Productions present, by A. David Dahmer Organizers are hoping to achieve numerous goals by teaming up three of the biggest forces in local business for a New Year's Party — the first and foremost of these goals is to provide much needed relief for needy organizations. "These are tough economical times, and there really is a need for scholarships and to help feed people at the Salvation Army," said Dwayne "DJ Chill" Williams, president and CEO of WES Productions. "They only have a certain amount... MORE >>

Marimba Quartet to play annual Our Gift to You Concert From the Madison Marimba Quartet The Madison Marimba Quartet will play the 13th annual holiday concert, “Our Gift to You, 2008,” Saturday, Dec. 27, at 1 p.m. in Mills Concert Hall, Humanities Building, 455 N. Park St. (corner of Park and University) on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Each year, the Madison Marimba Quartet performs a free concert, billed as "Our Gift To You," between the holidays of Christmas and New Year's Day to give something... MORE >>

National UW-Madison poetry slam team assembled by Angela Simmons Fourteen brave poets graced the Wisconsin Union Theater stage Nov. 9 to compete for one of the five spots on the University of Wisconsin-Madison's national poetry slam team. For the second year, the Multicultural Student Coalition (MCSC) hosted and the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiative (OMAI) co-sponsored the UW-Madison collegiate slam, which determined the team of spoken word artists from this campus that will compete at the national collegiate slam next April. The atmosphere w... MORE >>

"Ballots" - a Madison original musical by A. David Dahmer "Ballots,” a musical creative parody of the 2000 elections, will premiere at the Bartell Theater and run October 22-25.  "Ballots" is being produced by Madison native Anthony Lamarr Anthony Lamarr "A dream that began 8 years ago in the halls of Edgewood High School has become a reality," Lamarr said.  "It began with my friends and me talkin... MORE >>

Exhibition reveals passion for African arts from UW News ... MORE >>

And the 2008 Anna Mae Mitchell Senior Idol is..... by Jeanne Erickson ... MORE >>

Poetry at Penn Park by Fabu ... MORE >>

Doug's Soul Food Cafe Story and Photos by Rose Johnson-Brown, by Rojo Designs Photography  Doug Davis and Janie Wimberly reached their longtime dream of becoming entrepreneurs when they opened Doug's Soul Food Café at 1325 Greenway Cross — in the Greenway Plaza off Fish Hatchery Road — on Aug. 29. Davis established the concept of "Soul Food Thursdays" while working at Madison Area Technical College (MATC) as a Food Service associate at the Downtown Campus and now at the Truax Campus. He got the college to sponsor a special menu every Thursd... MORE >>

AIA India Day Celebration Story and Photos by Rose Johnson-Brown, by Rojo Designs Photography (Additional photos provided by Bob Van Handel) It was a day of celebration for the Association of India in America (AIA) with music, song, dance, and food on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library Mall Saturday, Sept. 6. In cooperation with the University of Wisconsin Center for South East Asia, the AIA sponsors this event to reinforce its mission "to foster and promote cultural and social interactions among the members and all those interested in Indian culture and h... MORE >>

Battle of the Frats Story and Photos by Rose Johnson-Brown, by Rojo Designs Photography ... MORE >>

Felicia Alima and Rob Dz on the Terrace ... MORE >>

Africana Restaurant and Lounge breathes new life into Atwood neighborhood by Mathew K. Jallow Yul Ouattara (center) at his Africana Restaurant and Lounge When Yul Ouattara moved to Madison from Stevens Point back in 2004, he realized that the African population here was ballooning — and he saw opportunity. He took employment with TomoTherapy on Madison's west side and began developing and solidifying his thoughts around the idea of an African restaurant. "I re... MORE >>

National Poetry Slam hits town by Lisa Nunez "Spoken word" is the proper term to describe the poetry which is written specifically to be heard and performed live. Competitions among spoken-word poets are called poetry slams. For two hours last Saturday, Aug. 9, four teams of spoken-word poets competed to win the National Poetry Slam at Madison's Overture Center. The audience calls out, stands, snaps, and cheers. The panel of judges, five sets of two judges each, are randomly selected from the audience and asked to grad... MORE >>

South Madison's National Night Out by A. David Dahmer (photos by Gaddi Ben Dan) The pride of Madison’s south side was celebrated Aug. 5 at Penn Park as part of “National Night Out.” Gaddi Ben Dan served as emcee of the event, and Lt. Stephanie Bradley (pictured below with Johnny Winston) gave the welcoming remarks and a police department presentation. Festivities included food, games, and fun for children, including an MCCCA-led drum circle, Boys and ... MORE >>

Dane Dances by A. David Dahmer ... MORE >>

"Art Surge" shows local artists' condemnations of war by Lea Zeldin Is there a disconnect between an art show called "Art Surge," which brings you local artists' condemnations of war, and a proclamation from the Die Laughing Underground, called with wry intelligence a PSA (public service announcement) with the title "Art Can't Stop A War"?  Political ... MORE >>

