maroon weekly 9-29-11

The Queen is Returning to Her Former

Glory in Bryan

Merritt Mathias Knows How to

Win it All

What’s Playing?

Top 20 Movie Reviews

www.maroonweekly.com Sept. 29, 2011 maroon weekly // 3

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contentsmaroonweekly.com // Sept. 29, 2011

PublisherMick Maynard

business Managerandrea Maynard

editor in Chief Chris shepperd

Managing editorChris Zebo

design/layouterin Mcallister

erin tanner

writers

Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-operated publication

and is not affiliated with Texas A&M University. Maroon Weekly

receives no student fees or university funding.

Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the

editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not

liable for omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of

this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the

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1st copy is free, additional copies are $0.50 each

Maroon weekly216 w. 26th street ste 29

bryan, texas 77803ph: 979.696.3971 | fax: 281.312.5160© Copyright 2011 legacy Media inc.

autumn dawsonMara Minsbergbrandon nowalk

ian soaresJoey trevino

PhotograPherValorie Clark

distributionKyler dillonbecca nelmserin tanner

internsbritney holleyMoses Kidd

erin McallisterMeredith Morse

erin tanner

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coverstoryThe Queen // Downtown Bryan is returning the Queen Theater to her former glory.

communityspotlightTexas Reds // The Annual Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival is back and better than ever.

@themoviesTop 20 picks // See what Brandon has to say about this weeks top 20 box office hits.

fromthesidelinesMerritt Mathias // Mathias brings her National Championship pedigree to Aggieland.

campusspotlightWear White, Wave Maroon // Students have joined together to raise money to assist in Wildfire relief.

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4 // maroon weekly Sept. 29, 2011 www.maroonweekly.com

communityspotlightAs thousands of festivalgoers flock to Historic Downtown Bryan for this year’s Texas Reds Festival (October 7-8), and as the sun sets and the buildings cast shadows upon the town’s bustling streets and alleyways, the streetlights and business marquees will be switched on, one by one, and the nighttime charm of the city awakened. On this particular night, one more light switch will be flipped on, a light that hasn’t been illuminated for years: The Queen Theater will, at long last, shine bright and beautifully, reclaiming her majesty on South Main Street.

The Queen Theater wasn’t always a theater. The building, originally erected as the Exchange Hotel in the late 1800s, was later converted to a theater (first called The Crystal) in the early 1900s. Imagine a time when movies were black and white and cost only 5 cents. Imagine seeing Gone With the Wind in a theater when it was originally screened. The Queen is not the only building in Downtown Bryan to have a past. Most of the hotels and retail buildings all have rich histories of their own to tell. But the Queen has always been a landmark. She was, for generations, the first eye-grabbing building as one drove into town, her glowing crown spinning in slow circles against the dark starlit sky.

As much as the Queen has been a symbol of the city’s past, on Friday, October 7 she will become a symbol of the city’s future. In the past decade, the City of Bryan--along with countless members of the BCS community--have managed to transform the blighted landscape of the city’s historic district into a success story few other towns can celebrate.

Across the country there are currently hundreds of old towns similar to the Downtown Bryan of a decade ago; abandoned for the malls, shopping plazas and “big box” bargaining power that the “little guys” can’t rival; entertainment districts left to deteriorate for TV screens in safe and cozy living rooms; a sense of community and physical togetherness lost to the virtual communities of networking technologies. The fate of old Main Street USA has always been something most modern civil engineers and urban renewal committees just haven’t had the means to confront.

But Bryan’s organic approach to urban renewal wasn’t something you could devise on a drawing board. It couldn’t just be conceived in the minds of engineering teams and city planners. As much as there are planning committees and bureaus devoted to rebuilding the town, it’s not always true that “if you build it, they will come.” Sometimes you build it, and they leave.

Bryan’s revitalization success is owed more to people coming together on the streets than in the meeting room. There’s a culture flourishing downtown that wasn’t grown in a petri dish, a personality that wasn’t coached in a seminar room. It’s a community that’s burgeoning on the streets, in the restaurants, in the bars, on the dance floors, on the stages, and in the independent retail stores where local artisans craft signature goods.

In May of 2010, the Downtown Bryan Association, a private non-profit group, purchased the derelict Queen Theater for a sum of $185,000. With support through donations, both financial and in kind, the DBA has restored the Queen’s exterior facade, windows, marquee and crown. Interior renovations will begin once the association raises more funds from donors.

On Friday night, witness for yourself the re-lighting of the Queen Theater. See for yourself a community’s spirit resurrected. And, most importantly, enjoy yourself among thousands of others celebrating cultural renewal. For more information about efforts to restore the Queen or to donate, visit downtownbryan.com. The lighting of the Queen Theater is scheduled for dusk on Friday, October 7.


communityspotlight

The Fifth Annual Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival takes place on Friday October 7 and October 8. The event gets the name “Reds” from two agricultural influences in Texas: steak and wine. The event, a way to showcase newly renovated attractions in Downtown Bryan, draws thousands of visitors over its two-day span. This year, the recently restored façade of the historic Queen Theater will be crowned and illuminated for all to see.

This year, Texas Reds is held alongside First Friday, an event that also brings locals to the heart of downtown. The celebration shows off local vendors and artists while boosting the economy, uniting the community and enticing people to experience all that Bryan has to offer.

At the Texas Reds Festival, visitors in Downtown Bryan can enjoy Angus rib-eye steaks, taste wine from more than 20 award-winning Texas wineries, and listen to a wide range of bands, including The Landsharks, The Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, and Midnight Express. Country music artist Joe Nichols is headlining the festival on Saturday night.

Nichols, a traditionalist that fans compare to George Strait and Alan Jackson, is a four-time Grammy Award nominee and has released eight albums. He’s produced five top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot Country charts and has been honored with the Country Music Association’s

Horizon Award and the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist Award.

The Texas Reds Festival offers a variety of different activities for all ages. The event features a 5K Run, Artist Showcase, Grape Stomp, and a Kid Zone. There will be between 60-80 local vendors lining the streets, as well as a main stage on 28th street, a second stage on 23rd street, chef demonstrations, and wine education exhibits.

