stjoelive.com | Stories for August 2009

Monday's Prep

Rookie keeper makes impact for Griffon soccer

Jeff Hansen has a big decision to make. After his team lost 3-1 to Newman on Saturday in the Bearcat Classic at Northwest Missouri State, the Missouri Western women's soccer coach decided Sunday to give freshman Joyce Endicott an opportunity to be in goal. Endicott responded with a 2-0 shutout as the Griffons evened their record going into the second weekend of the season.

Nurski, Haskell unable to qualify for Mid-Amateur

Brian Haskell and Brad Nurski each failed to qualify for the U.S. Mid-Amateur on Monday at the Golf Club at Creekmoor, but the disappointment came in two different forms for the St. Joseph golfers. With only two players from the 24-player sectional field advancing, Haskell missed a playoff for the second spot by one stroke, shooting a 1-over 73. Nurski started his round with a double bogey and didn't make his only birdie until the final hole. He shot a 6-over 78.

The Shuffle: A game in the life

Since digital music is king, it seems a bit funny that The Beatles, the biggest band of all time, have basically steered clear of it. Even now, if you try to find the group's music on iTunes, they are the digital music store's one glaring omission. But last fall, the Fab Four showed they are embracing the digital age - and in a surprising and unexpected way. Of course, unless you don't own a television or computer, you already know what I'm referring to. On Sept. 9, 2009, The Beatles will release "The Beatles: Rock Band." The music game will feature a career-spanning 45 tracks, taking you through every phase of the band's legendary career and giving gamers the chance to play as John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Sunday's Local Sports

Saturday's Prep

Griffons get some relief in blowout

Missouri Western hasn't had this luxury in a long time. The Griffons virtually cleared their bench Thursday night in a 49-14 blowout against Northern State, keeping their starters mostly healthy and rested while taking a good, hard look at their younger players. "We've always let people back in the game and had to play starters in the second half," coach Jerry Partridge said. "We never have this. (Quarterback) Drew Newhart was out in middle of the second quarter, and (linebacker) Sean Whiters was out in the middle of the second quarter. When you can sit your two leaders on offense and defense, that's huge."

GAME BLOG: Winnetonka 14, Central 7

A bizarre first-quarter situation became ost in the late-game drama at Noyes Field. While seeking a tying score late against the Griffins, a nullified touchdown still stood out in the Indians' season-opening loss. Central didn't tally a tying score in the fourth quarter but saw one wiped away in the first. Down 6-0 after Darrell Jobe's 75-yard touchdown run on the game's second play, Central appeared to have it tied up and in position to take a one-point lead 10 minutes later. Here's how it happened:

Friday night football roundup

DeKalb encountered its first dose of adversity within seconds of its season's opening. Norborne ran right at the Tigers, and opened up a two-touchdown lead before DeKalb responded. Tigers running back Brent Bush then ignited the DeKalb attack, and DeKalb rebounded for a 50-12 victory.

Benton fights through mistakes, stops Grandview

Benton fought the good fight Friday night in their season-opening game against Grandview. For most of the night, the Cardinals fought their own special teams issues, some missed tackles, even a going-in-for-a-score fumble on the Bulldogs 4-yard line in the second quarter. But through the muck and mire, Benton got two touchdown runs from junior quarterback Matt Pritchett and had two game-saving defensive stands in the fourth quarter to come from behind and knock off a stout Bulldog team 14-12 in front of 1,000 fans at Sparks Field.

Mound City stops St. Joseph Christian

Gage Rosier and company had no intentions of making a statement. Not in this fashion, anyway. But the defending state champion Panthers sent a resounding shot across the bow to the rest of the 8-man world when they throttled St. Joseph Christian on Friday night at Ceglenski Field, 34-0. Even with a new cast of characters filling new positions, Mound City (1-0) rolled up 380 yards of offense against a stout Lion line and ran away with the contest midway through the third quarter.

Mid-Buchanan rolls past Bishop LeBlond

Mid-Buchanan leaned on Alex Whitmore on Friday night, and Whitmore's three rushing touchdowns handed the Dragons the edge in a 32-6 victory against Bishop LeBlond. The Dragons wasted no time as they mounted a 12-play opening drive, which Whitmore capped with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Dragons led 6-0 after a failed conversion. The Golden Eagles' first drive wasn't as successful when starting quarterback Mike Lierz threw an interception on LeBlond's first play - Lierz's first attempt - and the Dragons capitalized with a field goal.

Central's rally falls just short

Despite an inconsistent, occasionally disastrous offensive performance, Central managed to stay close enough to Winnetonka to make Friday night's season-opener interesting until the final play. Central ran the final four plays inside Winnetonka's 20-yard line with a chance to scrap together a tying score. But quarterback Ryan Wallace's final three passes went incomplete, including a fourth-down interception as time expired in the Indians' 14-7 loss at Noyes Field. Prior to the final drive, Central only had five first downs and saw seven drives end with a three-and-out.

Lafayette manhandles Kansas City Central

Lafayette sat in the driver's seat for nearly all 48 minutes of it's 35-0 win over Kansas City Central on Friday night at Alumni Stadium. However, mistakes plagued the Fighting Irish from the opening kick. Quarterback Tim Nelson threw an interception, and the Irish fumbled the ball six times - recovering all but one - and committed 12 penalties for 115 yards. "I'm ecstatic with the win," Irish coach Paul Woolard said. "But it's one of those kind of wins that you like to have because you can be positive about the 'W' and still be pretty upset about all the things we need to clean up.

Friday's High School Football Boxes

The fair that's not far

The Northwest Missouri State Fair kicks off five days of activities next week

Let's do a quick recap, shall we? You've had opportunities to check out some aerial acrobatics, country stars and one-of-a-kind fireworks at the Amelia Earhart Festival in July. Last weekend, Trails West! gave people a chance to peruse local and regional art and see up-and-coming country stars, a blues guitar prodigy and a signature '80s band. As for the Missouri State Fair earlier this month, you may have missed all that simply because it was too far of a drive. But this weekend, if you are willing to drive a little over an hour north of St. Joe, you can check out both mainstream rock and country acts, livestock and art shows and enough motorsports to give your clothes the permanent scent of burning gasoline.