Columbian Fest draws a big crowd by A. David Dahmer ... MORE >>

Fiesta Hispana celebrates Madison Latinos "Fiesta Hispana is important because it celebrates the cultures of many different countries of Latin America and it focuses on bringing the community together," says Kenneth Craig, deputy director of Centro Hispano of Dane County. This Saturday, July 26, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fiesta Hispana will once again be held at Warner Park on Madison's north side. It is the premiere event of Hispanics... MORE >>

Dane Dances! 2008 MADISON — The Dane Dances! tradition of free music every Friday evening in August will continue this year. Five new bands are in the roster, including a recent award winner. Dane Dancers also has a new and better rain location.  The Fridays on the Rooftop at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center are Aug. 1, 8, 22, and 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Aug. 15, Dane Dancers will be at the Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St., 5:30-11p.m. The new bands are Grupo Candela, Stree... MORE >>

"Crazy": An art show at Overture by Pamela Gates Cornucopia is a member-run arts and wellness nonprofit for people with mental health concerns and their allies. The organization has had art shows at the public library and at the CitiArts space in the Madison Municipal Building. And now, for the first time, there is an exhibit at the Overture Center. Members were justifiably proud as they held an artists' reception July 13, while the art fairs both on and off the Square were in full swing. Cornucopia was incorporated in 1997 to provi... MORE >>

Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" is a musical event by Isac Wodajo Where do you begin with "Tha Carter III"? After over 100 guest appearances on songs from Brittany Spears to Jay-Z, new mixtapes almost every month since his last album release ("Tha Carter II", December 2005), and arguably more buzz than any other hip-hop album ever, this is easily the most anticipated album of the year. Lil Wayne, also known as "Weezy Baby," sold 1 milli... MORE >>

Stevie Wonder and Gnarls Barkley at Summerfest by A. David Dahmer ... MORE >>

Evrod moving on by A. David Dahmer It seems like he just got here, but now he's gone. After exactly one year in Madison, Evrod Cassimy, the charismatic, multi-talented reporter for WMTV (Channel 15) is on his way to Orlando to establish himself in a bigger market. In the world of TV journalist, movement is common, but many Madisonians felt a certain affinity with Cassimy and took to his charismatic and natural style of reporting. Many had hoped that he was here for good.  But it is time to move on &md... MORE >>

Senior Idol auditions bring out Dane County's finest by Jeanne Erickson The 2008 Anna Mae Mitchell Senior Idol contestants, who ranged in age from 55 to 83, sang, danced, played instruments, and even rapped their way through their auditions. Performing gospel music to the tunes of Elvis Presley and Nat King Cole, several young-at-heart seniors thrilled and surprised the Se... MORE >>

MAMA Awards given out to Madison's best musicians The 5th Annual Madison Area Music Awards (MAMAs) were announced at a red-carpet award ceremony at the Barrymore Theatre Saturday May 10.  Madison recording artist Felicia Alima, who had been nominated for six MAMAs, won two awards on Saturday night. The Australian-born singer, who has been residing in Madison for the past 6 years, won the titles of “Urban Artist of the Year” and “Young Vocalist of the Year.” ... MORE >>

Madison Fashion Week New York, Milan, Paris.... Madison? It was a pioneering occassion as the first-ever Madison Fashion Week  helped to put Madison on the fashion map April 23-26. “It made me feel like I was in Paris when I was walking the runway,” says aspiring model and actress Felicia Anderson (above and left).  “And it made many people look at Madison differently — Madison, to them, no longer was a boring little city.” ... MORE >>

"Africa Night" brings "family" together It's always fulfilling when you find such a colorful, culturally rich event at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. That's exactly what the African Student Association (ASA) brought to the Lowell Center Saturday, April 26, with with t... MORE >>

"Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?" by Lea Zeldin  Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?: Documentary pr... MORE >>

"Discipline" proves that Janet is not quite done yet by Angela Simmons Since her blockbuster 1989 album "Rhythm Nation 1814," Janet Jackson hasn't shown many signs that she's getting older. Physically, Jackson is still in control, but lyrically she could use some disci... MORE >>

2008 Anna Mae Mitchell Senior Idol team As the nation gears up for the recently announced release of "Young at Heart,”  a documentary about a traveling senior choir, plans have been under way for months right here in the Dane County area for the 2008 Anna Mae Mitchell S... MORE >>

"Oaxaca Resiste!" featured at Common Wealth Gallery by Lea Zeldin  I mean no disrespect, nor do I think any would be taken, if I call "Oaxaca Resiste!" an art show of slogans and solidarity: posters and graffiti, woodcuts like tree trunks and branches, and black and white pictures leaching into sepia, with the occasional splash and globule of red. It's the bright red of hemorrhaging blood, not the darker, older stain that's already spilled and drying. ... MORE >>

