Book Review - The Miracle at Speedy Motors
by terry mathews - news-telegram arts editor
Normally, it's hard to find fault with Alexander McCall Smith's lovely books about Precious Ramotswe, the "traditionally built" proprietor of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and "Botswana's foremost solver of problems," but his latest offering lacks an editorial presence and some of the plot simply does not fit in the story's framework.
Book Reviews: 'Lou's Dirty Dozen' and 'The Whole Truth'
By Terry Mathews - News-Telegram Arts Editor
Preacher turned self-published author Lanny Grady says of his writing skills, "I may not be a great writer, but I am a very good storyteller."
Multi-talented Mac McAnally comes to NE Texas
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
April 16 2008 - By anyone's yardstick, Mac McAnally is a busy man. He is a music producer, session player, publisher, studio owner and story teller who has released several CDs of his own.
Jake Shimabukuro: Lessons taught and learned
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
April 14, 2008 - When he opens at Dallas’ House of Blues tonight, Jake Shimabukuro will share some of the secrets he’s learned along the way. At the same time, Jake will be teaching lessons about the versatility of the ukulele.
'Golden' Kasey Musgraves to perform at Toyota Bass Classic
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
April
4, 2008 - Wood County native Kasey Musgraves is looking forward to
her appearance at the Toyota Bass Classic on Lake Fork April 18-20.
This is Musgraves' second straight appearance at the annual fishing
tournament.
Country's latest rocket to perform in Commerce Saturday
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
April 3, 2008 - Zane Lewis didn't jump into a career in country music. He earned a degree in advertising, took a turn at publishing and ran an equestrian magazine before deciding to give recording and touring his full attention.
Zane Lewis: Creating some wild waves with genuine, hard-driving country soul
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
April 3, 2008 - When Zane Lewis was working on the press kit for his first nationally-released CD, someone used the word "eponymous" in the press release.
News-Telegram Arts Editor Mathews wins AP's top award in comment & criticism
From Staff Reports
April 1, 2008 - Terry Mathews, the arts editor of the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram, took the top prize for critical reviews in this weekend's Texas Associated Press Managing Editors Headliners Excellence in Journalism competition.
Say 'Amen,' Somebody
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
March 27, 2008 - Get ready to clap your hands, tap your feet and shout "Amen!" on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, when the Northeast Texas Choral Society will present three performances of their all-spiritual concert "Can I Get a Witness," in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church.
Upcoming Titles: 'A Dangerous Age' and 'Dorothy on the Rocks'
by terry mathews - news-telegram arts editor
March 24, 2008 - "A Dangerous Age" was my first Ellen Gilchrist book. It will most likely be my last.
Brooks, Cagle on the Country Charts
by terry mathews - news-telegram arts editor
March 19, 2008 - It's good to be Garth Brooks. The country superstar's most recent release, "The Ultimate Hits," has sold over six million copies and has been on the Billboard country charts for the past 18 weeks.
Party with a purpose: Parrotheads tailgate for charity
By Terry Mathews, News-Telegram Arts Editor
March 10, 2008 - A while back, Jimmy Buffett, the world's richest beach bum and the man who made "Margaritaville" a destination, asked his loyal fans, called parrotheads, to add a new dimension to their legendary pre-concert tailgate parties. He asked them to "party with a purpose" - to raise money for charities of their choice.
'Capote in Kansas: A Ghost Story'
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
Feb. 27, 2008 - Larger-than-life author Truman Capote burst onto the national scene with his 1966 best-seller, "In Cold Blood." He is credited with popularizing the true crime genre.
Intricate score, difficult melodies challenge director and actors in 'The Secret Garden'
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
Feb. 21, 2008 - When Community Player member Steve Janway decided he wanted to make his directorial debut this spring, he set his sights on the musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1901 children's classic, "The Secret Garden."
