Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
News & Events for February 2008
MadKo Concerts Presents: The Redwalls, The Swimmers, Matt Duke, Andrew Lipke, The Takeover U.K.
It's been a big year for Mad Dragon, Drexel's student-run record label. After signing their seventh artist, the music industry kids have received quite a bit of attention. Their artists have been out on national tours, won numerous awards, and received multiple television and online spots; Mad Dragon truly is a music industry phenomenon. The program has expanded and become an all-inclusive corporation. Students can participate in DraKo Booking Agency, MadKo, a concert promotion company, or one of the many other branches attached to the label. On February 8th, the students are hosting a showcase of their artists for the Philadelphia community.
Featuring:
- The Redwalls: Fresh off their debut appearance on the David Letterman Show and recently named a MySpace Featured Artist of the Week, the bands site has over 400,000 hits. After finishing a national tour with The Polyphonic Spree and Rooney, they are heading out on their own. For more information visit, www.myspace.com/theredwalls
- The Swimmers: This Philly artist to watch was recently noted in the Philadelphia Inquirer as one of eight Philadelphia bands to watch for this spring.. Their album, Fighting Trees, has been proclaimed by influential WXPN PD Bruce Warren to be “the best record not released in 2007.” They have received so much press and the album hasn’t even been released yet! To learn more about The Swimmers visit, www.myspace.com/helloswimmers
- Matt Duke: a singer/songwriter who offers up an earnest blend of poignancy and emotion, accompanied by a gentle voice and acoustic melodies. After years of hard work and rigorous touring, Matt is being upstreamed to Mad Dragon’s new partner, RykoDisc. The next album is sure to be as ear-pleasing as the last. For more information visit, www.myspace.com/mattduke
- Andrew Lipke: whose plaintive croon captivates and draws you into his folky, guitar-driven acoustic rock and deeply meaningful lyrics. Andrew’s live show is a combination of a psychedelic experience and that you feeling you get while sitting next to a fire in cold of winter. It’s exciting, moving and vibrant, while soothing at the same time. His next album is due out in early 2008 on Mad Dragon Records! To learn more about Andrew, visit www.myspace.com/andrewlipke
- The Takeover U.K.: this RykoDisc artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will be stuck in your head for days. With their catchy tunes and upbeat melodies, their live show is sure to win you over. For more information visit, www.myspace.com/thetakeoveruk
Event Facts:
- What: MadKo Concerts Presents: The Redwalls, The Swimmers, Matt Duke, Andrew Lipke, The Takeover U.K.
- Where: Mandell Theater (33rd and Chestnut Street – Philadelphia)
- When: Friday, February 8, 2008 – 7:30pm
- The concert will be simulcast on WKDU 91.7 FM and at www.wkdu.org
- Cost: Tickets: $10 /FREE with valid Drexel student I.D. for Students at the Door!
- More Information: Email MadKo Concerts at madkoconcerts@gmail.com or visit Mad Dragon Records at www.maddragonrecords.com
Where's the Money: How to Find Funding for Your Independent Film
Noted author and fundraising guru, Morrie Warshawski, brings his years of in-the-trenches work with noncommercial independent filmmakers to bear on this topic that never goes out of style. Searching for and securing grants and donations is a constant and competitive battle. By the end of his lecture, you will know the upsides and downsides of each funding avenue, and what it takes to be successful at fundraising. Students, Emerging and seasoned filmmakers are welcome, and the lecture will be followed by a question and answer period, as well as a book signing by the author.
"Where's the Money: How to Find Funding for Your Independent Film" is the next Rudman Institute free event. It will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 7 PM in Stein Auditorium (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St.) in the Westphal College at Drexel University. This programming event is presented in partnership with the Philadelphia Film Office, the Film and Video Program at Drexel's Westphal College and Magnificent Minds.
Event Facts:
- What: Where's the Money: How to Find Funding for Your Independent Film
- Where: Stein Auditorium, (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St)
- Who: Morrie Warshawski
- When: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 7 PM
- Cost: FREE and open to the public
- More Information: 215-895-2629 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal
Annual Auction Benefits Arts Administration Students
The Arts Administration Graduate Student Association's (AAGA) Annual Art Auction will be held on Friday, February 8th from 7:00-10:00pm at the Paul Peck Alumni Center (32nd & Market Sts.) Now in its fifth year, the Art Auction is a unique opportunity for students, professionals, and artists to network and socialize. It is also the primary source of funding for Arts Administration students enabling them to participate in National Arts Advocacy Day.
The event features a silent art auction with original works by Philadelphia artists and admission to major Philadelphia arts institutions. An open wine and beer bar will be provided by our beer sponsor Victory Brewing Company as well as independent regional wineries. Hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment throughout the evening create a wonderful setting to spend time with members of Philadelphia's cultural community.
