The Walkmen at the Ballroom

For those of us fortunate enough to catch The Walkmen rock the Rion Ballroom last night, it was the sonic equivalent of taking Valium underwater, but without the added hassle of having to breathe.

The last time the band came to Gainesville was 2008, when it played Common Grounds in support of its album You and Me. Since then, the band has toured with Kings of Leon and played a special NPR-sponsored show at South by Southwest.

The Walkmen were sans the usual horn section and keyboard player, opting instead for a lean and tight foursome. Watching this band in action is like watching Leonardo DiCaprio acting. The guys are strong, full, rythmic and magnetic. I can't help but feel that this band's next album may be the one to finally give these critical darlings the mainstream support they deserve.

If you're not familiar with the band, check it out now so you can say you knew them when.

Let Me Upgrade You...

Brussels, Belgium

Last night we met our new best friend. Well, that’s wishful thinking, but what isn’t wishful thinking is insider tips for saving literally thousands on travel costs, from plane tickets to hotels and even un-tapped hotspots. Johnny DiScala, or Johnny Jet to those in the know, is to travel what, say, Martha Stewart is to homemaking, and he spent two hours at the Orange & Brew (courtesy of RUB) giving us the types of tips that only 150,000 frequent flier miles a year could acquire.

So, because we love you, here are some highlights. For the full University of Florida-specific rundown, head to this site created just for you.

• Use Priceline to bid on hotels and cars (rather than flights). And, rather than just blindly bid, head to BiddingForTravel.com to get prices that have recently been accepted. Cool, right?
• Be flexible. Don’t specify the exact airport on the exact day and time you want. And always ask the desk if they’re overbooked and looking for volunteers (if you don’t need to arrive right away). You can find alternate airports here.
• Don’t pack so much! Only bring a carry-on, so if you need to change planes abruptly, you can. For more stuff, ship it FexEx Ground to and from your hotel.
• Travel agents can be your friend, especially for cruises or multi-leg journeys. They might also be privy to deals you’re not.
• Talk to a human being at the actual hotel, not the 800 number, to ask for a better rate or free upgrade. Here’s how.
• Package deals can be cheaper than the flight alone. Even if you don’t need a car or hotel, it might cost lest. Weird, right?
• Consider renting a house or staying with someone if you’re staying a week or so.
• Get paid to travel but working on a cruise or in another country over the summer. you could even become a courier for a big movie company. And, Johnny’s always looking for interns, so e-mail him for openings.
• And, finally, the best place to go right now that you might not realize? Southeast Asia (especially Malaysia) and South America (especially Argentina). After spending on the flight, you’ll save the rest of the time.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

—MM, Photos courtesy of JohnnyJet.com

P.S. Watch his incredible videos to whet your appetite.

Helen's headshot/ Corey Hayes

Helen Hong is OK with Asian stereotypes. In fact, she loves them. 

“Oh hero! I like to do math problems…on my abacus” she told the crowd in Orange and Brew Wednesday night. 

RUB Entertainment and the Asian Student American Union brought the adorable comic to campus. After UF’s improve group Theater Strike Force put on a hilarious 30-minute show, Helen took the stage. No topic – or attendee – was safe.  “I got my period when I was 10,” she said. “And this is what my mom literally says: ‘Helen, you must watch out for men.’ That’s it,” squinting her eyes. 

Helen’s reenactment of how she got her first apartment in New York also played up her Asian heritage. “Oh, it’s ok – I don’t need furniture,” she said in a soft voice. “I sleep on the floor,” putting her hand over her mouth to giggle. When she moved on to how horrible some Asian names are, Helen called out one man whose last name was Ho. “Were you made fun of your whole life…for being a Ho?” she asked. Then telling the crowd a story of her friend, Mia Ho, roaring laughter ensued. 

Helen’s riotous performance came from her variety. Wanting to be like Connie Chung, Helen said she spent four years studying broadcast journalism, only to realize you’re never employed in the major you choose. Helen then bounced over to dating, saying “I am so single, I recently did Match.com.” Helen’s animated faces and interaction with the audience kept everyone laughing until the end. After starting stand-up five years ago, she’s appeared on E!, TLC and the Jay Leno Show’s Web site. “She was hilarious and just what we expected,” RUB Lectures and Comedians co-director Oscar Loor said. “There was a great crowd.”