Book Reviews: Her Last Death and Alice
by terry mathews - news-telegram arts editor
Impressive retrospective receives warm welcome to the Lone Star State
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
Feb. 10, 2008 - When company calls here in the Lone Star state, we like to give them a big welcome. We spruce up the house.
What goes around, comes around
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
Jan. 24, 2008 - If you have any doubt about the old adage, "One good turn deserves another," check with Sulphur Springs native John Victor Allen.
Book Review: Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
By TERRY MATHEWS, News-Telegram Arts Editor
Jan. 22, 2008 - Steve Martin's comedic genuis is rooted in some pretty serious childhood sadness. In his new book, "Born Standing Up," the retired comic explains
Jim Ainsworth keeps stories alive
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Jan 11, 2008 - When he was growing up near Cooper, Jim Ainsworth heard family stories from his father and grandfather. He didn’t put much stock in the stories until his father died.
Everybody’s different: ‘The Same Kind of Different as Me’
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Jan 8, 2007 - Ron Hall never dreamed of being an author or advocate for the homeless. He was happy being a successful art dealer, husband and father.
30 years ‘on the road’ with Willie and friends
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Dec 26, 2007 - After spending 30 years on the road with country music star Willie Nelson, you might think harmonica player Mickey Raphael would be ready to hang up his harps and stay home.
Jason Roberts: My whole life was leading up to this
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Dec 21, 2007 - For as long as he can remember, Jason Roberts wanted to play in a Western Swing band – and he wanted play like his hero, legendary fiddle master Bob Wills.
David Baldacci: Characters and sources drive popular series
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Dec 13, 2007 - David Baldacci, New York Times best-selling author, must have friends in high places. Like famous espionage author Robert Ludlum (1927-2001), Baldacci’s books shed light on the inner workings of top secret government agencies.
‘The Merry Widow’: Operetta is perfect holiday fare
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Dec 7, 2007 - When it debuted in December 1905, no one knew the operetta “The Merry Widow” would become one of the most-loved works in the opera world.
Sulphur Springs native Shawn Dodd named American County Countdown’s new superstar
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Dec. 5, 2007 - Life is pretty sweet for singer/songwriter Shawn Dodd. On Thanksgiving weekend, the 1989 Sulphur Springs High School graduate was named American County Countdown radio’s newest superstar.
George Strait Review
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Nov 28, 2007 - I’m not sure just how he does it, but every time George Strait steps up to a microphone, the stars and planets align and everything seems right with the world. He imprints songs with an easy, breezy style without abandoning his roots. He takes the sting out of cheating songs and even makes “drinking champagne” sound pretty cool.
G is for Gratifying:
Sue Grafton continues to deliver great stories, well told
By TERRY MATHEWS | News- Telegram Arts Editor
Nov 27, 2007 - For 25 years, author Sue Grafton has gifted her readers with one of the most consistently quirky characters in fiction. Kinsey Millhone, Grafton's fiercely independent heroine, has been at the front and center of 19 alphabetically titled stories, beginning with “A is for Alibi” in 1982.
Can’t they leave well enough alone: an ‘amped’ evening at the Meyerson
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Nov 19, 2007 - How to improve on perfection? Leave it alone. Less is more, and all that.
The boy from West Texas: Doug Moreland carves out a niche at the top of the country music charts
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Nov 15, 2007 - Bob Wills and The Light Crust Doughboys. Johnny Gimble. Asleep at the Wheel. Here’s a new name to add to the list of Western Swing greats – Doug Moreland.
Is this a dagger I see before me?
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Nov 12, 2007 - “Death by Diva,” the 2007-2008 Dallas Opera season began Friday night with one of the most dramatic, and certainly the deadliest diva of all time – Lady Macbeth.
A visit with Laura Lundgren Smith
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Nov 8, 2007 - Sulphur Springs native Laura Lundgren Smith is an accomplished playwright. Her 2007 play “Seamless” was chosen from over 350 other scripts to be featured in Dallas’ Kitchen Dog Theatre’s prestigious New Works Festival.
