Month: March 2004

The Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken concert

Jae-Ha Kim

The Kelly Clarkson/Clay Aiken concert Monday night at the United Center was exactly what you would expect from a pair of winners — well, one winner and a runner-up — from “American Idol.” It was sweet, earnest and well rehearsed, but not particularly memorable. While it’s clear that each performer has a strong set of pipes, neither has toured enough to put on a truly exhilarating live show. You can sit home and listen to their CDs and pretty much get the same experience.

Let the sun shine in: Spring Cleaning

Jae-Ha Kim

It’s a sad time for all of us: No Martha Stewart to guide us through spring by telling us when to plant our seeds, how to fold those unruly fitted sheets or which salads work best for a light al fresco supper. Still, we must go on. Now that the sun has passed through the vernal equinox, spring is officially here. And boy, are we ever ready for it.

Speaking with … David Parsons

Jae-Ha Kim

David Parsons is just a nice Midwestern boy who happens to have his own dance company. Founded in 1987, the Parsons Dance Company will present five world premieres: “Too Many Cooks!” “Rise and Fall,” “Slow Dance, “Swing Shift” and “Takademe” at the Centre East Theatre in Skokie on Saturday night. Parsons, who grew up in Rockford, also will perform his solo piece, “Caught.”

Speaking with … Davy Carton

Jae-Ha Kim

They’re not as famous as U2, the Corrs or Sinead O’Connor, but Ireland’s Saw Doctors had one of the biggest singles in their homeland with a little ditty called “I Useta Lover.” Refreshingly down to earth, the band is touring the United States to promote its latest CD/DVD, “The Saw Doctors Live in Galway” (Shamtown Records, in stores Tuesday).

Nice guy Clay Aiken wins first place in fans’ hearts

Jae-Ha Kim

Let’s face it. We’re not a society that recognizes No. 2 — except when it comes to Clay Aiken. The runner up in last year’s “American Idol” contest has proved to be the little Southern boy who could. His debut album, “Measure of a Man,” easily outsold first-place winner Ruben Studdard’s effort. And Aiken’s the one headlining a tour with Kelly Clarkson, the first “American Idol” winner.

Right here waiting, as usual

Jae-Ha Kim

If anyone is in on the joke, it’s Richard Marx. Grammy Award winner, hot producer-songwriter and all-around good guy, the Chicago native knows why some people don’t like him. “Nobody gets the joke more than me,” says Marx, who resides on the North Shore with his wife, dancer-actress-singer Cynthia Rhodes, and their three boys. “When I first started out, I had credibility because my songs were played on rock radio and Joe Walsh was playing guitar on it. Then within a year, I became the anti-Christ.”

Women in the mix: the impact of gender studies

Jae-Ha Kim

Mention women’s studies and you’re likely to get a mixed reaction. One group may talk about why it’s so important for students of both sexes to learn about women’s historical impact on society. Another may roll their eyes and argue that a men’s studies program would be considered sexist — so why the need for women’s studies in the 21st century?