Lombardi/The Only Thing

What promises to be a great play called "Lombardi/The Only Thing" is being performed at the Overture Center in Madison Wednesdays through Sundays from now until December. It actually premiered to a near capacity crowd this past Friday.

The play, directed by Richard Corley, was created by Oscar-winning director Eric Simonson who used Pulitzer Prize-winning writer David Maraniss's book "When Pride Still Mattered" as the basis for the play. Maraniss's book details the life of legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, and the play, from what I gather, tries to get at the man behind the legend -- his problems, his health issues, and his relationships with players, fellow coaches and family.

I've read "When Pride Still Mattered" and absolutely loved it. I can only imagine, then, how entertaining this play must be. I plan on going very soon, partly because I'm a Packer fan. But according to "The Daily Cardinal," you don't have to be a Packer fan -- or even a football fan -- to enjoy this show.

Poetry Reading Avol's Bookstore

Poetry reading tomorrow night, Wednesday November 7, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Avol's Bookstore in Madison. It is next to Community Pharmacy on 315 West Gorham Street. It'll be a great time, come listen to some poetry, share some of your work and relax with cool people. Hope to see you then!

6th annual Wisconsin Book Festival a hit

For Madisonians October was full of excitement: Freakfest on State Street, Homecoming at the UW, and even a visit from Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama, D-IL. But for me and many others, the highlight of October was the 6th annual Wisconsin Book Festival, with its overarching theme of "Domestic Tranquility."

Many authors, poets and playwrights from all over the state, and all across the world, visited various locations throughout downtown Madison to present and discuss their work -- the difficulties, the successes and the sometimes frustrating process that many writers face. The event is said to attract 10,000 people and its programs are designed to reach people of all age groups.

Although I personally attended a handful of the numerous events throughout the festival's five days, the highlight for me was a program at the Wisconsin Historical Society called "Yes, Wisconsin, There is a Poet Laureate: Readings by Wisconsin Poets Laureate and Commended Poets." Although current Poet Laureate Denise Sweet was unable to make it, Wisconsin's first ever Poet Laureate Ellen Kort wowed the audience by reading many of her most meaningful poems. Commended poets John Lehman, Tom Montag and Doug Flaherty also entertained those in attendance with funny stories and poetry that really hit home. I definitely suggest planning on attending next year's Wisconsin Book Festival as there is plenty for all literature lovers to see and experience. You won't be disappointed.

Feist Comes to the Orpheum

Here's good news for everyone who loves the mellow sound of Feist: She is coming to the Orpheum Theater in Madison on Friday, November 16th 2007. The concert is part of her ongoing tour promoting her newest album "The Reminder," an album that boasts the same slow, intimate tracks that we're used to hearing along with a number of high-energy electronic-sounding numbers that will make you want to get out of your seat and dance. Now that she has been picked up by MTV's label and featured as the catchy tune on the infamous ipod nano advertisements, Feist has been beamed into our ears through television sets across the country. If you're like me, you find yourself humming "1,2,3,4...tell me that you love me more" multiple times in a day and would love to get to hear Feist up-close and personal. If anyone is free, you should join me! The concert kicks off at 8:00pm, and Jason Colett is opening. Tickets are $22 in advance at Ticketmaster.com for general seating and $25 at the door.