Welcome!

Thank you for visiting my new blog.

As an entertainment writer, part of my job, I feel, is to write fair critiques of things going on in our creative community.

Great Falls already has several people who review plays, movies and musical performances. What we're lacking, I feel, however, is someone who critiques them.

Before you explain to me why a reviewer and a critic are the same thing, let me stop you and explain why they're not.

A reviewer's job is to explain what he or she saw, what he or she liked, didn't like, and overall thoughts of the experience.

A critic's job, however, is to watch a performance with a critical eye and point out things that could have been done better.
A critic can write about things he or she enjoyed, but the main goal is to offer constructive criticism into what some of the fine creative people in our community can do to improve.

In an attempt to broaden the scope of what I critique, I also will from time to time offer critiques on big movies that come through town, as well, and any relevant music albums that drop from area artists.

My goal is to provide my insight into the art and entertainment scene and offer thoughts on how the standard of excellence can be pushed higher.
Because, I feel that bar CAN be pushed higher. I believe it rightfully should be. This is my attempt in making that a reality.

Also, a word of advice for those of you whom I might critique: When I write about something I don't like about what you're doing -- PLEASE don't take it as a personal attack. Take it as a compliment.

Now, you might be thinking to yourself, "Why, on God's green earth, would you take a critique as a compliment?"

Simple.

The fact that I'm offering constructive criticisms means I care about what you're doing. I want to see you succeed and I am offering my thoughts as to how you can do so. If I didn't care I would give a rubber-stamp "Wonderful" without anything substantial behind my words.

No. The days of everything being rated as "wonderful" in Great Falls are over.
We're on the cusp of a creative breakthrough, and the only way to do that is to actively reach for the stars. If we're forever happy with decent or mediocre artistic productions, we will forever be decent and/or mediocre when compared to other cultural hubs.

Finally, I'll conclude with a brief rundown of my credentials.

My day job is working as the arts and entertainment reporter for the Great Falls Tribune. I attend events and I talk to people involved in the events in our community and region on a daily basis. I write between 10 to 15 articles a week on cultural events happening in Northcentral Montana.

Also, in November I performed in my first play, playing a reporter in the University of Great Falls' production of "Chicago."
It was a unique experience that allowed me the chance to see on the other side of the stage. In my role I was able to experience the difficulties, the successes, and feel the unfiltered rush of performing in front of a packed audience.
I do not consider myself a professional, far from it. I am, however, a professional observer. I get paid to write what I see, what I hear and what I experience in regards to the cultural events in my community.

I also participate in the monthly "Step 2 the Mic" poetry slam at the Montana Actors' Theatre-Great Falls. I'm working on getting my first poem published someday soon. I perform a little stand-up comedy from time to time, also.

I'm excited to start this little blog and see where it takes us.
In closing, thank you for reading, and I'd be more than honored if you'd come join me on this ride.