CONTACT US
Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Centralia House Restaurant
Call toll-free: 800-228-0429 Cara Recine, Lifestyles and special projects editor cara.recine@thesouthern.com / ext. 5075 Adam Testa, Lifestyles writer adam.testa@thesouthern.com / ext. 5031 Brenda Kirkpatrick, lists, live music flipside@thesouthern.com / ext. 5089 Rhonda Ethridge, cover designer rhonda.ethridge@thesouthern.com / ext. 5118 J.C. Dart, online jennifer.dart@thesouthern.com / ext. 5183 The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-908) is published daily at a yearly subscription rate of $178. It is published at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. It is owned by Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa.
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Upcoming Events
Valentine’s Day Dinner February 14th (6-9 pm)
Enjoy a Four-C Course Dinner, Catered by Kindling & Complemented by Blue Sky Wine. $125/Couple (Reservations Required by Feb. 7th) Call for info. Music: Roxie Randle and Sheldon Lee Sweeney from Nashville Tenn. (Acoustic Americana)
Check out our wide variety of Wisconsin Cheeses, Sausages, Homemade Sandwiches, Chicken Pot Pies, Pizza, Soups, Breads w/Gourmet Olive Oil & Desserts. 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Rd. Makanda • 618-995-WINE www.blueskyvineyard.com WINTER HOURS: Mon.-Thur. 10:30-5:30 • Fri. 10:30-7:00 • Sat. 10:00-7:00 • Sun. 12-6:30
Page 2 Thursday, January 26, 2012 FLIPSIDE
Buy one entrée, get one free at featured dining establishments with the 2012 Top 20 Dining Card. Cards are $20; get one at our Carbondale office at 710 N. Illinois Ave. or at www.thesouthern.com/ top20. BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
ome eateries are just synonymous with Southern Illinois dining. Centralia House Restaurant is one such establishment, offering impressive tradition and delectable dishes to its patrons for the past 150plus years. The establishment was constructed in the 1850s as a saloon and sporting house and was the social center of Centralia — famous before the advent of the dining car. Built aside the original Illinois Central Railroad, the restaurant’s waiters used to welcome riders by reading the extensive menu, banging the large brass gong and exuding genuine hospitality. Not much has changed in terms of Centralia House’s customer appreciation. And diners can still arrive by rail to experience the ultimate aura of times past. “We pull people from Effingham, Vandalia, all the way as far as St. Louis,” owner Chris Ramey told The Southern last year. “One of our major draws is people who come up from Marion, Carbondale and Du Quoin on Amtrak. They catch the train and come up and have dinner. The train is here at 6 p.m. and picks
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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
The Centralia House Restaurant is on North Oak Street in Centralia.
Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Centralia House Restaurant What: Fine dining, steak, shrimp, Cajun cuisine Where: 111 N. Oak St., Centralia Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday; 4-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; private parties can be booked for Sundays Phone: 618-532-9754 Web: www.centraliahouserestaurant.com them up at 8 p.m. It provides them with a unique experience.” Staying true to the restaurant’s rich tradition, Ramey has changed little about the building since taking over the business. The main dining room includes the pre-1900 bar and bar back. The atmosphere features dim lighting, traditional artwork and live piano music, as well. The Budweiser light that hangs over the bar was given to the restaurant by August Busch I. The bar also contains a 100-yearold cash register that is still used to this day. The restaurant even features the spirits warehouse in the stone cellar below the bar. A banquet room and middle bar were added about eight years ago and are used to accommodate
private parties and gatherings and to serve overflow crowds. As for the food, Ramey keeps the Cajun/Creole fare the main priority of Centralia House. Start your meal off right with an artichoke and spinach dip served with French bread or the dusted portabella mushrooms, sliced heartily and then dusted with the restaurant’s own special breading. If a soup-salad combo is your style, try pairing spring blend chicken Cobb salad with the flaky tilapia fillet seasoned and deep fried on rye with tartar sauce. Ramey’s Cajun influence is alive and well in the entrée section of the menu. The Centralia house shrimp is a classic item and features shrimp prepared in
the shell in a spicy and unique Cajun barbecue sauce. You can also find shrimp Creole and shrimp jambalaya on the menu. The Centralia House’s finest cut of beef comes in the form of its filet of beef tenderloin — an 8-ounce choice-cut, lightly seasoned and aged to perfection. If you can’t make up your mind between shrimp and steak, just get them both. The restaurant’s most popular dinner — the filet and Centralia House shrimp — will send you home happy. Book your event today for the Centralia House’s banquet facility. It will seat up to 100 people and can provide a true dining experience for wedding rehearsals, receptions, birthdays or holiday parties.
