Arts & Entertainment

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Dinner, music to raise money for Danville High show choirs

The public can preview Danville High School's show choirs at a fundraising event presented by Time-O-Matic.

"Prima Vista: A Spaghetti Dinner" will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the high school, 202 E. Fairchild St.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Sidney group that organizes events gets new leaders

SIDNEY – A volunteer group that organizes community events is under new leadership.

The village board Monday approved the appointments of Melissa Guidas as president, Nikki Roberts as vice president and Mandy Marlow as secretary/treasurer of the Sidney Improvement Group. Traci Cokley recently stepped down from the presidency of the group.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Online contest seeking artwork for inauguration display

MANIFEST HOPE:DC and its partners MoveOn PAC, the Service Employees International Union and Obey Giant are calling for online entries of visual artwork from artists nationwide for a display during Barack Obama's inauguration in Washington, D.C.

The online contest calls for works that use positive messaging to convey the urgency and importance of encouraging a national dialogue about three themes – health care reform, the green economy and workers' rights.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

'Dimension and Typography' going on display in Chicago

CHICAGO – An exhibition that explores the potential of multidimensional typography will open Friday and run through Feb. 7 at I space, the Chicago gallery of the University of Illinois. The opening reception will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the gallery, 230 W. Superior St., Chicago.

"Dimension and Typography: A Survey of Letterforms in Space and Time" features recent work in print, video, sculpture and installation by an international group of artists, designers and programmers.

Jer-Dog bringing his Grassroots Comedy Tour to Tuscola pub

TUSCOLA – National touring comedian and recording artist Jer-Dog will bring his Grassroots Comedy Tour to the Washington Street Pub in Tuscola on Thursday . The show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

Jeremy Danley, otherwise known as "The Mighty" Jer-Dog, grew up in Iowa and in now based in Chicago. He performs at comedy clubs, colleges and casinos and has been heard on the nationally syndicated "Bob & Tom Radio Show." His comedy album "Domesticated Party Animal" is currently in rotation on SIRIUS Satellite Radio and available through Laughing Hyena Records.

'Midsummer Night's Dream' to kick off festival's 32nd season

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington will open its 32nd summer season this year with "A Midsummer Night's Dream," considered William Shakespeare's most popular comedy.

The second production will be the physical comedy "Scapin," a new adaptation by off-Broadway star Bill Irwin. The play is filled with hi-jinks committed by a mischievous servant.

Visiting UI professor to teach Balinese art of group percussion

On the Indonesian island of Bali, every village has at least two or three gamelans – sets of primarily bronze percussive instruments which are kept at an open-air community center.

When the instruments are not in storage, children can play on them, as I Ketut Gede Asnawa did "wildly" when he was a boy.

And nearly every villager is involved in the art form, either playing in the gamelan, carrying the instruments or preparing for the festival occasions where the music will be featured.

UI prof's 'collection of moments' going on display in China

Images of places, faces and words – captured in 45 years of travel – now going on display

Architect James Warfield's exhibition "Roads Less Traveled" opens today in Shanghai, where the companion book also was released today.

'Funny Valentines' to open Goodfield dinner theater's season

Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre in Goodfield will open the 2009 season with romantic comedy "Funny Valentines," playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday brunch from Jan. 8 through March 1.

"Funny Valentines" by Dennis R. Andersen tells the tale of Andy Robbins, a famous children's book illustrator who is suffering from a prolonged case of Peter Pan syndrome but decides it's time to buckle down and grow up to win back his ex-wife and former writing partner, Ellen.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

News-Gazette Film Series: It's never too soon to play them again

Most large cities have some sort of venue that shows older films on a regular basis as a repertory cinema. Champaign-Urbana is fortunate to have the monthly News-Gazette Film Series screening at the Virginia Theatre, an actual, still-functioning vintage movie palace owned and operated by the Champaign Park District.

The Film Series calendar for 2009 is particularly impressive, spanning six decades and presenting a roster of iconic performances by some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Every one of its dozen films appears on one or another (and often several) of the American Film Institute's "100 Best" lists.

