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Articles by Libby Schilz
Bill Nye reminds UNL students that science rules at virtual Lied Center talk
Chances are many college students had at least one day in grade school in which their teachers pulled out a TV and turned on an episode of “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” The Lied Center for Performing Arts and the University Program Council gave students a chance to learn a few more lessons from the guy himself in “A Conversation with Bill Nye” on Wednesday night.
Bank robber turned law professor to give lecture
In his 20s, Shon Hopwood performed a string of robberies and served 11 years in jail. While in jail, he found a love of law and went on to become a professor of law at Georgetown. On April 23 at 7 p.m., Hopwood will give a guest lecture via Zoom presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Collegiate Recovery Community, whose mission is to help and provide resources to students recovering from addiction.
Lied Center to house ‘Home Within’ after 7 years in the making
Two artists are bringing their culture and meaning of home to the Lied Center for Performing Arts. On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., members of the Silkroad Ensemble are performing an audio-visual project called “Home Within” at the Lied Center. The project was created by Syrian composer and clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and Syrian Armenian visual artist Kevork Mourad. The duo said they created the project to exhibit their experience and feelings regarding the 2011 uprising in Syria.
REVIEW: Demi Lovato explores overdose trauma in new album
In July 2018, pop singer and former Disney star Demi Lovato overdosed on heroin laced with fentanyl. Two years later, Lovato is ready to tell her story with the release of her album “Dancing With The Devil…The Art of Starting Over.” The 19-track album, which was released on April 2, is a mixing bowl of genres that tosses listeners through Lovato’s addiction, eating disorder struggles and her overdose recovery.
REVIEW: 'Godzilla vs. Kong' shows an epic showdown between two titans
In 2004, I was transfixed by the visuals and outrageous plot of Peter Jackson’s “King Kong.” It was from that movie that my love for the giant gorilla began, and my feelings only grew when the trailer for “Godzilla vs. Kong” came out. “Godzilla vs. Kong” gives the audience exactly what was advertised: an epic showdown between the two iconic titans. But is a huge fight enough to keep an audience engaged throughout the entire movie?
UNL cello student India Enter to perform Lied Center livestream
When it was time for India Enter to choose her instrument for middle school band, she knew she wanted to play something with strings. She was given a signup sheet that had pictures of three stringed instruments: a violin, viola and cello. Not knowing which one to pick, she gave the sheet to her parents and asked them to choose for her. They chose the cello.
Nickel Creek mandolinist Chris Thile to bring new and classic songs to Lied
Starting out his career as a member of the Grammy-winning band Nickel Creek to now traveling as a solo artist, Chris Thile doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Along with singing, Thile is known for rocking the mandolin and composing. His style of music blends bluegrass, folk and other genres to create original compositions.
REVIEW: 'The Falcon and The Winter Soldier' episode 1 sets up comedy duo
In “Captain America: Civil War,” The Falcon and The Winter Soldier just needed one humorous scene together for people to see the potential of these characters in a buddy cop movie: a brief moment where Bucky dryly asks Sam to pull up his seat in the car. Marvel went to work and created “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which premiered its first episode March 19 on Disney+.
SCHILZ: Disney needs LGBTQA+ representation
Two weeks ago, I watched Disney’s newest princess film “Raya and the Last Dragon,” and as I was watching I couldn’t help but notice the relationship between Raya and Namaari. They had this love-hate relationship, but I couldn’t help but notice the flirty banter during their fights or how Namaari sometimes nervously brushed her hair behind her ear whenever she’s talking to Raya. The movie got me thinking, why hasn’t Disney given us a canon LGBTQA+ main character yet?
Michael Londra and the Celtic Fire to bring Irish fusion song and dance to Lied
The Lied Center for Performing Arts hopes to give Nebraskans a boisterous St. Patrick’s Day celebration with the traditional Irish song and dance of Michael Londra and the Celtic Fire. The show will take place on March 16 and 17 at 7:30, both in person and via livestream. Londra said the show will have a combination of traditional Irish folk, covers and even his own original songs that blend together folk, country and Celtic music. “The Irish genre has a lot of traffic.
