Arts & Entertainment

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Prairie Ensemble concert to feature BACH, top soloists

CHAMPAIGN – An all-star cast of soloists will join The Prairie Ensemble in concert on Saturday for a performance of Franz Joseph Haydn's "Mass in Time of War," also called the "Kettledrum Mass."

Soprano Ollie Watts Davis, mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Buckley, tenor Jerold Siena and bass-baritone Ronald Hedlund will join forces with the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana (BACH) Chorus in the performance, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect Ave., C. The Concert Conversation with music director Kevin Kelly will start at 7 p.m.

Jon White victim reaches tentative settlement with Urbana school district

URBANA – Another of the victims of former Urbana school teacher Jon White has reached a tentative settlement with the Urbana school district.

The child will receive $390,000 in present value money, according to the terms of an agreement filed in Champaign County Circuit Court on Tuesday.

'Flying Solo Together' event set for Saturday in Mahomet

MAHOMET – A storyteller and a visual artist will team up to present a program called "Flying Solo Together" on Saturday at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse in Mahomet.

The artist, Cindy Carlson, will present an exhibition of her watercolors from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7:15 p.m. when there will be an artist's reception, with wine and light snacks. People will receive a 10 percent discount on her original paintings and may register to win a glicee print.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Vermilion County's Toddling into Nature camps set this week

DANVILLE – The Vermilion County Conservation District will offer Toddling into Nature programs for children ages 3, 4 and 5 at Kennekuk County Park.

The programs will include songs, activities, games and more. Parents, grandparents or guardians will also be participants in the camp designed to connect younger children to the outdoor world.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Eco-friendly Green Mill Village near Arcola gets under way

ARCOLA – A soybean field east of Arcola is being transformed by construction crews into an environmentally friendly resort and tourist attraction.

The developers of Green Mill Village, a partnership between Sullivan-based Agri-Fab and Bob McElwee of Charleston, say the 63.5-acre resort, hotel and conference center will cement Arcola's position as a tourist destination, especially for families from the Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis areas.

'American Idol' alums fill cast on 'Ain't Misbehavin'' tour

CHAMPAIGN – The 30th anniversary national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "Ain't Misbehavin'," starring "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Assembly Hall Star Theatre in the University of Illinois Assembly Hall.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" is a musical revue with book by Murray Horowitz and Richard Maltby Jr., music by Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller, orchestrations and additional music by Luther Henderson, and lyrics by various writers. Fats Waller, the comic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem, lives on in this show, still considered one of Broadway's best-crafted revues.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Local screening of Cannes 'Reel Show' scheduled Wednesday

CHAMPAIGN – The American Advertising Federation Central Illinois will show "The 2008 Cannes Highlight Reel Show" at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at The Great Impasta restaurant, 14 W. Church St., C.

In addition to hosting the prestigious film festival that bears its name, the French city of Cannes also plays host to the Cannes International Advertising Festival, which recognizes the world's best creative talent. For more than 50 years, the titans of advertising have entered this international arena actually hoping to encounter a Lion, the official award of the event.

Olympic medalist, UI coach to be featured at Rantoul banquet

RANTOUL – Justin Spring of Champaign, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist on the U.S. men's gymnastics team and assistant gymnastics coach at the University of Illinois, will be the featured speaker at this year's Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.

Spring, a UI graduate, will discuss the obstacles he overcame to help the U.S. team to a third-place finish at Beijing.

Contest-winning compositions to be performed in concert at UI

URBANA – A 24-year-old graduate student composer at the Universitat der Kunste in Berlin is the winner of the 12th annual Salvatore Martirano Memorial Composition Award Competition at the University of Illinois.

Abel Paul will have his "fragmentos del vertigo" performed by the UI New Music Ensemble, with conductors Stephen Taylor and Mei-Fang Lin, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Foellinger Great Hall of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. After the concert, there will be a reception in the lobby featuring music by the Boneyard Jazz Quintet.

World traveler's top pastime: Making people feel at home

CHAMPAIGN – Elizabeth Dickerson was in Paris last weekend and Moscow in September. She'll soon make one of her regular trips to India. And she'll likely be in Europe again, or Japan or Shanghai, in the next several months.

Dickerson loves the travel and adventure and seeing new sights that come with her career as an international flight attendant.

Danville Madrigal shows to feature fine music, dinner, desserts

DANVILLE – The Danville High School music department will present its annual Madrigal dinner and dessert shows Dec. 8-11 at St. James United Methodist Church, 504 N. Vermilion St.

The dinners are at 6 p.m. Dec, 8, 9 and 10, and the dessert performance is at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets are $15 for dinner and $10 for the dessert performance. Also available are patron tickets for a minimum donation of $20. Patrons receive recognition in the Madrigal program, and their money goes to the financial support of the DHS Choral Booster Program.

Singer-composer putting her talents where her heart is

DANVILLE – Ann Hampton Callaway is not shy about using her talent and influence to help worthy causes, whether it's her friend Fran Drescher's Cancer Schmancer Movement, participating in a fundraiser for the Leukemia Foundation at Carnegie Hall or making a special trip to Danville to help out a friend who grew up here.

Callaway will perform at a benefit for former Danville resident Tracy Parker. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at The Heron Restaurant, 34 N. Vermilion St.

'Pet Pictures with Santa' to benefit new dog park in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – Professional photographer Jonathan Kim will take photographs of pets with Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Kaufman Lake Boathouse in Champaign.

"Pet Pictures with Santa" is a fundraiser for the Champaign Park District's new dog park in southwest Champaign.

UI professor having blast in ensemble of Bebe Miller piece

As a professor, mother and dancer, Cynthia Oliver has a lot to manage, among them her own dance projects and now as an ensemble member in Bebe Miller Company's new piece, "Necessary Beauty."

But Oliver, an associate professor of dance at the University of Illinois, said earlier this week from New York City that she's having a blast.

"I've always wanted to do something with Bebe, so this is a great, great opportunity," Oliver said from her cell phone in the city, where "Necessary Beauty" was presented at the Dance Theater Workshop.

UAW Local 579 retirees to hold annual Christmas party Dec. 3

TILTON – The United Auto Workers Local 579 Retirees will hold its annual Christmas Party at noon Dec. 3 at the union hall on the 1009 Catlin-Tilton Road.

The potluck meal begins at 12:30 p.m. Retirees are asked to bring a covered dish to share. The organization will provide meat, rolls, beverages and table service. The event is free for UAW 579 (General Motors) retirees; spouses and surviving spouses are eligible to attend. It is not open to guests or public.

Danville Light Opera sets bus trip to 'Spamalot' in Chicago

DANVILLE – Danville Light Opera is sponsoring a bus trip to see the Tony-award-winning musical "Spamalot."

The trip will leave the Village Mall at 10 a.m. for a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Jan. 24 at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago.

Subject of benefit has long, healthy relationship with Callaway

DANVILLE – Ann Hampton Callaway met Tracy Parker through Kari Strand when Parker and Strand were in Up With People. All have remained friends since the 1980s.

Callaway has been working with Parker's parents, Carol and Robert Parker of Danville, to do a benefit to help with mounting medical bills.

Rare visit to North Korea opens area couple's eyes to life there

North Korea is not likely to be found on a list of popular tourist destinations.

But the "hermit kingdom" was the first choice of destination for Homer residents Ray and Christine Cunningham on a recent trip overseas.

Ray, a certified records manager and certified archivist who is manager of records services at the University of Illinois, and Christine, a board member for the Homer Community Improvement Association, visited the country Oct. 7-11. They traveled with Koryo Tours, a company that operates out of Beijing.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Urbana High bringing 'Pride and Prejudice' to the stage

URBANA – When the final bell rings on a typical weekday at Urbana High School, many students pour out of the classrooms, rushing to lockers with eagerness to be away from the building. The school is usually deserted within minutes.

But stick your head into Cobb Auditorium and you will find a group of students still there working hard. They're the cast and crew of "Pride and Prejudice," the UHS fall play, and I am one of them.

Musical event at Radio Maria to benefit Haitian hurricane victims

CHAMPAIGN – The Black and White Steppers will perform with live band Of A Native Tribe at a charity fundraiser Friday evening at Radio Maria restaurant in Champaign.

Tickets to the event from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. are $5 in advance. Advance tickets may be bought from 10 p.m. to midnight today at Barfly. Ask for Melissa. Advance tickets may also be bought between 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday at the Bruce Nesbit African-American Cultural House at Mathew Avenue and Nevada Street on the University of Illinois campus.

Musical event to benefit hurricane victims in Haiti

CHAMPAIGN – The Black and White Steppers will perform with live band Of A Native Tribe at a charity fundraiser Friday evening at Radio Maria restaurant in Champaign.

Tickets to the event from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. are $5 in advance. Advance tickets may be bought from 10 p.m. to midnight today at Barfly. Ask for Melissa. Advance tickets may also be bought between 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday at the Bruce Nesbit African-American Cultural House at Mathews Avenue and Nevada Street on the University of Illinois campus.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

African food, art to complement song, dance performance

URBANA – Krannert Center is complementing its Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa performance tonight with food and art.

Its Intermezzo Cafe is offering through tonight two traditional African dishes for lunch and dinner: poulet yassa, a Senegalese dish of marinated chicken, lemon and onions served over rice, with a pita on the side; and a hearty peanut soup, a common dish throughout Africa, also served with a pita.

Candlestick Lane's future doesn't look so bright

It wouldn't seem like Christmas without the bright and colorful Candlestick Lane display in east Urbana. But the residents of Grant Place in east Urbana say they're dialing down their holiday celebration this year.

After 45 years, there no longer will be a lighting ceremony on the opening night (Dec. 6) of the display.

Shows to feature blues slide guitarist, singer-songwriter

WWHP 98.3-FM will have two more live music shows in November as part of its 2008 music concert series, with the first featuring blues slide guitarist Sonny Landreth on Thursday evening.

