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Entertainment
University Daily Kansan, January 28, 1983
Music philosophv of life for KANU radio announcer
By JIM BOLE Staff Reporter
Leon Burke has as many facets in his life as there are pages in his small black appointment book.
Music fills most of the pages of his book. He conducts a local orchestra, plays in a regae band, earned a doctorate in music from the University of Kansas last year, produces a classical music radio show, conducts concerts for young people, teaches private voice and piano and still finds time to squeeze in eight hours of work a day and enjoy beer with friends.
"I would like to have said that I made good music that enabled people to see the heart of music as I see it," the 28-year-old St. Louis native said.
Monday was a typical day for Burke. He left work at Allen Press, 1041 New Hampshire St., at 5 p.m., and was at KANU by 6 p.m. to do his radio show, "Music By Candlelight." Sitting in the small audio booth, he bounced from announcing a selection, to cracking a joke, to answering an irate listener, and then he cured the next record.
neck robe.
And things were not even hicetic yet. He finished the show at 7 p.m., changed clothes in the hallway, and dashed off to the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., to play in a basketball game.
Playing center for the Zit City Manglers, Burke fought under the backboard for rebounds, alley-ooped the ball into the net, and rifled off passes NBA-style. Wearing No. 13, he was nothing but bad luck for ZCM's opponent. Final score--ZCM on top, 46-34.
But Burke had no time to bask in victory.
He arrived at practice just after 8 p.m. Still in his blue KU sweat pants and breathing a little hard, Burke jumped behind a well-worn organ and joined the band Tapped Roots onstage in a beat.
After handshakes and slaps on the back from his teammates, he was off again.
The band practiced for two hours in a studio on Tennessee Street. Blankets hung from the ceiling as make-shift doors, and a single light bulb lit the room. On the wall were posters of Black Uhuur, Burning Spear and other reggae bands.
Burke's organ was wedged between amplifiers on the mantle, homemade speakers on the floor, and band members swayed rythmically as they played.
players.
"Ringgae is a very political statement; it does violence to a colonial kind of thinking, but it's the same kind of thinking that America fought against 200 years ago," Burke said during a break.
"It expresses emotions and things that this country went through a long time ago, so it might not be up to date for some people," he said.
Burke changed his tune Tuesday. He was still busy, but it was a another kind of busy.
After "Music By Candlelight" ended at 7 p.m., Burke went to another practice session. This time he conducted professionals, members of the Lawrence Chamber Players.
Burke waved a small, white wand with a sweep of his long arms, gestured with his eyes and coached the orchestra.
"First violins, it's not quite right. It has to sound like tee umm pah, tee umm pah, tee umm pah," he said.
"It got to be almost legato, have a little more bite, a little more tart, almost schizophrenic."
conducted the KU Symphony Orchestra in the fall of 1981 and has conducted many other orchestras.
"The best part of conducting is that you get the best seat in the house." Burke said with a grin.
Conducting is one of Burke's greatest joys. He
He said the hardest part for him is preparation. Before the first rehearsal, he has to know all the different parts to a musical score and be prepared with answering questions from any instrumentalist.
"The more I study classical music, I get more and more out of it."
Music is more than just notes on a page to Burke. It is Burke's philosophy of life.
"I don't see how people can listen to the more grandiose pieces of brotherly love like Beeothen's 9th Symphony, and then turn around and wage war.
He appreciates all types of music, but noted there are some differences. Popular music is more immediate and temporary compared to classical, he said.
Burke has an authoritarian voice of tone that suits a conductor well, but he said it was often misunderstood.
"You ask me a question, and boom, I'll give you an answer in more detail than you wanted. I intimidates some people, but I don't want to come off that way. I really like people."
He puts himself last on the list. His hectic days often cause him to miss dinner or put off social engagements, taking time away that he would like keep for himself.
"I would like to be a Renaissance man. I want to learn more about languages, philosophy, history, math, computers, and especially art; but most of all I want time to think."
Leon Burke, local conductor and musician, flips another disk at KANU during his busy day as an orchestra conductor, reggae musician, piano and voice teacher and basketball player. For Burke, music is more than a hobby; it is his philosophy.
'Gandhi' demonstrates life of a non-violent hero
By MATTHEW SCHOFIELD Staff Writer
"Gandhi" is one of the most important movies of the last few years.
The movie follows the life of the greatest civil disobedient of this century, from his years as an Indian barrister to his death as the "father" of India.
Beautiful filming, a wonderful acting performance by Ben Kingsley as Gandhi, a horde of extras and on-location shooting make up for a lack of development of the supporting cast.
Director Richard Attenborough sends a series of intriguing characters — many of the noted actors in cameo performances — flitting into
Gandhi's life, but moves them on before they have a chance to really add something to the film.