Champaign pedal guitarist steeling the limelight

CHAMPAIGN – Even as a kid, Dave Easley knew he wanted to play pedal steel guitar. Most people would advise to start on guitar first, and that's what he did, at age 13.

He remained intent on the steel pedal, though. As soon as he graduated in 1976 from Centennial High School, he bought his first one.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

What to do on Dec. 25? Go bowling

A new community event is scheduled for Dec. 25.

The Chanukah Bowl, set for 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Champaign's Arrowhead Lanes, is for people of all faiths who want to celebrate the fourth day of Hanukkah.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Chicago Blues Tour featuring nine bars scheduled for Jan. 17

Blues University and the city of Chicago will offers its Chicago Blues Tour of nine blues bars on the South and West sides on Jan. 17.

The tour will depart from the tour hub, Alcock's Inn, 411 S. Wells St., and then visit eight other lounges offering live blues music; 12 blues bands will perform during the night. Tickets are $40 and include all transportation and admissions charges.

Family among those giving to Cunningham Children's Home

URBANA – Thanks to generous toy collectors, there are no Oliver Twists at Cunningham Children's Home.

Perhaps the donors of bags and boxes full of toys and clothes remember Charles Dickens' tale of hungry and overworked children at an English orphanage in the 1830s.

Chorale planning inspirational theme for New Year's Eve gala

The Chorale's founder and music director Julie Beyler began thinking this past summer about what kind of music she wanted to present at the choral group's New Year's Eve gala.

She decided then on songs of inspiration, feeling that they are needed now.

"It just seemed to me we were all heavily involved in one way or another on one side or the other of the political issues and economic issues," she said.

Champaign artist wins drawing/watercolor competition

CHARLESTON – Judy Dethmers of Champaign won the Newton E. Tarble Memorial Best-Of-Show Purchase Award at the 17th Drawing/Watercolor: Illinois Biennial Exhibition at the Tarble Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University.

Dethmers, who has a master's degree in art from EIU, received the award for her colored pencil drawing "Weavings: Rupert."

Author preaches power of persistence in writing for children

URBANA – Alice B. McGinty gets excited about writing for children. A resident of Urbana, she has penned 40 books for children since she started writing 23 years ago.

She spends her days writing new books, working on educational material, visiting schools, participating in her critique group, volunteering for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and teaching classes about writing for children.

Group helps aspiring children's-book writers deal with issues

Writing children's books is a creative, fun idea. And everybody's doing it. Celebrities are doing it. Retired teachers are doing it. Stay-at-home parents are doing it.

With wildly successful book sales and movies for the Harry Potter, Spiderwick Chronicles and Twilight series, many people are beginning to wonder if they've got a children's book in them somewhere.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Donation ornaments remain on Danville's Give Joy Tree

DANVILLE – Give Joy Trees have ornaments still to be claimed.

The Give Joy Tree at the Village Mall Elder Beerman was originally adorned with 204 green paper ornaments bearing the names, ages and wishes of members of the Boys & Girls Club of Danville. Around 100 club members are still awaiting a benefactor.

Tips to help make your holiday spirits greener this year

Household waste increases by more than 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to recycleworks.org.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

UI set to begin short, intensive foreign-language programs

URBANA – The School of Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at the University of Illinois will offer its Intensive Foreign Language Instruction Program from Jan. 5 to 16.

The program offers a unique learning opportunity that provides foreign language instruction during the summer and winter breaks.

Commentary adds magic to pithy 'Tales of Beedle the Bard'

J.K. Rowling's "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" is packaged perfectly for holiday snacking. The slim collection – anchored by five fairy tales – relies on magic, of course, to convey its message. It was referenced in the final Harry Potter installment, much like "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and "Quidditch Through the Ages" were mentioned in earlier Potter books.

Depending on your reading pace, this book is a very, very short read (111 pages). I felt almost jilted when I noticed each page's huge margins, though the feeling was remedied by the well-known fact that Rowling and American publisher Scholastic are donating the net proceeds from this endeavor to the Children's High Level Group, a children's rights organization co-founded by Rowling.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Promotional image sought for Boneyard Arts Festival in April

CHAMPAIGN – It's not too early now to think of spring, specifically the 2009 Boneyard Arts Festival in April. The chief festival organizer, 40 North / 88 West, Champaign County's Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council, invites local artists to submit work to be considered for use as the Boneyard Arts Festival promotional image. The deadline is Jan. 7.

