Mount Hood

Smith Fine Arts Series’ COVID safe comeback

Smith Fine Arts Series returns to Rice Auditorium with COVID-19 safety precautions 

Camille Lenning | Entertainment Editor

Smith Fine Arts Series is entering its 44th season this October, and it’s making a triumphant return to in person performances after switching to an online format in March 2020. 

Lisa Schachter, director of the Smith Fine Arts Series, is in charge of operations and fundraising, and has been working hard to get performances running again. Among her other duties, Schachter was also involved with implementing Smith Fine Arts Series’ COVID-19 safety guidelines.

“Once we got clearance that we were going to actually be able to start doing things in the performing arts hall, but with a lot of limitations, that’s when we knew we could move forward with the artists and (get) in touch with them,” Schachter said. “The musicians and artists are all very anxious to get back on stage, we just wanted to make sure we did it safely.” 

Schachter asserted that Smith Fine Arts Series will strictly follow Western’s COVID guidelines, including: requiring vaccine cards upon entry to Rice Auditorium; declining to serve food or drinks before, during or after performances so that masks can be worn at all times; cancelling intermissions during shows to reduce crowding in the lobby; and closing seating within the first three rows of the auditorium to allow social distancing between artists and the audience. 

Andi Moring, a senior math and theatre double major at Western, has worked as the program assistant for 18 months. Hired right before the pandemic began, she had never worked on ⏤ nor seen ⏤ an in person performance from Smith Fine Arts Series. 

“I’m taking ticket orders now, which I’d never done prior to this,” Moring said. “It’s so much more exciting to be like ‘Yes, I’ll take your ticket orders for these shows that we will have.’” 

Though Moring has little experience dealing with an in person Smith Fine Arts production, she remains optimistic.

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m really excited to see a show and interact with people, that’s one of my favorite things in life,” said Moring.

Contact the author at entertainmenteditor@thewesternhowl.com

What to expect from Smith Fine Arts in 2021–22

Smith Fine Arts Series performance lineup for its 44th season 

Camille Lenning | Entertainment Editor

Smith Fine Arts Series is known as a haven for the arts, and its top quality productions are returning to present a variety of diverse performances for all ages. 

  • Halie Loren (Friday, Oct. 8) — A multilingual singer-songwriter with eight albums to her name, Loren has received international critical acclaim for her jazz musical stylings. 
  • Vianna Bergeron Brazilian Jazz (Saturday, Dec. 4) — Known for performing a diverse mix of Brazilian music genres, this band features vocalist Rosi Bergeron, saxophonist Tom Bergeron, pianist Cassio Vianna, bassist Wagner Trindade and drummer Cam Siegal. 
  • Rainbow Dance Theatre (Friday, Jan. 14) — This Oregon-based dance company will perform their “20 in 2020” repertory show, choreographed for their 20 year anniversary tour, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Seamus Egan Project (Saturday, March 12) — Specializing in Irish folk music, Egan has redefined the genre through his mastery of Irish flute, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo and other instruments. He will be joined by Scottish fiddler Jenna Moynihan, guitarist Kyle Sanna and guitarist, banjoist, mandolinist Owen Marshall. 
  • Thalea String Quartet (Saturday, April 2) — This group of internationally renowned musicians brings timeless music to all audiences, featuring violinist Christopher Whitley, violinist Kumiko Sakamoto, violaist Lauren Spaulding and cellist Titilayo Ayangade. 
  • The Thornette David Band (Saturday, June 4) — A blues legend, Davis has been on the scene since 1987 and will be performing with her seven piece band. 

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Day of show ticket sales begin as early as 6 p.m. Advance ticket purchases are $28 for adults, day of show tickets are $33 and both options are $10 for non-Western students. Those with a valid Western student ID can get their tickets free of charge, just make sure to show up early to book a seat. Call the Smith Fine Arts Series’ office at 503-838-8333 with any questions. 

Contact the author at entertainmenteditor@thewesternhowl.com

Fall vibes for weary ears

A soundtrack for watching the leaves fall compiled by The Howl staff

The Western Howl Collective

The autumn season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the leaves changing than with a new playlist to listen to throughout the season? “The Western Howl” staff has compiled some of their favorite fall songs they like to listen to. To check this playlist out and others we have created, find us on Spotify @TheWesternHowl.