Rare documentary on Afghan war's impact to screen by Maria Bibbs The role of images as precious but fading keepsakes of childhood is explored in a rare documentary focusing on the impact of war from the point of v... MORE >>

A broad array of "regular people" worldwide Wisconsin Film Festival by Maria Bibbs... MORE >>

"James C. Wright: A Life Lived for Others" Cast picture of the actors in the play, James C. Wright: A Life Lived for Others with Mother Jackie Wright James C. Wright Middle School will celebrate its 10th anniversary Sunday, April 6, with a play called "James C. Wright: A Lif... MORE >>

"Let's Hip Hop" by A David Dahmer For the past 25 years, hip-hop has had a powerful influence on youth and scholars, who have focused on how it has shaped young people's social identity and values. But all too often, the negative aspects of hip-hop are highlighted, clou... MORE >>

"Pulp"  "This play has been an amazing experience," says Dana Pellebon (l), who plays nightclub chantuese Vivian Blaine and here is shown singing the jazz number "Something More" in the musical comedy “Pulp” now playing at the Bartell Theatre.  "The themes really portray love and strugg... MORE >>

"The Bluest Eye" “The Bluest Eye," Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is a beautiful yet tragic story of childhood innocence lost, that also pounds home the point that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Lydia Diamond captures the power of Morrison's unique literary voice w... MORE >>

Ying Yang Twins storm Madison by Rose Johnson-Brown Madison hosted a rap concert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Memorial Union March 6 featuring the Ying Yang Twins: D Roc and Kane. DJ Kid Cut Up and Fall Guys also played for the packed crowd. All gave a great performance, but the Ying Yang Twins blew everybody away with a variety of their hits including "Salt Shaker" and "Whistle While You Twerk." Since this was their first visit to Madison, the Ying Yang Twins decided to embrace our town by visiting the south s... MORE >>

Beat the Winter Blues & All That Jazz A musical fundraiser fr Madison-area Urban Ministry by A. David Dahmer Community members came together at the Top of the Inn at the Inn on the Park on Madison’s Capitol Square March 6 to raise funds for a worthy cause — helping the Madison-area Urban Ministry continue its advocacy for social justice. Folks mingled and ate hors d’oeuvres as they browsed the many items at MUM’s silent auction. They listened to the beautiful blues of Bobby Bryan and the Original... MORE >>

"My Name is Rachel Corrie" comes to Madison by Barbara Olson "My Name is Rachel Corrie," a play that has become a flash point for opposing feelings about the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, will be performed in Madison this month. On March 16, 2003, a 23-year-old American... MORE >>

"Addy: An American Girl Story" Demene Hall as Momma and Myxolydia Tyler as Addy in the Seattle Children's Theatre's upcoming production at Overture Center Feb. 24th by Timothy Garrett “Addy: An American Girl Story" takes place in the 19th century.... MORE >>

Johnny and His Rose by A. David Dahmer  Johnny Ellis and Abraham Rose celebrate eternal love in the book "Johnny and Hi... MORE >>

Felicia Alima "Know Me" CD release party ... MORE >>

Crushin' All Force takes Midwest swing to B.E.T. and beyond   By Rose Jo... MORE >>

Stevie Wonder rocks Chicago Charter One Pavilion   Sept. 11, 8 p.m.    by A. David Dahmer Thousands of Stevie Wonder fans braved hours of rain at the Charter One Pavilion in Chicago on Monday, Sept. 10, to se... MORE >>

On the jukebox: Living Ghetto F.A.B.-ulous By Alicia Darden Most of the time, the term “flossy” refers to someone or something vulgarly ornate or flashy, "iced-out" as some people say.  Either way, it's one of the key traits to living "ghetto fabulous." However, Robert Isabell III (Big Three) of the Midwest hip-hop group Ghetto F.A.B. and his label partner, Russell Loving (Kwic Draw), see things from a different perspective. “We keep everything real," said Isabell. "None of that flossy stuff. Who Ghetto F.A.B is, is what everybody gets... MORE >>

“Maquilapolis”: “City of Factories” — Film inspires soul searching and just plain inspires By Pamela Gates Community Forums on Race and Diversity presented the film “Maquilapolis” (“City of Factories”) at the Catholic Multicultural Center Feb. 8. The film was created by P.O.V. (Point of View) filmmakers Vicky Funaria and Sergio De La Torre, who worked in collaboration with a small group of young women factory workers near Tijuana, Mexico. A good-sized crowd attended the showing here in Madison, in spite of the evening's bitter cold. Lively, soul-searching mid- and post-film discussi... MORE >>

Body of War: A film review by Lea Zeldin Phil Donahue's anti-war film is strictly a morality tale.  It is told with passion and love, with a hate not for people, but for betrayal and things gone wrong with a democracy that holds such promise for the world. Donahue made the fatal mistake of being against the Iraq war from the start.  He doesn't wait for the body count and the periporhal damage to be shown on television.  To be against a war started by an American government is to be accused of being unpatriotic ... MORE >>