Post on 30-May-2018
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
1/16
the VOX:
1959-2009: 50 YEARS OF WTUL
Summer 2009
A Publication of: FREE
The Rat Hair Issue
wtulneworleans.com
are you?
MyNameisJohnMichael: New Orleans Next Rising Stars? Interview with Ooops the Clown Peter Murphy (of Bauhaus) Show Review A Review of White Noise: A Cautionary Musical
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
2/16
08/15/2009
08/15/200908/15/2009
08/15/2009
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
3/16
Contribution form:
Name: ____________________ Phone: ____________________
AMOUNT CONTRIBUTED:
Address: ____________________
$500 $250 $100 $50 $25
____________________
Please send to: The Vox
WTUL New Orleans 91.5 FM Other: ____________Tulane University Box 5069
New Orleans, LA 70118
(donate at least$100.00for this gift + marathont-shit + compilation CD)
WTUL Old School Block Logo
White Logo on Blue T-shirt
(donate at least $50.00to be eligible for this gift +
Compilation CD)
WTUL 2009 Marathon T-shirtThis years Marathon t-shirt reflects 50 years of WTUL
and is on an asphalt colored American Apparel t-shirt
(Donate at least $25.00 for this gift)
WTUL Songs from the Basement,Vol. 7 Compilation CDOur annual local compilation - this year featuring: Clint Maedgen + 9, Good Guys, Impenus, Spickle,
Good Guys, One Man Machine and more!!
(donate at least $150.00 for this gift + old school blocklogo shirt + marathon t-shit + compilation CD)
WTUL Looking Back on 50 years Coffee Table Book
Photos, stories, etc. collected from alum and current
WTUL staff compiled in full color 7x7 coffee table book
WTULs 2009 Special Gift CatalogWTUL New Oreans 91.5 FM is New Orleans only free-form non-commercial radio station. Weve counted on you for 50 years to make donations.
Make a Donation to WTUL. Get a gift.
Your donation helps to keep WTUL going. The more you donate the more you receive.Get the total package of everythingWTUL for only $150.
All orders over $50 will also receive
WTUL buttons and bottle openers
Or Donate online @ wtulneworleans.com
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
4/16
Sponsors
Andrew Bizer, Attorney at Law
Fresco
The Mushroom
ContributorsAaron Burns
Tom Connor
Deborah Dixon
DJ Babybat
Myrna Enamorado
Kyle Hellstrom (DJ Indecisive)
Ray Moose Jackson
Hannah Sparks Ranck
Brian Zeigler
Associate EditorsPerrey Lee
Kristin Lekki
Art Director
Myrna Enamorado
Editor-in-Chief
Kyle Barnett
PEOPLELetter from the General Manager
Letter from the Editor
(Cover Design by Kristin Lekki with drawing Rat Hair by Myrna Enamorado. All other graphics throughout the publication provided by Myrna Enamorado.
Tells us what you think. Send comments to voxwtul@gmail.com.
Disclaimer
AddressThe opinions expressed in this magazinedo not represent those of WTULNew Orleans, or of Tulane University.
Really, we dont even like Tulane, we
just go here. We think they take too
much of our money and keep putting
us in the basement. Never put WTUL
in the basement.
Letter from the General Manager
WTUL New Orleans, 91.5 FM
Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA 70118-5555Office: (504) 865-5885
Studio: (504) 865-5887
www.wtulneworleans.com
voxwtul@gmail.com
Dear Readers,
This upcoming year at WTUL is going to be an
exciting one, for both our Airstaff and you the loyal
listener. We will be piloting a lot of new events inthe station and out in the community:
WTUL is planning to become a part of VooDoo Mu-
sic Festival this upcoming fall, partnering with Free
Yr Radio to bring three days of exciting broadcast-
ing straight from the fairgrounds. Our broadcast will
include hourly artist interviews and live sets!
WTUL will also be getting closer to our fellow
independent progressive broadcasters, attending
the annual Collegiate Broadcasters Incorporated inAustin at the end of October. The conference will be
attended by independent and progressive broadcast-
ers from all of the U.S., and will be an opportunity
for WTUL to learn from our peers (plus hang out in
Austin!).
As always, well have our annual Marathon in the
spring. Marathon is our exciting fundraising event
where we hold concerts and event all across thecity! During marathon, we even let three lucky DJs
broadcast live for a full 24 hours.
And last but not least, we officially begin our digi-
tization process this summer with our CD and Vinyl
collections, a process that has been long awaited and
we are overjoyed to begin.
Of course theres always a ton going on over at the
station, and its all for you!
Thank you for all the support,
Patrick Townsend
General Manager
WTUL New Orleans
Wellits summertime, but the living aint easy. I
didnt know it ever got this hot in Louisiana. Every-
day I come home and am tempted to cut my sweat-
soaked shirt off with a pair of scissors rather than
fight to pull it over my head. Maybe that is why it
took me an extra month to get this issue of the VOX
out. I am sure all of you have been waiting eagerly.
That is if you realized we were back in print after
an unfortunate year-long hiatus that ended with the
publication of our Marathon issue in March.
In this second issue of my term as Editor-in-Chief
of the VOX I have been lucky enough to gather atalented crew of writers and artists around the print
version of WTUL to make a case for its continuance
as a project of our station. It isnt cheap to print this
thing, but the product justifies the price and I am
pretty happy with this issue. I hope you are too.
If you have any comments or questions or think you
can help us with further issues (READ: ADVERTIS-
ING) please direct them toward me at voxwtul@
gmail.com. In the meantime take a look at our
merchandise on the previous page to get some ultra
good swag like our compilation CD of cutting edge
local musicians on WTUL Songs from the Basement
Vol. 7 and help us out at the same time. We cant do
it without you, the listener (and now again the reader
too).
Kyle B.
.BackgroundphotobyEricMartinez.
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
5/16
Table of Contents2 - Merchandise Page (Please support us!)
3 - Letter from the General Manager and
Editor - List of Contributors
5 - MyNameisJohnMichael: New Orleans
Next Rising Stars? by Aaron Burns
6 - Peter Murphy: Time Has Got Nothing To
Do With Itby DJ BabyBat
WTUL by the Numbers by Deborah Dixon
7 - MyBestMixCD
by Hannah Sparks Ranck
8 - Interview with Alley Ooops (aka Ooops
the Clown) by Myrna Enamorado
11 - an opening for the rose of jericho (poem)
by Ray Moose Jackson
Six Degrees of Deborah by Deborah Dixon
12 -A Trip to the Grocery Store in Three
Character Sketches by Tom Connor
13 -Bikes and Zines: A Trip to 511 Marignyby Kyle Hellstrom
A Review of White Noiseby Kyle Barnett
14 -Bitter Ink (cartoon)
by Ray Moose Jackson & Brian Zeigler
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
6/16
On June 25th, in the dimly lit cloud of smoke known as Tipitinas Uptown, I was
one of a few hundred people to witness New Orleans rising stars Mynameis-
johnmichael (MNiJM) put on an hour and half set of pure electricity.
