Straight Up Magazine May 2014

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22

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May 2014

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Tracy Welling ‘Art on the Square is the Opening Scene ~ It Takes a Community to Raise a Film ~ May Calendar of Events ~ Wearing Her Art on Her Sleeve: Cover Artist Tracy Welling ~ Second Verse: Songwriter Festival Returns to Villa Marie Winery ~ Getting Sauced on the Square at CharlieDave’s BBQ Company

May 2014

Serving Up Art, Music, and Culture for the Metro East’s Enjoyment

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Inside Page

May 2014

Editors Word – May 2014 And now comes the 22nd 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 Tracy Welling as the cover artist for this twenty-second Straight Up edition! So pleased, you will find a three-page feature on Tracy’s remarkable work and the team that supports her.

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 and 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 260 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

May Credits

Editors: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Layout Design Artists: Mark Polege, Michelle Reynolds, Callib Carver Sales: Paul Seibert Ad Artists: Mark Polege, Michelle Reynolds, Wil Sullivan Calendar: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Website Design: Mark Polege (MarkusDesignWorks.com) Photography: Mark Polege (PhotographyofMarkPolege.com), Christopher Mikals (ChristopherMikals.com) Distribution: Brenton Ebersole; Brian Gardner, Daniel Nygard, Kaila Ryan, Sarah Skiold-Hanlin

Contributors

Cover Art: “Unicrown” by Tracy Welling (Facebook.com/MetraCreations) Cover Logo: Josh Rowan (JoshuaRowan.com) Photography: Dan Cross (It Takes a Community), John Dorroh (Getting Sauced), Mark Johnson (Second Verse), Mark Polege (Art on the Square), Christopher Mikals (It Takes a Community) Feature Writers: Dan Cross; Dylan Seibert, John Dorroh, Mark Johnson; Paul Seibert, Robyn Kirsch

Submissions

Tracy Welling – Wearable Fine Art All material in this publication is 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

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Art on the Square is the Opening Scene It Takes a Community to Raise a Film May Calendar of Events Wearing Her Art on Her Sleeve: Cover Artist Tracy Welling Second Verse: Songwriter Festival Returns to Villa Marie Winery Getting Sauced on the Square at CharlieDave’s BBQ Company

Str8 Up Magazine Distribution Locations: Alton Alton Sports Tap AmTrac Chez Marilyn Doc Holiday’s Frank’s Restaurant Jacoby Art Center Mike’s Ten Pin Belleville 10th Street Baking Co Abbey, The Adenaline Prints Almighty Tatoos Althoff CHS Art Dept Anthony’s Salon At Home Computer Repair Bank of Belleville Bamboo Valley Buffet Beatnik’s Bell Air Bowl Belle Clair Expo Center Belleville Public Libraries Ben’s Crafts & Floral Big Reggie’s Blue Agave Bronx Zoo Casablanca Café CeLeen Gallery Centerfield Bar and Grill Chamber of Commerce Christopher Mikal Photo.

Circa City Hall Club Escapade Crehan’s Pub Dutch Hollow Barn Eckert Florist Effinger’s Garden Center Facial Rejuvenation Center Fletcher’s Kitchen Geo’s Wings Governor French Gallery Grappa Growlers Green Forest Vapors Hair on Main Happy Hops Homebrew Hardees Harters Hobby House Hicks Bar-B-Que Hippie Daze Hite Auto Body and Repair

May 2014

Imo’s Pizza Inside Out Ministries Katherine Frazier State Farm Kelso Auto Body Lindenwood Univ Local Lucy’s Mabista Salon and Spa Main Street Café Mary’s Hidden Treasures Max’s One Stop Melodic Rhythms Miscellanea New Concepts Bty & Barber MotoMart North Belt West Liquor Olympic Restaurant Papa Vito’s Patriot Restaurant Peachy Yogurt Pitchers Pub Pizza World Plug N Play Computers Renaissance Hair & Skin Care Rising Star Too Schnucks Sears App and Hrdwe Seven Shop N Save Simply Sindy Smith Simply Thrift Sips n Splatters Sole Survivor Leather & Art Southwestern IL College St E’s Medical Arts Bldg Sullivan’s Super 8 Motel Sweet Sinsation TOCO Shop Towne & Country Mart Weingarten YMCA East Cahokia Cahokia Club KC MarkO’s Grill Spinner’s Restaurant Caseyville Amer.’s Best Inn & Suites First Western Inn Knollwood Retirement Mudbugs Bar & Grill Quality Inn and Suites

Centreville Terry’s Home & Garden Collinsville Bert’s Chuckwagon Dean’s Farmers Market Fifth Quarter Knights of Columbus Public Library Spring Garden Restaurant Swing City Music Columbia Columbia City Saloon Edwardsville Auto Tire Bailey Cakes Bin 51 Bridal Couture Circle K Edison’s Entertainment Enclave & Enclave West Green Mobile Handee-Mart (BP) Happy Up Toys Heroic Adventures Mark’s Appliances Public Library Run Well Sacred Grounds Southern IL University Stagger Inn Teaspoon Cafe Fairview Heights $1.98 Cleaners Best Western Casey’s Caseyville Twshp Bldg China King City Hall Drury Inn Express Medical Care Fortels Pizza Guitar Center Jacob’s Herb Shop Jonnie’s Pizza Just One More Time Hooters Hucks Lasting Impress. Floral Lilly’s Gyro Public Library

Quiznos RaaQQa Food Mart 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 Tom’s Supermarket Glen Carbon Glen Mart Granite City Apple Tree Restaurant Southwestern IL College Highland 501 Blues Club CharlieDave’s BBQ Great Clips Highland’s Tru-Buy Randy’s House of BBQ Lebanon Artimis Fezziwig’s Marketplace Ghost Vapor Shop Las Cabanas Lebanon Visitors Center Legendary Creations Mama Gusto’s McKendree University MotoMart Public Library Sasafras Way Photography Tiadaghton House Whimsey Gifts Maryville Villa Marie Winery Mascoutah All Mart Smoke Shop American Legion Bee Hollow Mavrketplace Boyce Hund & Assocs Casey’s General Store Dauber’s Pharmacy Han-Dee Mart

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Jo-Al Winery LaQuinta Hotel & Suites Mascoutah Steak House MidAmerica Inn & Suite McDonald’s Moore’s Family Restaurant Moto Mart Nite Deposit Sax Hometown Store Silver Creek Asstd Living Scott Credit Union St E’s Medical Plaza Tom’s Supermarket O’Fallon AC Computers Baymont Inn Candlewood Suites Casey’s Casa Azteca Circle K City Hall CoffeeHouse Co & Salon Country Inn and Suites CVS Days Inn Drury Inn Egg and I Extended Stay Frieze Harley Davidson Gias Pizza Hemingway’s Zen Garden Hilton Garden Inn Hometown Barber Knights of Columbus Lake Point Dental Luckenbooth Gallery McDonald’s Memorial Healthcare Memorial Therapy New Art Legacies Public Library RJs Computer Schnucks St. E’s Medical Center Suburban Inn Subway Super 8 Towne Lounge Vetta Sports Walgreens Wood Bakery

YMCA Sauget Sauget Diner SW IL Welcome Center Scott Air Force Base Chicago Chicken & Fish Ralph’s Barber Quick Mart Subway Shiloh Bank of Edwardsville David Anthony Barber Dierberg’s Golden Corral St. Louis Bread Quizno’s Walgreens Wings of Shiloh Smithton All Mart Century 21 Advantage No-Jacks Tom’s Supermarket Swansea Big Time Beads Concept Shoe Repair CVS Schnucks Dobbs Gas Mart Tourism Bureua of IL S. Wild Birds Unlimited Troy Inksane Asylum Randy’s House of BBQ Speedy Scrappers Troy Public Library ZX Fuel Waterloo BoBecks Sports Bar & Grill City Hall Gallagher’s JV’s Bar and Grill Karban’s Knotty Pines Knotty Pines Papa Vito’s Schorr Lake Vineyard St.Louis Cmty Arts & Movement Concrete Ocean Gallery Healing Arts Center

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Art

May 2014

Art on the Square is the Opening Scene

by Paul Seibert and Dylan Seibert

April showers bring May flowers. And May flowers remind us that art is in season. And that Art on the Square will burst its 13th annual bloom on the Belleville Public Square this month. With over 100 local, national and international artists participating, Belleville’s Art on the Square is one of the top art fairs in the nation. Last year’s show was rated #2 by Art Fair Source Book. AOTS has consistently been one of the top ten art shows over the past decade.

The myriad of Art on the Square white tents will fill Belleville’s public square on May 16th through May 18th. The festive event will be punctuated with the viewing and purchasing of fine arts and will include a constant supply of excellent live music, a high school arts competition, activities for children, food and beverage vendors – a community of art and artists in which all can participate.

Friday 5-10pm. Saturday 10am-8pm. Sunday 11am5pm. There are also two Sculpture in the City tours with Art on the Square. See Belleville’s growing collection of public sculpture on Friday, May 2nd, 9am or 1pm. Reservation required.

“Art on the Square-Belleville”

Art on the Square is one superb example of the arts Mecca that the Metro East has become.

Artworks applied like graffiti to the stone canvas of cave was perhaps the first known examples in the human history of art. The basic self expressions known as “cave paintings” tell the early stories through the experiences of actual human beings. Since that time, the human experience has perpetually changed and yet our species’ desire to express itself through the arts has endured. Some have theorized that every civilization throughout history has had some form of art in its culture. Whether it be visual, spoken/literary, or performance, art is a part of our nature.

Many cities throughout the country and throughout the world are renowned for their “art scenes.” In many cases the development of such a scene stretches so far back that its origins can hardly be traced let alone explained. But, as all things do, communities change and evolve with the pas4

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sage of time. And much as the Renaissance swept swiftly through Europe in the 14th century, a community often becomes immersed in a wave of art, and a tidal shift in the culture is then inevitable.

No art scene comes to be overnight. There is always a history to the scene. Just as fire is borne of a first spark, countless factors involved in a given scene can either nurture or extinguish that infant flame and they can do so at any conceivable rate.

It is with all this in mind that one can see the unique position we have in what will be the history of a scene.