RUB brings national acts to campus every other week, as part of its bi-weekly comedy series. On March 23, catch comedic hypnotist Sailesh on campus. Look for more details as the date arrives. 

-Nicole La Hoz

Free Kicks Thursday

We are two months into the semester, and surely financial aid funds are quickly running out, if they are not totally gone already. Luckily Gainesville's got your back today with lots of events to help you escape midterm stress on a dime or less. 

Start your day with a free pumpkin decorating craft session at the Colonnade, surely to make for a good send-back-to-the-rents present. While at the Reitz, don't forget to stop by the CRC's Career Fair for some totally free, but not at all cheap career advice and a chance to score a great job (gotta get the income rolling again). 

Grab a $4 Hare Krishna lunch at the Plaza of the Americas, then indulge your inner music fanatic with the sounds of a 400-voice choir, as UF celebrates it

s 25th Annual Invitational Choral Festival at the University Auditorium. Catch the sounds of youth at 3pm, while six, high school choirs perform; followed by a team-up between the high school choirs and the UF choir singing together at 4 pm. It all leads up to the University Choir Invitational Fall Concert, Mostly Multicultural Musical Musings, at 7:30 p.m.

All that vocal talent got you inspired? End the day with a free screening/sing-along of Purple Rain at Orange & Brew as RUB celebrates the 25th anniversary of Prince's classic musical film. 

Transition into nighttime, party mode with free beer at Lux Bar from 9:30 to 10:30 pm. After a full-day and early evening of free fun, give something back to your community by visiting Sharab Lounge, where Sharab's promotional group PRNTHS have set up to have the evening's door proceeds benefit The Scleroderma Foundation. In exchange for your generosity, Sharab will be offering up Orlando-super DJ Justin James and as always killer drink specials. Check out the Facebook event for more information. 

Want to save on gas and Gainesville's infamous parking tickets/towing fees? Grab your student ID and log onto RTS Trip Planner to work out your chauffeuring. 

10 Bands to Watch: Free RUB Party

Morningbell (John Davisson)

Like music? Love free stuff? Get them both tonight at RUB's "Ten Gainesville Bands You Need to Know" CD release party. The all-things-Gainesville-entertainment organization has compiled a list of Gainesville bands that are making waves in the music community, and put them all on one must-own CD. Tonight as part of their "Gainesville Week" celebration, RUB will debut the CD.

Some of the bands you might already love, others you might not know, but whatever your musical preferences are, RUB has set out to ensure you will find something you like in this compilation CD. From indie-rockers Oh Fortuna and Quadrophones to garage rock bands like Bang Bang Boom, the CD has Gainesville's diverse music scene covered.

"We have Gainesville hardcore, indie-pop, ska," says Ashley Richardson, RUB's Bands Committee co-director. "It's a really eclectic mix."

Oh Fortuna

The release party will host performances by four of the bands featured in the CD: Little High Little Low, Oh Fortuna, Bang Bang Boom and The Duppies. "All of the bands were super nice about letting us use the songs and being a part of this event," Ashley says.

As with all RUB events, the show and CDs are free and open to the public. Get there early to ensure you get one of the 500 pressed CDs.

"We really focus on supporting the Gainesville music scene, and letting people know what it has to offer," Ashley says.

"10 Bands to Watch" Lineup
Oh Fortuna
The Duppies
Little High Little Low
Wait Wait
Morningbell
Battle
Greenland is Melting
Bang Bang Boom
Quadrophones
Oh Sanders

Catch it all tonight at Orange & Brew, starting at 8pm.

—Stephanie Granada

Funny Woman Tracey Ashley chats with INsite

Nationally touring comedian Tracey Ashley, a finalist on NBC's Last Comic Standing, will perform tonight in the Orange and Brew at 8pm. Free admission!

INsite talked with Tracey about her career, her personal life, and the future of her comedy.

Check out the full interview on our Web site!