To be original, to be creative, to hold an influential role in the time line of art history sometimes means not having your work appreciated at the time it is produced. Read more...

Those who pass by the Ackerman conference rooms every Thursday night might be wondering why people are walking around with guitars and from where the sound of amps and rock tunes are coming. Read more...

Breaking into the music industry is hard to do, and up-and-coming singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles knows all about it. Since graduating from UCLA with a degree in communication studies in 2003, Bareilles has devoted her time toward building a promising music career without taking shortcuts, relying instead on talent, hard work and a circle of people she believes she can trust. Read more...

The prevalent pop culture image of the conductor is Mickey Mouse, robed in the garb of the sorcerer’s apprentice, leading a parade of brooms and buckets to a fantastical tune. Read more...

Football, as a lot of people like to point out, is a violent sport. But it doesn’t really stand out from other sports in its level of violence ““ one look at boxing or hockey, for instance, will confirm that. Read more...

For many, music can be the ultimate therapist. But not many bands go beyond the headphones and offer self-help on the Internet to random strangers with problems ranging from unfaithful spouses to disrespectful uncles. Read more...

Letters of rejection are never easy to take. In 1995, however, three independent filmmakers never received their Sundance rejection letters. Unsure about their status in the prestigious film festival, they booked hotels in Park City, Utah, and when they were finally notified of their rejection, they decided to create their own film festival and to “slam” Sundance. Read more...