Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 1, 2011

10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

 Mountain Views News Saturday, October 1, 2011 


CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR “WRITE OF 
PASSAGE” SCREENWRITING COMPETITION

Competition offers writers the chance to screen at the 168 Film Festival

Prizes include meetings with Hollywood Players

SEAN’S SHAMELESS 

REVIEWS:

MINI ALBUM REVIEWS

Los Angeles, CA – The 3rd annual Write of 
Passage Screenwriting Competition is open 
for entries, as announced today by John David 
Ware, founder of the 168 Film Project. Write of 
Passage is a mentored screenwriting competition, 
designed to encourage new writers to enter the 
world of film.

The entry deadline is Oct. 10, 2011. Writing 
week is October 17th-24th. Screenplay 
submissions are up to 12 pages in length and 
based on a foundational scripture with the theme: 
“Promises, Promises.”

Writers who wish to enter must complete 
the registration and submit the entry fee of $45 
(max).

Top scripts compete for awards and $1,000 cash 
(which all goes to the writer). Selected scripts are 
eligible to be filmed as a part of the 10th annual 
168 Film Project filmmaking competition. Write 
of Passage films will screen and compete at the 
168 Film Festival in March 29-31, 2012.

The Write of Passage prize package includes 
a private meeting with Producer Ralph Winter 
(“X-MEN Wolverine”). In addition, writer/
producers Luke Schelhaas (“Law and Order,” 
Smallville”) and Brian Bird (“Not Easily Broken”) 
will provide professional feedback to the top 
three writers.

Write of Passage applies a team approach to 
screenwriting. Entrants may sign-up as a Writer 
or apply as a Development Executive (DE). DE’s 
give feedback to writers on their team and submit 
the best entries to the finals in L.A. DE’s receive 
executive producer credit on completed films.

Development Executives must apply for the 
position by requesting a written application at 
writeofpassage@168project.com. DE’s pay no 
fee, but they may not enter the contest as a writer. 
Winners are announced in November 2011. Both 
finalist writers and DE’s get tickets to the 168 
Film Festival.

“Pairing a writing contest with a production 
contest is a dream come true for writers,” noted 
Ware. “Real-world interaction between writers 
and producers definitely raises the bar. The 
Write of Passage films we’ve seen have been 
tremendous.”

“We want positive portrayals of realistic 
characters in redemptive, thought-provoking 
stories that honor God,” Ware said.

Writers and producers are permitted to 
participate in both Write of Passage and the 168 
Film Project, a creative outlet for more than 500 
faith-based short films. The “168” concept allows 
for fast-paced art creation using “a Theme, a 
Verse and a Week.”

For questions visit http://www.168project.com 
or email writeofpassage@168project.com. Write 
of Passage FAQ: http://www.168project.com/
news/211.cfm 

The Drums sophomore album, “Portamento” is a dark, jangly 
pop record that excels to the utmost degree. While it feels like a 
retread of their debut album, the surf pop outfit has drifted more 
into a melancholy sound reminiscent of The Smiths (and so many 
earlier 80s acts). Jonathan Pierce remains a hopeless romantic on 
“Portamento”. However, even with the simplicity of lyrics such as 
“And I believe, that when we die, we die/so let me love you tonight, 
let me love you tonight”, The Drums are infectiously catchy. Within minutes, you’ll be singing along 
to nearly every gem on this album, as well dancing your little heart out. One thing is for certain, a lot 
of personal memories and ominous undertones lie embedded within the record. Happy go lucky and 
let’s go surfing type of lyrics have been replaced by the thought of ex-girlfriends, ex-bandmates and 
the feeling of “right now”. The Drums have grown wiser, albeit not quite to the extent of reinventing 
their sound, but still expanding on a resonance that simply works, most of the time. “Portamento” 
was released on September 6th, 2011 on Universal Island Records. 

Score: 8.3 out of 10.