There is no checklist of requirements for a society to have an official “scene.” Conceptual measurements of a scene, like “nationally recognized” or “world famous,” are variable and hard to gauge. Receiving praise from the national or international media certainly is a start to confirming such descriptions.

Perhaps also a valid gauge of an art scene is the number of significant art events a region has to offer. Art on the Square is one example of such a significant art event. Check the sampling other regional art fairs here and you will begin to discern: The Metro East is an art “scene”.

Art and Wine Walk, Belleville; Register at the northeast quadrant of Belleville Public Square. Then stroll through the more than 20 shops of downtown Belleville while enjoying artwork from area artists and sampling a variety of different wines. Saturday, November 22nd. 5-9pm ArtEAST Edwardsville/Alton Studio Tour; Over 200 local artists will interact with the public as they take self guided tours of artist studios, demonstrations, and group exhibitions. Madison County is home to an exciting, lively, and diverse art scene. Appreciation for the arts begins in the local grade schools and continues with the strong support of the Art Departments at both of the local colleges - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and Lewis and Clark Community College. Many of the area’s artists taught or took classes at these institutions. Represented in the ArtEAST event will be nationally recognized artists as well as young emerging artists. Saturday, October 18th, 9am-5pm & Sunday, October 19th, 11am-5pm.

Art in the Park, Highland; The vibrant colors of Autumn provide the perfect canvas to paint a relaxing weekend filled with delicious food and demonstrations, exciting entertainment, wine tasting and loads of fun and creative activities for kids of all ages. Saturday October 11; 10am – 5pm; Sunday October 12; 11am-4pm.

Art on the Bluffs, Columbia; Dedicated to providing opportunity and cultural appreciation in the city of Columbia IL, through showcasing the work of diverse professional and student artists. Join the sixth annual self-guided Art Walk and enjoy all that the walk has to offer...amazing works of art, tal-

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May 2014

ented musicians, food and drink from local restaurants and other organizations, an interactive Kid’s Area, a Student Gallery and other entertainment!

Saturday September 20; 10am-6pm.

1867. The Society’s first conductor was Theodore Decker, who began the annual schedule of concerts that is unbroken to this day--making the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra the nation’s second oldest symphony orchestra in continuous operation. The orchestra was comprised of talented Midwest Salute to the Arts, Fairview Heights; The 26th Annual Midwest volunteer musicians who made distinguished contributions to the community in a wide range of vocations, and the same can be said of the Society’s Salute to the Arts is a juried fine arts show featuring 100 artists exhibitvarious ensembles today. The next scheduled performance is the Belleville ing and selling their works from 11 different mediums. The Salute offers attendees a chance to view and purchase art under huge white tents in a re- Bicentennial Tribute Concert at Lindenwood University Auditorium on laxed setting in Moody Park, Fairview Heights, IL. There is easy free park- Sunday, May 3rd, 3pm. ing, free admission, and the relaxed nature of the show allows for enjoyment for all! Besides viewing and purchasing art, there are musical groups The Masterworks Chorale to enjoy, a variety of food and drink available. Plus, children’s activities at and Children’s Chorale is the Creation Station, and an exclusive Children’s Gallery where only chil- an arts organization whose primary goal is to make a dren may purchase a piece of art for $5 (no adults allowed!) The Midwest Salute to the Arts was established with the goal of combining community significant artistic contriinvolvement with an appreciation for the arts. Friday, August 22; 6-10pm; bution to the residents of Saturday August 23; 10am-6pm; and Sunday; August 24; 11am-5pm Southwestern Illinois. This is done by maintaining a Spring Indian Art Market, Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville; Native Amer- tradition of choral excelican artists and vendors display and sell crafts, artwork, clothing, jewelry lence. Chorale singers are etc. This event generally brings about 4000 visitors over the weekend, and a select group of auditioned about 30 artists participate. April 26 and 27. 9am-4pm vocalists, many of whom have music degrees and Strange Folk Festival, O’Fallon; Featuring 150 indie vendors selling vocal training. Continuing handmade, upcycled, and vintage wares. Live bands all weekend, unique vocal instruction is encourexhibits and DIY activities for kids and adults, a variety of concessions, and aged. It is Masterworks’ new this year, the Running with Scissors 5K on Sunday morning. Strange objective to foster an apFolk is an RFT Best of St. Louis and St. Louis Magazine A-List award preciation of the arts. This winner for Best Festival! The 8th Annual Strange Folk Festival will be is measured in the Chorale by its ability to hold many held Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th at O’Fallon of its original members Community Park in O’Fallon, Illinois. 10am-6pm both days.

throughout its 35-year history, as well as attract new Street Art Festival, Highland; The streets of Highland do become a canvas for talented chalk artists during this one-of-a-kind festival! Carryones. All singers are unpaid “Midwest Salute to the Arts-Fairview Heights.” ing on a tradition started centuries ago, the 11th Annual Street Art Festival and rehearse weekly. Aland Art Expo will turn the streets of downtown Highland into a temporary though most concerts are held in Belleville, singers come from as far away as Pinckneyville, Sparta, Trenton, Carlyle, and Centralia. Encouragart gallery. Art, music, great food and beverages, all at Highland’s beautiing and providing opportunities for local artists is another objective. This ful downtown square, combine to make this an event you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget to check out the Art Expo - paintings, jewelry, pottery, can be measured by the inclusion of professional Illinois and regional photography and more, all made by local artists, will be available for sale. artists in the programs. The next scheduled performance is May 3 and 4.

Saturday, August 3rd.

And let us not forget that the Metro “scene” includes remarkable musical institutions.

The Belleville Philharmonic Society was founded on November 19th, 1866. The Philharmonic presented its first concert on January 26,

Follow the Str8Up calendars for information on all these events.

Photos by Mark Polege.

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The Arts

May 2014

It Takes a Community to Raise a Film

by Dan Cross

“To be sitting there in the Lincoln Theater, with all that history, interviewers’ questions. where I used to come watch movies as a kid, and to see people you actually Wayne Ault, political science professor at Southwestern Illinois know up there on the screen—that’s pretty exciting,” said Belleville resiCollege, got to be a part of the red carpet experience. Ault got involved dent Damon J. Taylor after attending a screening of Belleville, the movie with the film on the spur of the moment after hearing that auditions were that has been the buzz of the town since shooting here in October. taking place at SWIC. He dropped in after teaching his classes, without an

Taylor served as 1st Assistant Director on the movie after coming appointment, and ended up landing a small part in the film. to a production meeting the film crew held at Southwestern Illinois Col- “I played the part of a janitor who knew the main character’s father. lege. He was originally I had two lines. But then offered the smaller role as when we filmed, I was Second Assistant Camera, very surprised when the but once he got on the set, director told me he was “I just started doing what I going to ask me some do, helping get things done. questions on camera, and After a couple of days, they he told me to just say said, ‘since you are pretty whatever came to mind. much operating as 1st AD The original two lines (Assistant Director), we’ll never even made it into make you the 1st AD.” the movie, but the ones I made up did!”

Taylor, who has worked on many local and Ault, who has been international movies since a huge fan of movies all graduating from the film his life (he even teaches program at Southwestern Ilcourses on the political linois College and Southern significance of war movIllinois University at Caries and westerns) was bondale, said the Belleville excited enough just to be movie allowed his family to able to play a small part in finally understand his job. the film. But the premiere “I’ve been working in film was even more thrilling.

Photo by Christopher Mikals for a while, but it’s hard to “The car that took us describe what I do, so it was great for them to actually get to see the work I’ve there pulled up in front of the theater, and as soon as we opened the door to done. And when I was walking down the red carpet at the premiere, I saw my get out, there were all these people taking pictures of us. They didn’t even dad there taking pictures, and seeing how big his smile was, that was awesome.” know who we were! And then we talked to about five different reporters.

That excitement was felt by hundreds of people as Belleville, the There were all these microphones right in your face. It was surreal! You movie, produced by Belleville native Ted Trent (AKA, Ted Trentman) and get such a high from it. It took me hours to come down. I can imagine directed by Dan Steadman opened on April 22nd with a gala red carpet how for actors in Hollywood it can become like an addiction!” spectacle the likes of which this town has not seen since—well, ever.

The gala premiere was organized partly to promote the film but also

The first block of East Main Street was closed to vehicle traffic as a way of giving thanks to all the people in the Metro East who helped and filled with pedestrians, onlookers, photographers, and reporters. Cast make the film happen. Besides all the volunteer cast and crew people, members were primped to look their best for the premiere at downtown many local businesses (including Eckerts Orchard and the Weingarten in Belleville salon Hair on Main. Then, they assembled at The Wine Tap, Belleville and The Bluegrass Shack in New Athens, among others), offered where they were picked up and shuttled in a cavalcade of classic cars down their workplaces as locations for the film. The City of Belleville gave the the street to the Lincoln. There, a throng of reporters awaited, along with filmmakers great support with logistics and access, and many local resibright lights, a photo backdrop, and an actual red carpet, which cast and dents brought home-cooked meals to the set for the cast and crew.

Director Dan Steadman was very moved by the outpouring of supeven crew members walked down, posing for photographers and answering 6

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May 2014 port they received. “There’s such a community of support in the Midwest.

That doesn’t exist in LA because everyone is doing their own thing. It’s hard to get your own best friend to come to your movie premiere in LA, let alone hundreds of extras and other people, so I love shooting here for that reason.”

Actor Robert Trentman with son, producer & starring actor Ted Trent

Place 8 in Carbondale. Another Belleville institution, the Skyview Drivein, (one of only 300 drive in theaters left in America!) will show the film on Thursdays May 1 and May 8, which is sure to be a blast for the whole community.

And as if Trent and Steadman don’t have enough to do with the promotion of Belleville and the free workshops they offered about filmmaking at the Lincoln in the days following the premiere, they are already in production with their next feature length movie, also being shot in and around Belleville.

“The next movie is a Christmas film called Expect Delays. It’s sort of The Family Stone meets Home for the Holidays, that sort of tone,” said writer/director Steadman. “It’s set here in Belleville, but it is not a sequel to the Belleville movie. It does have the same cast though, and that’s what is so exciting. A lot of people who had smaller supporting roles in Belleville have expanded into leading roles in the next film. I wrote it with them in mind, they didn’t even have to audition. And fortunately everyone I wrote parts for has said yes.”