Landreth will appear at the New Lafayette Club in Bloomington for a 7 p.m. show. The Delta Kings from Champaign-Urbana will open.

Fundraiser planned this week to benefit Vermilion Toys for Tots

DANVILLE – Former active Marines and volunteers have organized a fundraiser this week for the Toys for Tots campaign that serves the Vermilion County area.

The event is from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Sarge's banquet room, 409 E. Main St.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

SPEAK Cafe sets 'Thanks for Giving Us' theme this week

CHAMPAIGN – The next SPEAK Cafe will be from 6:45 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Palette Cafe in Krannert Art Museum, 500 E. Peabody Drive, C.

The theme, set by emcee Aaron Ammons, is "Thanks for Giving Us: Kindred Spirits."

North Ridge Middle School thespians to stage 'Charlie Brown'

DANVILLE – The North Ridge Middle School Drama Club will present "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Danville High School auditorium, 202 E. Fairchild St., Danville.

The play, based on the Charles Schulz comic strip, follows an average day in the life of 5-year-old Charlie Brown.

Church's 'Drummer Boy' bazaar, luncheon today in Danville

DANVILLE – Immanuel Lutheran Church will host its annual "The Drummer Boy" Bazaar and Luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in the school gymnasium, 1930 N. Bowman Ave.

The barbecue luncheon with cole slaw, baked beans, chips, beverage and desserts is being served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Want to play in the leaves? Get to Urbana, but be quick

From Robin Kearton, artistic director of Community Center for the Arts:

Crane Alley, on the north side of Main Street in downtown Urbana, just east of the Cinema Gallery, 120 W. Main, is hosting the city's largest collection of intentionally placed leaves. This display is at your disposal for dragging feet, breathing fabulous fall smells and generally having fun.

American Legion launches Web site to explain new GI Bill

INDIANAPOLIS – The American Legion has launched a new Web site to help veterans and their families understand the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009, and how it compares with other federal education benefits for veterans.

The site, www.mygibill.org, includes explanations of the different GI Bill benefits, news alerts and updates, frequently asked questions, state-by-state benefits and online application opportunities.

First Student planning coat drive, children's fingerprinting

DANVILLE – A local business and volunteer auxiliary will partner with the Salvation Army for upcoming programs before the holidays.

First Student Inc., which provides school transportation in Danville, will hold a coat drive from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at its 827 E. Cleveland St. garage. Men's, women's and children's coats in all sizes can be dropped off at the bus garage and will be sorted and distributed by the Salvation Army.

Vermilion County Farm Bureau taking orders for holiday food

DANVILLE – The Vermilion County Farm Bureau is taking orders for fresh Florida citrus as well as specialty nuts and candies for the holidays.

Orders, including payment, must be in by Nov. 26 and will be delivered Dec. 15. Available are fersh oranges, grapefruits and tangelos in both the four-fifths and the two-fifths bushel boxes. Fruit comes from the Florida Agriculture Marketing Association. Also available are frozen orange juice concentrate, pecans, mixed nuts, cashews, dried apricots, malted milk balls and trail mix.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Dancer/choreographer to open photo exhibit on career

URBANA – Artistic director, dancer and choreographer Robert Wood will present selected photographs from his repertory works in an exhibition that opens Tuesday at the Illinois Program for Research in the Humanities building, 805 W. Pennsylvania Ave., U.

Wood has 25 years of professional stage experience as a soloist and featured artist in several New York dance companies, including his own, Robert Wood Dance New York Inc. Wood also is a George A. Miller visiting professor at Illinois through the Center for Advanced Study.

UI College of Media event celebrates books by professors

URBANA – The University of Illinois College of Media will celebrate the publication of books by two faculty members at 2 p.m. Monday in the Authors Corner at the Illini Union Bookstore, 809 S. Wright St., C.

The authors are professors Lisa Nakamura and Anghy Valdivia, and the event is free and open to the public. Their book discussions will be followed by a question and answer session, book signings, refreshments and prize giveaways.

Area World War II veterans' tales keep historical event alive

With each year, World War II survivors become an ever-more precious commodity. To mark Veterans Day this year, The News-Gazette's Paul Wood visits with three World War II veterans.

Bill Karr tells us about watching for snipers on the Pacific island of Guadalcanal. Ralph Langenheim describes the early dawn of D-Day from a small landing craft. And Art Leenerman tells the tragic story of the USS Indianapolis, which was sunk out of radio contact, leaving hundreds of sailors trying to stay alive in shark-infested waters.

A letter sent by Langenheim gives a taste of the times; just days after D-Day, he sent a letter to his family that doesn't even mention the Allied invasion of France because censorship was so stringent.

'Pajama Game': A romantic musical about a labor dispute

CHAMPAIGN – The touring production of "The Pajama Game," the Tony Award-winning best musical revival of 2006, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the University of IIlinois Assembly Hall Star Theatre in Champaign.

In addition to receiving the Tony for best revival, "The Pajama Game" received another one for best choreography.

It also received seven Drama Desk Award nominations and eight Outer Critics Circle Award nominations.

The original 1954 production won three 1955 Tony awards, among them best musical and choreography.

Arcadia Chamber Players schedule fall concert Friday

URBANA – The Arcadia Chamber Players will present their fall concert – a sampler of music from Asia, Europe, and America – at 7 p.m. Friday at the First Mennonite Church at the corner of Lincoln and Springfield avenues in Urbana.

The concert is open to the public.

Keller Williams to host food drive to benefit Salt & Light

CHAMPAIGN – Keller Williams Realty will host a food drive Monday through Friday to help Salt & Light.

Canned goods and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the office, 821 S. Neil St., C, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

'Romeo et Juliette' tells timeless story with singing in French

Nearly everyone knows the story of William Shakespeare's doomed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

With that in mind, the University of Illinois Opera Program production of Charles Gounod's opera, "Romeo et Juliette," opening next Thursday at Krannert Center, won't have any cast member who takes any audience member out of that story, says stage director Henson Keys.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Film schedule preventing Joan Allen from attending festival

CHARLESTON – Because of her film production schedule, actress Joan Allen will not be able to attend the film festival in her honor this weekend at Eastern Illinois University. But alumnus Dann Gire, a film critic for the Arlington Heights Daily Herald, will conduct a live telephone interview with her Friday evening as part of the Embarras Valley Film Festival.

Gire, also president of the Chicago Film Critics Association, will conduct the interview as part of his keynote presentation, "Joan Allen: Eastern's Elusive Alumna," at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Doudna Fine Arts Center's Lecture Hall.

UI breaks ground on Blue Waters Data Processing Center

CHAMPAIGN – With excavators scooping dirt and dust flying a few feet away, University of Illinois officials and researchers on Wednesday celebrated the building of a facility that will eventually house the world's fastest computer.

"This is where, in many ways, supercomputing was born with the birth of ILLIAC IV," said Thom Dunning, director of the National Center for Supercomputing at the University of Illinois, referring to a previous supercomputer developed at the UI. "The circle's closing with the facility that we're building," he said.

The 95,000-square-foot Blue Waters Data Processing Center is being built at the northwest corner of Oak Street and St. Mary's Road in Champaign.

Urbana Free Library set to screen 'Arranged' on Sunday

URBANA – The Urbana Free Library will screen the film "Arranged" at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Lewis Auditorium at the library. Admission is free.

"Arranged" centers on the friendship between an Orthodox Jewish woman and a Muslim woman who meet as first-year teachers at a public school in Brooklyn. Through the course of the year they learn they share much, including the process of arranged marriages.

ISU galleries to host election exhibit, works by Aschheim

NORMAL – Two exhibitions are on view through Nov. 16 at University Galleries at Illinois State University: "The Election Show 2008" and "Deborah Aschheim."

"The Election Show" features artists' responses to issues related to the 2008 presidential election. The exhibition provided them an open forum to address issues of personal, national and international significance. The show was open to students and professional artists and yielded a variety of work in video, graphic design, painting and collages, from artists as far as Los Angeles. All work that was submitted by Oct. 31 was included. The show will remain on view through Nov. 16.

Rossville sibling folk duo release first CD, plan to tour Peru

URBANA – Living in Arizona for six months, trying to figure out what to do next, University of Illinois graduate Kate Hathaway received a visit from her younger brother, James.

She was surprised to discover that he had learned, on guitar, all of the songs from her first CD of original music, released in 2005.

Sibling rivalry? No, more like sibling harmony.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

WCIA to air UI College of Law show on 'Economy in Crisis'

The University of Illinois College of Law is partnering with WCIA Channel 3 to broadcast a live one-hour broadcast called "Economy in Crisis: A Local Look" on Wednesday.

The show will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and broadcast from the Max L. Rowe Auditorium at the College of Law, 504 E. Pennsylvania Ave., C, in front of an audience.

A-OK Network opens doors for Parent Cafes on Nov. 10

DANVILLE – The Vermilion County Health Department's A-OK Network will sponsor an event from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at the New Life Christian Center, 2105 N. Bowman Ave. Danville, to mark the beginning of its Parent Cafes program.

The event will provide information about three upcoming Parent Cafes, the first of which will be in January. It also will allow parents to get to know each other and help them identify issues affecting young families.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Five channel changes in store for Comcast customers

URBANA – Comcast is making five channel changes Nov. 11, and some subscribers will have to make changes to see those channels.

– C-SPAN2, now seen on Channel 16, will be carried only on Channel 446. It will continue to be part of Comcast's "basic" level of service, but basic subscribers will need a digital set-top box or compatible equipment to see it.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Grand Ball to highlight songs and dance from Civil War era

Abraham Lincoln loved music; he was most passionate about the melodies and lyrics that reflected the American experience.

"Throughout his tenure as U.S. president, Lincoln heard music of every mood in the White House, military camps and Washington, D.C.," said Scott Schwartz, director of the Sousa Archives and American Music Center at the University of Illinois. "It was as varied as the president's and America's kaleidoscopic musical tastes, but most often it spoke from the heart of a nation."