Cymbals Eat Guitars has such a ferocious sound. With so many new acts these days using 
electronics, it’s quite refreshing (and seemingly old-fashioned) to hear raw, guitar-driven, augmented 
tunes. Audacious, strong writing, and an amalgamation of garage rock, pure noise rock, and haunting 
melodies, sophomore record “Lenses Alien” is deeply penetrating to your senses. While the theme of 
the album feels a bit scattered, each song works nearly flawlessly in its own right. Cymbals Eat Guitars 
is a band to watch out for and one that both mainstream rock acts and hard rock bands should both 
envy and be jealous at their stunning conclusions to their songs. “Lenses Alien” was released on 
August 30th, 2011 on Barsuk Records. 

Score: 8.1 out of 10.

NewVillager’s sound is pure experimental. Their self-titled debut album has it all—crazy 
arrangements, pop and R&B influences, but still falls into the elusive indie rock universe. Definitely a 
sound that defines “alternative”, NewVillager may be onto something. They are taking the best parts 
of each genre and blending them together. At the end of the day, what you end up with is something 
truly impressive, inventive and awesome. The record has a grand sound, with excellent production 
values. The record truly hits the mark. NewVillager’s sound is different and almost groundbreaking. 
They may not be creating an entirely new soundscape, but the pastiche of tunes is allowing them to 
separate themselves from nearly everyone else. NewVillager has the ability to become leaders with 
their mesmeric sound. They are pushing the envelope in unthinkable ways, but I hope they have the 
staying power to continue along this path. As long they don’t succumb to being merely followers with 
subsequent releases, the future of NewVillager appears to be unpredictable in the best kind of way. 
The self-titled album was released on June 20th, 2011 on IAMSOUND Records. 

Score: 8 out of 10.

A Musical Tribute to Jazz VocalistsExperience the elegance ofa bygone musical era asthe theatre is transformedinto a musical time capsulefeaturing performancesby legendary jazz vocalistsDinah Washington,
Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simoneand Carmen McRaeto the backdrop of a live jazz trio.
__________________
Final 2011 PerformanceSunday, October 9th at 3pm(626) 355-4318Media Sponsor Produced by 
The Instrumental Women Project (IWP) is an arts agency member of 
E.M.E.R.G.E, the nonprofit fiscal sponsorship program of the Pasadena Arts Council.
Admission $30Group discounts six or moreTickets & Info Available at:
sierramadreplayhouse.orgorWritten and performed byvocalist extraordionaireMs. Phyllis BattleMusic Director, Vanessa BurchAnnouncer, James Janisse
The Book Report

by Jeff Brown

THE GREAT SEA: A HUMAN HISTORY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN 

BY DAVID ABULAFIA 

Situated at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Mediterranean Sea 
has been for millenia the place where religions, economies, and political systems 
met, clashed, influenced and absorbed one another. He offers a fresh perspective by 
focusing on the sea itself: its practical importance for transport and sustenance; its 
dynamic role in the rise and fall of empires; and the remarkable cast of characters, 
sailors, merchants, migrants, pirates, pilgrims, who have crossed and recrossed 
it. Ranging from prehistory to the 21st century, The Great Sea is above all the 
history of human interaction across a region that has brought together many of the 
great civilizations of antiquity as well as the rival empires of medieval and modern 
times. Interweaving major political and naval developments with the ebb and flow 
of trade, Abulafia explores how commercial competition in the Mediterranean 
created both rivalries and partnerships, with merchants acting as intermediaries between cultures, 
trading goods that were as exotic on one side of the sea as they were commonplace on the other. He 
stresses the remarkable ability of Mediterranean cultures to uphold the civilizing ideal of convivencia, 
“living together,” exemplified in medieval Spain, where Christian theologians studied Arabic texts 
with the help of Jewish and Muslim scholars, and traceable throughout the history of the region. 
Brilliantly written and sweeping in its scope, The Great Sea is itself as varied and inclusive as the 
region it describes, covering everything from the Trojan War, the history of piracy, and the great 
naval battles between Carthage and Rome to the Jewish Diaspora into Hellenistic worlds, the rise of 
Islam, the Grand Tours of the 19th century, and mass tourism of the 20th. It is the definitive account 
of perhaps the most vibrant theater of human interaction in history.

