For the theater department at Washburn, a new season is about to begin.
The Heart of Topeka Foundation will be kicking off their first major event with a Fitness Challenge on May 17. There will be fitness stations with fun activities such as Zumba, Twister, Hula hoops, belly dancing, challenges, trivia and much more.
The grunge revival is in full swing on the album “Avengers: Assemble,” The soundtrack for the hit movie of the same title. a slew of late-90s/early-2000s alt-rockers. Usually this would excite me, but not this time.
NETFLIX Pick of the Week
Have you ever watched a movie that had the potential to be great, but just couldn’t achieve that greatness?
The average life of a college student is filled with constant and consistent stress.
BA Designs offers four chances a year for local artists to display their artwork in the interior design buisness’s building for the monthly first Friday art walks.
Carol Ann Carter not only consistently strives for meaningful work, but gives patrons the opportunity to connect with her art by more than just looking at it.
The Washburn Book Club has been meeting every four to six weeks since its start in 2000.
Movies are made to entertain audiences and for Marvel’s “The Avengers” that opened this weekend does just that.
Since 2008 there has been a steady stream of movies building to one culminating moment.
WUStock brings Big Gigantic to Topeka
On April 29, Lee Arena featured four music acts that planned to entertain the Topeka community.
These two senior exhibits are just a couple of many exhibits new to campus and a few other locations around the city of Topeka.
Every time I get on Netflix, I never know what kind of movie I am in the mood for. With so many poorly made movies out there and my bad luck, I usually end up wasting my time on pointless movies.
There are so many Mexican restaurants in Topeka, so it’s extremely hard to find one that stands out to me, and Lupita’s just didn’t do it.
Chairs can be squishy, cushiony, soft, hard, comfortable, uncomfortable, sometimes colorful, purposeful, transportable or even used for relaxation. It’s all about seating.
Formed in 2010, progressive/rock/hardcore/metal sonic experimentalists, The Soiled Doves, have quickly become one of Topeka’s most unique and exciting acts.
Amber Kissell, former special events director for Washburn Student Government Association had a simple message for students during her time in office.
The ear-deafening, gut-wrenching, beat-blasting Sedlec Ossuary is back. After several months of lying dormant, the Topeka metal band has gotten back on its feet and erupted onstage last Friday, April 20 at The Boobie Trap Bar.
As long as she can remember, senior Kathleen Jolly has always been interested in the arts.
Out of the ashes of local rockers Smokin’ Joe comes one of Topeka’s most sonically diversified acts going today: The Rob Wade Band.
Film sparks controversy
“May the odds be ever in your favor,” has become the most known phrase worldwide over a two-week time span—yes, I’m referring to Suzanne Collin’s “The Hunger Games” which hit theaters officially at midnight on March 22, 2012. Since then, the movie has eased its way into the top grossing movies on opening weekend with $150 million, earning the third top movie in opening weekend history next to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part two and The Dark Knight.
If you are looking for good coffee in Topeka that isn’t PT’s, Kansas Daily Grind is the place to go.
The NOTO Arts District recently announced Angela Broadhead, a local artist, as the winner for their logo contest that was held in February.
The NOTO Saturday Market opened last Saturday, and although it was rainy, they still kicked it off with style. Because they chose the location under the Kansas Avenue bridge, the rain was not a problem and in the future, the sun won’t be one either.
ReThink Topeka is having its third annual Exhibition and Art Walk on Saturday, April 14 in downtown Topeka. The art walk will consist of many different activities, including lots of art, poetry, music, food and more.
Washburn graphic art students and the School of Nursing have teamed up to create a new look for Collaborative Outreach Advancing Community Health (COACH). COACH is a mobile unit--a large box van--used by the nursing program to provide outreach and simulation training for smaller hospitals and rural areas.
As one watches one of the most historically great movies of all time, Titanic, they may not realize the historical impact the real event had on the entire world.
As an artist, passion thrives in such a way that it rivals a heartbeat or a drum beat – or at least, that’s how it is to Washburn University senior, Kelsey Cook, who will be performing her last senior recital this upcoming Sunday on April 15. Cook, as one of the only current percussion seniors graduating in may, simply says that she wants only one thing from her performance – for people to enjoy it.