One of those people is Wayne Ault. “About six weeks ago, Dan Steadman called me out of the blue and said he had written a part for me in the new movie. He told me he wanted to send me the script so I could see if I wanted to do. I told him I didn’t need to see the script! I’ll do it!”

After having just two lines in Belleville, Ault moved up to one of the largest parts in Expect Delays, playing the patriarch of the family at the center of the story.

“Dan told me Tim O’Leary with co-star Kate Barton he really liked what I did in Belleville, so he wrote this new part with me in mind. I said, ‘Are you sure it’s me you’re talking about?’ Like everyone else, I always had a fantasy dream about being in movies, but I never thought it would actually happen!”

Expect Delays began shooting in Belleville on April 29 and the enthusiasm level in the community could not be higher.

Los Angeles actor Tim O’Leary, who played Willie, the central character in Belleville, agrees. “In L.A. I can’t even get my friends to attend my movie premieres. I invite them and they say something like, ‘Oh, sorry, I’m playing dodge ball that night.’ And these are my friends! So for me to see this kind of enthusiasm and support from a community is unbelievable!”

O’Leary enjoyed his time in Belleville very much. “I just love the way this place looks, it’s a beautiful place, but I also love the energy and enthusiasm of the people. I really made a lot of friends. It was something I didn’t expect.

I knew it would be a project I was excited about, but I didn’t expect all the friends, the fun, the camaraderie, and the positive group energy. It was great!”

It was a great experience for all the local people involved in the movie too. “These guys just couldn’t have been nicer,” said actor Wayne Ault. “They were very professional and very polite. And they were so patient with people who may never have been in front of a camera before.”

Another remarkable thing about the filmmakers is their openness to input from everyone. Beside allowing and even encouraging improvisation from all the first-time actors in their cast, they even allowed others to help shape the story. 1st Assistant Director Taylor made some suggestions to director Steadman about the script (something many directors would never tolerate) but Steadman liked the suggestions, used them, and Taylor ended up being credited as a script consultant on the movie.

“When I found out that they were planning to shoot the movie in only three weeks, I was expecting problems,” Taylor explained. “Usually what ends up happening with such a tight schedule is a lot of stomping More about Belleville the movie: BellevilleTheMovie.com around and screaming by the director to try to get people to work faster.

That never happened on this film. They maintained such a positive and re“If it is possible to leave this world at such an early age, spectful attitude all the way through the shoot, it was really a good experiwe need to celebrate life with every breath in our bodies ence for everybody.” while we have it.” -Neila

The film ran for a week at the Lincoln in addition to screenings at Wehrenberg’s Ronnie’s 20 Cine in South St. Louis and AMC University Photos by Dan Cross.

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May Calendar of Events

May 2014

May 1st (Thursday)

501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8pm Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Hallelujah Girls; Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. By the time the women rally together to overcome obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!”

7:30pm Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30pm1:30am Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Open Mic Jam Night; 8pm Community Garden (O’Fallon) - Come play in the dirt – garden work day every Monday and Thursday; tools provided, bring your own gloves and water, all ages welcome; 9am-12pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Featherstone Drive; 7pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Open Mic Night hosted by Kimmy V (of EarthSol) and Tony V (of Vitamen A); all musicians, poets and performance artists welcome; every Thursday; 9pm-12pm Pop’s (Sauget) - Hip Hop Hazard $3 Throwdown featuring: Johnny Madness, Kush Cloud, Krazie Flo, Sonoxide, Jeuce, Johnny Clockwork, So’N’So,; XIII Tha Dev5+8a; 6:30pm; $3 advance, $5 day of show, $2 minor surcharge Schatze’s (Belleville) - Bike Night with Live Music Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every Thursday Night The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Thursday; Every Thursday night from 7pm-10pm The Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30-10pm

May 2nd (Friday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Friday thru Oct; 5pm-9pm Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Hallelujah Girls; Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. By the time the women rally together to overcome obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!”

7:30pm Bee Hollow Market (Mascoutah) - Wine Tasting; 4pm-7pm; Patio Nights every Friday in May 8

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Belle Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Stock Car Races Friday Nights through September; 7pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Mondinband; 8pm-12am Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Prestige World Wide, 3pm; Millennium, 8pm Governor French Gallery (Belleville) - Local Treasures, an exhibit of the Gateway East Artists Guild; artist reception; 6-8pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston) - Music by Randy Webb; 7-11pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - DJ Jim Hursey; 8pm12am Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Mama Gusto’s (Lebanon) - Rogers and Nienhaus; 7-11pm Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - Mr. Radio Stephen Koritta; 7pm Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night from 7-11pm Pop’s (Sauget) - Kim Massie - plays the music of Etta James; a special seated tribute event; doors at 6pm; show at 7pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music SeVen (Belleville) - Pat Liston; 9pm-12am Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Abbey (Belleville) - Friday Night Jazz; Every Friday night from 7-10pm The Hett @ McKendree University (Lebanon) - Percussion Ensemble Concert; 7:30pm The Weingarten (Belleville) - Dade Farrar; 6-10pm The Wildey Theater (Edwardsville) - Shameless: The Garth Brooks Experience featuring Nathan Orr; 8pm

May 3rd (Saturday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sat thru Oct; 2-9pm Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Hallelujah Girls; Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. By the time the women rally together to overcome obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!” 2pm Argosy Music Hall (Alton) - Spin The Bottle; Not your typical rock ‘n roll band, see Spin The Bottle. Free with your Argosy Preferred Card; 7pm Bee Hollow Market (Mascoutah) - Specialty Liquor and Cocktail Tasting; 12-4pm Belle-Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Knife & Gun Show BoBeck’s (Waterloo) - Live DJ every Saturday night; 9pm Cahokia State Historic Site (Collinsville) - Storytelling Tim Tingle will be the featured Native American storyteller this year. The event is sponsored by the University of Missouri - St. Louis and the 34rd

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May 2014 Annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival; Free; Limited seating; 2pm Christ Church Cathedral (Belleville) - Masterworks Chorale and Children’s Chorale Voices of Spring concert Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Community Financial Center (O’Fallon) - O’Fallon Garden Club May Plant Sale; 9am-2pm Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live Music Downtown (Belleville) - Old Town Market; Catch the morning’s pick of fresh, flavorful produce grown by local farmers. 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! 7:30am-12pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Downtown (Lebanon) - Annual May Market Home and Garden Show; the brick street will be filled with all kinds of vendors displaying and selling arts, crafts, spring flowers, and more; music by Shakey Dave; 9am-4pm Edward Fulton Jr High (O’Fallon) - Junior High Drama Club presents FAME JR; an ideal musical for young performers; 7pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Hoosier Daddys, 3pm; Millennium, 8pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston) - Music by Ronny Lee; 7-11pm Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Sat-Jam Session w/ Mo’ Pleasure; 2-6pm Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Monroe County Courthouse (Waterloo) - Kristina’s Race for Peace; 10th Annual 5K Walk/Run; to increase awareness and support for victims of Domestic Violence; benefits Violence Protection Center of Southwestern Illinois; registration 7-7:45am; race time 8am No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9pm Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - Ryan Spriggs; 7pm Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9pm-2am Pop’s (Sauget) - Midnight Hour “Dark Passenger” CD Release Party;7pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Schmidt Art Center @ SWIC (Belleville) - Creative Kids Series: Weave a Cozy Coaster; using the Mexican serape as inspiration, weave a colorful coaster on a handmade loom; 12:30 -1:30pm Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9pm-1am Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning East Side Road Ride; 7am

The Weingarten (Belleville) - Small Town Famous; 6-10pm Towne Lounge (O’Fallon) - Almost Nameless; 9pm

May 4th (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sun thru Oct; 2-6pm Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Hallelujah Girls; Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. By the time the women rally together to overcome obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!” 2pm Belle-Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Knife & Gun Show Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Hoosier Daddys, 2pm; Ultraviolets, 7pm Gateway Center (Collinsville) - Anderson Hospital Baby Fair; Over 100 Vendor Booths; Children’s Safety Section; Car seat demonstrations by Glen Carbon Fire Department; Enjoy Free Samples & Gifts; Meet Local Physicians & Pediatricians; Free Admission; 1-4pm Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston) - Music by Doc Reitz; 2-6pm Lewis & Clark Community College (Godfrey) - Alton Youth Symphony Concert; Hatheway Hall Auditorium; 2pm Lindenwood University Auditorium (Belleville) - Belleville Philharmonic; Belleville Bicentennial Tribute; 3pm Local Lucy’s (Belleville) - Olive Oil Cooking Class; 2:30pm Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband; 9:30pm-1:30am Mudbugs (Caseyville) - Every Sunday Open Mic Blues Jam; 7-11pm No Jacks (Smithton) - Veterans Benefit Ride benefiting Hospice of Southern Illinois; bikes and cars welcome; 10:30am Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke St Paul UCC (Belleville) - Masterworks Chorale and Children’s Chorale Voices of Spring concert; 3pm Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night The Hett @ McKendree University (Lebanon) - Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra; The region’s finest young musicians, ages 12 to 22, represent 35 schools throughout greater St. Louis and beyond; free; 3pm

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May Calendar of Events

May 2014

The Weingarten (Belleville) - Lisa Jones; 2-6pm The Wildey Theater (Edwardsville) - D.A.R.E. presents “Stringray”, “Stingray” is a 1978 action-comedy filmed in Edwardsville featuring a Corvette Stingray and a couple of unsuspecting buddies who unknowingly get wrapped up in criminal activity resulting high speed chases. 2pm

May 5th (Cinco de Mayo Monday)

Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Group Ride Hero Wrench Course; 6-7:30pm Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - The piano artistry of Pat Joyce; 1-4pm Community Garden (O’Fallon) - Come play in the dirt – garden work day every Monday and Thursday; tools provided, bring your own gloves and water, all ages welcome; 91m-12pm Discovery Garden at LaVista Park (Godfrey) - Garden Workday; 9am–12pm Lewis & Clark Community College (Godfrey) - Spring Choral Concert; 7:30pm Lewis & Clark Community College (Godfrey) - Live Band – Outside of Reid Café; 11am Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

May 6th (Tuesday)

6pm 7pm

Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride;

doors 6:30pm; starts at 7pm Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Acoustic Open Mic Night with Bill Fourness; every Wednesday; 7-10pm Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband; 9:30pm-1:30am Randy’s House of BBQ (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7-11pm 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.