Book Review: Home to Holly Springs
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Oct 30, 2007 - Author Jan Karon released “A Light From Heaven,” the ninth and last of her beloved “At Home in Mitford” series in November of 2005, leaving her fans yearning for more.
Book Briefs
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Oct 23, 07 - After the tragic death of his third wife in a helicopter accident in 1977, no one expected Jordan’s King Hussein to marry an American girl, especially 26-year old Lisa Halaby.
Up front with Elizabeth McQueen
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Oct 17, 2007 - If you’re a fan of Western Swing, the music made famous by Bob Wills and the Light Crust Doughboys, then you’re probably familiar with Asleep at the Wheel, the band that keeps the Wills sound alive.
Upcoming Titles
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Oct 12, 2007 - It’s that time in the publishing world – a host of new titles are about to be released. Here are a few of the books that are certain to hit everyone’s best seller list.
Book Briefs
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Oct 1, 2007 - Most of his fans discovered Scottish writer Alexander McCall Smith when he was interviewed on one of the morning shows after the sudden and somewhat surprising success of this book.
‘The Lion King’ roars into Fair Park Music Hall
BY PATTI SELLS | News-Telegram Feature Writer
Sept 28, 2007 - It’s Hakuna Matata – no worries – for “The Lion King,” the final installment of the Dallas Summer Musicals season, now playing at the Music Hall at Fair Park through Oct. 21. Lion King fans young and old alike flocked to the fairgrounds last weekend to see the show that stormed Broadway in November of 1997, winning six Tonys and more than 40 other major awards worldwide.
Community Players deliver a tour de force with ‘12 Angry Men’
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Sept 26, 2007 - While there’s no way to calculate how many theater companies have performed “12 Angry Men” since it originally aired on television in 1954, it’s probably safe to say that very few groups have prepared for their opening night as rigorously as The Community Players.
Lisa Hayes: Making a fresh start ‘Somewhere Deep in Texas’ and with a little help from her friends
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Sept 20, 2007 - At the end of 2003, after a painful divorce and the break-up of the band she had toured with for 13 years, singer/songwriter Lisa Hayes needed a new start.
Book Review: In Praise of Pecans
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Sept 11, 2007 - A few days before he died in 1909, legend has it that the late Texas governor Jim Hogg said that he didn’t want a headstone to be placed at his grave.
Chris Botti: Smooth operator
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Sept 10, 2007 - Chris Botti, the Grammy-winning jazz trumpet player stood me up last week. That’s right. I had a date with one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People of 2004.
Book Review: A Field Guide to Monsters
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Sept 7, 2007 - These days, my opportunites to share great children’s books are limited. My 27 year-old son is so over storytime. I have no grandchildren and my nephews are in high school. My husband spends all day listening to his students read out loud.
Randy Rogers Band: Working hard, staying true to their roots
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Sept 5, 2007 - The Randy Rogers Band is riding high these days.
‘A Matter of Time’ gives lyrical lessons in lovin’ and leavin’
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Sept 5, 2007 - “Just A Matter of Time,” Randy Rogers Band’s first release under the Mercury-Nashville label covers territory familiar to all country music lovers. There are loving songs. There are leaving songs. They’ve even tossed in a ode to whiskey.
A Harmonious Blend: Accomplished trio that mixes the Beatles with bluegrass to play free concert Thursday
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Sept. 2, 2007 - If you've ever wondered what the Beatles would've sounded like if John Lennon had mastered the mandolin or Paul McCartney had played the stand-up bass instead of the electric version, Dave Wasler might be a good person to ask.
As large as he wants to be – Lovett does it his way
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Aug 28, 2007 - Some days are better than others. Tuesday must have been just spectacular for Lyle Lovett. His new CD, “It’s Not Big It’s Large,” was released to wide critical acclaim. It is his first offering in four years.