Members of Topeka groups interested in downtown redevelopment had a chance to get together over the spring break to move closer to a finalized plan for proposal to the Topeka City Council.
Going to a play or a musical is a fantastic way to bring people in a community together without placing any limit on ages and is fun for the whole family.
I have been to Henry T’s a number of times and left satisfied but a couple weeks ago, I came for dinner, and was completely disappointed.
One hundred and twenty-seven works were entered, but only 45 works were accepted by 24 students for this year’s annual juried selection of student works in the art department.
“La mia collezione” and “Tradition” are just two of the many senior art exhibits scheduled to be displayed this semester.
Despite art budget cuts around the state of Kansas this past year, the North Topeka Arts District, also known as NOTO Arts District, continues to inspire students and produce new projects ahead of time.
A recent delve into the book “Tastes Like Human: The Shark Guys’ Book of Bitingly Funny Lists” by Noel Boivin and Christopher Lombardo proved to be an entertaining end to a boring week.
Entitled “People and Things,” Jack’s Mannequin’s new release discusses just that. Black cats, cold weather, dreams and people running around are all a part of this album.
On March 17, downtown Topeka will be a sight to see as the fourth annual Great Topeka Bed Race kicks off. Participants will glide down 6th Avenue from SW Van Buren Street to SW Jackson Street in decorated beds.
The Dream Rocket Project is nationwide and began while Marsh was in graduate school at Syracuse with the help of 2,500 fellow art students.
From doing paintings and sculptures, to digital arts, such as 3D modeling and even animation, Schroer has done it all.
I recently spent half of the night out, not drinking with friends, but one thing about the night didn‘t have flaws and uncertainties.
Last weekend’s student penned plays, “Wet Ink” definitely did not disappoint.
Senior uses found material for her art
A May graduation is something that couldn’t have come sooner for Kaylee Hesse, an art student who has been in attendance at Washburn University since 2005, never switching majors.
What started as recording music for fun on a computer microphone in a friend's basement eventually became a big opportunity for Ty Schneider, a rising local hip hop artist and a member of the former group, Dem Kansas Boys.
Jenny and Wendi Unrein got their start in 2008 when they were at home watching the Oprah Winfrey Show, which at the time, featured an episode for raising money for cancer research for various charities.
This past Friday, March 2nd, the International Center of Topeka hosted "Japan: Land of the Cherry Blossom."
The plays will begin at 7:30 p.m. for the March 8 show, with encore performances March 9 and March 10. March 11 will be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. As with many Washburn productions, "Wet Ink" is free with a Washburn identification. It is $8 for general admission.
While it may be a far cry from Rembrandt or Picasso's methods, Washburn University's Mulvane Art Museum has a new way for the Topeka community to collect art in the past few weeks.
Let's be honest here; when word hit the wire that we were going to be graced with a David Lee Roth-fronted Van Halen album (the first in 27 years), the gravitational pull caused by millions of eyes simultaneously rolling was enough to knock a few milliseconds off the Earth's rotation.
This sculpture inspired the most recent multi-tiered art education program, combining art making with nature and science.
In the time before her surgeries, Wagner was an avid reader and a doting wife, but life unexpectedly changed everything in 2002 and she was diagnosed with two pear-sized brain tumors.
"Ruined" was a little longer than expected, but it definitely surpassed my expectations of the quality of performance.
The International Center of Topeka is sponsoring Japan: Land of the Cherry Blossom, an event to help in welcoming 21 international students who are visiting Washburn from Fukouka, Japan.
The First Friday Art Walk is a showcase for Topeka artists at the various locations open for the event around the city on the first Friday of every month.
Three plays, one night
Flaws and uncertainty, drinking with friends and a night in are all parts that bring "Wet Ink" together. "Wet Ink" is a series of three student-written plays set to be performed at Washburn University March 8 though March 11.
If you are searching for the best breakfast in Topeka, you can stop looking now. In the heart of the North Topeka Arts District, Bradley's Corner Café is the best spot for home cooked anything-and-everything.
Unique is what you get when you jam out to X-men.
Along with food and drinks, live entertainment is something a little extra you can get if you stop by The Office, located downtown at 124 W. 8 St. or The Office Too at 3251 S. Topeka Blvd.
With his guitar slung over his shoulder, Josh Vowell walks casually up to the microphone and utters seven simple words that set the tone for an entire night, "We're gonna play some blues for you."
