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Lifestyles reporter Shea Conner covers mainly arts and entertainment for St. Joe Live and writes for the Diem section.

He was born and raised in Newton, Iowa, where he was editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper.

He graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2008 with a degree in journalism and began working for the News-Press a month later.

When Shea isn't watching movies or checking out new bands, he cheers on his favorite teams: the Iowa Hawkeyes, Miami Dolphins and Chicago Cubs.

Recent Stories

An eclectic selection

Cafe Acoustic hosts classical guitarists Michael Lich and Cale Hoeflicker

When guitarists Michael Lich and Cale Hoeflicker perform at Cafe Acoustic on Sept. 9, they will perform classical music, bluegrass, jazz and funk written by composers from as far away as Paraguay, France and the East Indies.

Entertainment briefs for Sept. 3, 2010

Review: 'Going the Distance'

Typical rom-com sprinkles in moments of man humor

“Going the Distance” will undoubtedly appeal to both sexes. The ladies will flock to see a sweet romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and guy-next-door Justin Long. The guys will fork over $8, $9 or $10 to watch a raunchy laugher with “Saturday Night Live” star Jason Sudeikis and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” wild card Charlie Day. But everyone will leave the theater feeling like they didn’t get the best of either world.

An exercise in modesty

Q & A with M. Ward of She & Him

Most who have heard of the indie folk duo She & Him know it as actress Zooey Deschanel's ("(500) Days of Summer," "Yes Man," "Elf") music project. Guitarist and producer M. Ward — the duo's other half — would like to keep it that way. Deschanel and Ward met on the set of the film "The Go-Getter" and immediately hit it off. Deschanel admitted to Ward that she had recorded tons of home demos, but never did anything with them. Ward, who had worked with Neko Case, Bright Eyes and My Morning Jacket among many others, took a listen. And the rest is history.

Under the radar

Veteran guitarist Alejandro Escovedo to perform at Record Bar

It’s shocking how few people know who Alejandro Escovedo is. After all, the guy’s been a renowned guitarist and songwriter for nearly four decades. He got his start with The Nuns in San Francisco in 1975. Not only did The Nuns share the stage with The Ramones, but the rock outfit opened the Sex Pistols’ final concert.

The gag reel

Screenland events add a touch of humor to beloved movies

Kansas City’s Screenland theaters are offering a movie experience like no other in the area. No, Screenland hasn’t discovered the science of 4-D movie screens or invented smell-o-vision. (We can dream, can’t we?) What’s being offered is much, much funnier. Every month, a Screenland Roast and a Screenland Slam are hosted in one of the company’s three theaters. Both events feature local comedians who make fun of films while they’re being played on the big screen, much like the hit cult film “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”

Entertainment briefs for Aug. 27, 2010

On their way up

Brookroyal and Within Reason visit Hammerjacks Saturday

Two bands will come to Hammerjacks Rock-N-Roll Sports Bar Aug. 28 who collectively have shared the stage with Disturbed, Shinedown, Papa Roach, Breaking Benjamin, Evanescence, Chevelle, Drowning Pool, Halestorm, Framing Hanley, Filter, Seether, Saliva, Saving Abel, Staind, Sum 41, Three Days Grace, 10 Years, 12 Stones and Black Stone Cherry among many others. To say Brookroyal and Within Reason are on the verge of hard rock stardom would be an understatement. Just about everyone wants a piece of them.

Concert kings

Five acts headline main stage at Trails West!

Five acts will headline the main stage at the Trails West! Arts and Music Festival this weekend. Here’s a little bit about each of them.

Shea Conner

Lifestyles Reporter