All works submitted will be evaluated by local arts professionals. The work selected will be announced no later than Jan. 13. The promotional image will be used on posters, billboards, print advertising and the cover of festival map, the official guide distributed throughout the county.

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry alight with deals

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is offering some family-friendly deals during the holidays.

One is that general admission will be free for everyone on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. And the museum is offering extended hours on select dates this month. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

WWE 'Raw' event tickets going on sale day after New Year's

CHAMPAIGN – World Wrestling Entertainment Raw and Extreme Championship Wrestling Raw will bring some matches to the University of Illinois Assembly Hall at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Tickets go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Jan. 2.

In one match, John Cena will wrestle Chris Jericho for the world heavyweight championship. In the "RAW Special 2 on 3 Challenge Match," Rey Mysterio and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels will face "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Manu.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Local woman packages joy - and it's bigger than a shoe box

CHAMPAIGN – A 7-year-old girl in an African country soon will be exclaiming over her collection of presents:

A T-shirt picturing a sparkly cat and dog, washcloths, plastic animals, a purple Teddy bear, flip flops, colored markers, tablet of paper, toothbrush and toothpaste, and hard candy.

After adoption, sisters repaying kindnesses they received

ST. JOSEPH – All Loren remembers about the shoe box full of Christmas presents is the picture of the family it came from.

She was a 10-year-old, living in an orphanage in Peru with her two younger sisters.

Chicago museum hosting 'Harry Potter: The Exhibition' in 2009

Heads up, Harry Potter fans: "Harry Potter: The Exhibition," will open at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on April 30, 2009.

Tickets are now on sale online at www.msichicago.org.

UI string ensemble adds Grammy nod to growing list of honors

URBANA – The Pacifica Quartet had a tough assignment nearly three years ago that had nothing to do with performing per se.

The musicians had to spend three hours outside in frigid January weather in Chicago, posing for a cover shot for The Gramophone, the world's leading classical music magazine.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Holiday Tour of Homes to be Sunday in Hoopeston

HOOPESTON – The Hoopeston Area Healthcare Foundation will present a Holiday Tour of Homes from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Featured on the tour are the homes of:

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Danville YMCA holding registration for youth, adult classes

DANVILLE – The Danville Family YMCA is holding open registration for both youth and adult program classes.

Classes for the winter session begin Jan. 5, 2009, and are seven weeks long.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Paxton man named VFW national deputy chief of staff

James Ellis of Paxton has been appointed national deputy chief of staff for the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 2008-2009.

As deputy chief of staff, he will be involved with opening new posts, assisting existing ones and administering bylaws.

Bloomington zoo's reindeer-dropping fundraiser busy but fun

BLOOMINGTON – While the economic forecast is for a poopy Christmas, the zoo in Bloomington is making sure people can buy reindeer poop ornaments.

They come with a tag reading: "Adorn tree with magical gem on Christmas Eve to help Santa and his reindeer find their way."

Choruses, C-U Symphony to perform Holiday Concert

The Other Guys, The Chorale and the Parkland Singers will join the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra at its Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Foellinger Great Hall at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

The music will include "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," "Sing We Now of Christmas," "Jingle Bells," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "It's Christmas Time," "A Gospel Christmas," "Christmas Festival Overture," "Bassoon It will be Christmas" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," narrated by Roger Cooper.

Danville library holding drawing Wednesday for concert tickets

DANVILLE – The Danville Public Library is holding a drawing for two free tickets to the Danville Symphony Orchestra's Saturday concert, "Christmas with Maureen McGovern."

The winning entry will be drawn at 4 p.m. Wednesday and the winner notified by telephone.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Volunteers send holiday packages to troops

CHAMPAIGN – Lori Stewart remembers first hearing a little over a year ago about how some soldiers were virtually forgotten by their families over the holidays.