REVIEW: ‘WandaVision’ unites Marvel universe through sitcom tropes
After waiting since the summer of 2019 for Marvel Studios to release new content, the January release of “WandaVision,” Marvel Studios’ first Disney+ original series, brought fans the action, characters and stories that Marvel fans have known for the past 10 years. The nine-episode series takes place a few weeks after the events of “Avengers: Endgame” and shows Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) dealing with the ramifications and grief of losing her boyfriend Vision and her brother.
‘Rhapsody in Black’ to discuss race through one-man play at Lied
On March 9, the Lied Center for Performing Arts is bringing writer and actor Leland Gantt’s life story to the stage with the presentation of “Rhapsody in Black,” a one-man play that tells of Gantt’s experience as a Black man in America and how the construct of race has impacted him. “Rhapsody in Black'' shows Gantt’s story from the age of 10 to the present, depicting various parts of his life where he encountered racism.
'Ajijaak on Turtle Island' creators to discuss puppeteering at Lied Center
Ajijaak, the puppeted whooping crane who makes an incredible journey through North America, will soon be flying its way to the Lied Center for Performing Arts. On March 4 at 7:30 p.m., the Lied Center for Performing Arts will interview the creators of “Ajijaak on Turtle Island,” along with showing a preview of the show as part of their Lied Live Online series. The panel will consist of puppeteer Heather Henson, author and director Ty Defoe and composer Dawn Avery.
REVIEW: Illusionist Mike Super bewitches Lied Center audience
After mother nature’s tantrum last week, the Lied Center for Performing Arts provided a much-needed chance to get out of the house. On Feb. 20, illusionist Mike Super amazed his audience with enchanting illusions and magic tricks. The show began with highlights from Super’s appearances on shows such as “Phenomenon” and “America’s Got Talent” projected on a white sheet with a table behind it.
Lincoln native and ‘The Voice’ contestant Hannah Huston to perform at Lied
Hannah Huston went from being a preschool teacher in Lincoln to finishing third on the popular singing competition show “The Voice.” Since then, she has been working on new music in Nashville, but not without visits home to perform at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. On Feb. 18, Huston will return to the Lied as a part of the center’s Arts for the Soul Music and Fine Arts Series. The performance will be open to in-person guests while also available for livestream on the Lied Center’s Facebook.
REVIEW: Star-studded ‘Malcolm & Marie’ needs more than just good actors
Intimate, weird and exhausting — those are three words to describe the disappointing film “Malcolm & Marie.” The black and white flick stars Zendaya and John David Washington, and those two names alone should give the audience enough confidence to assume this film would have a good backbone. The film follows Malcolm (Washington), a filmmaker, and his actress girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) and follows them throughout the night as they get home from Malcolm’s latest movie premiere.
Emerging Media Arts members discuss female representation in film
With Patty Jenkins, Greta Gerwig and Regina King all releasing major blockbuster films in the past few years, women have been making a name for themselves in the film industry. Despite these feats, women are still greatly outnumbered by their male colleagues in the movie-making business. According to a study done at San Diego University’s Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, out of the 100 top-grossing films in 2020, women made up 16% of directors — a record high.
SCHILZ: Staying in can be important for mental health
I'm not a big fan of parties. I’d much rather be at home watching movies or reading a book with my dogs and blanket. My parents always wondered why I don’t go out very much, and the reason is I just feel better at home than when I hang out with other people. When I do go out in public, even for a few hours, I feel exhausted afterward because I put so much energy into making sure I don’t say the wrong thing or do something embarrassing, like trip over my own feet.
Top 10 anticipated Disney shows and movies
On Dec. 10, Disney had its annual Investor Day where the media conglomerate announced huge new projects from Marvel to Pixar, etc. Below is a list of the top 10 anticipated announcements. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Demigod Percy Jackson and friends Annabeth and Grover are getting a brand new look in the form of a TV series on Disney+. Each novel will be one season, and author Rick Riordan is involved with the writing of the series, so fans of the books should feel hopeful.