That's a shame, for the characters are well played. Attenborough's staff of supporting players — including Candice Bergen, John Gielgud and Martin Sheen — could have greatly increased the worth of the film if he had them.
Kingsley plays Gandhi extremely well and manages to bring across the essence of the non-violent hero. But the details, such as his physical strength in skin after a long fast, sometimes are bothersome.
Because the subject is of historic record the movie starts with Gandhi's death and funeral, but the story itself starts with a young Gandhi.
Through determination and defiance he quickly rises to the status of national hero in South Africa, and because of coverage by the press he becomes an international hero as well.
who is tossed off a train in South Africa because of his color
Upon returning to India, he draws large crowds, and after a journey through the country he becomes one with the people. He seeks the independence of India. The crowds grow larger. Soon, the brave, little leader takes on the British army, and is given general — with his controversial hunger strike.
The most moving scenes in the film are of Gandhi and his travel across the "real India." Attenorough does a good job of intimating the
vast population of the relatively small nation by showing the crowded living conditions and the endless rooftops of the cities. The effect is that a large number of overflowing train Gandhi rides in the country.
The time is ripe for a movie with a message such as this one, and if for nothing else 'Gandhi'
Although "Gandhi" is three and a half hours long it does not drag and probably should have been longer to more fully cover the subject. If the film's scope had been narrowed it might have broken away from being one of the best movies some time to being one of the best movies ever.
"Gandhi" is not a classic, but it is necessary viewing.
Weekend Review
Rating System
W
"Tootsie," with Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange and Bill Murray.
"Tootie" has every element of a good comedy movie except humor.
Jokes are telegrammed or are cliches, but when the jokes stop, the movie has something to say. Hoffman discovers sexual prejudice from a woman's perspective and decides he is a better man as a woman.
Despite his gravelly voice, Hoffman gets an acting job as a woman in a soap opera. He spends his time worrying about new clothes, makeup, his five o'clock shadow and how he can sneak a peek at Lange in the dressing room.
The bright spot is Murray, who has a small role and even really funny line in the movie.
"48 Hours," with Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy.
Taking into account the 50 cents the script must have cost, the buck for Nole's acting lesson and the two they spent on hamburgers, this movie is worth $3.50.
Unfortunately, each person who enters the theater is expected to pay that sum. Murphy was funny, but he seemed like a clown at the battle of Verdun.
The idea of San Francisco as a good place for a car chase (or bus chase) is so overused it has become very tite and very dull. But it fit in with the train and dull are par for the course in "48 Hours."
Director Richard Attenborough sends intriguing characters flitting in and out of the movie, leaving the viewer wondering where they came from and why they left so soon. With: the exception of Gandhi, Attenborough's characters are left undeveloped.
"Gandhi," a three-and-a-half hour movie that doesn't drug, is the best picture to come
"Gandhi!" has a message as important as those found in any movie of the last few years. It is the story of this century's greatest leader and one of the most influential men to beat the British Empire by refusing to eat.
"Gandhi," with Ben Kingsley.
out in 1982. Unfortunately, that's not saying much.
--in the RLDS Auditorium in Independence; admission is free.
The Vellice, who will win
The verdict is in: Newman will finally win an Oscar for his portrayal of drunken shyster Frank Galvin who gets a shot at redemption.
Though some legal points may be a bit shaky, the movie builds toward a gripping climax with the help of a strong supporting cast and twisting plot. James Mason, a high-priced lawyer who is the epitome of evil, and Jack Warden, who plays Galvin's friend and nemesis, and Galvin's lover, Charlotte Ramping, indeed makes the most of a small role.
The only weakness is Newman's inability to shed his likeable image for that of a boorish loser — but maybe that's asking too much.
"Savannah Smiles," with Bridgette Anderson.
--in the RLDS Auditorium in Independence; admission is free.
The first half-hour you laugh. The next half-hour you are enchanted. The final half-hour you cry (sometimes out of joy, other times out of pain).
"Savannah Smiles" is a once-in-a-great-
while film.
This is a movie that will not get a lot of attention, but for the people who see it, it will be memorable.
A small, neglected (and adorable) rich girl runs away from home and is found by two convicts on the run. Taking a break from their skullduggery, the convicts find time to play, dance and picnic with Savannah. In the process she finds love, and they take you right along with them.
"Six Weeks," with Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Moore.
Sometimes, a film brings together a good cast and a good director, but the result only makes you mad. You aren't emotionally upset when the film was, but by how good it could have been.
Such is the case with "Six Weeks."
Tony Bill, director of "My Bodyguard," Didley Moore of "Arthur" and Mary Tyler Moore of "Ordinary People" blend to give us an emotionally exploitative collection of hackedy bravery in-the-face-of-death-at-a-young-age cliches.
