Author: Rachel Stinson

Q&A: Richard Ranta,

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date August 23, 2007

Though this fall marks its 30th anniversary, the College of Communication and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis is still thriving under its founding dean, Richard Ranta. The Flyer recently spoke with Ranta about his long history at the U of M and how the school has changed. Says Ranta: “I’m the only dean the college has ever had, so I can’t blame mistakes on anyone else.”

— By Rachel Stinson

Flyer: How has the college changed over the past 30 years?

Ranta: You’re sitting in one of them. One of my first tasks was to have a specialized building created. The area of Egyptology didn’t exist; we created it in 1980. Dance is now a minor, and students can major in dance education. The School of Music has achieved an endowed status. We began a bachelor of archaeology degree. We’ve hired some very good faculty who have achieved the highest honors in their fields.

Have teaching methods evolved?

The massive influence of technology has changed everything. It used to be that we’d get new art easels and paints for the art department, and we wouldn’t have to worry about supplies for a couple of decades. Now, we have $10,000 work stations, plus software and computers. Nothing is worth anything after five years. It’s worse than owning a sailboat.

Who should be credited with the school’s success?

The reason the college has done so well is that we attract and hold very talented faculty members. The faculty are well-known throughout the nation. Having these colleagues is so important in sustaining the quality of the college and for the college to make a [name] for itself. We also attract very talented students and, in others, bring out talents they didn’t know they had.

What has kept you at the college for 30 years?

This college has been a place where you can do things. The university has grown into a fine institution. I enjoy the people and the friendships. It doesn’t seem like 30 years. I have to be reminded that it’s been that long.

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Green Card

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date August 9, 2007

Some say freedom is priceless, but for U.S. immigrants, citizenship has a price — and it’s one that just got substantially higher.

On July 30th, the cost of applying to be a U.S. citizen — and all of the prerequisite steps — increased for the first time in almost 10 years.

“Our operating costs have gone up,” says Dan Kane, spokesman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The fee for U.S. naturalization has more than doubled, from $330 to $675. The application fee to become a permanent resident has increased even more: from $325 to $930.

Kane saw a number of people hurry to finish the process before the new rates took effect. But even after the hike, Kane doesn’t think the higher rates will deter immigrants.

“These people are very interested in becoming U.S. citizens, and for them, there’s no price tag on American citizenship,” he says.

Like Kane, Alvin King noticed a swell of immigrants trying to finish applications before the new rates. King is secretary/treasurer of Visa and Immigration Services Assistance (VISA), which helps immigrants complete citizenship applications.

“Most are applying for the things leading up to citizenship,” King says, such as the U.S. permanent resident card, commonly called a green card. Once $190, the green card application fee is now $370.

Many people who didn’t get applications in before the fees changed have stopped in the middle of the process.

“These people are working and legal,” King says. “Their reaction is, What can we do? They don’t have a congressman. They don’t have any recourse.”

King points out that the increases don’t take factors such as income into consideration.

“Immigrants are not used to being treated fairly. But this puts fees out of reach, almost,” King says.

José Trejo, who moved to the States from Mexico in 1980, came to VISA to renew his green card and ask about bringing his wife and two children to the States.

“I should have come last month. It’s a lot of money,” Trejo says.

Tags green card, immigrant workers, migrant workers, naturalization, permanent residency, price increase

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The Real Thing

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date August 9, 2007

The Mississippi Delta tends to be still and quiet. But when the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival comes to Clarksdale, no one can keep from tapping their feet.

Mississippi’s largest blues and gospel festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with artists including Bobby Rush, Denise LaSalle (pictured), Billy Rivers, and the Angelic Voices of Faith.

“Last year, I think we had 17 countries and 35 states come,” publicist Panny Mayfield says.

This year’s performers include the Norwegian band Spoonful of Blues, which features 2007 Norwegian Grammy Award winner Rita Engedalen.

“They have a kindred feeling with the musicians of the Mississippi Delta blues,” Mayfield says of Spoonful of Blues. “They consider Clarksdale the cradle of the blues. They revere Mississippi and the Delta.”