Lincoln indie band Parking Lot Party to perform Lied Center livestream
From small beginnings performing at a Lincoln Southeast talent show to releasing their debut EP “Drive Thru,” the Lincoln indie band Parking Lot Party hopes to go nowhere but up. The band isn’t slowing down, as it’s performing for the Lied Center for Performing Arts’ Huskers in the Spotlight program Jan. 26 at noon via livestream on the Lied Center’s Facebook. Four of the five members in the band are UNL students.
UNL alumna Brina Kay releases spooky single from Nashville
After graduating from college, University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumna Brina Kay packed her bags and moved to Nashville to pursue her passion for singing. Two years later and a slew of music under her belt, Kay released her newest single “Ghost of Christmas Past” on Oct. 31.
Broadway cast members set to perform at the Lied Center
For everyone who’s missing the glitz and glamour of Broadway, the Lied Center for Performing Arts is bringing Broadway to Lincoln. On Nov. 13, the Lied Center will be presenting two shows of the annual touring show, “On Broadway,” which brings some of the biggest actors from Broadway to sing their shows’ greatest hits. In the show, set to run at 3 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m., four Broadway actors will perform: Arianna Afsar from “Hamilton,” Jessica Hendy from “Cats,” Alan H.
SCHILZ: This year’s been hard; let’s celebrate Christmas early
It’s almost time for the radios to begin blasting Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” again. Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. It’s a time of giving to others, seeing family, decorating the house and watching the most predictable Christmas movies ever made. Around Christmas, I’m just happy about everything; seeing all the lights and snow and listening to Christmas music always puts me in a jolly mood.
OmniArts Nebraska putting on first show since January
From Nov. 5-8, OmniArts Nebraska will perform four shows of “Burn This” at the Johnny Carson Theater. “Burn This” is a 1987 play by Lanford Wilson. It is set in 1980s Manhattan and follows four people trying to figure out their lives after the death of their friend and brother Robbie. The story follows Anna, Robbie’s dance partner, Larry, an advertising executive, Burton, a screenwriter and Pale, Robbie’s brother.
SCHILZ: Defy, don't dye: Redhead stereotypes are meant to be broken
What do the villains Syndrome, Poison Ivy and Chuckie have in common? They all have red hair. When I watched movies and television in my childhood, I saw a fair amount of evil characters that had red hair. As a natural redhead, it was a little disheartening to see Hollywood portray redheads in a way that made me dislike my hair, but as time went on and I got older I learned to embrace the rarity of having red hair.
Curious Cornhuskers: 'How can I join the Innocents Society?'
As part of our initiative called Curious Cornhuskers, an anonymous reader asked The Daily Nebraskan, “How can I join the Innocents Society?” Founded in 1903, The Innocents Society is the Chancellor’s senior honorary at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The society participates in sporting events such as passing out the trophies during half time and ushering at the football games. They also do service projects around campus such as fundraising for local charities.
Lincoln author’s new book teaches history through ghost stories
In a time when Halloween parties are largely out of the question, how can people get into the spooky spirit? Nebraska native and paranormal investigator Tayden Bundy may have the answer. With his recently released book “Beyond Lincoln: A History of Nebraska Hauntings,” he tells the origin of many popular Nebraska-based ghost stories. Bundy said he began the book during an independent study course in college.
‘Dixie’s Tupperware Party’ provides Lied audience with laughs, new utensils
Once the audience members settled into their seats in the Lied Center for Performing Arts, they were greeted with a big projection screen that showed the face of Dixie Longate, a drag queen and Tupperware peddler from Alabama. Little did theatergoers know what a hilarious night that spitfire Longate would bring. Longate came out on a strong note when the light dimmed, slowly rising up from behind a table full of Tupperware products.
What’s happening in Lincoln, Oct. 19-25
Monday, Oct. 19 Music Bingo at Boombox Social, Boombox Social, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is the bingo event that should put all music lovers to the test. Listen to a music clip and see if it’s on your bingo card. This event is free for all participants, and prizes will be awarded to the top scorers.
