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Hailed
as a "microcosm of twentieth century American poetry,"
"Illinois Voices" represents an eclectic collection of
poems that "transmit not only the quirky, multifaceted
personality of the state but also a human geography that transcends
precise location."
In
compiling the anthology, editors Kevin Stein and G.E. Murray define
an Illinois poet as "one born in Illinois or one who has
produced a considerable body of significant work while living in the
state." Despite these guidelines the project presented several
challenges to the editors. Normally poetic anthologies are often
constructed around a specific literary movement, period or theme.
The Illinois anthology was assembled to represent the finest output
of an entire state during a particular century.
This
assemblage clearly illustrates the state’s participation in the
American 20th century movement. This literary movement was
influenced by the events, culture and social constraints of the
preceding Victorian era: "The old order fell before the
wrecking ball of the modern, and our country’s most familiar
poetic voices at the time…seemed hopelessly outdated in this
suddenly strange terrain."
The
editors point out that, although the Illinois poetic contributions
of the time may appear "stolidly midwestern," they were in
fact a driving force in the new "literary rebellion."
Among the most notable of these were the Chicago Renaissance
writings of Vachel Lindsay, Edgar Lee Masters and Carl Sandburg.
Not
limiting the anthology to the famous and celebrated, the editors
also include many outstanding examples from lesser-known yet equally
talented Illinois poets. There are 78 contributors to this
anthology. Many Illinois legends are found here, such as Carl
Sandburg, Archibald MacLeish, Ernest Hemingway and Gwendolyn Brooks.
Other outstanding talents who have achieved varying degrees of
commercial and artistic success include George Dillon, Lucia Cordell
Getsi, Sterling Plumpp, Angela Jackson and James Ballowe.
Dillon’s
"The Hours of the Day" is one example:
The
city stirred about me softly and distant,
Its
iron voice flew upward into the air.
All
day I wondered that I walked and listened
As
if in freedom there-
And
wondered how love so led me and removed me;
My
breath coming deep and glad, for she had drawn it;
My
eyes being wild with pride because she loved me;
My
heart being shielded with her beauty upon it.
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Drawing
from the Illinois coal mining experience, James Ballowe pens a
tribute to his grandfathers and writes in part in "The Coal
Miners":
You
were the miner
deep
in the pit
whom
no one knew.
You
a shade
in
a blackened world
I
see too. I see too.
Other
themes recognize individuals who have become part of the American
historical experience. Sterling Plumpp’s "Saturday Night
Decades," dedicated to Langston Hughes, Originator, and Angela
Jackson’s "Miz Rosa Rides the Bus" are two examples.
Jackson’s
piece pays homage to the civil rights heroine Rosa Parks. In a
particularly moving passage she writes:
It
was not like they all say. Miss Liberty Muffet
she
didn’t
jump
at the sight of me.
Not
exactly.
They
hauled me
away-a
thousand kicking legs pinned down.
The
rest of me I tell you-a cloud
Beautiful
trouble on the dead December
horizon.
Come to sit in judgment.
"Illinois
Voices" is an outstanding compilation of some of the best that
20th century Illinois poetry has to offer. The anthology has
something for everyone and showcases a wide range of writing styles,
subjects and viewpoints. In addition to an index of poems and poets,
there is informative appendix containing a brief biographical sketch
on each contributor.
In
the book’s introduction the editors express their opinion on the
importance of the Illinois poetic tradition and its place in
American literature: "We believe the unfolding of twentieth
century Illinois poetry offers a gloss for that of the nation at
large, and thus we have striven to offer readers a diverse gathering
depicting that development in all its variety. In sum, we have
attempted to recreate the multicolored weave of the literary — as
well as social — fabric."
"Illinois
Voices" is highly recommended for poetry lovers everywhere and
those who appreciate Illinois literature.
For
more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217)
732-8878.
[Richard
Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]
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Culleton
is a Lincoln native. A reception will follow his 2 p.m. classical
guitar performance. Tickets will be sold in advance, with a maximum
of 200 seats available for $5 each. Proceeds will go to the
association for future arts programming.