'Halloween II': A horrific vision

Director Rob Zombie talks about his bigger, better sequel

Hollywood has had absolutely no problem taking iconic horror films and remaking them for a quick buck. But one look at heavy metal boogie man/horror director Rob Zombie's re-imagining of slasher icon Michael Myers in 2007's "Halloween" and you knew that he wasn't just cashing in. He was trying to make something great and undoubtedly his own.

Missouri Western-Northern State Box Score

City high school previews

Capsule look at city high school matchups

Entertainment calendars for Aug. 28, 2009

A new attitude

Weezer prepares for tour with Blink-182, release of new album

Weezer is considered a musical icon by many. Bands such as Manchester Orchestra and Brand New consider the L.A. alt-rock group a major influence. With that being said, Weezer doesn't open for other acts too often. But when the group's friend, Tom DeLonge (Angels and Airwaves), decided to re-unite with his Blink-182 buddies for a summer tour, the geek rock gods couldn't resist the the supporting offer.

We recommend for Aug. 28, 2009

Northwest rally falls short at Abilene Christian

ABILENE, Texas - Another year, another stormy start for Northwest Missouri State. In a game delayed by severe weather, the Bearcats' offense sputtered during Blake Bolles' first start at quarterback and couldn't muster enough points during a season-opening loss Thursday night at Abilene Christian, 19-14. For the third time in as many years, the Bearcats opened their season with a loss. Despite an excellent defensive effort, Northwest (0-1) saw its chance to topple Abilene crumble thanks to some untimely turnovers and penalties strewn throughout the contest. A fumble and an interception by Bolles led to first-half touchdowns by the Wildcats, while penalties routinely stripped the Bearcats (1-0) of crucial opportunities.

Thursday's Prep Sports

Western romps past Northern St.

Quarterback Drew Newhart tied a Missouri Western record with five touchdown passes Thursday night, and he needed less than a half of play to do it. Newhart, a junior from Cameron, Mo., got strong running from Thomas Hodges and Michael Hill, then went to the air to put the points on the board in a 49-14 romp against Northern State. Newhart found Adam Clausen, who played in the place of the injured Andrew Mead, for two of the scoring strikes - covering 30 and 14 yards. He connected with David Fowler, Cedric Houston and Ferrell McGhee on the others as the Griffons (1-0) put this one away by halftime.

Area game previews

Capsule look at featured Northwest Missouri high school matchups

St. Joseph Christian looking to avenge last season's loss

Sitting in the interview room at Edward Jones Dome, David Welchert and Luke Mathes didn't have the look of crestfallen runners-up. The pair of St. Joseph Christian standouts grinned at times behind the microphones nine months ago while discussing the Lions' loss to Mound City in the 8-man state championship. Despite a 48-16 loss. The pair of Christian juniors had plenty to be pleased with after avoiding the type of embarrassing blowout the team suffered during Week 1. "On the scoreboard, it looked kind of lopsided, but we could tell we were playing with them," Mathes said. "It's just a couple things here and there, and we're right there."

Eats: Old-time ambiance

If you want to go to a place that has good deli sandwiches and great live music, then Magoon's is the place to go.

Expanding the concept

The local quartet Jazz Express performs at Foster's Saturday

People are conditioned to make assumptions based on what they see. They see four young guys setting up to perform with mainly electric instruments, they might think they're going to hear some sub genre of rock. But by the time the local quartet Jazz Express play their last note, the audience is usually surprised - and appreciative.

This is: Untitled by Jacob W. Schildtknecht

Now that 22-year-old artist Jacob W. Schildtknecht has graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute, he's been craving reconnection.

A lunch to remember

First Presbyterian Church hosts an eclectic collection of noontime concerts

First Presbyterian Church of St. Joseph will kick off the 11th year of First Thursday Noon Concert Series on Thursday, Sept. 3. Director Jerry L. Anderson says the series is an outlet in which the Missouri Western music faculty and alumni can perform. It also provides those folks who don't like to attend night concerts an opportunity to listen to live music.

The Shuffle: Hype or revolution?

I always end up driving down to Kansas City a few times a month to screen films so that you lovely St. Joe Live readers can have a local opinion for a change. But most of the time I drive down there, I'm at least seeing a full-length feature. So, what would compel me to make the hour-plus drive to a KC theater to see a mere 15-minutes of a film that's coming out in December? James Cameron, that's why.

Entertainment briefs for Aug. 28, 2009

Backyard bonanza

Save money and have a ball playing games on the lawn

The summer humidity is fading away and fall's cool winds are approaching, which means it's the best time of year to play outdoor games. But there are far more than the typical croquet and lawn darts. Whether you're hanging out with the guys or with the kids, there are backyard games for any occasion.

Another slip up for Kansas City

KANSAS CITY - Snoozing on the way to the ballpark, David Huff was jolted by a crash. A car had lost control in the rain and slid into the side of the team bus, a startling wake-up call for the Cleveland rookie. Once Huff got to the field: crickets, just as he likes it. The left-hander threw six solid innings Wednesday, bouncing back from a bad outing and helping the Indians to a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Western, Northwest set to open season

There's something funny about season openers. While they are supposed to tell a coach a lot about what his football team will be like that year, often the scoreboard result bears little resemblance to the final product. Missouri Western defeated Northern State last season in Aberdeen, S.D., in last year's season opener, only to go into a midseason funk, falling short of 2008 expectations.

Tuesday's Local Sports

Chiefs trade for two new

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Chiefs' first-team offensive line surrendered three sacks on Friday during an exhibition loss to the Minnesota Vikings. On Monday, the Chiefs took action to address the problem. The team traded for two Miami Dolphin linemen: Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe. The Chiefs turned over an undisclosed 2010 draft choice. Alleman was a third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2007. He was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins a year ago.

Western football ready to start a more normal routine

All the night practices were great for the players and great for their parents. Workouts under the lights also were great for fans, many with children in tow, who watched the Missouri Western football team's preseason preparations. Assistant coach Jay Eilers' wife and son spent time there. So did athletic director Dave Williams and his children. But with the start of classes Monday, it will be afternoon practices from now on, and head coach Jerry Partridge couldn't be happier.

Offensive line should be Western's strength

No Roger Allen? No problem. Even though Missouri Western's standout lineman of 2008 is now wearing the uniform of the St. Louis Rams, the Griffons and head coach Jerry Partridge believe the offensive line will be one of the team's strong points this season. Maybe even better than last season.

