The Squirrel Nut Zippers

In the early 90s, the country heard the seemingly last gasp for swing music in a very late revival of the old classics. Bands such as The Cherry Poppin ' Daddies and The Big Bad Voodoo Daddies put a new spin on an old sound with new synthesized beats and produced hit singles with twists on Gene Kroupa classics. In 1993, the newly formed Squirrel Nut Zippers of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, were lumped into this category trying to revive a dying breed. Grouping this new band into a category of those mocking old time swing jives with modern sounds and drum machines is a terrible underestimation of the Carrboro music scene. The Squirrel Nut Zippers (no relation to the candy), made it to the charts landing 13th place with their only hit single, "Hell." This 1930s calypso single demonstrated the versitility of the new jazz band. Not only did they write their own songs, they mimicked true jazz legends such as Django Reinhardt, complete with a screaming jazz guitarist. Their unofficial breakup in 2001 prompted a cult following. A few of the members continued pursuing their own musical careers without much success. Early in 2007, the bands official website announced a comeback tour planned with four appearances throughout the south. The Squirrel Nut Zippers will be playing in their birthplace, Carrboro, North Carolina, at the Cat's Cradle on February 8th.

The Dining Room

Over the past 6 years, I have been heavily involved in theatre while in school. For two years, I competed in the Ohio High School Speech league in Forensics. After moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, I found that the schools in my area did not offer Forensics and I started auditioning for plays. I landed leads in many productions such as The Miser (Moliere), and Don't Drink the Water (Woody Allen). After graduating and finishing my last production in Raleigh, I figured that I would slowly walk away from the stage hopefully to return years later with a degree in broadcast journalism or possibly public relations. After just finishing my first semester at UNCP, I was contacted by and old high school friend that graduated a couple years before me, wondering why I had not auditioned for any plays at school. After hearing the details of the next audition being held by the theatre department I auditioning for a play called The Dining Room. I landed a part in the cast of 5 actors and 5 actresses which shows on February 21-23. I am very excited to be back in theatre after realizing that I missed not being on stage for a semester.