Mandatory springtime flower photos

Because what's a photo blog in the Spring without a few flower photos?

Nationalism orchestra rehearsal

I've been working for Maestro Alex Innecco (of Carpe Diem) this week. He and the 9th Street Philharmonic Orchestra will have a concert at the Missouri United Methodist Church this Saturday. For more info, check out the calendar page.

Fire at Maplewood Barn Community Theater

COLUMBIA, Mo - While the Monday night line up on TV was in full effect, including the final game of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Maplewood Barn Community Theatre at 2900 E. Nifong Blvd. went up in flames. The call to dispatch came in at 7:56 p.m. on Monday, April 5, 2010. A total of nine units arrived at the scene, including seven from Columbia and two from Boone County Fire Departments. Columbia's Station Eight, located about four miles to the east, reported visible fire from their location. It took 45 minutes for the raging flames to be subdued.

The barn, which has existed for over 100 years, is a historical building, according to the Maplewood Barn Community Theater Vice President, Lee Wilkins Black. Black also stated that the barn had been the site of vandalism as recently as three weeks ago. She speculated that probable causes are either vandalism or bad wiring. "On top of being sad, there is anger," Black said.

Had the fire not completely leveled the barn, the next performance there would have been "Arsenic and Old Lace," on May 14, 2010.