Mark Lanegan is Seattle's own version of Johnny Cash. While peers and collaborators like Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley succumbed to their personal demons, Lanegan fought back and while he may not have fully won his battle with drugs and alcohol, he managed to earn a hard-won truce with his inner self.
The Break Room, 911 S. Kansas Ave., has been entertaining guests recently with a series of comedies shows entitled "So U Think U R Funny?".
The third in a three part series
Aside from his job as a record producer, Schneider works full-time as a firefighter in Lawrence and is a solo musician.
The Mulvane Art Museum opened up several new exhibits last week as it prepared for spring visitors.
"Ruined" premieres at the Andrew J. and Georgia Neese Gray Theatre at Washburn University on Thursday February 23 at 7:30 p.m., with encore performances Friday and Saturday evening as well.
Finding a job after graduation and finding a job that you love are two challenging and sometimes difficult tasks to achieve after college. Luckily for Michael Allen, he has killed two birds with one stone.
The band was born via the influences like The Beatles, Elvis Costello, U2, The Ramones, The Cars and rock n' roll pioneers Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Little Richard.
Metallica has never really been known for their b-sides. That's one of the many things that makes "Beyond Magnetic" such an interesting listen.
Located 4010 Huntoon, Topeka, KS, 66614
Juli's is locally owned and operated, and it shows.
Tegan and Sara is a band featuring identical sisters, Tegan Quin and Sara Quin.
. The device, which is considered the second oldest toy invented, is something that a group of Topeka residents has taken a passion to thanks in part to the passion developed by a neighboring city's own group of yo-yo enthusiasts.
Tanner Ballengee
Finally, the Wolf from "Three Little Pigs" gets a chance to explain himself on Tuesday Feb. 21.
Cast members intermingled with guests, leaving subtle clues and their unique personalities. Doors open at 6 p.m., guests should arrive by 6:30 at the latest.
The Kansas Expocentre will be hosting their annual Topeka Garden Show Feb. 17-19.
Joseph Harrington, associate professor at the University of Kansas, explores these ideas in his forthcoming book, "Things Come On."
The second in a three part series
Schneider hasn't always been a record producer, however. Prior to opening Rundown Studios in Jan. 2009, he worked several other jobs.
Despite a blustery cold night, Washburn students came to warm up with a band that has become a popular campus band.
"Ruined." Among the many definitions found in Merriam Webster, there was one that stood out. It simply read: "the act of destroying, laying waste, or wrecking."
Right down the street from Washburn's campus is French restaurant, Chez Yasu, and it's the perfect spot to take your honey for Valentine's day.
The 16th Annual Kansas Silent Film Festival begins on Friday, Feb. 24th at 7 p.m. in the White Concert Hall.
After seeing the recently-released 2010 version of "True Grit" on Netflix-featuring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin—I was excited to find that the original 1969 version of the movie was also available on instant queue.
The Memorial Union has offered a nice twist to studying this spring as Kathy Reser, the director of the memorial union installs Tunes on Tuesday outside of the Outtakes Corner Store.
Like a blast from the past, Kansas history was brought to life last Sunday, Feb. 5, as citizens of the Topeka community gathered at the Ritchie House's Cox Communication Heritage Education Center for the first of the "Shared Stories of the Civil War" performances that will continue on through the month of February.
Exciting new things are happening in North Topeka's Art District, and the future looks bright.
Radcliffe leaves Potter behind
In Hollywood's most recent horror film, "The Woman in Black," director James Watkins gives a new twist to an old tale of misery and regret.
The first in a three part series
For Paul Schneider, owner of Rundown Recording Studios in Topeka, nothing less than the best is acceptable. Since Jan. 2009, when he opened up shop at 2515 S.W. 6th St., he has set a precedent of never settling for ‘good enough' with the music he produces.
To many, drawing is a talent derived from the time spent enjoying a hobby. To others, drawing is nothing more than a useless idea.
When one usually thinks of Valentine's Day, it's thought of as a day of poetry, wine, candy and roses, or candlelight dinners. Here are some other alternatives that will bring back fond memories for years to come.
On March 8-11, the Washburn University theatre department will be putting on a special production of three student- written plays.
During the week of Jan. 16, Penny Weiner, associate theatre professor and three theatre students participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Iowa.