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
BOOKS
SIU Theater ready for semester’s shows CARBONDALE — The SIU Department of Theater is gearing up for another busy semester. This year’s season has something for just about everyone. There are no big-name productions on the schedule, but that’s not to discredit anything that’s on the slate. One of the season’s highlights is an adaptation of Herman Melville’s novel “Billy Budd,” written by now-retired SIU playwriting professor David Rush. The story has been adapted several times, but Rush’s work will take a fresh look at an old tale. Another key part of the season will be a production of “Crave” by British playwright Sarah Kane. This story deviates from her usual violent tales to explore issues of love and pain instead. The style of “Crave” represents a trend extending through the rest of the season, as well. “There’s no huge piece,” said Vincent Rhomberg, the department’s marketing director. “They’re leaning toward a more contemporary theatrical form. I think
we’re seeing that in almost every event this semester.” This semester’s schedule includes: Feb. 1 “Sustainability and Transition Towns;” an evening of toy theater presentations; performances created in workshop with visiting guest artists Sandy Spiler and Loren Niemi of the In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater Company; 8 p.m.; rotunda of Morris Library; free Feb. 9-12 Two one-act operas; “La Tragédie de Carmen;” a 90-minute adaptation of Bizet’s Carmen telling the passionate love story of a gypsy woman and a handsome matador; and “Trial by Jury;” a 30-minute comedic opera about a woman trying to sue a man for jilting her; 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; McLeod Theater; $16 for adults, $6 for students March 22-25 “Crave” by Sarah Kane; a look at the search for love and the pain it can bring; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and
2 p.m. Sunday; C.H. Moe Theater; $12 for adults, $6 for students April 4 “She;” an exploration of the thoughts behind the social norms of a woman’s life; 7:30 p.m. C.H. Moe Theater; free April 17-18 Visiting playwright, screen writer, film maker Neil Labute; public speaking event and workshop scheduled to be announced April 26-29 “Billy Budd;” an innocent sailor is accused of mutinous conspiracy; adapted by David Rush from Herman Melville’s novel; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday and 2 p.m. Saturday; McLeod Theater; $16 for adults, $6 for students Tickets for all events can be purchased online at southernticketsonline. com or by calling 618-453-6000. — Adam Testa
COVER STORY
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Leaving a Legacy Christian H. Moe awarded for work with SIU theater BY ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN
hristian H. Moe doesn’t seem too surprised about having received a lifetime achievement award from one of the nation’s most prestigious theater organizations. In fact, he rather expected it. “I think I deserved it, frankly. It may have been a little late coming,” he said, laughing. “I’m glad it came while I’m still around to receive it, so I can smell the roses, so to speak.” Moe was presented with the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region III Golden Medallion at a ceremony in Champaign earlier this
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PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERN
Christian H. Moe smiles while talking about his time at SIU. He arrived at the Carbondale campus in 1958, and developed and led the playwriting program.
