The NIU Ukulele Ensemble meets from 7 to 7:55 p.m. on Monday evenings. Beginning and intermediate level students are invited to bring a ukulele and participate in the ensemble. Eric Schroeder is the ensemble director. For more information about the class,...

Every once in a while, I find myself getting frustrated. This is one of those whiles. It’s the beginning of a new semester and, like clockwork, I am a ball of stress. Multiple calls to the Financial Aid office and many instances of screaming at the...

Music is supposed to reflect creativity. Music—or art in general—is supposed to be a means of expression, a means of marking time. What could be the only thing that ruins the spirit of music? A snob. Now, I understand snobbery could be a byproduct...

Finals week is approaching. Bring on the stress. I would hit the gym to get those endorphins going but quite honestly, sleep seems more appealing. One thing that has always relaxed and motivated me in times of stress is music. However, it can’t be just...

I can’t listen to the Rolling Stones without thinking of my father. In fact, I can’t listen to Queen, The Beatles, The Eagles, Peter Frampton, Creedence Clearwater Revival or Sade without thinking of my father. And you know what? These memories, at...

On Thanksgiving, I will be curled up on my sofa, watching Elf and The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (me plus Ken Burns equals homies for life). I’ll be reading for fun and drinking coffee spiked with Bailey’s. I’ll be eating the leftovers...

Saturday afternoon, I loaded my car with weekend road trip essentials: blankets, my trombone and a case of beer (a gift for friends hosting me over the weekend). My first stop was The Metro, a venue near Wrigleyville in Chicago. About a week before, I...

Well-written autobiographies can be quite the intellectual journey. Readers gain knowledge and wisdom when the authors share personal experiences from different points in their lives. Autobiographies written by musicians have their own unique beauty....