Mayfield adds that the festival is free to attend and run solely by volunteers: “We spend the whole year writing grants and seeking donations. The reason we don’t charge is that the music started here. There are people who could not afford to come otherwise.”

Sunflower River Blues differs from other blues festivals because it showcases pure blues, according to Mayfield. “It’s the real thing. It’s the purest blues festival in America,” she says. “You’ll hear lots of musicians you’re not going to hear anywhere else. They’re all somehow connected to the state of Mississippi.”

As for the volunteer coordinators, Mayfield says, “We’re a bunch of people who love the blues. We range from lawyers to prison guards to librarians. The blues holds it together.”

Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival, Clarksdale, Mississippi, Friday-Sunday, August 10th-12th. Free.

Tags live, Music, preview, Sunflower River Blues and Gospel festival

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Great Outdoors

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date August 9, 2007

Many people take the elevator rather than walk up a few flights of stairs. Some Memphians, on the other hand, are opting to run up and down stairs — those outside the Pyramid.

“Workout on the River,” a boot-camp-style fitness program, takes participants outside the gym and into downtown Memphis. The first camp concluded in early August; the second camp’s eight-week session will begin August 13th.

Developer Stacy Chick, a five-year trainer at the downtown YMCA, ran the gym’s boot-camp workout for two years. Her class was popular, but one factor was missing: a pleasant setting.

“I realized that it’s kind of boring in the gym,” Chick says. So, she took her program outside. Chick finds the new workout environment not only pleasing to the eye but also beneficial for exercise.

“I don’t have to be the sole motivator anymore,” she says. “The environment is the motivator. Sometimes, we run to the Pyramid and then run up the stairs there. It’s much more interesting than a treadmill and weight rack. When people get bored, they lose focus.”

Other activities in the boot camp include weight lifting, running, kickboxing, and obstacle courses. Participants meet three times a week for one-hour workouts.

The boot camp is designed to meet various levels of physical fitness, no matter how flabby or ‘ripped’ you may be. Exercisers support one another, but they also hold each other accountable for slacking on workouts or nutritious eating.

“The boot camp teaches a healthy lifestyle and self-confidence,” Chick says. “People also socialize. It’s not just that you notice the results. People around you notice too.”

“Workout on the River,” Greenbelt Park. Starts Monday, August 13th, 5:45 a.m., 5:45 p.m., or 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. $225. For more information, e-mail riverworkout@comcast.net or call 488-7740.

Tags boot camp, Outdoors, physical fitness, river workout, The Pyramid

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A Horse of Another Color

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date August 2, 2007

The Memphis Cook Convention Center is awash in pastels.

This weekend’s “mane” event is the 2007 Collectors Convention for My Little Pony — MLP for those in the know — where buyers and sellers from across the nation and beyond scope out toy ponies with flirty eyelashes over almond-shaped eyes and stars and hearts accenting their derrieres.

Renee Michel, a collector since age 7, came from California with her grandpa, Dennis McKenzie. “She’s turning 12 tomorrow, so this is her birthday present,” he says.

Like most of the attendees, Michel proudly wears an MLP T-shirt. “They’re just really cute,” she says of the ponies.

Her grandfather smiles and adds, “I’m a collector of watches, so I can understand.”

At another booth, a young girl points to a pony and grins. Her older brother is more vocal. “Do you have any really cheap boy ponies?” he asks the attendant.

My Little Pony fans gather at the Memphis Cook Convention Center

And, of course, she does. In fact, collectors can find every imaginable pony and pony accessory at the convention, along with castles, clothing, “baby” pony bottles, rattles, and tiny pony panties.

Many collectors are hoping to get their hands on the 2007 convention pony: a Delta blues pony. Other MLP enthusiasts scan the booths for ponies customized by artists, including alien and Pokémon ponies.

Coordinator Jen Oakes can relate to the MLP obsession — her own collection is nearing 1,000 ponies.

“Most collectors had them as kids, so they’re very nostalgic,” she says. “They’re very comforting, very sweet and endearing. Some kids collect them, too. It’s quite a diverse crowd.”