  • “Sweater Weather” — The Neighborhood
  • “고엽” or “Autumn Leaves” / “Dead Leaves” — BTS
  • “TT” — TWICE
  • “Dearly Departed” — Marianas Trench
  • “Witchcraft” — Pendulum
  • “Wake Me Up When September Ends” — Green Day
  • “We Close Our Eyes” cover — Ninja Sex Party
  • “Heather” — Conan Gray
  • “we fell in love in october” — girl in red
  • “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” — Cage The Elephant 
  • “Zombie” — The Cranberries 
  • “Candy” — The Presidents Of The United States Of America
  • “Heads Will Roll” — Yeah Yeah Yeahs
  • “Witch Love” — Nico Yaryan 
  • “In A Week” — Hozier ft. Karen Cowley
  • “Pumpkin” — The Regrettes
  • “Pumpkins Scream In the Dead of the Night” — Savage Ga$p and 93FEETOFSMOKE  ft. shinigami
  • “Zombie Love” — Bohnes
  • “Halloweenie II: Pumpkin Spice” — Ashnikko
  • “Howl” — The Family Crest 
  • “Safe & Sound” — Hannah Jern-Miller
  • “THIS IS HALLOWEEN” remix — Whiiite
  • “Ghost Story” — Cheat Codes ft. All Time Low   
  • “All Too Well” — Taylor Swift

Turn up the volume on these albums in May

Upgrade your summer playlist with these artists 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Summer is all about taking a load off and relaxing with a playlist that sets the mood, which is why it’s so important to find the latest jams. New music is released constantly on multiple platforms, and it can be difficult to stay up to date with all of the latest up-and-coming artists. Ranging from old favorites like Aly & AJ, twenty one pilots and St. Vincent, there’s more than one artist to add to the summertime playlist. Between Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, music lovers everywhere can enjoy these albums released in May. 

May 6: 

  • “Convocations” — Sufjan Stevens 

May 7:

  • “Ashlyn” — Ashe
  • “a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun” — Aly & AJ
  • “Better Mistakes” — Bebe Rexha
  • “Blood Bunny” — Chloe Moriondo
  • “Here And Now” — Kenny Chesney
  • “Latest Record Project: Volume 1” — Van Morrison
  • “The Marfa Tapes” — Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall
  • “Tuck Me In EP” — boy pablo  
  • “Van Weezer” — Weezer

May 14: 

  • “Be Right Back” — Jorja Smith 
  • “Daddy’s Home” — St. Vincent 
  • “Delta Kream” — The Black Keys
  • “High Dive” — Shaed 
  • “The Off-Season” — J. Cole 
  • “parallel universe pt.1” — Alania Castillo
  • “Unbothered” — Lil Skies 
  • “Why No Why” — Mob Rich 

May 21:

  • “All I Know So Far: Setlist” — P!nk
  • “Amidst the Chaos: Live at the Hollywood Bowl” — Sara Bareilles
  • “Body Language” — Blake Shelton 
  • “Circle of Days” — Hippy Death Cult
  • “Harmony House” — Dayglow
  • “Long Lost” — Lord Huron  
  • “Nightmare on Elmfield Road” — CLOVES
  • “Scaled and Icy” — twenty one pilots  
  • “Sour” — Olivia Rodrigo 
  • “WINK” — CHAI 

May 28:

  • “Are You Kidding?” — Nicole Millar 
  • “Bloom EP” — Of Mice and Men 
  • “Cavalcade” — black midi
  • “Drinking With My Smoking Friends” — Allday
  • “Hi” — Texas 
  • “Reprise” — Moby 
  • “The Resurrection” — Bugzy Malone 
  • “The Voice of the Heroes” — Lil Baby and Lil Durk 
  • “You Hear Georgia” — Blackberry Smoke

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌A springtime playlist with tons of genres

These thirty songs are rising in the music charts

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The sun is setting later, the days are getting warmer and spring is officially in the air. There’s nothing better than throwing on some music while relaxing outside or listening to new tunes while multitasking. Music streaming platforms ⏤ like Spotify or Apple Music ⏤ make it easy to find new artists and songs that are perfect for studying or lounging around. Whatever the case may be, it’s better to have a solid playlist ready to help pass the time, and this one is jam packed with thirty songs to look into. Follow the Howl on Spotify at @thewesternhowl to find this and other playlists. 

