April 2015

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Apr 2015

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The Power of Music and Image: The International Youth Silent Film Festival An Affluent Season: The Rise of Popular Culture Conventions Kathy Gomric: Local Escape Artist

April 2015

Issue

Kathy Gomric

Serving Up Art, Music,StraightUpMagazine.net and Culture for the Metro Str8Up Area’s Enjoyment 1 Magazine

Inside Page

April 2015

Editors Word – February 2015 February 2015! The 31st monthly edition of Straight Up Magazine, ‘Serving Up Art, Music and Culture for the Metro-East’s Enjoyment’. The Metro East deserves its own arts and entertainment magazine. It’s here and it’s called Straight Up!!!

We are pleased to have Charles Anderson as the cover artist for the thirty-first Straight Up edition.

We always thank our writers for their poignant features. We appreciate our fans who have submitted their works for publication. And “Likes” to all you followers on Facebook!!!

Straight Up loves you!!!!

Like Straight Up on Facebook & receive daily entertainment updates, photos, videos & more.

The mission of Straight Up Magazine is to support local arts and artists and the businesses and organizations that support local arts and artists. Please feel free to contact us with ideas, comments, information, etc. that might assist us in our mission to serve you, the residents of the Metro region.

Enjoy Str8 Up. Tell your friends. Send us your work. And visit our website at StraightUpMagazine.net (You can scan our QRC on the cover). You’ll see Straight Up Magazine at over 300 area distribution locations. And we’ll see you at the clubs, theatres and festivals all over the Metro-East.

Contact Straight Up Magazine:

PO Box 412 – Belleville IL, 62222; (618) 416-2289 straightup@straightupmagazine.net.

The Editors thank you!!!

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Staff

April Credits

Editors: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert, Daniel Nygard Layout Design Artists: Michelle Reynolds, Sierra Wilson, Jacob Oliver, Victoria Dietzen, Shenee Booth Sales: Paul Seibert, Daniel Nygard Ad Artists: Wil Sullivan, Mark Polege, Michelle Reynolds, Crystal Cooley Calendar: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert, Michelle Reynolds, Shenee Booth Website Design: Mark Polege (MarkusDesignWorks.com), Michelle Reynolds Photography: Dan Cross Distribution: Brenton Ebersole; Brian Gardner, Daniel Nygard, Kaila Ryan, Shenee Booth, Victoria Dietzen, Paul Seibert

Contributors

Cover Art: Kathy Gomric (Artwork titled: “Blended Family”) Cover Logo: Josh Rowan (JoshuaRowan.com) Photography: Dan Cross, Mark Polege, Mark Johnson Feature Writers: Dan Cross, John Dorroh, Stephen Harrick, Mark Johnson, Paul Seibert Submissions: Kathy Gomric, Alexander Sims, Katelyn Stapleton, Alison Lysakowski All material in this publication and its affiliated on-line content are copyrighted to the individual contributors or Straight Up Magazine, LLC and may not be reproduced without written consent. We are very grateful to those who have submitted material to be considered for publication. However, the opinions and views of those contributing content to Straight Up do not necessarily reflect those of Str8 Up Magazine.

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Table of Contents

6

April 2015

The Power of Music and Image:

The International Youth Silent Film Festival

22

An Affluent Season:

25

Kathy Gomric:

28

Think SPRING!

30

Irish Image Awards

31

Submissions

The Rise of Popular Culture Conventions

Local Escape Artist

Belleville Old Town Farmers Market

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Str8 Up Magazine Can Be Found At All of These

April 2015

Conveniently Local Metro-Area Distribution Locations:

Alton

Alton Sports Tap AmTrak Chez Marilyn Doc Holiday’s Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire Frank’s Restaurant Jacoby Art Center Mike’s Ten Pin

Belleville

10th Street Baking Co 4204 Main Street Brewing Co. Adrenaline Prints Almighty Tattoos Althoff CHS Art Dept Anthony’s Salon Bamboo Valley Buffet Bank of Belleville Beast Cafe Beatnik’s Bel-Air Bowl Belle Clair Expo Cente Belleville Inn & Suites Belleville Main Street Belleville Public Libraries (West Main; East Washington) Ben’s Crafts & Floral Blissfull Living Studio BP Huck’s Locations (Carlyle Ave; N. Illinois St.) Bronx Zoo Boutique Cattywampus Centerfield Bar and Grill Chamber of Commerce Christopher Mikal Photo.

Circa City Hall Club Escapade Conoco Phillips Crehan’s Irish Pub Dog Day Afternoon Drawing Fantasies by Kathy Dutch Hollow Barn Eckert Florist Effinger’s Garden Center Facial Rejuvenation Center 4

Str8Up Magazine

(Now Available at Over 300 Locations!)

Fischer’s Restaurant Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap Forgotten Treasures Geo’s Wings & More Governor French Gallery Grappa Growlers Green Forest Vapors Hair on Main Happy Hops Homebrew Hardee’s (S. Belt East) Harter’s Hobby House Hicks Bar-B-Que Hippie Daze Hite Auto Body and Repair Imo’s Pizza Irish Market Place Jazzy Girl Junction Coffee & Frozen Yogurt (Formerly Peachy’s Frozen Yogurt) JR’s Last Call Kaleidoscopic Kafé Katherine Frazier State Farm Kelso Auto Body League Lounge Lindenwood University Local Lucy’s Mabista Salon and Spa Main Street Café Mary’s Hidden Treasures Maytag Laundry Max’s One Stop Melodic Rhythms Metro East Gastroenterology Miscellanea House Nanylou’s Kitchen New Concepts Beauty & Barber North Belt West Liquor Olympic Restaurant Papa Vito’s (E. Washington & N. Belt West) Pitchers Sports Pub & Pizzeria Pizza World Plug N Play Computers Rain Tree Salon

Renaissance Hair & Skin Care Rising Star Too Schnucks Schmidt Art Center @ SWIC Sears Appliance & Hardware Seven Shop N Save Locations (Carlyle Ave, N. Belt West) Simply Sindy Smith Simply Thrift Sips n Splatters Splatter Mania Sole Survivor Leather Southwestern IL College (Art Dept.,Cafe’, Film Dept.)

Spa Demi St E’s Medical Arts Bldg Stein Automotive Stillpointe Wellness Center Sullivan’s Super 8 Motel The Abbey The West Main TOCO Shop Towne & Country Mart Turned Treasures Weingarten Yellow Tomato Imports YMCA East

Cahokia

Cahokia Club KC Hanger Restaurant

Caseyville

America’s Best Inn & Suites First Western Inn Knollwood Retirement Mudbugs Bar & Grill Quality Inn and Suites

Centreville

Terry’s Home & Garden

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Collinsville

Bert’s Chuckwagon Collinsville Public Library Dean’s Farmers Market Fifth Quarter Jim’Pawn & Jewelry Knights of Columbus Public Library Spring Garden Restaurant Swing City Music

Columbia

Chateau La Vin Columbia City Saloon Who Dat’s

Edwardsville

Auto Tire Bailey Cakes Bridal Couture Circle K Edison’s Entertainment Enclave & Enclave West Green Mobile Happy Up Toys Heroic Adventures Mark’s Appliances Public Library Run Well Sacred Grounds Southern IL University (The Alestle Office, Arts & Sciences Dept., Dunham Theatre, Lovejoy Library, Morris University Center) Stagger Inn...Again Stur Restaurant Teaspoon Cafe

Fairview Heights

$1.98 Cleaners Best Western BP Huck’s Casey’s Caseyville Twnshp Bldg China King City Hall Cloud 9 Cafe Lounge

April 2015 Drury Inn Express Medical Care Fairview Lounge Fortel’s Pizza Den Guitar Center Hey Guys Comedy Club Jacob’s Herb Shop Jonnie’s Pizza Just One More Time Hooters Huck’s Lasting Impressions Floral Lilly’s Gyro MotoMart Phillip 66 Gas Mart (Bunkum Rd.) Public Library Quick Stop 2 Quiznos Ramada Inn Randalls Wine & Spirits Sahara Hair Studio Schnucks Sheraton Four Points St. Clair Bowl Sunshine Daydream Super 8 Motel Winchester Place Office VFW

