The Echo

Arizona Matsuri an enthusiastic cultural experience

Arizona Matsuri attracted an animated crowd for Japanese entertainment and traditions.

By Emily Nichols | February 27, 2012

(Image courtesy of Blue Note Records/EMI)

‘Black Radio’ a brilliant blend of musical palettes

“Black Radio” synthesizes the landscapes of hip-hop, soul, jazz, R&B, and Rock into an aesthetic that refuses to be encumbered by traditional boundaries.

By Ben Scolaro | February 26, 2012

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is open every Saturday and Sunday through April 1. Attractions include live jousting, a turkey legs a medieval arts fair. (Photo by Adrian Juarez)

Renaissance Festival transports thrilled attendants

The Arizona Renaissance Festival offers plentiful sights and activities for people of all ages. Shows, costumes and many more attractions allow attendees to experience the medieval lifestyle.

By Emily Nichols | February 26, 2012

fun.’s ‘Some Nights’ a delightfully catchy album

The changes between Nate Ruess’ first release with The Format and fun.’s “Some Nights” couldn't be more drastic, but the vocalist has finally found his niche.

By Trevor Paxton | February 26, 2012

84th Annual Academy Awards Live

The stars were out in full-force for the Oscars, and all in all, it was another excellent night in Hollywood.

By A&E Staff | February 26, 2012

‘Wanderlust’ features hilarious oddball characters

The humor plays the fine line between completely awkward to appreciatively humorous — just enough to maintain steady laughs from the audience.

By Cassandra Starboard | February 23, 2012

‘Act of Valor’ honorably depicts life of active-duty Navy Seals

Through the Navy Seals’ camaraderie, they’re able to face the most dangerous of enemies to defend the U.S.

By Maria Thompson | February 23, 2012

2012 Oscars: ‘The Artist’ primed for big night

A run-down of some of the 84th Academy Awards biggest categories.

By Jonathan Fortner | February 23, 2012

‘Luck’ shows fascinating world of horse racing

The unfamiliar premise provides one of the more compelling aspects of "Luck," challenging audiences to pay attention to the action.

By Taylor Costello | February 23, 2012

Devin Mace engraves a horseshoe in his blacksmith shop. (Photo by Kyle Newman)

Rawhide an authentic Western experience

The town’s employees don’t just provide the Western experience — they are the Western experience.

By Kyle Newman | February 22, 2012

Reggae band Rebelution takes the stage at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe on Feb. 15. (Photo by Shelby Bernstein)

Rebelution concert starts rowdily, ends peacefully

Despite a rough start before the show, the smooth beats during the sets combined with an overwhelming message of peace, love and good vibes to make this concert one to remember.

By Olivia Khiel | February 22, 2012

‘Wicked’ wins over audience at ASU Gammage

The production touches upon the messages of inner beauty and true goodness while depicting both the fruits and dangers of seeking to “defy gravity.”

By Maria Thompson | February 21, 2012

Robert O. Berdahl, Luverne Seifert, Jim Lichtsheidl and Sarah Agnew in "Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps." (Photo by Michael Daniel, courtesy of Arizona Theatre Company)

Fast-paced, Hitchcock-inspired play elicits uproarious laughs

The skillful coordination of the actors appears effortless, making it easy to get swept up with the precise and confident performances.

By Mary Richardson | February 21, 2012

Sleigh Bells’ new album a mind-numbing mistake

After listening to “Reign of Terror,” it's clear that the band wants to achieve the complete destruction of its listeners’ eardrums.

By Randsom Rockliffe | February 20, 2012

'Chopped' keeps viewers chomping for more

“Chopped” has a simple format, but its viewership keeps increasing due to the subtle surprises.

By Kelli Stark | February 20, 2012

Director Wim Wenders pays homage to dear friend

Q&A with Wim Wenders.

By Cassandra Starboard | February 19, 2012

Body Art Expo draws crowds of tattoo fanatics

Preceded by overflowing lines of hopeful attendees, the Body Art Expo at the Arizona State Fairgrounds truly represented the popular and ever-rising body-art culture.

By Emily Nichols | February 19, 2012

Slideshow: Body Art Expo

Hundreds of tattoo enthusiasts gathered at the Arizona State Fairgrounds over the weekend for the Body Art Expo, featuring over 300 tattoo and piercing artists working on site.

By Lisa Bartoli | February 19, 2012

‘This Means War’ a romantic comedy for both sexes

“This Means War” avoids the cheesiness typical of romantic storylines with its witty and comical scenes.

By Newlin Tillotson | February 16, 2012

ASU alums plan music cooperative

Jivemind, a music cooperative, will provide aspiring musicians with space to learn, practice and record.

By Julia Shumway | February 16, 2012

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