Along with the scheduled events for the Texas Reds Festival, another host of activities will be available for this month’s First Friday. Each month, First Fridays provides a chance for the citizens of the BCS community to enjoy live music, local vendors, artistic demonstrations and much more. Featured First Friday entertainment will include ice sculptors, musical productions (everything from string quartets to mariachi bands), and a theatrical performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You can also take an inside look at the manufacturing of cowboy hats at Catalena Hatters, where artisans will show visitors the hat-making process. For more information on accommodations, free park and ride shuttle, event map, schedule of events, and ticket pricing for Texas Reds, please visit the festival’s website at tr.blog.bryantx.gov. Discounted tickets are still available online!

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Texas Reds Steak and Grape FestivalBy Meredith Morse and Moses Kidd

Joe Nichols:Nichols, a traditionalist that fans compare to George Strait and Alan Jackson, is a four-time Grammy Award nominee and has released eight albums. He’s produced five top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot Country charts and has been honored with the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award and the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist Award.


hotpicks

Sept. 29th - Oct. 12th

THURSDAY SEPT 29communityGrab some of the freshest fruits and vegetables that Texas has to offer at the Farmers Market, located in front of Sbisa. 11 a.m. Thursday at TAMU- Sbisa Dining Hall. FREE. 979-845-3005.

theaterStagecenter Theater presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. Directed by Michelle Schovaers Wagley. It is classified as a comedy and will be showing on three weekends. 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Stage Center Community Theater. 201-B West 26th Street Bryan. 9798234297. http://stagecenter.info/index.php/tickets (see story on page 7)

concertHeld in Studio 12 in the Commons on campus at Texas A&M, MSC Town Hall presents My Heart’s Cry, a pop rock band based in North Texas. 8 p.m. Thursday at MSC Coffeehouse. FREE.

concertCome listen to acoustic performances from some of Texas’ best singer-song writers, Jason Eady and Owen Temple. 10 p.m. Thursday at Church Street BBQ. 100 Church Street College Station. FREE. 9792680227.

concertBe sure to come out to the series of RTR Promo Shows every Thursday night in September at Revolution in downtown Bryan to catch some of the best local talent and featuring some out of town musicians. 10 p.m. Thursday at Revolution Café & Bar. 211B S Main Street Bryan. $5. http://rocktherepublic.com/

FRIDAY SEPT 30filmThe International Film Series presents “The Scent of Green Papaya.” 7 p.m. Friday at Rudder Tower,

Room 401. FREE.

theaterStagecenter Theater presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. Directed by Michelle Schovaers Wagley. It is classified as a comedy and will be showing on three weekends. 7:30 p.m. Friday at Stage Center Community

Theater, 201B W 26th Street Bryan. 9798234297. http: / /stagecenter . info /index.php/tickets.

filmThe movie Casablanca shown in Downtown Bryan. 8 p.m. Friday at Sale Park, Main Street Bryan. FREE.

concertKirko Bangz + Marcus Manchild are taking the stage at Schotzi’s. Also featuring Caleb Mak and other local artists. There will be live mixes from DJ Get Low. Drama Free™ will also be live in the

building. Friday, September 30th. 9 p.m. at Schotzi’s. 205 University Dr. College Station. $12-15

concertLeannasaurus performing at Lakeside Icehouse on Friday, September 30th. 9 p.m. Friday at Lakeside Icehouse, 8200 Sandy Point Rd. Bryan. $5. 9793610861.

concertThe Spectacle Returns on 11.11.11 and the music returns to Bryan, featuring Wes Taylor, Castle Lights, and Electric Touch. 10 p.m. Friday at Revolution Café

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when 8 p.m Wednesday Oct 12th

where Schotzi’s Backyard

tickets $5-$10

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Friday night, Least of These(Denton), Electric Touch(Austin) and Wes Taylor(College Station) will revolutionize Revs’ stage with a progressive twist of Christian rock and Brit pop. Bring your bibles and your bad teeth for what should be an interesting marriage of music and spirituality.

Electric Touch, a five-piece from Austin TX, delivers their take of British rock and pop music. Their high-energy shows are known for songs with poetic lyrics, earsplitting guitar melodies and infectious beats. They shot off to a great start after their formation in 2007 with featured shows at Coachella, Lollapalooza and SXSW.

With influences like Thrice, As Cities Burn, and So Long Forgotten, Least of These writes heavy-hitting, melodic rock songs with passionate lyrics that express their deep faith and values. The progressive indie band out of Denton teases the boundaries of nu-Christian rock and takes the genre for detours into new territories. Another Christian rock musician, Wes Taylor, is a young and rising musician also pushing the boundaries of the Christian rock genre.

Want to sample some music before you go out? You can hear each band’s music online: Wes Taylor (facebook.com/westaylormusic), Electric Touch (facebook.com/electrictouchmusic) and Least of These (facebook.com/weareleastofthese).

Electric Touch, Least of These, and Wes Taylor @ RevolutionBy Britney Holley

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// Concert at Revolutionwhen // Friday, Sept. 30

where // Revolution Café and Bar

// CRIS CAB //Pharrell Williams’ Protégé who’s taken the internet by storm with his clever remakes of popular songs is coming to you in College Station TX for one night only.

FEATURING:

LINDSAY HARRISCHARLIE GOREBEN BAXTER& SOUNDS BY DJ CHARLIE



Picture this: a royal marriage, two powerful faries, four young love-struck Athenians, and one confusing night in a forest - all in Downtown Bryan.

Starting September 29 and continuing every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the next three weeks, StageCenter Community Theater brings William Shakespeare’s celebrated play A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Brazos County. All performances start at 7:30 pm and there will be a total of nine showings of this classic comedy.

StageCenter, a non-profit organization,

is the first established community theatre in the Bryan/College Station area. Started in 1964 by a group of local thespians, the theatre company has now produced nearly 500 dramas, comedies, farces, musicals, and melodramas in just under fifty years. An organization once described as leading a “nomadic life” thanks to its multiple relocations, StageCenter Community Theater currently holds down residence at the old third

floor cantina above Mr. G’s Pizzeria in downtown Bryan. StageCenter remains the only totally volunteer community whose doors are open to all who wish to take part in the rewarding experience of live theatre.

And now they plan on making A Midsummer Night’s Dream a reality for Bryan/College Station. Directed by Michelle Schovaers Wagley, tickets

start at $10 for adults, $8 for all students, seniors and children, and all Thursday night performances are just $6. They can be purchased either at the door on show nights, in advance at the offices of the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, or over the phone at (979) 696-2787.