Freeburg

Casey’s Deli Express Skootr’s West Tom’s Supermarket

Glen Carbon Glen Mart

Granite City

Apple Tree Restaurant Southwestern IL College (Cafe’, Fitness Center)

Highland

501 Blues Club CharlieDave’s BBQ Great Clips Highland’s Tru-Buy Randy’s House of BBQ Starlight Gallery

Lebanon

Artimis Fezziwig’s Marketplace Ghost Vapor Shop Hanger 18 Guitar Repair Shop Las Cabanas Lebanon Visitors Center Legendary Creations McKendree University (Art Dept., Gallery of Art, Hett Arts Center, Holman Library) MotoMart Public Library Tiadaghton House Whimsey Gifts

Maryville

Villa Marie Winery

Mascoutah

All Mart Smoke Shop American Legion Bee Hollow Marketplace Best Western Inn & Suites Boyce, Hund, & Associates Casey’s General Store Dauber’s Pharmacy Donna Mae’s Salon Han-Dee Mart Jo-Al Winery Mascoutah Steak House McDonald’s Moore’s Family Restaurant MotoMart Nite Deposit Sax Hometown Store Scott Credit Union St E’s Medical Plaza Tom’s Supermarket Visitor’s Center

CVS Days Inn Drury Inn Egg and I Extended Stay First American Title Frieze Harley Davidson Gas Mart Gias Pizza Hemingway’s Zen Garden Hilton Garden Inn Hometown Barber Knights of Columbus Lake Point Dental LaParilla Restaurant Luckenbooth Gallery McDonald’s Memorial Healthcare/Therapy New Art Legacies Public Library RJ’s Computer Schnucks Shell St. E’s Medical Center Suburban Inn Subway Restaurants (Regency Park, E. US HWY 50) Super 8 Towne Lounge Vetta Sports Walgreens Wood Bakery YMCA

O’Fallon

AC Computers Baymont Inn Candlewood Suites Casey’s Casa Azteca Circle K City Hall CoffeeHouse Co & Salon Country Inn and Suites StraightUpMagazine.net

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Bank of Edwardsville David Anthony Barber Str8Up Magazine

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Arts

April 2015

The Power of Music and Image: The International Youth Silent Film Festival

by Dan Cross

Every film fan and history buff in the Metro East should already appreciate how fortunate we are to have not only an actual, operating drive-in movie theater (the Skyview, one of fewer than 400 drive-ins left in America) but also one of the last remaining theater organs at the historic Lincoln Theater. Now, that giant, wonderful pipe organ, which can be heard between movies every weekend evening, has given us something else to be thankful for here in the Metro East. It helped Belleville attract a fantastic film event that will take place on April 11: the International Youth Silent Film Festival.

Founded by Jon Palanuk in Portland, Oregon six years ago, the festival challenges young filmmakers (only those under age 21 can compete) to make a three-minute silent film in one of seven different genres (romance, comedy, science fiction, etc.). Completed films are sent to a panel of judges (which has included filmmakers Gus van Sant and Tom de Santo and novelist Chuck Palahniuk). The winning entries then screen with live musical accompaniment. The festival has expanded to four locations in two continents (the US and Australia) and is still growing.

The event at the Lincoln will feature the best films from the Midwest region, which spans eight states. Accompanying the films on the Lincoln’s mighty pipe organ will be Nathan Avakian, who, at age 17, won the National Young Organist Competition held by the American Theater Organ Society. Avakian also

composed the seven musical themes that will make up the soundtrack of the films.

“That is one of the surprise gifts the festival gives to audiences: the thrill of seeing an organist performing live along with the movies,” says festival founder Palanuk.

Palanuk started the festival after seeing Avakian perform a live film score in Portland. “I was so moved by the experience, I kept thinking that I would like to help bring silent films with live music to new audiences, especially young people.”

The idea took off. “We have received many more submissions than we expected,” Palanuk explained. “The technology required to make movies is getting cheaper and more available all the time. We get some hi-def submissions, but we also get some very grainy, cell phone movies, but the format of silent movies often makes grainy images work incredibly well.”

The positive effect the festival has on the young filmmakers who participate is significant. Palanuk explains, “One of my favorite things about the festival is the amazing transformation you see in these young filmmakers; many are shy and introverted at the beginning of the night, but we invite all the filmmakers up on stage, and by the end of the screening, their chests are up in the air, you can see the capes waving behind them; it is magic!”

Scene from All’s Fair in Love and War by Miles Howell

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April 2015

Two of the young people who experienced the thrill of seeing their film screen in the festival are Maeve and Fiona Donley, who, at age 16 and 14 respectively, made a film called “Aggression” which won First Place in the Midwest Region in 2013.

members is a really beneficial tool that you can use to hone your storytelling capabilities. Another cool thing about this particular festival is that the films must be silent, which allows the participants to tell their stories purely through images.

You have to find a more creative way to express an idea rather than just having a character say it outright.”

If all this is not enough to convince you how cool this event is, and how lucky we are to be hosting it in Belleville, let me add a few more things: 1) The emphasis on live musical accompaniment has led the festival to form a partnership with the American Theater Organ Society to help preserve and restore historic theaters with organs.

2) The festival also collaborates with educators to create curricula that high school teachers can use to help students learn filmmaking. “We often work with teachers with no film experience,” says Palanuk, “teachers in other areas, like English or history who want to use filmmaking as a learning tool for their students.”

3) Filmmakers enter the contest for free. “We are not interested in making money,” Palanuk explains. “Our goal is creating confidence in our young people, to give them an opportunity to have adults applaud what they do; we don’t want any economic barriers getting in the way of that.” How cool is that?

Scene from Aggression by Miles Howell

4) Last but not least, tickets to the festival are FREE for students (including college students) with a valid school ID. How cool is that????

Visit www.makesilentfilm.com for more information, to reserve tickets, and to watch some of the winning films from previous years. There is only one

“It was AMAZING to see Aggression on the big screen!” Fiona explained.

“It took many hours of intense work, but that’s all worth it to screen your movie in showing of these films, at 1:00 on Saturday, April 11, so don’t miss it! front of a live audience!”

Come out and celebrate our community’s beautiful, historic theater, the talent and hard work of America’s next generation of filmmakers, and the glori The Donleys’ award-winning film is a very clever and funny thriller about ous history of cinema, an age when stories were told solely through the power of a girl who suddenly finds household objects coming to life and turning against her. The film includes sequences with brilliantly executed stop-motion animation, music and images. amazing when you consider the age of the filmmakers.

What: The International Youth Silent Film Festival

“We learned how to make movies simply by trial and error,” says Fiona.

“If we did something and it worked, we continued to do it. We actually began with Where: The Lincoln Theater, 103 East Main Street, Belleville IL stop motion animation, which is part of the reason why we put some into “AggresWhen: Saturday, April 11th at 1pm sion”.”

Fiona’s entry to this year’s festival, which Palanuk describes as absolutely brilliant, is a sci-fi story about a rover’s adventures on Mars, done completely in 3D animation. “The IYSFF has been an amazing opportunity for me,” Fiona says.

“I believe that it has set me on a more serious path of filmmaking than before.”

How:

www.makesilentfilm.com

Another young Midwestern filmmaker who has excelled in the festival is Miles Howell, who made his winning movie “All’s Fair in Love and War” when he was 15.

“Most of what I know about making movies comes from experience. The only way you can really get good at filmmaking is by actually making a film and discovering what you can do better next time.”

www.lincolntheatre-belleville.com

Howell is not only surprisingly talented for his age, but also incredibly articulate about the benefits this festival provides to young people:

“I think that this festival is a perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to be a filmmaker. It’s sort of like a test-run to gauge how well an audience receives your message, or to see how your cinematography looks in a theater as opposed to a computer screen. Plus, the feedback you get from the judges and audience

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

April 1st (Wednesday)

Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night; 9p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 6p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Open Mic every

Wednesday; 7:30 Liberal Arts Building @ SWIC (Belleville) - Life Experienced Senior

Art Competition Exhibit; sponsored by SWIC and the St Clair

County Office on Aging; exhibit continues through April 9 Major’s (O’Fallon) - Whiskey Dixon Acoustic every Wednesday; 8p Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Wednesday; 9:30p-1:30a *Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Tenacious Trivia now every Wednesday; 8p PSOP (Belleville) - Gateway East Artist Guild monthly meeting;

botanical artist Jody Williams will demonstrate materials and

techniques specific to botanical art with a focus on watercolor

painting; 6p PSOP/SWIC (Belleville) - Line Dancing; Our instructor, Carol

Schwartz, will show you new line dances and techniques each

week. This is a great group to dance with, so sliiiide on over. Cost

is $2 per session. 1:30-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday; 9p Schmidt Art Center @ SWIC (Belleville) - Annual High School

Student Arts Exhibit; an exhibition of artworks by regional high

school students; Exhibit continues through April 9.

Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Open Mic Night with Jeff Schmitz; 7p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday; to

night featuring Pat Liston; 6p *Villa Marie Winery (Maryville) - Wine All You Want Wednesdays;

“Group Therapy”; leave the men at home, ladies, for an evening

of guaranteed fun; every first Wednesday; 6p-9p Who Dat’s (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7p-11p Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance

Lessons (beginners classes start first Weds of every month); 6:30p-9p

April 2nd (Thursday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Whiskey Dixon Duo; 7p 501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam

Session; 8p Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30p-1:30a Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Karaoke; 8p-12a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke with The Kantina every

Thursday; 7p-11p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A

and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7p Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Bike Night every Thursday night

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Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Steve Zimmerman; 7:30p Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke JRs Last Call (Belleville) - DJ Schwen *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Open Mic Night every Thursday; 7p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Thursday; 4p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Laura Green Blues Band; 8p Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every

Thursday Night Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Night Every Thursday; 7p-10p The Weingarten (Belleville) - Ladies Sip and Shop, featuring Circa

Boutique and live music; 6:30p-8:30p Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30p-10p

April 3rd (Friday)

April 4th (Saturday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Avery Hill; 7p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Friday; 5p-9p Chasers (Belleville) - Mondinband; 3p-7p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live music every Friday; 7:30p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 8p-12a Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Live music Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Steve Zimmerman; 8p Johnny’s Sidebar (Collinsville) - Clenched Fist - six metal bands; 6p *Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - Live music Laurie’s (Edwardsville) - Live music; 9:30p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live music every Friday, tonight featuring

Brad Noe; 7p Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night

from 7p-11p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 9p SeVen (Belleville) - Pat Liston; 9p-12a Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Sit N Bull (New Memphis) - Good Friday Celebration with Stan

Denton and The Wanted; 8p-12a Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

and Saturday; 6p-9p The Abbey (Belleville) - First Friday Jazz; 8p-12a The Weingarten (Belleville) - Clark Rowden; 6p-10p Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant (Swansea) - Karaoke every Friday; 7p-11p 4204 Main Street Brewing Company (Belleville) - Hands Off; 7:30p- 11:30p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Saturday; 2-9p

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

Alton Sports Tap (Alton) - DJ / Karaoke every Saturday; 9p-1a Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - Mississippi Valley Chapter of

the American Brewerania Association Brewery Collectables

Show and Sale BoBeck’s Sports Bar & Grill (Waterloo) - Live DJ spins your favs; 9p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live Music; 7:30p Chubby’s (Alton) - Eastside Acoustic every Saturday; 7p-11p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live Music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music; 8p-12a Cutters (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group

runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and

Saturday morning at 8a. Saturday morning runs meet at the

parking lot behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Karaoke every Saturday night; 8p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Steve Zimmerman; 8p

and 10p Johnny’s Sidebar (Collinsville) - J-Town; 10p-2a Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Saturday Jam Session w/ Mo’

Pleasure; 2p-6p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9p *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live Music every Saturday, tonight featuring

Scrambled; 7p Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9p-2a Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Silver Creek Saloon (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9p-1a Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

and Saturday The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning

East Side Road Ride; 7a

April 6th (Monday)

April 7th (Tuesday)

April 8th (Wednesday)

Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Monday Trivia; hosted by Delish Trish; 7p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday Roemer Topf (Mascoutah) - Celtica every first Monday Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday; 9p Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; 6p Highway 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) - Open Mic Blues Night

every Tuesday with Matt Davis and Darrow Washington; 7:30p- 11:30p Lindenwood Auditorium (Belleville) - Lindenwood University

Speakers Series features Erin Bode; Erin will present the path to

her vocal career along with an 80 minute performance; 6:30p *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Living Literary Society meetup every

Tuesday; 6p-9p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Tuesday; 9p Southwestern Illinois College (Belleville) - SUIE Steel Band in

Concert; 7:30p V and H Recreation (Breese) - Open Mic every Tuesday, hosted by

Marcus Kruep; 7p-11p Village Inn (Pontoon Beach) - J Christopher every Tuesday; 7p-11p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night; 9p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday

April 5th (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Sunday; 2p-6p Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 7p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Mike Lacey every Sunday; 3p-6p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - First Sunday Jam with Paul Bonn and

The Bluesmen; 4p-8p Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7p Hawg Pit (Grafton) - Rogers and Nienhaus; 1p-5p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Sunday; 9:30p-1:30a *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Old Fashioned Sunday Social; 1-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 9p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 6p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Open Mic every

Wednesday; 7:30 Major’s (O’Fallon) - Whiskey Dixon Acoustic every Wednesday; 8p Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Wednesday; 9:30p-1:30a *Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Tenacious Trivia now every Wednesday; 8p PSOP/SWIC (Belleville) - Line Dancing; Our instructor, Carol

Schwartz, will show you new line dances and techniques each

week. This is a great group to dance with, so sliiiide on over.

Cost is $2 per session. 1:30-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Open Mic Night with Jeff Schmitz; 7p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday; 6p Who Dat’s (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7p-11p Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance

Lessons (beginners classes start first Weds of every month); 6:30p-9p

April 9th (Thursday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Live Music every Thursday

night; 7p 501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8p Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30p-1:30a Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Karaoke; 8p-12a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke with The Kantina every

Thursday; 7p-11p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A

and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Downtown (Lebanon) - Sip N Shop Ladies Night; Participating

merchants will be pouring complimentary beverages and

offering light snacks while you shop in the stores tonight; 4p-8p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7p Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Bike Night every Thursday night Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - David Dyer; 7:30p Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke JRs Last Call (Belleville) - DJ Schwen *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Open Mic Night every Thursday; 7p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Thursday; 4p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Live music every Thursday; 8p Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every

Thursday Night Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Night Every Thursday; 7p-10p The Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville) - The classic movie musical

“Singing In The Rain”, Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie

Reynolds; 7p 10

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Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30p-10p

April 10th (Friday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Paul Konya; 7p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Friday; 5p-9p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live music every Friday; 7:30p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Rogers and Nienhaus; 7p-11p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Gabrielle’s Dance Studio (Belleville) - Ballroom Dance Social; 8:30p-10:30p Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Live music Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - David Dyer; 8p Laurie’s (Edwardsville) - Live music; 9:30p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live music every Friday, tonight featuring

Landon; 7p Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night

from 7p-11p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 9p SeVen (Belleville) - Clark Rowden; 8p-12a Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Clusterpluck; 10p *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

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April 2015

and Saturday; 6p-9p The Abbey (Belleville) - Live music; 7:30p-10:30p Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant (Swansea) - Karaoke every Friday; 7p-11p

April 11th (Saturday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Company (Belleville) - Live Music; 7:30p- 11:30p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Saturday; 2-9p Alton Sports Tap (Alton) - DJ / Karaoke every Saturday; 9p-1a BoBeck’s Sports Bar & Grill (Waterloo) - Live DJ spins your favs; 9p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live Music; 7:30p Chubby’s (Alton) - Eastside Acoustic every Saturday; 7p-11p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live Music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music; 8p-12a Cutters (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Downtown (Belleville) - St Clair County Historical Society Museum

Open House Day and Latin Farmer German Heritage Tour Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot

behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - Suzuki Concert; 2p Everett Moody Park (Fairview Heights) - 2nd Annual HeroInside

Family Fun Day; 11a-11p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Karaoke every Saturday night; 8p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - David Dyer; 8p and 10p Hough Park (Belleville) - Mutual Aide Picnic – Belleville Solidarity