1:30-3pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Open Mic with AfterHours Entertainment & your host Banyon Hanner; 7-11pm Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night 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; This month’s theme: Cinco de Mayo +2; 6-9pm Wild Country (Collinsville) - The Taping of St. Louis Country with WIL gang, Derrick, Danny, Bo & Judy! $5 for everyone, FREE w/ valid College ID! 7pm-1am Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance Lessons; 6:30-9pm

May 8th (Thursday)

501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8pm

Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Lewis & Clark Community College (Godfrey) Fingerprinting; 9am Mascoutah Historical Society (Mascoutah) - Civil War Exhibit; For a small town, comprised primarily of Germans, Mascoutah, Illinois, supported the Union cause more than one might first imagine. A rare opportunity to see how one small Illinois town contributed to the war effort. Every Tuesday 9am-12pm Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Tenacious Trivia; 8pm Rock Springs Park (O’Fallon) - The Art of Container Gardening; 6:30pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

May 7th (Wednesday)

7pm

Belle Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Outdoor auction Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke Every Wed Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Prestige World Wide; 6pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston) - Dance Lessons with Jeff & Marcia Wuebbles; Free Dance lessons the 1st and 4th Wednesday of the month. The lessons will teach you to dance all night at a wedding! 7pm Lindenwood University Auditorium (Belleville) - Student Choice Speakers; MTV’s The Buried Life; celebrity globe-trotters asking “What do you want to do before you die?”; free and open to the public; 10

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May 2014 Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Hallelujah Girls; Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. By the time the women rally together to overcome obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!”

7:30pm Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30pm1:30am Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Open Mic Jam Night; 8pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Hough Park (Belleville) - Mutual Aide Picnic; Belleville Solidarity Department; free hot meals, clothes, hygiene items, home supplies; Bring what you can – Take what you need; every second Saturday; 1-5pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Lindenwood University Stadium (Belleville) – Mike Stud live and in concert; doors 8pm; show 9pm Our Lady of the Snows Shrine (Belleville) - World Walk Day; Illinois Trekkers Volkssport Club 5K walk; registration 6pm Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Open Mic Night hosted by Kimmy V (of EarthSol) and Tony V (of Vitamen A); all musicians, poets and performance artists welcome; every Thursday; 9pm-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Bike Night with Live Music Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every Thursday Night The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Thursday; Every Thursday night from 7-10pm The Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Wildey Theater (Edwardsville) - Film Feast at the Wildey Theatre. A screening of the cult classic The Big Lebowski. All proceeds benefit Partners for Pets; 7pm Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30-10pm

Belle Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Stock Car Races Friday Nights through September; 7pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live music E L Flanaban’s (Highland) - Pat Liston; 8-11pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Jacoby Arts Center (Alton) - JAC ROCKS; benefit concert for JAC; featuring Gemini Hustler, PopularMechanics, Green & Blue, Sweet Dirts, Matt Taul, Nik Kendricks, Hope & Therapy, Zagk Gibbons; 7pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - DJ Tim; 8pm-12am Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Loading Dock (Grafton) – Mondinband Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - Joe Truttman and Ron Wooley Duo; 7pm Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night from 7-11pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Sole Survivor Gallery (Belleville) - Art After Five Exhibit: The Sideshow; drawings of Jacqueline Klene; an exploration of the mind of an escapist; Opening Reception; 5-8pm Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Abbey (Belleville) - Friday Night Jazz; Every Friday night from 7-10pm The Weingarten (Belleville) - Gabie McGarrah; 6-10pm

May 10th (Saturday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sat thru Oct; 2-9pm

May 9th (Friday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Friday thru Oct; 5pm-9pm Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Hallelujah Girls; Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. By the time the women rally together to overcome obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!”

7:30pm Bee Hollow Market (Mascoutah) - Wine Tasting; Patio Nights every Friday in May; 4-7pm StraightUpMagazine.net

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May Calendar of Events

May 2014

Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Hallelujah Girls; Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. By the time the women rally together to overcome obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!” 7:30pm Belle-Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Join Confluence Crush Roller Derby for some hard hitting, women’s flat track roller derby action. First bout will feature a mixer between roller girls from all around the Midwest in a Comic Book themed bout of Heroes vs.

Villains. The second bout will be our very own CCRD Heartbreakers taking on the ladies from the West Kentucky Rockin’ Rollers (Paducah, KY). Doors 5:30pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live music Downtown (Belleville) - Belleville Historical Society Walking Tour; meet at Veterans Memorial on East Main; learn Belleville history while viewing historical buildings; 1.5 miles; 10am Downtown (Belleville) - Old Town Market; Catch the morning’s pick of fresh, flavorful produce grown by local farmers.

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! 7:30am-12pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Downtown (Lebanon) - The first Classic Car Show of the season. See over 100 classic cars and trucks and shop the shops; 6-9pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music; 7pm Fezziwig’s Marketplace (Lebanon) - Premier Wine Tasting; 2:15-4pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Highland Speedway (Highland) - Mom’s Night at the Races Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - Mark Gordon; 8pm-12am Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Sat-Jam Session w/ Mo’ Pleasure; 2-6pm Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9pm Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - Joe Truttman and Ron Wooley Duo; 7pm Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9pm-2am Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9pm-1am Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday 12

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Morning East Side Road Ride; 7am The Weingarten (Belleville) - German Music by Herb Eberle, 2-5pm; Trophy Mules, 7-10pm The Wildey Theater (Edwardsville) - Mom’s Kitchen; the Midwest’s premier Widespread Panic tribute band. 7:30pm

May 11th (Mothers Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sun thru Oct; 2-6pm Alton Little Theater (Alton) - Hallelujah Girls; Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. By the time the women rally together to overcome obstacles and launch their new, improved lives, you’ve got a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout “Hallelujah!” 2pm Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night The Hett @ McKendree University (Lebanon) - La Cenerentola (Rossini); Join a worldwide audience from your “better than front row seat” for the New York Metropolitan Opera’s Emmy award-winning Live in HD series of high-definition simulcast transmissions. Presented with subtitles. One day delay, not shown live. 1pm The Weingarten (Belleville) - Graham Pagano; 2-6pm

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May 2014 May 12th (Monday)

Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - The piano artistry of Pat Joyce; 1-4pm Discovery Garden at LaVista Park (Godfrey) - Garden Workday; 9am-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

May 13th (Tuesday)

6pm 7pm

Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Mascoutah Historical Society (Mascoutah) - Civil War Exhibit; For a small town, comprised primarily of Germans, Mascoutah, Illinois, supported the Union cause more than one might first imagine. A rare opportunity to see how one small Illinois town contributed to the war effort. Every Tuesday 9am-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

May 14th (Wednesday)

7pm

Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke Every Wed Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Open Mic Night hosted by Kimmy V (of EarthSol) and Tony V (of Vitamen A); all musicians, poets and performance artists welcome; every Thursday; 9pm-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Bike Night with Live Music Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every Thursday Night The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Thursday; Every Thursday night from 7-10pm The Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Wildey Theater (Edwardsville) - Memories of Mockingbird, An Evening with Scout; see the classic 1963 film “To Kill a Mockingbird” on the Wildey Theatre’s big screen and meet one of the movie’s stars, Academy Award-nominated actress Mary Badham, (who played “Scout” Finch), in person! 3pm Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30-10pm

Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Acoustic Open Mic Night with Bill Fourness; every Wednesday; 7-10pm Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband; 9:30pm-1:30am 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. 1:30-3pm Randy’s House of BBQ (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7-11pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Open Mic with AfterHours Entertainment & your host Banyon Hanner; 7-11pm Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night Wild Country (Collinsville) - The Taping of St. Louis Country with WIL gang, Derrick, Danny, Bo & Judy! $5 for everyone, FREE w/ valid College ID! 7pm-1am Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance Lessons; 6:30-9pm

May 16th (Friday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every

May 15th (Thursday)

501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8pm Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30pm1:30am Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Open Mic Jam Night; 8pm Downtown (Belleville) - Downtown Diva Night; an exciting ladies night out! Start at Rising Star, after-party at The Wine Tap; 5-8pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds StraightUpMagazine.net

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May Calendar of Events

May 2014

Friday thru Oct; 5-9pm Bee Hollow Market (Mascoutah) - Wine Tasting; Patio Nights every Friday in May; 4-7pm Belle Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Stock Car Races Friday Nights through September; 7pm Chez Marilyn (Alton) - Mondinband; 8pm-12am Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Rogers and Nienhaus; 7-11pm Downtown (Belleville) - 13th Annual Art on the Square; the #2 Art Show in the Nation; featuring the original works of over 100 accomplished artists from around the world, fantastic musical and stage performances plus delicious local food and drink; 5-10pm Downtown (Mascoutah) - Spring Fest and Car Show; 11am11pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Fezziwig’s Marketplace (Lebanon) - Premier Wine Tasting; 6:15-8pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - DJ Rev Disco; 8pm-12am Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - The Funatics – fun-lovin music with Steve Koritta and Tip Belz; 7-10pm; 7pm Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night from 7-11pm Pop’s (Sauget) - Barewire CD Release Party; 7pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Silver Creek Saloon (Belleville) - Car Cruise; every 3rd Friday; 5pm; live music at 9pm Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Abbey (Belleville) - Friday Night Jazz; Every Friday night from 7-10pm The Weingarten (Belleville) - Kerry Steinman; 6-10pm Towne Lounge (O’Fallon) - Mark Palmer; 9pm

Art Show in the Nation; featuring the original works of over 100 accomplished artists from around the world, fantastic musical and stage performances plus delicious local food and drink; 10am-8pm Downtown (Belleville) - Old Town Market; Catch the morning’s pick of fresh, flavorful produce grown by local farmers.

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!

