“It was organized in the ’50s because there was no one looking out for [songwriters] on the congressional level, and yet, how much we were paid was determined by Congress,” Stover said. “You see the need for the lobbying up there at the national level.” The NSAI is involved with songwriters at both the legal […]
Russell
Posted inNews
Term of art
Robbie Kienzle, the Planning Department’s former head of urban development, started in the new role last month. The post oversees public-art spending, which is required by a 2009 City Council-approved plan that sets aside 1 percent of construction expenses for public art. In addition, she will oversee the city Arts Commission, coordinate activities with local […]
Posted inMusic
Hero worship
9 p.m. Friday VZD’s Restaurant & Club, 4200 N. Western VZDS.com, 524-4203 $5 When Brooklyn native Rich Russell decided he wanted to be a country singer after years of drinking up indie bands in hip, New York City neighborhoods, he knew the perfect place to go: Texas. “Austin is a really hip, indie-oriented city, but […]
Posted inMusic
Her aim is true
The sight of Allison Russell and JT Nero playing together is an unlikely vision, but it’s proven to be a comfortable and productive pairing. The two have worked together on countless occasions via their full-time gigs in Canadian roots band Po’ Girl and Chicago soul group JT and the Clouds, respectively, but with Nero’s latest […]
Posted inMusic
Russell’s brand
Tom Russell has no patience for pigeonholes. Despite a penchant for rootsy story-songs about dust-blown, blue-collar characters, he scoffs at the Americana tag that’s been hung around his neck for years. “They always need a tag — progressive country, new country, altcountry — to put outsider writing in,” Russell said. “I don’t see my music […]
Posted inArts & Culture
I Love You Phillip Morris
Phillip was born on Friday the 13th, which Steven declares is his lucky day. It is. Over a five-year period, Russell escaped from Texas prisons four times, each one on that date. Sounds too unlikely to be true, right? Little do you know. This film is adapted by directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, co-authors […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Phallic Frenzy: Ken Russell and His Films – Joseph Lanza
Chicago Review Press Director Ken Russell is no stranger to taboos of any kind, and Joseph Lanza’s bio of the maverick moviemaker explains why, starting with the boy’s most unusual reaction to seeing Walt Disney’s “Pinocchio.” “Tommy,” “Altered States” and “Crimes of Passion” are among his best-known works, but his filmography is full of controversy […]