MIdsummerNight’s Dream

29thur

sday

& Bar. 211B S Main Street Bryan. $5. (see story below)

concertCountry rock singer, Garrett Snowden, will be playing. 11 p.m. Friday at La Bodega. 102 Church Avenue College Station. FREE.

concertPrepared to be astounded as funk/jam band, The Conglomerate, blend old songs with new ideas into a performance that is like no other. 11 p.m. Friday at Church Street BBQ. 100 Church Street College Station. 9792680227.

SATURDAY OCT 1communityRunners will be stampeding their way through Bryan/College Station, Texas on October 1st at 7:30am as the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History hosts its 3rd annual Buffalo Stampede! This year’s race is bigger and better than past stampedes and introduces our 1st Half-

Marathon. 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, 3232 Briarcrest Drive Bryan. $20/$45. 9797762195.

communityThe ALS Association, Greater Houston Chapter will host the Walk to Defeat ALS™. Walkers can walk 1 to 3 miles. Register to walk, make a donation, or set up a Walk Team at www.alsa-houston.org. There will be entertainment for the entire family, food and beverages. 9 a.m. Saturday at Central Park, 100 Krenek Tap Road College Station. FREE.

communityLearn about Brazos County’s pioneer history: visit with characters in period costume, see an authentic stagecoach, enjoy cowboys, civil war re-enactors, musicians, dancers, artists, and much more. This is a family friendly event, so the museum will have activities to keep the young’uns entertained by learning to make pinch pots and other period crafts. 9

a.m. Saturday at the Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive Bryan. $5/$4. 9797768338.

concertLunch Music with Joey McGee at the Village Cafe. 12 p.m. Saturday at The Village Café, 210 West 26th Street Bryan. FREE. 9797038514.

theaterStagecenter Theater presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. Directed by Michelle Schovaers Wagley. It is classified as a comedy and will be showing on three weekends. 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Stage Center Community Theater, 201-B W 26th Street Bryan. 9798234297. (see story below)

danceFun complimentary salsa lessons followed by a hot night of salsa dancing. Voted #1 night of dancing, Best of BCS 2011. 10 p.m. Saturday at The Village Café, 210 West 26th Street Bryan. $5.

concertKirko Bangz + Marcus Manchild are taking the stage at Schotzi’s. Also featuring Caleb Mak and other local artists. There will be live mixes from DJ Get Low. Drama Free™ will also be live in the building. when Friday, September 30th. 9 p.m. where Schotzi’s. 205 University Dr. College Station. tickets $12-15

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// Midsummer Night’s Dreamwhen // Thursday, Sept. 29

where // StageCenter Theater Downtown Bryan

By Meredith Morse


Saturday Oct 1 cont.

concertCover band Rock-A-Fellas are a five member band based in Bryan, Texas. They encompasses rock, country, blues and anything else you could probably want into one great high energy performance. 8 p.m. Saturday at Lakeside Icehouse, 8200 Sandy Point Rd. Bryan. $5.

dancingEvery Saturday come to The Village Café for fun complimentary salsa lessons followed by a hot night of salsa dancing. Starts at 8 p.m. at Village Café. 210 W 26th St. Bryan. $5

SUNDAY OCT 2theaterMSC OPAS presents: Charlotte’s Web. Based on E.B. White’s loving story, this musical version of CHARLOTTE’S WEB perfectly encapsulates the wonderful friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. This treasured tale, featuring mad-cap and endearing farm animals explores bravery, selfless love and the true

meaning of friendship. 2 p.m. Sunday at Rudder Theater. $15 979-845-1661

concertTexas country music singer, Clayton Gardner is live every Sunday this semester. Come check him out and enjoy the laid back atmosphere with some friends. 8 p.m. Sunday at Lakeside Icehouse, 8200 Sandy Point Rd. Bryan. FREE

poetryPoetry Open Mic. 9 p.m. Sunday at Revolution Café and Bar, 211 B South Main St. FREE.

danceCome visit the Rooftop on Sunday Nights. Service Industry Night Dance Party. DJ C-Nelly performing. 10 p.m. Sunday at The Corner Bar (Rooftop), 401 University Dr. College Station. FREE

MONDAY OCT 3lectureEnhancing Diversity Seminar Series: Diversity’s Promise for Higher Education Diversifying the Faculty. This

event will be presented by Dr. Daryl Smith, Professor of Education and Psychology at Claremont Graduate University. 9:30 a.m. Monday at Rudder Theater. FREE.

communityAs a public service to the voters in Brazos Valley local Republican organizations are jointly hosting a U.S. Senate Candidate Forum. The public is invited to see and hear announced candidates for the Texas U.S. Senate. 6 p.m. Monday at Rudder Auditorium. FREE. 979-845-1234

bingoEvery Monday night at The Tap before karaoke there is Monday Night Football BINGO. As the game goes along calls we be called out as they happen and if that play is on your card you cross it off to get a BINGO and win free stuff 8 p.m. Monday at The Tap. 815 Harvey Rd. College Station. FREE

karaokeEvery Monday night come out to The Tap for karaoke

and drink specials all night long. 10 p.m. Monday at The Tap. 815 Harvey Rd. College Station. FREE

TUESDAY OCT 4communityAll day profit sharing for a different charity each Tueday at the Village Cafe. Interested in a profit sharing opportunity? Contact the Village Café at [email protected].

campusJoin the University Police Department and the Department of Residence Life as they give crime a going

away party, at their largest neighborhood block party. 6 p.m. Tuesday at University Apartments Community Center, 202 Charles Haltom Avenue. FREE. 979-845-8068

movie“Dance with the One” is an emotionally explosive thriller set in the troubled heart of Texas. Tragic family history rises to the surface when a teenager races to protect his family from a lethal drug-runner. 7 p.m. Tuesday at Texas A&M University, Harrington Education Center Room 209. FREE. (979) 845-3452


The purpose of Synaesthetic Impressions: Paintings by Karen Silve is to provide an opportunity to spread art appreciation to TAMU students and the Bryan/College Station community alike, as well as to embody the mission of the MSC Visual Arts Committee. Begins Monday October 3, ends Friday November 4.

art exhibitForsyth Gallery

theaterMSC OPAS presents: Charlotte’s Web. Based on E.B. White’s loving story, this musical version of CHARLOTTE’S WEB perfectly encapsulates the wonderful friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. This treasured tale, featuring mad-cap and endearing farm animals explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. when 2 p.m. Sunday where Rudder Theater tickets $15 979-845-1661

2sunday3monday

BCSMARATHON.COM

USATF Certified RaceFlat Fast ScenicLive Music After Race Party

Register on our site or at the Rec Center during the first week of classes.