DETAILS
- AAGA Presents: 5th Annual Art Auction
- Friday, February 8th, at 7pm
- Paul Peck Alumni Center (32nd & Market Streets)
- Tickets: $10, available at the door
- Info: aaga@drexel.edu
An Evening of African American Music
In celebration of Black History Month, The Drexel University Gospel Choir and Jazztet present a special concert of African American Music. The concert will include selections by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Robert Watson and more. The Gospel Choir is composed of students from across all Drexel majors and the concert will include music by choir alumni who have gone on to become gospel composers in their own right.
DETAILS
- An Evening of African American Music with the Drexel Gospel Choir and Jazztet
- Sunday, February 10th, at 5pm
- Mandell Theater (33rd & Chestnut Sts.)
- FREE and Open to the Public
- Info: 215-895-ARTS
Open Mic Series Celebrates Second Anniversary
Drexel's open-mic Late Night Series (LNS) Philadelphia is turning two years old! Help LNS celebrate by performing, supporting and eating some birthday cake this Thursday, February 7th at 8:30pm in the lobby of the Creese Student Center (33rd & Chestnut Streets).
A line-up of LNS favorites will be on hand, including folk/rock artist Sonni Shine, stand-up comedian Luke Giordano and folk/punk band Everyone Except Me.
Contact Christina@latenightseries.com or visit www.latenightseries.com for more information. Interested performers should arrive at 8:00 p.m.
In Memorium: Dean Emerita Marjorie Rankin
The Drexel community was saddened to learn of the passing of Dean Emerita Marjorie Rankin on January 20, 2008. Dean Rankin resided at the Dunwoody retirement community in Newtown Square, PA. She was born in Keytesville, MO.
Dean Rankin had a long and noteworthy career at the University. She joined the Drexel faculty in 1946 as an assistant professor and served as the dean of Nesbitt College (today's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design) until her retirement in 1984.
Under Dean Rankin's leadership, the College of Home Economics was one of the first at Drexel to develop graduate studies leading to the Master's of Science degree. She received an honorary Doctor of Laws at Drexel's 1963 commencement ceremonies.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Drexel University; Russell Sage College of Troy, New York; Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square; The Caring Hospice of Fort Washington, PA; or First Church of Christ Scientist at 1915 Pine Street in Philadelphia.
Chalfant Examines Hip Hop Culture and Graffiti Art
Well known author and film maker Henry Chalfant, most noted for documenting New York City graffiti in the 1970's and 1980's, will visit Drexel's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design to discuss graffiti photography and hip-hop culture. One of the foremost authorities on New York subway art, he has published articles and lectured extensively on this and other aspects of urban youth culture. Henry's work is well documented in books such as Subway Art (with Martha Cooper) and Spray Can Art and in films: Style Wars (1984), and the recently released From Mamba to Hip-Hop; A South Bronx Tale, a film that presents the evolution of dance in Latino communities in the South Bronx.
This Event is FREE and open to the public.
Join Henry on Tuesday, February 19 at 8:00 PM in the Screening Room (028 University Crossings, 3175 JFK Blvd.) to hear and see some of the finest photography samples from a unique period of New York City’s history. For more information on the free lecture please call: 215-895-2629 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal
Event Facts:
- What: Discussion and Slideshow of Hip-Hop Culture and Graffiti Art
- Where: University Screening Room, (028 University Crossing, 3175 JFK Blvd.)
- Who: Henry Chalfant
- When: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 8 PM
- Cost: FREE and open to the public
- More Information: 215-895-2629 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal
Westphal College Welcomes Acclaimed Novelist and Screenwriter Paul Auster for the Philadelphia Premiere of THE INNER LIFE OF MARTIN FROST
Noted novelist and filmmaker Paul Auster will screen his new film THE INNER LIFE OF MARTIN FROST at the Ritz 5 Theater (214 Walnut Street, Philadelphia) on Wednesday, February 20th at 7pm. This event is presented by the Sibby Merkel Brasler Lecture Series of Drexel's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design and the Philadelphia Film Society. Following the screening, Drexel film professor Zhenya Kiperman will conduct a Q&A with Auster and the audience. Books by Auster will be available for purchase at the theater, and the writer will sign copies after the Q&A session. Admission is free, but seating is limited. RSVPs are required: 215-895-0352 or westphal@drexel.edu.
Paul Auster is the acclaimed novelist of The New York Trilogy, Moon Palace and Mr. Vertigo and screenwriter of SMOKE (winner of an Independent Spirit Award) and BLUE IN THE FACE (which he co-directed with SMOKE director Wayne Wang). His newest film THE INNER LIFE OF MARTIN FROST, which Auster wrote and directed, originally appeared in an abbreviated narrative form in his best-selling novel Book of Illusions, is the tale of a writer who seeks inspiration in the country. When he wakes up with a beautiful woman in his bed who turns out to be his muse, he finds himself inspired him to create his best work yet. And when the woman becomes seriously and strangely ill, the writer questions his own perception of reality and sanity. This intimate story within-a-story features only four actors (including Michael Imperioli of The Sopranos and Irene Jacob of Red) and Auster's distinctive gravelly voice provides the film's narration.
