A Gamer’s World
October 21, 2008, 2:23 am
Filed under: movies and other media | Tags: Fable II, Game Stop, gamer, Max Payne review, Pittsfield, role playing game, video game
Filed under: movies and other media | Tags: Fable II, Game Stop, gamer, Max Payne review, Pittsfield, role playing game, video game
The newest movie to derive its story line from a video game put the payne on the rest of the box office openers this weekend, with Max Payne grossing $18 million. The movie follows New York City detective Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg), whose wife and son were murdered. Relegated to the cold case files, Payne searches for the man who killed his family. Mila Kunis, from That ’70s Show, plays opposite Wahlberg as the dangerous Mona Sax. Together, the pair face off against criminals, corruption and an unknown element that is leaving a trail of dead drug users.
Originally I was skeptical about this movie, as the video game had an M (Mature) rating and the movie is PG-13. It wasn’t the best movie I’ve ever seen but, since I was in the mood for an action flick and taking into account the effects, it was worth the $8.75. As always Wahlberg put forth a great performance, and I was pleasantly surprised that Kunis managed to pull off the edgy role that greatly deviates from her part as the airhead on That ’70s Show. Click here for the trailer.
In other gaming news, the highly anticipated Fable II is released today - or for the dedicated few, at 12:00 this morning. I happen to be lucky enough to have a friend who dragged me to the midnight release at the Pittsfield Game Stop to get his copy of the collector’s edition, that features a dungeon not accessible in the normal game and extra weapons and armor.
The action, role-playing game is set 500 years from the original game in the land of Albion. Many gamers are excited that their character gets to have a dog - that will perform tricks, find treasure and help fight enemies - as a companion throughout the game. Another new addition is “Co-op Mode,” a multiplayer function that allows friends to play together.
Fable II offers an interactive experience: every decision the player makes effects the game in how the character is perceived. Gamers may play as a male or female and the character can go down the routes of good, evil or neutral – with each option having a different ending.
If you’re into role-playing games, this seems to be the game to play right now. Personally, I’ve never really been a fan of the straight forward role-playing games. When I play, I prefer fighting games like Tekken or Devil May Cry. The one redeeming moment of the night came when my friend challenged me to a game on the demo set up of Soul Calibur 4. Needless to say, I demolished him.
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Unplugged Heavy Metal?
October 17, 2008, 7:34 pm
Filed under: live music | Tags: acoustic drums drumming heavy metal music Sifer Pittsfield live music
Filed under: live music | Tags: acoustic drums drumming heavy metal music Sifer Pittsfield live music
Imagine what your favorite thrashing, head-banging metal song would sound like done acoustically.
Pittsfield heavy metal band Sifer did just that – performing acoustic versions of their songs at the Lichtenstein Center in Pittsfield last summer. (See flyer for the band’s upcoming all metal show in Lenox on Saturday!)
“Acoustic heavy metal, you don’t see much of that,” said Sifer Guitarist, Dan Cohen, who also joked that the night wouldn’t see any acoustic mosh pits.
The show wasn’t completely unplugged, as Sifer used some of their sound equipment. During the show, singer Aimee Gelinas said she would be toning it down, allowing for more subtleties in her voice.
The band started with their slower song, “Coma,” and left me eager to hear how their harder, metal songs would sound like acoustically. During the show, Aimee talked about “Need to Live,” that she wrote when in Africa, and said “The desire of people to live there and survive is beautiful.” Go to Sifer’s Myspace to hear their metal songs – then, you will see what intrigued me about hearing acoustic versions of these songs. Aimee also said, “It’s a nice change,” on her voice being heard more during the songs.
There was a small audience for Sifer’s set, during which the songs kept the same feeling and remained true to the original composition. After the show, one audience member voiced his opinion and told the band to stick to the heavy metal stuff; he wanted to hear the harder music. But most people enjoyed the performance, including Genavieve Quetti and Amanda Douglas, both from NY.
“She’s got a killer voice,” said Quetti.