month. It recognizes excellence in and commitment to the production and teaching of theater, as well as development of the festival. Moe’s legacy in theater speaks for itself. An emeritus faculty member of the theater department at SIU, he arrived on campus in 1958
and served 38 years until his retirement in 1996. He was chair of the department from 1989-96, founded the play-writing program and served as director of graduate studies and co-executive director of the McLeod Summer Playhouse. SEE MOE / PAGE 4
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, January 26, 2012 Page 3
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MUSIC
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‘I just hope I may be remembered as a pretty good theater guy.’ CHRISTIAN H. MOE, FORMER CHAIR OF SIU THEATER DEPARTMENT
MOE: Honored for dedication to theater work at university FROM PAGE 3
Communications Building that bears his name serves as a lasting His commitment to theater extended beyond reminder of the impact Moe left on the campus. SIU into the greater In that theater, Southern Illinois students continue to community. He helped learn from some of the found The Stage Co. in best faculty in the Jackson County, which Midwest, ones who celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and continue to carry on the continues to direct plays inspirations and foundations set forth by for the group. Moe during his tenure at He will be directing the university. “The Underpants,” a He just hopes the Steve Martin-written cultural offerings of the adaptation of a German school and the program farce, this April. affect the views of the But part of Moe’s greater community, as satisfaction comes from well. watching the continued “It kind of wakes success of the SIU theater departent, which people up to the fact that some performing arts launches its new season productions really are next month. worthwhile,” he said. “I don’t get to all the As for his own legacy, new plays, but I get to Moe only has one simple most of them, and I like desire. what I see,” he said. “I just hope I may be For him, too, there’s an remembered as a pretty added touch of good theater guy,” he specialness to seeing said. shows produced in one particular theater. The small, intimate 100-seat adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031 theater in the
More Honors A number of SIU theater students were also honored by the KCACTF. Carl Herzog, a senior musical theater student from Carbondale, was selected from a pool of more than 300 as a national finalist for the Irene Ryan Scholarship award. He also received the Regional Judge’s Award in Musical Theater Performance. Max Ryan, a senior theater major from Gurnee, was Herzog’s scene partner for the auditions. Tori Richardson, a junior from Yuma, Ariz., was a regional finalist in the stage management competition. Other students honored included Heidi Larson, Will Couer, Bevin Myake and Stephanie Molitor. Page 4 Thursday, January 26, 2012 FLIPSIDE
THINGS TO DO
BOOKS
COVER STORY
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Fundraiser offers a European experience CARBONDALE — A fundraiser to support the Southern Illinois Irish Festival returns this weekend. The annual “Taste of the Grain” event gives patrons an occasion to enjoy Scottish single malt whisky and traditional Irish music. This year’s event will be hosted by the Underground Pub and Grill,
717 S. University Ave. Gourmet Scottish food will be served, including hot crab dip, sautéed whiskey mush-rooms, salmon with orange thyme sauce, tatties, leeks and peas, angus beef stovie, cauliflower with applewoodsmoked bacon and blue cheese and apple pudding with whiskey sauce.
and used books, paperbacks, cookbooks, children’s books, record albums, VHS tapes; 618-942-6109. Lecture: By Gil Cohen Magen, author of Hassidic Courts, 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, SIU Morris Library; Hassidic Courts is a collection of photographs about the inside life of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel; Magen is a former Reuters photographer; free; 618-235-1614. Publish Your Manuscript Workshop: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 8, John A. Logan College, Carterville and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, Pinckneyville campus of Rend Lake College; workshop by Edmond P. DeRousse, author of The Adventures of a Common Man.