Group; Free food, free clothes, free hygiene items, free home

supplies. Bring what you can, take what you need. Come join us

in Solidarity as we come together as a community; every second

Saturday. 1p-5p *Knights of Columbus (O’Fallon) - 36th Annual Fiddle Contest and

Bluegrass Show hosted by George Portz; five hours of fiddlin’,

pickin’ and down home bluegrass; 5p Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Saturday Jam Session w/ Mo’

Pleasure; 2p-6p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Lincoln Theatre (Belleville) - International Youth Silent Film Festival,

Midwest Regionals; 1p No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9p *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live Music every Saturday, tonight featuring

Joe Truttman / Ron Wooley Duo; 7p Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9p-2a Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Silver Creek Saloon (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Skootr’s West (Freeburg) - Mike and Ken Duo; 8p-12a Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9p-1a Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music

*Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

and Saturday The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning

East Side Road Ride; 7a The Hett @ McKendree University (Lebanon) - John Lithgow, Stories

by Heart, his critically acclaimed one-man theatrical memoir; 7:30p The Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville) - Gypsy, live concert and

documentary filming; be part of rock history; 5p and 8p

April 12th (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Sunday; 2p-6p Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - Motorcycle Swap Meet; featuring

over 300 booths of new and used parts and accessories; 7a Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 7p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Mike Lacey every Sunday; 3p-6p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - First Sunday Jam with Paul Bonn and

The Bluesmen; 4p-8p Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Sunday; 9:30p-1:30a *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Old Fashioned Sunday Social; 1-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Country Bill Edwards and The Cadillac

Daddies; 4p Silver Creek Saloon (Belleville) - Rogers and Nienhaus; 4p-8p

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

St Paul UCC (Belleville) - Fine Arts Concert Series featuring the

Funky Butt Brass Band; 3p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night The Hett @ McKendree University (Lebanon) - St Louis Brass Band;

British Brass... St Louis Spirit; twenty-eight professional brass

and percussion performers bring the sound of traditional

England; 3p

April 13th (Monday)

April 14th (Tuesday)

April 15th (Wednesday)

Belle Court Manor (Belleville) - Young Women of Achievement

Awards Program honoring young women attending Belleville

High Schools; keynote speak, Grammy Award winning Ameri

can soprano, Christine Brewer; presented by Rotary Club of

Belleville; 7p Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Monday Trivia; hosted by Delish Trish; 7p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday; 9p Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; 6p Highway 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) - Open Mic Blues Night

every Tuesday with Matt Davis and Darrow Washington; 7:30p- 11:30p *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Living Literary Society meetup every

Tuesday; 6p-9p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Tuesday; 9p V and H Recreation (Breese) - Open Mic every Tuesday, hosted by

Marcus Kruep; 7p-11p Village Inn (Pontoon Beach) - J Christopher every Tuesday; 7p-11p

Who Dat’s (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7p-11p Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance

Lessons (beginners classes start first Weds of every month); 6:30p-9p

April 16th (Thursday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Whiskey Dixon Duo; 7p 501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8p Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30p-1:30a Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Karaoke; 8p-12a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke with The Kantina every

Thursday; 7p-11p Downtown (Belleville) - Belleville Main Street Downtown Diva Night;

an exciting ladies night out! Starting at Eckert’s Florist; After

party at Big Daddy’s 618; 5-8p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A

and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7p Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Bike Night every Thursday night Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - James Johann; 7:30p Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke JRs Last Call (Belleville) - DJ Schwen *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Open Mic Night every Thursday; 7p

Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night; 9p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 6p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Open Mic every

Wednesday; 7:30 Major’s (O’Fallon) - Whiskey Dixon Acoustic every Wednesday; 8p Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Wednesday; 9:30p-1:30a *Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Tenacious Trivia now every Wednesday; 8p PSOP/SWIC (Belleville) - Line Dancing; Our instructor, Carol

Schwartz, will show you new line dances and techniques each

week. This is a great group to dance with, so sliiiide on over.

Cost is $2 per session. 1:30-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Open Mic Night with Jeff Schmitz; 7p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday; to

night featuring Pat Liston; 6p The Hett @ McKendree University (Lebanon) - McCammon

Distinguished Speaker Series presents Carl Bernstein,

Journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner who assisted in breaking

the Watergate scandal; 7:30p 12

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April 2015

Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Thursday; 4p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Live music every Thursday; 8p Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every

Thursday Night Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music

The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Night Every Thursday; 7p-10p Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30p-10p

April 17th (Friday)

April 18th (Saturday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Ross Kincaid; 7p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Friday; 5p-9p Art Park Ost and Gallery (Granite City) - Live-Figure Drawing hosted

by Jake Sedabres; meet with artists, musicians, poets and more; 7p-9p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live music every Friday; 7:30p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 8p-12a Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Live music Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - James Johann; 8p Johnny’s Sidebar (Collinsville) - Ohm and The Resistance; 9p Laurie’s (Edwardsville) - Live music; 9:30p Leemon Field @ McKendree University (Lebanon) - McKendree Mile;

Starts and ends on McKendree’s Leemon Field. In between, the

course winds through McKendree University’s campus while

you conquer various obstacles and challenges. Dance to the

music as you go! 6:30p-9p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Lindenwood Auditorium @ Lindenwood University (Belleville) -

More “Love, Laughs and Loss”; One Act Play Series; 7:30p *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live music every Friday, tonight featuring

Landon; 7p Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night

from 7p-11p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 9p Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Skootr’s West (Freeburg) - Clark Rowden; 8p-12a Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

and Saturday; 6p-9p The Abbey (Belleville) - Live music; 7:30p-10:30p Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant (Swansea) - Karaoke every Friday; 7p-11p

Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - Belleville Flea Market; Southern

Illinois’ Premier indoor/Outdoor Market – Over 600 tables and

300-400 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, merchandise – old

and new. Indoor/Outdoor Year Round. $2 parking; Free

admission; 9a-4p BoBeck’s Sports Bar & Grill (Waterloo) - Live DJ spins your favs; 9p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live Music; 7:30p Chez Marilyn (Alton) - Mondinband; 9p-1a Chubby’s (Alton) - Eastside Acoustic every Saturday; 7p-11p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night C K & L of I Country Club (Swansea) - Tribute to Country Music Stars;

featuring Ray Price, Patsy Cline, Norville Dollar, Hank Williams

Sr, Connie Smith and George Jones; presented by the Optimist

Club of Belleville; proceeds support Youth Activities; 7p-10p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live Music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music; 8p-12a Cutters (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot

behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Karaoke every Saturday night; 8p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - James Johann; 8p

and 10p

4204 Main Street Brewing Company (Belleville) - Eugene & Co; 7:30p-11:30p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Saturday; 2-9p Alton Sports Tap (Alton) - DJ / Karaoke every Saturday; 9p-1a StraightUpMagazine.net

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

*Knights of Columbus (Fairview Heights) - Midwest Salute To The

Arts Trivia Night; raffles, silent auction, cash prizes; benefits the

27th Annual Midwest Salute To The Arts; doors at 6p; trivia

begins at 7p Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Saturday Jam Session w/ Mo’

Pleasure; 2p-6p Lindenwood Auditorium @ Lindenwood University (Belleville) -

More “Love, Laughs and Loss”; One Act Play Series; 7:30p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Moose Lodge (Edwardsville) - Trivia Night benefit for Hospice of

Southern Illinois; doors at 6pm; trivia begins at 7pm No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9p *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live Music every Saturday, tonight featuring

Ryan Spriggs; 7p Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9p-2a Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Silver Creek Saloon (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9p-1a Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

and Saturday The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning

East Side Road Ride; 7a The Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville) - Jack Schmitt Concert Series

presents: eLEVATION, U2 tribute; 8pm

April 20th (Monday)

April 21st (Tuesday)

Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Monday Trivia; hosted by Delish Trish; 7p *Cloud 9 Cafe Lounge and Emporium (Fairview Heights) - Grand

Opening Celebration featuring the electrifying sound of Steve

Ewing of The Urge; 7p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday Katy Cavins Center (O’Fallon) - Auditions for “Aladdin”, a Missoula