Music Memos
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Aug 19, 2007 - Willis Alan Ramsey is probably the most imitated singer/songwriter you’ve never heard. He may have recorded only one album, but he is certainly no one-hit wonder.
Chris Bohjalian: “The Double Bind” author explains how old photographs, Jay Gatsby and a bike ride make for great fiction
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Aug 6, 2007 - Author Chris Bohjalian has something to say and gives us a compelling reason to listen. His books have received praise from the reading public and critics alike. Oprah selected “Midwives” for her book club and was made into a movie starring Quitman native Sissy Spacek.
Good Time ‘Charity’: Still charming after all these years
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
July 26, 2007 - A lot of actresses have played the title role of Charity Hope Valentine, the hooker with a heart of gold. Gwen Verdon, the original “Sweet Charity,” introduced us to the dance hall hostess, while Shirley MacClaine brought Charity to life on film. Debbie Allen and Christina Applegate have starred in recent Broadway revivals.
Anita Friddle Stubbs: Writing straight from the heart
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
July 22, 2007 - Hopkins County native Anita Friddle Stubbs writes from the heart. She doesn’t know any other way. If it doesn’t ring true, she doesn’t put it down on paper.
Book Briefs
By TERRY MATHEWS | News Telegram Arts Editor
From all accounts, Ava Gardner was the most glorious goddess to ever hit Hollywood.
‘Fabulous Favorites’ – Turtle Creek Chorale celebrates 20 years with Dr. Timothy Seelig
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
June 25, 2007 - When Timothy Seelig became artistic director of Dallas’ Turtle Creek Chorale in 1987, the group was small, understaffed and under-funded. In fact, there wasn’t enough money in the budget to give Seelig a salary, so he kept his paying job at Houston Baptist University and commuted to Dallas once a week to conduct the chorale.
Book Briefs
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
June 21, 2007 - D. W. Buffa is not just another attorney-turned-author. He's the real deal. His characters are not perfect and his courtroom scenes aren't drawn from episodes of Perry Mason. His heroes have flaws and his villains have good points.
North Hopkins musician chooses piano practice over usual teen-age distractions
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
June 19, 2007 - Instead of talking on the phone or vegging out in front of a television set, Virginia “Ginny” Thomas, chooses to spend her precious spare time practicing the piano. She practices because she wants to, not because anyone is bearing down on her with a yardstick, ready to rap her knuckles if she doesn’t.
Storytelling is alive and well in Miller Grove
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
June 14, 2007 - Once upon a time not so long ago, before e-mail, chat rooms and instant messaging, people talked to each other. Face to face. They took a break from their grocery shopping to chat, usually around the Coca-Cola box or the pot-bellied stove, depending on the time of the year. They visited around the supper table. They met after church for dinner on the grounds.
Book Briefs
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Take one rich, middle-aged lady law professor living a nice, but boring life.
‘CHICAGO’: For Fosse fans, it doesn’t get better than this
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
June 7, 2007 - There’s nothing better than an evening spent watching exceptional dancers interpret a Bob Fosse musical.
Camelot: Cast keeps magic in tact, despite shortened script and score
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 29, 2007 - Michael York caused quite a stir when he came to Dallas in 1975 to film a futuristic film at the Apparel Mart. With York was a young actress from Corpus Christi named Farrah Fawcett. The film was “Logan’s Run.”
It takes more than bookwork: How art makes a difference in the classroom
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 25, 2007 - Philip Dick is convinced that training in the fine arts is essential to a well-rounded education. While he acknowledges the importance of English, math and social studies in a student’s life, the Sulphur Springs High School art instructor believes classes in drawing, painting and sculpture bring a much-needed balance to his students’ lives.
New book highlights time on the trail and the extraordinary life of a Texas maverick
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 24, 2007 - If early sales are any indication of what’s to come, Annie Golightly can add best-selling author to her impressive list of accomplishments.