Surrounded by a crowd far too young and too big for a summertime show in
New Orleans, I found myself dancing, singing, jumping and pumping my fist
like it was 1976 and I was at a Springsteen show in New Jersey. With every
catchy chorus and thumping rhythm, this band of six kids no older than 25proved themselves to be unique, driven, and, above all else, important. I was far
from being the only new fan they won over that night. As I hung around like a
15-year-old girl to meet the band and tell them just how refreshing they were, I
talked to a middle
aged couple
who had just
seen MNiJM
for the first time
and were blown
away.
Ive never
heard anything
like that in New
Orleans, said
the flush-faced
man.
I thought they
were from New
York or LA, his
wife added.
The band grace-
fully side steps
the token New
Orleans stamp
by offering a
sound that is
more American
Hollywood than
Cajun. With
their intoxicating
stage presence
and pop sensibil-
ity, they could
easily excite
show-goers anywhere. Fans new and old of all sizes, shapes, and ages hung
around after the show completely mystified because what they saw was some-
thing so out of the ordinary that it seemed unthinkable that this indie-rock/pop
group could possibly be made up of Crescent City natives.
The charm of Mynameisjohnmichael has nothing to do with reinventing thewheel. Their music is at times an Arcade Fire like anthemic blast of horns,
voices, and cymbals. The calculated melodies reach far outside the barrier of
their surroundings. These kids paid great attention to every detail of every song
and managed to mesmerize the audience. Although New Orleans musicians are
known for extensive jamming, Mynameisjohnmichaels set did not feature a
single solo all night. The jazz and funk that defines the Tipitinas scene hangs its
hat on freeform party music. This group paid great attention to every detail of
every song and managed to repeatedly captivate the audience 3 to 5 minutes at a
time.
Most of the music we encounter in the Big Easy has a heavy emphasis on instru-
mentals while the true heart of MNiJMs music lies in their timely and impecca-
bly executed harmonies and carefully placed horns. Their set, a swirl of slowed
down synth tunes, stadium rockers, and introspective lyric driven melodies, was
clearly mapped out long in advance. The seductively smooth Her, I Think
beckons the listener to lean in and listen attentively before the uproarious chorus
(backed by vocalist Teddy Tif Lamson of opening band Givers) speeds the heartup a few bpms. The group vocals on Misery Runs and Nothing But Memo-
ries inspire the listener to jump up and down like a five year old at a birthday
party from the first note. With their effervescent stage presence added into the
mix, it was easy to
tell that they were
having fun and that
they believed in ev-
ery word they sang
and every note they
played. All of this
combined into one
set makes these guys
masters of manipu-
lating the emotion
of an audience and
puts the six people
on stage in complete
control of the crowd.
Although the story
of MNiJM can notbe written without
due credit given to
all six members, it
also cannot be told
without focusing on
front-man and name-
sake John Michael
Rouchell. Humble
and a bit shy in
person, Rouchell
explodes onto stage
like a gladiator go-
ing into battle. His
curly afro swings
back and forth as he
belts out every note with a passion that proves hes not just singing, hes testify-
ing. His earnestly delivered lyrics on the melancholy The People that Come and
Go are both universal and deeply personal as he asked the question have you
changed before concluding that the only things that change are the people that
come and go. On Every Night of the Year Rouchell shows a certainty in his
own talent by stating Im the one theyll reminisce, every night of the year.While some might taste a hint of arrogance in the line, what it truly exhibits is
the simple fact that music like this could only be written by someone who feels
they are truly special, someone who is willing to fine tune every element of each
song until it is just right. The maturity of Rouchells words helps the band es-
cape the pity pleading emo band tag and the pigeon hole of just another weird
haircuts and tight bands pants indie band. Though evident in the summer of
2009, the ambition of John Michael Rouchell is best understood when we look
back at the insane year he had in 2008.
On January 1st of 2008, months before MNiJM was a team sport,
MyNameisJohnMichael: New Orleans Next Rising Stars? article and photos by Aaron Burns
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
7/16
Rouchell took on a daunting task. As a New Years
wager, a friend challenged Rouchell to write and
record 52 songs in 52 weeks. For 15 weeks he
slaved and stressed while playing every instrument
on every song and churning out track after track.
At the end of each week, Rouchell would place
the finished product on his website and go back to
work. After three months of flying solo, Rouchell
realized that the mountain would be easier toclimb with a little support, so he put together the
existing line- up and kept on writing. For an entire
year, his rapidly growing fan base was treated to
something new on a weekly basis. Comfortably
sharing the work load, the 53rd track was written
by a band mate and the group aesthetic of MNiJM
was born.
The noteworthy fact about the completion of the
53 songs is not the shear output, but the quality ofthe songs. While I have not heard all of the songs,
the ones I have heard both on and off the record
are never filler and never seem half-baked. Ad-
ditionally, for a band to have such a vast catalogue
of material before its first birthday leaves them
with the option of putting together a plethora of
different sets with any vibe or focus. Rouchell can
do a solo set of acoustic folk or the group can do
an hour of rock n roll. They can go with synths or
horns and guitars. The versatility of their collec-
tion makes them the type of band that could be in your little sisters cd CD bookor on your dads new Pandora station.
With all the 52 songs completed, the band decided that their first album would be
more about the fans than themselves. They asked their following to vote on their
favorite thirteen tracks and the album the People that Come and Go was born.
Now, armed with a debut album that sounds like a band 10 years into its career
and a manager in Erin Frankenheimer acting as den mother, the boys have set
out to take on New Orleans and beyond. The Tipitinas show came on the heels
of a successful stint at Tennessees renowned Bonnaroo music festival where
the band played a full blast gig before Rouchell did an acoustic set and gave aninterview. Prior to the stop in Manchester, Tennessee they played the Geironimo
festival in Lafayette to win over some nearby attention. This fall, the band will
set off on an extensive Southeaster tour to take MNiJMs sound to whoever will
listen.
All that we in New Orleans need to know is that these guys are a rocket ship
that will garner a new kind of attention to the New Orleans scene. Jazz, funk,jam, and second line will always be the cornerstone of New Orleans music, but
this group proves that we can play the big market game too and that we still
understand music outside of what grows in our own back yard. In the past year,
more and more indie music has torn into the headlines and charts. Tennessee/
Mississippi boys Kings of Leon saw their latest album release at number one just
weeks before the far more avant-garde Part Bear album snuck its way into the
number 8 slot on the Billboard charts. MNiJM could easily find its way into the
high school parking lots of America as at least two thirds of the songs they per-
formed on June 25th are fully radio ready. The band already gets love from col-
lege radio, but they have the swagger, the stamina and the skill to make a huge
splash on the national scene in the next 12 months. They are not simply a band,they are the complete package and have all the weapons theyll need to conquer
the pop market. When its all said and done, America will realize yet again that
lady New Orleans loves and makes good music and she can cook it up however
you like it.