At first glance, I wouldn’t expect Tres Donley — a man from Cincinnati with tattoos and a long, red ponytail — to be interested in MLP. “It’s a childhood joy,” he says while searching through a bucket of discounted ponies. “I love anything that involves childhood.”

Mississippian Jenna Thrash plucks a pony from the same bucket. Then, to my horror, she twists the head back and forth. Just when I expect the head to pop off, she yanks on the bright-orange tail, and it “grows” several inches.

Thrash laughs and explains, “It’s a ‘Brush ‘n Grow’ pony. I figure there are worse things I could be spending my money on.”

Now the proud, new owner of a glittery-eyed pony and another with berries on its bottom, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Tags collector, MLP convention, My Little Pony

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Totally Buff

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date August 2, 2007

CREDIT: Tomasz Trojanowski | dreamstime.com

It takes confidence to compete on stage in front of an audience. It takes nerves of steel to do so in a thong.

On Saturday, August 4th, built and bronzed athletes will convene for the 2007 “Battle on the Bluff” Bodybuilding and Figure Competition at Sam’s Town in Tunica.

Promoter and trainer Chris Caudy, who has been a bodybuilder for more than 10 years, says the competition will attract athletes not only from Tennessee but surrounding states. The 2007 Junior U.S.A. champion, Mike Horn, is also set to appear as a guest “poser.”

“It usually takes 12 to 16 weeks to prepare for a competition,” Caudy says. “Diet is the hardest part; training is the easy part.”

Each division requires extensive preparation with an emphasis on symmetry and balanced body proportions. The nine categories of competition include teen, men’s novice, men’s junior, men’s open, masters, grandmasters, women, figure, and masters figure.

Aside from enjoying the eye candy, audience members might actually benefit from the competition: Watching bodybuilders often triggers a desire in people to better their own bodies. “It’s very inspirational,” Caudy says. “The bodybuilders have worked hard for months to be on stage for minutes. After a competition, people usually call me, ready to start working out.”

Viewing the finished product of diligence and deprivation — a chiseled body — is enough to motivate even couch potatoes. “It makes people believe it’s attainable,” Caudy says. “They see these people and think, I can do this. It might motivate you not just in the gym but in other walks of life.”

“Battle on the Bluff” Bodybuilding and Figure Competition, Sam’s Town Tunica, Saturday, August 4th, 7 p.m. General admission is $27.50, $32.50 day of event. For tickets, call (800) 946-0711.

Tags bodybuilding, Tunica

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Fork in the Road

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date July 26, 2007

On Thursday, July 26th, Memphians will have the chance to sample dishes from eight Cooper-Young restaurants while helping spread literacy.

“A Taste of Cooper-Young” will take participants on a delectable tour of the Cooper-Young neighborhood, with all proceeds benefiting the Memphis Literacy Council. People will be divided into three groups of about 75 each for 6, 7, and 8 p.m. tours.

The tours are set to begin at Burke’s Book Store, where the “Literatini” drink will make its debut. “The Literatini is a special recipe made just for us, and each person will get to try one,” says the council’s Debra Hall.

Afterward, tour groups will visit Tsunami, the Beauty Shop, Dō Sushi & Lounge, Café Ole, Young Avenue Deli, Celtic Crossing, the Blue Fish, and the brand-new Sweet Desserterie.

“At each restaurant, people will get to try a different dish,” Hall says. “They can stroll around the neighborhood, duck into a restaurant, and then go on to the next. Cooper-Young is known to be a great place for food, and this is going to be a really fun event.”

Following dinner, the groups will head to the Literacy Council on South Cooper for wine. There will be live music and a silent auction with area artwork and other items from Cooper-Young businesses. Participants will also vote for the “People’s Choice Award” to name the favorite dish of the night.

“This event is a great way to experience something that’s unique to Memphis,” Hall says. “Only in Memphis do you have a neighborhood like Cooper-Young.”

