Arts & Entertainment
VOICES reaches out with new direction, leadership
The student organization Voices of Indian Council for Educational Success (VOICES) has been supporting the needs of American Indian students at Metropolitan State University since 1999. This year the group nominated new leadership and is working to add more members to its current collection of 10 by offering more events and more excitement. The objective of VOICES is to “promote educational success for...
“Beacon of hope” at Founders Hall
On Sunday mornings the auditorium in Founders’ Hall on Metropolitain State University’s St. Paul campus has been home to Beacon of Hope, St. Paul, a church that started out one year ago in a home in Woodbury. The church has been renting space in Founder’s Hall since September 2009. Presently, Beacon of Hope has approximately 80 regular attendees who, for the most part, have found the ministry through word-of-mouth. In addition to services held on Sunday mornings, they also offer weeknight studies on various topics. Each study lasts six weeks and sessions are held...
Theater Du Jour
I recently had the chance to interview Gail Smogard, associate professor in the Communication, Writing and Arts Department, to discuss Theater Du Jour, a politically and socially conscious program created to give voice to the wide array of personal stories of Metropolitan State University students. Theater du Jour (Theater of the Day) will be an evening of original scenes, stories and personal monologues about social and political issues concerning the diverse community of Metropolitan State University students in very personal and direct ways...
Messenger
On February 16, Chicago-based singer Joe Pug released his first full length album, titled Messenger. Although the 25-year old cites John Prine as an influence, I thought his weary vocals and acoustic style were much more reminiscent of early Dylan. Pug has toured with M.Ward, Josh Ritter and Steve Earle. With his defiant style and highly metaphorical lyricism, though, I’d like to see him open a Mason Jennings or Travis tour. Pug’s talent for words...