Entertainment for the evening will be provided by The Dorians and harpist Christa Ashton. The dinner runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at silirshfest.org or by calling 618-549-3090. — Adam Testa
Game Day: 11 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, CE Auditions: For “Joseph and Fiddling classes: Brehm Memorial Public the Amazing Technicolor Are enrolling through Library, 101 S. 7th St. , Mount Dreamcoat,” Thursday, Jan. Thursday, Feb. 2 for spring Vernon; board games, card 26, O’Neil Auditorium, John A semester, John A. Logan games, miniatures games, Logan College, Carterville; College, Carterville; 618-985- and role-playing games.; auditions for 16 and older 2828 ext. 8248. children are welcomed if only; performances, May 4-6; accompanied by an adult; 618-599-6409; Dinner Theater 618-242-6322 cynsings@frontier.com. Taste of The Grain: Murder at Kokopelli: Auditions: For the 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Murder Mystery Dinner Southern Illinois Children’s Jan. 28, The Underground Theater, 6 p.m. Saturday, Choir; kindergarten through Pub & Grille, Carbondale; Feb. 4, Kokopelli Golf grade ten; now through Feb. features The Dorians, Course Restaurant, 14; to schedule an audition, Scottish food and Scottish Marion; fundraiser for 618-536-8742 or single malt whisky tasting; The Night’s Shield sichildrenschoir@yahoo.com. fundraiser for the Southern Children’s Shelter, West Open auditions: For “Dear Illinois Irish Festival which Frankfort; $35; Edwina Jr.,” the Musical, takes place in October; $40; www.thenightsshield.org; 6 p.m. Jan. 30 and Feb. 1, 618-549-3090; 618-932-6400. Marion Cultural and Civic silirishfest.org. Murder Mystery Center; roles for boys and Chili Cook-off and Dinner Theater: girls ages 8-16; those wishing Amateur Photography “Final Cut,” 6 p.m. Saturday, to audition should prepare a contest: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Murphysboro Event song; accompanist will be Jan. 28, Christian Life Call for Musicians Center, 1401 Walnut St., provided; presented by Center, 1901 N. Park Ave., Murphysboro; premise, Paradise Alley Players Tainted Love The AntiHerrin; dinner, $6/$2; Theatre Company; Valentine: Call for musicians director Eddie Cheek is 618-924-2875 or 618-751www.marionpap.com. for Sesser Opera House; show making a new movie 2522; call church office for called “The Zombie Was an Auditions: For the to be presented Feb. 17; photo contest details, Alien” and he’s looking for Southern Illinois Flute Choir, casting call for musicians; 618-942-7369. backers and actors; $30/$25; through Jan. 31; flutists 16 call 618-438-1900. Tribute: To Joe Liberto, doors open 5 p.m. to view and older; go to a local jazz musician auction items; music by www.siflutes.org for who died in October, 6 p.m. Comedy Meridian 90; presented by membership and audition Sunday, Jan. 29, Pinch Penny LifeSavers; www.thelife Comedy Night w/Fred information. Pub, 700 E. Grand Ave., savers.net. Potter and Josh Arnold: Carbondale; Liberto was a 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, member of the group Books Copper Dragon, 700 E. Grand Mercy; all musicians welcome Events “The Adventures of a Ave., Carbondale; doors open, to play at the tribute; Common Man”: Book signing 7 p.m.; 19 and over; 618-549Pandemonium: 618-529-1713. by author Edmond P. 11 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 3348 Monty Python’s Spamalot: DeRousse, 1 p.m. Saturday, SIU, Student Center Go Buck Wild Comedy 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, Jan 28, Bookworm bookstore, Explosion: 7 p.m. Thursday, Ballrooms; features music, Carson Center, Paducah; 618 E. Walnut St., Eastgate dancing; DJ Karakter Jan. 26, SIU, Student Center $55/$42.50/$30; Shopping Center, Carbondale; Ballrooms; features Baldhead and DJ Commando; valid www.thecarsoncenter.org; 618-457-2665. SIU ID required for entry Phillips, Mike Samp, Ray www.montypythonsspamalot. Herrin book sale: 10 a.m.- Lipowski; hosted by T. Murph; with one guest; $10/$12; com; 270-443-9932. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, 618-453-6000; southern $8/$10; 618-453-6000.; library, 120 N. 13th St.; new ticketsonline.com. SEE EVENTS / PAGE 5 southernticketsonline.com.
Auditions
Classes
MOVIES
ART
Events Taste Of Chocolate Fundraiser: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, The Women’s Center 610 S. Thompson St. Carbondale; 18 and older; chocolate goodies; auction; $35; 618-303-5974; www.thewomensctr. org. Midwestern Herb And Garden Show: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. FridaySaturday, Feb. 10-11 and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, Times Square Mall, Mount Vernon; gourd art, Earth Mother Pottery, Quandt’s metal garden art, Stone Forest’s wood items, plants, herbs, culinary, antiques, china, books; also gourd workshops; sign up for workshop at www.wilsons gourds.com or 618-822-6959; www.midwesternherb andgardenshow.com; 800-252-5464. SIUC Valentine’s Day Craft Sale: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, SIU Student Center Art Gallery, first floor; www.siuc studentcenter.org or 618-453-3636.
