A little bit of everything: gaming, arts and music

Following the trend of recruiting viewers to submit content, MTV has enlisted its fans to fill in an award spot for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc., has teamed up with Pepsi-Cola and Rock Band to host a Rock Band Video where a fictional band can win a Moonman at the VMAs. Judges narrowed the field to five semifinalists. Now, viewers will vote on which video they think should win the grand prize: a trip to New York for the VMAs and a Moonman.

Southeast Missouri State University freshman Taylor Blake and his buddies in Springfield, Ill., made a house party video to Lit's "My Own Worst Enemy," which made it to the semifinals. Visit www.pepsirockband.com to view the video as performed by Blake and his Nerds in Disguise. You've got until Sept. 1 to watch them and vote -- for it.

They're up against some tough technical talent and a One (Wo)man Band where the same girl performs every part for "Bad Reputation," but the Nerds in Disguise video is by far the most entertaining.

Back in reality and on to a different medium, the Cadmium River Group will host an opening and artists reception Saturday for its first "Current Events" show, which features artwork based on something happening today or in recent history.

The group is taking reservations for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Global Cafe and artists will be available in the gallery connected to the restaurant. Call 334-7955 or e-mail artman611@att.net for reservations. The show will hang until Nov. 15 and be on display for each First Friday between now and then.

The Heartland Pops, normally a name you only hear or think about at Christmastime, has planned a special fall concert, set for 2:15 p.m. Sept. 20 at CrossRoads Fellowship Church. This concert, with no orchestra, features the Heartland Pops Chorus with a small band, the Pops Barbershop Quartet, Dance Extensions Studio Dancers and the Punches Family of Fredericktown, Mo.

Tickets for this concert are $7 and will go toward bringing in a big name Branson act for the Christmast concert. Purchase tickets by calling 243-3367 or 579-6127.