Hypes and Gripes

Life-saving bands, developer drama, dead artists and more

• Hypes to local Christian rock outfit Farewell June, which recently lent its talents to Austin Rockers For Life, a musical compilation CD sold with the mission of preventing drunk driving through posters, music and events. Sure, it’s a buy-in marketing device for the band, but there are a lot of those that don’t have such noble missions. Well played.

• A Gripe to the situation near University Plaza, where all of the supposed competitors to develop a hotel and office complex next to the Springfield Expo Center have pulled out, essentially leaving the space uncontested for John Q. Hammons. There are accusations flying from BC Development, one of the would-be suitors, and a gaggle of its local supporters that there is a back-door deal in place between the city and Hammons. More likely, the Kansas City-based company realized too late that building in John Q.’s back yard is akin to GO Magazine setting up shop in The Village Voice’s conference room. We can’t help but think a whole lot of breath and ink has been wasted on something that was likely inevitable all along.

• Hypes to a couple of Springfield originals, one old, one new, celebrating recent anniversaries. On East Sunshine, Kaleidoscope has been selling naughty bits, piercings and awesome posters for 35 years; neither the shop or owner Tom Pierson show signs of slowing down. Downtown, Moxie Cinema celebrated its second full year on Walnut Street. We simply can’t imagine downtown without Dan and Nicole’s energy and innovative spirit.

• Hypes to The Garage Door Gallery, the artist collective next to Randy Bacon Gallery, for its new 2nd Saturday series of events. Kicking it all off: a “dead artists” party, where you can dress like your favorite dead artist or writer and enjoy some highbrow entertainment (or lowbrow, if you’re going as L. Ron Hubbard).