7:30am-12pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Downtown (Edwardsville) - Land Of Goshen Community Market; Come experience the Land of Goshen Community Market! The Market is your best source for locally grown farm products, tasty baked goods, and wonderful art and gift ideas. The selection changes weekly so plan to visit more than once to fully appreciate the wide selection available. Live entertainment and free demonstrations add to the festive atmosphere. 8am-12pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Highland Speedway (Highland) - Military Night, free admission for Active Military Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - Mark

May 17th (Saturday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sat thru Oct; 2-9pm Argosy Music Hall (Alton) - Red; Join us for a tribute to Sammy Hagar. Free with your Argosy Preferred Card. 8pm Audubon Center (Alton) - Birds, Beer and Bluegrass with Old Salt Union; 5-9pm 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. Free admission; 8am-5pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live music Downtown (Belleville) - 13th Annual Art on the Square; the #2 14

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May 2014 Moebeck; 8pm-12am Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Sat-Jam Session w/ Mo’ Pleasure; 2-6pm Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Main Street Brewing Company (Belleville) - Live music with Lil’ Sister; five decades of rock and roll featuring Lindsay Kay; 7-11pm No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9pm Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - Ryan Spriggs; 7pm Parking Lot A SIUE (Edwardsville) - Inaugural Caritas Family Solutions Benefit 1 Mile Family Walk and 5K Run; bounce house, facepainting and live music; Registration begins 8:30am Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9pm-2am Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9pm-1am Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live music The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning East Side Road Ride; 7am The Weingarten (Belleville) - German Music by Herb Eberle, 2-5pm; Bob Koehler, 7-10pm The Wildey Theater (Edwardsville) - An Evening with Judy Collins; Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folksongs and contemporary themes. 8pm

Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

May 20th (Tuesday)

6pm 7pm

Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Mascoutah Historical Society (Mascoutah) - Civil War Exhibit; For a small town, comprised primarily of Germans, Mascoutah, Illinois, supported the Union cause more than one might first imagine. A rare opportunity to see how one small Illinois town contributed to the war effort. Every Tuesday 9am-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

May 21st (Wednesday)

7pm

Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke every Wednesday Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Acoustic Open Mic Night with Bill Fourness; every Wednesday; 7-10pm Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband; 9:30pm-1:30am Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Comedy Night; 8pm PSOP/SWIC (Belleville) - Line Dancing; Our instructor, Carol

May 18th (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sun thru Oct; 2-6pm 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. Free admission; 8am-5pm Downtown (Belleville) - 13th Annual Art on the Square; the #2 Art Show in the Nation; featuring the original works of over 100 accomplished artists from around the world, fantastic musical and stage performances plus delicious local food and drink; 11am-5pm Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Loading Dock (Grafton) - Mondinband; 3-7pm Pop’s (Sauget) - Swollen Members; presented by Judy Productions with Madchild, Slaine, Supreme Villain; 7pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic Night The Weingarten (Belleville) - Jazz on the Lawn; 2-5pm

May 19th (Monday)

Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - The piano artistry of Pat Joyce; 1-4pm Discovery Garden at LaVista Park (Godfrey) - Garden Workday; 9am–12pm StraightUpMagazine.net

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May Calendar of Events

May 2014

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. 1:30-3pm Randy’s House of BBQ (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7-11pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Open Mic with AfterHours Entertainment & your host Banyon Hanner; 7-11pm Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night Wild Country (Collinsville) - The Taping of St. Louis Country with WIL gang, Derrick, Danny, Bo & Judy! $5 for everyone, FREE w/ valid College ID! 7pm-1am Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance Lessons; 6:30-9pm

May 22nd (Thursday)

501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8pm Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30pm1:30am Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Open Mic Jam Night; 8pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Open Mic Night hosted by Kimmy V (of EarthSol) and Tony V (of Vitamen A); all musicians, poets and performance artists welcome; every Thursday; 9pm-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Bike Night with Live Music Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every Thursday Night The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Thursday; Every Thursday night from 7-10pm The Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30-10pm

Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - Tom Nickeson; 8pm-12am Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - Joe Truttman and Ron Wooley Duo; 7pm Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night from 7-11pm Pop’s (Sauget) - John Boi’s Birthday Bash; presented by The Beard & John Boi; with Scum, Freakz R Us, NuttinXNyce, John Boi, Kommon Grounds, Shadow B, The Circle, Re Up Von Wolfgang, Sara J & Jen N Juice, Mak 9, Unsolved Homicide; 6pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Stagger Inn (Edwardville) - Mondinband The Abbey (Belleville) - Friday Night Jazz; Every Friday night from 7-10pm The Weingarten (Belleville) - Jay Christopher; 6-10pm The Wildey Theater (Edwardsville) - The Wildey Theatre Presents SHEL, the quartet of sisters whose songs meld ethereal harmonies, out-of-the-box melodies and remarkable musicianship.

They will be performing their hit songs including “When The Sky Fell” which is featured on ABC Family’s new hit TV show ‘The Fosters.’ 8pm

May 24th (Saturday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sat thru Oct; 2-9pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live music Downtown (Belleville) - Belleville Historical Society Walking Tour; Village of West Belleville, an independent community from 18521882; meet at 1106 West Main; 10am Downtown (Belleville) - Old Town Market; Catch the morning’s pick of fresh, flavorful produce grown by local farmers.

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! 7:30am-12pm

May 23rd (Friday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Friday thru Oct; 5pm-9pm Bee Hollow Market (Mascoutah) - Wine Tasting; Patio Nights every Friday in May; 4-7pm Belle Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Stock Car Races Friday Nights through September; 7pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live music Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire (Alton) - Live music 16

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May 2014 Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Downtown (Edwardsville) - Land Of Goshen Community Market; Come experience the Land of Goshen Community Market! The Market is your best source for locally grown farm products, tasty baked goods, and wonderful art and gift ideas. The selection changes weekly so plan to visit more than once to fully appreciate the wide selection available. Live entertainment and free demonstrations add to the festive atmosphere. 8am-12pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire (Alton) - Live music Fezziwig’s Marketplace (Lebanon) - Casual Saturday Wine Tasting; 2-3:30pm Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - Truttman and Wooley Duo; 8pm-12am Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Sat-Jam Session w/ Mo’ Pleasure; 2-6pm Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9pm Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - The Funatics – fun-lovin music with Steve Koritta and Tip Belz; 7-10pm; 7pm Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9pm-2am Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9pm-1am Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning East Side Road Ride; 7am The Weingarten (Belleville) - Crossriver Band; 6-10pm The Wildey Theater (Edwardsville) – Jack Schmidt Presents Dogs of Society: A Tribute to Elton John. Effortlessly evoking an ultracool Elton, lead singer John Gore rocks the piano with a veritable Who’s Who from the St. Louis scene from guitarist Steve Johnston and drummer Dave Johnson to bassist Curt Shaw and keyboardist Shannon Bengford; 8pm

Jeremiah Johnson, Brother Hiram, Jackson Daniel, Tim Chandler, Tim Ryan, and an assortment of Str8Up feature artisans (see poster on back page and feature in this issue). 3-7pm

May 26th (Monday)

Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - The piano artistry of Pat Joyce; 1-4pm Discovery Garden at LaVista Park (Godfrey) - Garden Workday; 9am–12pm Downtown (Belleville) - Memorial Day Parade Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

May 27th (Tuesday)

6pm 7pm

Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Mascoutah Historical Society (Mascoutah) - Civil War Exhibit; For a small town, comprised primarily of Germans, Mascoutah, Illinois, supported the Union cause more than one might first imagine. A rare opportunity to see how one small Illinois town contributed to the war effort. Every Tuesday 9am-12pm Pop’s (Sauget) - 105.7 The Point welcomes An Evening with Sevendust Acoustic tour; 7pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

May 25th (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sun thru Oct; 2-6pm Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night The Weingarten (Belleville) - Steve Kirn; 2-6pm Villa Marie Winery (Maryville) - Southern Illinois Songwriter Festival Spring Fling Concert and Fine Arts Fair; featuring the music of StraightUpMagazine.net

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May Calendar of Events

May 2014

May 28th (Wednesday)

7pm

Belle Clair Expo Center (Belleville) - Adam’s Auction Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke Every Wed Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Acoustic Open Mic Night with Bill Fourness; every Wednesday; 7-10pm Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband; 9:30pm-1:30am 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. 1:30-3pm Randy’s House of BBQ (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7-11pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Open Mic with AfterHours Entertainment & your host Banyon Hanner; 7-11pm Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night Wild Country (Collinsville) - The Taping of St. Louis Country with WIL gang, Derrick, Danny, Bo & Judy! $5 for everyone, FREE w/ valid College ID! 7pm-1am Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance Lessons; 6:30-9pm

May 29th (Thursday)

501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8pm Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30pm1:30am Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - Open Mic Jam Night; 8pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A and Jackson (Baja Cali).

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Open Mic Night hosted by Kimmy V (of EarthSol) and Tony V (of Vitamen A); all musicians, poets and performance artists welcome; every Thursday; 9pm-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Bike Night with Live Music Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every Thursday Night The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Thursday; Every Thursday night from 7-10pm The Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live music Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30-10pm 18

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May 30th (Friday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Friday thru Oct; 5-9pm Bee Hollow Market (Mascoutah) - Wine Tasting; Patio Nights every Friday in May; 4-7pm Belle Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Stock Car Races Friday Nights through September; 7pm Chez Marilyn (Alton) - Pat Liston; 8:30-11:30pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live music Downtown (Belleville) - Annual Shriners Parade; starts at 17th and West Main and ends at the 800 block of East Main; 7:30pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Knights of Columbus Watering Hole (O’Fallon) - Two Old Folkers – Moebeck and Gordon; 8pm-12am Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - Ryan Spriggs; 7pm Piasa Winery & Pub (Grafton) - Open Mic Night every Friday night from 7-11pm Pop’s (Sauget) - American Idiot a tribute to Green Day; presented by The Beard with Rearview Mirror, a tribute to Pearl Jam , TBA; 7pm

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May 2014 Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Abbey (Belleville) - Friday Night Jazz; Every Friday night from 7-10pm The Weingarten (Belleville) - Kevin Bilchik; 6-10pm

May 31st (Saturday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sat thru Oct; 2-9pm American Legion Post 365 (Collinsville) - Rockin’ for the Miner’s; benefit concert featuring four area bands: The VCRs, Pro Bono and the Non-Billables, Quarter Draw Band, The Jammin’ Ringtonz; proceeds benefit the Miner’s Institute Foundation to make the Historic Miner’s Theatre ADA accessible; 7:30pm Belle-Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Ainad Shriner’s 48th Annual Circus; 2 and 7:30pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Karaoke Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Live music Downtown (Belleville) - Old Town Market; Catch the morning’s pick of fresh, flavorful produce grown by local farmers. 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!