Children’s Theatre production; for April 24 and 25; registration

3:30-4pm; auditions begin promptly at 4pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday; 9p Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; 6p Highway 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) - Open Mic Blues Night

every Tuesday with Matt Davis and Darrow Washington; 7:30p- 11:30p *Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - The Sophisticated

Jazz of The Philosophers; 7p *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Living Literary Society meetup every

Tuesday; 6p-9p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Tuesday; 9p The Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville) - The Boxmasters, featuring Billy

Bob Thornton; 8p V and H Recreation (Breese) - Open Mic every Tuesday, hosted by

Marcus Kruep; 7p-11p Village Inn (Pontoon Beach) - J Christopher every Tuesday; 7p-11p

April 19th (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Sunday; 2p-6p Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - Belleville Flea Market; Southern

Illinois’ Premier Indoor/Outdoor Market – Over 600 tables and

300-400 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, merchandise –

old and new. Indoor/Outdoor Year Round. $2 parking; Free

admission; 9a-4p Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 7p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Mike Lacey every Sunday; 3p-6p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live music every Sunday; 4p-8p Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday Lindenwood Auditorium @ Lindenwood University (Belleville) -

More “Love, Laughs and Loss”; One Act Play Series; 2p Loading Dock (Grafton) - Mondinband; 2p-6p Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Sunday; 9:30p-1:30a *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Old Fashioned Sunday Social; 1-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Live music every Sunday; 4p St Paul UCC (Belleville) - Masterwork Chorale Concert; Voices of

Spring: Water Music; 3p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night *Villa Marie Winery (Maryville) - Chico’s Fashion Show; prizes,

fashion tips, good food and wine; light lunch at 1p; show at 2p

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

April 22nd (Wednesday)

April 23rd (Thursday)

Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night; 9p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - The Stephen

Sondheim musical “Into The Woods”; based on characters by the

Brothers Grimm; 7:30p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 6p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Open Mic every

Wednesday; 7:30 Major’s (O’Fallon) - Whiskey Dixon Acoustic every Wednesday; 8p Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Wednesday; 9:30p-1:30a *Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Tenacious Trivia now every Wednesday; 8p PSOP/SWIC (Belleville) - Line Dancing; Our instructor, Carol

Schwartz, will show you new line dances and techniques each

week. This is a great group to dance with, so sliiiide on over.

Cost is $2 per session. 1:30-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Open Mic Night with Jeff Schmitz; 7p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday; 6p Who Dat’s (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7p-11p Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance

Lessons (beginners classes start first Weds of every month); 6:30p-9p

2008 Trailblazer For Sale 131,000 miles Dent in rear fender. Runs well. $5,000 OBO Call 618-799-1949

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Paul Konya; 7p 501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam

Session; 8p Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30p-1:30a Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Karaoke; 8p-12a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke with The Kantina every

Thursday; 7p-11p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A

and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - The Stephen

Sondheim musical “Into The Woods”; based on characters by the

Brothers Grimm; 7:30p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7p Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Bike Night every Thursday night Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Mo Mandel; 7:30p Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke JRs Last Call (Belleville) - DJ Schwen *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Open Mic Night every Thursday; 7p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Thursday; 4p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Live music every Thursday; 8p Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every

Thursday Night Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music StraightUpMagazine.net

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Night Every Thursday; 7p-10p Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30p-10p

April 24th (Friday)

April 25th (Saturday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Whiskey Dixon Trio; 7p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Friday; 5p-9p Art Park Ost and Gallery (Granite City) - Art Show; live art, folk

music, and an art auction; 7p-9p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live music every Friday; 7:30p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 8p-12a Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - The Stephen

Sondheim musical “Into The Woods”; based on characters by

the Brothers Grimm; 7:30p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Live music Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Mo Mandel; 8p Laurie’s (Edwardsville) - Live music; 9:30p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Milburn Auditorium @ O’Fallon High School (O’Fallon) - “Aladdin”,

a local production of The Missoula Children’s Theater;

sponsored by City of O’Fallon and the O’Fallon Art

Commission and O’Fallon Parks and Recreation; 8p *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live music every Friday, tonight featuring Joe

Truttman / Ron Wooley Duo; 7p Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night

from 7p-11p PSOP (Belleville) - St Clair County Office on Aging Health Fair; health

screenings, massage, breakfast and lunch - all free; 9a-12p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 9p Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Mondinband; 10p-2a *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

and Saturday; 6p-9p The Abbey (Belleville) - Live music; 7:30p-10:30p Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant (Swansea) - Karaoke every Friday; 7p-11p 4204 Main Street Brewing Company (Belleville) - Ken & Mike; 7:30p-11:30p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Saturday; 2-9p Althoff Catholic High School Parking Lot (Belleville) - 3rd Annual

Belleville Ale Fest featuring craft beers from the country; shuttle

provided from Memorial Hospital MetroLink Station; great live

music by Code 2; benefits Greater Belleville Chamber of

Commerce; 1p-5p Alton Sports Tap (Alton) - DJ / Karaoke every Saturday; 9p-1a 16

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April 2015

Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - 10th Anniversary Block Party; Mr BBQ

Pig Roast; live music: Highway 15, 1p; Lil Sister, 3p; Straight 6, 6p Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - St Louis Antique Festival; 10a-5p BoBeck’s Sports Bar & Grill (Waterloo) - Live DJ spins your favs; 9p Chasers (Belleville) - Mondinband; 4p-8p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live Music; 7:30p Chubby’s (Alton) - Eastside Acoustic every Saturday; 7p-11p Cicero’s (St Louis) - Vitamen A with SULLY, last Saturday every month Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live Music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music; 8p-12a Cutters (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot

behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - The Stephen

Sondheim musical “Into The Woods”; based on characters by the

Brothers Grimm; 7:30p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Karaoke every Saturday night; 8p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Mo Mandel; 8p and 10p Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Saturday Jam Session w/ Mo’

Pleasure; 2p-6p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Milburn Auditorium @ O’Fallon High School (O’Fallon) - “Aladdin”,

a local production of The Missoula Children’s Theater;

sponsored by City of O’Fallon and the O’Fallon Art Commission

and O’Fallon Parks and Recreation; 1p *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Death Cafe; people, often strangers,

gather to eat cake, drink tea or coffee, and discuss death; to

increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make

the most of their (finite) lives; a discussion group rather than

grief support or counseling; open to the public; 6p-8p No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9p *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live Music every Saturday, tonight featuring

Brad Noe; 7p Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9p-2a Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Silver Creek Saloon (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Skootr’s West (Freeburg) - Shoes for Larry; 8p-12a Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9p-1a Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday,

Friday and Saturday The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning

East Side Road Ride; 7a Union Methodist Church (Belleville) - “It’s a Grand Night for

Singing”; The Eckert-Woodruff Quartet returns to the Union

Fine Arts Series to take a stroll down the Great White Way as they perform much loved Broadway melodies. 7:30p

April 26th (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Sunday; 2p-6p Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - St Louis Antique Festival; 10a-4p Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 7p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Mike Lacey every Sunday; 3p-6p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - First Sunday Jam with Paul Bonn and

The Bluesmen; 4p-8p Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - The Stephen

Sondheim musical “Into The Woods”; based on characters by

the Brothers Grimm; 2p Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday Lindenwood Auditorium @ Lindenwood University (Belleville) -

Belleville Philharmonic Concert: Musical Tapestry; Hayden’s

“Te Deum” and Buxtehude’s “Alles, was ihr tut” woven into a

program of symphonic delights including Mussorgsky’s

“Pictures at an Exhibition”; 3p Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Sunday; 9:30p-1:30a *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Old Fashioned Sunday Social; 1-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Live music every Sunday; 4p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

*Villa Marie Winery (Maryville) - Open Mic featuring Paul Jarvis; last

Sunday every month; bring on all those aspiring musicians and

groups - especially singer/songwriters! 3p-7p

April 27th (Monday)

Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Monday Trivia; hosted by Delish T

rish; 7p Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - Wind Symphony

Concert; 7:30p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday; 9p

April 28th (Tuesday) Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; 6p Highway 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) - Open Mic Blues Night

every Tuesday with Matt Davis and Darrow Washington; 7:30p- 11:30p *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Living Literary Society meetup every

Tuesday; 6p-9p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Tuesday; 9p V and H Recreation (Breese) - Open Mic every Tuesday, hosted by

Marcus Kruep; 7p-11p Village Inn (Pontoon Beach) - J Christopher every Tuesday; 7p-11p April 29th (Wednesday) Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night; 9p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 6p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Open Mic every

Wednesday; 7:30 Major’s (O’Fallon) - Whiskey Dixon Acoustic every Wednesday; 8p Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Wednesday; 9:30p-1:30a *Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Tenacious Trivia now every Wednesday; 8p PSOP/SWIC (Belleville) - Line Dancing; Our instructor, Carol

Schwartz, will show you new line dances and techniques each

week. This is a great group to dance with, so sliiiide on over.