MARATHON + HALF MARATHONBRYAN-COLLEGE STATION

12.11.11

THE INAUGURAL

Half

- $50

Full - $

65


calendarsept29-oct12concertJoin J Goodwin each and every Tuesday all semester long. He may be local but he puts on a show. 10 p.m. Tuesday at Revolution Café and Bar, 211B S Main St. Bryan.

karaokeEvery Tuesday, O’Bannon’s teams up with Absolute

Karaoke to bring you the best, and worst, of what College Station has to offer… Karaoke begins at 10 pm and we have $2.50 Teas all night long!! 10 p.m. at O’Bannon’s, 103 Boyett St. College Station.

WEDNESDAY OCT 5concertRock-reggae quartet, The Movement, from Philadelphia,

will be playing. 8 p.m. Wednesday at Schotzi’s, 205 University Dr.

dancingEvery Wednesday come to The Village Café for Salsa Lessons then at 9:30, following the lesson, the floor is open to dance. Starts at 8 p.m. at Village Café. 210 W 26th St. Bryan. $8/$5

concertEvery Wednesday Night come out to The Tap for Piano Bar with Russell & Mike. 10 p.m. Wednesday at The Tap. 815 Harvey Road College Station. 979-696-5570

concertThe Brison Bursey Band will hit the Church Street stage, stop by to listen to a great Texas country band. 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at Church Street BBQ, 100 Church Street. FREE. 979-268-0227

THURSDAY OCT 6campusGrab some of the freshest fruits and vegetables that Texas has to offer at the Farmers Market. 11 a.m. Thursday at Sbisa Dinning Hall. 979-845-3005.

concertThe Village Café hosts its ”Live @ the Village” singer-songwriter showcase sponsored by Maroon Weekly, KEOS, and the LaSalle Hotel. This week the featured artist is David Booth. 8 p.m. at Village Café, 210 W 26th St, Bryan. FREE. 979-703-8514.

concertLive acoustic performances from some of Texas’ best singer-song writers, Sydney Dixon and Susan Gibson. 9 p.m. Thursday at Church Street BBQ, 100 Church Street. FREE. 979-268-0227.

FRIDAY OCT 7lectureThe October 2011 First Friday Lecture, “High-Achieving African American Students: A National Science Foundation Investigation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)”, will be presented by Dr. Fred Bonner. 11:45 a.m. Friday at KAMU Studio A, 401 Joe Routt Blvd. FREE. (979) 845-3211.

communityCome out for the annual steak and wine festival that is full of attractions for every age. Joe Nichols will be the headliner this year along with many others.5 p.m. Friday at Downtown Bryan.(see story on page 5)

theaterThe amazing artists and athletes in this pedigreed troupe take Cirque performance to a whole new level. Literally! Keep your eyes on the sky because these artists will positively soar through Rudder! Spectacular! Mesmerizing! Incredible! These are just a few words you’re sure to utter when watching these Acrobats perform their breathtaking acts. 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rudder Theater. $32- $70. (see story on page 12)

SATURDAY OCT 8communityThe Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers will be hosting the 2011 5k race. 8 p.m. Saturday at Gloria Stephan Sale Park. $30.

dancingEvery Saturday come to The Village Café for fun complimentary salsa lessons followed by a hot night of salsa dancing. Starts at 8 p.m. at Village Café. 210 W 26th St. Bryan. $5

concertCheck out post-punk power-pop band, Jay Satellite, Alkari and indie rock band, The Ex-Optimists.10 p.m. Saturday at Revolution Café and Bar, 211B S Main St. FREE. 979 823 4044.

concertCome check out The Reagan Firestorm, a southern rock band from College Station. 11 p.m. Saturday at Church Street BBQ, 100 Church Street. FREE. 979-268-0227.

concert Enjoy LIVE music by Granger Smith, Tyler Brown Band, Waylon Wolf and Joe Teichman. when 8:30 p.m. Sunday where TAMU, Jack K. Williams Administrative Building tickets $10214-886-6585.

9sunday

concert The Village Café hosts its ”Live @ the Village” singer-songwriter showcase. This week the featured artist is David Booth.when 8 p.m. where Village Café, 210 W 26th St, Bryan. tickets FREE. 979-703-8514. 6thursday



During their very first tour in the United States and Canada, the National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China will be at Rudder Theatre on

Friday, October 7. Also known as the China National Acrobatic Troupe, the group was the first performing arts company to be established by China in 1950. Funded by the Beijing Municipality, the ensemble comes from one of the largest and most distinguished institutions for acrobatic instruction and training in the world. The institute, also a scientific research organization, maintains its focus on improving and revitalizing standards in acrobatics. The national arts center occupies over 150 performers and over 500 students.

Having toured in over forty countries including Britain, France, and Spain, the National Acrobats of China perform their award-winning acts year-round. Some of these acts include “China Soul”, “Splendid”, and “Acrobatic Spectacular”.

The troupe has received the Presidential Gold Award at the 24th and the 26th Cirque de Demain Festival held in Paris. The company has also received the Golden Crown Award at the 28th Monte Carlo International Circus Festival.

Parking will be available in the University Center Parking Garage on the night of the performance. For more information on the event, visit the MSC OPAS website at mscopas.org. For more information on ticket pricing, call 979-845-1234.