7:30am-12pm Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Saturday morning runs meet at the parking lot behind the St Louis Bread Company.

Downtown (Edwardsville) - Land Of Goshen Community Market; Come experience the Land of Goshen Community Market! The Market is your best source for locally grown farm products, tasty baked goods, and wonderful art and gift ideas. The selection changes weekly so plan to visit more than once to fully appreciate the wide selection available. Live entertainment and free demonstrations add to the festive atmosphere. 8am-12pm Downtown (Mascoutah) - Ice Cream Social and Volksmarch Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music; 7pm Highland Speedway (Highland) - Hard Charger Night Laurie’s Place (Edwardsville) - Every Sat-Jam Session w/ Mo’ Pleasure; 2-6pm Lilly’s Lounge (Alton) - Karaoke Main and Seminary Streets (Collinsville) - Movies on Main; Free Outdoor Movie Series; ET – The Extra Terrestrial; bring your blankets and lawn chairs; begins at dusk No-Jacks Bar & Grill (Smithton) - DJ & Karaoke Every Saturday; 9pm Papa Vito’s (Belleville) - Ryan Spriggs; 7pm Phil’s Bar & Grill (Wood River) - Karaoke/DJ; 9pm-2am

Pop’s (Sauget) - Savage Amusement - A Tribute to The Scorpions; presented by Pop’s & The Beard with special guests: Candy Coated Evil; 7pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Live Music Shenanigan’s (Belleville) - DJ or Live Music Spectators Sports Bar and Grill (Alton) - Country Karaoke; 9pm-1am Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music The Cyclery and Fitness Center (Edwardsville) - Saturday Morning East Side Road Ride; 7am The Weingarten (Belleville) - Hands Off Band; 6-10pm

June 1st (Sunday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Sun thru Oct; 2-6pm Belle Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Ainad Shriner’s 48th Annual Circus; 2 and 7:30pm Dutch Hollow Barn (Belleville) - Every Sunday Jam Session; 7pm Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night

June 2nd (Monday)

Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) - The piano artistry of Pat Joyce; 1-4pm

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May Calendar of Events

May 2014

Discovery Garden at LaVista Park (Godfrey) - Garden Workday; 9am-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

7pm

June 3rd (Tuesday)

6pm 7pm

Bike Surgeon (Shiloh) - Tuesday Night Metro East Road Ride; Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Mascoutah Historical Society (Mascoutah) - Civil War Exhibit; For a small town, comprised primarily of Germans, Mascoutah, Illinois, supported the Union cause more than one might first imagine.

A rare opportunity to see how one small Illinois town contributed to the war effort. Every Tuesday 9am-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Karaoke

June 4th (Wednesday)

7pm

Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz, Cigar/Scotch Night Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Karaoke Every Wed Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Miscellanea House (Belleville) - Acoustic Open Mic Night with Bill Fourness; every Wednesday; 7-10pm Mike’s Ten Pin (Alton) - Mondinband; 9:30pm-1:30am 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. 1:30-3pm Randy’s House of BBQ (Troy) - Open Mic Jam; 7-11pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Open Mic with AfterHours Entertainment & your host Banyon Hanner; 7-11pm Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Open Mic Night Wild Country (Collinsville) - The Taping of St. Louis Country with WIL gang, Derrick, Danny, Bo & Judy! $5 for everyone, FREE w/ valid College ID! 7pm-1am Wood River Roundhouse (Wood River) - Imperial Swing Dance Lessons; 6:30-9pm 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; 6-9pm

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) - Live music Hemingway’s Zen Garden (O’Fallon) - Live Acoustic Music;

Jailhouse Rock (Trenton) - Class Act Karaoke Pitchers Pub (Belleville) - Open Mic Night hosted by Kimmy V (of EarthSol) and Tony V (of Vitamen A); all musicians, poets and performance artists welcome; every Thursday; 9pm-12pm Schatze’s (Belleville) - Bike Night with Live Music Silver Creek Saloon & Grill (Belleville) - Well Hungarians; Every Thursday Night The Abbey (Belleville) - Singer/Songwriter Thursday; Every Thursday night from 7-10pm The Stagger Inn…Again (Edwardsville) - Live Music Wild Country (Collinsville) - Free Dance Lessons w/ Joyce Warren; 7:30-10pm

June 6th (Friday)

Aerie’s Winery (Grafton) - Stan Corliss in the beer garden every Friday thru Oct; 5-9pm Belle Clair Fairgrounds (Belleville) - Stock Car Races Friday Nights through September 7pm Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Crehan’s Irish Pub (Belleville) - Mondinband; 8pm-12am

June 5th (Thursday)

501 Blues Club (Highland) - Thursday Night Open Mic Jam Session; 8pm Bubby and Sissy’s (Alton) - Karaoke Dance Party; 9:30pm1:30am Cigar Inn (Belleville) - Live Jazz Downtown (Belleville) - The Belleville Running Club holds group runs in downtown Belleville every Thursday night at 6pm and Saturday morning at 8am. Thursday night runs meet at the parking lot at A and Jackson (Baja Cali).

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The Arts

May 2014

Wearing Her Art on Her Sleeve: Cover Artist Tracy Welling

by Robyn L. Kirsch

What once began as a passion for painting, soon transformed into a new creative outlet amidst unknown territory of artistic jewelry making, metal smithery, knotting, hand dying and fashion design for metro east freelance artist of 10 years, Tracy Welling of Collinsville.

With works having a heavy focus on layering, texture and movement captured in a multitude of mediums, Welling has had a number of pieces in shows last year at the Jacoby Art Center in Alton and at other local art shows in the metro east. As a dedicated mother of two young boys, Welling is also juggling the efforts to increase her influence to individuals in the metro east area and on the other side of the Mississippi with the help and unfaltering support of her husband Mike Welling, family like sister-in-law Jesse Gomez, friends and professional colleagues. Coupled with exploring the new avenues of fashion design while meticulously creating wearable fine art, the eclectic work of this Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus is pushing boundaries and she loves every minute of it.

“My work could be described as royal, tribal and elaborate wearable fine art,” Welling said. “People seem to gravitate towards it. I’m honestly not sure where it’s going but hopefully more opportunities will follow. I think with this whole collaborative event, it will help all of us get out in front of an audience we haven’t been exposed to (and vice versa).”

While working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, completed in 2002, Welling began to broaden her choice of media and went from a mindset to strictly paint that grew into a desire to work three dimensionally, according to Welling. “It was intriguing to me that fabricating with metal could be so instinctively sculptural and empowering and yet still contain the element of soft sentimental value that is inherent in jewelry,” Welling said.

Welling described having her ‘light bulb moment.’ “To me, jewelry is symbolic in many ways. It is about creating fond memories

and expressing love but there is also a natural strength and tenacity in the materials that comprise each piece,” Welling explained.

It became apparent to Welling that jewelry contains emotion for the wearer while still holding elements of protection and fortitude.

“I had a light bulb moment… (so,) in my latest works I have strived to marry metalwork, fiber and natural elements together in order to expand views and thoughts of traditional jewelry,” Welling explained. “I have started seeing my work as symbols or manifestations of inner strength and conflict as the collection has come together.”

Thinking of each piece as a sort of shield or piece of armor and then eventually becoming royal in theme, Welling said her work is comprised of hand knotted and woven hemp, knotted and woven electroformed copper, hand dyed chiffon with other natural and repurposed materials.

“Within a couple of years after graduation, I met my husband and started a family. My desires to make art became dormant as my joy for being with my family grew,” Welling said. “I have been on hiatus for what seems like a very long time. I had only been asleep and I have just recently awakened to new ideas and a renewed motivation.”

Pursuing new endeavors in the fashion design world, Welling said she’s been able to open again to the creative process.

“My process starts backwards in a way. It takes a couple weeks for a full look to be finished because I make an accessory piece and then I work around that with the cape or dress made from different mediums to fit it all together,” Welling said.

Reminiscently thinking about the culmination of her desire to employ the monotonous, yet meditative and calming process of knotting, Welling had this to share, “I guess it all began when I was a girl and would spend hours untying knots with my (crafty) grandmother. After she passed away, tying knots StraightUpMagazine.net

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May 2014 I envisioned and what she would represent essentially was the beginning,” Welling described. “But then luckily with everyone else having experience in what they do really helped capture what I was looking for.”

“Apocalyptic Wonderland” is a themed event divided into three categories of Darkness, Limbo and Light portrayed by the work(s) of about 30 other artists from the St. Louis metropolitan and metro east area.

Welling will be a part of the Light category with her five full fashion looks representing overcoming darkness to find oneself stronger and immersed in hope and light at the end of a proverbial journey.

“After I made one of my dresses, I began dying the end of my garments, and having five looks and ensuring that I tied them altogether. So the concept, plus the color scheme, plus I wanted to incorporate my love of masks and capes and what roles they can play, I ended up with a form of light that shows not ‘happy shiny light,’ but instead what could exemplify the (quest) to ‘hopeful light.’”

“It’s going to be a massive event, and there’s already a lot of hype about it,” Welling said. “Since I went from a visual (abstract) painter showing in galleries to a five full looks fashion designer with the help of others involved, which is so new to me, I’m very excited.”

Talking of the possibilities waiting in the wings for Welling, internationally published Beauty and Pinup Photographer Cayson said she is looking forward to seeing doors open for her.

“In my 10 years working as a beauty, fashion and pin-up photography, I’ve never worked with someone so uniquely driven, and I plan on working with her in the future,” Cayson said. “She’s so very talented and I like her work because it’s different and very unique—not like everyday mass produced (things) found in say Macy’s. I would describe it as avant-garde, and that’s the kind of photography I like to focus on because it’s very distinct.”

