Jake Shimabukuro – King of the Ukulele

I never expected to become a fan of the ukulele.

My only encounter with one involved Stargirl, the eccentric highschooler from the Jerry Spinelli book, who would bring her ukulele to school and sing and play “Happy Birthday” to the other kids during lunch.

So when Jake Shimabukuro’s live album showed up in the mail, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

But clearly I’ve been missing out. Shimabukuro made a name for himself long before this album, with well-known Hawaiian groups Pure Heart and Colon. He’s been the musical guest for Carson Daly and Conan O’Brien (more than once). And this live album now marks the seventh addition to an impressive list of solo releases.

These aren’t the kind of songs you can recognize right off the bat (with the exception of his “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and tragically timely “Thriller” covers, both of which are amazingly well-performed), but Shimabukuro makes each song amiable and catchy with his masterful flare.

This album is difficult to describe. The ukulele has a lighter, tinnier sound than a guitar. It resonates like a steel dream, but Shimabukuro keeps his songs from becoming generic island jams.  And you would never guess that a ukulele has a more limited range (with four strings instead of six) from the way he plays it.

A listener’s interest will be piqued before opener “Trapped” comes to a close. Shuimabukuro’s skill is evident within the first minute – this man is something special.

“Piano-Forte” immediately offers a different sound from the ukulele. This number is a slower, light jam that throws a sound quality that is just, well, prettier than any instrumental guitar number I’ve ever heard. Though “Back Two-Part Invention No. 4 in D Minor” keeps this similar, lighter sound, it’s a completely different style of song with a series of racing riffs.

Which is indicative of this whole album. Shimabukuro brings a versatility with his songs that is amazing not only on his instrument, but for a performer in general.  The sound and pace of his songs are never replicated within his set.

“Here’s one about being a kid and drinking one too many Shirley Temples” laughs Shimabukuro as he kicks off “Me & Shirley T.” This track has a youthful swagger all its own. The chords have a John Mayer, Eric Hutchinsonesque kind of quality, but Shimabukuro takes the genre and makes it his.

“Five dollars Unleaded” is a slower, softer number, but that underlying buoyancy of the instrument is never lost.  Even when the second half of the song takes a somber turn, the sound still resonates in a in a way that a guitar just can’t. What Shimabukuro can do with a ukulele is astounding.

“Wes on Four” has Shimabukuro’s fingers flailing as he sails up and down the neck of the ukulele. If you close your eyes you can see the frenzy of his hands.

“Sakura Sakura” kicks up the Asian feel of his sound with slow, lilting riffs. “Dragon” keeps the smoother feel with sporadic, intricate runs,  which followed by the racing, melodic “Yeah.”

Shimabukuro pulls out all the stops on “3rd Stream.” Just when you think the songs couldn’t get any faster, this track kicks up the fevered pitch to an entirely new level.  I’ve never been able to handle this kind of racing music without feeling frantic, but Shimabukuro has his instrument totally under control. Riffs that have the potential to be nail-biting become wildly enjoyable.

Encore “Blue Roses Falling (Hanahou)” takes the ukulele back to the light, touching sound of “Piano-Forte.” A strong contrast to the closer, but no less appreciated. No matter how that ukulele sounds, Shimabukuro makes it work.

Like I said, this is a difficult album to describe, and an even more difficult to do justice. It’s the kind of album that works in car, during a Saturday morning cleaning frenzy or for some napping tunes.

If you have any interest in instrumental albums or are just looking for some summer jams, try out Jake Shimabukuro. You won’t be disappointed.

–Liz Wagner

Punk Rock Flea Market: coming to Philly in July

In case you didn’t catch R5 Production’s Punk Rock Flea Market the first time it was around this year, don’t miss it the second time around on July 11-12. After much debate about whether it should be held inside or outside, R5 will have the second PRFM of the year at The Starlight Ballroom. There have been a few minor changes this time around in order to help the event run smoothly.

While there are going to be 40 less tables than usual, the event is being held over a two day period to make up for those ‘lost’ tables. As of now, those planning to sign up for a table can only sign up for one day to allow for a bigger variety of tables each day. There has also been a change in pricing level for those that wish to have a table – regular people selling their old junk and “businesses.”  The general $3 admission price will get you in for both days, and those that are 21 and older are permitted to drink.

The PRFM is R5 Productions’ biggest fundraiser, held to continue bringing all-ages shows to the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. With over 100 tables of  records, clothes, jewelry, books, vintage items, toys, bike parts, stereos, and tons of handcrafted items, this event should not be missed!

As if anyone needed anymore convincing, did I mention that the event is going to be air- conditioned?