With all actors, there is a movie that breaks molds and steps outside of what we expect of stars. With "McLintock!" the film is on the face of it, another in a long line of John Wayne western movies, but it stretches itself in many other directions.
'The Year of Magical Thinking' Review
Grief. Sorrow. Pain. Avoidance. All of these words and more are an attempt to describe the play I witnessed this weekend. I say "attempt" because it simply doesn't cover it.
Art is designed to capture the soul of a society. With shrinking arts budgets, both at the state and federal level, Washburn students are working to keep the soul fed through the work of one organization.
The Topeka Zoo, in the heart of Gage Park, is expecting an exciting new addition to its inhabitants early this May. What new addition is that? Penguins.
A great way to start out your weekend on the First Friday of every month is to visit some of the 40 venues around Topeka participating in the First Friday Art Walk.
With the reopening of Washburn's Mulvane Art Museum comes four exciting new exhibits which will be on public display on the First Friday Art Walk on Feb. 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Located across from Washburn's corner waterfall is The Flying Monkey, where a cup of coffee can be made four different ways and then some.
Since opening in September 2011, the Burger Stand's business has been busy.
As Black History Month approaches, there are a number of things to keep in mind and reflect on about the true history and significance of African American culture.
To Melissa Villasenor, stand up comedian and impressionist, laughter is the best medicine.
Friday night at Bosco's Downtown, poets shared their work that was published in the Blue Island Review.
As soon as I read the first page of "Windfall Nights," I knew I had come across something unique.
Everyone has been talking about Mr. Stirfry. the huge 100-item fresh Chinese buffet, sushi and hibachi bar located east of the Pizza Hut at S.W. 17th and Wanamaker Rd.
4 out of 5 Top Hats
The movie "Red Tails" is a high action packed flying action movie inspired by the heroic exploits of the first all African American aerial combat unit.
The Great Overland Station of Topeka is showing off a grand collection of Kansas' railroad history. The Station will be showing the exhibit "The People's Kind of Railroad: The Santa Fe, the City, the State, and the Nation," in the Fink Exhibit Gallery through Jan. 28.
This culture behind waiting, specifically in a women's health clinic, was expressed this past weekend in the one-act choreoplay "Tick Tock" written by Marcia Cebulska, with shows at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library and the YWCA.
Topeka Civic Theatre is the place to go for a night of improv, games and shenanigans, provided by the members of Laughing Matters Improvisational Comedy Troupe and Laughing Matters Junior.
To my surprise, I walked into the Helen Hocker Theater and realized I might be wrong just from one look at the set.
Along with giving gifts and goodwill toward others, the holiday season also comes with its share of socialization and the occasional party or two.
Free music, art and videos, all in the holiday spirit, are offered within the "A Light Goes On" project. While the art is new, similar projects have been around for years.
Patrick Tomei's senior exhibit "Zenskunigenron" is on display from Dec. 5-23 inside of the Andrew J. & Georgia Neese-Gray Theater Lobby Gallery.
Dinner and a show plus a holiday atmosphere with a twist is what audience members can expect if planning to attend the Break Room's second annual performance of David Sedaris' tale, the "Santaland Diaries."
The Jazz Ensembles I and II performed a vivid array of jazz music, with pieces ranging from Cannonball Adderley's "Dat Dere," arranged by Eric Morales to a song called "I Could Write a Book," arranged by Harry Connick Jr.
Travis Garwood found his inspiration through death, as well as birth.
With prepubescent robots and a natural aversion to vegetables on his mind, Eric McHenry, Washburn assistant professor of English, recently released his new book of children's poetry "Mommy Daddy Evan Sage."
Thanksgiving is a long standing American tradition, and brings to mind visions of roast turkey, mashed potatoes and other butter-laden foods.
One of Washburn's newest faculty members for 2011 in the art department is Jennifer Marsh, who teaches Design I, an introductory course in design principles.
The African American Male Leadership Council had a special presentation for a group of young men last Friday night on Veterans day, when Sinbad the Entertainer came to the Topeka Performing Arts Center before his show.
The year 2011 marks the 16th annual outdoor exhibition, sponsored by Washburn University and by the Campus Beautification Committee.
