Arts & Culture

There is no need to travel long distances to hear the fine acoustics and performances from elite world-class musicians. The Mondavi Center has attracted music groups, solo artists from all over the world, and tonight the Mondavi will now showcase a whole orchestra.

Chinus Cultural Production's presentation of the Beijing Dance Academy's Butterfly Lovers will take place at Jackson Hall of the Mondavi Center on Feb. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices start at $20 for students.

I usually try to keep myself out of the loop when it comes to the Olympics, but I couldn't help it this year. I don't have cable or even a television for that matter, but on Saturday I somehow instantly learned that Donald Sutherland is Canadian, that there is such a thing as a women's hockey team and that many of my female friends want to bone Apolo Ohno. Whatever.

After covering sex and marijuana, readers curiously waited to see what Vent magazine would talk about next.

MUSE interviewed four UC Davis professors and film experts about their favorite movies of 2009 and their predictions for the 2010 Academy Awards, airing Mar. 7. Dean Simonton, psychology, uses quantitative methods to predict Academy Award winners. Sarah Pia Anderson, Theatre and Dance, has directed many television shows including "Grey's Anatomy" and "Ugly Betty." Pablo Ortiz, music, has composed award-winning film music for over 25 years. Jaimey Fisher, German, participates in the Committee in Charge for Film Studies and is an expert in German and Italian cinema.

Artist: Rob ZombieAlbum: Hellbilly Deluxe 2Label: Roadrunner Records/Loud & ProudRating: 4 Shock-rock heavyweight Rob Zombie makes a glorious return to the recording studio for...

Jaheim just may be the best combination of the sultry-smooth vocals of R&B and the energy of hip-hop. His voice is strong and confident, and he undoubtedly could hold his own against R&B greats of the past such as Luther Vandross and Teddy Pendergrass. His lyrics are also refreshingly gentle - songs like "Otha Half" and "In My Hands" are sweet, loving and even grateful to women. It's a nice relief from the aggressive lyrics of many of today's hip-hop and rap artists.

Channeling a little bit of R&B, new wave and '90s shoegaze, Chaz Bundick's alternate ego manifests itself as Toro Y Moi.

THEATER / MONDAVI

MUSE profiles the local artists whose work is on display at two Davis cafes. This week, Common Grounds and Mishka's are featured.

Three-day weekends don't really mean much to anyone in college. The extra day meant a lot back when attending class was a mandatory Monday through Friday ordeal, but when some of us don't even have classes on Friday, having a three-day weekend really isn't a big deal at all.

Watch out, prima ballerinas: The men of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo are in town.

The notorious Vagina Monologues are back, and will be showcased this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Theater. An extra performance at 2 p.m. will be held on Saturday.

The UC Davis Department of Theatre & Dance will be presenting two new choreographies, "Jointedness" and "Dances for Non-Fictional Bodies," starting Feb. 12. The pieces are created by Master of Fine Arts graduating candidates Jess Curtis and Nina Galin. This week, Muse previews the two works.

ART / GALLERY