Visit WTUL New Orleans 91.5 FM online at wtulneworleans.comwhere you can find:
- WTULs free webstream - News - Top Weekly Song Picks - Archived Playlists - DJ Bios -Apprenticeship Info (How to become a DJ) - WTUL History - Videos - Sponsorship info -
Contact info (email addresses) - Events Calendar - Continually Updated Playlist -
Vox archives from the past 26 years up until this issue - Online donation information
- Current Show & DJ Schedule
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
8/16
WTUL by the Numbersby Deborah Dixon
I wanted to meet girls, but instead I fell in love with the station. -Patrick, our GM
I surveyed 35 WTUL DJs and found:
-Most popular superpowers: Flight, time travel, mind control, teleportation, and
omnipotence. Other powers included the ability to make healthy ice cream, to have
the voice of God, and to be tall.
-Music: Most DJs like most genres. One DJ is not a fan of Ellen Degeneres music.
I like how Matt R. put it when he quoted Duke Ellington- There are two kinds of
music: good and bad. I like the good kind. -How DJs got started: through friends
or roommates who were WTUL DJs. I asked the DJs which animal they wouldlike to be. The winner: Cat overwhelmingly. Also, otter, koala, bird (any kind), and
dolphin. Weird responses included: Ankylasaurus, a Unicorn with 2 horns, and an
Aardvark (No one before me in the dictionary!). -Where DJs are from: WTUL
DJs tend to hail from Louisiana, the Northeast, and the Midwest (see illustration).
-International DJs: Erdi from Turkey, Kat from Germany, Tel (our advisor) from
France, and me from Jamaica. -Favorite colors: Green won, with blue, and the color of sunsets as a close second. Maybe we really are a Tulane station!
-Age: Being a college radio station, most WTUL DJs are in their twenties.
Peter Murphy: Time Has Got Nothing To Do With It by DJ BabyBat (photo by Sharky)Thirty-one years ago Peter Murphy played his first
show at the age of twenty-one to a bar full of drunk
people who didnt know his name. Monday, June 22,
he played in New Orleans at the Howlin Wolf to a
merry crowd that knew the words to every song he
sang. Sometime in between these two shows Peter
Murphy, with the aid of his band Bauhaus, became theGodfather of Goth and an idol to millions.
Ive been a Peter Murphy fan since I was born. As a
little kid riding in the car I rocked out to bands like
Bauhaus and Joy Division. So last year when I heard
Murphy was coming to the House of Blues I quickly
bought tickets.
The show itself wasnt very crowded and, despite
being at a big venue like the House of Blues (HOB),
there was a very personal air about it. He stopped in
between songs to chitchat, he sang several covers,
and talked about his brief encounters with the late Ian
Curtis. You can imagine my surprise when I heard that
not even a year since the HOB show, he would be back
in New Orleans to play at the Howlin Wolf.
I showed up at the Howlin Wolf early to get a feel
for the place. It was Peter Murphys sound check, but
he was nowhere to be found. Instead, a tough look-
ing bearded man came out on stage and started sing-
ing. No, it wasnt Murphy, but if the crowd was drunkenough they might not have noticed. Much to my
relief, after local opener The Public ended their set,
the real Peter appeared. Clad in a fur-trimmed coat, he
took center stage and began to belt out tunes from his
best selling 1990 album Deep. After all these years his voice still sounded the
same. The crowd was transfixed, their eyes locked on the stage, and smiles filled
the room.
During some instrumental down time in
Marlene Dietrichs Favorite Poem Murphy
took the time to dedicate the song to Neda
Agah Soltan. At the time, I didnt know who
she was. It was just a day since the 26-year-old Iranian woman was captured dying on
film. She was shot at a protest contesting the
recent Iranian presidential election and videos
of her death soon circulated the Internet. A
convert to Islam in the 1990s and a resident
of Turkey, Murphy is a strong advocate for
rights in the Middle East.
After playing many of his most popular tunes,
Murphy skipped Deeps single Cuts You
Up. Instead, he played Bauhaus hit Shes
In Parties and a beautiful, haunting cover of
Nine Inch Nails Hurt. He ended the show
with an impressive cover of Bowies Space
Oddity.
The show, the man, and the venue brought a
few thoughts to my mind. Although Murphy
was still in top artistic form, the show itself
lacked a sense of intimacy. There was signifi-
cantly less banter with the crowd than in his2008 HOB show and fans were not allowed to
take photographs. However, the venue itself
couldnt have been better. The staff was won-
derful and the room was perfect for the show.
It was a superb show and we should all hope that the Godfather of Goth comes
back to New Orleans even if its just one more time.
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
9/16
MyBestMixCD
by Hannah Sparks Ranck
Ahh the MixCD: so thoughtful, so permanent. This is what I love about
it. Once its done, its done. Theres no going back and recording over
it. Theres no taking back the songs and words you lazered to that CD-R
(unless you have a CD-RW, I guess, but dont miss the point). Throughoutmy life, when I sat down to create the ultimate MixCD, I have always had
a person in mind. I rarely used MixCDs for myself, but as gifts for friends
and family, just to let them know how much I appreciate/miss/love/etc.
them. Therefore, they do so much more than stand as a record of a bunch
of songs I or someone else might like. They actually capture a moment, a
feeling, in my personal history. They always happen in the heat of the mo-
ment, despite the amount of effort I pour over perfecting the mix. I cant
tell you how many mixes Ive begun and never finished because I waited
too long and that necessary urge to create dissipated with time.
In this edition of My Best MixCD I present to you a masterpiece I havebeen working on lately, a mix to bookmark this place in time. Yes, there is
a person in mind. Yes, there is a hidden message (or not so hidden if you
listen carefully to the songs). Just like any piece of music or work of art,
its always better when theres some real human emotion behind it.
1. Run Ben Kweller
Who can resist this redheaded child musical prodigy (see reviews of
Sha Sha)? His third, self-titled album features little bit of folk twang, but
continues to hold strong to his cutesy indie-pop roots.
2. Like a Hurricane Neil Young
Neil Young is THE man. What more can I really say?
3. From the Morning Nick Drake
In his short lifetime and music career, he created
some of the most beautiful songs Ive ever heard.
Luckily, he recorded a virtually countless number
of songs before committing suicide in 1974.
4. A Man Like Me Beulah
Is he singing about a guitar or a woman? I run my
hands down your neck. Cross your back to another fret. I know, youre
fragile. Youre bound to self-destruct. Sexy.