For American Music Month, which happens every November, Schwartz organized several events to harken back to the music of Lincoln's time.

A major highlight will be the Grand Ball on Nov. 22 at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center that will feature the Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Brass Band, which plays Civil War-era music.

Asian American Orchestra plans concert to fete 10th year

Anthony Brown's Asian American Orchestra is pulling out all the stops at its 10-year anniversary concert on Thursday at Krannert Center.

In fact, Brown considers it the anniversary capstone concert of the year. "It's the only time during our 10-year celebration that we will play the entirety of 'Rhapsody in Blue,'" he said. "We've just done excerpts because we wanted to present an overview of all the material we've been doing the past 10 years."

Celebration Company's 'Speech and Debate' a real hoot

URBANA – As Karen Vaccaro first read the script of Stephen Karam's play, "Speech and Debate," she laughed so much her husband felt compelled to check on her.

"It grabbed me, and I love that," she said. "It's so political and accessible at the same time."

Vaccaro will direct the relatively new play, which opened just last year off-Broadway in New York and played later in Chicago, at the Station Theatre in Urbana. It opens Thursday.

Urbana High music teacher captures students' imaginations

URBANA – Tamra Gingold's violin is at her shoulder, and she's playing skillfully as two high schoolers follow along, watching her lead as they keep the rhythm on their own violins.

Gingold's violin – inherited from her grandfather – is named Dvorak, after her favorite composer, and the moment itself feels a little classical, a little like a Hallmark card of a perfect teaching moment.

Except Gingold is playing "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix, the music rocking off the walls of her little office at Urbana High School.

When you're a student of Gingold's, playing a string instrument can mean learning classical music – sophomore Laura Orozco's favorite – or it can mean playing the latest Alicia Keys song, as freshman Kamiya Gable practiced on Tuesday. Even hip-hop is in the Gingold violin vocabulary.

"She likes to open our minds up to a lot of different kinds of music," Orozco said.

"She brings fun to it. It's not just boring and strict," Gable said. "She has a creative mind, and that's what I love. ... She's one of the teachers who's there to help. She wants you to get better."

Perhaps that's why Urbana's string program has grown in leaps and bows ... er, bounds. In fifth grade alone, about 75 students are taking lessons during school, Gingold said.

Emotional capitalism, sexuality on tap for author's series

CHAMPAIGN – A new discussion series sponsored by the Unit for Criticism and Interpretive Theory at the University of Illinois will bring together authors and UI scholars to discuss recent books.

The Author's Roundtable series, which began this semester, gives invited scholars opportunities to discuss their work with a panel of UI faculty members and graduate students in a conversational setting. The events are held at the Music Room of Levis Faculty Center, 919 W. Illinois St., U.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Monticello couple reserve an ornament of love

MONTICELLO – It was the end of the 1964 school year, and a couple of Monticello 13-year-olds, Georgia Cooper and Leslie Munster, had been flirting in the hallways for months.

She'd tease her 6-foot-tall future beau by calling him "Tiny." He'd call her "Princess" and "Bright Eyes."

Friday, October 31, 2008

All you need to know to get the most fun out of Halloween

Nearly eight of 10 Americans will participate in at least one Halloween activity, and the top two are giving out candy to trick-or-treaters and eating it.

That report comes from the NPD Group, a market research company based in Chicago. Its Halloween Holiday Profile Report tells us:

– Candy has a nearly exclusive hold on the type of treat handed out.

– 82 percent of givers hand out mini or bite-sized candy bars; 45 percent give multiple types of treats.

– Only 20 percent of people let trick-or treaters pick out their own treat from what is being offered.

– More than 40 percent shop for treats within days of the holiday. About 25 percent run out of treats. Those who run out respond by turning off the porch light, buying more, handing out other snacks on hand, giving out coins and giving away treats their kids have collected.

Dancers from 8 universities to vie Saturday at UI

Nearly 200 dancers from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Iowa are expected at the 20th annual Dancing Illini Intercollegiate Dance Competition on Saturday at the Illini Union in Urbana.

Students from Indiana University, Iowa State University, Knox College, Notre Dame University, Purdue University, the University of Missouri, Valparaiso University and the University of Illinois will face off in the all-day ballroom, Latin and nightclub dance competition.

Harlem Globetrotters return to Assembly Hall on Jan. 9

CHAMPAIGN – The legendary Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2009 "Spinning the Globe" world tour to the University of Illinois Assembly Hall on Jan. 9, 2009.

Tickets are on sale now. They are $55, $27, $23 and $16, with a $5 discount for UI students and a $7 discount on each ticket for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at the Assembly Hall Box Office, Ticket Central in the Illini Union and all Ticketmaster locations or Ticketmaster.com. Call Rose Munds at 333-5404 for information on group discounts.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Westville High School to present 'Cinderella' musical

WESTVILLE – The Westville High School arts department will present the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Cinderella" at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and 3 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Old Gym at the high school, 918 N. State St.

Tickets are available at the high school office or by calling Teresa Ross at 267-2183, ext. 471.

Teen REACH of Vermilion seeking participants for program

Teen REACH of Vermilion is seeking youths, ages 8 to 17, for its after-school program.

The Teen REACH program expands the range of choices and opportunities to empower and encourage young people to achieve positive growth and development, improve expectations and possibilities for future success and avoid or reduce risk-taking behavior.

Bement High School making service work a requirement

BEMENT – At Bement High School, helping the community isn't only academic.

All students take part in the school's service learning program, a requirement for graduation. Starting with the Class of 2010, each student must do at least 10 service hours, completing some each year. Students choose their project; however, helping family members or doing paid work don't count.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Illini Union Board's production of 'Jekyll & Hyde' opens Friday

URBANA – The Illini Union Board will present three performances of the musical "Jekyll & Hyde," at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, at Foellinger Auditorium on the south end of the University of Illinois Quadrangle.

A costume contest will take place at the performance Friday evening, which is Halloween. Anyone arriving in costume will receive $1 off his or her ticket purchased at the door, as well as be entered in a costume contest with the chance to win a prize at intermission.

Participants sought for Rossville's Holiday Light Parade

ROSSVILLE – The Rossville Community Organization is seeking participants for its 7th annual Holiday Light Parade set for 6 p.m. Dec. 6.

The group will offer cash prizes this year for floats in two categories: Business/Organization, which includes churches, and Families, Friends or Neighborhoods. Call parade Chairman Kevin Young at 474-1642 for more information.

Christian band Third Day cancels Assembly Hall concert

CHAMPAIGN – The contemporary Christian rock band Third Day has canceled its concert on Friday evening at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall.

Carol Anderson, the tour promoter, said drummer David Carr's father died Tuesday and the band tried but was unable to find a replacement drummer.

Embarras Valley Film Festival to honor Joan Allen

CHARLESTON – The fourth annual Embarras Valley Film Festival honoring Eastern Illinois University alumna Joan Allen will take place from Tuesday through Nov. 8 on the EIU campus and in downtown Charleston.

Throughout the week, there will be afternoon sessions and evening screenings with discussions led by members of the EIU faculty, screenings at the Will Rogers Theatre and an afternoon reception at Miller's Banquet Hall that Saturday. All events are free and open to the public.

Sales at Pages of All Ages to benefit local ensemble

SAVOY – Through Sunday, supporters of the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, better known as BACH, can support the ensemble by making purchases at Pages for All Ages bookstore in Savoy.

Pages for All Ages will donate 15 percent of each purchase to BACH when the buyer mentions the ensemble at checkout. This donation applies to both online and in-store purchases. A news release from BACH suggests that supporters start their Christmas shopping early while supporting BACH at the same time.

Traditional music band to teach fiddle, banjo, clogging

CHAMPAIGN – Garry Harrison and the New Mules, who specialize in the traditional music of Illinois, will offer fiddle and banjo and clogging workshops on Saturday at Techline and the Phillips Recreation Center.

The day will end with a concert at 8 p.m. at Techline, 24 E. Green St., C.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

North Ridge show choirs selling frozen Beef House rolls

DANVILLE – The North Ridge Middle School show choirs are sponsoring a frozen Beef House rolls sale.

Members of the choirs will take orders for the frozen yeast rolls as well as strawberry jam and apple butter. Delivery is set for Nov. 24.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Self-Help Center of Family Service presents Mowrer awards

CHAMPAIGN – The Self-Help Center of Family Service has presented seven awards for contributions to the field.

The awards are named for the late Hobart and Molly Mowrer, University of Illinois professors who did pioneering work in the development of self-help locally through the establishment of integrity groups in the 1950s.

Traditional Irish musicians to perform Thursday at Techline

CHAMPAIGN – Two musicians who are part of the traditional Irish music scene will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday at Techline, 24 E. Green St., C.

The doors for the concert by singer/flute player Norah Rendell and guitarist Brian Miller will open at 7:30 p.m.

Cris Cringle Craft Sale planned for Nov. 7-8 at Assembly Hall

CHAMPAIGN – The 29th annual Cris Cringle Craft Sale will be held at the Assembly Hall on Nov. 7 and 8.

More than 140 booths will display handcrafted items by local and area artists. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8. This year's raffle is for a holiday quilt.

Provena fundraiser to feature wine tasting, jewelry sales

URBANA – Wine tasting and jewelry sales will be part of a new fundraiser sponsored by the Provena Covenant Auxiliary and Foundation.

Proceeds will support the center's lobby renovation and campus revitalization project.

The Wine Tasting and Pearls & More Jewelry Sale is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1802 S. First St., C.

Champaign native earns American Cancer Society award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Champaign native Lori Greenstein Bremner has won an award from the American Cancer Society Action Network.