Cayson said she will be having a July 2014 workshop featuring Welling’s work at her home photography studio in east Belleville.

was a means for me to channel my emotions and deal with (the grief). Making jewelry (and other wearable arts like masks and capes) is a very intimate and emotional process for me and time consuming, and it was a cathartic way to cope with what I was going through.”

Welling said it’s been a phenomenal path to walk with her other half as they team together co-parenting and compromising to adjust one another’s schedules to allow for both to have time to work creatively autonomously. “Mike and his sister (Jessie Gomez) have been really supportive throughout this whole progression in our lives,” Welling said. “Mike is a drummer, and works with his own artistic expression, which we both feel is vital (to our lives and happiness).”

Welling said Gomez has introduced her to the networking of professionals within the art circuit, fashion modeling and veteran photographers.

After graduating from the SIUE Fine Arts department, Gomez also moved on to become a makeup artist and licensed nail artist. With extensive knowledge in nail art, airbrush makeup and bridal makeup, Jessie’s work has also been published in several publications. In her own words, “My passion for all things of beauty became clear as I broadened my knowledge to Airbrush and Traditional Makeup.”

“We met while in college, and she also obtained a degree in Fine Arts,” Welling said. “Jessie and I have always worked really great together, and now that she’s recently moved back into the area, her contacts in the fashion field have reached out to help me develop the whole package.”

Welling said with the help of two well known, locally based photographers, Sarah “Z” Cayson and Mark Schwigen, and two models, Victoria K. Verbytskyy and Kimberly Diane Andert, her goals have become the reality she hoped for, but couldn’t begin to have imagined.

“I really didn’t know what to expect, I’ve never been a part of a photo shoot with models I have to dress,” Welling said. “But now with the five looks in fashion I’ve designed, it is an exciting new turn for me.”

With a nine-hour photo shoot, two models, two photographers, multiple looks to portray, makeup and hair styling by Gomez, not to mention the many hours, weeks and months of tedious artistry and diligence to boot, Welling said her submission photo representations for “Apocalyptic Wonderland” by Fete Event Series at the St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum this May were accepted by Event Coordinator Sarah Faragalla.

“My inspiration stemmed from a number of things. For one, having the whole vision of what girl 22

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May 2014

Model of seven years dabbling in beauty, fashion and other photography platforms, Andert said she was not only stunned to be the ‘face’ of the “Apocalyptic Wonderland” event, but was also unsure of what to expect from Welling’s work initially.

“No one can recreate (Welling’s) work because of its intricate and unique quality,” Andert said. “Sarah’s vision for this event (as I understand it) is not only similar to the RAW St. Louis events with the gathering of artists, photographers and makeup / beauty artists, but also for the impactful nature of the artistically themed (parameters) and for everyone to form connections and network with others in the field.”

Andert went on to welcome individuals to check out the event with an open mind.

“People are not used to fashion, especially not around here, it’s definitely a New York and Los Angeles thing, so if people come to the event, they might be a little surprised by how ‘out there’ it is, but it’s a good time…I try to recommend people who aren’t in the industry particularly because it opens your eyes to a whole new (world) that’s out there. You never know what people are doing or how much work goes into making photos you see in a magazine, online or on T.V..”

Verbytskyy said she is excited to work with Welling again. “I loved working with Welling! It’s amazing what she is capable of— quite inspirational! The whole process during the photo shoot took a while, but it was worth it and the accessories and (ensembles) are shocking in a positive way,” Verbytskyy touted.

Page 21: Kimberly Diane - Red Queen with Noble Collar Page 22: Kimberly Diane - Cobra Page 23 Left to right: Kimberly Diane - Noble Collar; Victoria Verbytskyy - Copper Nest; Kimberly Diane - Entangled Scales

For more information on the work of Sara “Zairia” Cayson and Mark Schwigen, go to ZairiasPhotography.com.

To register for the two-day professional workshop held at Cayson’s studio visit ZCreativeWorkshop.com.

Welling creations will be showcased at the following events: What: “Apocalyptic Wonderland” by Fete Event Series - [Event coordinator: Sarah Faragalla] Where: St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63108 When: Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 7 - 11pm

What: Drew Henry Salon & Gallery event Where: 2309 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, MO, 62118 When: Saturday, June 7, 2014 Tracy Welling can be contacted at: Facebook.com/MetraCreations

Cover image: Unicrown by Tracy Welling / Modeled by Kimberly Diane / Photo by Mark Schwigen / Hair and Makeup by Jesse Gomez MUA

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Music

May 2014

Second Verse: Songwriter Festival Returns to Villa Marie Winery

by Mark Johnson

“I grew up near New Orleans, and in my younger years New Orleans was like this.”

Ken Baker knows that something is happening in this area. You can drive to any city from Alton to Red Bud and see musicians playing original music on almost any night of the week. On both sides of the river, the scenes are vibrant and evolving, be it food, sports or music. But even with so much going on, there’s no specific showcase for Metro East songwriters, an odd omission for an area that’s rich with talent.

Ken is changing the state of affairs on this side of Mississippi River.

A musician himself, he moved to the area and began finishing his music degree at SIUE after retiring from the military. In his time here, he’s met many other musicians with talent that has blown him away, and yet, without that showcase, he knew they weren’t getting their fair due. So, the obvious answer was to make that showcase happen himself.

That was a year ago, and now the second installment of the Southern Illinois Songwriter Festival is about to take place on Sunday, May 25, from 3 to 7pm, at the Villa Marie Winery in Maryville and costs a whole $2 for admission. The festival brings together five songwriters who span five genres to give audiences the sample of what’s been hiding under their noses all this time. Just don’t come expecting to hear covers of your favorite song.

“If I had to summarize my motto for this event, it’d be ‘Aspiring artists playing original music,’” Ken said. “These are artists who’d love nothing more than to be able to play three or four nights a week, and do nothing else but play music. But we all have day jobs.”

When Ken stepped out to start the festival, he started a company, too, Old Salt Music LLC. Through Old Salt Music, he not only wants to arrange the festival to help promote local artists but he’s also branching out into helping artists as a booking agent, providing guaranteed shows, schedules, and, most importantly, paychecks on the day of their performance.

Much of the music industry, especially on the local scale, operates on a who-you-know basis and with verbal agreements. It’s not uncommon for confusion about scheduling to rise up or for someone to have suddenly left the building when it comes time to pay the artists. The combination of what Ken is trying to do will, hopefully, clear up some volatility that exists in the industry and provide local artists with a great chance to be heard and to do what they love, possibilities that seem more present in St. Louis compared to the Metro East.

“I see a lot of artists writing great music, but not the same opportunity,” Ken said.

Knowing what he wants to accomplish was the first step, and after finding the venue the pieces have fallen into place.

The Venue - Driving to Villa Marie is an experience unto itself.

East Main Street in Maryville turns east, and after a few blocks, the city gives way to giant yards and hilly countryside. You come over the crest of one hill, perhaps unsure of where the winery will be, and then notice a sign 24

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with a wine barrel hanging from it. The house to your right slides away and reveals the church-sized winery sitting high on another hill with a manmade lake wrapping around it. Beyond the lake you see the vineyard on a distant, rolling sea of grass.

(L to R) TC Chandler, Ken Baker, Tony Loving, Mark Wehmeyer, Tim Ryan

Inside, the winery is split into two main rooms. The first is the size of a normal restaurant, with the bar centered and straight ahead from the front doors. Stucco-like, textured walls give the space a warm, rustic feeling, which is important when you look up and see how high the ceilings are. Through the bar you see back into the second room and realize that this is just an antechamber of sorts, a prelude to something much grander.

From that next great room there are yet more offshoots, including a basement and another hall that can be used for weddings. Out back, there’s a balcony that opens to the grounds behind the winery. A gazebo dominates the small island built into the lake, and a beautiful fire pit sits near the water’s edge closer to the building.

Of course, as a winery, they have a great selection of wines and delicious foods. If you’re more interested in beer, they can accommodate those preferences too; everyone will find plenty of things to sup and nosh come show time.

Carol Bierbaum is Executive Assistant at Villa Marie. She lauds the winery on their many award winning wines and on the winery’s many qualities. “It is a great destination. Wonderful food, great entertainment, beautiful rolling hills, minutes from St. Louis. One of the region’s best kept secrets. We like to use this venue to promote unique opportunities, like this festival and fine arts exhibits. From this will come other excellent arts and entertainment events.”

The Players - So the stage is set. We know the reason and the venue, and now let’s look at who we’ll be clapping for. The Spring Fling will feature five artists that play in five genres: Americana, blues, Celtic, country and jazz. Here we’ll provide a spotlight for four of the five artists who we had the chance to speak with, all except the headliner Jeremiah Johnson. Johnson will be performing a rare solo acoustic set, stepping away from his popular blues band to come take part in the songwriter festival.

Jeremiah Johnson - Acoustic Blues - Jeremiah Johnson will headline this show. Well known for his popular rock and blues Jeremiah Johnson Band,

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May 2014 Johnson will be performing a rare solo acoustic set, stepping away from his popular blues band to showcase his individual talents in this songwriter festival. Jeremiah was not available for an interview for this article. But know that he has led his band to be the winner of the 2011 St. Louis Blues Society Challenge and the 2012 and 2013 RFT Music Awards Readers Polls.

Brother Hiram - Americana - This is a duo act comprised of Tony Loving and Ken Baker. Ken and Tony met through work, both then serving in the military, and only found out that they both played music after Ken invited Tony on a hunting trip. After their conversation led them to music they found out they both played and shortly after formed a band together. Tony does most of the songwriting, and Ken brings his decades of experience as a musician along for the ride; Ken first picked up a guitar when he was 6 years old but only began performing seriously four years ago after retiring.

Together, their music falls under the Americana category, a group populated with other artists like John Prine and Tom Waits. “It’s more of a catch-all for the stuff that you couldn’t figure out what it was,” Ken said.

Tony brings an artistic mindset to his songwriting. An artist in many ways – a painter as well as a musician – he transposes his painter’s sensibilities to verse.

“I view writing songs in the same way as painting a picture, so you do your sketch first, then color it in and in the end, hopefully it looks good,” Tony said.