Association
President Marshall Jacobs reported a meeting with Kerasotes Theatres
officers, Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis and Bobbi Abbott, executive
director of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, at which a
"workable framework" for transfer of the Lincoln Cinema’s
theater to the chamber was devised. He said plans are for the arts
association to restore the interior of the building with office
space on the second floor. Work would start after GKC has completed
a new theater complex, probably in the fall of 2002.
The
architectural firm of Kenyon & Associates, which oversaw
restoration work on Lincoln Public Library, will examine the theater
building soon, and other firms have also expressed interest in the
project, expected to cost more than $1 million. Jacobs said that
$5,000 to $10,000 seed money is needed, and at least two grants have
been applied for.
Completion
of the theater restoration in 2003 would make it available for use
in relation to Lincoln’s sesquicentennial that year. Jacobs said
plans are for the chamber of commerce to hold the theater as part of
the downtown historic district. Details of how the building would be
used have been discussed but not finalized.
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The
classic film showing of "Casablanca" on Oct. 11 was a
sellout, netting the arts association about $650. "I was very
pleased with the turnout, and the demographics were great,"
Jacobs said, adding that all age groups were represented. The
community is asking, "What’s next?" according to board
secretary Louella Moreland, and a list of preferred choices is being
drawn up.
In
contrast to the success of the classic film viewing, the association’s
other recent presentation attracted only a small audience.
"Music, Magic and More," a Sept. 29 performance by Mr.
Tone, a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey-trained clown, was
described as an "excellent show" which "the kids
loved." However, only about 30 people attended.
About
half a dozen logo designs have been submitted in the association’s
contest. The board decided to keep the contest open.
A
membership committee consisting of Jean Gossett, Dan Bailey and
Jeanie Xamis was formed. The committee is charged with writing
policies for what benefits come with a membership in the association
and with planning a membership drive.
The
Logan County Arts Association is seeking corporate sponsors for
coming events, including the classical Spanish guitarist and future
classic film nights.
[Lynn
Shearer Spellman]
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The
band, which got its name from Warren’s "(Home in) Pasadena,"
had the style and appearance of the 1920s lounge
bands, from their suit-and-tie apparel to their music stands with
the PRO logo on the front. They delighted the audience with old-time
favorites such as "Jeepers Creepers," "My Melancholy
Baby" and "Forty-Second Street."
Each
band member got his turn in the spotlight. Pianist Simon Townley
"tickled the ivories" in "Kitten on the Keys";
Andy Kuc, the baby of the group, shone on the rhythm guitar in
"Play that Hot Guitar"; and Dan Hammerton stole the show
with his dynamic trumpet solos in almost every song.
Lead
vocalist James Langton had amazing stage presence. His white tie and
tails complemented his loose and interactive style. When he wasn’t
caressing the microphone with his smooth voice, he was dancing
around the stage and mingling with the band members. There was only
one time when he seemed to lose touch with his audience.
"Sugarfoot
Stomp" contained around seven minutes of instrumental solos.
The lack of vocals was almost too long. The band was saved, however,
when they did their "rousing conclusion" two songs later.
"Minnie the Moocher" by Calloway and Mills brought the
audience to life with its wailing trumpet and echoed scat. Blues
Brothers fans kept up nicely with the energizing refrain.
[Gina
Sennett]
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The
Pasadena Roof Orchestra members are:
James
Langton — orchestra leader, vocalist
David
Ford — trumpet
Dan
Hammerton — trumpet
Steve
Shaw — trombone and vocal trio
Nick
Payton — alto and baritone sax, clarinet
Paul
Jones — alto sax and clarinet
James
Scannell — alto sax and clarinet
Simon
Townley — piano and vocal trio
Andy
Kuc — guitar and banjo
John
Sutton — drums
Dave
Berry — bass and sousaphone
Thorsten
Merriott — sound engineer
To
learn more about the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, visit http://www.pasadena.co.uk/.
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