The best that can be said about Elizabeth Healy, the dying girl, is that she can dance, but she doesn't even do much of that. The saddest thing about her death is that it comes as a relief from the onslaught of tear-jerker devices.
"Six Weeks" has been done many times before, and done much better. It is eminently avoidable.
Spare Time
Friday
David Shumway will perform a senior recital on cello at 8 p.m. in the Swarthout Recital Hall in Murphy Hall; admission is free.
Saturday
KU Theatre for Young People will present the play, "Dandelion," at 2:30 p.m. in the University Theatre in Murphy Hall; admission $1.50, all seats reserved.
Sunday
Phil Paris will per form a master's recited mern of 2 p.m.
Monday
Tuesday
Monday
Mark Puckett will perform a Doctoral Recital on piano at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall; admission is free.
Thursday
Tuesday
The KU Woodwind Quintet will perform a student recital at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall; admission is free.
Teyla Tharp Dance ensemble will perform at 8 p.m. in Hoch Auditorium; all seats reserved. Tickets for the public are $9 and $10; special discounts for students and senior citizens.
Friday
Edward Laut will perform a Faculty Recital on cell at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall; admission is free.
On campus
TODAY
PHI BETA SIGMA fraternity will take a student poll from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kansas State University Union.
Unhour and all day in the city. In NYC, CARP will sponsor a talk about Marx and "Dialectical Materialism" at 12:30 p.m. in Parler A of the Union.
LATIN AMERICAN SOLIDARITY will have a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in Cork 1 of the Union
THE ST. LAWRENCE Catholic Center will sponsor a party with beer, pop and snacks, at 3 p.m. at the Center, 1831 Crescent Rd.
Local band plays varied Caribbean music to captive audience
Caribe, a band that plays a mixture of Reggae, Salsa, Calypso and Skai music, performed recently at the Jazzhaus, $928.12$ Massachusetts St., creating an island atmosphere without a white beach or sunshine. The band is playing in Lincoln, Neb., this week.
By LAUREN PETERSON
Staff Reporter
All that was missing Sunday night at the Jazzhaus, 98% % Massachusetts St., was a golden sunset, a few bushy palm trees and some Jamaican rum.
A seven-member local band, Caribe, a Spanish word meaning Caribbean, created an island atmosphere by playing 4½ hours of music and ska music to a near capacity crowd of 110.
"There is a heavy emphasis on rhythm and dance-ability in our music," said Vaughn Cowden, keyboard player. "We want to get the audience involved."
And the Jazzah audience, mostly couples in their late twenties dressed in jeans, responded immediately with high-pitched yells and whispers to the first song, "Let's Dance," a lively calypso tune written by drummer and timbales-player Bob Augell.
The wooden dance floor became so packed with those needing nothing more than tropical fruit and bare feet to make them feel like a beach. We used our built-in fault for those scored at tables to see the band.
Bunny Redina Smith, lead vocalist, who was dressed in a cherry red mini-skirt,红 bobby
He said each member was influenced by a different type of Caribbean music, which gave the group a special flavor.
socks and a striped sleeveless T-shirt, consistently sang in a pleasing, deep, strong tone, enhanced by the exciting tribal tempo of the synchronized musicians.
Augello, who was born in Puerto Rico, said the two-year-old band played a few known titles, but that most of its members wrote original music for the performances.
"We try to sample with a bit of everything." Cowden said. "We try to find elements the audience can groove to. Our music is not age exclusive."
None of the musicians, including conga and bass players and another on sax and flute, stood out that well on his own, but they blended perfectly together.
A number of the group's songs carry political messages, Augelli said, as in his salute song, "For the Third World," which referred to the oppressed peoples of the Third World.
Augelli said his music was salsa-oriented because of its Spanish-Cuban beat, while Cowden said he was influenced by reggae music of Jamaican origin and calypso music from the island of Trinidad.
"We'd like to get into New Orleans, Austin and Chicago," Augelli said. "They are all very receptive to our kind of music."
Lowen said that the Lawrence-based group spread out to a seven-state region, mainly in the Midwest, last year and hoped to increase to a 10-state region by the end of 1983.
"We try to recognize where America has its faults," he said. "The U.S. is a great country, but there are places that need improvement."
Caribe played at The Parody in Kansas City Mo., last Friday and Saturday nights and wii perform in Lincoln, Neb., this week.
The group has performed a number of concer-
 opensings, Augusti said, for reggae groups such as
Tahmahallam, Black Uhuru, Toots and we
Maytals and Inner Circle.
Rick McNeely, owner of the Jazzhaus, did that there was a market for Caribe's must in Lawrence.
1
"Each time they play here," McNelly said,
"they draw more of a crowd. They have made great strides in the six months."
Cowden said that the band was planning to record its first album this summer or fall. "The group is tighter musically and it twice than we've ever been," Augelli said, "there's more excitement and energy."