Auster's writing has been hailed by The New York Times as having the ability to "tickle the brains of highbrow literary critics and spin a good yarn too". The author of over sixteen works of fiction and biographies, as well as five screenplays which have been adapted for film, Auster is recognized as one of America's foremost writers.
How to Turn One into a Million
Our Digital Media Program has just acquired an important piece of new technology. In late January, technicians from Vicon installed a 12 camera motion capture system. Motion capture is a digital technique used to record human and animal movement and is revolutionizing how movies and computer games create action sequences and crowd simulations. Films like POLAR EXPRESS and BEOWULF have used motion capture as their primary production tool. Tom Hanks in POLAR EXPRESS and Angelina Jolie in BEOWOLF donned special Velcro equipped jump suits with special markers that served as reference points for motion capture cameras. As the actors moved in real time within a fixed space, digital information is recorded and then used by 3D animators to expedite the animation process saving time and money.
Vicon was the motion capture system of choice for such blockbusters as SPIDERMAN, HARRY POTTER and STAR WARS. Our new system will now be an integral part of the Digital Media curriculum. Given the already impressive track record of awards won by Digital Media students, expect to soon see the next generation of award winning student animations. And don't be surprised to see our students using motion capture in ways not yet imagined!
How Many Polish Posters Does it Take to Make an Important Collection?
Our award-winning Graphic Design Program is now home to the remarkable Polish poster collection of Professor Frank Fox. The collection contains upwards of a thousand print works of art that were created between the 1930's and the 1990's. Represented are internationally known graphic artists whose work brought Poland to the forefront of modern poster design. The collection includes posters for dozens of American movies, for sports, for tourism, for heavy industry and for consumer products. Some have subtle political undertones necessitated by a repressive communist regime, while others supported the Solidarity movement. Some of the artwork is extremely rare, and all were chosen personally by Professor Fox with an art historian's eye.
Poster art rose to a position of prominence in Poland in the late 19th century and the First International Exhibition of the Poster took place in Cracow in 1898. In recognition of the importance of Polish poster art, the First International Poster Biennale was held at Warsaw's Zacheta Museum in 1966, and two years later a museum dedicated solely to poster art was opened in Wilanow.
The collection, with important social and artistic value, will be used to support classroom engagements. The collection will also form the basis for exhibitions to be mounted here at Drexel or to be traveled to venues elsewhere. Selections from the Polish poster collection will be on display in the Pearlstein Gallery in January 2009.
Students Learn How to Get Their First Job in Television
On February 9th, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences presented a seminar entitled "How to Get Your First Job in TV" sponsored by the Westphal College's Paul F. Harron Graduate Program in Television Management. Al Tedesco, TV Management Program Director, kicked off the session speaking to the power of the medium and the demands of media management. Paul Gluck, Executive Director of the Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies, was also on hand to share his professional experiences and he stressed the importance of internships and networking. The event was held at the studios of Philadelphia's CBS KYW-TV. The TV Management Program will sponsor a similar panel in Pittsburgh on February 22nd.
Arts Administration Graduate Program to Launch Online
The arts depend on great leaders and advocates! A fair share of those leaders have graduated from Westphal College's Arts Administration Master's of Science program, which prepares the next generation of arts community leaders through a multidisciplinary approach to arts management that incorporates commerce, research and technology.
Now even the busiest professional can tailor their graduate education around their busy schedule: the M.S. in Arts Administration will launch online in September 2008.
The M.S. in Arts Administration is regarded as one of the premier academic programs of its kind in the United States. The degree allows students to obtain high-level management positions within arts and cultural organizations. Students will learn management theory and practice, as well as policy development, marketing, and fundraising for non-profit organizations.
Click here for more information about applying for the M.S. in Arts Administration.
The Swimmers' Fighting Trees: MAD Dragon's Newest Release
MAD Dragon Records' The Swimmers will release their debut on the student-run record label on March 4th. The album will be distributed nationally through Ryko/Warner. Reminiscent of 60's British pop, the Philadelphia-based quartet hint at influences such as the Kinks and the Velvet Underground and draw comparisons to contemporaries The Arcade Fire, Spoon and The New Pornographers.
In addition to numerous tour dates all over the country (see schedule here), the band will perform at the SXSW Festival in Austin, TX on March 14th and 15th.