Perhaps Tony is being a bit modest: “I could say ‘Tony, write a song about a glass of wine’ and tomorrow he’ll have a song that says something, he’s that good,” Ken said.

Jackson Daniel - Country - Mark Wehmeyer, who goes by Jackson Daniel “when I’ve got a guitar in my hands,” met Ken when he bought his Martin guitar at Guitar Center. He’s been performing for several years now with his band, which he formed shortly after he set off to be a musician.

“Decided after I graduated college I wanted to start playing, so I hit up the local joint in town and started, and it just took off from there. Started up a band, called Small Town Famous, and traveled all over the place playing,” Wehmeyer said.

Recently, he has had opportunities to play solo as a singer/songwriter. He’s taken advantage of the chance to play his original music in various wineries and locations in the area. As a songwriter, he approaches his lyrics like a storyteller.

“I approach my songs like I’m writing a short story,” he said.

Musically he calls himself a mutt, bringing together influences from various styles of country including red dirt, old country and new country and mixing them in a sound that’s all his own.

T.C., aka Timothy Chandler - Jazz - After finishing his master’s and working for a few years as a mechanical engineer, one Tuesday T.C. woke up and asked himself a simple question: “Do I want to do this for another 50 years?” He stared at the ceiling for 30 minutes and knew the answer.

Within a few weeks he quit his job and then moved to Las Vegas to find work as a pianist. He found a living there, and his passion, and when he decided he wanted to study music theory he moved back to the area to be closer to family and friends while he finished his degree.

Luckily that Tuesday’s decision was accompanied by his formidable

chops as a pianist, a talent that he grew from when he was 15 years old, which brings his total time at the ivories to just about 25 years. Throughout all of that time, T.C. has always written songs, but found sharing them a process he shielded in the beginning. He’d play a song of his for a friend without specifying that it was his, so he could get an honest reaction. That was years ago, however, and luckily he’s embraced the process of sharing the music he’s spent most of his life working to create.

“At the end of the day, you have to put it out there otherwise no one will know you exist musically,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about, putting your neck out there and seeing what happens. It’s totally cool.”

T.C. will perform on an 88-key Yamaha keyboard, probably the biggest instrument you’ll see on stage, layering his vocals over his keys. His musical style he links closely to inspirations like George Duke, Joe Sample and Oscar Peterson.

Tim Ryan - Celtic/Folk - Growing up, Tim probably didn’t expect that his sister’s record collect would hold such influence over his artistic creations. She always had LPs and 8-tracks around, all dating from the late 60s and 70s, and he found his love and inspiration for music in those songs, creating a passion that’s still with him 26 years later.

With a guitar, harmonica and Irish whistles of various sizes, Tim’s work encompasses traditional Irish and Celtic tunes as well as blues and folk.

With so many years under his belt as a songwriter, you might think that he spends less and less time trying to finish any one song. Not the case – one song he’s been honing the lyrics to for 11 years. As a songwriter, he holds himself to high standards, something that shows through when you see him play.

Tim approaches his songwriting from a few different angles, depending on what he’s trying to accomplish. Some of his songs are simply stories, an objective telling of things he’s seen in his life. Others he describes as ‘subliminal therapy’, where he tries to impart some bit of wisdom or experience he’s gained throughout his years.

Most of his songs, even if the subject matter is more serious in tone, are upbeat and melodic. For his set at the festival, you’ll hear a selection of Celtic music and original Irish jig and reel arrangements of his own. Outside of that his songs also bridge into Americana and folk, with noticeable influences from Tom Petty, CCR, The Band and Bob Dylan.

Four hours, five artists in five genres and $2 to get in. Come see what’s been growing right here.

Who: Old Salt Music and Villa Marie Winery and Straight Up Magazine What: Southern Illinois Songwriter Festival Spring Fling Concert and

Fine Arts Fair Where: Villa Marie Winery, 6633 East Main Street, Maryville IL When: May 25, 2014; 3-7pm Who else: Jeremiah Johnson, Brother Hiram, Jackson Daniels, Tim Chandler, Tim Ryan, and an assortment of Str8Up feature artisans How: 618-345-3100 ~ TheVillaMarieWinery.com Photo by Mark Johnson.

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Business Profile Business Feature

May 2014 November 2013

“Getting Sauced on the Square at CharlieDave’s BBQ Company”

by John Dorroh

My southern roots dictate that I must eat barbeque on a regular basis, and that I should be diligent in spreading the Good News when I have it to share. I’m not talking about scripture or the fact that winter is finally over in Southeastern Illinois. I’m talking good ole sauce, meat and bird, grilled, smoked, and delivered to your table with a smile.

CharlieDave’s BBQ Company is definitely Good News in Highland on the Square. It’s a place of comfort, smoky smells, friendly service, and some of the most flavor-intensive “Q” in the Metro East.

competition, we finished dead last….we learned the hard way that cooking for tail-gating parties and similar events is completely different form competition cooking.”

The baby is born…

After years of experimenting, they opened their first restaurant on the Square in Highland on February 12, 2013. It was the logical thing to do.

Pointing to the store front, I asked a man on the Square in Highland if he had eaten at CharlieDave’s. He said yes, that he eats there often and asked Who is Charlie Dave? me the same question.

Years ago, Charlie Dave began grilling in his backyard with an old “I ate there today,” I responded.

Weber grill. He shared his passion with his family and close friends. But “What did you have?” he asked. the food was so good that he ventured out into a wider audience, grilling at I told him that I devoured one of the three specials, a Carolina van meets, camping trips, local bars, and fund-raising events. pulled pork sandwich, with slaw and a generous portion of seasoned fries.

It seems that learning to grill and developing a unique flavor profile is a “You didn’t have the pork poppers?” he asked with an expression process, something that isn’t accomplished or perfected in a fixed period of of disappointment. I admitted that I hadn’t had the poppers that day but that time. There aren’t any directions or roadmaps to guarantee success. Occa- I had eaten them in the past. sionally, serious students take what they’ve learned from their mentor and Most successful restaurants seem to have a signature dish or item. apply it to their own lives. Take the case of the co-owners of CharlieDave’s For CharlieDave’s, it’s got to be the pork poppers… and the six sauces.

BBQ Company.

What are ‘pork poppers’?

The saga continues…

If you’ve ever eaten a jalapeno popper, you have an idea of what Matt Denue held several “regular” jobs as he began to host small pork poppers look like. However, inside this lightly breaded and fried batter tail-gating parties 13-14 years ago. Mike Armbruster was working with shell is a delectable center of slow-smoked pulled pork. They are dipped computers and joined him. They paid attention as Charlie Dave taught them into any of the six made-from-scratch sauces. (A science experiment here?) everything he knew about The staff needed a way the art of grilling and smokto make use of leftover meat ing. from particular cuts. They Just as Charlie Dave tried making a pork burger had ventured out, creatbut it wouldn’t hold together. ing a more diverse flavor Denue’s oldest teenage son profile, so did the two men. suggested that they form them The numbers of attendees at into “balls,” dip them into a their tail-gating parties and light batter, and deep-fry them. special events mushroomed.

They prepared several For example, they served batches for an event in St. over 200 patrons at an event Jacob that summer in June, and at Ethel’s, a small the crowd loved them. A friend neighborhood pub in from church told them to take Highland, and over 2,000 at them to an after-hours mixer St. Paul’s Church! for the Highland Chamber of In 2008, Denue and Commerce, and once again, Armbruster entered the the crowd devoured every one arena of BBQ competition. of them.

“We didn’t do well,” admitOne of the participants ted Denue. “Out of 27 teams asked what they were called, in an Edwardsville and Denue admitted that they Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich 26 1

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May 2013 2014 November didn’t have a name. Someone at the meeting suggested “Pork Poppers.” The name stuck and has been one of the most popular items on the menu, a signature item for sure.

Community involvement…

CharlieDave’s BBQ Company wants to be involved in the community. In March they hosted “Leaps of Love,” and they’d like to host and celebrate other worthy causes once a month.

“We’re just getting started,” said Denue, “and we’re learning what works for us.”

Last summer CharlieDave’s was a regular vendor at the farmer’s market on the Square in Highland, within 500 feet of the restaurant.

“It’s nice to have some choices like this,” said one of the market customers. “We really don’t have time right now to sit down at a restaurant, and when we get hungry here at the market. We like some good quality food like we get at CharlieDave’s…”

Getting sauced….

Co-owners Mike Armbruster and Matt Denue with server Jessica Byrd Many BBQ connoisseurs will tell you that, although the meat used in the smoking process needs to be of high quality, the sauces have to be just as good.

“Our sauces are not meant to mask the flavor of the meats, but to complement, to bring out the flavors of the meat,” said Denue.

CharlieDave’s mixes six sauces: red, cherry chipotle, sweet apricot, Kansas City Sweet, Carolina mustard, and regular. Each of these concoctions has a distinct taste and is intended to complement a different meat or bird. For example, the cherry chipotle makes pork sing; the sweet apricot makes chicken dance a bit on the plate. And the red, the most popular, is vinegar-based and has the right amount of heat to get your attention. It goes well on everything. (Since I am not a purist, I mix-and-match, unafraid to experiment.)

If you’re not in the mood for BBQ, there’s a wide array of alternate choices such as burgers, wings, and pork steaks; onion rings, grilled chicken sandwiches, and beer-battered fish. Or you might want to be adventurous and try a “Cowboy Cocktail,” a unique presentation of pulled pork, BBQ beans, and coleslaw served in a Mason jar.

There’s an assortment of wines and beers as well as an award-winning Margarita.

So whether you’re from the Midwest, or the Deep South where pork rules, CharlieDave’s BBQ Company offers a top-notch product that is bound to catch your attention. At least, that’s what this good ole boy thinks.

Who: CharlieDave’s BBQ Company What: BBQ pork, brisket, chicken, six sassy sauces; alternatives Where: 1011 Washington Street, Highland, IL (On the Square) When: Kitchen Hours Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Bar Hours Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 AM-1:00 AM Friday-Saturday, 11:00 AM-2:00 AM Pork Poppers

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How: 618-651-4118 www.charliedaves.com StraightUpMagazine.net StraightUpMagazine.net

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