"One soldier told me they get nothing for Christmas but bills," she recalled. "No letters. No calls. It broke my heart. I want to send every single one of them something."

That last task might be a bit much for Stewart, a 45-year-old Champaign mother of an Army specialist. But she's definitely trying.

On Sunday, Stewart and about 20 other volunteers were accepting and packaging gifts for U.S. troops at the Village Inn Pizza Parlor in Champaign. It's the second year of such an effort for Stewart, who has since 2007 sent Thanksgiving and Christmas care packages to soldiers.

WITY 980 AM to broadcast area school holiday programs

DANVILLE – WITY 980 AM will present its annual broadcast of area school holiday programs beginning Dec. 10.

In the past, the station has aired the programs the week prior to Christmas, but this year has chosen the theme "Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas Concerts" and will air the programs at 1:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. from Dec. 10 through 21.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Glenn Wilson to play Iron Post with Jazz Maniacs

A jazz fan recently wrote on a music Web site that Glenn Wilson is the best baritone saxophonist that you've never heard of and like many great players, had "disappeared" into academe.

Wilson, who has played with the likes of Bruce Hornsby, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton, Tito Puente. Bob Belden and Toshiko Akiyoshi, would beg to differ.

Anticipation building for Maureen McGovern, DSO show

DANVILLE – Everyone who is into Christmas songs should come away humming at least one of their favorites when the Danville Symphony Orchestra holds its holiday concert with special guest Maureen McGovern.

Music director and conductor Jeremy Swerling has only spoken with McGovern once, and the orchestra and artist will only have one rehearsal together before the 7:30 p.m. performance Saturday in the Danville High School auditorium. Swerling has a few butterflies.

'Temptations Christmas and Hits Show' Thursday in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – Unlike some members of the Motown family, Otis Williams, the only surviving member of the original Temptations, didn't get angry over the Hollywood movie "Dreamgirls."

Believed to be a thinly veiled portrait of the Supremes, the Motown label and its charismatic founder Berry Gordy Jr., the 2006 hit movie musical painted an unflattering portrait of Gordy.

12 days of Christmas: Impress your true love with these gifts

Good luck finding eight maids a milking.

"I've never had that request," says Tricia Tarter, a sales representative for Merry Maids in Urbana. The nationwide company sends out maids to homes in need of cleaning. Milking cows or goats, however, is not in the job description.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Paxton Park District hosting Breakfast with Santa

By The News-Gazette

The Paxton Park District will host its annual Breakfast with Santa event Saturday at the Civic Center from 8 to 10 a.m.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Committee announces Festival of Trees winners in Danville

DANVILLE – The Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation and the 2008 Festival of Trees committee recently announced this year's winning entries. Winners are listed by their theme, designer and sponsor:

Area middle, high schools celebrate season, raise funds

Middle and high school groups have both entertainment and fundraising on their agendas this holiday season:

Poets, musicians gather to help WRFU radio station

CHAMPAIGN – A "What Matters" themed benefit show for WRFU will be begin at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Cowboy Monkey, 17 E. Taylor St., C.

The event, featuring local poets and musicians, will raise money for a new permanent tower for the station. Admission will be $4 at the door, with all proceeds benefiting WRFU.

Vermilion County Speedway switching races to Saturdays

DANVILLE – A new promoter based in Greencastle, Ind., will be running the Vermilion County Speedway next year and plans to move race nights to Saturdays.

"We're going to shake things up," said Joe Spiker, 33, of Spiker Promotions, who recently signed a two-year lease with the Vermilion County Fair board, which owns the track and fairgrounds but doesn't run the speedway.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Early American Museum presenting family program Saturday

MAHOMET – The Early American Museum will present the family program, "To Grandmother's House We Go," from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The program will feature present- and ornament-making so that participants may create gifts for family members. The program is geared toward all ages.

Christmas play set Saturday at Danville Masonic Center

DANVILLE – The 32nd Degree Masonic Center will present "Grandpa Hangs the Holly" at 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Masonic Temple.