Derrick Davis to set the Lied stage in hopes of providing escape for audience
Last year, Derrick Davis charmed the audience at the Lied Center of Performing Arts with his performance as the Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera.” Now, Davis is set to serenade the crowd at the Lied Center again as a solo performer on Oct.
REVIEW: Adam Sandler takes revenge on critics with mediocre ‘Hubie Halloween’
In 2019, Adam Sandler jokingly threatened that if he wasn't nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Uncut Gems,” he would purposely make the worst movie possible in order to get back at the critics. Fast forward to 2020, and it seems like Sandler has kept his promise with his newest film, “Hubie Halloween.” The film stars Sandler, Kevin James (Grown Ups, Paul Blart: Mall Cop) and Julie Bowen (Modern Family) along with other familiar faces previously seen in Sandler’s films.
‘House of DVF’ winning designer Brittany Hampton to join Lied Center livestream
From modeling at the age of five to becoming the first global ambassador for the brand “Diane Von Furstenberg,” Brittany Hampton has had quite the fashion career. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at noon, Hampton, winner of the E! Network reality TV show “House of DVF,” will guest star on an episode of The Lied Center for Performing Arts’ livestreamed video podcast Lunch & Learn. The podcast will premiere on the Lied Center’s Facebook page.
REVIEW: UNL band Past Casual blends jazz, funk and pop in Lied livestream
As lunchtime approached on the brisk fall afternoon of Sept. 29, the Lied Center for Performing Art’s Facebook page came to life with a livestream from their Huskers in the Spotlight concert series. Past Casual, a band formed of five University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, headlined the second show of the series.
UNL’s jazz pop band Past Casual to play Lied Center livestream
As a University of Nebraska-Lincoln freshman in the spring of 2018, Jonah Payne wanted to hold a fundraiser for his friend who had cancer. Payne wanted to perform a song at the event, so he enlisted his old friend Ben Stuart to help. Stuart then called his friend Madeline Reddel, and the band Past Casual was born. Two years and two additional band members later, the group has gone on to create multi-genre music which blends R&B, jazz and funk.
REVIEW: ‘NEWSical The Musical’ brings topical humor to Lied Center
As the audience walked into the Lied Center for Performing Arts to see “NEWSical The Musical” on Saturday, they were greeted by spaced-out seating, a simple set of two podiums, a grand piano and a projector screen with the title “NEWSical” flashing. Then, the lights dimmed. Executive director and chief artistic officer for the Lied Center Bill Stephan and the show’s co-producer and Nebraska native Michael D’Angora stepped onto the stage to welcome the audience.
'NEWSical the Musical' brings the Lied a comedic twist to current events
The Lied Center for Performing Arts is offering an escape from the struggle of everyday life with its first mainstage season showing of “NEWSical The Musical” on Sept. 26 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. “NEWSical The Musical” is an off-Broadway comedy musical that tackles current events such as politics, the coronavirus pandemic and pop culture trends like Tiger King. Think of Saturday Night Live or The Daily Show but in musical form.
UNL Professor Paul Barnes to put on concert in honor of his teaching anniversary
For the past 25 years, Paul Barnes has been enchanting University of Nebraska-Lincoln students with his passion for music and piano playing. Barnes, a professor in the Glenn Korff School of Music, will be celebrating his teaching anniversary at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Sept.
Curious Cornhuskers: When will union restaurants be available on the to-go app?
As part of our initiative called Curious Cornhuskers, an anonymous reader asked The Daily Nebraskan, "When are the other places in the Union (Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Starbucks) going to be available on the to-go app?” According to Dave Annis, director of Dining Services at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, many of the restaurants in the Union have already made the transition onto the Transact Mobile Ordering app UNL adopted this semester, and some are still in the process of being added.
‘The Devil All the Time’ fails to live up to star-studded cast
“The Devil All the Time” is a Netflix original film based on the 2011 novel that tells the interconnected story of seven people who are all from Knockemstiff, Ohio. While the gothic tale brings out fantastic performances from its cast, it lacks a compelling story and drive that keeps the audience interested.