5. Anything You Want Spoon
Spoon remains one of my favorite bands. I cant make a MixCD without
including them. Great indie-rock. Period.
6. Jesus, Etc WilcoYankee Hotel Foxtrot is probably my favorite Wilco album. I like the sort
of queer country sound throughout.
7. Bluish Animal Collective
The most sensuous song by AnCo, featured on their most recent release,
Merriweather Post Pavillion.
8. Brandy Alexander Feist
A sweet little diddy from indie musics darling Leslie Feist.
9. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? She & Him
This is my favorite song on She & Hims (Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward)
sugar-coated first album, Volume One.
10. Spit on a Stranger Pavement
First heard the Nickel Creek version of this song. I think I like Pavements
better.
11. Meat & Potatoes Belle & Sebastian
Cute, funny song about kicking it up a notch in the
bedroom.
12. P.S. You Rock My World Eels
If youre not already into the Eels, you probablyshould be. The lead singer rocks a pretty stellar
beard. See the cover of their newest album, Hombre
Lobo.
13. With Arms Outstretched Rilo Kiley
The Execution of All Things has really stood the test of time as my favor-
ite Rilo Kiley album since junior high.
14. To Be Alone With You Sufjan Stevens
This song may very well be about Jesus Christ. Certainly not the reason I
put it on here, but all of Sufjans music is beautiful and serene.
15. Pitter Patter Goes My Heart Broken Social Scene
Instrumental piece from BSSs You Forgot It In People. See title for mean-
ing.
16. Shes the One The Beta Band
Discovered The Beta Band from our second favor-
ite John Cusak movie (Say Anything comes in first),High Fidelity. Their music is sort of psychedelic, but
strangely catchy.
17. Friday Im in Love The Cure
Whatever. It had to be here.
If you would like your best MixCD featured in the next issue of the VOX
please send the playlist with brief descriptions of the tracks/artists in the
above style to voxwtul@gmail.com or to:
the VOX
WTUL New Orleans, 91.5 FM
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA 70118-5555
Offfice: (504) 865-5885
You can see this issue of the VOX and past issues on our website at wtulneworleans.com/v08/vox
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
10/16
ME -My introduction to you was at the Krewe de Poux Ball when you were dancing
with your now husband, Ratty Scurvics. You had some problems with your wardrobe so
you stripped on stage. Could you describe that outfit for us?
Ooops - My outfit was a frilly jacket poofy short sleeves with fringe with matching
ruffly chaps of sorts, all light blue with white polka dots, blue/white bloomers with a
white corset and a white bra trimmed long white fringe. But all that did not stay on long.
Actually when I first came in I had a Victorian dress over that as to be in costume not
revealing my other costume costume. But it was way too hot to wear all of that. I credit
finding my inner clown some to that dress. Makes me think of the gin timbers of that
time, loose women with runs in there stockings, missing teeth, white makeup caked on
over itself not quite disguising the fact that a bath has not happened in quite some time.
Bright colored makeup as if a parrot exploded on her face and a painted mole. Still
flashy, over the top, and garish, the life of the party.... that she stumbled into. Like a
Victorian version of a crack whore but merrier. But as for the wardrobe malfunction on
stage, my corset and bra keep shifting during the show, so I liberated them.
ME -How did you and Ratty Scurvics fall in love?
Ooops - Well when we first met on new years of 2004 we instantly felt like we knew
each other. Like I dont know how many lifetimes I have shared with him before but we
both instantly felt it. We both say the same thing about how its like we already knew
each other when we met the rest was just finding out the detail. I met him at a party at
his house called the clown house. We ended up breaking away from the party and talk-
ing on the couch. We talked for a while but both terribly intoxicated I cant remember
everything that was said. I awoke on that same couch the next day, I had a moment that
morning trying to adjust to where I was. I remembered Ratty and burst into his room
with excitement saying RATTY as I flung open the door to his outside room. He
opened up his arms and I climbed in bed with him and we giggled and talked all morn-ing. We didnt pursue each other romantically at this point but we both feel we were
always in love in a way. He was real disappointed to hear I was moving to Austin the
next day. We spent the day together and he gave me his art and a purple tape. That I still
have. That has the some of the only copy of certain songs that would otherwise be lost.
Now after that no matter how hard I tried to track him down, it wasnt till after Katrina
that I saw him again. At that time I had a boyfriend. But after seeing him again at the
music compound where he evacuated to, we stayed in touch from there on. I would light
up when he was around. And he was a very important friend to me. He has told me the
whole time he had a crush on me. Misled and Ratty invited me on circus tour the sum-
mer of 2006. Misled ended up not being able to go, but I was encouraged to take the
train to meet Ratty in Milwaukee, so I did.
I was so nervous and excited, this was my first tour ever, and had only performed a
twice at this point. Boy oh boy, did that drastically change after that. So not only was I
headed to live my dream, perform with Ratty Scurvics, discovering my clown, as well
as myself, but I was headed to fall in love with my other. Every day every single hour
and minute of that tour was magical. Three days into tour and Ratty and I were dating
and in love. It was too powerful to resist. It drove our fellow performers Eric and Liz
nuts with how mushy we were. We couldnt be 12 inches apart at any time. And Ratty
is real real romantic, even still. Aside from the sparks, every single aspect of this tour
(I cant emphasis enough) was blow my mind magical. It was better than the fairytales,
it really felt like dancing thru life. At this point it felt like the universe was opening upand giving us everything we ever wanted. I had never been so happy. Sometimes we
ask ourselves is this real because it seems too good to be true. So from then on we were
together. And even survived two years of long distance relationship because after tour I
was still living in Austin and not ready to move back home to New Orleans. Now I am
home, performing, and happily married. Ratty is my best friend and has always been my
best friend.
ME - Where did you learn to twirl a hula hoop?
Ooops - At a party there were large hula hoops. I picked one up and couldnt stop. After
the party a friend that was at the party, made me a hoop to practice with. It is kinda
weird how these stories link up, but the same friend left to head west. At his recom-
mendations he directed a crew of circus kids to our doorstep to crash. They were the
Invisible Circus, mostly from England and they were on tour in the states. Interesting
sidenote is that they were the ones performing at the music compound where I ran into
Ratty after Katrina. See, fate! But anyways I became friends with all of them and they
threw into the circus after finding out it was a dream of mine. I tried to back out 500 dif-
ferent ways on the account of my nerves and the fact that I was very green as a hoopist.
I dont know if I could even call myself a hoopist at this point. But they made me do it
and I will forever love them for it. Now I didnt know any tricks at this point, I mainly
just danced with the hoop.