MUSIC
WINERIES
COVER STORY
Memorabilia and Photo Drive: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, “White Heat”: Starring Feb. 4, First Baptist Church, Jimmy Cagney, 7 p.m. Friday, Carterville; request for Jan. 27, Liberty Theater, 1333 residents of Carterville, Walnut St., Murphysboro; Cambria and Crainville to donations requested; bring in historic, relevant concessions, $1; 618-684items for the future 5880. Carterville Heritage Museum, “Sound of Music”: Starring which is currently Julie Andrews, 7 p.m. being renovated at 139 S. Saturday, Jan. 28, Liberty Division St., Carterville; Theater, 1333 Walnut St., jennifer@carterville Murphysboro; donations heritage.com. requested; concessions, Civil War Weekend of $1; 618-684-5880. Union County: FridayGrease Sing-A-Long Sunday, Feb. 10-12; includes Movie: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, PAST Lincoln Legacy Dinner, Feb. 11, Marion Cultural and 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, Anna Civic Center; costume Arts Center, 117 W. Davie St., contest, 7 p.m.; come dressed Anna which includes a visit as your favorite character from Mary Todd Lincoln as from the movie; prizes; singpresented by Dr. Lynn a-long with all your favorite Steveson; Civil War exhibits, songs as movie plays on the music; $25; reserve by Feb. 6 big screen; $10/$8; at 618-833-9928 or www.marionccc.org or cindy.cain@frontier.com. 618-997-4030. Lincoln memorabilia: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 and 1 p.m. Sunday, History Feb. 12, Anna Arts Center, 117 Gen. John A. Logan W. Davie St., Anna; speakers, Breakfast: 7-10 a.m. storytellers and music; Civil Saturday, Feb. 4, MurphysWar exhibits; also, Campfire boro Middle School Cafeteria, Stew Buffet and Musical, 2125 Spruce St.; $10/$5; “Lincoln: The Life and Times,” 618-684-3455 or johnalogan 6 p.m. Saturday; $15; Lincoln museum@globaleyes.net. musical production offered
Films
Dallas Brass: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; Southern Illinois American Musical Journey incorporates Magilla Shuwall: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, music from the time of George Washington to the present; brass and Jan. 26, CE Brehm Memorial Public Library, 101 S. 7th St., Mount Vernon; the percussion; $20/$30; www.marionccc. singer-songwriter will play selections off org or 618-997-4030. Cabin Fever show: Features his latest album “A Place In The Hills;” The Gordons, The Bankesters, the Giant includes audience discussion on the changing music business; 618-242-6322 City Slickers, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, Liberty Theater, downtown Southern Starr competition: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, Marion Cultural and Civic Murphysboro; $12; www.cabinfever concert.com; 618-684-5880. Center; $10/$20; 618-751-2978. Travis Tritt: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, New Arts Jazztet: And the SIU String Shryock Auditorium, SIU; $39; acoustic Quartet, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, performance described as free-form and Southeastern Illinois College, spontaneous; just Tritt and his guitar; Harrisburg; coffee concert; $10; 618www.southernticketsonline.com. 252-5400; 618-549-8051. The Rat Pack Show: Starring Sandy The Boat Drunks: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Hackett, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, Jan. 28, Von Jakob, 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass; Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band; doors Marion Cultural and Civic Center; be transported back to one of the Las Vegas open 10 a.m.; lunch available at noon; Rat Pack shows which featured Frank $15 cover charge includes music, Sinatra and Dean Martin; $20/$30; souvenir wine glass and a lei; 618-893www.marionccc.org or 618-997-4030. 4600 or www.vonjakobvineyard.com.
Concerts
THINGS TO DO again, 2 p.m. Sunday; $5; 618-833-6374; 618-833-6525; rdodd4@hotmail.com; www.pastonline.org.