  1. “Good Days” by SZA
  2. “Peaches” by Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar
  3. “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X
  4. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby 
  5. “Telepatía” by Kali Uchis 
  6. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals 
  7. “For The Night” by PopSmoke, LilBaby, DaBaby
  8. “Dancing with the Devil” by Demi Lavato 
  9. “COUNT ON ME” by BROCKHAMPTON
  10. “So I Lie” by Miguel
  11. “Astronaut In The Ocean” by Masked Wolf
  12. “Zuccenberg” by Tommy Cash, $uicideboy$, Diplo
  13. “LazyBaby” by Dove Cameron
  14. “Violent” by carolesdaughter
  15. “Positions” by Ariana Grande
  16. “Link” by Tierra Whack 
  17. “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd
  18. “Show U Off” by Brent Faiyez
  19. “Thrilla” by Wesley Joseph 
  20. “Tick Tock” by Joji
  21. “Whipski” by $NOT ft. Lil Skies and Internet Money
  22. “Calling My Phone” by Lil Tjay, 6LACK
  23. “Shut Up My Mom’s Calling” by Hotel Ugly
  24. “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat ft. SZA
  25. “Blueberry Faygo” by Lil Mosey
  26. “Goosebumps (Remix)” by Travis Scott, HVME
  27. “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
  28. “YKWIM?” by Yot Club
  29. “Track Star” by Mooski
  30. “Beautiful Mistakes” by Maroon 5 ft. Megan Thee Stallion

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

‌Daft Punk’s era has come to an end

Exploring Daft Punk’s unique goodbye YouTube video

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

The world of music received some surprising news at the end of February: legendary French duo Daft Punk has announced the band’s break up. After performing together for 28 years, Daft Punk released a nearly eight minute long YouTube video titled “Epilogue,” which shows an interesting farewell between the two artists. As of the video’s release on Feb. 22, it has racked up over 23 million views, and the message portrayed through the footage is that of an authentic, creative and explosive goodbye. 

Thomas Bangalter and Guillaume Emmanuel “Guy-Manuel” de Homem-Christo are seen in their iconic, shiny robot helmets and are shown walking forward, surrounded by a deserted landscape. The two walk at different paces, with Bangalter stopping and watching Homem-Christo walk off into the distance. 

The two share a short stare, and Homem-Christo returns to Bangalter to stand face-to-face — in this case, it’s chrome helmet to helmet. The rest of the video continues with Homem-Christo setting off a timer on Bangalter’s back, only for Bangalter to walk onward and then explode. The ending of the video shows each of their hands coming together to form a brightly glowing triangle, with the years “1993–2021” below it. For the final few minutes, the viewer is left with the final image of a figure ⏤ presumably Homem-Christo ⏤ walking toward the sunset.

Their cryptic goodbye video is exactly what should be expected from Daft Punk after all these years, as they gave their audience one final show and ended with their own flair. While the video doesn’t offer a reason as to why the band is splitting up, it does provide a final farewell and nod to their musical legacy since their debut album, “Homework,” released in 1997. 

Since the near three decades of performing and music making, Daft Punk leaves fans around the world with their beloved electro hits and singles, “Around the World,” “Da Funk,” “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” “One More Time” and “Get Lucky.” Thankfully, their existing music can still be streamed, but many were shocked and saddened to hear that they’re done collaborating for now. Daft Punk’s publicist has confirmed the group’s retirement, but did not elaborate on if they are pursuing new projects under different names. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Trip out over Brent Faiyaz’s latest single, “Gravity”

Trippy visuals and bass guitars come together 

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

Music artist Brent Faiyaz has gained traction for his talents and recognition in the music industry following the huge response from his album, “F–k the World,” which was released in February 2020. Fans have been long anticipating another album or single, and when the time finally came, Faiyaz didn’t disappoint. Released on Jan. 27, Faiyaz’s latest hit, “Gravity,” comes stacked with vocals and lines from DJ Dali and Tyler, the Creator, and has Steve Lacey on the guitar and bass. 

Through the song, both Faiyaz and Tyler describe their lifestyle on the road and the way it impacted their relationships. Both artists experience a type of “gravity” from their partners, who try to pull them back home from the rush of a luxe lifestyle, and the amount of energy it takes to maintain that balance. 

Faiyaz boasts a bit about his fame in the chorus with, “I’m on (Don’t act like I’m average)/ But you want me home (Home)/ I’d get you what you want (Superstar status)/ But you want me alone (I’m gone, baby, I’m active).” And Tyler, the Creator echos the message of finding a balance between here and there in the third verse, “Now when I’m gone, and I roam ’round the globe for three months/ That’s too long without somethin’ that’s sweet/ So I phone, little treats, that’s a snack, not a feast/ They don’t mean much to me/ ‘Cause I know that I have a bakery back at home.” 

There are effortless transitions between verses paired with strong vocals and unique melodies, which all together form a trippy auditory time-warping experience. Following this theme, the album cover includes fluorescent colors that look like a psychedelic oil spill, resulting in a warbling and eye-catching artwork. 

The melodies, layers of instruments and laid back vocals create a pop song that will hit the top of the music charts and stay there. As of right now, fans wait to hear if an official music video will be released within the coming months. While they wait,  a video of the audio alongside engaging visuals is currently on YouTube. 

Find Brent Faiyaz’s ⏤ and other accompanying artists’ ⏤ latest music on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

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