Mild Winter is the next best thing in Indie Folk Rock. Comprised of three core members Melanie, Ben, and Nik, it combines multiple sounds that bring a feel-good listen together. The first EP was originally recorded with a different drummer and bassist, but these days Melanie hits on the violin, Ben rips on the guitar, and Nik finishes with drums and bass. Both Melanie and Ben do vocals, combining their voices to create some pretty cool harmonies. Continue Reading...

Bluegrass, sweet bluegrass, o how thy songs do caress the weary soul! Trent Wagler and Jay Lapp, local singer/songwriters, performed for a tightly-packed Common Grounds last Friday night, having recently returned from a tour of Ireland. Songs ranged from ballads to lively ho-downs, all performed skillfully by the duo. Continue Reading...

The hurdy gurdy man has had his EMU debut. Jerry Holsopple, EMU communications professor, gave his traditional yearly concert in Common Grounds last Thursday night. Playing guitar, bouzouki, and the much-anticipated hurdy gurdy (French for wheeled fiddle), Holsopple shared a number of his classic tunes as well as a few new ones. As in the past, his music style was completely within the folk genre. If one expected this, the concert was enjoyable, funny, and full of the usual standup comedy from Holsopple. The highlight of the night was the debut of Holsopple’s hurdy gurdy, a renaissance instrument that can only be explained fully by hearing it. Continue Reading...

With Easter break upon us and rainy weather in the forecast, it’s the perfect time to head to the local video store and check out the latest movie releases. Out of all of the possibilities, by far the best new release is last year’s hit, No Country for Old Men. I have absolutely no idea why a film that won best picture, director, supporting actor and adapted screenplay at the Oscars as well as 83 other awards would not even be given as a voting choice for a campus movie. The Coen brother’s latest film completely lives up to all of the praise and critical acclaim. Continue Reading...