Symphony League offers variety and talent in unique courtroom series
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 17, 2007 - Mix a classically trained string quartet with an electronic piano and some hot licks from an upright bass and you have the makings of a great evening of entertainment.
Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land: First- class exhibit worth time and trip to the city
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 14, 2007 - If ancient history and the rich heritage of the holy land is of interest to you, there’s a special exhibition at Fair Park in Dallas guaranteed to delight.
Friends of the Public Library host Texas legend Annie Golightly
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 13, 2007 - Life has never been dull for 75-year old Annie Golightly and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Opening night of ‘Wonderful Town’ disappoints, drives patrons from hall
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 10, 2007 - From the time the curtain went up Tuesday night on “Wonderful Town,” Dallas Summer Musical’s latest production, the audience knew something was amiss.
North East Texas Choral Society: It’s everything a community chorus should be
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 7, 2007 - Choral Society took the stage, opened their songbook and lifted their voices to the heavens. The audience applauded and the angels smiled.
Director fell in love with the stage early on, and the honeymoon continues
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 6, 2007 - David Woody fell in love with the theatre at an early age. In the first grade, he made his stage debut as a piece of toast. When he was 10, he was cast as a boy in the famous play “Inherit the Wind.”
Country star finds stability with new label and peace at home
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
May 3, 2007 - After surviving five record label mergers in six years, country music artist Tracy Lawrence decided enough was enough.
‘Wicked’ answers many long-held questions about the witches of Oz
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Apr. 23, 2007 - We know what happened to the Wicked Witch of the West when Dorothy threw water on her at the end of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Small, quiet book leaves big, lasting impression
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Apr. 13, 2007 - Sometimes, it’s not a best-selling author with a 550-page saga that delivers the goods. Sometimes, it’s a relatively unknown writer, slugging away in obscurity, that hits a home run.
Author Maeve Binchy weaves a beautiful Irish tapestry from dozens of disparate stories
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
When successful authors are asked for advice on how to write well, most of them will answer like this: “Write what you know.”
A few minutes with Alexander McCall Smith
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Apr. 8, 2007 - By any yardstick, Alexander McCall Smith measures up as quite accomplished.
‘The Good Husband of Zebra Drive’ satisfies taste for sweet, gentle fiction
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Apr. 8, 2007 - Today’s publishing world is replete with writers who produce violent crime books and chill-a-minute thrillers. These books are usually driven by bleak plot lines and it seems that blood drips off every other page. The crooks and the evil ones are usually caught in the end, but it’s hard to take anything positive away from the reading experience.
Springtime in Margaritaville: Tour dates and new album give Buffett fans a reason to hula
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Apr. 2, 2007 - For people who like Jimmy Buffett, the world’s richest beach bum, springtime brings great anticipation. Springtime means the Big Kahuna is going on tour and a Jimmy Buffett tour means it’s time to break out the flip-flops, tropical party favors, the Margarita machine and Buffett’s latest album.
A peek at the funny side of aging
By TERRY MATEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Apr. 1, 2007 - Nora Ephron might not have universal name recognition, but her writing is certainly well known.
Jason Boland and the Stragglers
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Mar. 29, 2007 - If you like your country music with an extra serving of rock, tonight’s your chance to see an act that promises to take up where Waylon left off.
Merle, Willie and Ray: Country’s elder statesmen have the ‘prime’ of their lives with tour and release of definitive CD
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Mar. 25, 2007 - With close to 100 years of performing under their collective belt buckles, country music legends Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Ray Price have certainly earned the right to enjoy a quiet life of retirement.
Historic Texas Courthouses: Sale of glorious book to benefit genealogical society
BY TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Mar. 22, 2007 - Author and former congressman Mike Andrews (25th District 1983-1994) has released an impressive collection of photographs and brief stories about 100 of Texas’ most historic county seats.