The 1975 graduate of Champaign Central High School and 1980 graduate of the University of Illinois lives in Sonoma, Calif., now. She is the daughter of Helen Greenstein, Champaign, and the late Orie Greenstein. As California's state ambassador lead to the society, Bremner, a cancer survivor, facilitated statewide advocacy trainings last year and this year. She also has mobilized other volunteers and participated in various Relay for Life events.

Rantoul woman earns agency's Employee of the Year honor

Georgia Womble's boss says she is the type of person you would want by your side in troubled times.

"She's just very compassionate and a very gentle person," said Rosalie Adkins, area administrator for Community Care Systems, where Womble works as a caregiver for elderly clients.

Womble was recently recognized as an Employee of the Year by the Illinois Department on Aging. There were nine statewide recipients of the award honoring older workers who continue to play a very important role in the workforce.

Altrusa donating products to Developmental Services Center

CHAMPAIGN – The Developmental Services Center today was expecting two truckloads of cleaning products from Altrusa International of Champaign-Urbana.

Altrusa, a service organization of business and professional leaders, collected some $2,000 worth of things like detergent and anti-bacterial wipes for the center as part of Make A Difference Day.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

'Dracula' rises again in ISU production of vampire story

"Dracula" comes alive on the Illinois State University campus this week.

A theatrical adaptation of the classic Gothic novel about Count Dracula and his bloodthirsty quest for power is being presented at the ISU Center for the Performing Arts in Normal.

Area artists take home awards at 54th annual Fall Show

PARIS – Several area artists received awards in the 54th annual Fall Show, on view through Nov. 14, at the Bicentennial Art Center, 132 S. Central Ave., Paris.

The judges awarded the following: Judge's Choice Award to J. Anna Roberts, Brownsburg, Ind., for her watercolor painting, "Got Milk?"

Storyteller to present on authors at Champaign library

CHAMPAIGN – Patricia Hruby Powell, a storyteller, dancer, mime, actress and award-winning author, will perform "An Evening with Jane Austen, Emily Bronte and Emily Dickinson" at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green St., C.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be in Robeson Pavilion Room A & B. Registration is not required.

Area business wins new car in planetarium raffle benefit

CHAMPAIGN – Central Illinois Manufacturing in Bement won a 2009 Saturn Sky on Friday night as part of a raffle by the Parkland College Foundation.

The event raised $45,900 to help pay for a new digital video system at the William M. Staerkel Planetarium.

Christian rockers Third Day finding tour, album a 'Revelation'

If being part of a multi-band tour is like a musical whirlwind, then is a solo show more like a gentle breeze?

Not exactly. And no one is saying the Southern-fried, contemporary Christian rock of Third Day is gentle. Or breezy. But the band, which plays at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall, is just coming off the "Music Builds" tour with Jars of Clay, Switchfoot and Robert Randolph, and ready to switch gears.

C-U Symphony plans chill-inducing 'Fright Night'

Members of the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra won't be the only scary people as they wear Halloween costumes at their "Fright Night" concert on Friday evening.

From 150 to 200 University of Illinois students dressed as zombies will dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" either before the concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Foellinger Great Hall at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, or during the intermission.

UI Varsity Men's Glee Club tuning up for year's big show

It's Tuesday evening, and that means the University of Illinois Varsity Men's Glee Club is singing in one of the lower-level rehearsal rooms at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. This night, their session lasts a little longer, as the young men prepare for their biggest concert of the year.

That would be the Dads Day event on Saturday in Foellinger Great Hall at Krannert Center. It draws not only fathers and sons but also alumni of the Glee Club, the oldest choral ensemble on campus.

American Indian author to speak at Illini Union Bookstore

CHAMPAIGN – Author Sherwin Bitsui will speak at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Authors Corner of the Illini Union Bookstore, 809 S. Wright St., C.

Bitsui, originally from the Navajo Reservation at White Cone, Ariz., now llves in Tucson. He has a degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts Creative Writing Program and is currently completing his studies at the University of Arizona.

200 years later, serenity still abounds in New Harmony, Ind.

Unlike most working stiffs, Sara Brown feels less, not more, stress as she heads to her job each day in the former utopian community of New Harmony, Ind.

"I just feel all the troubles of the world are lifted off my shoulders," said the group sales manager for Historic New Harmony Inc. "It just has a very calming effect. I think it does that for a lot of people who visit, too. You just have a sense of peace."

Friday, October 24, 2008

Local residents honored for cultural contributions

 

CHAMPAIGN – Looking back 50 years to when he and his wife first arrived in Champaign County, Carl Altstetter said he would not have called the area a cultural wasteland or swamp.

"It was more like a savannah – rather sparse. Now it's a lush, tropical rainforest of the arts," Altstetter said Thursday night at the Highdive in Champaign.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Entries sought for Champaign's Parade of Lights

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign Park District is seeking entries for its eighth annual Parade of Lights, which will take place Dec. 6.

Applications are being accepted now. All of the entries must be decorated with lights and conform to the theme, "Another Miracle on Main Street." People who apply before Nov. 7 do not have to pay an entry fee; after that date, the late entry fee is $25.

Group to hold semi-annual used-book sale this Sunday

CHAMPAIGN – The Friends of the Champaign Public Library will have their fall book sale from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

The group now has a permanent used-book store inside the new library, but that doesn't mean the end of its twice-yearly book sales.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Djembe drummer to open Champaign library series

CHAMPAIGN – A performance by Bolokada Conde, acclaimed master of the djembe drum, will lead the Champaign Public Library's three-part series of free, family programs of music and dance from across the globe.

Conde will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Robeson Pavilion Room A & B at the library, 200 W. Green St., C. All performances in the series are free and open to the public.

Temptations to return to Virginia for holiday, hits show

The Temptations will make a return trip to the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, this time to perform their "Christmas and Hits Show" on Dec. 11.

The Temptations' last performed at the Virginia in 2004 to a sold-out audience.

Auditions for Parkland's 'A Christmas Carol' set Sunday

Parkland Theatre will have open auditions on Sunday for its second annual production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," adapted by Nick Schneider and Tim Schirmer.

The auditions will be at 1 p.m. for youths and 2 to 4 p.m. for adults at Parkland Theatre, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., C. Director J.W. Morrissette will cast actors and singers ages 8 to 80 to play various roles.

Storytelling events set today, Friday at Urbana bar, church

Two storytelling events are coming up, one tonight and the other a set of two scary-story concerts.

The first at 7 p.m. today at the Iron Post, 120 S. Race St., U, will feature Mike Speller, with Champaign-Urbana Storytellers Guild member Camille Born. Admission is $5.

Student production of 'Murder Room' to open next week

Parkland College's 18th annual all-student production, "Murder Room," will open Wednesday and run through Nov. 2 at the Parkland Theatre, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., C.

Parkland theater students direct the show; design the sets, lights and costumes; and perform. All proceeds from the annual student show will support the Randall Millas Theatre Scholarship program, which pays tuition and fees for an exceptional second-year theater scholarship student.

Trumpet's effect on jazz is subject of reading at EIU

Charleston native Krin Gabbard will trumpet the trumpet and its impact on jazz and American culture when he returns to present a reading on Saturday at Eastern Illinois University.

Coordinated as part of the ceremonies surrounding the rededication of the Doudna Fine Arts Center, his talk will take place at 10 a.m. in the new Doudna Lecture Hall.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

UI play 'La Soy Latina' focuses on life as Latina in America

URBANA – The members of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority will perform the ensemble play "La Soy Latina," which explores their identities and connections in American society, on Wednesday evening at the Illini Union.

"An honest and funny look at what it means to be Latina in America, it explores the stories of six diverse women growing up bilingual, bicultural and proud to declare, 'Yo Soy Latina!,'" according to a news release.

Cleary family returns to area for reunion, tour of its roots

In the 1850s, a young man from County Tipperary left Ireland to make his fortune. He found it in the fertile farmland of central Illinois.

Michael Cleary settled on a homestead near El Paso. He married Sarah Murphy, a County Tipperary girl, in Bloomington in 1859. Together they raised 12 children.

In 1891, the Cleary family began migrating to Ford and Champaign counties. Cleary bought 160 acres three miles south of Paxton for sons James and William. Daughter Nellie went along as housekeeper. Four more children, Molly Cleary Corbett, Sallie Cleary Huguet, Bess Cleary Head and Ed Cleary followed.

Monday, October 20, 2008

EIU Jazz Lab, Collegiate bands to perform Tuesday night

Eastern Illinois University's Jazz Lab and Collegiate bands will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Doudna Fine Arts Center's Dvorak Concert Hall on the Charleston campus.

The first half of the concert will feature the EIU Jazz Lab Band, a 19-piece ensemble directed by Paul Johnston, playing a variety of big-band music, including selections written for the Count Basie Orchestra and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra.

Artist's talk canceled

CHAMPAIGN – Artist Fred Tomaselli, who was to have given a talk at 5:30 p.m. today at Krannert Art Museum, has canceled due to illness.

University of Illinois art history Professor Jonathan Fineberg said the talk will be rescheduled for the spring.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

'Psychedelia' artist Fred Tomaselli to speak at museum

CHAMPAIGN – Visual artist Fred Tomaselli, described by The New York Times as contemporary art's "most technically gifted purveyor of psychedelia," will give a talk at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Krannert Art Museum.

Tomaselli's lecture in Room 62 in the lower level of the museum is part of the annual Jerrold Ziff Distinguished Lecture on Modern Art series.

Workshop aims to be catalyst for social engagement, change

When animosity and lack of trust were tearing apart an Ohio community, the Americans for the Arts paid for a theater troupe to go in and bring about change.

Soujourn Theater worked with the local arts agency to identify different sectors of the city and county that needed to be engaged in the process of building trust. Represented mong the 20 groups involved were farmers, the city council, the county board, African-Americans and schools.

Annual ACE Awards to fete area's cultural life at new venue

CHAMPAIGN – The fourth annual ACE (Arts, Culture and Entertainment) Awards ceremony will take place starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Highdive, 51 E. Main St., C.

