Cultural Event 4 - Anchorman 2

During this semester, I attended a long anticipated showing of Anchorman 2, a sequel to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (one of my all time favorite movies!).  This cult classic has remained an underground favorite among comedy buffs for years.  Anchorman also takes a firm place in the roots of today's pop culture.

Nearly 9 years after the original film, Anchorman 2 finally came to theaters.  Rumors of a failed sequel existed many years ago.  After the initial sequel failed to be completed, many fans didn't give much more hope or thought to another being filmed.  Much to the surprise of dedicated fans, Anchorman 2 was released December 18, 2013.

At the time the first Anchorman was released, it was unlike any other comedy I had seen.  Most of the dialogue breeding a new brand of nonsensical, irreverent humor that has become the norm in many films since.  I was excited to see that new ideas were brought to the table with Anchorman 2 rather than disappointing fans with basically the same movie as the original.  Getting the chance to watch the sequel to one of my favorite cult classics was a blast.  The movie exceeded my expectations.

Cultural Event 3 - Art Exhibit at Taylor Books

Recently, I took a trip to Charleston, the capitol of West Virginia.  Amongst the many exciting attractions in the area, I happened upon a very interesting art exhibit at Taylor Books.  The exhibit featured several artists such as Josh Miller, Lorin Michki and Brent Thomas. Each artist had a unique style.  They also each used very different mediums for their art.

The artist that interested me the most was Josh Miller.  His art was unlike any I have seen in a long time.  Each painting he creates looks like the doodles of a 4 year old.  This is a very interesting perspective to capture and portray through art.  From food to animals, Josh Miller draws everything the way most toddlers would.  He even refers to his art as "drawings" on his handouts.

One example of many of Josh Miller's "drawings".

Cultural Event 2 - Wiretap Show, 1/28/14 at 100 Proof Tattoo

On January 28th, 2014, I  attended a local music show at 100 Proof Tattoo in Martinsburg, WV.  This was the first show that 100 Proof Tattoo had ever hosted.  It's still up in the air at the moment, but employees and the owner of the shop have tossed around the idea of opening a professional music venue at the location.  This show was a trial run that ended up working out pretty well.  Several local Hardcore bands played that evening including Wiretap and Distances.

Martinsburg, WV has always had a steady underground music culture over the past 10 years.  While the music may not always stay consistent, the energy of new bands displaying new musical ideas is always thriving.  Despite the fact that a music scene has existed in the area for a long time, there has still never been a designated all ages venue for local musicians to play at.

With this show as a good start, 100 Proof Tattoo is becoming more and more convinced that opening a local venue would be a good idea.

The show itself was great! This predominately Hardcore show consisted of the artists Sailor's Mouth, Distances, Wiretap and Black Mask.  I hope to see more shows at this venue in the future and to eventually play here with my band as well.

Wiretap performing.  I am pictured, second from the left, watching their set.

Cultural Event 1 - "Murder and Mayhem: How It All Began" Presented by The Rude Mechanicals

I attended a showing of "Murder and Mayhem: How It All Began" this semester.  This play was a Medieval Drama.  It was about the Christian story of the Creation of Man. It consisted of four different parts:

Creation and Fall of Angels
Fall of Man
The Murder of Abel
Noah

This was the second Rude Mechanicals play I have attended since I have been at Shepherd.  I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed.  The Rudes never seem to fail at providing an entertaining show for their classmates.  This particular play focused on some of the first parts of the Bible.  These stories explain the creation of the universe and mankind.  I thought that the play was quite entertaining.  I feel that many Shepherd students don't expect The Rude Mechanicals plays to be as funny as they are.