Jessie J: Who You Are/April 2011 Events
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Jessie J: Who You Are
Rocky Horror Picture Show
This month’s events
Album of the Month: Jessie J, Who You Are
Maybe it’s her jet black hair. Maybe it’s her British accent. Maybe it’s the fact that she has the vocal prowess of Mariah Carey. Or maybe it’s all of the above. Whatever the reason, Jessie J has caught, and kept, the attention of the music industry.
Jessie J, whose real name is Jessica Ellen Cornish, began her career writing lyrics for big name artists such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus. In fact, Cornish wrote the lyrics for Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” Think about that the next time you’re “movin’ your hips like yeah.”
In her first studio Album, Who You Are, Cornish displays the best of her songwriting abilities. Throughout the album, Jessie J promotes self-empowering messages which range from self-discovery (“Who You Are”) to liberation from “the cha-ching, cha-ching” and the “b-bling, b-bling” (“Price Tag”) via “[sharing your] pot of gold” (“Rainbow”).
Some such as Matthew Perpetua of Pitchfork Media criticize the album saying that “the music is scattered, covering all the bases in an over-eager attempt to prove vocal chops.” Others, however, praise Jessie for her “big voice and ballsy attitude” (Daisy Bowie Sell, The Daily Telegraph). Well, one thing’s for sure: Jessie J’s not afraid to experiment when it comes to the style of her music. For example, compare R&B ballad “Big White Room (Live)” to the risque “Do It Like a Dude” (for which a filthy dubstep remix is entirely appropriate).
Fans of Alicia Keys, Beyonce, and similar R&B artists are sure to enjoy the luscious lady vocals of Jessie J. On the other hand, fans of Lady Gaga will appreciate Jessie J’s fearless concert attire and approach to her music.
Listen to a sample:
Rocky Horror Strikes Again
Since their first appearance in 1973, Brad, Janet, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and the rest of the Rocky Horror Show cast have become cult classics and staples in popular culture. Most recently, Rocky Horror has made an appearance in Britney Spears’ music video for the single “Hold It Against Me,” featuring the famous red lips. In an episode of Glee, similarly, the cast members performed modernized versions of the distinguished songs “Dammit Janet” and “Time Warp.”
According to their website, “Barely Legal puts on a sleek, sexy show complete with a preshow warm-up, thrilling routines by the BL Crowd Pleasers, a screen-accurate performance, full set of stage props and lights, and of course tons of audience participation!”
The Barely Legal troupe invites hardcore Rocky Horror fans and newcomers alike to the show for “some fun, laughs and excitement – and [to] do the Time Warp again!”
American Association of Physics Teachers’ High School Photo Contest
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Like physics? Know how to work a camera? Enter this contest sponsored by Vernier Software and Technology. Don’t wait – the deadline is May 15, 2011.
Haunted Haight Walking Tour, Coffee to the People in San Francisco – April 29, 2011
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Journey through the local hauntings of the famous Haight-Ashbury District. Price is $20 per person.