Fighting Trees was recorded and mixed at Miner Street Studios, home of renowned Philadelphia producer Brian McTear (Matt Pond PA, Danielson, Mazarin). Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Man Man) contributed additional tracking and the rest was recorded in Swimmers frontman Steve Yutzy-Burkey's home studio. The resulting record thoughtfully expands on the indie-rock aesthetic, trading in the patented gurgling vocals marred in reverb for crystal-clear melodies and choruses that wouldn't sound out of place on the Beatles' Revolver. The sound of Fighting Trees has earned the band a spot on Magnet's "Ten to Watch" list for the coming year.
For more information: www.maddragonrecords.com
Renaissance Revelry at 18th Annual Madrigal Dinner
Travel back to 1608 and see what a Saturday night was like for the nobles. The 18th Annual Madrigal Dinner (presented by the Department of Performing Arts) will be served and sung on Friday, February 22nd and Saturday, February 23rd in Drexel's Great Court (located in the Main Building) at 7:30PM
Each evening features student performers costumed in Renaissance garb and hearty meals common to the era. This year's menu includes a host of appetizing Elizabethan dishes including Mulled Cider, North African Pork Chop or Poached Salmon, Potage Jacqueline with Butternut Squash, Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Turnips, Peas, Artisanal Bread, and Upside Down Warm Apple Tart. Following the fine feast, the Chamber Singers will delight guests with the sounds of Elizabethan Madrigals, French chansons, English ballads and lute songs.
DETAILS
- 18th Annual Madrigal Dinner
- Friday, February 22nd and Saturday, February 23rd, at 7:30pm
- Great Court (Main Building, 3141 Chestnut Street)
- Tickets: $21.95
- For tickets and info: 215-895-ARTS
- Reserve your ticket early - this event will sell out!
Student Run means Student Fun:
If music and radio are your things, then come hang out and get to know the WKDU staff this Thursday, February 28th as the station holds an open house from 5-7 PM in the Creese Student Center Lobby. WKDU is the radio voice of Drexel University, housed here in the Westphal College. If you feel you have the skills to be behind the mic hosting your own show or want to work behind the scenes, then stop by and find out how you can become part of our exciting student run station. WKDU is holding its open house for all students in the Drexel community.
DETAILS:
- WKDU, open house
- Thursday, February, 28, 5-7 PM
- Creese Student Center Lobby (3210 Chestnut St.)
- For more information, please visit www.wkdu.org or e-mail newtowkdu@gmail.com.
Television Management Students Conduct Panel on Global Media
CNN's Jim Clancy to deliver keynote address at Global Challenges Conference
Graduate students in the Television Management program will lead a panel on Global Media as part of the Student Conference on Global Challenges 2008: Responsibility and Empowerment on February 29th. Drexel's Office of International Programs sponsors the event.
The one-day conference will examine such global issues as health, justice and human rights, business trends, technology and media through a series of workshops and panels. The keynote speech will be delivered by Jim Clancy, International Anchor with CNN.
Kingsley C. Onwuemenyi of Nigeria, a Television Management graduate student, will moderate a panel that will focus on the impact of global media and news programming on the international flow of information. Close attention will be paid to news coverage of the Middle East by such international news organizations as CNN and Al Jazeera.
Faculty participants will include Dr. Mary Ebeling, Assistant Professor of Culture and Communication, and Albert Tedesco, Director of the Paul F. Harron Graduate Program in Television Management.
DETAILS
- Student Conference on Global Challenges 2008: Responsibility and Empowerment
- Friday, February 29th, 8:30am - 4:30pm
- (View entire schedule: www.drexel.edu/oip)
- Keynote speaker: Jim Clancy, CNN at 3pm
- Edmund Bossone Research Enterprise Center (32nd and Market Sts.)
- Breakfast and lunch served
- FREE and Open to the Public
- For info and registration: www.drexel.edu/oip or 215.895.2473
The Drexel Players present: Lend Me A Tenor by Ken Ludwig
Don't miss one of the four performances starting this weekend at the Mandell Theater of the hilarious story of what happens when you're late, you've had too much to drink and everyone else needs you to shine.
Through a series of hilarious mishaps, Tito Morelli, world famous tenor, has passed out on the night he is to give his greatest opera performance to date. Panic sets in, and a variety of exciting events unfold that lead to two tenors, two sexy ladies, and more confusion than anyone is prepared to handle. Find out what the poor general manager of the Cleveland Opera Company must do, because the show must go on!
DETAILS:
- Lend Me a Tenor
- Mandell Theater, 33rd & Chestnut Sts, Drexel University
- February 28-March 2, 2008
- Thursday, February 28, 2008, 8:00 PM
- Friday, February 29, 2008, 8:00 PM
- Saturday, March 1, 2008, 8:00 PM
- Sunday, March 2, 2008, 2:00 PM
- Tickets: $5 - $10
- Box Office: 215-895-ARTS
- Tickets are on sale Monday, February 25. Box Office Hours are 2-5 PM, Monday, February 25 through Friday, February 29 and one hour before curtain