Classic films showcased in I.G. Greer cinema this semester

Janelle Silverman - Entertainment Beat

John McElwee is working to create student interest at Appalachian State University in “Private Screenings,” a series of film presentations from his movie collection, shown on campus.

McElwee competes with the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (A.P.P.S.) Films Series of recent movies that are brought to I.G. Greer Cinema, the same place his movies are shown.

Most students are familiar with the new movies brought to campus, such as “Moulin Rouge” and “Tomb Raider.”

McElwee’s movies consist of older films which most students have never seen before.

Most showings are Thursday nights, and some shows are being presented Sundays at 5 p.m.
With the help of Phil Arnold, associate director for Student Programs, and Craig Fischer, a Department of English professor, McElwee is able to put on a showing of his collection in I.G. Greer Cinema, with free admission and complimentary popcorn and candy.

A new theater is currently being built in Plemmons Student Union where his movies will be shown in the future. However, it will not be completed for at least another year.

McElwee has added cartoons and shorts to keep the audience entertained thirty minutes before showtime. “There is always something on the screen. Every show is a complete program of entertainment,” said McElwee, a Wilkesboro native.

Popular previews have been a Superman cartoon from the early 1940s and rare, unseen Disney cartoon strips.

McElwee wants to display his movies as they were originally shown in the theater. He heightens the effect by displaying the original movie posters and advertisements around campus, he said.

All the movies, pictures and posters are part of his personal collection. He has also tried to get students’ attention by displaying actual props that go along with each movie.

When Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” was shown earlier this semester, McElwee used a birdcage to add to the effect of the advertisement.
“I show movies that are rarely shown in the theater-type settings,” he said.

“The Parent Trap,” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” have been shown this year.
“Gilda” was featured Sunday as one of the new Sunday afternoon films.

Information about future movies can be found outside Crossroads Coffeehouse, in a three-windowed display case that holds old pictures, advertisements and short explanations of upcoming movies.

There are also several other display cases throughout both floors of the student union with movie information and pictures. “I want to get students interested in shows they have never seen,” he said.

This will be McElwee’s second year showing his collection on campus.

Four films have been shown so far this semester, with a big audience at each viewing.

Approximately 11 movies are presented each semester, with Thursday being the main day of showing.

“It Happened One Night,” a romantic comedy starring Clark Gable, will be shown Thursday at 8 p.m. in I.G. Greer Cinema. The film swept the Academy Awards in 1934, said McElwee.

There are currently three more films scheduled for October, two to be shown in November and one in December.

All upcoming show information will be presented in the display cases around the student union and outside I.G. Greer Cinema.

Project Logic makes Boone debut tomorrow

Dan Frazier - Contributing Writer

DJ Logic, a.k.a. Jason Kibler, is taking his music career to the next step. The Bronx native has made a name for himself in the jam-band music community by performing with artists such as Medeski, Martin and Wood, String Cheese Incident, Bela Fleck, Karl Denson and John Scofield.

Traditionally, Logic has only been an accessory on stage with his turntables. Now it is Logic’s turn to headline the show.

Logic formed a three-person band to open up for Amon Tobin Jan. 1, 1999 at The Knitting Factory in New York.

The response received from Logic’s band was so positive that Logic pursued more shows with his newly formed band.

The trio eventually grew into a quintet called Project Logic.

Project Logic 2001 currently consists of Casey Benjamin, sax, ewi, flute and Rhodes; Stephen Roberson, drums; Kyle Spark, bass; Mike Weitman, keys; and of course, DJ Logic leading the show with his turntables.

Guest musicians are not a rarity and vary from show to show. Past guest musicians have included John Medeski (keyboardist from Medeski, Martin and Wood) and Vernon Reid (guitarist from ‘80s rock band Living Colour).

Project Logic’s music is performed by a live band under the leadership of Logic.

The band incorporates a large range of music styles including classic funk, new schoolhouse, downtown jazz and old school hip-hop.

Project Logic will bring its improvisational jam show to Boone for the first time tomorrow at Legends.

Tickets are $5 advanced and $7 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m.
This event is BYOB with a 6-pack limit sponsored by Appalachian Popular Programming Society (A.P.P.S.) Stage Shows.

For more information visit www.projectlogic.com