After tragedy befell Grandpa Howard on Christmas Eve 25 years ago, he has refused to celebrate any holiday season traditions. Instead, he makes life miserable for everyone, including himself. When tragedy threatens his granddaughter, he turns to God and shows everyone what the Christmas spirit really is about.

Holiday comedy closes Charleston Alley Theatre's 18th season

CHARLESTON – The Charleston Alley Theatre will close its 18th season with Christopher Durang's holiday comedy "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge." The play opens Friday.

"Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge" is a playful, cracked look at the perennial Dickens Christmas classic about Ebenezer Scrooge and his discovering the true meaning of Christmas through the visitation of Three Ghosts.

Japan House Holiday Sale on Thursday to feature gift ideas

URBANA – The Japan House Holiday Sale will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday and Dec. 11 and 18.

Tours of the cultural and teaching facility will be available and gifts and artwork will be offered for purchase, including a commemorative Japan House 10th anniversary wool blanket woven by Pendleton Mills and designed by artist Laurie Jacobi, original artwork, books and calendars by Japanese artist Zenkyu Niwa, Japan House tea, and Japan House 10th anniversary commemorative book and note cards.

Boneyard Pottery's holiday show set to start Friday

CHAMPAIGN – The Boneyard Pottery at 403 S. Water St., C, will have a holiday show from Friday through Dec. 24, with the opening reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday.

The show will feature new ceramic work by Michael Schwegmann and Gary Beaumont, jewelry by Patty Lindbloom, and woodwork by John and Charlie Sweitzer. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For information, visit online www.boneyardpottery.com.

Danville Boys & Girls Club presenting free budgeting seminar

DANVILLE – The Boys & Girls Club in Danville is partnering with Western-Southern Financial Group to present a free budgeting seminar at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the club, 850 N. Griffin St.

The seminar will cover setting up personal financial goals and plans, creating and following a budget, understanding your current financial picture and planning for the future.

Danville Area Food Pantry sets 10th annual donation marathon

DANVILLE – The Danville Area Food Pantry will hold its 10th annual Frost Bite Marathon to get food donations and gift certificates.

Food pantry volunteers will collect food at a Pepsi trailer in Towne Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Collection barrels will also be available at the County Market location at the Village Mall.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Speakers to discuss battling depression with mind, body

CHAMPAIGN – A psychiatrist and a certified yoga teacher/Pilates instructor will offer a workshop on Saturday on "Using Your Mind and Body to Recover from Depression."

The workshop will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Savoy Room, Hawthorn Suites Hotel, southwest corner of Neil and Kirby streets, Champaign. Participants are to wear comfortable clothes that allow gentle stretching. The workshop fee is $20.

C-U storytellers to present benefit concert Wednesday

URBANA – The C-U Storytelling Guild will present a benefit concert starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Iron Post for the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.

Admission is a donation of $5 or more.

'Map Light' fuses theater, dance into 'performance novel'

URBANA – The University of Illinois Department of Theatre and Dance will present three performances of the original, jazz-influenced process piece "Map Light" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the Studio Theatre at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

The public performances are the culmination of semester-long work with students led by guest artist Laurie Carlos, an actress in the original production of "for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf."

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Play inspired by UI grad's book to be presented in Chicago

Best-selling author Iris Chang continues to inspire other writers even after, or maybe because of, her suicide four years ago.

Last year saw the release of a book on Chang, written by a friend who had been a classmate of hers at the University of Illinois, and a feature-length documentary by a pair of Toronto-based filmmakers.

'Discernment' to showcase trio of artists' work

CHAMPAIGN – Three artists will show their works in an exhibition titled "Discernment," opening Friday at the Springer Cultural Center, 301 N. Randolph St., C.

The show will feature sculptures and metal works by Michael Collins, sculptures by Gina Manola and drawings and paintings by Gabriel Mejia.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Organization distributes Thanksgiving baskets

CHAMPAIGN – The turkeys were plump, the mood jolly and the food plentiful – at least at the start.

So was the line of people waiting to be fed.