The awards recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions to the cultural life of Champaign County. A panel of independent judges representing a cross- section of the community selected seven winners for 2008; they will be announced and the awards given out at the ACE Awards ceremony.

Novices sink their teeth into lead roles in 'Little Shop of Horrors'

As just a little boy, Josh Bough became obsessed with the musical "Little Shop of Horrors" after seeing a production at Tuscola High School.

"Basically, I've been trying to be Seymour since then," he said. "When I heard CUTC was doing it, I thought, 'I'm going to drop out of Eastern and go to Parkland.'"

He admits there were other reasons he left Eastern Illinois University for Parkland College. But he was successful with one: landing the lead role of Seymour in the Champaign Urbana Theatre Company production of "Little Shop," opening Thursday evening at the Virginia Theatre.

This is the first time that CUTC has presented the rock musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman.

It focuses on Seymour, a nerdy florist shop worker on Skid Row in New York who unwittingly raises a plant that feeds on human blood, and his love for Audrey, another worker at the shop.

The music is styled after 1960s rock 'n' roll, doo-wop and early Motown and will be performed by a 23-member cast and 13-piece orchestra directed by Cody Halberstadt. Music director is Brad Jenks.

Among the musical numbers are "Skid Row (Downtown)," "Somewhere That's Green" and "Suddenly, Seymour."

The role of the human Audrey is being played by Leanne Noland, a promotions staff member at WCIA-TV Channel 3. This is her first foray into local community theater, as she grew up near St. Louis and moved here just a year ago.

"I always liked Audrey a lot," said Noland, an EIU graduate in broadcast jour-nalism. "I like how naive she is.

"Throughout high school I always had Audrey-esque parts – the girls who are kind of clueless but likable."

Todd Salen, who is producing, said more powerful actor-singers auditioned for the roles of Seymour and Audrey, but producers liked the naivete and freshness that the 20-year-old Bough and 23-year-old Noland bring to the parts.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Child role in Polar Express will be auctioned on eBay

DANVILLE – A role is up for bid, and the winner will see their child, grandchild or special young person on stage with Santa for the magical ending to this year's Polar Express.

The Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Festival of Trees has placed the role of the child who will receive the first gift of Christmas in the re-enactment of the Polar Express up for bid on eBay.

Willie Nelson returning for Assembly Hall concert

CHAMPAIGN – Country music icon Willie Nelson is "on the road again," returning to the home of his first Farm Aid concert 23 years ago with a concert in December at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall in Champaign.

Appearing with the 75-year-old singer-songwriter-actor-activist will be another musician-songwriter with a long list of movie credits, Billy Bob Thornton, and his band, the Boxmasters.

Vendors sought for Covington, Ind., school's bazaar

COVINGTON, Ind. – Covington Elementary School will sponsor its annual holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the school.

Vendors interested in booth information or registration should contact the school at 765-793-2254 or write to Holiday Bazaar, c/o Mitzi Barnes, 1110 7th St., Covington, IN 47932.

Jewish families erect sukkot to mark third fall holiday

Temporary housing constructed last weekend will be torn down by Tuesday.

But it was meant to be temporary.

Simple wooden, plastic or cloth-covered structures in the yards of residences are huts for the celebration of Sukkot, the third of three fall Jewish holidays. The first two are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

The Hebrew word "sukkot" stands for both the name of the holiday – which, translated into English, is the Feast of Tabernacles – and two or more hut structures. A single hut is a sukkah.

Friday, October 17, 2008

DACC recreating Lincoln-Douglas debate this weekend

DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College theater instructor Glenda Boling had to rethink the way she would direct a presentation of a Lincoln-Douglas debate.

The presentation at 7 p.m. today and Saturday is sponsored by the Vermilion County Museum through an Illinois Arts Council grant and written by museum society president Don Richter as part of the "Celebrating Lincoln" series of events.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Celebrate Teen Read Week with Twilight Ball events

CHAMPAIGN – Lately, you can't enter a bookstore without spotting one of the "Twilight" series novels in the hands of a young reader. The dangerously addictive romantic vampire tales are instantly recognizable, the first book by its now-iconic black cover, illustrated with hands holding an apple.

In honor of Stephenie Meyer's popular series, the Champaign Public Library is hosting a Twilight Ball on Friday. The event is one way the library is celebrating Teen Read Week, that endorses the idea of reading a spectrum of different novels "for the fun of it."

Streets to be closed for UI marching band festival

Kirby Avenue will be closed Oct. 25 between First and Fourth Streets for the Illini Marching Band festival. The closures will be effective from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Peabody Street will also be closed during that time, according to a University of Illinois press release. Other streets will be closed to accommodate the festival's parade competition, which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.

The parade will march north on Fourth Street from Kirby Avenue, turn right onto Peabody Drive and then north on Sixth Street. It will then go to Armory Avenue, where it will turn left. Another left on Fourth Street will return it to Memorial Stadium. Those streets will be closed from 9 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Celtic singer-musician to perform in Urbana

URBANA – Ged Foley, a Celtic singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday at the Heartland Gallery, 112 W. Main St., U.

Foley is well-known in Celtic circles as one of the most gifted guitarists performing Irish music. He was a member of Scotland's Battlefield Band and a founder of England's House Band, and is a key part in Irish super group Patrick Street.

American Boychoir bringing Heartland Tour to Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – The American Boychoir directed by Litton-Lodal music director and University of Illinois alumnus Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday at McKinley Presbyterian Church, corner of Fifth and John streets, Champaign.

The Chamber Choir of the Central Illinois Children's Chorus, conducted by Andrea Solya, will join the Boychoir for a portion of the performance. Malvar-Ruiz is a previous director of the Central Illinois Children's Chorus and a former choral conducting student of BACH music director Chester L. Alwes at the UI.

Trio X set to perform Thursday at Krannert Art Museum

Trio X will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Krannert Art Museum, 500 E. Peabody Drive, C, as part of the Sudden Sound Concert Series curated by Jason Finkelman.

Trio X is lead by multi-instrumentalist Joe McPhee, a leading figure in improvised music since the late 1960s. He formed Trio X with like-minded improvisers Dominic Duval (bass) and Jay Rosen (drums). The New York-based trio is deeply rooted in its collective experiences as performers in avant-garde jazz and new-music circles.

Georgetown group sponsoring Make-A-Difference Day event

GEORGETOWN – The Georgetown Ladies Community Club will sponsor a Make-A-Difference Day event to benefit Your Family Resource Connection.

Volunteers will be available to collect your donations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Family Dollar Store in Georgetown.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

N-G requests details on your Halloween events

The News-Gazette plans to publish a roundup of Halloween activities open to the public Oct. 23.

We are interested in your haunted places, festivals, parades, children's activities, trick-or-treat hours, alternative parties and other Halloween events.

Oscar-nominated Hal Holbrook to headline at LincolnFest

CHAMPAIGN – A major talent will headline at next year's LincolnFest.

Hal Holbrook, who has portrayed Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln on stage and film, was most recently in 2007's "Into the Wild," for which he was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Oscar for best supporting actor.

The four-day gala – modeled on Roger Ebert's Film Festival – is a co-production of the Champaign County Historical Museum and the Champaign County Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

Monday, October 13, 2008

After-school program aims to drum up interest in arts

CHAMPAIGN – Want to get the undivided attention of eighth-graders? Put some African drums in front of them and see if they can keep their hands off.

A dozen eighth-grade students at Franklin Middle School will learn the art of West African drumming this fall, and a dozen more will explore what art means to them through painting, sculpture or other visual arts.

Concert of Indian classical music set for Wednesday

URBANA – The Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth will present a free concert of north Indian classical (Hindustani) instrumental music at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the University of Illinois Music Building auditorium, 1114 W. Nevada St., U.

The concert will feaure Shri Kushal Das on sitar and Shri Tejendra Narayan Majumdar on sarod.

Danville Library signing up students for technology program

DANVILLE – The Danville Public Library's children's department is currently signing up fifth-grade students for this semester's Project Next Generation Program.

The technology mentoring program offers digital photography classes from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays or Wednesdays and homework help sessions from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Sessions will run through Nov. 22.

Boys & Girls Club of Danville seeking alumni

DANVILLE – The Boys & Girls Club of Danville is looking for its club alumni.

Alumni will be recognized at the club's 20th anniversary celebration during the annual "We Are Family" brunch in February 2009.

Waiting list planned for Tuesday k.d. lang concert

URBANA – Tickets for the k.d. lang concert on Tuesday night at Krannert Center have been sold out for some time, but fans who don't have one can get on a waiting list.

The original waiting list of 200 people will become defunct at 10 a.m. today. Some ticketholders who are unable to go to the concert turn their tickets in late.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

The Chorale set to open 26th season with November concert

CHAMPAIGN – The Chorale, a 70-voice mixed community chorus, will open its 26th season in November with its annual Celebration of Life Concert, "One of a Kind – American Folk," featuring the world premiere of "In Sacred Manner" written by Alice Parker.

To mark The Chorale's quarter century of singing together, Parker and Chorale founder and music director Julie Beyler will each conduct The Chorale in selections by American composers.

C-U artists showing recent works at film festival

At least two Champaign-Urbana natives will have their films shown at the 44th annual Chicago International Film Festival, which takes place Oct. 16-29 at various venues in Chicago.

Urbana native Nina Paley will have her animated feature, "Sita Sings the Blues," shown at 4:40 p.m. Oct. 18, 12:15 p.m. Oct. 19 and 6:15 p.m. Oct. 28, all AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. Chicago.

Organist ready for concert at McKinley Presbyterian Church

CHAMPAIGN – Many people, when they hear organ music, think church, or "Phantom of the Opera," or Bach's familiar Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, which pops up in horror films, video games, rock music and now, cellphone ringtones.