Monday's Prep

Sunday's Local Sports

Latest defeat gives Royals major's worst home record

KANSAS CITY - Jason Kubel drove in three runs and Brian Duensing, with the help of four relievers, earned his first major league win Saturday night as the Minnesota Twins held on for an 8-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Royals went 3 for 19 with runners in scoring position while their home record in the season they unveiled $275 million in stadium renovations dropped to a major league-worst 25-38.

Griffons' WR Mead out indefinitely

Missouri Western receiver Andrew Mead is out indefinitely with a concussion. The senior suffered a concussion in high school and then another during spring ball. On Tuesday night, Mead was involved in a helmet-to-helmet collision that knocked him out.

Western's Allen adjusting to the NFL

When Otis Redding sang (Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay, the song ended up at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 100 chart. Roger Allen's rendition of The Dock of the Bay was somewhat less well received. Allen went undrafted in April and signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent. One of the first tastes the former Missouri Western right guard got of the NFL came in the familiar form of rookie hazing.

Favre flops, but Chiefs not much better

Camera flashes illuminated the Metrodome on each of Brett Favre's eight plays for Minnesota. Captured on film? Only one completed pass. Favre's debut was a dud in terms of on-field action, a predictably brief preseason performance in the 17-13 victory by the Vikings on Friday over the Kansas City Chiefs preserved by a goal line stand by the third-stringers. Cheered loudly by the same fans who used to loathe him when he played for Green Bay, Favre played two series and went 1 for 4 for a whopping 4 yards. He moved around all right and his passes had zip, just no direction.

New faces provide St. Joseph Christian a lift at their exhibition

St. Joseph Christian's Luke Mathes and South Holt's Toby Prussman didn't take long to establish themselves as players to watch this season. And David Welchert made his mark, too, as Christian dominated its three-team 8-man jamboree Friday night. The teams each had two 18-play offensive series, beginning at their own 15-yard line, and two 18-play defensive series in a round-robin format with no kicking game.

Heroics propel Lafayette at City Football Jamboree

The City Football Jamboree moved to the preseason prior to last year's edition, turning the annual event into a scrimmage with no official winner. That's done little to quell the city rivalries. During the pivotal matchup Friday between Lafayette and Central, Fighting Irish junior quarterback Tim Nelson looked at coach Paul Woolard and exclaimed, "We trying to win this." Nelson then heeded his own decree, tossing an 11-yard touchdown pass to junior Ian Toalson on Lafayette's 12th and final play against Central to give the Irish a 12-6 win against the Indians at Spratt Stadium. Lafayette also beat Benton, 6-0, and Bishop LeBlond, 24-6.

Friday's Prep Sports

First Amendment battle could possibly affect the entire outdoor community

When it comes to sportsmen and constitutional rights, the Second Amendment and firearms always seem to be at the forefront. Now there's a new battle in America involving First Amendment rights that could substantially affect the entire outdoor community and every hunter or angler in America.

Outdoorsmen need to help fight invaders

Species like zebra mussels causing trouble

I once asked a former supervisor, who was also the director of a major county parks department, how he prioritized everything his job required him to do. His response was simply, "I imagine every incident is explosive and handle the ones that will cause the biggest bang first." If you think about it, many of us operate on this same philosophy. When it comes to the outdoors, caring about the spread of invasive species is equivalent to a box of snap-pop fireworks on most of our explosive scales.

New musical blood hits Trails West! stages

The annual music and arts festival tries out some different acts

If you've gone to Trails West! in the past, you may have gotten used to hearing similar sounds and seeing the same familiar faces of bands on the festival's side stages. But this year, things have changed a bit. The faces are younger. The music is more eclectic. The vibe may be a bit different. And according to Allison Stewart, performance arts chairwoman for Trails West!, that's part of the plan.

Meet your headliners!

Trails West! features a renowned guitarist, two rising acts and an '80s icon

Trails West! schedule of events

Schedule of events for the Main, City and Family Stages at Trails West!

Kids at play

The Cool Kids find success in retro rap and relatability

Do the Chicago old school rap duo The Cool Kids think they are actually "cool kids?" Yeah, pretty much. But what they define as cool is not the untouchable, superhuman cool exuded by many of hip-hop's heavy hitters. It's a fun-loving type of accessibility that they feel their fans can relate to.

Review: 'Inglourious Basterds'

Too much yapping, not enough scalping

Let's crunch some numbers. The "Inglourious Basterds" marketing campaign is aimed at movie-goers who want to see Nazis get their big, fascist sauerkraut-loving asses kicked. That's probably about 95 percent of the American movie audience (subtracting critics).

Entertainment calendars for Aug. 21, 2009

We recommend for Aug. 21, 2009

Jamborees kick off new prep football season

After months of preparation and anticipation, football returns to St. Joseph tonight.

Northwest shifts focus to season opener against Abilene

MARYVILLE, Mo. - With the season opener at Abilene Christian just a week away, the emphasis at Northwest Missouri State's preseason football camp has shifted from learning and conditioning to actual game preparation. "Today (Wednesday) is the first day that we'll go full-go," coach Mel Tjeerdsma said of the game preparation for the Wildcats. "Now we make the total transition to scout teams."

ChiSox tag Greinke for 3 home runs, double up K.C.

CHICAGO - Jose Contreras is ready for his favorite kind of six-pack. "Hopefully, there are five more wins to come after this one," said Contreras, who made a strong bid to keep his job in Chicago's rotation Wednesday by leading the White Sox over the Kansas City Royals 4-2.

Holiday railroad

Disney's 'A Christmas Carol' Train Tour hits the rails and comes to Union Station next week

Those who don't like the fact that companies are talking about Christmas sooner and sooner each year are pretty much going to hate what Disney is doing right now. But when they find out Disney's latest promotion offers the chance to get an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at the making of its latest version of the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey - including a special sneak peek of the film - all for free, well, there might be reason to start getting into the holiday spirit.

Eats: In Greek or Italian, Lino's means "tasty"

Lino's Original Pizza & Pasta is a restaurant survivor in St. Joseph - standing the test of time and construction at East Hills Mall for 15 years.