Restoration Urban Ministries handed out its annual Thanksgiving baskets Tuesday, and by the time the pantry opened at 10 a.m., a line of 60 people snaked around the building on Parkland Court and the parking lot was full.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

I space exhibit explores concept, nature of human duality

The boundaries of human duality are expanded and examined in an exhibition on view through Dec. 20 at I space, the Chicago gallery of the University of Illinois.

"CarianaCarianne: Relational Compositions" explores the concept of dual identities within a single being, as represented by two artists occupying a single body.

Art Institute of Chicago's lion-wreathing ceremony set Friday

The Art Institute of Chicago will launch its holiday schedule Friday with its 17th annual "Wreathing of the Lions" ceremony.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on the museum's front steps at Michigan Avenue and Adams Street and feature musical performances. In addition, free admission will be offered to the first 200 adults (kids 12 and younger are always admitted free).

Delta Sigma Theta sets scholarship ball, gala for Dec. 6

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign-Urbana Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will celebrate its 35th anniversary with its annual Gala and Scholarship Ball on Dec. 6 at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1802 S. First St., C.

One of the sorority's projects is to provide scholarships to college-bound women from the Champaign, Urbana, Danville and Rantoul areas who are outstanding graduating high school seniors who will attend an accredited college or university. The event helps raise funds for that project.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Tree lighting, parade set to open holiday season in Paxton

PAXTON – The Christmas season officially starts in Paxton with its tree-lighting and parade this week.

Friday night, the festivities start with the tree lighting at State and Market streets at 7 p.m. Afterward, Patricia Milchuck will read a Christmas story to children at the Paxton Firehouse.

Illini football fans in prime seats enjoy suite eats at stadium

CHAMPAIGN – "Grapes, someone wants grapes."

Don Block's walkie-talkie is squawking at him. It's about 90 minutes before kickoff at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium on the last home game of the season. With more than 2,000 people to feed, the director of dining services for the UI Housing Division is on the move. From the stadium's new second-floor kitchen, he'll make several trips up to the west-side luxury seating areas to assure both the food and the service meet fans' expectations.

"Do we even have grapes today?" asks a food employee, who snatches a moldy blackberry off a fresh fruit tray that's being served as part of a pregame breakfast.

What fans eat at the 85-year-old stadium depends on where they sit. Most buy their sandwiches, popcorn and soft drinks from concession stands positioned through the stadium.

But fans who have spent thousands of dollars to sit in the stadium's new luxury areas have much different food and drink choices.

Women of Distinction award nominations due by Dec. 5

Nominations are due for the 2009 Women of Distinction awards.

Sponsored by the Green Meadows Girl Scout Council, the awards honor women who inspire others, stand out in their field or have had an impact on their community.

Children's author to sign books Friday at Pages for All Ages

SAVOY – Published children's author and Mattoon native Diane Z. Shore (www.dianezshore.com) will sign copies of her books at 11 a.m. Friday at Pages for All Ages Bookstore in Savoy.

While in Champaign visiting relatives, Shore, who lives in Marietta, Ga., also will visit Garden Hills and Westview elementary schools and Countryside School.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Playboy visits UI for input on its new 'mobisode' series

URBANA – The reality show screened at the University of Illinois' Lincoln Hall Wednesday night wasn't much different from those you see on television.

It featured hip-hop music, flashy shots, funny situations, and of course, some conflict.

Natural landscape photographer to speak at Prairie Rivers event

CHAMPAIGN – Tim Palmer, an award-winning photographer of America's rivers and natural landscapes, will talk at a local dinner Friday night.

He will be at the 11th annual dinner sponsored by Prairie Rivers Network. It starts with a social hour at 6 p.m. Friday, followed by the 7 p.m. dinner, at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1802 S. First St., C.

Vermilion Festival Chorus' 'Christmas Celebration' set Sunday

DANVILLE – The Vermilion Festival Chorus will present "A Christmas Celebration" at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 100 N. Franklin St.

The program includes choral selections from "Magnificat" by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the Vermilion Festival Chorus Children's Choir joining the adult chorus for a series of traditional carols and organ performances by Jonathan Myers and David Schroeder.

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.