I started learning tricks on the beach of Costa Rica for a wedding. Once again with the
nerves. Two of the lovely people in the Invisible Circus were in love and engaged and to
be married in Costa Rica, and I invited to be a bridesmaid and perform at the wedding
along side a wonderment of talented circus performers from around the globe... yes oh
yes I was nervous. And hadnt practiced the hoop since they had seen me last.. not really
anyways. So I went and at the time I was practicing a healing technique called e.f.t. that
really worked for me. So I was in Costa Rica and had three days before the wedding.
I slept outside in a hammock so the monkeys provided an alarm clock at 5 a.m. So I
Interview with Alley Ooops (aka Ooops the Clown) by Myrna Enamorado
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
11/16
awake and headed to the beach and sit and do my healing work then practice for a little
bit each day. By the time for the wedding I had taught myself some hula hoop tricks and
hooped with a lot of heart for all the bride and groom, their friends and family. I have
been a hoopist ever since.
ME -How many can you twirl at one time?
Ooops - Quite a few, still learning my limits so I guess I can safely say 5 or 6, but if you
want tricks with multiple hoops I then say three.
ME - Could you give me the exact date of your wedding?
Ooops - March 6, 2009 I like it because the numbers are 3/6/09
ME -Did you wear white?
Ooops No, my dress was antiqued looking tan with iridescent shades of blue and a
goldish/light tan corset, with accent peacock colors in back. It is kinda hard to explain it.
ME - You had a lot of aerial performances and professional dancers at your wedding,
are they friends of yours? How did you get involved with them?
Ooops - Yes all of them are dear fr iends of mine. We have all worked together before
under Aurora Circus Theatre. It is an aerial group that Raven started and we all have
participated in. We all also train together and there is a collective in which we belong to
called the Whirley Bones. But our space to train is no more, so we are currently working
it all out. And we work together independently. I love them, I feel lucky to have them all
as my friends. They really moved me by performing for my wedding. And everyone did
such a great job!
As for getting involved with them, it kinda just happened in a way. I picked up aerial
weirdly enough kinda fast during classes. Raven had told me in a visit to New Orleans,
that there was going to be auditions for her troupe. I was ready to move home about that
time, it seemed like that was another piece of the puzzle and was so ready to move back
home. And I was so ready to be close to Ratty. I just had to make sure that I would be
able to take the next step with my projects over here. I wanted to be an aerialist BAD! I
had a goal. Came down started training and got cast in the Lunatic King and had be-
come an aerialist. I studied under Wayne and Raven at different times.
And Sarah has been an immense help as well in me doing what I am doing. Kinda feel
taken under their wings in a way. Actually it is through the support of all of them, that I
am able to do this. I love them all very dearly.
ME -I saw a picture of you as a child, where you were wearing a burlesque outfit
with flapper fringe. What was that picture taken for and how old were you when it was
taken?
Ooops - I was dressed for a dance revue, little shows they have for when youre in
dance classes. I always thought it was weird some of the costume choices they make, for
a four year old you might say I am dressed a little risqu. I love that picture.
ME - You have also done some artist modeling where you make faces that reflect certain
emotions and you can hold a backbend pose for several minutes. What attracts you to
that kind of work?
Ooops - I am also a painter and artist. I have been the person on the other side of the
sketch pad and I want to not only be a figure to study from to achieve form, but I want
to inspire and aid the creation part. I want it to push things a place where art is hap-
pening in the scene itself. I want to leave feeling inspired in the exchange. I want to be
pushed into unflattering poses to get the interesting shadow, or hold a painful pose just
a little longer till the emotion of the gesture is captured. It gives me a chance to cre-
ate what I want to see in a model, in art. That is not to say reclining nudes do still have
merit to me, but I really like it when the artist give me the artistic license and I feel in
some ways I have grown by the experience. I feel honored really.
ME -Does Ratty ever get jealous when you expose yourself?
Ooops - Nope not once
ME - What was your involvement with Carousel Cabaret in Austin?
Ooops - I am one of the original cast members and I helped create the troupe. The only
other original cast members are Raina, the troupe leader, (also known as Lady Bangs)
and the announcer Sick (a.k.a. Surly Joe). I worked with them for about 2 years and I
really I have grown as a performer by the whole experience. It was burlesque troupe, but
surely we doubled as a comedy troupe and was a good place for my clown to be. I felt
that we were extremely creative at what we did. I am proud of my involvement with the
Carousel Cabaret.
ME - Who designs your amaz-
ing and colorful costumes?
Ooops - We did, each girl was
responsible for our own costum-
ing,
ME -Last year, you and Ratty
were King and Queen of Krewede Poux. What were your du-
ties?
Ooops - This year actually, and
we are to abuse our power as
tyrants! FEAR THE WRATH!!!
oh and supervise croquet games.
ME - What were your favorite
Mardi Gras moments of 2009?
Ooops - Our crowning ceremo-
ny and I got to sit on a cake with
no pants.
ME -Janet, the founder of the
Eris Krewe says all punks can
be classified by their favorite
holidays. What is your favorite holiday?
Ooops - Without a doubt that would be Mardi Gras! You know how people talk about a
feeling the spirit of Christmas, I get that for Mardi Gras. I loooove Mardi Gras!
ME -At the airlift to the Berlin show, there was a scary moment with a pole. When the
pole actually came off of the ceiling. Can you describe your feelings about this?
Ooops - That was nuts and scary. It broke in half! I am a little upset about the whole af-
fair. My friend got injured. Lester is an aerialist and acrobat and needs his arm to heal to
work. So I am concerned about my friend. And the pole broke in half!!!! I dont believe
it is suppose to do that. So I hope everything will work out okay in the end. So lets just
say I am hoping for the best. Aside from the brush with danger, it was a fun show!
ME - Would you like to share any upcoming events you will be performing at *in June
or after?
Ooops Well, in June I go to Berlin and perform with Ratty Scurvics Singularity. Also
helping the The Black Forest Fancies with there puppet show once I am there. When
I get back there is a tour scheduled for July. I imagine between that I will have gigs
around town but it is too early to have those dates now. I do a lot of shows at the All-
ways Lounge, Hi-Ho, and One Eyed Jacks so look for me there. At the end of May the
last two weekends I am an aerialist for a Black Forest Fancies production called Po-
mology of Sweetness and Light. It involves life size marionettes, aerial performance,
animation scenes, and breath taking costuming and imagery. The show takes place at the
Colton School on St. Claude, and inside the theatre the last two weekends of May.