This is: Coles Whalen

Denver-based singer/songwriter Coles Whalen, 22, used to play Big Bang Sundays at the legendary L.A. hot spot The Viper Room with her rock band, Whalen. Then, one night, they were asked change it up and go unplugged in 2002. For her, that moment served as an end to her band - but the start of something else.

Entertainment briefs for Aug. 21, 2009

The Shuffle: The (super)group mentality

Good news in the latest development of rock 'n' roll dream teams. It was announced last week that a new group has popped up comprised of some familiar faces. They're called Them Crooked Vultures (wonder how that went over in "Spellcheck"). The band will feature singer/guitarist Josh Homme from stoner metalheads Queens of the Stone Age, drummer Dave Grohl, formerly of Nirvana and current rock star frontman of Foo Fighters and keyboardist/bassist John Paul Jones, best known as the former bassist for metal gods Led Zeppelin.

Band of brothers

The "barracks" band Lovato, Skinner and Smith reunite 37 years later to perform at Trails West!

A then 19-years-old Greg Smith was hanging out in his military barracks when he was stationed in Berlin, Germany serving the U.S. Army in 1972. Fifty feet away, he heard the acoustic guitar of fellow serviceman Frank Lovato reverberating off the walls. Smith felt inspired to chime in.

They feel so alive

KISS Alive comes to Room 107 Saturday

Rusty Crewse promises the KISS Alive tribute band will adhere to fire codes when they play at Room 107 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. Still, there's quite a bit they can get away with.

Tuesday's Local Sports

MIAA represented in AFCA football poll

KANSAS CITY - Three MIAA teams appear in the top 25 of the American Football Coaches Association preseason Division II Coaches' Poll, released Monday afternoon.

Royals let multiple chances slip away against White Sox

CHICAGO - Scott Podsednik had a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning, and A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run homer in the seventh to help the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 8-7 on Monday night.

Chiefs add Lelie to expanding receiver corps

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City receiving corps is taking on a veteran look.

Royals avoid deadline with 2 of their top picks

KANSAS CITY - The Kansas City Royals announced agreements with third-round draft choice Wil Myers and fourth-round selection Chris Dwyer on Monday. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH: Two players to count on, two to watch for Western, Northwest

The only things more useless than preseason sports polls are ticket scalpers at Kauffman Stadium. That's especially true at the smaller-college level. So let's ignore the MIAA polls from earlier this month when Northwest Missouri State got a No. 1 ranking and Missouri Western sat at No. 5. Instead, we quizzed the coaches about a few players - and how prepared they showed up for practice - who will have roles in determining where the Griffons and Bearcats sit in the only poll that matters: the final conference standings.

Monday's Local Sports

Griffons move to bolster offensive line

Andrew Gilmore, one of Missouri Western's top recruits two years ago, badly wanted to play offensive line for the Griffons. The Griffons, on the other hand, badly needed him to play defensive line. So Gilmore, a standout in football and wrestling at Benton, stepped in where the Griffons needed him: at defensive tackle. But now, in Gilmore's junior year, Western needs offensive linemen. And it's finally a chance for both parties to get their wishes.

Croyle-to-Bowe connection clicks for Chiefs

KANSAS CITY - Dwayne Bowe must prefer catching passes to catching grief. The flashy wide receiver's poor work habits and inattention to detail had driven him deep into Chiefs coach Todd Haley's doghouse. But he caught five of six throws from fellow reserve Brodie Croyle on Saturday night, piling up 70 impressive yards on a rainy and sloppy yet encouraging night. Croyle was the other bright spot for Kansas City's otherwise dismal offense in a 16-10 preseason loss to Houston. Hitting 12 of 18 passes for 145 yards, he showed no ill effects from the knee surgery that ended his season last September and caused the Chiefs to trade for Matt Cassel as their starting quarterback. Croyle even took a solid hit on the knee and bounced right back up as if to say, "I didn't feel a thing."

Remembering Woodstock

What was it like being at the concert of the century?

In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon, gasoline was 35 cents a gallon, and the first message was transmitted on the Internet. It was a time of change but also rebellion. Race riots continued after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. the year before. Protests escalated across the country against the war in Vietnam. By the end of the year, winning the lottery would mean a trip to Vietnam, whether you wanted to go or not. And then there was Woodstock.

Royals slapped around again

DETROIT - Carlos Guillen doesn't know when his right shoulder will be 100 percent. For the moment, it's good enough. Guillen homered and drove in four runs to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 10-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Chiefs' offense shows little progress in exhibition opener

KANSAS CITY - Viewed through heavy rain, neither Houston nor Kansas City seemed much different from last year. While beating the Chiefs 16-10 Saturday night in the teams' first preseason game, Houston's starters looked sharp and quick, like the team that won five of its last six games in 2008. The Chiefs, for much of the night, sloshed around like the bunch who finished a franchise-worst 2-14 last season and created a job opening for new head coach Todd Haley.

Chiefs give Western boost in MIAA

Forget tourism dollars and marketing profiles and general public goodwill. The Kansas City Chiefs' plan to relocate their summer training camp to Missouri Western brings benefits in those areas - and more - but that's all been discussed, understood and accepted. The Griffons open the football season in 11 days, and that makes it the perfect time to finally talk about what the Chiefs' annual St. Joseph visit means for Western's ability to burst through to the MIAA's top echelon. Coach Jerry Partridge says, simply, "it's so huge."

Fishing for freedom: Leavenworth bass club officer answers call to duty

Hooah! Stated with a certain conviction, it's a phrase heard commonly among our service men and women. The only definition commonly found for the term states, "Referring to or meaning anything and everything except: no."

Outdoor column: Loose lips can, indeed, sink ships

On a recent fishing trip to Ontario, Canada, the lodge owner and I talked late into the night about the interesting history of the lodge. As the owner recalled the best and worst times of the past several decades, he described how the 1999 season was one of his worst, and it was partially caused by an outdoor celebrity who spoke before he thought.

Inge, Tigers walk off winners against K.C.

DETROIT - For two weeks, Jarrod Washburn thought he needed to earn his spot in the rotation with the Detroit Tigers. He took care of that on Friday night.