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7// The National Acrobatswhen // Friday, Oct. 7

where // Rudder Theater TAMU Campus

By Moses Kidd

SUNDAY OCT 9concertTexas country music singer, Clayton Gardner is live every Sunday this semester. Come check him out and enjoy the laid back atmosphere with some friends. 8 p.m. Sunday at Lakeside Icehouse, 8200 Sandy Point Rd. Bryan. FREE

concertEnjoy LIVE music by Tyler Brown Band, Waylon Wolf, Joe Teichman, and Granger Smith. 8:30 p.m. Sunday at TAMU, Jack K. Williams Administrative Building.$10.214-886-6585.

danceCome visit the Rooftop on Sunday Nights . Service Industry Night Dance Party. DJ C-Nelly performing. 10 p.m. Sunday at The Corner Bar (Rooftop) , 401 University Dr. College Station. FREE

MONDAY OCT 10lectureJoin Common Ground Reading Initiative in welcoming David Philipps, author of our 2011 book Lethal Warriors, to campus for a lecture and book signing. 7 p.m. Monday at Rudder Theater. FREE. 979.845.5141

bingoEvery Monday night at The Tap before karaoke there is Monday Night Football BINGO. As the game goes along calls we be called out as they happen and if that play is on your card you cross it off to get a BINGO and win free stuff 8 p.m. Monday at The Tap. 815 Harvey Rd. College Station. FREE

karaokeEvery Monday night come out to The Tap for karaoke and drink specials all night long. 10 p.m. Monday at The Tap. 815 Harvey Rd. College Station. FREE

TUESDAY OCT 11communityAll day profit sharing for a different charity each Tueday at the Village Cafe. Interested in a profit sharing opportunity? Contact the Village Café at [email protected].

lecture“International Climate Ethics in a Time of Uncertain Climate Policy” lecture By Dr. Andrew Light. Andrew Light, professor of philosophy and director of the Center for Global Ethics at George Mason University, and senior fellow at the Center for American Progress will present the Carrol O. Buttrill ’38 Endowed Fund for Ethics Lecture. 4 p.m. Tuesday at the TAMU Glasscock Building. FREE

artSan Antonio Museum of Art’s Ancient Art Collection Lecture. Jessica Powers, the Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.

Curate of Art of the Ancient Mediterranean World for the San Antonio Museum of Art, will present an overview of the museum’s ancient art collection. 7 p.m. Tuesday at Langford Architectural Center Room 105 FREE

karaokeEvery Tuesday, O’Bannon’s teams up with Absolute Karaoke to bring you the best, and worst, of what College Station has to offer… Karaoke begins at 10 pm and we have $2.50 Teas all night long!! 10 p.m. at O’Bannon’s, 103 Boyett St. College Station.

WEDNESDAY OCT 12campusMaysfest is a bi-annual event with music, food, and prizes organized by the Business Student Council to provide students and faculty with an opportunity to escape the monotony of their daily grind. Come enjoy $1 Jamba Juice, $.25 pizza rolls, games,

music, giveaways, guest appearances, and more! 11 a.m. Outside Wehner Building. bsc.tamu.edu.

campusRooted Histories Film: Blacks in Latin America. 2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Event: WBAC will show the PBS series: “Blacks in Latin America”. 7 p.m. Wednesday at Texas A&M. dms.tamu.edu. Free. 919-862.2000.

dancingEvery Wednesday come to The Village Café for Salsa Lessons then at 9:30, following the lesson, the floor is open to dance. Starts at 8 p.m. at Village Café. 210 W 26th St. Bryan. $8/$5

concertEvery Wednesday Night come out to The Tap for Piano Bar with Russell & Mike. 10 p.m. Wednesday at The Tap. 815 Harvey Road College Station. 979-696-5570


Chef Tai Winscommunityspotlight

This season of The Great Food Truck Race has introduced America to eight delicious food trucks, including the two finalists, Hodge Podge and The Lime Truck. While the race on TV finished with a Lime Truck win, the race to vote for America’s Favorite Food Truck has also ended and we have a winner: Chef Tai’s Mobile Gourmet Food Truck from College Station, Texas.

The contest to name America’s Favorite Food Truck started back in July with nearly 600 trucks and asked fans to nominate and vote for their favorite local truck. Over four million people voted and now, Chef Tai can claim the grand prize of $10,000 and the chance to appear on season three of The Great Food Truck Race.


A group of Texas A&M students has established Aggie Wildfire Relief, an organization that looks to tap into the unlimited resource that is the Aggie Spirit, in response to the spread of wildfires that have ravaged our state throughout these past few rain-starved months. News of the latest on-campus philanthropy is spreading like wildfire.

250 out of the total 254 counties in Texas have burn bans in effect; 3.6 million acres are now lost.; and, in just two days, over 1,500 homes were destroyed in the city of Bastrop alone. Furthermore, with the current scorching temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity, conditions are only predicted to worsen.

“These fires are affecting a lot of Aggies and a lot of Texans,” said Jeff Pickering, senior Communications major and Student Body President. “Texas A&M is a land grant institution that serves the entire state, and we as a student body are going to do something about it.”

Enter Aggie Wildfire Relief.

Aggie Wildfire Relief is a two-pronged approach to providing funds and assistance to Texas wildfire victims and volunteers alike. The organization is encouraging both Texas A&M students and Aggie football fans to wear a white shirt to the upcoming home game against Baylor University on October 15 in a university-wide show of support for the countless Texans who need it.

“White is the universal symbol of hope,” explains Will Hatheway, senior Meteorology major and Project Manager for Aggie Wildfire Relief. “I think this is a cause we can really get behind.”

It all started in an online forum when a group of friends began discussing possible ways to help relief efforts.

They saw an incredible surge of interest from other members and took it as a sign to act.

“Aggies can do anything when they put their minds to it,” Hatheway said.

Aggie Wildfire Relief has received a tremendous amount of encouragement from other groups on campus. At their first meeting, Hatheway reports that attendees from over 25 student-led organizations showed up to help out. Representatives from the Student Government Association, Aggie Greek Life, Corps of Cadets and CARPOOL all voiced interest in lending their service to the cause.

In addition to whiting out Kyle Field, Aggie Wildfire Relief is selling MAROON 12th Man Towels for $2 on campus and $3 online to raise money

for relief efforts. All proceeds from towel sales will be distributed evenly between the American Red Cross of Texas, which provides support for Texans whose homes, properties, or livelihoods have been devastated by the fires, and the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund, which benefits the thousands of volunteer firefighters that have worked tirelessly to clear our state of these unprecedented infernos.

Despite working against the time-honored game day tradition of wearing maroon and waving a white towel at Kyle Field, Hatheway feels that the remarkable amount of support the group has already seen bodes well for Aggie Wildfire Relief.

“When this many students put their minds to helping out a cause, good things are bound to happen,” he says.

And his prediction looks promising – on their first day of on-campus sales alone, the relief effort sold over 1,500 towels.

Aggie Wildfire Relief also hopes to extend their reach to Texas A&M alumni and members of the surrounding community.