Details:

Saturday July 11th (9am to 4pm) and Sunday July 12th (10am to 5pm)
THE PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET – SUMMER 2009 TWO DAY MEGA FEST EDITION !
At The Starlight Ballroom (460 N 9th Street – Just Below 9th & Spring Garden Sts)
All Ages / 21+ To Drink / $3 Entry Donation
Tables reservations are $45 to $85 and began Monday May 11th. Reserve a table at R5Productions.com. For more information, contact R5 at: sean@r5productions.com.

–Kathryn “Kaitty” Bergin

Jobless in Philly Nocturne No. II

The New Jersey Collegiate Career Day is being held May 28  at Rutgers University. The event will run from 9:30a.m.-3:30p.m. in the Brower Commons and Rutgers Student Center.

Sponsored by the school’s career services, the career day is touted as “the largest college job fair in the state” on the event’s Web site. The event will host 150 employers offering full-time jobs and internships in liberal arts, business, science and technical fields. Sorry education and communication majors, you’re out of luck on this one.

Attendees are encouraged to dress as you would for an interview and brings plenty of portfolio samples and resumes, as well as pens to sign up for employer mailing lists. An additional hint: shut off your cell phone while you’re walking through the stands and speaking with employers. Your potential future boss doesn’t want to be interrupted by a phone call during the first meeting.

Hey, it’s worth a shot. For more details check out Rutgers’s career services Web site at http://careerservices.rutgers.edu/.

Or, you know, you could try out to be a Ringling Bros. clown here.

Happy hunting.

 

 

–Liz Wagner

Jobless in Philly?

Never fear. We’ve been perusing Craigslist and snooping around Philly job listings, and we found a couple for starving college students.

Living near campus? – Athletics is looking for workers for its phone-a-thon. Check out the listing on the portal for details, or contact Phil Telan at teanp1@lasalle.edu for more info.

If you aren’t on campus, keep your chin up. There are still plenty of job opportunities out there.

Be a babysitter! – Some of you out there may like taking care of drooling tykes. Here you go:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/search/jjj?query=College+Babysitter

Or a camp counselor – Less drool, more teaching and playing sports. Though most of these are only for a few weeks at a shot, it’s a solid way to earn some summer cash.
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/search/jjj?query=College%20camp

Nonprofits your thing? – Like saving the environment and talking to strangers? Though these are generally canvassing jobs, kind where you have to walk around with a clipboard and coerce people into giving you money, they are for good causes and offer monetary compensation. Commission jobs may be daunting, but at least you’ll be out of the house and (potentially) getting paid.
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/search/jjj?query=College+&addFive=non-profit

Food Services – Whether is be as a server, baker or bartender, tons of restaurants and diners are looking for summer help. Though some require specific work experience, if you sift through these you will find plenty you could try out.
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fbh/

Like to Write? – These job offers seem a little sketchy, but some may be worth checking out. A lot are unpaid, but scattered about are some freelance jobs for kids in the area. http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/search/wri?query=freelance

But beware! Some of these marketing jobs you can find on job Web sites are those miserable pyramid scams or other underhanded businesses (see Pure Marketing, 3W, Titan Marketing, etc.). Do some research before you sign on. The following Web site offers a list of underhanded business schemes and testimonials from employees who got out. http://www.ripoffreport.com/

Good hunting, all.

–Liz Wagner

Eric Hutchinson Live EP Sounds Like Jason Mraz 2.0

When I pulled the Eric Hutchinson  Sounds Like This Live album out of the mailbox a few weeks ago, I knew his name sounded familar.

So did the second song on the album, “Oh!”

Turns out Hutchinson has been around for awhile. Since 2003, technically, but he hadn’t hit the limelight until this past fall, when his song “Rock & Roll” got play in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and VH1 featured him on its “Musicians You Outta Know.” He plays  piano/acoustic folk pop that college kids adore. The younger, fresher Jason Mraz.

The Sounds Like This Live CD in the mailbox is a five-track EP of live versions of tracks from his most recent full-length Sounds Like This. Though this itself may be a cop out, the EP has the appeal of any band’s live album. The songs are less contrived, simpler and usually contain the always enjoyable clap along (see “You’ve Got You”). The sound has the raw acoustic strum and genuine inconsistencies in Hutchinson’s voice that makes music worth listening to and enjoying in the first place.

“Oh!” is the most noteworthy track on the album, with Hutchinson’s simple song structure driven by the (surprsise) ohhhing chorus  that he gets the audience to sing along with.  It’s easy on the ears, a neat, inoffensive little track. “You’ve Got You” is an acceptable second, a  punchy piano jam about pointing the blame.

