The Echo

'Toy Story 3' sneak peak thrills students

200 students were at Harkins Tempe Marketplace on Wednesday as a “Toy Story 3” cliffhanger screening showed the first 60 minutes of the 98-minute film. The event was one of 40 that will take place through May 6 near college campuses nationwide.

By Samantha Valtierra Bush | April 22, 2010

Circa Survive aims high, hits mark with ‘Blue Sky Noise’

Since its groundbreaking debut album, “Juturna,” Circa Survive has become the hero of a deeply introspective and transcendent musical movement.

By Dane Jarvie | April 22, 2010

TRASH TO MUSIC: Husband and wife team Step Raptis and Lisa Chow of "Step's Junk Funk" perform on Hayden Lawn during celebrations for Earth Week. Raptis, who has been converting trash into percussion instruments since 1973, enjoyed a stage powered entirely by solar energy. (Photo Michael Arellano)

Step’s Junk Funk finds beats in trash

The phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” has never been truer for Step’s Junk Funk, a recycled percussion band in Tempe that uses common trash to create endless sound.

By Allison Oswalt | April 22, 2010

‘Losers’ lives up to its title

“The Losers” is like a series of action sequences and dialogue stolen from other movies and rolled into one ludicrous film.

By Nick Spake | April 22, 2010

Q&A: Lead vocalist Eric Nally of Foxy Shazam

Cincinnati-born rock band Foxy Shazam is blaring through Americans’ headphones with style, attitude and sass. Their shows are wild and they have more energy than any up-and-coming band on the music scene right now.

By Lenni Rosenblum | April 21, 2010

‘Kick-Ass’ destined for cult classic status

I walked into the superhero satire “Kick-Ass” fully intending on getting a couple of good laughs. Never did I anticipate that I would fall madly in love with the picture.

By Nick Spake | April 15, 2010

Unconventional ‘City Island’ engaging, real

A pleasant family life with everyone loving each other and respecting one another is a wonderful thing to have — unless you want to make a film.

By Preston Carter Melbourne-Weaver | April 15, 2010

‘Death at a Funeral’ full of life

“Death at a Funeral” has given me a morbid desire that I never expected: I want to go to a funeral as exciting as this one. Because, at the risk of sounding macabre, I wish every funeral was this much fun.

By Alex Foote | April 15, 2010

MURDER MYSTERY: The billing for "A Nightmare in Las Cruces" outside the Valley Art Theatre on Mill Ave. The movie, which premiers this Friday, follows the still-unsolved murders of 4 New Mexico bowling alley over two decades ago. (Photo by Michael Arellano)

Filmmaker tells students of ‘Nightmare in Las Cruces’

An independent filmmaker is traveling the Southwest to spread the word about his documentary, which details a 1990 murder in New Mexico.

By Matt Hendley | April 13, 2010

‘Permalight’ fun but lacking

The music isn’t anything groundbreaking, but it certainly is a step forward from a tormented past.

By Jake Fournier | April 13, 2010

Murder by Death scores with folksy ‘Good Morning, Magpie’

With its new album, “Good Morning, Magpie,” Indiana group Murder By Death perfects its brooding folk-rock sound and moves it in an even folksier direction.

By David Robles | April 13, 2010

Filmmaker Kevin Smith opens up about life, movies in Phoenix

Kevin Smith was pissed. He's not anymore.

By Preston Carter Melbourne-Weaver | April 13, 2010

Q&A: Christopher Guanlao, drummer of Silversun Pickups

"The State Press caught up with drummer Chris Guanlao of Silversun Pickups shortly before last Friday’s show in the Valley with Muse."

By Liam Hausmann | April 12, 2010

Tempe coffee shop employees competing in US Barista Championship

The 2010 United States Barista Championship is right around the corner, and one ASU student is going for the title of USBC champion.

By Chelsea Brown | April 12, 2010

Q&A: Iowa-based rock-folk band The Nadas

"The State Press sat down with bass player Jon Locker and vocalists/guitarists Jason Walsmith and Mike Butterworth before their show late last month at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix."

By Lauren Jordan | April 12, 2010

Q&A: MC Zumbi of Bay Area hip-hop duo Zion I

With no gimmicks included, Oakland-based duo Zion I has established themselves prominently within the hip-hop community.

By Dane Jarvie | April 11, 2010

Hilarious Carell, Fey save ‘Date Night’

Steve Carell and Tina Fey are two of the funniest people on television these days, so it only makes sense they finally team up in the new comic-thriller “Date Night.”

By Stephanie Russo | April 8, 2010

Black Eyed Peas bring energy to Valley

In a match made in party heaven, the Black Eyed Peas and tour sponsor Bacardi, teamed up to blow the lid off of Jobing.com Arena as The E.N.D. world tour made its stop in Glendale last week.

By Jake Fournier | April 6, 2010

Filmmaker delves into death in feature-length debut

In order to die, one must live, and the more interesting the life, the more fascinating the death — all of which is explored in Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo's new film “After.Life.”

By Preston Carter Melbourne-Weaver | April 5, 2010

Badu back with a bang

Artist- Erykah Badu; Album- New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh); Record Label- Control Freaq Records; 3.5 out 5 Pitchforks

By Lenni Rosenblum | April 5, 2010

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