Cost is $2 per session. 1:30-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Open Mic Night with Jeff Schmitz; 7p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday; to

night featuring Pat Liston; 6p Who Dat’s (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7p-11p Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance

Lessons (beginners classes start first Weds of every month); 6:30p-9p

Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Karaoke; 8p-12a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke with The Kantina every

Thursday; 7p-11p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A

and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - Choral and Orchestra

Concert; 7:30p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7p Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Bike Night every Thursday night Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Untamed Shrews; 7:30p Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke JRs Last Call (Belleville) - DJ Schwen *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Open Mic Night every Thursday; 7p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Thursday; 4p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Live music every Thursday; 8p Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every

Thursday Night Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Night Every Thursday; 7p-10p Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30p-10p

April 30th (Thursday)

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Whiskey Dixon - Duo; 7p 501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam

Session; 8p Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30p-1:30a Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz; 9p 18

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Calendar of Events

May 1 (Friday)

May 2 (Saturday)

April 2015

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Harvest Drive; 7p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Friday; 5p-9p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live music every Friday; 7:30p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 8p-12a Dunham Hall Theater @ SIUE (Edwardsville) - Choral and Orchestra

Concert; 7:30p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Live music Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Untamed Shrews; 8p Laurie’s (Edwardsville) - Live music; 9:30p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live music every Friday; 7p Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night

from 7p-11p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music every Friday; 9p SeVen (Belleville) - Pat Liston; 9p-12a Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

and Saturday; 6p-9p The Abbey (Belleville) - Live music; 7:30p-10:30p Union United Methodist Church (Belleville) - Annual Car Cruise; 6:30p-9p Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant (Swansea) - Karaoke every Friday;

7p-11p

Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot

behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Downtown (Lebanon) - Annual May Market Home and Garden Day;

live music; 9a-5p Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Karaoke every Saturday night; 8p Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Untamed Shrews; 8p

and 10p Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Saturday Jam Session w/ Mo’

Pleasure; 2p-6p Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Loading Dock (Grafton) - Mondinband; 6p-10p *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Open Mic Poetry / Songwriter Jam

Night; Bring your instruments and plug in; All writers and

musicians welcome! 5p No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9p *Papa Vitos (Belleville) - Live Music every Saturday; 7p Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9p-2a Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Silver Creek Saloon (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9p-1a Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music

4204 Main Street Brewing Co (Belleville) - Avery Hill; 7p Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Saturday; 2-9p Alton Sports Tap (Alton) - DJ / Karaoke every Saturday; 9p-1a Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - Illinois’ Largest Gun and Knife

Show; 9a-5p BoBeck’s Sports Bar & Grill (Waterloo) - Live DJ spins your favs; 9p Chateau La Vin (Columbia) - Live Music; 7:30p Chubby’s (Alton) - Eastside Acoustic every Saturday; 7p-11p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Live Music; 9p-1a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music; 8p-12a Cutters (Belleville) - Live Music; 9p Downtown (Belleville) - Old Town Market; Catch the morning’s

pick of fresh, flavorful produce grown by local farmers. Fresh

hot coffee and teas. Live music. Peruse the booths of local

artisans for one-of-a-kind treasures for yourself or to give as

gifts. Shop outdoors and enjoy the sunlight while you get to

know your local growers and run into friends or meet new ones!

7:30a-12p Downtown (Belleville) - 14th Annual St Clair County Law Day 5k

Run/Walk through historic Downtown Belleville; benefits Land

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

*Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday, Friday

and Saturday The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning

East Side Road Ride; 7a

May 3 (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss every Sunday; 2p-6p Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - Illinois’ Largest Gun and Knife

Show; 9a-4p Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 7p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Mike Lacey every Sunday; 3p-6p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - First Sunday Jam with Paul Bonn and

The Bluesmen; 4p-8p Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Sunday; 9:30p-1:30a *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Old Fashioned Sunday Social; 1-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Sunday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Live music every Sunday; 4p St Paul UCC (Belleville) - Masterworks Chorale Concert; Springtime

Serenade; featuring Francis Poulenc’s spirited Gloria, and the

gloriously lyrical Serenade to Music by Ralph Vaughan

Williams; 3p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night

May 4th (Monday) Big Daddy’s 618 (Belleville) - Monday Trivia; hosted by Delish

Trish; 7p JRs Last Call (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday Roemer Topf (Mascoutah) - Celtica every first Monday Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Monday; 9p Visitor’s Center @ Lindenwood University (Belleville) - Sculpture

in the City Tour; travel to view sculptures throughout Belleville.

Learn about the sculptor, the donor and the intent of each piece.

Tour busses leave at 9am and 1pm

May 5th (Cinco de Mayo Tuesday)

May 6 (Wednesday)

Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Open Mic every

Wednesday; 7:30 Major’s (O’Fallon) - Whiskey Dixon Acoustic every Wednesday; 8p Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband every Wednesday; 9:30p-1:30a *Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Tenacious Trivia now every Wednesday; 8p PSOP (Belleville) - Gateway East Artist Guild monthly meeting; every

first Wednesday; 6p PSOP/SWIC (Belleville) - Line Dancing; Our instructor, Carol

Schwartz, will show you new line dances and techniques each

week. This is a great group to dance with, so sliiiide on over. Cost

is $2 per session. 1:30-3p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday; 9p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Open Mic Night with Jeff Schmitz; 7p Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night *Stur Restaurant (Edwardsville) - Live music every Wednesday; 6p *Villa Marie Winery (Maryville) - Wine All You Want Wednesdays;

“Group Therapy”; leave the men at home, ladies, for an evening of

guaranteed fun; every first Wednesday; 6p-9p Who Dat’s (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7p-11p Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance

Lessons (beginners classes start first Weds of every month); 6:30p-9p May 7 (Thursday) 501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8p

Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; 6p Highway 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) - Open Mic Blues Night

every Tuesday with Matt Davis and Darrow Washington; 7:30p-11:30p *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Living Literary Society meetup every

Tuesday; 6p-9p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Tuesday; 9p V and H Recreation (Breese) - Open Mic every Tuesday, hosted by

Marcus Kruep; 7p-11p Village Inn (Pontoon Beach) - J Christopher every Tuesday; 7p-11p Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night; 9p Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 6p

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Calendar of Events

April 2015

Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Dixie Swim Club, A Comedy; through

May 17; 7p Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30p-1:30a Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz; 9p Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Karaoke; 8p-12a Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke with The Kantina every

Thursday; 7p-11p Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs

in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6p and Saturday

morning at 8a. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A

and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7p Geo’s Wings (Belleville) - Bike Night every Thursday night Hey Guys Comedy Club (Fairview Heights) - Brian Hicks; 7:30p Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke JRs Last Call (Belleville) - DJ Schwen *Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Open Mic Night every Thursday; 7p Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke every Thursday; 4p Schmitty’s (Smithton) - Live music; 8p Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every

Thursday Night Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Night Every Thursday; 7p-10p Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren

Straight Up April Crossword http://www.puzzle-maker.com/cgi-bin/wswo.cgi Farmer’s Market

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Culture

April 2015

An Affluent Season: The Rise of Popular Culture Conventions

by Stephen Harrick

Popular culture conventions have pervaded American society. Considering the success of these large gatherings revolving around television, film, comics, gaming and animation, it is unsurprising that more keep popping up across the country.