What also worked well for the acoustic songs was the drumming - Aimee played with guest percussionist Stephanie Weber – that added a new dimension to the songs.
Sifer also debuted a new song at the performance – “Release Me,” that Aimee wrote last winter when she traveled to Arizona. She said the song was inspired from [sounds from] the ocean. People seemed to be digging the song, and I was one of them – It’s one of those songs that, the first time you hear it, you know it has the potential to be a hit. If you’re lucky, maybe Sifer will play the song at their upcoming all metal show:
Jazz in Pittsfield
Friday, Oct. 10
Saturday, October 11
Sunday, Oct. 12
Saturday, October 18
October 10, 2008, 6:19 pm
Filed under: live music | Tags: fourth annual Pittsfield City Jazz Festival, Jazz, Pittsfield
Filed under: live music | Tags: fourth annual Pittsfield City Jazz Festival, Jazz, Pittsfield
The Fourth Annual Pittsfield City Jazz Festival will provide a mulititude of options for fans of Jazz – with shows and music at locations around downtown Pittsfield.
Shows
“Irish Idol” Liam Geddes and the Pittsfield Sister City Jazz Ambassadors at the Colonial Theatre, Friday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. ($20 to $35, students $5 discount)
Noah Baerman Trio at Berkshire Athenaeum, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. (Free)
“Jazz Meets Symphony,” New Black Eagle Jazz Band and Pittsfield City Jazz Youth Orchestra at the Colonial Theatre, Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. ($30 to 20, students $15)
“An Evening of Jazz Vocals,” Terry Roiger with the John Menegon Trio, Ron Gill and his quintet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. ($25 general admission)
“Organic Jazz: the two faces of Barbara Dennerlein,” Solo at the piepe organ and Hammond B-3 at First Baptist Church, Sunday, Oct. 19, 4 p.m. ($25; students $15)
“Jazz Around Town”
Friday, Oct. 10
We B 3 at the Lantern Restuarant, located at 445 North St., 9 p.m. to midnight.
John Sauer and Jeanie Laurin at Aster’s Restaurant, located at 1015 South St., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Allen Livermore Trio at Pittsfield Brew Works, 34 Depot St., 8 to 11 p.m.
Sonny and Perly, Brazilian Jazz favorites, at Brazilian Restaurant and Pub, located on McKay St., 6 to 9 p.m.
Jazz vocalist Vikki True at Bobby Hudpucker’s Restaurant, 41 North St., 8 to 11 p.m.
Andy Jaffe and Marty Jaffee, piano and bass, at House of India, located at 261 North St., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Paul DiLego and Jamie Choquette, piano and guitar, at Hot Harry’s Burritos, 37 North St., 6 to 9 p.m.
Ted Murray Quartet at Patrick’s Pub, in Park Square, 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 11
Ben Kohn and Friends at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, 444 North St., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kathryn Anderson, Jim Agiro, and Wayne Shepard at House of India, 261 North St., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Berkshire Bateria (Bossa Triba) at Brazilian Restaurant and Pub on McKay St., 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Ben Kohn Trio at Pittsfield Brew Works, 34 Depot St., 8 to 11 p.m.
Gary Miller Trio at Hot Harry’s Burritos, 37 North St., 6 to 9 p.m.
Vocalist Joey Palermo at Aster’s Restaurant, 1015 South St., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Ted Murray Quartet at Patrick’s Pub, Park Square, 6 to 9 p.m.
Ron Llively, jazz “wind controller,” at O’Laughlin’s Pub, 342 Merrill Road, 7 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Sister City Jazz Ambassadors Trio at Aster’s Restaurant, 1015 South St., 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 18
Vocalist Kathryn Anderson at Chapters Bookstore, 78 North St., 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Live Music in North Adams This Weekend
October 2, 2008, 1:09 pm
Filed under: live music | Tags: live music in North Adams bands MCLA Whooligans Smartass and Fill in the Blanks Eagles the Alley
Filed under: live music | Tags: live music in North Adams bands MCLA Whooligans Smartass and Fill in the Blanks Eagles the Alley