Bearcats kicker injures knee

Joe Schroeder, his right knee wrapped in an elastic bandage, alternatively stood on the sideline and rode a stationary bicycle while his teammates worked out this week. He is hoping that his long-awaited chance to emerge from the shadow of four-year starter Tommy Frevert and be Northwest Missouri State's No. 1 place-kicker has not been ruined.

Veterans key to Chiefs' rebuilding project

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Mike Vrabel lingered on the practice field, trading blows with defensive line coach Tim Krumrie like Rock'em Sock'em robots, pausing every few seconds to get instruction before wailing away again. Most of his younger teammates already had headed to the locker room and peeled off their pads, yet there was Vrabel, legs weary, sweat pouring off his chin, a 13-year veteran still trying to get better.

New coach Haley nervous about 1st game against Texans

KANSAS CITY - As thousands of Kansas City fans settle into their seats tonight, they'll be paying absolutely no attention to a milestone moment Todd Haley's been planning for months. Since the Chiefs hired him as their head coach, Haley has made a point of not setting foot in Arrowhead Stadium. For one thing, there's been no need to. The coaches' offices have moved out of Arrowhead into a gleaming new administration building that opened last year.

Glass says he's not contemplating changes

KANSAS CITY - Owner David Glass said Friday that he plans to clear his schedule to attend more games and see why the Kansas City Royals are having one of their most disappointing seasons in years. In an interview from his office in Bentonville, Ark., Glass said he would meet with team president Dan Glass and general manager Dayton Moore to assess the entire season, including the performance of manager Trey Hillman.

Northwest freshmen adjusting to college

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Ahhh, the college life. Sweating in the mid-day sun and trying to decide which is more difficult - hitting your new "textbook" or that 300-pound lineman staring you down from across the line of scrimmage. Northwest Missouri State's freshmen football players can look forward to all that, with little more than a Powerball play's chance of even seeing the field on game day.

A guilty pleasure face-off

Entertainment Weekly conceives tournament of guilty pleasure music acts

What is the musical artist that you're ashamed to admit you like? Is it Journey? Hannah Montana? Ace of Base?

The mystery of Marshall Mathers

Eminem's connections to St. Joe may need refreshing

St. Joseph is a city that takes pride in its famous and historic figures. It's a city that boasts the birth of the Pony Express and the death of Jesse James. It's a place Walter Cronkite and Jane Wyman once called home. Coleman Hawkins has been immortalized with a bronze statue on Felix Street. Heck, some football fans would even argue that Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder is the most notable person from our fair town. Um, what about Eminem?

A big step on a long road

The Avett Brothers eye mainstream with Rick Rubin-produced album

If you've picked up a copy of Rolling Stone or Spin Magazine lately, you may have read about the breakthrough release from the North Carolina folk-rock trio The Avett Brothers. If you've JUST read this, you may think the brothers Scott (banjo, vocals), Seth (guitar, vocals) and bassist Bob Crawford, are an overnight success. And they are - that is, if you don't count the last eight years performing their lovelorn, energy-spiked songs to the road.

Entertainment briefs for Aug. 14, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Aug. 14, 2009

Review: 'The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard'

Thanks to the cast, a comedy that's not a clunker

If "The Goods: Live Hard. Sell Hard's" cocksure salesmen were going to sell you on the movie, they probably wouldn't mention that it's basically an older model of comedy you've seen in superior predecessors with equally long titles like "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" or "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." But thanks to a strong cast of scene-stealers lead by Jeremy Piven, "The Goods," a raunchy, absurd and mostly solid comedy, is still worth driving off the lot. The rudimentary plot the comedy hangs on involves Selleck Motors, a down-and-out used car dealership in Temecula, Calif., run by Ben Selleck (James Brolin). Before the business goes belly-up in bankruptcy, the owners call in hired gun Don Ready (Jeremy Piven), a natural-born salesman/womanizer armed with a fast tongue, permanent five o' clock shadow, '70s sideburns and a Hacienda Courts Frequent Sleeper Card. He and his road-tested team - soulful teddy bear Jibby Newsome (Ving Rhames), nymphomaniac boozer Babs Merrick (Kathryn Hahn) and perverse number cruncher Brent Gage (David Koechner) - descend upon the Cali car lot to pull out all the stops on a July 4th weekend to sell the metal.

We recommend for Aug. 14, 2009

National broadcast to feature local boxers

ESPN2 features two local boxers on this week's broadcast of Friday Night Fights, including one as a co-main event.

Royals take series from Twins

MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Twins started this week with hopes of closing ground on the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. They had the lowly Kansas City Royals in town, and the Tigers were at Fenway Park to play heavy-hitting Boston. But the week quickly turned into one of missed opportunities - on the field and in the division.

Even without biggest names, Tour of Missouri ready to roll

The two most talked about cyclists in the Tour de France likely won't compete at next month's Tour of Missouri. But interest in the race hasn't soured.

Omon positioned well in Buffalo

Sure, NFL preseason games don't count for much once they tee it up for the regular season, but the Northwest Missouri State faithful can't help but bust a few buttons after Sunday night's showing by running back Xavier Omon in the Buffalo Bills' preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans. With a team-high 11 carries for 36 yards (to go with three catches for 25 yards), the former Bearcat and 2008 sixth-round draft pick got the bulk of the load during the second quarter and caught the attention of a few sports scribes and fan site pundits.

Misery business

Smile Empty Soul forges through music industry trials and tribulations

Los Angeles rockers Smile Empty Soul appeared to be destined for greatness in 2003. Behind the success of the smash hit "Bottom of a Bottle" and tours with some of the early decade's biggest rock bands, the group's second album, "Anxiety," was one of the most anticipated hard rock releases of 2005. Then, it happened.

Heavy metal babies

Seasons After stops by HammerJack's tonight

Five musicians got together to form Seasons After in Wichita, Kan., in late 2006. They quickly earned a reputation as a sound metal band with killer hooks and landed gigs at the Warped Tour in Kansas City in 2007 and 2008. At the beginning of the year, the band was signed to DBM Records. But the group is still getting acclimated to the speedy success.

