Kara Hodge - Entertainment Beat

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals

Singer/songwriter Ben Harper's latest album "Burn to Shine" has secured his success for the popular music scene. As part of his U.S. tour Harper will play Monday, Nov. 20, at the Asheville (N.C.) Civic Center.

A native of California, Harper grew up listening to blues, folk, soul, R&B and reggae. He started playing guitar as a child and later began playing the acoustic slide guitar, which has become his signature instrument. After increased popularity in Los Angeles, Harper signed with Virgin Records in 1992. He released his debut album "Welcome to the Cruel World" two years later.

1995's "Fight For Your Mind" was his sophomore effort, and Harper's third album, 1998's "The Will to Live," landed his sound into the mainstream music scene.

"Will to Live" introduced the Innocent Criminals, Harper's supporting band. The Innocent Criminals consists of bassist Juan Nelson, drummer Dean Butterworth and percussionist David Leach.

His most successful album thus far, 1999's "Burn to Shine," blended HarperÕs fondness of '20s jazz compositions and urban folk, resulting in a poetic collection of songs. "Steal My Kisses" and "Suzie Blue" made radio success, landing him two world tours and an opening spot on the Dave Matthews Band's summer 2000 tour.

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals play Monday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at (828) 251-5505. For more information about Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals check out their web site at www.benharper.com.

Widespread Panic

As one of the many hippie jam-bands that has inherited the reputation left behind by the Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic has established a loyal following on the strength of constant touring. As part of their fall 2000 tour, Widespread Panic (WP) will play Nov. 22 at the Asheville Civic Center.

The band started in 1982 when vocalist John Bell and guitarist Mike Houser first began playing together while attending college in Athens, Ga. When bassist Dave Schools left school to join the duo the next year, WP was born. The band recorded their debut single "Coconut Image" in 1986 and drummer Todd Nance joined soon after, followed by the addition of percussionist Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz and finally keyboardist John "JoJo" Hermann.

WP released their debut LP "Space Wrangler" in 1988 on the tiny Landslide label. After several years of touring, they signed to major label Capricorn, which issued the groupÕs second CD in 1991.

Appearances on the 1992 and 1993 H.O.R.D.E. tours greatly expanded their fan base prior to 1993Õs "Everyday" and 1994's "Ain't Life Grand."

After teaming up with Vic Chesnutt to record 1995's "Nine High a Pallet," WP reconvened for the album "Bombs and Butterflies" in 1997. In 1998, the band released "Light Fuse, Get Away." "Til the Medicine Takes" followed a year later.

"Another Joyous Occasion," released in May 2000, is the first album produced from WP's new label Widespread Records. The 11-track CD was recorded from the 1999 summer tour with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

WP will play Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. in Asheville. Tickets are $22.50 and can be purchased at (828) 251-5505.

For more information about Widespread Panic, check out their web site at www.widespreadpanic.com.

Registration a breeze for some, hassle for others

Sean Oakley - Features Beat

November means three things for students at Appalachian State University. First, winter's winds begin to push cooler air through the mountains. Second, a much-needed Thanksgiving Break lies tauntingly at the end of the month.

Finally, nestled quietly in between these other two events, spring semester early registration begins.

Between Nov. 3-17, most Appalachian students will rush to their computers and touch-tone phones in a desperate attempt to add needed classes.

That's right, once again registration has begun. Some lucky students will breathe a sigh of relief after they have successfully acquired all their desired classes and managed to keep their Fridays open. But many other students will only acquire ulcers as they frantically add and drop classes to accommodate major requirements and filled sections.

For Rhett Johnson, a 19-year-old sophomore from High Point, scheduling has caused stress. "I could only get three of the classes I needed,Ó said Johnson. "I'm having trouble trying to finish up my core classes."

He was allowed to register on Monday, Nov. 13. Though he praised the easily accessible registration system, figuring out a schedule that would satisfy all his needs was difficult. "I guess I'll have to wait and see if spots open up," said Johnson.

Christine Rundlett found registration to provide some of the same hassles. "I only have nine credits right now," said Rundlett, a 20-year-old sophomore from Hope Mills, "but I need to take 17."

She gained access to the registration system on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and found that many of the classes she needed were already full. Sometimes the only remaining sections were night classes.

"I'm not going to take classes I donÕt need or take classes at bad times because the classes I need are full," said Rundlett. "I shouldn't have a bad schedule because they donÕt have enough offerings."

Yet while some had problems completing their spring schedules, others found registration to be as easy as pushing a few telephone buttons. Melissa Bell, a 22-year-old junior from Rome, N.Y., encountered no problems during registration.

"I figured out my schedule on my own and then went to my advisor to tell her what I wanted," said Bell. "I had no problems getting into any of my classes."

Bell also praised the widely accessible registration system. She is a transfer student who previously attended State University of New York at Cortland and also Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem.

"Registration at Appalachian is extremely accessible compared to the troubles I had at the schools I previously attended."

Veronica Terradista would agree. She is a 20-year-old sophomore who transferred from High Point University. She registered without any problems through the computer system on Friday.

"The registration system is a lot better here," said Terradista, "At High Point you had to fill out a form and then go wait in line. It's a lot more convenient here."

Though different classifications of students are allowed access to the registration system at different times, the level of classes sought after causes most of the problems. Junior level classes are usually smaller, thus making the demand higher. Likewise, entry-level classes are usually larger making the classes easier to get into.

Chris Jackson, a 20-year-old sophomore from Greensboro, recently changed his major to mathematics. Though he was allowed access to the system on Monday, he has yet to actually sign up for any classes. He isn't very concerned though.

"Since I'm starting a new major, the classes I need are fairly large,Ó said Jackson. "I'm not worried about my classes being filled up."