‘Reinventing the Wheel’ lets the musicians strut their stuff
By Terry Mathews | News-Telegram Arts Editor
During their impressive 36-year run as Texas' premiere Western Swing band, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel have not rested on the laurels of their considerable talents. They continue to push the boundaries of what defines their unique genre. On their new CD, “Reinventing the Wheel,” Benson and the band show their fans how Western Swing should be done.
Serial reading: a great way to stay in touch with your favorite heroes
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Mar. 18, 2007 - Reading is one of life’s great joys. With a book in hand, we can travel to parts unknown, solve a murder or save the world from the really bad guys, all from the comfort and safety of our favorite armchair.
Greg Iles: Action-packed plot keeps readers up late
By Terry Mathews | News telegram Arts Editor
Mar. 5, 2007 - There are many reasons to like best-selling author Greg Iles. He tells good stories. He does his homework. He’s consistent. And, unlike some of his peers, he actually writes the words we read.
Author Annette Smith finds a new voice, tells a solid story
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Mar. 2, 2007 - Part of the joy of reading is discovering new authors. It’s especially satisfying to find someone who might not have best-seller status, but who speaks with a fresh voice, true talent and a passion for telling great stories.
Water for Elephants: Life in a traveling circus
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
It’s 1931. Jacob Jankowski, 23, has the world by the tail. He’s ten days away from final exams at Cornell University’s prestigiuos school of veterinarian medicine. After graduation, Jacob plans to join his father’s practice back home in Norwich, New York. His life is neat and tidy, with endless blue skies on the horizon.
The Poet of Loch Ness: an enchanting debut
By Terry Mathews | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Most publishing houses make a big to-do over new authors and readers hungry for a fresh new voice anxiously await the book’s release. More often than not, however, the writing does not measure up to the hype. There are the rare exceptions, and Brian Corrigan is one of them. Although there was not a lot of fuss over Corrigan’s debut last year, the ethereal prose and mysterious plot lines in “The Poet of Loch Ness,” prove him worthy of running with the big guns of publishing.
Duets: An American Classic
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
In celebration of his 80th birthday and the seven decades he’s spent singing American’s most beloved music, Tony Bennett released a CD last year. “Duets: An American Classic” belongs in rotation for anyone who loves great standards done by the best in the business, along with a few very carefully selected friends.
Small ‘Dream Angus’ casts a large magic shadow not soon forgotten
By TERRY MATHEWS | News Telegram Arts Editor
Sometimes, if we’re very, very lucky, the universe presents us with gifts. The gifts can appear as great piece of art, a film that touches the soul or a haunting melody heard long after the turntable stops spinning.
Writer delights with lucky #7: Blue Shoes and Happiness
By Terry Mathews | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Precious Ramotswe, the “traditionally built” woman from Botswana, has seen a lot in her life, but the one thing she knows without a doubt is that things are never as simple as they seem on the surface.
For author and Delta County native Jim Ainsworth, it’s about the stories
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Jan. 9, 2007 - To Jim Ainsworth, author and Delta County native, it has always been about the stories. Ainsworth’s third volume in the popular Rivers Flow series, is scheduled to be released next month.
This ‘fire’ needs more focus on character and plot development
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Feb. 13, 2007 - Imagine it’s one year after the horrific attack on the World Trade Center. Imagine a group of powerful and influential men, some with very close proximity to the president and imagine their impatience to exact revenge for the devastation of 9-11-01.
‘The Measure of a Man’; Oprah gets it right with this book club selection
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
Oprah made an excellent choice for her book club this time around. Originally released in 2001, “The Measure of a Man” is an introspective look into the soul of Sidney Poitier.
This I Believe: Essays that speak straight from the heart
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
In 1951, it would have been hard to find four more powerful men than Edward R. Murrow, Bill Paley, Ward Wheelock and Donald Thornburgh.
Mockingbird: A reader’s look into the life of the intelligent, eccentric author
By TERRY MATHEWS | News-Telegram Arts Editor
For the past 46 years, the world has been waiting for the second novel from Nelle Harper Lee, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