Theater Two One-Act Operas: “The Tragedy of Carmen and Trial By Jury,” 7:30 p.m., FridaySaturday, Feb. 10-11 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, McLeod Theater, Communications Building, SIU; $16/$6; southernticketsonline.com. “Tartuffe”: A French, satirical comedy, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, Southeastern Illinois College, 3575 College Road, Harrisburg; written by Moliere in the 17th century; $6/$4; 618-252-5400 ext. 2486 or 2487 or boxoffice@sic.edu. “Inherit the Wind”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17-18 and Feb. 24-25 and 2 p.m. Feb. 19, 26, Varsity Center for the Arts, 418 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; described as fictionalized account of the Scopes’“Monkey Trial,” the play pits Darwin’s modernist theories against fundamentalist Christian doctrine; $15/$10; www.stagecompany.org.
Kentucky Made in America concert: Paducah Symphony, 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Harrison Street Baptist Church, 1126 Harrison St., Paducah; adults, $10; students, free; 270-444-0065. Kentucky Opry Talent Search: 7:30 p.m. every Saturday night through April 7, Kentucky Opry, 88 Chilton Lane, Benton, Ky.; www.kentuckyopry.com; 888-459-8704. Winter Dance Party: Re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, the Carson Center, 100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah; $69-$22; 270-450-4444; www.thecarsoncenter.org
Missouri Winter Warpdrive VII: 8 p.m.3:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, Saint Charles, Mo.; $45-$70; www.metrotix. com; www.familyarena.com.
FLIPSIDE Thursday, January 26, 2012 Page 5
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
BOOKS
COVER STORY
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Hear some stone-cold country music this weekend in Lake of Egypt a dozen semi trailers loaded with enough expensive equipment to fill the end of a large arena. A small army of support Vince Hoffard staff works tirelessly for hours to put together the high-tech theatrical production. David Ball In the end, the light 9 p.m. Saturday at show provides visual Rameses in Lake of Egypt; stimulation and the ears $15; doors open at 6 p.m.; are pounded with sounds opening act Mixed so loud the ringing Company, featuring former sensation lasts for days. Lost somewhere in all the Wild Horses singer/ commotion is the musical guitarist Joey Koening, intimacy. takes stage at 7 p.m.; A fan in attendance at 618-995-1683 or 618-694David Ball’s Saturday 2065. concert at Rameses in Lake of Egypt will not have to sift through owadays, major layers of fluff and filler, country music concert tours require perfectly disguised by a
COUNTRY SCENE
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mountain of sound and light equipment perched on a specially designed aluminum stage, just to find a few good songs. From a small stage with basic amplification, Ball will deliver 90 minutes of up-close-and personal, stone-cold country music. It’s music too good to play on commercial radio, so it has been relegated to the Americana satellite stations. “It’s real hard for a real country artist to get radio to pay attention,” Ball said. Ball labored in the music world for more than two decades before tasting his first chart success in 1994 with signature single “Thinkin’ Problem.” As executives on Music
Row looked for young acts to be the face of the industry, Ball bucked the system and had a breakout hit after turning 40. He charted high with a pair of follow-up singles, “When the Thought of You Catches up with Me” and “Look What Followed Me Home,” but then he virtually disappeared for six years. Ball roared back from obscurity with an amazing story song, “Riding with Private Malone,” a chilling tune about a Vietnam soldier who didn’t make it home, but his dreams lived on through the new owner of his old Corvette. In 2006, Ball won a Grammy for “Old Folks at Home (Swanee River),”
PROVIDED
David Ball will perform Saturday at Rameses in Lake of Egypt.