“A Taste of Cooper-Young,” Cooper-Young area, Thursday, July 26th, 6, 7, and 8 p.m. $50. To purchase tickets, visit

www.memphisliteracycouncil.org or call 327-6000, ext. 1006. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

Tags Cooper-Young, Food, literacy

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“Dammit, Janet”

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date July 19, 2007

Beneath a crystal chandelier, a young woman stands in stiletto heels. Fishnet stockings crisscross her legs, garter belt supporting the hose. A black corset cinches her waist into an hourglass silhouette.

A man wears a similar outfit nearby.

At the Orpheum theater’s recent screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show — part of its summer movie series — the cult classic is alive all around me.

According to Kate Hackett, executive assistant to Orpheum president and CEO Pat Halloran, the screening and costume contest “give people a good reason to get together and have a fun time.”

And, she adds, “People can get their ‘freak’ on!”

During the costume contest, 30 men and 30 women mimic Rocky Horror characters, and they don’t hold back. The charismatic emcee of the competition, last year’s male winner, bears a striking resemblance to the film’s main character, Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

Kat Sacco is dressed as Magenta, wearing a white bow around her neck, black fishnets, and sexy shoes.

“I’m absolutely in love with this movie because it’s so open-minded,” Sacco says. “I like dressing up, but I’m too old for Halloween.”

Among the males competing is a heavyset young man in a corset and heels, a red-and-black boa snaking around his neck. The contestants have few — if any — inhibitions. That statement proves especially true for a middle-aged woman who teases the crowd with glimpses under her bathrobe.

“My name is Dazzle, in case my kids don’t want everyone to know my real name,” she tells the audience.

During the movie, crowd members who have purchased prop bags wear party hats that resemble dunce caps and throw rice and toilet paper. Most of the audience has memorized the script and shout particular phrases at the appropriate times. With each appearance of the character Janet, for instance, a chorus of “Slut!” rings out from the audience. I know I’m in the company of true Rocky Horror fans when people leap from their seats to dance “The Time Warp.”

But my favorite moment isn’t watching the audience dance or sing or even hold the Flyer over their heads while Brad and Janet run from the rain.

Instead, during the song “There’s a Light,” movie buffs, black-clad goths, middle-aged couples, music enthusiasts, and drag queens extend their lit cell phones, swaying the glowing lights in unison.

Tags film, movie, Orpheum Theatre, Review, Rocky Horror Picture Show

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Stir It Up

Post author By Rachel Stinson
Post date July 19, 2007

Bill Wharton’s musical performances are smokin’ — from his swampy Florida blues to the gumbo he cooks on stage. For 17 years, Wharton, aka the “Sauce Boss,” has fed his fans the gumbo that he specially prepares during each show.

The Tallahassee musician is now set to jam with his band at Blues City Café from Thursday, July 19th, to Saturday, July 21st, and at the Memphis Union Mission on Sunday, July 22nd.

At his upcoming Memphis performances, Sauce Boss doesn’t plan on letting anyone go hungry, especially when it goes to people in need. “We’re all about the food,” he says.

Four years ago, Wharton founded Planet Gumbo, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide hope and sustenance. Since then, he has performed for and fed residents of homeless shelters nationwide. “We try to give a message of hope — and a big pot of gumbo,” Wharton explains. “Food breaks down all barriers and brings people into the kitchen. We bring the kitchen to people, no matter where they are.”

Playing blues and cooking gumbo are “one and the same,” and only Wharton’s special Liquid Summer Hot Sauce rivals his energetic music in spiciness. But for Sauce Boss, “giving back to the communities where we play” is most important.

“I thought I had it really good before I starting doing this. But now that I have a life with service, it’s opened up so many avenues,” he says. “It’s amazing, totally amazing. You’ve got to give to receive, and you receive an awful lot when you give.”

Sauce Boss, at Blues City Café (138 Beale), July 19, 8 p.m. and July 20-21, 10 p.m., free; at the Memphis Union Mission (383 Poplar), July 22, at dinnertime, free. For more information, go to WWW.sauceboss.com or www.planetgumbo.org.

Tags Bill Wharton, live, Music, Review, sauce boss