Considered one of the most outstanding organists of his generation, 30-year-old Scott Montgomery instead thinks of the "almost unlimited possibilities of sound" that an organ, even a small one, can produce.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Tickets for annual Festival of Trees event set to go on sale

DANVILLE – Special events tickets for this year's Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation Festival of Trees go on sale today at 10 a.m. at the David S. Palmer Arena box, 100 W. Main St. Tickets can also be purchased at www.palmerarena.com or by phone at 877-772-5425.

Special events requiring reservations through the purchase of advance tickets include:

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Area teenagers to hold swim meet benefiting Crisis Nursery

URBANA – Though they swim in different lanes, on different teams, Urbana swimmers will be coming together for a common cause on Wednesday.

At the sixth annual "Make a Difference" meet, the Urbana, University Laboratory and Schlarman high schools' girls' swim teams will compete against each other in the lanes and work together to raise money for Crisis Nursery outside of the pool.

Documentary's directors, producers to speak at Allen Hall

URBANA – Carl Deal Jr. and Tia Lessin, the directors and producers of the documentary "Trouble the Water," now playing at Boardman's Art Theatre in Champaign, will do a question-and-answer session at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Allen Hall, after their award-winning film is shown there.

The event, open to all, will be in the main lounge of Allen Hall and is cosponsored by Unit One, Weston Exploration, and LEADS.

ALT Flicks movie series returns Sunday with French film

URBANA – The Urbana Free Library ALT Flicks film series will return at 2 p.m. Sunday with a showing of the French film, "Le Fils de l'Epicier" (The Grocer's Son).

The film is billed as a "smile-inducing story of a young man forced to leave the big city and return to his country village in Provence when his father falls ill." Maggie Flinn, a French film expert from the University of Illinois, will introduce the film.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Duo from 'Reno 911!' planning stop at UI's Foellinger

URBANA – Star Course, the University of Illinois student-run concert productions and promotions organization, will bring Carlos Alazraqui and Cedric Yarbrough's of Comedy Central's "Reno 911!" to Foellinger Auditorium on Nov. 9.

The two will perform sketch and improvisational comedy. Tickets go on sale starting next Tuesday at Ticket Central in the Illini Union, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling 333-5000. Service charges apply for phone orders. Tickets cost $18 for students and $20 for the general public.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Danville hosting 27th Wood Carvers Show this weekend

DANVILLE – Jim Van Duyn of Danville was a member of the Kickapoo Karvers even before the club got an official name.

"We were just a bunch of guys sitting around carving and decided to start a club because we wanted to have shows," Van Duyn explained.

So they organized, and this weekend the organization will hold its 27th annual Wood Carvers Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the New Life Banquet Center, 1419 N. Bowman Ave. The banquet center is just north of the church in what used to be the Holiday Square Shopping Center at Bowman Avenue and Voorhees Street.

Bluegrass gathering scheduled Saturday in Arthur

ARTHUR – The Chet Kingery Memorial Blue Grass Jam will take place this weekend in downtown Arthur.

All acoustic bluegrass and gospel musicians are invited for the annual gathering, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday and lasting until past dark in jam tents in the new Dorothy Jurgens Downtown Park and along south walls in the downtown area.

I space hosting first U.S. exhibition of Japanese architect's work

CHAMPAIGN. – The first comprehensive U.S. exhibition of the work of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma will be on view from Friday through Nov. 15 at I space, the Chicago gallery of the University of Illinois.

"Material Immaterial: The Architecture of Kengo Kuma" will feature photographic displays, full-scale artifacts, a multimedia presentation and a small tea pavilion design by Kuma, who is considered to be among the world's leading contemporary architects. The exhibition is curated by Kevin Erickson, a professor of architecture at Illinois.

Monday, October 6, 2008

N.C. filmmaker to present pro-vegan film at University YMCA

CHAMPAIGN – Filmmaker Eleni Vlachos of Durham, N.C., will bring her feature documentary, "Seeing Through The Fence: A Documentary About Food," to the University YMCA for a screening at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The event is sponsored by Students Improving the Lives of Animals.

Expo to showcase opportunities for those 50 and older

RANTOUL – An exposition for people 50 and older is scheduled Oct. 13 at the Rantoul Township High School cafetorium.

The first 50 & Over Expo will feature music, a fashion show, a tai chi demonstration, health screenings, flu shots and seminars. Nearly 40 area businesses will be participating, and dozens of door prizes will be awarded.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Urbana native's doc incorporates Katrina victims' home videos

New Orleans resident Kimberly Rivers Roberts wanted to leave town before Hurricane Katrina hit. She tried, to no avail, to find a rental car.

She, her husband and neighbors in the 9th Ward who could not afford to escape rode out the storm, with Roberts shooting the ordeal with a video camera.

"I believe Jesus the Lord will see me through this," she said in a voiceover as she shot her 9th Ward neighborhood when the hurricane first hit. "Whenever the Lord allows it, I'll be able to tell this story."

Two weeks later at a Red Cross shelter in Alexandria, La., Roberts and her husband, Scott, entered the camera frame of documentary filmmakers Carl Deal Jr. and Tia Lessin. The two eventually got to know Kimberly and Scott and to tell, to great effect, their story in "Trouble the Water," the documentary that incorporates Kimberly's compelling and horrifying footage.

Three published authors taking part in UI homecoming event

URBANA – Three University of Illinois alumni who are published authors will be part of the Writers Come Home presentation taking place on Friday in connection with UI homecoming festivities.

Beginning at 4 p.m. Friday in the Alice Campbell Alumni Center, 601 S. Lincoln Ave., U, they will talk about their books. Afterward, they will sign copies and mingle with guests at an hors d'oeuvres reception featuring piano music by Rick Murphy, music director at University High School in Urbana.

Blind Boys of Alabama, New Orleans band create new sound

URBANA – Jimmy Carter, the only original active member of the Grammy Award-winning gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama, won't tell his age.

"I just say I'm past 50," he says slyly.

His years beg to be guessed, though, considering that the Blind Boys formed in 1939, at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in Talledega. The original members sang together in a choir and then a glee club at the school before forming the Blind Boys and hitting the road in 1944.

"We've been going ever since," Carter said.

Local youngster hitting road as cast member for touring show

URBANA – When their daughter was asked to take a role in a recent production at Krannert Center, Brent and Tammi O'Neill had no clue as to what kind of opportunity she was receiving.

"We never thought it would end up so amazing for her," Tammi said.

Caroline, a third-grader at Next Generation School, not only played a key character in The Builders Association's "Continuous City"; she will also travel with the new show, which had its world premiere last month at Krannert – a financial and technical supporter of the project.

Krannert group's interactive murder mystery party this week

URBANA – The Krannert Center Student Association will continue its tradition of presenting an interactive murder mystery party with "The Pink Lace Diamond" on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

The mystery focuses on a Prince Regent Hotel maid's discovery of a murder and the twists that follow. A detective discovers an infamous jewel, the pink lace diamond, on one of the hotel's guests. During the investigation, all the hotel guests must help to solve the mystery behind the murder and the diamond's discovery.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Military families get YMCA membership deal

CHAMPAIGN – To help with the stress of deployment, families of National Guard soldiers and reservists will get free memberships at the Champaign County YMCA.

The center is part of the new Armed Services YMCA and Department of Defense Outreach Initiative, which pays all the costs.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Harlem Quartet plays for Prairie Elementary students

URBANA – Urbana students got down to Mozart on Wednesday morning.

They shook their shoulders to Duke Ellington, nodded their heads in time to a Cuban conga.

Packed in to the Prairie Elementary School gym, the students got a preview of the Harlem quartet, a nationally known string quartet playing with the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts tonight at 7:30.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Arts Week Open House scheduled

DANVILLE – The Vermilion County Museum Society will hold its annual Arts Week Open House from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 116 N. Gilbert St.

On hand will be artists and craftmen displaying talents in tatting, crocheting, china painting, oil painting, wood carving, loom weaving, plastic canvas, counted cross-stitch, knitting, hand weaving, quilting, spinning, photography, costuming, teddy bear making, beading, embroidery, sock making and jewelry making.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Spotlight is on books in first Youth Literature Festival

CHAMPAIGN – For Mary Kalantzis and Violet Harris, planning the first-ever Youth Literature Festival for East Central Illinois has required a lot of labor. But it's work that Harris calls a "glorious burden" because it celebrates books.

The dean and associate dean, respectively, of the University of Illinois College of Education, have ambitious goals for the festival, happening Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They hope it will eventually rival Roger Ebert's Film Festival in popularity and the ability to attract people, including from out of town, and make reading central to families' lives.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Stopping By: Rossville building ready to celebrate 100 years

ROSSVILLE – It's been nearly 100 years since Ross Township dedicated its new red brick building at 103 W. Attica St.

On the celebratory day in October 1908, a large parade was held before the speeches began, according to the hometown newspaper. A string of hayracks came to town, some decorated and all bearing children from the area schools within traveling distance. Students came from Alvin, Squankum, Pleasant View, Pleasant Hill, College Hill, Summer, Dale, Centennial, Lee, Mann's Chapel and Bethel schools – none are still in operation, and the buildings of most don't even exist today.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Eat, sleep and gas up at unique sites along U.S. highways

With no fish boil in sight, Greg Martell opts for The Fish Wagon.

"I'm originally from Wisconsin and I live in Indiana now. Nobody has fish boils or fish fries there," Martell says. "That's hard when you love fish."

So when he's in Illinois twice a year for work at the Stone Ridge Dairy in rural Mansfield, he stops regularly at The Fish Wagon in Farmer City.

"I come to Stone Ridge once in the spring and once in the fall. And every Friday and Saturday night – this is where I eat," Martell adds as he places an order at The Fish Wagon window.

The Fish Wagon is owned and operated by Kevin and Hope Castle. It's a mobile example of roadside architecture – a restaurant on wheels. More precisely, it's a takeout diner in what used to be a motor home.

"This is something that came about on its own and it has taken on a life of its own," Hope Castle says. "This is our 10th year here."