from the 2005 album “Beautiful Dreamer — The Songs of Stephen Foster.” Ball thought he had written quality tunes that would return him to the Billboard charts with
releases like “Too Much Blood in My Alcohol Level” and “Hot Water Pipe,” but both charted poorly. SEE HOFFARD / PAGE 8
Southern Starr contest down to top 20 A total of 26 singers from all genres of music will battle for the inaugural championship of the Southern Starr Singing Contest, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday at Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Three judges labored more than six hours Saturday to reduce the original field of more than 100 participants down to the top 20, plus scoring ties. “This is a very deep pool of talent,” said event cofounder Jim Gentile of Herrin. “Everyone I heard at the auditions sounded great. Now, the judges have identified the cream of the crop. The finals are full of really fantastic vocalists.” While several past winners of the Colgate and Texaco Country Showdowns have advanced to the final
Page 6 Thursday, January 26, 2012 FLIPSIDE
round, Gentile stressed the event is not strictly a country music showcase. “There is going to be all types of music. During the auditions, six people sang Etta James,” he said. Finalists include Drew Baldridge, Matt Basler, Patrick Lee Beasley, Taylor Bound, Crystal Davis, Andrea Eads, Amelia Eisenhauer, Bailee Endebrock, Jerrie Essary, Julia Futch, Olivia Gordon, Janna Harner, Anthony Henry, Sarah Lannom, Jerrica Linville, Chris McGee, Michelle Naas, Marc Patterson, Keenan Rice, Kat Shaffner, Macy Shelton, Jennifer Thompson, Kristin Webb, Randy Wheaton, Miranda Willmore and Matthew Wilson. The top three finishers will be announced at the end of the competition. The first-place winner receives $500, with the
runner-up getting $300 and $200 going to third place. In addition, the winner will have a song produced by Nashville session keyboardist Steve Hornbeak at his new 326 Productions studio in Anna. Gentile said the top six finishers will record individual tracks at Hornbeak’s studio for a CD. Once on the market, all profits from the sale of the album will be donated to Angel’s Cove in Mount Vernon, a group helping mothers with an unplanned pregnancy explore options of adoption and foster care. Tickets for the event are $10 for general admission and $20 for VIP seating. For more information, contact Mike Ben Avi at 618-751-2978. — Vince Hoffard
DIRECTIONS & DIGITS
WEEK OF JAN. 26-FEB. 1
CRAVING KARAOKE? Karaoke and DJ lists are online at www.flipsideonline.com.
Coffeehouses, Cafés and Eateries Folkstravanza: Featuring Free Range Chicks, Rog ‘n’ Bob, Doug E. Rees, and The Rural Kings, 7 p.m. Friday, Cousin Andy’s Coffeehouse, Fellowship Hall of the Church of the Good Shepherd, United Church of Christ, 515 Orchard Drive, Carbondale; suggested donation, $10; www.cousinandy.org,
Wineries Movin Mary: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Rustle Hill Winery Bill Harper: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery VonJakobVille: Features Boat Drunks, 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Von Jakob Orchard Boondock Billies: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Marbin 1: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery Marty Davis: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Blue Sky Vineyard Larry Dillard Blues Therapy: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Von Jakob Orchard Alto Vineyards: Illinois 127, Alto Pass, www.AltoVineyards.net or 618-893-4898 Blue Sky Vineyard: 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda; 618-995-9463 or www.blueskyvineyard.com The Bluffs Vineyard and Winery: 140 Buttermilk Hill Road, Ava; 618-763-4447 or www.thebluffswinery.com. Honker Hill Winery: 4861 Spillway Road, Carbondale: 618-549-5517 Lincoln Heritage Winery: 772 Kaolin Road, Cobden; 618-833-3783 Rustle Hill Winery: US 51, Cobden; 618-893-2700 or www.rustlehillwinery.com StarView Vineyards: 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; 618- 893-9463 or starviewvineyards.com Von Jakob Orchard: 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass; 618-893-4600 or www.vonjakobvineyard.com Walker’s Bluff: North on Reed Station Road, Carterville; 618-985-8463 or www.walkersbluff.com
WANT TO BE LISTED? Contact: 618-351-5089 or brenda.kirkpatrick @thesouthern.com. TONIGHT BENTON Duncan Dance Barn:: Spring Pond Opry Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. CARBONDALE Hangar 9: Whistle Pigs vs Django Billies, 8 p.m. WHITE ASH Scarlett’s Music Barn: Country Music Band, 7-10 p.m.
FRIDAY
CARBONDALE Tres Hombres: Delta Blues with Alex Kirt, 9 p.m.
CARBONDALE Hangar 9: Twin Cats/Fresh Hops, 9 p.m. Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: The Velcro Pygmies Tres Hombres: Aaron Kamm and The One Drops, 10 p.m. HERRIN N-Kahootz Night Club: Lights Out Band, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
TUESDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY MARION Marion Eagles: White Lightnin’, 6-10 p.m.