Some conventions are devoted to genres such as horror or pulp, others specialize in topics like videogames or celebrity impersonation, while a handful narrowly focus on individual creators or series like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Dr. Who or The Office. Such events typically feature talented guests, regional or national artists, panel discussions and vendors selling merchandise. These types of conventions are plentiful during spring and summer, and while none of those listed above occur in this region, there is no shortage of similar ones, in our metropolitan area, in the coming months.

always makes a celebration of the event, and though no specifics have been made available yet, it is safe to project that FCBD at Heroic Adventures will have something for everyone.

Also coming in May is Geekway to the West, a board game convention.

Taking place May

First up is Anime St. Louis, which will take place at the 14-17 at Westport Gateway Center in Collinsville on April 17-19. Featured guests Sheraton Chalet include voice actors Lucien Dodge (Pokémon Originals, Sailor in St. Louis, this Moon) and Erica Mendez (Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic), popular event is cartoonists Jenn Blake (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic), projected to sell out.

Kevin Bolk (It Sucks to be Weegie) and Andy Kluthe (Nerd Artwork by John Coleman Every participant Rage), and members of Happy Badger Studios, a group of game who pre-registers will receive a free game, as well as entrance developers. There will also be a Masquerade, gaming areas, a into all four days of the convention. This year’s Guest of Honor fashion show and dances both Friday and Saturday nights. The is Zev Shlasinger, founder and game designer for Z-Man Games, rise of anime conventions indicates that this remains a popular which publishes Agricola and Terra Mystica. The convention aspect of American culture, and Anime St. Louis should offer will also feature a game library for attendees to check out games, plenty for fans of anime and manga. panels on game design, a forum for would-be game designers and writers to demonstrate and display their prototypes for

The beginning of May brings Free Comic Book Day. questions and review, and lots of gaming and tournaments. This Though not a convention, it is an annual event, held on the first Saturday each May, in which comic book stores across the regular event has become a fan favorite and offers a chance country offer select comic books for free to all customers. Many to interact with professionals in the field of game design and publication, as well as fellow gamers. stores turn it into a special occasion by holding sales, having employees or volunteers appear in costume, and sponsoring

Wizard World has turned into a juggernaut, mounting artists to draw original sketches for attendees. Newcastle Comics more than twenty conventions throughout the country in 2015. in Maryland Heights will host artist Kenneth Rocafort who It will descend upon America’s Center in St. Louis on May 22has illustrated titles such as Superman, Justice League: Trinity 24. The guest list thus far boasts an impressive roster: actors War, Teen Titans and more. Heroic Adventures in Edwardsville 22

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April 2015

Giancarlo Esposito of Breaking Bad and Do the Right Thing, Cassandra Peterson (better known to fans as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark), and Phil LaMarr from Pulp Fiction, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Family Guy; animators and artists Gerhard (of the Eisner Award-winning Cerebus), Tom Cook (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Heathcliff, BraveStarr), and Ethan Van Sciver (Batman: The Dark Knight, The Flash, Green Lantern); and writers Jennifer Sights (Burning Darkness, Ravaged) and William F. F. Wood (The Ruins of Arlandia, Inferno). Wizard World conventions typically draw large crowds, so prepare to encounter hordes of fans of all ages at this massive event.

For those willing to make a day trip up to Illinois’ capital, Springfield is playing host to the annual GIJoeCon on April 11-12 at Prairie Capital Convention Center. That’s right, a convention devoted to G.I. Joe. The event features select voice actors from the animated series, including Brian Cummings (Dr. Mindbender), Zack Hoffman (Zartan), Morgan Lofting (The Baroness) and comic book artist Robert Q. Atkins (G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Special Missions: Tokyo, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, The Amazing Spider-Man, Savage She-Hulk and many more).

The weekend will also include a costume contest, a fan film competition, panels and a class that gives attendees the chance to craft an original G.I. Joe action figure. This year’s convention is the closest that GIJoeCon has been to the Metro East area—it often appears in Atlanta, Dallas and New Orleans—so this is a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of the franchise.

Now that convention season is in full swing, there are several opportunities to seek out your favorite aspects of popular culture. With so many local and regional options, it is easy to find thrilling experiences, or to try something new or different.

The rise of these kinds of conventions allows for sampling and experimentation, and the result may very well be the reward of more thoughtful interactions with our collective culture.

Artwork by John Coleman

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23

Arts

April 2015

Kathy Gomric: Local Escape Artist

by John Dorroh

The old adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” may be a bit trite. Or how about “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder?” Overused or not, both of these statements ring true when experiencing the pencil creations of Kathy Gomric, a one-woman show from Millstadt, IL.

Sunday, March 15th, at the Starlight Gallery on Highland’s Historic Square, I met Kathy and her son, Patrick. Starlight Gallery hosts a local artist every month. The featured artist for March is none other than Kathy Gomric with her fantasy drawings that are created with touch-and-release techniques using several grades of pencil. The degree of detail is phenomenal.

In her creations, I saw fairies, magical trees, characters with expressions that made me chuckle, and representations of serious subjects such as America’s tumultuous relationship with the Middle East.

supply shops in the St. Louis area that carried items for specific needs of artists.

“For example, I now use a French paper which is a softer printing paper. The paper responds to the touch-and-release techniques which allow me to know if I’m being ‘too rough’ with the paper.

“You can’t go heavy on this paper,” she told me. “If you do, it will tear or end up too shiny…

“My favorite leads are 9B, 6B, and 2B, which handle dark intensities well.”

The pencils and the paper work together like a relationship should. A give-and-take, a compromise. It’s a given that

Gomric’s love and fascination with art began at the age of three when her mother sat and drew for her. It was a hobby that inspired young Gomric to pick up her own pencils and other media and begin to explore the world.

“I always liked to draw,” said Gomric. “I’ve had no formal art training except for some classes at SWIC (Southwestern Illinois College)… My art is a God-given talent.”

Gomric won an art contest in the sixth grade and took drafting classes in high school.

“I had an eye for drafting and ran circles around the boys in the class,” she said. Gomric had a better-than-average eye for perspective, and the classes added clout to her treasure trove of artists’ tools.

Later at SWIC, she had an epiphany that drawing was what she wanted to do with her life. While enrolled there, she learned about different pencils (hard and soft leads) and how simple pressure-and-release techniques could add depth to her drawings. These techniques helped convey mood and what she was feeling about the subjects.

Through networking, Gomric learned about different art StraightUpMagazine.net

“Embittered Spirits” by Kathy Gomric

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Arts

“Escape” by Kathy Gomric

April 2015

an artist has to experiment and practice to understand how to achieve the desired results.

She also has a public space/gallery at 7100 West Main in Belleville where she conducts classes. Along with that, she has had a space and an association with the Soulard Art Market since 2007.

“I had an office job while I was raising my family – a son and a daughter. I had to put my art on hold. I took an early retire In closing, Gomric said, “If you have a passion, pursue it. ment so I could help care for my son who had been in an acciBe open to try it. Whatever makes you happy in life, go for it. dent,” Gromic said.

Follow the quality through from the concept to the sale. Do the

When asked about how life’s events affect her drawings, best you can, even when you present.”

Gromic told me that things just happen. “I let the right side of

She also reminded me that not everyone will like or apmy brain take over.” preciate what you do. And that’s okay. Be true to yourself and

One example is her drawing entitled “In God we trust,” you can’t go wrong. which was inspired by the tragic dealings that our country had About Starlight Gallery with Iraq.

After all the years of art sales, Gomric still gets excited about her finished pieces.

“Most people don’t buy my work to match a piece of furniture or a certain décor. Instead, they buy it as a stand-alone statement. It speaks to them.”

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Gomric’s permanent studio is in her home in Millstadt.

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The Starlight Gallery is a small, juried gallery located in the Starlight Visual and Performing Arts Studio. Work in the gallery is exhibited on a 4-6 week rotational basis. Artists from St Louis and the surrounding Metro East area are encouraged to submit their art for review. The Gallery also features spotlight exhibits of artwork from area schools, as well as art created in classes taken through the SVPAS. An opening reception for the

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Arts

April 2015

artist(s) is hosted by The Gallery and all work displayed is for sale.

Starlight Visual and Performing Arts Studio is a full service dance and art studio offering instruction in tap, ballet, jazz, pointe, and hip hop, as well as painting, drawing, 3D art, and fine art crafting. A drama class and a children’s choir class are also available. Our students ages range from three to adult.

