By Bill Vaughn
Contributing Columnist
Columbus Post

MOVIES: 300 lived up to the hype. The memory of it endured throughout a mostly mediocre film year. Filmmaker Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) continued to explore fresh songs of the south in a thoughtful manner. His Black Snake Moan featured the unlikely cast of Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, and Justin Timberlake in an adult love story laced with the blues. Despite a resolution that many thought to be unsatisfying, I Am Legend featured Will Smith's finest acting to date. Talk To Me was a breezy triumph for director Kasi Lemmons and stars Don Cheadle, Chiwetal Ejiofor and Taraji P. Henson. Pride was somewhat formulaic but its payoff was quite satisfying. The intense zombie sequel 28 Weeks Later proved that scares can be generated by what is not seen. Ratatouille was absolutely charming.
THEATRE: The Lion King at the Blumenthal Theatre (CHA) Finally saw it and it was all that!

CONCERTS: Stevie Wonder at Bobcats Arena (CHA) (An evening of pure joy! Stevie reminded people of how music, lyrics and performance can transcend into emotion and political will.) R. Kelly at The Colonial Center (SC) (While not a fan of this songsmith's XXX-rated ways, his showmanship was top-notch. From his entrance into the arena as a champion to his stepping party with invited audience members there hasn't been this much explosiveness put into a show since the glory days of Earth, Wind & Fire!) Summer Soul Music Festival (CHA) Kevin Michael/The Hives/Maroon 5 at The Colonial Center (SC) (Hip/pop crooner Michael, the high energy Hives, and the hit-making headliners led by the amazing Adam Levine combined for a terrific mixed bag of a show!) Katt Williams/Luenell/Melanie Camacho/Red Grant at The Township Auditorium (SC) (When on top of his game – as he was this night – Katt is the funniest African-American comic with a serious message working today); Arrested Development at the Oprah/Obama Rally at Williams-Bryce Stadium (SC).

MUSIC: Wyclef Jean – The Carnival II; Chaka Khan – Funk This; Kanye West – Graduation; Jill Scott – The Real Thing Words And Sounds Vol. 3; Rahsaan Patterson – Wines & Spirits; Macy Gray – Big; Kermit Ruffins – Live at Vaughan's; Zap Mama – Supermoon; Stephen Marley – Mind Control; Rihanna – Good Girl Gone Bad. HONORABLE MENTION: Donnie – The Daily News; Lupe Fiasco – The Cool. TRACKS: Chelsea Rodgers – Prince ("Uh, this for Jersey right here. – Shake it like a Juicy Juice!"); Clothes OFF! – Gym Class Heroes; Bruised But Not Broken – Joss Stone; Can You Feel Me – Anthony Hamilton; Guinnervere – Rick James; Edith and the Kingpin – Herbie Hancock feat. Tina Turner; Pick Yourself Up – Raul Midon; Dare To Dream – John Legend; Just Fine – Mary J. Blige; I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) – 3 Tenors of Soul; Because Of You – Ne-Yo; Baby – Angie Stone; Lover's Melody – Will Downing feat. Roy Ayers; Clarity – Najee; It's Alright – Ledisi; Put You Up on Game – Aretha Franklin & Fantasia; Something About You – Anthony David (from Chocolate Soul Comp. III)

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