Step Afrika! steps into the past with “Stono” premiere at the Lied Center
On a cold, rainy night, a small number of people gathered into the Lied Center for Performing Arts to catch the premiere of “Stono,” a film by Step Afrika!, a step dance group created in 1994 at Howard University. The film shows a dance performance about the Stono Rebellion of 1739, which took place 281 years ago on the same day as the premiere. The performance provided the audience with exceptional dancing and an educational look at the rebellion’s effect on today’s society.
Step Afrika! teaches history through dance in Lied Center virtual concert
People use history to create conversations about what can be changed in the world today. But what about those unknown moments or people? If few know about certain historical events, how can one truly learn and grow from them? The step dance company Step Afrika! hopes to teach one such event through the virtual premiere of its dance movie “Stono” at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Wednesday, Sep. 9 at 7 p.m. A virtual Q&A session will follow the film.
SCHILZ: Through the right lens, nostalgia can teach life lessons, spur growth
In isolation over the summer and even in these current, uncertain and uncomfortable times, I’ve found it more difficult to create and to be excited about things. Not a lot of things sparked my excitement or gave me a feeling of anticipation. But as I looked back over my summer, I noticed that the moments of happiness all seemed to have one thing in common: they were nostalgic to me.
Lied Center staff confident in safety plan for upcoming season
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many businesses and organizations to change the way they operate, and the Lied Center for Performing Arts is no exception. In order to comply with local and university policies, the Lied Center will feature socially-distanced seating, increased disinfecting and require face coverings to be worn while inside any part of the building, including the theater. The Lied has also upgraded air filters, and all tickets will be fully refundable.
REVIEW: ‘Lucifer’ season five part one exceeds expectations
In 2016, the TV show “Lucifer” graced screens with an opening scene of lead actor Tom Ellis driving a black 1962 Corvette convertible while “Ain't No Rest for the Wicked” by Cage The Elephant blasted in the background. After four years and a switch from Fox to Netflix, the show premiered the first half of its fifth season on Aug. 21.
Campus Rec hopes to bring normalcy for new students with Masked Singer Karaoke Party
With students returning to campus in the midst of a pandemic, it might be hard for them to get excited about school starting, especially considering they must socially distance and avoid large gatherings. Many events have been canceled, including the Big Red Welcome Street Festival that traditionally happens the Sunday night before fall classes begin. Thankfully, students can participate in something similar at the inaugural HuskerMania Masked Singer Karaoke Party on Aug.
5 immersive console video games to play while social distancing
Since everyone is staying home, it can be tough to find new and interesting things to do to pass the time. While sports, concerts and social gatherings are currently on hold, there is one activity people can always count on — video games. Below is a list of games with immersive worlds and endless activities to help with the self-isolation blues. 1.
UNL staff members give tips for handling online coursework
As classes moved online, many students moved home. While it can be tempting to stay in bed all day, it’s important students find an efficient and effective way of completing classes online. To help students adjust to the change, here are five tips from University of Nebraska-Lincoln staff to help students manage online coursework. 1. Set a schedule Students may no longer have a strict class schedule, but that doesn’t mean they should check in on coursework whenever they want.
REVIEW: Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ a compelling, flamboyant experience
During our self-quarantine, my family and I were scrolling through Netflix for our nightly movie when we came across something that would change our night from boring to intriguing — the Netflix documentary “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.” “Tiger King” is about Joe Exotic, a zoo owner who privately owned about 90 big cats, and his feud with and murder plot against the owner of Big Cat Rescue, Carole Baskin.
UNL staff share tips to succeed in online classes
It doesn't really feel like spring break is ending since students will now transfer entirely to online classes on Monday. Many students have moved home, and it can be very tempting to stay in bed all day. While this might be fun at first, it’s important that students still have an efficient and effective way of completing classes online. To help students adjust to the change, here are four tips from University of Nebraska-Lincoln staff to help students manage online coursework. 1.
Cinema 16 hosts film festival online in midst of coronavirus fears
With the fear of the coronavirus, many of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s organizations are finding new ways to host events. Cinema 16, a student film club, has come up with an idea to keep its popular 168 + 72 Hour Film Festival on schedule.
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