The Fish Wagon is a modern-day twist on the horse-drawn lunch wagons that are the forerunner of the diner. The wagons would park in front of factories and offer reasonably priced lunches to workers. Before long, the wagons were parked in permanent locations and by the 1930s had evolved into the streamlined diner.

Roadside architecture is also sometimes called roadside Americana or even roadside archaeology. It is a wide and varied category, from stainless steel-sheathed diners to tile-roofed, mission-style gas stations to log-cabin motel cottages – all tied to America's love of the automobile and travel. A summary in three words: eat, sleep, gas.

Parkland Theatre goes darkly humorous with 'The Pillowman'

CHAMPAIGN – The first time director Randi Collins Hard saw Martin McDonagh's "The Pillowman," at Illinois State University, she fell in love with the black comedy.

The artistic director of the Parkland Theatre describes it as amazingly deep and complex, with interwoven stories and ambiguities over what is fact and what is falsehood.

"It's a thriller, a mystery, a black comedy and a whodunit," she said. "Even at the end, you're left wondering whether you're right about your own conclusions."

Quizzing coordinator of Urbana's award-winning art program

This past Friday, the city of Urbana received an honorable mention as part of the 2008 Arts Friendly Community Awards, handed out by the Illinois Arts Alliance and the Illinois Municipal League.

This past Friday, the city of Urbana received an honorable mention as part of the 2008 Arts Friendly Community Awards, handed out by the Illinois Arts Alliance and the Illinois Municipal League.

Urbana and Danville were among 15 communities to receive an honorable mention.

According to a news release, one reason for the nod to Urbana was its Gallery District Incentive program, established two years ago.

In Urbana, though, there has been a greater focus on the arts in general, and public art in particular, in recent years. We thought this was a good time to ask questions of Anna Hochhalter, public arts coordinator for the city of Urbana. Our questions (in bold type) and her answers, submitted via e-mail, follow.

Chicago art club head to talk at museum group's fall luncheon

CHAMPAIGN – Kathy Cottong, director of The Arts Club of Chicago, will give a lecture titled "Gracious Provocation: The Arts Club of Chicago 1916-2008," at 12:45 p.m. Friday at the Champaign Country Club.

The talk is part of the Krannert Art Museum Council Fall Lecture Luncheon, which will begin with a council meeting at 11 a.m., a cash bar at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon.

Danville Symphony Orchestra tuning up for Goodman tribute

DANVILLE – The Danville Symphony Orchestra will open its 2008-09 season with "A Tribute to Benny Goodman" featuring the Dave Bennett Sextet as special guest.

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Danville High School auditorium, 202 E. Fairchild St.

Urbana's Community Center for the Arts adding new programs

URBANA – The Community Center for the Arts (C4A) will offer some new programs as well as older ones during the fall semester. The offerings for children and adults include private and group music instruction and visual arts classes.

Adult group classes are planned in fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar; a string band workshop; and a classical chamber music course. There will be group classes for children in early childhood music and for the Bow-Dacious String Band.

BoingBoing.net editors to speak on UI through Wednesday

URBANA – BoingBoing.net editors and technology writers Mark Frauenfelder and David Pescovitz will be guests-in-residence at Unit One/Allen Hall today through Wednesday. They will speak each night. All events are open to the public and take place in the South Rec Room of Allen Hall, 1005 W. Gregory St., U. Here is the schedule.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Bang on a Can All-Stars tuning up for 12-hour gig

URBANA – In one of his latest mass e-mails, musician David Lang of the Bang on a Can All-Stars sent Midwesterners this message:

"We know where you live! Julie and I are really excited about our upcoming trip to the marathon we're throwing at the Krannert Center in Urbana! Michael has an opera premiering, so he is sorry he can't make it, but the rest of us are really looking forward to playing a bunch of music, hearing a bunch of music, chatting for hours in the lobby with everyone, eating too much, staying up late. We are bringing a bunch of our friends. It would be great if you did, too! See you there? I hope so!"

Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club plans bags tourney as new fundraiser

CHAMPAIGN – After becoming director of development for the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club in May, Michael Byrd was asked to come up with a new fundraising event to replace the popular Champaign-Urbana Great Duck Race.

He was told to find something that would appeal to a cross-section of the community and people of all ages, something in which everyone could participate.

Exhibition at EIU features Chicago artist's sculptures

CHARLESTON – Ceramic and bronze sculptures by Chicago artist Ruth Duckworth, who is an internationally known figure in modern art, are on view through Oct. 26 at the Tarble Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University.

Recently, Duckworth was featured on "CBS Sunday Morning," and her art was surveyed in a three-year traveling retrospective exhibition that started at the Museum of Arts & Design in New York City and ended at the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Beer tasting, chili cook-off Saturday in Urbana

URBANA – As autumn rolls around, so does the International Beer Tasting and Chili Cook-Off in downtown Urbana.

This year the annual event, presented by Jay Goldberg Events and the Urbana Business Association, will take place Saturday at Main Street and Broadway Avenue.

Danville Art League at 70: 'We learn from each other'

DANVILLE – Roberta Carlton, 75, has always enjoyed her Danville Art League membership and the camaraderie it brings with it.

"I liked taking classes with the other artists," she said. "When artists get together, they feed off each other. We don't copy, but we learn from each other. I like doing the shows, too."

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Tin Horse riding into town on cusp of country stardom

CHAMPAIGN – They're young, sexy and good-looking and play country music. Ergo, the three female front players for Tin Horse are often compared to the Dixie Chicks.

But that comparison comes only from people who haven't heard Tin Horse, who will perform at 9 p.m. Tuesday at Kam's, 618 E. Daniel St., C, as part of the band's Horses Gone Wild tour.

Award-winning writer, teacher Jauss to speak Thursday at UI

CHAMPAIGN – Author David Jauss will begin the 2008-09 Robert J. and Katherin Carr Visiting Authors Series at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the Author's Corner on the second floor of the Illini Union Bookstore, 809 S. Wright St., C.

The talk is free and open to all, and sponsored by Creative Writing Program in the University of Illinois Department of English.

Don't blink or you'll miss amazing architecture on state roads

"Turn around!" my wife squeals. "There's a plane crash back there!"

She's not kidding. But Richard Pollard is.

Pollard, owner of Pollard Motor Sales on Illinois 37, just north of Salem in south central Illinois, does indeed have an airplane planted nose-first in his backyard. It's first-rate yard art. Besides the plane, which is set in concrete, he has a "bumper crop" – an assortment of more than 300 chrome car bumpers growing out of the ground. And there's the "pot rod," a riding lawn mower equipped with a toilet, a giant ladybug (a Volkswagen Beetle with six metal legs sprouting from it) and more.

I love this guy. And I love this kind of stuff: Roadside architecture.

Prairie Ensemble to open 12th season with 'potpourri' of music

CHAMPAIGN – The Prairie Ensemble will open its 12th season on Friday with "A Post-Summer Potpourri" of music from three of the greatest composers of the 20th century, plus a virtuoso romp from one of the greats of the 18th.

The concert starting at 7:30 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 1710 S. Prospect Ave, C, will showcase works by Zoltan Kodaly, Jean Sibelius, Dmitri Shostakovich and Franz Joseph Haydn. As usual, music director Kevin Kelly will give a pre-concert conversation at 7 p.m.

Rossville seeks historical images for 150-year anniversary

ROSSVILLE – The Rossville Sesquicentennial Committee is seeking photographs of the area for a publication in conjunction with the town's 150th anniversary.

Historical images of buildings, street scenes, transportation, homes, farms, churches, civic groups and activities are being sought, as well as photos of families in their 1959 centennial costumes.

Kilborn Alley Blues Band celebrating 1,000th show Wednesday

As the booking agent for his son's Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Tom Duncanson often updates the musicians on the number of shows they have done.

"He will show up and tell us, 'This is your 900th show.' He gets on the microphone and announces it and gets all crazy," said Andy Duncanson, who founded the band in 2000, when he was a student at Centennial High School.

On Wednesday evening at the Iron Post in Urbana, if the band allows it, Tom Duncanson will announce that it's Kilborn Alley's 1,000th show – not counting weddings, picnics, house parties, fish fries and barbecues.

Ex-DACC teachers publish findings on social reform in Danville

DANVILLE – Before they both retired from teaching at Danville Area Community College, Janet Cornelius challenged her friend, Martha Kay, to write a book with her.

"I thought it would be something worthwhile to do instead of just retiring off into the sunset," said Kay, a former rhetoric professor at DACC.

Now, a decade later, the University of South Carolina Press has published their book, "Women of Conscience, Social Reform in Danville, Illinois, 1890-1930."

University of Illinois Press celebrates 90 years of publishing

CHAMPAIGN – By the late 1970s, Zora Neale Hurston's novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," had been largely forgotten – except by one scholar who thought it was worth reprinting.

He contacted Richard Wentworth, then director of the University of Illinois Press. He agreed and in 1978, the Press took the risk and reprinted "Their Eyes," with an introduction by the scholar, Robert Hemenway.

While university presses don't normally originate fiction, one of their functions is to examine the American literary heritage for neglected works. The UI Press does that, mainly with Illinois and Midwestern authors.

Fiction, though, is not the bailiwick of the UI Press, which this year celebrates its 90th anniversary. It is scholarly books and academic journals. The UI Press publishes 120 to 140 new titles each year and 30 journals, most notably the American Journal of Psychology," founded in 1887 by G. Stanley Hall. Three UI Press journals are online only.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Area teen to be featured at first Urbana Free Library concert

URBANA – The fall UFLive! concert series at the Urbana Free Library opens this Sunday with a program produced by local music legend Dan Perrino.

"Let Us Entertain You: Songs Made Popular by Famous Singers" features vocalist Caitlin Caruso Dobbs, a teenager who has established herself in many local community theater productions, among them "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Les Miserables."