Chris Brown has had lots of experience with the registration system since he is a senior. He doesn't allow the stresses of registration to consume him either. Realizing a class listed as full does not mean all hope is lost, he often shows up to classes he wants to add and waits to see if seats open up.

"My teachers and classes at the technical building are really lenient," said Brown. "I talk to the professors early and see if I can sit in on the class. I've never been turned down in any of the classes in my major."

Sitting in for closed classes, though often successful, remains a last resort for most students. There is much more comfort and security in the automated voice of the phone system as it reads students their completed and nearly perfect spring schedules. Though the voice does guarantee that a student has a seat in every desired section, it does not guarantee a trouble-free horizon.

Cameron Hill, a 20-year-old junior from Charlotte, knows from first-hand experience what type of problems can arise after the false security of a completed schedule. Several times he has had his schedule canceled because of unpaid debts to Appalachian.

"I hate when they give you fines and cancel your registration," said Hill. "Then you have to register all over again and most of the classes you had are full now."

Registration can create much unwanted stress and many headaches. But Appalachian students somehow manage to get through it all mostly unscathed. Once spring classes start, the thoughts and concerns of the previous November's scheduling adventures have disappeared.

Before most students realize it, the hint of spring will creep into Boone and it will be time to schedule once again as summer vacations and fall agendas sprout into students' minds.

Ian Hutchinson - Entertainment Beat

Blue Man Group Audio Virgin Records

You've undoubtedly been exposed to the odd talents of the Blue Man Group (BMG) in a variety of Intel Pentium III commercials. However, what you may not know is that they also have a phenomenal album called "Audio."

The Blue Man Group makes most of their music from unique, Blue Man made instruments. One such instrument is the PVC instrument: it's just PVC tubes struck with foam rubber paddles. Sound weird? BMG has many more instruments that are just as odd. Combine those odd sounds with some drums, synthesizers and guitars, and you actually get one of the best instrumental rock albums of the year.

"Rods and Cones," "Mandelgroove" and "PVC IV" are among the best of the album. The arrangements, melodies and harmonies even rival those of Radiohead's "Kid A." However, while "Kid A" sounds like a futuristic atmosphere, "Audio" just sounds like it is from another planet.

There are no vocals to be found Ñ that's just part of the Blue Man gig Ñ but the instrumentation is so unique you wouldn't want a person singing anyway. If your musical tastes are flexible and eccentric, "Audio" is an excellent experience.

Johnny Cash American III: Solitary Man American

The original man in black has returned to defend the earth from the scum of country music.

A collection of originals and covers can be found on "American III." Perhaps the most pleasant surprises of the album are his adaptations of songs such as U2's "One," Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man" and Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down." Also, there are some perfectly complimentary guests on the album such as Merle Haggard, Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow.

Cash's version of "One" is every bit as classic as the U2 version; maybe not as vocally daring, but the country perspective is very much appreciated.

Those craving some classic country and covers should check out "American III" as well as its two preceding albums "American II" and "American."

Roni Size/Reprazent In The Mode Talkin' Loud/Island Records

Have you lost interest in the new Madonna album yet? That's a silly question, of course you have. Fret not, there are artists out there that can do better than that halfhearted effort, such as Roni Size and his collective, Reprazent.

In the ever-splitting genre of dance music, Roni Size and Reprazent have cemented a style all their own, infusing drum and bass with elements of funk, jazz and hip-hop. All the samples you find on "In the Mode" are Reprazent's very own and lifted from no one else. If that wasn't impressive enough, they employ real drums and bass as well. "In the Mode" is the follow-up to their mind-blowing 1997 release "New Forms." "Forms" laid the foundation for Reprazent, but "Mode" is a completed structure, bricks and all.

MC Dynamite and vocalist Onalee turn in great lyrics and vocals again, and Reprazent introduces guests such as Rahzel, Method Man and Zack De La Rocha to the mix as well.

Method Man hits you like a train on "Ghetto Celebrity" with his relentless rhymes and Size's merciless beats. Onalee and Size make their own epic in "Lucky Pressure." Size dissects Rahzel and remixes the human beatbox on "In Tune with the Sound." And toward the end, things get political with De La Rocha on "Centre of the Storm," a commentary on the Diallo shooting.

Music may bring the people together, but when sappy sentiment and weak beats wear thin, Reprazent proves that Size matters.

Green Party members prepare lawsuit against North Carolina

Ian Hutchinson -Entertainment Beat

While the vote in Florida is counted, recounted and counted again, there are other votes that are not being counted at all. If you chose to write in Ralph Nader in North Carolina, your vote was one that was not counted. As a result, members of the Green Party are preparing a lawsuit against the state.

The North Carolina Board of Elections (NCBOE) based this decision on state law G.S. 163-123. Under the conditions of this law, which applies to state, district, county and municipal offices, candidates who are not on the ballot must petition for write-in status. If the petition is signed by a satisfactory number of eligible voters, then the write-in status is approved.

However, there is one problem, according to members of the Green Party.

"This statute does not mention presidential elections," said Dr. Kristen Andrews.

Andrews and other members of the Green Party are currently preparing their case against the state. In their complaint, the plaintiffs state that petitioning weakens the principle of "one person, one vote," and that the state "expressly decided not to count write-in votes for Ralph Nader due to the late filing of a petition."

The complaint also adds that the stateÕs decision to impose G.S. 163-123 has a direct impact on the Green Party's ability to receive federal funding in 2004.

"We're going to fight this thing," said Andrews.

If Andrews and the other plaintiffs are successful, then the NCBOE will have to count, tally and report all write-in votes for the federal presidential elections.