What: touch-and-release technique fine arts pencil drawing Where: Starlight Gallery, 903 Main Street, Highland, IL https://sites.google.com/site/starlightvisualperformingarts/home Kathy’s studio, 7100 West Main Street, Belleville, IL

Gallery hours: Mon - Thurs, 2-8pm Sat, 10am - 4pm Who: Kathy Gomric, cover artist

<--When: Starlight Gallery until the end of March

Kathy daily in

Belleville; check for classes on Facebook

https://www. facebook.com/ pages/KathyGomric-dbadrawing-fantasies-byKathy/151287110016?fref=ts Contact Kathy: http://drawingfantasiesbykathy.com

Drawingfantasiesbykathy@hotmail.com 618-476-1299 / 618-514-2259

“Self Expression” by Kathy Gomric

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27

Culture

April 2015

Think SPRING! Belleville Old Town Farmers Market

by Mark Johnson and Paul Seibert

Saturday, May 2 will be the first day of many for 2015’s season of the Old Town Market in Downtown Belleville. Located in the parking lot at the corner of West Main and 1st Street, the market brings vendors from across the area to Belleville from 7:30 am to noon each Saturday.

Vendor’s booths are all filled with handmade, homemade, and homegrown items you simply can’t find anywhere else.

The market began years ago after a group of members of the Turkey Hill Grange wanted to bring some of their produce and products to locals in Belleville. One of the founding organizers, David Donley, described the group as a “bunch of renegades” who wanted to make these things available.

only local vendors licensed to sell eggs at markets like ours, which for Crystal Cooley, wife of farmer Bryce Cooley, means that each weekend, she’s selling dozens of dozens of eggs.

The result has been a market that brings some of the Luckily, her 450 chickens produce between 150-175 dozen a highest quality produce from local farmers and gardeners as well week. For us, her chickens produce delicious eggs and are fed on as other artisan items like breads, cupcakes, as well as crafts a wide variety of foods that improve their egg’s nutritional value and flowers. Set up in tents across the parking lot, there’s often over store-bought varieties. a musician strumming away nearby and lots of people milling about, chatting with the vendors and buying the good things before them.

Each vendor brings something unique to the market, and most of the produce you’ll find here is organic, natural and from less than 25 miles away. Shopping in supermarkets creates so much distance between consumer and the food source that coming to a market like this and speaking to the person who harvested the tomatoes you’re buying creates a real appreciation for the food and the process behind bringing it to your table.

Turkey Hill Grange, represented by David Donley, brings Here’s a look at just four of the vendors you’ll find at the market: a huge assortment of homemade jams, jellies and sometimes

Cooley Farms is a specialty crop farm located in Carlyle, produce to the market each Saturday. Turkey Hill Grange is Illinois. Specialty crops means, in approximation for nona fraternal organization with a specific interest in agriculture, farmers, more or less anything that’s not corn or soybeans in so many of the organization’s members across 37 states are Illinois. Cooley Farms produces pecans, asparagus, blackberries, farmers or gardeners. The result is that what the Grange sells heirloom tomatoes, radishes, and one of their most well-known at the market is the real deal. For example, Donley had some and unique offerings, brown eggs. Cooley Farms is one of the apple butter last year that’s made in a copper kettle over a wood 28

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April 2015

fire, which follows to a “T” the original method of making this favorite. They have many varieties of jams and jellies that are made with homegrown fruits and are understandably their hottest selling items.

Dale and Pat Black are known for their honey. Dale has raised bees since he was 11 when his dad found a bee swarm on a fence and asked him if he wanted them. A farmer by trade, Dale began more seriously keeping bees after selling his cattle a number of years ago, after which he began slowly increasing his number of hives. Now he has forty and his bees produce honey

Belleville.

Whether you walk out of the market with some honey or a flower to plant, you’ll leave happy and with plans to come back.

What: Old Town Farmers Market Where: First and West Main Streets, Downtown Belleville, IL When: Every Saturday May 2 through November 7; 7:30am - noon Why: To get the very best and freshest produce, bakery products, summer sausages, honey, plants, unique crafts and entertainment - some 30+ vendors!

How: Website: www.bellevillemainstreet.net/index.php?pagekey=oldtown_ main

from nectars gathered from a wide variety of sources which gives their honey a flavor unique to the region. Their honey undergoes no watering down like almost every commercially available honey does, either.

And from just past the township line on the west end of Belleville, Ogana Farms will be bringing a unique array of heirloom vegetables, microgreens, wheat grass, and starter plants. Seth Owens and Vanessa Coffman’s 1+ acre urban homestead is dedicated to the permaculture concepts of ‘care of earth’, ‘care of people’, and ‘return of surplus’ as guiding principles of sustainability and responsible farming. Vanessa Coffman is also an experienced Licensed Massage

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Belleville-Old-TownMarket/930383016993451?fref=ts Call 618-257-7022

Therapist so Ogana Farms will also be contributing onlocation chair-massage to the Old Town Market’s list of weekly offerings available to you and yours on Saturdays in Downtown StraightUpMagazine.net

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Arts

April 2015

Straight Up Gallery @ Irish Market Place 25 East Main Street in Belleville “Irish Images” A photographic arts exhibit featuring images of Ireland and the Irish; a ten-day celebration of St Patrick’s Day; March 13-22 Ten artists displayed 36 images. And the winners were:

First Place $200 prize winner John Bechtoldt.

“Trinity College Library, Dublin”.

Second Place $100 prize winner Ted Shekell. “Sound of Killarney”.

People’s Choice Award Winner Jeff Hursey. “Balleyvaughan Sunset”.

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Str8UpGallery

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Str8Up Magazine

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Submissions

April 2015

You Talk Too Much

Untitled

by Katelyn Stapleton

by Alexander Sims

He spoke till he sucked all the air from the room not considering whom he was talking at or too.

The little woman before him he took little stock.

What opinions could she have that were better than the ones he’s got.

To this she gathered. He thinks little of me.

He will suck all the air right away from me.

And sure enough that is what he had done.

He thought all that talking was fun.

Had he listened or even heard her spoke.

He may have noticed she was about to choke.

On he went.

She had no hope.

Until, he asked a question.

The answer he thought he’d already know.

Will you marry me? Will you run my home?

To this she could only answer, no, before falling to her death on her last breath she spoke.

With shock he laughed.

He laughed till he cried.

She had pleased him, surprised him, and given him life.

And what in return could his words really give.

All he wanted now was for this woman to live.

As he laughed and he cried the air was renewed there was enough for two to consume.

And softly she stirred not able for words.

He waited and listened for the sounds of her.

Quietly he sat and waited.

Healing a broken heart takes time, he contemplated.

So around he planted little seeds that he knew in time would grow and begin to bloom.

When the lady did rise to her surprise there were colorful roses and posies in her eyes.

They smelled so fragrant and looked so good.

And there a silent man.

He stood, so gentle and patient, made kind by this time.

She smiled knowing better than to begin with words, But if she were to speak she would say, He could be hers.

Staring in awe as crystalline stalactites glisten off the moonlit cave walls A revelation of wonder as you explore each crevice and corridor feeling out the moist rocky exterior Light a match, throw it off the bridge, see how far it goes Fish who’ve never seen sunlight ahh how their scales do glow True examples of innocence can never be seen; not in nature, babies, or the stars so serene It is something we look for; An ideal we encase, but we get so close to purity and punch ourselves in the face.

The example can never be won The subtext of thought is madness left hemisphere, right use them as one Straight Up Magazine is accepting submissions of artwork, photography, poetry, creative writing, etc. for possible publication in print and on the web. To have your work considered, send hard copy or disc to P.O. Box 412 in Belleville, IL 62222. Digital submissions should be 300dpi and can be emailed to straightup@straightupmagazine.net

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Who’s reading Str8Up...?

Zaine Lee Kirsch of Aviston at the “When Souls Collide” Art Exhibit for Str8Up feature artists Renee Canetta and Sarah Baker. Art Park Ost and Gallery, Granite City.

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Photo by Robyn L. Kirsch