Top Picks: 'Unstoppable,' Bonnaroo, and the 'Les Misérables' anniversary concert
A cinematic take on a runaway train in the Tony Scott film 'Unstoppable,' a music festival called Bonnaroo, and the 'Les Misérables' 25th anniversary concert on PBS.
The David Wax Museum duo, David Wax and Suz Slezak, have spun out a finely crafted
third album, “Everything Is Saved.”
Gustafer's latest adventures
"Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock" is the latest DVD/CD set from children's illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor and his musical collaborators, including John Stirratt and Pat Sansone (of the band Wilco). Mellow-yellow melodies and pleasantly surreal imagery have generated a fan base of ultrahip parents and their plaid-clad tots, and earned Taylor a National Parenting Publication Award. However, you don't have to be a pre-K kid in aviator shades to fall in love with the ongoing saga's sunny protagonist and his pet eel. Out March 1.
Broo's stellar lineup
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival celebrates its 10th year June 9-12 at its Tennessee stomping ground with a Grammy-winning lineup that includes Eminen, Arcade Fire, Robert Plant and Band of Joy, My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists, and Alison Krauss & Union Station. Go to bonnaroo.com for the complete list and tickets.
Folk with a Latin flavor
The David Wax Museum duo, David Wax and Suz Slezak, have spun out a finely crafted third album, "Everything Is Saved" – a warm blend of American folk and son mexicano that grabs you from the first high-energy track, "Born With a Broken Heart," and gently winds down with the melancholy beauty of "The Least I Can Do." See them live if you can. Their performances are hugely fun and full of stories and rich rhythms – with a little donkey-jawbone percussion thrown in.
'Les Mis' celebrates
One of the most successful musicals of all time, "Les Misérables," based on the Victor Hugo novel, celebrated its 25th anniversary last October with a splash – a sumptuous, star-studded event, which will now air on PBS. "Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2," starring some original cast members, including Colm Wilkinson, will air March 6 at 7 p.m. Check local listings.
'Look good, feel good, do good'
Oprah has inspired many new ideas. One of her latest – the website StyleSubstanceSoul.com – was started by three women in their suburban kitchen. Their goal is to inspire and empower women who want to "seek world peace, food for thought, and a really great pair of shoes."
Man vs. Machine
Tony Scott's movie "Unstoppable" about a runaway train – now out on DVD – stars Denzel Washington and Chris Pine as the two railroad heroes who attempt to stop the unmanned train when all else fails. But the real star is the train itself, sparking through Pennsylvania at 70 m.p.h. while carrying hazardous cargo. All aboard! (Rated PG-13)