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
12/16
an opening for the rose of Jerichoby Ray Moose Jackson
something closed today
a deal was clinched
quietly
as the votive came to its natural endand the pomegranate split
three drops of blood on the table
the scorpion was given wings
oh no, it has not gone unnoticed
that your slippers were left
beneath the couch opposite my bed
i woke today, like most days
with a body hungry
but i caught my sex this timein flagrante delito
chanting a mantra i never taught it
this is a sort of spell
like an opening for roses of jericho
and it shouldnt be kept a secret
i have pinned you to a sliver of
moon
you will fall when she is fatbe caught by the stone fingers
which have stolen all our silence
no, it shouldnt be kept secret
nor tampered with excepting
a lovers invitation
for there is a dark side
to every light in the firmament
and in this umbra we have
incumbent encumbrancesi would have shielded you
but in haste you threw your coin
with mine into the well
and now only time
can tell from whose table you shall
sup
so bear with me this cup
while we await the full completion
of our lovers lunar spell
adfsdfgsdgdsg
Six Degrees of Deborah
by Deborah Dixon
I dont think Gods awake at this hour. -Erin H, a
Classical apprentice.
If Disney thought it was a small world wayback when, hed think it was a microbe now. I can
proudly say that I have friends as near to me as the next
bed over and as far away as Argentina. The Internet has
made that sort of thing very easy. So has the entertain-
ment industry. If I did enough research and thought
about it really hard, I could probably connect myself
to Hugh Jackman in six degrees or less. Thats excit-
ing! I truly believe that all things are possible through
the Internet. I can discuss war and politics with people
from Great Britain. I can learn everything about my nextroommate before she even moves in. I can make sure
my DJs are doing their jobs correctly. (Im watching
you!) And most importantly, I can communicate with my
Jamaican family quickly and inexpensively, and they can
listen to my show online through our lovely webstream.
Kids today dont know how good they have it.
Why, when I was your age, son, I had to get up at 7 AM
if I wanted to watch Bugs Bunny, and I had to get my
homework done by 8 PM if I wanted to watch Walker,
Texas Ranger. We didnt have this Hulu free TV web-
streaming stuff and we certainly didnt have iTunes to
sell us episodes so we could watch a cranky physician
insult everyone within a five-mile radius over and over
again! But I digress. The Internet is good stuff. Through
the Internet, I was able to locate the only two Jamaican
restaurants in New Orleans (for shame!) and figure out
which one was the better one. Ive put on The Worlds
Greatest Job Search through Monster and HotJobs. Ive
laughed at local shenanigans in Craigslists Missed Con-nections. Youve done some stuff over the Internet too.
I know it. I know about the time you Facebook-stalked
your new boyfriends ex-girlfriend. I saw it in my News
Feed. I heard about your companys massive layoffs. I
read about it on Yahoo! News. And I know you listen to
WTUL online. You called in from Utah or New York or
Florida and requested a song.
I love random callers. I love when people call in
at 6 in the morning. I once had to start the transmitter
to get my classical show started, and once I did, I got acall asking me why I would get up so early for no pay.
Its tough. Its tough to get up before the sun just to do
something because youre signed up to do it. Its tough,
especially when you stayed up until midnight playing
Project Rockstar. But you know what? I love my Classi-
cal show. I get more callers for it than for my Jazz show.
I have regular listeners. It makes me feel good, to know
that someone else is awake too. So yes, Ive met quite a
few of my fans over the phone. I hope Ill meet more of
you at WTULs concerts this coming year. Just dont callme Debbie when we meet. That would be bad. Very bad.
Poem
Visit WTUL New Orleans 91.5 FM online at wtulneworleans.com where you can find:- WTULs free webstream - News - Top Weekly Song Picks - Archived Playlists - DJ Bios -
Apprenticeship Info (How to become a DJ) - WTUL History - Videos - Sponsorship info - Contact info (email addresses) -
Events Calendar - Continually Updated Playlist -
Vox archives from the past 26 years up until this issue - Online donation information
- Current Show & DJ Schedule
Why dont you quit staring and buy an ad already?
Why dont you quit staring and buy an ad already?
Why dont you quit staring and buy an ad already?
Why dont you quit staring and buy an ad already?
Why dont you quit staring and buy an ad already?Why dont you quit staring and contact us @
voxwtul@gmail.comYou know you want to.
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
13/16
Hipster Girl in the Produce Section
You walk in with your friend, gossiping and laughing, but soon stop, look left, look
right. Where to go? You dont seem to come here that often, and your wardrobe sug-
gests the same - indie chic. Not cheap, by any means, but expressive without being
overly flashy, and far from the uniform of gym shorts and white t-shirts other shop-
pers seem to prefer. Oh, there are the fruits and veggies, you seem to say, and thetwo of you walk over, continuing your conversation as you do.
You stop in front of the California Navel Oranges, 80 cents a pound. The conversa-
tion trails off as you both consider whats before you: large, ripe oranges for the
taking, and its at this moment I notice your hair, a tasteful combination of white girl
dreads and feathers, either from a pheasant or an exceptionally small wild turkey. It
seems to work with your outfit in its own way, though I cant help but consider (and
feel sorry for) the poor bird that owned that feather before you, the one now wander-
ing around with a bald spot on his ass so you could make a fashion statement. As
you innocently weigh your Vitamin C intake, I briefly consider stealing the feather
and trying to find the bird to return it (shouldnt be too hard to find, hed probably bethe only one wearing sweat pants), but this all goes on apart from you as the citrus
fruit before you quietly hold your attention.
No, you say, trailing off, and you nudge your friend away from this rack, to the
left a few feet and the oranges pre-bagged in plastic mesh. These are way cheaper
and more palatable, not for you, but for your debit card. Just like how you dont
seem to fit here, the choice oddly makes sense - your outward appearance says
youd rather be shopping at Whole Foods, but your choice in produce says you spent
your grocery budget at Buffalo Exchange and now youve got to play catch up. But
hey, you can call this glass half full! And besides, 14 oranges for a dollar is a great
deal, one youd be crazy to pass up, even if you arent quite sure whether orangesare supposed to be the color of an old sponge or not. Youve got a winner, just like
the new Regina Spektor album.
You continue around the section, suddenly alive with purpose, grabbing a cucumber,
and then a handfull of green onion stalks. We can call this dinner, you seem to
think as you tie the bag of onions off, making it look like a cellophane troll doll with
green hair. Its a vegetarian Mandarin chicken salad, dammit! Who needs chicken?
Or lettuce or nuts? Or a bowl?
Older Guy in the Cereal Aisle
Youve already been here for a while when I walk into the aisle, and youre clearly
a little lost. The wife asked you to do the shopping tonight, shes got to finish that
book for book club on Friday, and she just cant spare a moment this evening. Not
a problem, I lived on my own, you figured as masculinely as possible, She already
made the list, and Ill get whatever the wife and kids need, maybe even sneak a sixer
of Amber and an oven pizza in there, too. That was the plan, the one you counted
on, the one that didnt materialize.