The Grand mo' Opries

For country music fans and their families, opries provide live entertainment for all ages

Maybe you're a fan of old-time country, gospel and bluegrass but don't have very many places to hear these classic styles of music. Maybe you want to go out and hear live music without having to deal with a bar's smoky atmosphere and inebriated spectators. And maybe you want something to do that the whole family can enjoy and get a good meal while you're at it. In Northwest Missouri, you have numerous opportunities to do just that thanks to several opries that offer a fun, safe and lively atmosphere. "Some people ... they'd rather go to Branson (Mo.) and pay big money," says Mary Lou Snyder, manager of the Gower Goodtimers Opry in Gower, Mo. "They don't realize that there's a lot of good music in these small towns." Here are some of the opries you can check out for yourself in our area:

Chiefs' Croyle glad to get back on field after injury

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Once the trauma of his latest football injury took time to sink in-and he assures it could be measured in moments - Brodie Croyle began to assess his playing future.

Liriano shines in Twins' 7-1 win over Royals

MINNEAPOLIS - Joe Crede hit a three-run homer in his return to the lineup, Francisco Liriano had his best start in two months and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Wednesday night.

Takin' it to the street

The Lawrence Busker Festival puts a spotlight on street performers

America's economic downturn has caused people to change to their lifestyles and budgets. But for Richard Renner, producer and self-proclaimed "co-conspirator" of the Lawrence Busker Festival in Lawrence, Kan., it helped him coin a phrase.

Local radio station to switch to all-sports format

Last year, local sports fans couldn't even listen to the University of Missouri football games on the radio. This year, they're going to get a wealth of local sports on the radio, thanks to a decision by Eagle Communications, which plans to merge ESPN and St. Joseph sports. The broadcasting company is shifting the format of KSFT 1550 AM from 1960s and 70s "gold" music to all-sports. The change is planned for Aug. 25.

Tuesday's Local Sports

Local schools start fall sports practice

Dylin Anderson received two rude introductions to life in Missouri on Monday. A transfer from Georgetown, Ky., the Benton junior took not one but two bites from a garter snake during the first day of fall sports practice. Assistant coach Eric McDowell corralled the nonpoisonous serpent from Benton's practice field and released it unharmed. Cardinals' coach Matt Tabor figures Anderson's reptilian encounter which left the potential starting tackle with minor wounds can go one of two ways.

2009 HAAC Football Coaches Poll

This is: Untitled by Jesse James

The Shuffle: Knowing is half the battle

The weekend box office numbers can tell us a lot. Sure, they can let us know what the viewing public was most interested in paying its hard-earned money to see on the big-screen, but in the case of last weekend's box-office champ "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," it tells us so much more.

Baade outlasts Haskell for men's city golf title

As play backed up ahead of the final group, Derek Baade couldn't help but calculate his advantage. The recent Savannah graduate held a three-shot lead with five holes to play during Sunday's third and final round of the City Golf Championship, but five-time city champion Brian Haskell was his chaser. Baade responded by matching his veteran pursuer shot-for-shot down the stretch, closing out a 7-under 65 at Fairview Golf Course for a three-stroke victory.

Crosby's homers lift A's over Royals

KANSAS CITY - The revamped Oakland Athletics are built for speed, not power. Get on, run the bases aggressively, score whenever and however you can. This recent power surge? Not even they can explain it.

Chiefs Notebook: Team looks solid in 1st week

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - The weather's been great, the competition good, the team rounding into form. One week of training camp down and things couldn't have gone much better for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Prep activities poised to get started today

Jim Brockhoff has been biding his time for the past week and not always with an abundance of patience.

Sunday's Local Golf

In need of rescue

Facebook's young veterans are moving on

Surely, almost none of you reading this remember when Facebook was "The Facebook," a basic social network of only college students. But I do.

Thomas joins pro football's finest

CANTON, Ohio - The day Derrick Thomas died, Tony and Dawn Harper made a promise.

Lisenbee rides roller-coaster round into lead

Aaron Lisenbee's lead slipped away in a barrage of a backside bogeys. The Savannah native and Missouri Western graduate needed a lucky bounce off a tree and one magical shot with his gap wedge to fix his round Saturday afternoon at Moila Country Club. After falling behind with four bogeys in a span of five holes, Lisenbee played the final three holes in 4-under - complete with the third hole-in-one of his life on No. 17.

Greinke gets 11th win

KANSAS CITY - Zack Greinke earned his first win over an American League club since May 26, Mike Jacobs and Billy Butler each drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Oakland Athletics 12-6 Saturday night.

City Golf Championship Scores

St. Joseph duo eliminated at Heart of America tournament

When Brad Nurski and Harry Roberts both missed makable birdie putts on their second hole Friday, the St. Joseph duo knew it could be a long match in the quarterfinals of the Heart of America Four-Ball tournament. Nurski and Roberts ground out 18 holes against Jordan Smith and Keith Erickson but lost 2-up to the Olathe duo at The National Golf Club in Kansas City. Nurski and Roberts made only three birdies and bogeyed two holes, bringing their total for the tournament to four in 85 holes.

Trio of Western golfers lead at City Championship

Aaron Lisenbee made the turn and 2-under and hit only 24 total putts Friday at St. Joseph Country Club. Yet at the end of the first round of the City Golf Championship, the Savannah native looked down and saw a 1-over 72 on his scorecard. Credit that to an adventurous final nine holes. "It was pretty ugly on the back," Lisenbee said.

Bang for your buck

The Missouri State Fair offers an affordable variety of entertainment

The 2008 Missouri State Fair ended just before the economy collapsed. Now, more than ever, the fair commissioners are focused on making a day in Sedalia easier on visitors' wallets. So the staff brought back $1 day, when fair admission is $1 and several vendors sell items for a buck, on Aug. 13 and $2 Day on Aug. 20. But Tammie Nichols, the Missouri State Fair marketing director, knew it was going to take more than low admission prices to woo not only the penny-pinchers, but new audiences.

The element of surprise

Yonder Mountain String Band keeps themselves and their fans guessing

A fascination and love of bluegrass is what caused Yonder Mountain String Band banjoist Dave Johnston to pick up the instrument in the first place.

Learning as they go

Theory of a Deadman keep maturing through growing success

The title of Canadian hard rockers Theory of a Deadman's latest release, "Scars and Souvenirs," is meant to illustrate a balance of the band's significant experiences, both good and bad. However, given the band's slew of successful singles throughout their career, including the recent chart-topper "Bad Girlfriend," and their latest tour with legendary '80s rockers Mtley CrÃ¼e, the band's singer and guitarist Tyler Connolly says a lot of those "scars" are less noticeable.