“This should be about engaging the student body and its associates as a whole,” Pickering said.

Hoping to white out all sides of Kyle Field, maroon towels will be sold before the October 15 Baylor game as well. Given the recent conference controversy between these two universities, this relief effort provides a stellar opportunity to ascend above the petty conference drama and to serve the state and those in need.

campusspotlight

Wear White, Wave MaroonBy Meredith Morse


Music Chart

1 // Josh Abbott Band My Texas2 // Stoney LaRue Velvet 3 // Jason Cassidy Honky Tonk Heaven 4 // Brandon Rhyder In the Country 5 // Reckless Kelly Good Luck and True Love6 // Jason Boland & The Stragglers Mary Ellen’s Greenhouse7 // Robert Earl Keen I Gotta Go8 // Kyle Bennett Here in This Town9 // Max Stalling 6 x 9 Speakers 10 // Eli Young Band Crazy Girl11 // Adam Hood Flame and Gasoline 12 // Deryl Dodd Baby, Where’s My Bottle 13 // Ryan Turner Sweet Time14 // Brian Keane 90 Miles An Hour 15 // Rosehill Dream it All Over Again16 // Phil Hamilton You Can Have Me17 // Curtis Grimes Doing My Time 18 // Kevin Fowler Hell Yeah, I Like Beer19 // Kyle Park Make or Break Me 20 // Whiskey Myersl Ballad of a Southern Man21 // Johnny Cooper Hot Mess 22 // Hayes Carll Another Like You23 // Tejas Brothers This Little Feeling24 // Jackson Taylor & the Sinners Better Life25 // Micky & the Motorcars Any Longer, Any More

TUE & WED, OCT 25 & 267:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium

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For decades, Twin City Missions have been doing their part to end poverty in the Brazos Valley.

Through their programs addressing homelessness, violence and abuse, family conflict and youth in crisis, Twin City Missions remains the foundation of support for locals in need. Four programs were established by the mission to help people get through difficult obstacles in their lives. But Twin City Mission is always looking for people to lend a hand.

There are many opportunities for people to get involved. Twin City Missions’ Community Café, which provides free meals, is always looking for volunteers to serve food and help clean up. Their domestic violence services program also supports an active volunteer program. Volunteer opportunities include: assisting with clerical support, organizing/facilitating children’s activities, tutoring, assisting with daily living activities and grounds keeping, and fundraising.

However, if you don’t have the time to volunteer but still want to help, Twin City Missions is always accepting donations. Various kinds of donations--from money, clothing, personal products, linens as well as cleaning supplies, real estate and cash--can be dropped off at their location or donated via their website.

Without help from donations and volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible for them to have such a huge impact in Brazos community. To learn more about the volunteer and donation opportunities at Twin City Missions, visit twincitymission.org.

communityspotlightGet Involved at Twin City Mission

By Britney Holley


Although it has been said that a natural born musician always has the talent inside their hearts, it takes years of hard work and perseverance to perfect it. The Lindsay Harris we see taking the stage today didn’t just appear. No; she had to evolve from a first grader learning how to play the piano to a high school freshman starting to pluck the strings of a guitar.

It wasn’t until she was a freshman in college that the idea of writing her own songs presented itself. That year Lindsay won a contest in which she had the opportunity to meet one of her favorite artists, Dave Matthews. It was then that she decided that becoming a singer/songwriter was something that she could really see herself doing.

“I was standing there kind of looking around and I thought it would be really cool to maybe do this some day, but I would have to start writing my own songs,” says Harris. “When I came home, I started doing that.”

Since then, she has been playing at various venues

around BCS and crowds can’t seem to get enough of her unique sound. Earlier this year she released her debut EP entitled Lemon Tree. The 7-track release blends Harris’s distinct blues and jazz-tinged voice with lyrics that tell stories of about events from her own life and the lives of others, real and fictional.

“Here Now” has become is a fan favorite from the EP. It has a blues feel to it and the chorus consists of chords that warm the soul. Not only is the music exceptional, Harris’s vocals give you the chills as soon as she starts singing. Along with the release of Lemon Tree, she has also been busy working on a project in conjunction with the San Antonio Humane Society. She was asked to write and record a song that will be featured in a commercial set to hit the air as soon as October.

“The San Antonio Humane Society contacted me because they wanted to have an original song,” said Harris. “They wanted me to write a song that had

kind of a more up beat attitude to it because I think their commercial is going to be more positive.”

She wrote the song for the commercial, called “A Part of Me,” with her friend James Cahours, and they will both be traveling to San Antonio to play it at the commercial’s premiere.

In November, Harris will be hitting the road for the first time, joined by Amy Stroup, for a tour across Texas.

“I’ve only ever played in College Station and Bryan and I’m really excited to branch out and go other places,” says Harris.

In addition to her upcoming tour, she will also be performing at Shotzi’s on Northgate every Wednesday through the month of October. Make sure you check out this up and coming Texas Gem. She is an all around outstanding musician!

To find more information about Harris and to preview her music, visit lindsayharris.bandcamp.com.

artistspotlight

Artist Spotlight // Lindsay HarrisBy Joey Trevino


1 The Lion King The opening sequence alone is a

classic: watercolor mattes, animated rack focus, Zazu Scorsese-style, the title card thud. This Hamlet of the savannah remains transcendent in style and meaning, fart jokes and all.

2 Moneyball 1/2

This sports flick isn’t understated. Director Bennett Miller’s asleep at the wheel. This is about a revolution, but nothing makes an impression until the genre-mandated climax. On the bright side, Chris Pratt gets to be a hero.

3Dolphin Tale I’m 90% sure Morgan Freeman

is trying to take over the Hallmark Channel. This time he applies his sentimentality to the tail of a disabled dolphin. Every generation gets the Free Willy it deserves.

4 Abduction Great, now they’re trying to make

Taylor Lautner an action star. Can’t he just stand outside Hollister with his shirt off or something? The E-trade baby is more convincing. And who randomly browses missing persons websites?

5 Killer Elite It’s hard not to have some fun

with Jason Statham, Clive Owen, and Robert De Niro. But haven’t we seen this before? Just because you put a mustache on doesn’t mean we don’t recognize you.

6 Contagion 1/2

Soderbergh’s magnum opus. Compassion courses through this analytical paean to science, a film with scary truths but comforting

results: most people, most of the time, do the right thing. Also doctors peel Gwyneth’s face off!