Springfield fine-art fair to feature artists, demonstrations

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Art Association will present its 20th annual Edwards Place Fine Art Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of Edwards Place, 700 N. Fourth St., Springfield. Admission is free.

Among the 90 U.S. artists juried into the fair from the Champaign-Urbana area are Michael Schwegmann of Boneyard Pottery, Champaign, and Sherry Corbin of Kindred Spirits Pottery, Monticello; mixed media, Brian Sullivan, Champaign; wearable art, Jill Miller, Hooey Batiks, Urbana; precious metal/jewelry, Patty Lindbloom, Champaign; and metal, David and Niela Millar, Urbana.

University High teen covers Democratic National Convention

URBANA – During the Democratic National Convention in Denver last month, Will Fernandez, 14, interviewed politicians and delegates. He saw Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan exchange an awkward hug, prompted by U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. at a morning Illinois delegation meeting.

He had some celebrity sightings, like Chevy Chase getting his picture taken with Denver police officers and "House" actor Kal Penn helping in the convention center.

Danville police, firefighters suit up for battle - on the diamond

DANVILLE – Danville police officers will be looking for their fifth consecutive win in the annual charity softball games pitting them against firefighters Saturday at Danville Stadium.

All proceeds from the fifth annual event will go toward Friendly Town in Lincoln Park, where local children are taught traffic, fire and bicycle safety.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Know Your University lectures start this month with provost

The University YMCA's Know Your University lecture series begins later this month with a talk by Provost Linda Katehi, who is expected to addresses a variety of campus issues.

The Know Your University talks are held at noon on Tuesdays in Latzer Hall at the University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright St., C.

UI professor, student hitting the right chord with youngsters

CHAMPAIGN – A professor and a Ph.D. candidate might have a friendly working relationship, but they're usually not friends.

Not so with University of Illinois Professor Jeff Mondak and Sergio Wals, both of whom study political behavior. They not only work together academically but also musically.

Civilians, former military to gather for reunion at Chanute

RANTOUL – More than 160 former civilian employees and military personnel at Chanute Air Force Base are returning to Rantoul this weekend.

They'll be swapping stories, revisiting favorite old hangouts and talking about their lives at the second Chanute Air Force Base Reunion, planned at various sites around Rantoul this Friday and Saturday.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

'Somebodies' turns positive Ebertfest showing into TV gold

CHAMPAIGN – Writer, filmmaker and actor Hadjii – on his cell phone with this reporter – was walking down the street in Athens, Ga., on Friday afternoon when a passer-by asked:

"You in that show?"

"Yeah, Tuesdays at 10. Spread the word," Hadjii replied.

That show is "Somebodies," a spinoff of Hadjii's independent feature of the same title that he brought to Roger Ebert's Film Festival at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign in 2006.

The Ebertfest audience embraced it, and television critics who have seen the BET series – the first scripted series in BET's 28-year history – are giving it good reviews, with Associated Press television writer Frazier Moore calling it one of five new series to watch.

UI health showcase offers opportunity to get interactive

CHAMPAIGN – If you want to learn more about a healthy lifestyle – and get in some rock climbing – you'll want to visit the University of Illinois' Activities and Recreation Center next week.

The recreation center, known as ARC and located at 201 E. Peabody Drive, C., is hosting a Health and Wellness Showcase from 2 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25. The event is free and open to the community.

Jungle Park Reunion racing event set Sept. 27 in Indiana

Racing official Dick Jordan will open the gates at 9 a.m. Sept. 27 for this year's Jungle Park Reunion in Rockville, Ind.

Jordan, U.S. Auto Club vice president/communications director, will serve as grand marshal for the event. The historic old dirt raceway is 8 miles north of Rockville on U.S. 41.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Tickets on sale this week for OneRepublic's Oct. 27 show

CHAMPAIGN – Tickets will go on sale at noon Sept. 20 for the OneRepublic concert on Oct. 27 at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall Star Theatre. Special guests will be 5 Augustana, The Spill Canvas and The Hush Sound.

Tickets for the floor cost $30 and will be available at the Assembly Hall box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including ticketmaster.com. Ticketbuyers may charge tickets by calling 333-5000.

Stopping By: Get a trim, study Lincoln at St. Joe mayor's salon

ST. JOSEPH – B.J.'s Beauty Shop is more than a place to get a perm or a haircut.

The downtown St. Joseph shop is also a mini-museum dedicated to the life of Abraham Lincoln.

Owner (and St. Joe Mayor) B.J. Hackler spends a lot of time on the phone conducting village business while giving a perm or trimming a teen boy's hair.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Fairmount vineyard set to uncork first Salt Fork Art Festival

FAIRMOUNT – In addition to bottling wines produced from grapes grown outside its doors, Sleepy Creek Vineyards continues to expand the musical and artistic events being held in and around the tasting room.

Owners Joe and Dawn Taylor will hold their inaugural Salt Fork Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27 and noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 28. They already have more than 25 artists committed to participating, but will accept more.

Met broadcasts return for second season at Savoy 16

SAVOY – For the second year, the Savoy 16 will present "The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD" series, which features Met operas broadcast live in high definition, with encore presentations.

This is the third season for the broadcasts, which this year have expanded by 30 percent, to 440 movie theaters and performing arts centers nationwide.

Organizing Krannert's opening-night party a true team effort

There are eight days to go before the opening-night party at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and Lisa Lillig is at her computer and telephone, taking care of final details.

She calls the eight restaurants that will sell food at the bash Thursday night, discovering, to her dismay, that two planned to bring hummus.

"You don't want that," she says. "You want all the food to be different. You don't want one person to have hummus for $4 and another for $1, and one person's hummus to be better than the other's."

Westville High group to present first stage musical, 'Cinderella'

The Westville High School theater arts company will present its first musical production, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and 3 p.m. Nov. 9 in the high school's Old Gym, 918 N. State St.

Choral teacher Teresa Ross says she is excited about her students having the opportunity to perform on a local stage, since some have been involved with the Red Mask Players and Danville Light Opera in the past.

Alley Gallery exhibit to feature work by retired illustrators

DANVILLE – Several artists are scheduled to take part in the latest exhibit at the Alley Gallery featuring pencil and pen and ink drawings.

Jane Starbody, a former fashion illustrator, and Ken Erskine, a former architectural draftsman, are both retired now and have taken their talent in different directions than their adult careers.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Owners of former Dom's to open restaurant at new location

CHAMPAIGN – Vicky and John Buttitta used to worry about their regular customers when they wouldn't see them in a while.

Now, after their longtime family restaurant, Dom's Patio Villa, has been closed for nine months, the Buttittas are making plans to welcome all those customers back in a brand new place – the former Jillian's.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Fundraiser concert set for Friday at Korean New Life Church

URBANA – Global Artistic Management, which was founded last year to do charity work and promote peace through music in Korea and the world, will present a concert at 7 p.m. Friday at the Korean New Life Church, 202 W. Illinois St., U.

The performers will be violinist Unkyoung Kim, cellist Mikolaj Konopelski and pianist Teresa King. Proceeds from Global Artistic Management concerts will support scholarships for poor students studying to enter the clergy.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Three new shows open at EIU's Tarble Arts Center

CHARLESTON – Three new shows have opened at the Tarble Arts Center on the Eastern Illinois University campus.

They are: "Beverly Fishman: Optical Unconscious"; "James Oliver: Rural Happenings," featuring paintings of Midwestern sites such as carnivals and farm expos; and "Forced Photography," showcasing 135 photographs by Brian Poulter, a professor of journalism at EIU.

Group bringing Second City's comedy to Virginia Theatre

CHAMPAIGN – The touring company of the Chicago-based Second City comedy club will pay satirical homage to the election season with its latest show, "Deface the Nation," to be presented at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign.

The company has customized the all-political revue for the election year. Expect the performers to do skits and songs that poke fun at both political parties and at a variety of pundits.

Award-winning author will speak in events in Champaign, Savoy

CHAMPAIGN – Luis Alberto Urrea, author of "The Devil's Highway," a best-seller and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction, will speak at two events on Friday in Champaign and Savoy.

Urrea will be the guest speaker at the Friday Forum from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the University YMCA Latzer Hall, 1001 S. Wright St., C. Later that day, from 5 to 8 p.m., he will read and sign copies of his book at Pages for All Ages Bookstore, 1201 Savoy Plaza Lane, Savoy.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

University of Illinois Press hosting national group's book show

CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois Press is hosting the 2008 Book Show of the Association of American University Presses through Sept. 19 at its offices at 1325 S. Oak St., C.

The show features 45 winning books and 30 winning cover designs, on view during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A reception will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

REO Speedwagon gets ready to wheel into town for concert

CHAMPAIGN – Tickets for hometown favorite band REO Speedwagon's Oct. 24 concert at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Sept. 20.

The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. with special guest the Tons 'O' Fun Band, a local R&B band.

Provena program offering skincare event Sept. 27

DANVILLE – Women Aware, an outreach program of Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation, will present "Skin as Soft as the Dewy Petals of a Flower" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 in Conference Rooms 2 and 3 of the medical center, near the cafeteria, 812 N. Logan Ave.

Presentations include: Dr. Arvin Uppal on the different types of aesthetic enhancement available for face lifts; Carol Shriver, dietician, on how to eat properly for healthy skin; and Dr. Mary Gindi on the warning signs for freckles and moles that could turn cancerous.

Clinton's 40th Apple 'N Pork Festival set for Sept. 27-28

CLINTON – The Apple 'N Pork Festival in Clinton is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 27 and 28 on the grounds of the C.H. Moore Homestead, located on the north edge of Clinton, on U.S. 51.

This will be the 40th festival that began as a source of income for the C.H. Moore Victorian mansion. Over the years the festival has grown to include more than 20 county nonprofit groups raising money to continue their programs.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Stopping By: Good sleep, wealth of history at Pestoum inn

PESOTUM – I was greeted at the front door of Sweet