Entertainment calendars for Aug. 7, 2009

We recommend for Aug. 7, 2009

Western, Northwest kick off football practice

Missouri Western's football squad took advantage of cool evening weather during a three-hour practice that finished under the lights at Spratt Stadium on Thursday. And coach Jerry Partridge liked what he saw on the team's first preseason workout. "It was a practice that moved good," Partridge said.

Softball Hall of Fame adds Mid-Buchanan coach

After nearly two decades of dominance on the softball diamond, Mark Pettegrew will get another chance to relive his remarkable run. The longtime Mid-Buchanan coach, who compiled a 291-81 record during 19 years with the Dragons, will be inducted into the MSHSAA Softball Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, Mo. Nominated for the honor by Lawson coach Tom Jacobsen, Pettegrew will be enshrined for a lengthy and fruitful coaching career that produced 18 all-state players, eight district championships and a fourth-place finish in 1999.

Western names Hall of Fame class

Missouri Western State will induct seven individuals and one team into its Athletics Hall of Fame during Sept. 19. The individuals come from baseball, football, softball and volleyball. The class includes Carl Butcher (1980-present), a former criminal justice faculty member who consistently finishes as a top fundraiser for the department; second-team NAIA All-American hitter, LeAnn Martens-Francis (1981-85); Dave Sego (1973-77), a third baseman with a career 110 RBI; Mike Solomon (1976-80), the first Griffon to sign a professional contract with the Kansas City Chiefs; Vince Thomson (1983-85), second team NAIA All-American defensive tackle; Myron Unzicker (1983-present); Myron Unzicker (1983-present), an athletic trainer who has helped out many athletes over a 25-year career at Western; Cheryl Williams-Hobbs (1984-87), second-team NAIA All-American hitter; and the first basketball team to make an NAIA national tournament appearance with three starters as NAIA All Americans (1973-74).

Nurski, Roberts keep up hot streak at Heartland Four-Ball

Brad Nurski and Harry Roberts needed a furious comeback to survive the first-round of match play Thursday during the Heartland Four-Ball Tournament. After passing that test, the St. Joseph duo found the second round a little more comfortable. Nurski and Roberts didn't lose a hole and made only one bogey in a 5-and-4 victory against Jon Platz and Matt Fitzmorris at the National Golf Club in Kansas City, propelling them into today's quarterfinals. But Nurski and Roberts wouldn't have seen the afternoon session without overcoming a three-hole deficit in the first match against Drew Carlson and Max Currnow.

Entertainment briefs for Aug. 7, 2009

More than a feeling

The Private Life of David Reed performs at Cafe Acoustic Saturday

In attempts for bands to be cooler than the next, their names can be pretty out there with little connection to the music's content.

This is: Rock-N-Rick

Home sweet home

The New Generation Singers hold homecoming concert after tour to East Coast

A road trip with sightseeing in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. and a day at Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio would be a vacation for most, but they're merely stops on a meaningful venture for the New Generation Singers.

The Shuffle: From the farm to a franchise

How many events do you know that were declared disaster areas by the government but are looked back on with not just happiness but reverence and total fascination? Personally, I can only think of one.

Hitting the court

The College Basketball Experience offers an interactive and informative look at the popular sport

With talk of the Kansas City Chiefs training camp coming to St. Joe in 2010 and football season getting ready to kick off, college basketball season is taking a backseat in the minds of most sports fans. But there is a place in Kansas City where people can experience the importance, the history and the impact of college basketball year-round. Within the confines of the Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City lies The College Basketball Experience, a 41,500-square-foot facility that focuses on every aspect of college basketball. The College Basketball Experience opened back in October 2007, which coincided with the grand opening of the Sprint Center. However, Kevin Henderson, CEO of The College Basketball Experience, says the idea originated 10 years ago when they realized that compared to professional basketball, football and baseball, college basketball wasn't getting the attention it deserved.

Roberts, Nurski stay hot at Heart of America

St. Joseph duo record 2nd straight bogey-free day to move on

Harry Roberts and Brad Nurski finished the weekend on opposite sides of a match play championship. After Wednesday's second round of the Heart of America Four-Ball tournament, the St. Joseph duo has a chance to compete for a title together. Roberts and Nurski completed a second straight bogey-free round at Kansas City's The National Golf Club, firing a 7-under 65 to match their first-round total.

Kansas City falls deeper into cellar with another loss

Davies rocked for 8 runs on 8 hits in return to majors

KANSAS CITY - Ichiro Suzuki had his major league-leading 52nd multi-hit game and Russell Branyan and Jose Lopez drove in three runs apiece to lead the Seattle Mariners to an 11-6 victory Wednesday night over the Kansas City Royals. Everyone in the Seattle lineup had a hit and only two failed to score as the Royals' home record since the All-Star break dropped to 1-10.

Local

Eats: Get your hot dogs here

I was talking to my neighbor a few weeks ago and he told me about this little place on 10th Street that had great hot dogs, so I decided to take my 11-year-old daughter with me and check this place out.

City golfers make impact at Heart of America

St. Joseph golfers mastered the first day of one of Kansas City's bigger golf tournaments, the Heart of America Four Ball. The team of Brad Nurski and Harry Roberts finished the first day of stroke play with a 7-under 65 at the National Golf Club of Kansas City. They stood in a four-way tie for fourth, two strokes back of leaders Jace Long and William Harrold. Another St. Joseph tandem, Mark Korell and Matt Thrasher, shot a 5-under, which was good enough for a share of 11th place with six other teams.

monday's local sports

Pathetic pass rush a Chief priority

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Derrick Thomas was one of the best pass rushers of a generation, a dynamic, relentless force who left quarterbacks woozy and mumbling to themselves. Teamed with defensive end Neil Smith, he made the Chiefs one of the NFL's best at getting to the quarterback. Oh, how things have changed in Kansas City. Once sack happy, the Chiefs have become sad sacks, coming off a season in which they set the standard for pass-rushing futility: 10 sacks. Thomas had at least that many seven times in 11 seasons and nearly matched it in a single game, putting Seattle's Dave Krieg on his back seven times on Veterans Day 1990.