7Drive 1/2

BMW commercial turned into a feature-length thriller. But, oh, what style! Long shots of LA, explosive violence, and killer turns by Albert Brooks and Christina Hendricks practically make you forget how empty it is.

8 The Help Po’ black nannies and the white

debutante harpies they raised get up to hilarious antics and learn lessons in this skin-deep, feel-good catharsis. Aunt Jemima has more nuance, and more truth about race in America.

9 Straw Dogs As far as I can tell, Hollywood

remade Sam Peckinpah’s exploitative classic because someone wanted to cast hotter actors, apparently to complicate our reactions to the violence. At least Funny Games scolds us to our face.

10 I Don’t Know How She Does It

You wanna know how she does it? She realizes she can’t have a

fulfilling career AND raise a family, so goodbye work. Even the Taliban are like, “Sarah Jessica, it’s scary how much you hate feminism.”

11 The Debt 1/2

Red 2: Oscar Bait sees a trio of strapping Mossad agents fail to kill their Nazi butcher target, leaving their older selves to do it for them. Speaking of coming up short, Sam Worthington’s still around?

12 Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain

Super(?)star comedian Kevin Hart takes the Bieber approach, combining performance with biographical information. Because the one thing we all want from a comedy tour is a sobering portrait of an artist’s upbringing. I’m sure it’s enlightening.

13 Rise of the Planet of the Apes 1/2

Mostly it’s Domestication of the Apes, but when the “rise” finally happens, it’s killer. Rupert Wyatt’s propulsive, truncated reboot is terrific action cinema straight out of Tottenham.

14 Warrior It’s treated like a Greek myth,

probably because Hercules had killer pecs. But the MMA’s so choppy it

might as well have been a Zoolander-style walk-off. Tom Hardy can do anything, including rescue this macho weepie.

15 Columbiana 1/2

Note to Conan: This is how you do pure pulp. It’s a bit moody in the middle(why are assassins always so mopey?) but the action is pure adrenaline--fast, focused, and hyper-aware. Saldana conquers.

16 Crazy, Stupid, Love. They got the second part

right. Plays like a Modern Family commercial segment: club alcohol, body spray, life insurance. Emma Stone saves herself; Ryan Gosling’s abs won’t shut up. Thank God for Lisa Cholodenko.

17Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D

Family films don’t need to be good. They just need to seduce your kids. Mission accomplished for Robert Rodriguez’s tired franchise. With 3-D ticket prices padding his bank account, get ready for part 5.

18 The Smurfs Another ‘80s TV show getting

the big screen treatment, another 3-D cash grab, another unfunny insult to children’s entertainment. At least Gargamel is having fun. You’ll wanna smurf, and not in a good way.

19 Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

“Guillermo del Toro Presents” just means he co-wrote the screenplay. Troy Nixey directs this dark and spooky haunted house. And then our eyes adjust and we see the real horror over an hour later: a scary movie with nothing scary.

20 Cowboys & Aliens High-concept misfire about

aliens and their quarry in the Old West makes a powerful soporific. We get it: Daniel Craig is ripped, Harrison Ford is gruff, Olivia Wilde is pretty, etc. Can’t stop yawning.

By Brandon Nowalk

THE LION KING

top20films

what’splaying


what’splaying

Movie Review // DriveBy Brandon Nowalk

1. The Tree of Life BD (Oct. 11)

Texas auteur Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life remains one of the year’s best films. It’s mostly the story of growing up in Texas, learning how to be, but ambition propels it all the way to the Big Bang, and mystery reminds us of the beautiful unknowability of the universe.

2. Almost Famous: Bootleg Cut BD (Oct. 4)

3. The Lion King BD/3D BD (Oct. 4)

4. Beauty and the Beast BD/3D BD (Oct. 4)

5. Friday Night Lights: Series DVD (Oct. 4)

6. Pulp Fiction BD (Oct. 4)

7. Jackie Brown BD (Oct. 4)

8. Planet Earth: Special Edition DVD/BD (Oct. 4)

9. Scream 4 DVD/BD (Oct. 4)

10. Fast Five DVD/BD (Oct. 4)

DVD releases

Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive is such a beautiful empty film that you walk away depressed that the confident, stylish auteur poured his heart and soul into nothing so much as the most delicious diet coke you’ve ever had; It tastes perfect, but it washes right through you...and that’s it.

You’ve heard the quip “all style, no substance” before. Well, Drive is full of style—colorful LA, shocking violence, patient dialogue—in service of nothing. And as the sum of its directorial flourishes, it amounts to at most another cynical take on Hollywood.

All the trappings of film noir animate Drive except one: its motivation for being. Drive has no existential crisis, no moral dilemma, and it certainly isn’t concerned about the violence of the modern world. So maybe it’s more neo-noir, something closer to Tarantino than Siodmak. But even there, Tarantino’s films genuinely critique their subjects. Drive doesn’t explore its characters and just indulges our fantasies.

That said, it sure gets your heart racing. But, in the end, Drive wants to deconstruct Hollywood but only reveals the shallowness of itself. An exercise in style is not a film.


fromthesidelines

It’s Friday night and Ellis Field (home of the Texas A&M Women’s soccer team) is alive with energy. There are less than two minutes left in the game and the Aggies are tied with Baylor 1-1. As the seconds quickly tick away, # 9, Merritt Mathias, races down the sideline towards Baylor’s goal. She is immediately swarmed in the right corner by multiple defenders. By all

accounts, it appears as if the game will be heading into overtime. Instead, the 5’6 senior powers her way through the wall of defenders and places a precision pass to the far post of the goal, where teammate Chelsea Jones is able to finish it off for the winning score. The crowd goes wild!

As I watch the determined senior and her teammates celebrate their goal, I recall an earlier interview that I had with Merritt, and I think to myself, “I had every reason to have anticipated this.” Then, as she runs past me, I notice a thin pink streak dyed in her blonde hair. I also catch a glimpse of a pink sequin headband underneath her maroon A&M headband, and I think to myself, “Yeah, that seems about right too.”

Merritt Mathias is very much the same person off the field as she appears on the field. She is calm & collected, focused, determined, exudes confidence. To put it in simpler terms, Merritt Mathias is very, very cool.

It’s a coolness that comes from doing what she absolutely loves, a composure that has been trained into her through hard work and a lot of practice. It also comes from being comfortable with who she is.