STORY OF EDGAR CAYCE: THERE IS A RIVER BY THOMAS SUGRUE 

This book is the complete, original biography of the best documented psychic in 
America. It tells the story of how he discovered his astounding psychic gifts and what led 
him to a life dedicated to helping others. Cayce’s “readings,” given in a trancelike state, 
ranged from phenomenal medical cures to advice on spiritual growth, psychology, and 
prophecy of world events. A philosophy section covers our origin, purpose, and destinies 
on the earth, making this book a valuable resource. A classic and a must for all those who 
desire to expand and honor their heart.


OLD PASADENA HOSTS SAN GABRIEL VALLEY’S 
LARGEST CULTURAL DANCE & FOOD FESTIVAL 

Old Pasadena hosts Southern California’s 
largest free dance festival, the Old Pasadena 
Cultural Dance & Food Festival, Sunday, October 
16 from 1pm to 6pm at De Lacey Ave. and 12pm 
to 5pm at the Lineage Performing Arts Center. 
The free, family friendly celebration of music 
and movement will feature over a dozen award-
winning dance companies performing unique 
dances from around the world.

 The all day jam-packed festival is the grand 
finale to the popular Pasadena Art Weekend, 
taking place each year in October. The 
celebration begins with a vibrant performance 
from Rio Brazil Samba showcasing their colorful 
Brazilian dance featured on such notable 
networks as MTV and KTLA. Other exciting 
performances include Indian Bollywood from 
acclaimed choreographer Achinta McDaniel 
of the Blue 13 Dance Company, traditional 
Chinese dance performed by the local Shining 
Star Dance Academy, Mexican Folklorico from 
the award-winning Ballet Folklorico Mixteco, 
and Hawaiian, Tahitian, and New Zealand 
dance performed by Le Polynesia. The Ensemble 
Barynya is returning again this year, performing 
their audience pleasing acrobatic Russian, 
Ukranian and Gypsy dances. The Old Pasadena 
Cultural Dance & Food Festival concludes with a 
very special Japanese drum and dance show from 
the Taiko Center of Los Angeles. 

 The Old Pasadena Cultural Dance Festival is 
one of the few dance festivals in the world where 
the audience is encouraged to participate in 
the show. Following each performance at the 
main stage on De Lacey, the dancers will teach 
movements from that culture, so audience 
members can get moving too! 

 Attendees are also invited to visit the Lineage 
Performing Arts Center for free dance classes 
throughout the day. All-ages and levels are 
welcome to take part in learning African burn, 
traditional Argentine tango, tap and hip hop 
dances.

 This year, the festival will feature an array of 
Old Pasadena restaurants serving unique cuisine 
from around the world including Tibetan, 
Japanese, Ukrainian, Mediterranean and Indian 
amongst others. Each ethnic eatery will offer 
complimentary tastings to audience members 
throughout the day with larger plates available 
for purchase.

The Old Pasadena Cultural Dance Festival is the 
grand finale to Pasadena ArtWeekend, a three-day 
event that also includes ArtNight, ArtWalk, Art of 
Food, and ArtRhythm. Pasadena ArtWeekend is a 
joint venture with the city of Pasadena Cultural Affairs 
Division and Arts & Culture Commission, Pasadena 
Convention Center & Visitors Bureau, Playhouse 
District Association, Old Pasadena Management 
District, South Lake Business Association, Paseo 
Colorado and Pasadena CultureNet. For a detailed 
event listing visit www.pasadenaartweekend.com.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com