Natalie Wang's senior art exhibit "West Meets East" is currently on display in the Art building, until this Friday, Oct. 28.
Ever since David Adkins, professionally known as "Sinbad the Entertainer," first came to Topeka—the city has been anxiously awaiting his return. This Friday, Nov. 11, marks his official return at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.
Washburn art student Michael Allen's senior show "Effect" is a mixture of mediums and manipulations, chronicling his evolution as an artist.
Washburn-based funk band Echo Lake provided the musical entertainment Oct. 29 at the Looking Glass Tattoo-Ween Costume Party, hosted by Blackbird Espresso Bar and Bistro.
Natalie Wang's senior art exhibit "West Meets East" is currently on display in the Art building, until this Friday, Oct. 28.
Having already published books and shorts stories as far back as 1971 in Kansas University's literary magazine "The Cottonwood," Professor Tom Averill, Washburn writer-in -residence, recently saw the release of his new novel "Rode."
The Washburn Art Building on campus, currently houses Koger‘s "evolution." The exhibit is required as part of Washburn University's transformational experience for those graduating with a bachelor in fine arts degree.
Most widely known for being a two-time winner of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," country music singer and actress, Julianne Hough, is getting ready to cut loose in front of audiences worldwide this Friday ainthe remake of "Footloose," directed by Craig Brewer, comes to the big screen.
Brewer said that he knows how to put music together in a movie that is thrilling or compelling and is a huge fan of the original "Footloose."
Porubsky's Deli and Grocery has been a familiar local gem in the northeast area of Topeka known as Little Russia since 1947, when it was opened by Charles and Lydia Porubsky.
In the last two years, Topeka has seen growth of interest in reinvigorating the downtown part of the city.
This month's Friday Art Walk of Topeka will take place Oct. 7 at Southwind Gallery.
This year's fall lineup of new and returning TV shows boasts of drama, action adventure, science fiction, crime, new cast members and meltdowns.
The Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC) has been serving its city by "…providing for the advancement, promotion, presentation, and development of the arts to meet the diverse cultural and educational needs of our community," as stated in their mission statement.
Payless Shoes has followed in the footsteps of Toms with their Good Shoe Project to bring shoes to children in need.
Christian rock concert's inaugural show a hit in North Topeka
Check out some of the pictures taken by copy editor Josh Rouse at the inaugural 2011 In Session Music Festival, which featured area worships bands and well as headliner Cloverton.
As the summer comes to an end for the youth of Topeka, one last fun event helped to bring entertainment to the masses and celebrate a part of the capital city's heritage.
Mulvane Art Museum also features various exhibitions from local artists, as well as artists from around the world. From June 18 until September 18 the show "Art of the Brick" will be in the upstairs gallery, an exhibition featuring 28 sculptures created out of LEGOs, by New York based artist Nathan Sawaya. This will be on display through the end of the summer and into the beginning of the 2011 Fall Semester and students are highly encouraged to check it out.
Getting involved, supporting other students and colleagues and getting educated is all part of the college experience according to Mark Norman, who is about to go into his third year as the director of bands at Washburn University.
Local band Head Change was chosen from a battle of the bands to play at Kanrocksas Music Festival.
The Movie Event of a Generation
The movie event of a generation has arrived in theatres. The long awaited conclusion to the Harry Potter series that fans have long awaited for is at long last here.
Nathan Sawaya's 28 LEGO® brick sculptures will form "The Art of the Brick" exhibit June 18 to Sept. 18 at the Mulvane Art Museum. Admission is free.
Art fair thrives at Washburn despite elimination of Kansas Arts Commission
This weekend, Washburn University is hosting the Mulvane Mountain/Plains Art Fair, a two-day event featuring live music, food and pieces of work from nearly 90 artists from around the country.
If you are searching for a new place to study, get a coffee or espresso, or just relax, The Classic Bean in Fairlawn Plaza is the premier spot.
You can't argue with numbers. With more than $10 billion in yearly revenue, the video game industry has grown to rival the media giants like film and music. It's no secret that college students are playing video games. According the the ESRB, 49 percent of gamers are between the ages of 18 and 49, but students at Washburn are doing more than just playing.
Sequels usually have a hard time living up to the original, especially when the original is a cult classic. In any series, you walk a fine line between the Empire Strikes Back and the Phantom Menace.
is a member of the 