Being a fierce competitor, what Merritt needed most was not only to win championships but to play and contribute. As she puts it, “I had to make a decision; to either quit doing what I love or make a change.”

For the first time in our conversation her smile disappears. “And since quitting soccer was not really an option,” she says, “I decided that transferring was in my best interest.”

MERRITT MATHIAS

By Ian Soares

Mathias left two national championship trophies in Chapel Hill to come play for the Aggies. Now she is ready to add to her collection in Aggieland.photos by Valorie Clark


fromthesidelinesShe then mentions that during her two years with UNC, one particular team began to stand out in her mind. And her future collegiate soccer plans began to make some sense to her.

“We played Texas A&M a couple of times during my two years with UNC and I remember thinking that they were so good,” she says. “That’s the type of program that I want to go to.”

One particular memory brings her smile back:

“My Freshman year we came here for the Fish Camp game and I was absolutely blown away! I was starting for UNC, but being in that atmosphere [at Ellis Field], I was like, you have got to be kidding me: It was the coolest thing that I’ve ever been part of! And now it’s so much cooler being on the other side of that! You just can’t compare this atmosphere to any other.”

She then recalls her next experience facing A&M:

“We played them again, later on, in North Carolina, and they almost beat us. We pulled that win out by the skin of our teeth and ended up going on to win the National Championship. At that point, I wasn’t really looking to transfer, but later on it stuck in my head how competitive that team was and how they pushed the game to the limits. It just seemed like a great fit.”

With that in mind, everything seemed to line up perfectly towards the end of her sophomore season. Texas A&M hosted the Final Four tournament and Merritt used the opportunity to assess A&M en route to her second National Championship.

“We were here for the Final Four and everything just kind of fell into place,” she says. “I came and fell in love with everything about it. I really think it was meant to be.” Shortly thereafter, she made the transfer to A&M official.

“It was an interesting transition. I knew I was going to be a lot happier, but it was unique because I had already been in college for two years and then suddenly I was the new kid again.”

She laughs to herself as she thinks about that idea.

“Because of this, it was important for me to make a strong statement. So, that summer I returned home

and trained and practiced every day. I needed my effort to show that I was willing to put in the work and willing to be part of something special here.”

That effort apparently paid off. She quickly earned a starting role on the team and immediately began making an impact during her junior year. More importantly, she began finding joy in doing what she loves so much.

“I realized when I wasn’t playing soccer at UNC, how much soccer is a part of my life. Soccer is who I am. It has very much shaped my mentality. It’s in everything I do.”

With her senior year underway, she is more focused than ever on her goals of winning championships at A&M while taking the time to appreciate how special this season will be.

“I’ve been really excited about this year because I’m finally in that senior position.”

This season has already been special. The Aggies went to Chapel Hill and defeated Mathias’ former team, #1 UNC.

With so much focus on the current season, she’s had very little time to think about the remainder of her senior year or about her plans once she graduates.

“After this season I’m hoping to play professionally; whether it’s here or overseas I’m not sure.”

She then adds, matter-of-factly, “I’m really hoping to compete in the next Olympics as well as the next World Cup. This is all within my grasp. A lot of it relies upon this season; which I’m very much aware of. It adds more pressure, but I’m excited for it. That’s the goal.”

#9 MERRITT MATHIAS:PoSITIon: FoRwARdHEIgHT: 5’6”YEAR: SEnIoRHoMETown: BIRMIngHAM, Al.oTHER CollEgE: noRTH CARolInAExPERIEnCE: 1 lETTER

CAREER STATS:*2010 All-BIg 12 FIRST TEAM2010 BIg 12 All-nEwCoMER TEAMTwo-TIME BIg 12 PlAYER oF THE wEEk (9/7/10, 10/19/10)

* TRAnSFEREd FRoM UnC wHERE SHE won 2 nATIonAl CHAMPIonSHIPS.


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Critic’s Pick // Top 10 books of 2011

#1Mine is the Night: A NovelLiz Curtis Higgs

#2I Called Him Dancer

G. Edward Snipes

#3Shadowed in Silk

Christine Lindsay

#4Chasing Sunsets

Eva Marie Everson

#5A Killer Among Us

While this may not be a time-travel, the legions of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander fans will fall in love with this story. Set in the lowlands of Scotland, this is a beautiful tale of the strength and courage of two women facing the destruction left behind after an epically devastating war.

This is a poignant tale of loss, pain, faith, and the power of love to heal, even when you don’t think you deserve it. It’s a story of a man chasing his dream of success on Broadway, all the while running from a damaging past that will eventually, as things tend to do, catch up to him.

Those who like to experience new vistas will enjoy this journey to exotic, far away India in the early 1900s. Lindsay does a remarkable job of immersing the reader in the sounds, sights, and culture of India through the eyes of an American woman in the time of British colonial rule.

Anyone who knows what it is for life to turn out not quite as planned, or is familiar with the pangs of lost love, will find home in this story. A story of second chances.

What would you do if you discovered that everything you believed to be true was a lie? That is the question young Kat is faced with, and must answer. Making the top 5 was a cinch.

Lynette Eason


ontheshelf#6The Blessed

Ann H. Gabbart

#7A Riverto Cross

Yvonne Harris

#8Out of Control

Mary Connealy

#9Martha: A Novel

Diana Wallis Taylor

#10An Unlikely Suitor

Any girl who’s ever tried to make her way in the world, without the support of those she should be able to count on, will connect with the sixteen-year-old Lacy and cheer for her every step of the way.

If you enjoy westerns with tough men and spunky damsels in distress, this is the book for you. It packs plenty of action and a sweet romance. It is easy to see why it landed at #7 on our list.

Mary Connealy may have switched publishing houses, but I’m pleased to report that she brought her trademark sense of humor, along with peculiar characters set to take you on an adventurous ride.

This is a retelling of the biblical story of Martha, interwoven with her two siblings, Mary and Lazarus. Traveling from an infamous dinner all the way through the resurrection, it gives a realistic and stirring view of a woman usually brushed aside and perhaps unfairly condemned in Sunday school classes.

Moser has penned a tale rich with unconventional, fully-fleshed out characters trying to make their way in a world defined by unforgiving, dividing lines of class. This is a unique tale skillfully woven together by a master of storytelling.

Nancy Moser

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maroon weekly 9-29-11

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