By Lindsey Rivait
Arts Editor
March 3, 2010

Grammy-award nominated metalcore band Shadows Fall is embarking on their first extensive Canadian headlining tour, stopping off at the Blind Dog in Windsor on March 6 along the way.
Their sixth album, Retribution, was released in September and proved to be a different experience than what the band is used to.
Unlike their previous albums, Retribution was recorded in two different locations. The music was completed in their regular studio in Massachusetts with Zeuss, while the vocals were done in Virginia with Michael “Elvis” Baskette, whom they had never worked with before.
“He didn’t really have a lot of extra patience, so he really pushed us to think of things in a different way and brought in some new ideas. It’s nice to have that combination of someone who knew our sound very well and someone who was thinking in completely different ways and combining those two influences,” said Shadows Fall vocalist Brian Fair.
Shadows Fall is an adaptable band, taking advantage of technology to get the most out of their careers and give the most back to their fans. >>

By Matthew Terry
Lance Writer

March 3, 2010

The University Players continued its 51st season with the opening performance of “Picnic” on Thursday, Feb. 25.
“Picnic,” written by William Inge and winner of the 1953 Pulitzer Prize, is an amusing comedic drama set on Kansas farmland during the end of summer in the early 1950s. The story revolves around sisters Millie and Madge Owens (played by Kaylan Worsnop and Daiva Zalnieriunas) and their relationships with their mother, a school teacher, their next door neighbour, Madge’s beau, and the new farmhand.
Despite some first act jitters, the actors portrayed their characters down to a tee—Worsnop’s and Zalnieriunas’ performances were spot on as bickering sisters who both want what the other has.
The quirky Helen Potts (played by Courtney Lyons) was the endearing aunt character who lightened up the stage with her presence. Lyons also had remarkable chemistry with Ashley Steeves, the actor behind the Owens girls’ mother. >>

By Josh Kolm
Lance Writer
March 3, 2010

“We’re not looking to beat anyone and I don’t expect us to win.”
This is a bit of a defeatist attitude for Murad Erzinclioglu, organizer of F.A.M. Fest, to have, especially considering the success he’s seen in the CBC Radio 3 Searchlight Poll, which this year is attempting to name the best music festival in Canada.
Erzinclioglu, who is also a musician, organized Harvesting the F.A.M. (Film, Art, and Music) in 2006 in conjunction with a filmmaker friend in an attempt to provide a forum for their work.
In the span of a few months, they broadened the festival’s focus to include all local artists in any medium. Last fall they held F.A.M.’s fourth edition.
Locals may remember the Searchlight Poll for recognizing Windsor’s Phog Lounge as the best music venue in Canada last year.
Due to an outpouring of local support, the venue was able to beat out more recognizable names.
Likewise, F.A.M. finds itself up against some major festivals, such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Sled Island Music Fest.
Despite being the underdog, a status Erzinclioglu clearly embraces, there is a range of aspects that separates F.A.M. from the field.
“I don’t think any of them are as multi-faceted as we are,” he said. >>