Hutchinson’s not breaking the bank for creativity here, and I mean that about his music in general. The live EP, if anything, is probably more fun to listen to than the actual Sounds Like This album. He’s filling the gap where Mraz, Dispatch, and all those acoustic-driven folksy pop dudes left off for all the graduating high school seniors and college kids looking for a summer album.

If you need a CD for the drive to the beach with a bunch of friends with varying music tastes, snag a copy of Sounds Like This Live. It’s tolerable no matter what sort of music you like. But as far as a longterm musican, Hutchinson made need to change up if he wants to remain a recognizable name.

–Liz Wagner

Summer Sun, Fun and Blog Posts

Hey guys. So we know we’ve lapsed with our posts this semester, but we want to make it up to you.

This summer we are getting back on the wagon. Stay tuned for news from every corner of your favorite city.

All the best with finals. See you soon.

–Liz Wagner

Delta Phi Epsilon Founders Day

 

Congratulations to Delta Phi Epsilon sorority for the anniversary of their Founders Day March 17.

Delta Phi Epsilon was founded March 17, 1917 at New York University Law School. In its 92 years, Delta Phi Epsilon has adopted and worked with the philanthropies ANAD (Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, donating millions of dollars to the organizations.

There are currently 71 active chapters of Delta Phi Epsilon, including the Epsilon Zeta chapter at La Salle University, chartered in 1986.

The Epsilon Zeta chapter will be honoring their founding with a celebration dinner March 22.

—Lauren McGlone

Ice Cream Social

 

Delta Phi Epsilon will be co-hosting the 4th annual “Ice Cream and Steps” event with Phi Beta Sigma March 26 at 9:30 p.m. in Backstage.

Join the organizations for a night of stepping, dancing, entertainment and ice cream!

—Lauren McGlone

Fewer Sections Offered in 2009-10

In a move that may create difficulties for students, the administration at La Salle has decided to make a number of changes in class schedules during the 2009-2010 academic year.

Responding to budgetary problems during the ongoing recession, the number of course sections offered by each department will be curtailed, the class size caps for many sections will be increased, and more classes will be scheduled outside of so-called ‘prime-time’ slots.

As the school’s budget woes have grown, it has sought to reduce payroll costs by eliminating adjunct professors and replacing them with full-time faculty. Since many basic courses, those assigned a number at the 100 level, have been taught by adjuncts, those classes will be assumed by full-time professors. This shift has resulted in a reduction in the number of higher-level courses offered.

Caps on class sizes have been raised to account for the smaller number of sections being offered in both basic and upper-level courses. Caps vary by class, and some have been increased nearly 50 percent. The number of sections cut in each department varies also, with estimates ranging from 15 to 20 percent.

The measures represent a greater degree of intervention by the Provost’s Office than in previous years. In the past, department chairs have drafted schedules and submitted them to the provost for approval, but this year the provost has determined when courses will be scheduled and placed restrictions on how many courses above the 100 level will be offered.

In particular, the provost has required that more classes be offered at 8 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. in an effort to prevent schedule conflicts between important courses. In the past, some students have been forced to choose between required courses scheduled to meet simultaneously.

At the same time, the changes may prove to be a hardship on some students. The upper-level courses that will see the sharpest reduction in sections offered include required courses for all majors. With these restrictions, departments will be hard-pressed to offer those required courses often enough, with potentially dire consequences for students.

“Quite frankly, I’m worried if this is the wrong decision, we may have some people not being able to graduate,” said Kevin Harty, chair of the English Department.

He expressed his concerns about conflicts students might face, even with the courses spread out farther across the day. He pointed out that required courses may still conflict with equally important commitments in other departments.

Michael R. Dillon, chair of the Political Science Department, was more optimistic but also foresaw some difficulties.

“My sense is that everyone is trying to accomplish something that is best for the students,” he said. “What the ripple effects may be, I don’t know.”

—Joseph Gauger

D Phi E Suspended

Usually when a fraternity or sorority is suspended, a little rumor spreads before hand. However, an announcement just reached my inbox that caught me off guard.

Sorority Delta Phi Epsilon (D Phi E) was placed on interim suspension, according to an e-mail distributed this afternoon by Mark Badstubner.

“An accusation of violation of University policies has been made against Delta Phi Epsilon.  University disciplinary processes have been initiated against Delta Phi Epsilon, and the interim suspension will remain in place pending the adjudication of these charges.”

We’ll see what we can include for this week’s Collegian, but I’m sure more is to come.

—Sam Fran Scavuzzo