What Should Be Left Behind the Screen?
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeFebruary 22, 2010
I would consider myself a seasoned theatre viewer and an amateur performer. However, my experience in Theatre II on Friday night was unlike anything I’d ever seen. The sign outside the door for “Red Light Winter” read “For Mature Audiences.” Now I consider myself a mature audience member. Violence, heavy language and even sexual occurrences rarely phase me. I’ve seen “Spring Awakening,” a musical that closely examines sexual curiosities, while sitting next to my mother. That being... Read more »
‘Lost Souls’ Filled with Familiar Sounds
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeFebruary 22, 2010
With their fourth studio album, “Lost Souls Like Us,” set to release March 2, the question remains, who is the Benjy Davis Project? After listening to the album, their sound imitates the likes of John Mayer, Ben Folds, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews and The Eagles. According to the band’s Web site, for this album, “The songs are meant to be enjoyed in and of themselves, and will stand the test of the popular ‘shuffle’ listening habits.” In a way, that’s true. Scanning through the tracks... Read more »
No Need for Home
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeFebruary 18, 2010
Beyond the beard, piles of clothing and eclectic accessories, Mike Klein’s back story has many emotional layers. Living in a college town like Harrisonburg, it’s easy for the homeless members of the community go unnoticed. One resident refuses to accept that possibility. Though many may talk to and interact with Mike Klein, no one can really know what he’s been through and experienced. His tales are long and often unverifiable. Students notice the small stacks of legal pads he scribbles thoughts... Read more »
No Need For ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeFebruary 15, 2010
Cowboy boots, jean outfits and flannel — lots of flannel. Wilson Hall took a trip down to Dixie on Thursday night when the University Program Board hosted singer and songwriter Corey Smith. “Most of the time I play in bars; this is kinda weird,” Smith said. “Like, this is too good for us.” Smith played last week in Texas where the floor was made of sawdust. “It’s so incredible to have been there one week and to be in this historic building now,” he said. Though the music and feel... Read more »
Q&A With Corey Smith
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeFebruary 12, 2010
How would you describe the genre of music you play? It’s kind tough to come up with a word for it. I don’t like country. Half of the reason I don’t like country music is it’s just really over the top. The stuff you hear on the radio is just all about putting out music through a formula. You know, people know what’s going to sell. I’m from the South. I’m from a small town. There’s a country element to my music because of my country accent, you know. I’m a songwriter before I’m... Read more »
No Thank You, For Smoking
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeFebruary 12, 2010
“Who has my goddamn cigarette? Guys? What’s wrong with this picture?” This line was the audience’s introduction to the character of Dr. Grace Augustine, played by Sigourney Weaver, in the box office hit “Avatar.” But Dr. Augustine isn’t a “bad guy.” There’s no plot twist where she turns evil and tries to destroy the Na’vi tribe. In fact, Dr. Augustine is the leader of a team of scientists struggling to find a peaceful, diplomatic solution to destroying the native tribe’s... Read more »
‘When in Rome’ Mocks Fountain of Love
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeFebruary 1, 2010
Though it wasn’t unexpected, not even the Romans could have predicted how truly cheesy their beautiful city would become with the help of Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. After this summer’s bomb “My Life in Ruins” disgraced Greece, “When in Rome” decided to take a winter shot at Italy’s historic city. Beth (Kristen Bell, “Couples Retreat”) is a work-obsessed woman and has lost all hope in love. Though the character type is by no means surprising, the casting is. Director Mark... Read more »
Overheard @ JMU
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeJanuary 19, 2010
College Guy: Dude, Wikipedia is like porn: Everyone uses it, but no one likes to admit it. Roommate 1: Do you wanna have a Super Bowl Party? Roommate 2: Sure. Roommate 1: Bring over the really, really hot football players. Roommate 2: Or the really, really easy ones. Surfer Professor: Suck ‘em down guys. Start young, and smoke a lot. Girl in Bio: Professors love me ’cause I’m black. They’re like “Ooh, ethnic girl!” Girl 1: It’s weird though: Normally I just... Read more »
That’s All, Folks! (10 Movies We Missed Over Break)
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeJanuary 14, 2010
Avatar ‘PG-13’ 162 min. Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana By far the best movie not only this winter but arguably in 2009, “Avatar” is a cinematic masterpiece. It’s James Cameron’s first movie since 1997’s “Titanic,” and he hasn’t lost his touch; if anything he has refined it to give it a more modern feel. Though it’s technically classified as a science fiction movie, “Avatar” will be known for the beauty of its creation and depth of its story. Not... Read more »
A Profile of JMU Fashion
By Rachel Dozier, The BreezeNovember 16, 2009
JMU is a professional training ground for the next generation to go into the job force. But does JMU’s fashion reflect the campus’ purpose? See what certain students think about fashion. Fashion — an expression of one’s self or just something people throw on in the morning? While some students are content to walk around in sweats and a T-shirt, others make an effort to stand out. One of the main purposes of a university is preparing students for the outside world. This includes dress.... Read more »