Coaching stability key in MIAA

KANSAS CITY - Welcome to the MIAA football coaching fraternity, Aaron Vlcko, but don't expect your new band of brothers to give you a break. Vlcko became the 21st head football coach in Truman State history when he was promoted from offensive coordinator in March upon the departure of Shannon Currier. He has his work cut out for him, and he knows it. As the only new head coach in a conference with little coaching turnover, his fellow head coaches may have empathy. But Vlcko can expect little mercy.

Northwest, Pitt State top MIAA coaches' preseason poll

KANSAS CITY - The MIAA's coaches preseason poll edged a little closer to death-and-taxes status Monday - at least as its relates to the member schools from this part of the state. The conference unveiled its 2009 poll during the annual football luncheon Monday at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, and in a result that's about as shocking as sun rises and steroid revelations, the coaches picked Northwest Missouri State to finish first and Missouri Western to place fifth. The Bearcats received eight first-place votes, while the other two went to Pittsburg State. Coaches can't vote for their own teams.

The best seat in the house

The basic building blocks to creating the movie theater experience at home

The economy may still be in the tank, but that hasn't stopped people from going to the movies. And pretty much nothing beats the experience of checking out a film on the big screen. But home theater technology is quickly catching up. With high-definition flatscreens, kicking surround-sound systems and emerging Blu-ray technology, an investment in creating the theatrical experience in your home could be well worth it for movie-lovers who don't want to leave the house to get a total immersive experience. So, if you want to build your home theater, we'll tell you what you'll need to get and what to look for in the process.

sunday's local sports

Cassel thrilled to be with Chiefs

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Whenever he's not throwing passes at training camp, new Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel can usually be found just off the hip of Todd Haley, talking in the coach's ear. Not just a few words here and there. Like an excited preschooler talking about a new toy.

Royals resurrect offense to rally past Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Kansas City's late offensive outburst cost James Shields more than a victory. John Buck ended Shields' bid for a no-hitter with a leadoff single in the eighth inning, Mitch Maier drove in three runs and the Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 on Sunday.

Roberts sinks putt on 18 for SJCC title

Harry Roberts hovered over a 6-foot downhill birdie putt on No. 18. The veteran golfer knew exactly what to expect, but Roberts lingered maybe just a couple of extra seconds, knowing he needed to make it to secure St. Joseph Country Club's Club Championship for a fourth time.

Irina Falconi claims 2nd USTA title in as many days

Irina Falconi defeated Caitlin Whoriskey two times in two days in The Heartland Clinic USTA Women's Classic single-elimination tournament at the Noyes Tennis Complex. Falconi accomplished this feat on Sunday by defeating Whoriskey 6-3, 6-3 in the singles championship.

Roberts, Nurski advance to semis of SJCC tourney

Unseasonably low temperatures, a brisk breeze and cool play all marked the quarterfinals of St. Joseph Country Club's Club Championship.

Falconi wins doubles, reaches singles final

Irina Falconi was doubly successful Saturday. The Georgia Tech player advanced to the finals in the singles bracket and earned a share of the doubles title at the Heartland USTA Women's Classic.

Mustangs make believers of skeptics

Ryan Hook looked with dubiousness on the St. Joseph Mustangs' invitation to join their inaugural club this year. He watched the St. Joseph Blacksnakes' debacle - the embarrassing meltdown that left Phil Welch Stadium vacant during summer 2008. "I was pretty iffy when they first approached me," said Hook, a South Side native who plays for Western Kentucky. "I was around the Blacksnakes, and I saw what happened. I didn't want to be a part of an organization like that."

Succop hasn't locked up kicking spot just yet

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - When the Kansas City Chiefs released Connor Barth just before the start of training camp, it appeared the competition for kicker was over. The job was rookie Ryan Succop's. Not so fast.

Rays rookie baffles punchless Royals

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Jeff Niemann is not pitching like a typical rookie. Niemann worked eight dominant innings for his 10th win, Carl Crawford hit a two-run homer and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Saturday.

Kansas City looking for solution after Gonzalez's departure

RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Trent Green did it. Damon Huard, too. Even Brodie Croyle in his limited time under center. Anyone who's played quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs the past dozen years has relied on Tony Gonzalez to bail them out of a tight spot. That luxury isn't there anymore. Traded to Atlanta, Gonzalez will be catching passes from Matt Ryan this season instead of Kansas City's new quarterback, Matt Cassel.

No sweat for Tampa during Rays' rout

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - David Price doesn't have an answer why most of his success during his rookie season has come at Tropicana Field Price allowed one run over seven innings and Carlos Pena hit a three-run homer to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to an 8-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Stories for August 2009

Monday, August 31

Sunday, August 30

Saturday, August 29

Friday, August 28

The Northwest Missouri State Fair kicks off five days of activities next week

Director Rob Zombie talks about his bigger, better sequel

Weezer prepares for tour with Blink-182, release of new album

Thursday, August 27

The local quartet Jazz Express performs at Foster's Saturday

First Presbyterian Church hosts an eclectic collection of noontime concerts

Save money and have a ball playing games on the lawn

Tuesday, August 25

Monday, August 24

Sunday, August 23

Saturday, August 22

Friday, August 21

Species like zebra mussels causing trouble

The annual music and arts festival tries out some different acts

Trails West! features a renowned guitarist, two rising acts and an '80s icon

The Cool Kids find success in retro rap and relatability

Too much yapping, not enough scalping

Thursday, August 20

Disney's 'A Christmas Carol' Train Tour hits the rails and comes to Union Station next week

Wednesday, August 19

The "barracks" band Lovato, Skinner and Smith reunite 37 years later to perform at Trails West!

KISS Alive comes to Room 107 Saturday

Tuesday, August 18

Monday, August 17

Sunday, August 16

What was it like being at the concert of the century?

Saturday, August 15

Friday, August 14

Entertainment Weekly conceives tournament of guilty pleasure music acts

Eminem's connections to St. Joe may need refreshing

The Avett Brothers eye mainstream with Rick Rubin-produced album

Thanks to the cast, a comedy that's not a clunker

Thursday, August 13

Smile Empty Soul forges through music industry trials and tribulations

Seasons After stops by HammerJack's tonight

For country music fans and their families, opries provide live entertainment for all ages

Wednesday, August 12

The Lawrence Busker Festival puts a spotlight on street performers