10

The Panther Prints

February 13, 1996 __

Masochistic Minstrels Make Marvellous Music gandharvas Play for Small, Appreciative Crowd

by Steve Ellis

Poor promotion was the phrase of the evening. gandharvas, a funky and fun band from London, Ontario, played for a crowd of less than thirty people at the Barn Thursday, Febru- ary 1. Even so, the show was in- spired, and the band performed with as much intensity as most bands would have saved for a crowd of 3,000.

This was the second time that the gandharvas had appeared on Prince Edward Island. In July 1994, not long after the release of their hit single ‘‘First Day of Spring’’, the group performed at the now-defunct alterna-haven, Apothecaries. That appearance won them many fans on the Island, as did similar shows across the country. Their first album, A Soap Bubble And Inertia, sold over 30,000 copies.

Since then, gandharvas have been busy working on their latest

musical offering, Kicking In The Water. This recording has been described as being more introverted than the first, but the songs are equally suited to performance.

During the evening the mood of the crowd varied from frenzied to sombre, in accordance with the emotions evoked by each song. Old favourites like ‘‘Coffee Song’’ and ‘*Supreme Personality’’ showed the playful side of the band. Other songs like ‘‘Drool’’ and ‘‘Held To The Ground’’ made everyone stop, listen, and feel the power. A hyp- notic charm surrounded the band as they played these charts.

The musicianship of gandharvas is remarkable. Eric Howden, with his energetic bare- foot bass playing, and Tim MacDonald, on sticks and other percussion, form an amazing rhythm basis for the top end. On guitars,

Brian Ward and Jud Ruhl (cool name!) play with purpose and are a compliment to one another. Finally, at the top of this musical pyramid of power is lead vocalist Paul Jago. His range of vocalizations is awe- inspiring. I was left wondering how he could still sing after a couple of songs, but he continued as if his efforts were merely child’s play.

Not to be forgotten is the support of the sound people in gandharvas entourage. Every extra effect and sample was delivered right on cue, adding to an already enjoyable performance.

The crowd may have been small, but it made a big noise. It is no secret that gandharvas have some die-hard fans on PEI. With talent like theirs it is no wonder. Expect gandharvas to be making waves in the Canadian music scene for years to come.

WELCOME TO SPRING

by Christopher Michaud

Time for more theatre from the University of Prince Edward Island Theatre Society. The Three Cuckolds directed by Gregson Winkfield is this year’s spring production. Including cast members the likes of UPEI’s well-known Emily Smith and Mat- thew MacRae, and Victoria’s veteran Daniel Basiletti, Victoria’s own Mr. Winkfield directs this crew in a brand of theatre new to UPEI theatre goers, and probably a first on the Island as well. With The Beaux’ Stratagem and Hay Fever credentials directed here by Winkfield under his belt, Winkfield brings to UPEI ‘‘comedia del arte’’.

“*It comes from Italy, probably around the 15th century according to earliest records, and survived until the 18th century. It existed along with Early Renaissance legitimate theatre, with full development during the 16th

century,’” said Winkfield. ‘‘It’s a very demanding type of theatre, very demanding on the actors, a very athletic show, with cartwheels and head rolls, very gymnastic.”’

With rehearsals running three nights a week, Winkfield says he is quite pleased with his cast, and that they are working quite hard, but having a lot of fun, too. ‘‘We’re working on it page by page, approxi- mately 10 minutes per page, which only comes to about 1 minute on stage,’’ stated the director.

The plot revolves around 7 major characters, three old men and their three young wives, and Arlecchino. Arlecchino is the major character, on stage for almost the duration of the play. He is the trickster of the play. The women flock to him for help in getting rid of their respective hus- bands so that they can get their

younger lovers in bed. All Arlecchino _

wants out of all this is a decent meal, which he never really gets.

A number of funny scenes await the audience, including a hilarious dentist teeth pulling scene. ‘‘It is a very burlesque, a very broad humour that moves the play along,”’ said Winkfield. ‘‘The plot is essentially the same, following a 300 year-old tradition.””

With original set designing and innovative costume work, it promises to be an evening to remember for all theatre buffs. Opening night is March 29, and the play runs the weekend until the 31 at The Carrefour de L’Ile- St-Jean, not far from the QEH. Cur- tain time is set for 8 pm, so circle the dates on your calendar so asnotto | miss this incredible opportunity to see something new. :

This Week At The Panther ‘Lounge

by Cara Hedefine

This week be sure to drop down to the Barn as on Wednesda: night we have trivia with Jen. Plea note that trivia will not resume unt February 28.

On Thursday night, Matt Minglewood will be rocking the Barn. Tickets are on sale now at th Student Union office. Cost is $5.0

Friday at movie pub Swim- ming With Sharks and Virtuosity w be featured. Following the movie pub be sure to stick around for the Labatt’s pool tournament.

Saturday following the UPE men’s and women’s basketball games drop over to the Barn to pla a few games of pool and watch the hockey game. Check out our spe- cials and take advantage of the gre prices at the Panther Lounge.

The Barn will be closed ovet the break, but things will be in ful swing on February 26. Following the break, keep your calender ope! as Lugnuts will be playing. Watch for their upcoming dates. I hope everyone has a great relaxing bre: from school as we all deserve it. J a reminder to those who are going

hot destinations, you are envied.

SUMMER JOBS IN WESTERN CANADA

Choose between: -Tourism in the Banff/Jasper area -Tree planting throughout B.C. -Agriculture in the Okanagan -Hotels in the Vancouver/Victoria area We can help you to reach hundreds of employers. For details, send a self addressed stamped envelope to:

QUEWEST ENTERPRISES Dept. 51 - $4066-707 Charest O. Quebec, QC GIN 4T1