The first chills of this reality snuck up your spine in the spice aisle, when you
couldnt figure out what the hell cardamom even is, let alone where its located, and
the signs have become undeniable here in the cereal aisle where, beset by choices,you stand trying to figure out exactly what your wife meant when she put, simply,
cereal on the list. You start by the Cheerios, working down to the Corn Flakes,
past the Cinnamon Toast Crunch (By the way, you ever hear of a fucking Carda-
mom Toast Crunch? Probably a reason for that), through the Special K, and end at
the Honey Bunches of Oats, before wandering back toward the Cheerios again, only
to start back toward the Honey Bunches of Oats. Youre in over your head, and you
had no idea that this many variations of grains floating in milk even existed.
Then it happens, right when you are beginning to realize that a 55 year old man
simply should not spend this much time around cartoon mascots on cardboard:
another man, about your age but dressed better, walks in, looks for a second, grabs a
single box and strides away, head high with wide steps. He was gone as soon as he
arrived, facing his doom and grabbing that box of Blueberry Muffin Mini Wheats
like a French nobleman staring down the guillotine: Confident. Poised. Proud even.
You, though you face your demise like a dirty cattle rustler, kicking, screaming
and crying as they push you toward the gallows against your will. Youre standingquietly, but your eyes are wailing. Watching you is no longer fun, no more fun than
watching a fish gasp for air on the shore. I take my Honey Nut Corn Chex and leave
you for dead.
Later though, we meet in the checkout line as I pull my cart in behind yours. Our
eyes meet again, and as you start to move your items to make room for mine on
the black conveyor belt, I can feel what you want to say, as poignant and cold as a
gravestone - I busted out, partner, Im getting away, and you aint never gonna find
me in these parts again.
Really Stoned Bagger Kid
I notice your red, bloodshot eyes first. For a split second I wonder if you have al-
lergies, but the permanent shit grin that seems to be spot-welded to your lips and
the slow, deliberate movements from your gangly teenage limbs tell me a different
story. Then again, I already knew that about you, seeing as how you do look this
way every time I come here. As you sway gently back and forth, but still manage to
remember not to put a loaf of bread under soup cans, youre distinctly different from
every other bagger on the line tonight. No conversation like the others, no comments
or jokes, but at the same time youre not ignoring me either. To do so would be
totally redundant, because, really, you arent even here. Youre on a different plane
somewhere, unraveling the mysteries of life that seem to be so naggingly apparentwhen this much THC is coursing through your veins.
What exactly does plastic start out as? Do midgets make better stalkers because
they can dress as lawn gnomes as a form of camouflage, or would the fact theyd
need to bring a stepladder give them away? Where is Waldo now, not geographical-
ly, but in life? Should we have maybe let him have some alone time instead of trying
to track him down all the time?
As I watch you bag my groceries and wonder where your mind is taking you, I can
only hope you at least had the presence of mind to wash your hands at some pointduring the day. After all, Ive seen how you eat when youre on your breaks, with
the superhuman abandon and commitment that can only be summoned with the
assistance of the witch Mary Jane, which I am sure results in a lot of finger licking.
The formula is always the same: One bag of nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips,
consumed in handfuls so large that from a distance you appear to be eating an apple,
held with one hand so the other will be free to hold the bag underneath to catch
crumbs (stoner efficiency at its finest). If youre feeling indulgent, and you almost
always are, youll wash the whole thing down with a bottle of any sugary sports
drink you can get your hands on, which is gone in four gulps or less. After you fin-
ish, your eyes always seem to say that you knew it wouldnt do anything to help
with the cotton mouth, but its a moments respite, a moment away from the teachersand bosses and asshole customers you deal with, day-in, day-out, for gas money.
You finish bagging and set the last items in my cart. I thank you, and you actually
respond with, Youre welcome, something Im yet to see any other bagger do.
Youre not a bad guy by any means, its just that, through no fault of your own,
youve reached working-stiff-status way too early in life, like so many in this city
do. Unlike many others, though, youve found a way to make the best of your situ-
ation, and even thrive in it. Wilde had absinthe, Sixx had heroin, and youve got
weed, your silent but loving muse of plastic bags and cleanups on aisle three.
A Trip to the Grocery Store in Three Sketches by Tom Connor
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
14/16
Zines and Bikes: A Look at New Orleans Collectives at 511 Marignyby Kyle Hellstrom
Recently, I visited two Marigny collectives that
have set up shop in the past decade. Both located
at 511 Marigny, The Iron Rail Book Collective
and Plan B: The New Orleans Community Bike
Project, are separate non-profit organizations
working to educate and provide for the people ofNew Orleans.
On approaching the building, I immediately no-
ticed the surplus of bikes in the area, as very few
cars were parked on nearby streets. The majority
of locals were either walking in large groups or
riding their bikes down the center of the vacant
street. I also noticed a wide variety of flyers posted
on the wall outside, ranging in subject from De-
stroy the G20 to the Bike in Movie that would
be shown later that night.
The Iron Rail Book Collective
The Iron Rail Book Collective was my first visit.
A few locals were sitting on the couch reading
as I scanned the room, taking note of the historic
political and social literature, records, crafts, and
other miscellaneous items in which the library/
bookstore deals.
Talking with two collective members and volun-
teers of the collective, Mike Lest and Candace, I
learned that the Iron Rail was founded in 2002 byits collective members and was first known as the
Crescent Wrench Library and later as The Arc.
Iron Rails library collection consists of over 5000
titles, most that one would not usually encounter
at the typical library or book store, including texts
on alternative, radical, and political literature, as
well as various Do it Yourself (DIY) books. Some
of the major topics include Anarchism, Feminism,
Labor Struggles, Capitalist Exploitation, and Glo-
balization.
Iron Rail has played a significant part in rebuild-
ing the Marigny neighborhood in Post-Katrina
New Orleans, as it was the first library/bookstore
to reopen after the storm, and has continued to
provide a safe space and resources for community
members and the disadvantaged. The collective,
consisting of a rotating cast of 7-15 members,
meets every Wednesday at 8:00 PM and is open
to all comers. In addition, it serves as a hub for
Anti-Capitalist Organizing, hosting art workshops
and presentations, lectures, presentations, music
events, and movie nights every Tuesday at 8 pm.
One major feature of Iron Rail is the Above
Ground Zine Library, which features thousands
of zines from all over the world. Taped to one of
the bookcases in the library is a short essay by
Matt Holdaway, entitled What is a zine? By
Holdaways definition a zine is an independently
created publication, not directed towards com-
mercial success, and with very little circulation.
Derived from magazine or fanzine zines are
almost always works of minority interest and are
typically lofi publications that are photocopied
for distribution. Typical subjects for zines include
politics, creative writing, comics, personal writ-
ing, fan-based writing, science-fiction, literature,
and anthology/art. The Iron Rails individual zinecollection includes a wide variety of zines, some
which are very rare. The collections 6-7 book-
shelves of zines are organized by broad categories,
including Art, Catalog, Do-It-Yourself, Gender,
Music zines, and Political. The Above Ground
Zine Library is open to all of the public, though
the zines must remain in the store at all times.
For information, to volunteer, or hours of opera-
tion visit www.ironrail.org.
Plan B: The New Orleans Community Bike Project
Plan B: The New Orleans Community Bike Proj-
ect, like Iron Rail, is a non-profit volunteer-run
operation that functions as an open workspace for
bicycle resources and repair.
We are the bike community in New Orleans
against cars, states Victor Pizarro, one of the core
collective members in the shop.
Founded in 2000, the project aims to enable and
empower the people of New Orleans by educat-ing them about bicycle maintenance and repair
and providing a low cost alternative to individual
transportation, while using renewable resources.
In the shop, bike parts are available at low cost or
for a small donation, while volunteers offer help
and education for bike owners on bicycle repair
and maintenance at no charge. In addition, Plan B
recycles and accepts old bicycle parts and uses the
proceeds generated from selling parts to keep the
project running.
Besides education and empowerment, Plan B alsobelieves, due to various reasons, such as afford-
ability, low emissions, and reduced urban conges-
tion, more individuals should be riding bikes as
a primary means of transportation. By providing
a community space for bicycle maintenance and
community-based education, the project hopes
to strengthen the community and counter the
extreme wastefulness of industrialized nations.
Taking notice of the numerous individuals with
bikes in Marigny and the number of people in the
shop, the significant effect Plan B has played in its
immediate surroundings is clear.
For information, to volunteer, or hours of opera-
tion go to www.bikeproject.org.
(The Iron Rail Book Collective and Plan B: The
New Orleans Community Bike Project are both
local collective efforts which strengthen the com-
munity through knowledge and resources. They are
non-profit projects run completely by volunteers.)
A Review of White Noise: A Cautionary Musical
by Kyle Barnett
Only a few miles away from where former Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon David
Duke was elected as state representative nearly two decades ago, a high quality re-
prise of the 2006 off-off-broadway anti-racism musical White Noise is on the stage
at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre. The July 26th finale will be last chance for New
Orleanians to see the production before it moves to Broadway.
Loosely based on an actual twin sister white supremacist pop duo, White Noise is
the story of white supremacist twins Eva (Makenzie Mauzy) and Kady Siller (Patti
Murin) and Evas sociopath boyfriend Duke (Patrick Murney) who are packaged as
a mainstream breakthrough group by scheming executive Rick Kent (Brandon Wil-
liams) and social climbing songwriter Kurt (David Nathan Perlow), who joins the
trio as a counterbalance.
Mauzy and Murins singing and harmonizing are surprising, and either actress could
easily supplant poppy Britney Spears or Christina Aguleira. However, casting two
young women who could easily fit the role of actual pop stars and representing it as
fine art probably does not appease the palate of most discriminating theatre-goers. As
aspiring pop stars, though, Mauzy and Murin fill the roles well.
Murneys unfortunate professional debut as Duke, a stereotypical brute, displays a
range of emotion that spans only from brooding (his default when not speaking or
singing) to violent, exhibited most flagrantly in a strange, slow motion fight scene.
Perhaps Murneys statement in the program I thank god for being a part of such a
depth defying piece is more than just a syntax error. Murney does what he can to fill
the flawed role, but the audience is left wondering if a more experienced actor could
have overcome Dukes inherent flaws, perhaps giving him a touch more humanity.
The musical doesnt stop at its lampooning of White Supremacy, but adds depth in
sub-plots. The first, concerning conniving record executive Rick Kent, who rep-
resents commercial success, versus Kurt, who represents morality. Next, familial
economic conflict is personified with a clash between Bob and Laurel Siller (parents
to the twins). Finally, the rap duo The Blood Brothers, Dion (Antwayn Hopper) and
Tyler (Rodney Hicks), get into the act, exemplifying the perverse negative of white
supremacy in hate rap.
As Dion, Hopper adds mesmerizing moments of pure star power. His presence is
electrifying, his dance pure spectacle, and his humanity touching. The play is perhaps
worth seeing only as a chance to catch this fine performer on stage.
Williams, as Rick Kent, likewise brings a commanding performance, although his
role as a greed-filled record company executive is also stereotypical. In fact, the
character is so contrived that, on the night I attended, one audience member was
actually able to finish one of the actors lines for him. However, Williamss nuanced
performance overcomes his characters downfalls. He displays a charisma so viablethat the audience finds themselves emphatically playing along with his frat-boy-
tinged quick wit despite themselves.
Additionally, the direction of Mitchell Maxwell, although impressive overall,
displayed a number of poor choices, most notably the misplaced interracial dance
troupes who suddenly appear on stage dressed in odd patchwork clothing. Although
the dancing and choreography are excellent, the dance numbers often dont seem to
fit into the action of the musical and are more unsettling than entertaining. Another
especially bad choice in direction was when, just before the wonderful performance
of I Know Blue by Laurel Siller (Nancy Anderson), the actress unnaturally and
hysterically leaps onto a bed in the middle of an otherwise normal line. Such mo-
ments left the audience feeling awkward and took away from the plays strengths.
Despite the uneveness of the production and the tendency for the stage to serve as a
pulpit, White Noise provides an enjoyable night out in the city.
3 out of 5 stars
White Noise runs daily (except Mondays) at 7:30pm with additional Saturday andSunday showings at 2pm until the July 26th finale.
For more information and tickets visit www.lepetittheatre.com.
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
15/16
Bitter Ink is born of an aberrant gene shared by two cousins, both exiled from
Detroit. One went to the land of good groceries in Vermont and the other to New
Orleans. Mostly Brian draws the pictures, mails them to Moose and he comes up
with the goofy aphorisms. Except when theyre together, downing pints and pass -
ing notes back and forth and giggling like schoolbus drivers on acid.
A recent compilation of Bitter Ink has recently been released by local publisher
Press Street. The book can be purchased on their website:
press-street.com
The VOX is seeking contributions for the FALL issue, due out September 2009. We
publish submissions from aspiring writers and artists throughout the city, as well as frequent contribu-
tions from WTUL staff and DJs. The VOX is looking for writing interesting enough to be
memorable. Although we mainly serve as a conduit for relaying the voice of WTUL, anything works:
misconnexions, show reviews, interviews, album reviews. And any other views including My Best
MixCD, photographs, feature articles, anecdotes, jokes, poems, short stories, creative non-fiction,
short plays, political and cultural satire, comics, photos, art slides, etc. Really anything that can be
viewed 2-D or smashed under the hood of a scanner or photocopier to
make it 2-D. Anyway, when you find out what it is that you want to do send it to
voxwtul@gmail.com. In the meantime you can check out the VOX archives @
wtulneworleans.com/v08/vox.html.Also check WTUL out on:
Bitter Ink by Ray Moose Jackson & Brian Zeigler
8/14/2019 Summer VOX 2009
16/16