MONDAY
CARBONDALE MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob Pina, piano 5:30-8:30 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Mike’s Band, 7-10 p.m. WEST FRANKFORT Colyer’s: Righteous Rebel Band, 7-11 p.m. WB Ranch Barn: WB Ranch Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY CARBONDALE Hangar 9: Head For The Hills/Charlie Parr
CARBONDALE Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: Rod Tuffcurls & The Benchpress/ Nikko Smith; Polar Bear Parfy Tres Hombres: Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band HERRIN N-Kahootz Night Club: Shakey Jake Band, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob Pina, piano 5:30-9:30 p.m.
INA Ina Community Building: Friday Night Jam Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Old Country Store Dance Barn: Jeanita Spillman & The Sentimental Swing Band, 7-10 p.m. WHITTINGTON Corner Dance Hall: Dave Caputo Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Marion American Legion: Nite Flight, 7:30—11:30 p.m. Marion Eagles: White Lightnin’, 7-11 p.m. Marion VFW: Metal Toys, 8 p.m.midnight Ramesses: David Ball THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Swing “N” Country Band, 7-9:30 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Lil’ Boot & Classic Country, 7-10 p.m.
20’s Hideout Restaurant: 2602 Wanda Drive, Marion 618-997-8325 Anna VFW: 70 VFW Lane, Anna 618-8335182 Carbondale Eagles: 1206 W. Linden, Carbondale 618-529-9345 Coloni’s Bar & Grill: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin 618-988-5341 Corner Dance Hall: 200 Franklin St., Whittington 618-303-5266 Coulterville VFW: 511 VFW St., Coulterville 618-758-9009 Diver Down: 199 E. Main St., Golconda 618-683-3483 Duncan Dance Barn: 13545 Spring Pond Road, Benton 618-435-6161 Enrico’s: 208 S. Main St., Royalton 618984-2071 Hangar 9: 511 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; 618-549-0511. Hurley’s: 1504 W. Broadway Boulevard, Johnston City John Brown’s on the Square: 1000 Tower Square, Marion 618-997-2909 Key West: 1108 W. Main, Carbondale 618-351-5998 Kip & Traci’s Colonial Club: 1602 Old Creal Springs Road, Marion 618-9976989 Linemen’s Lounge: 100 E. Broadway, Johnston City Lion’s Cave: South Street, Thompsonville 618-218-4888 Mack’s Lake of Egypt Marina: 12024 Laguna Drive, Lake of Egypt 618Maddie’s Pub and Grub: 14960 Illinois 37, Johnston City 618-983-8107 Marion American Legion: Longstreet Road, Marion 618-997-6168 Marion Eagles: Rural Route 3, Marion 618-993-6300 Marion Elks: .204 S. Market St., Marion 618-993-3151 Marion Youth Center: 211 E. Boulevard St., Marion 618-922-7853 Mollie’s: 107 E. Union St., Marion 618997-3424 Murphysboro Elks Lodge: 1809 Shomaker Drive Murphysboro 618684-4541. Murphysboro Moose Lodge: 9663 Old Illinois 13; Murphysboro 618-6843232 Old Country Store Dance Barn: Main Street, Thompsonville 618-218-4676 Park Plaza Pub: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin, 618-988-1556 Perfect Shot Bar & Billiards: 3029 S. Park Ave., Herrin, 618-942-4655 Pinch Penny Pub/Copper Dragon: 700 E. Grand, Carbondale 618-549-3348 PK’s: 308 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale 618-529-1124 Pyramid Acres Marina: 12171 Marina Road, Marion 618-964-1184 Scarlett’s Music Barn: 207 Potter St., White Ash 618-997-4979 Stan’s Place: Shawneetown 618-2693083 Steelhorse Saloon and Campground: 202 Dewmaine Lane, Carterville 618985-6713 Trackside Dance Barn: 104 Rock St., Spillertown 618-993-3035 Tres Hombres: 119 N. Washington St., Carbondale 618-457-3308 WB Ranch Barn: 1586 Pershing Road, West Frankfort 618-937-3718 Wit and Wisdom Nutritional Site: 225 E. Poplar St., West Frankfort 618-9373070 Xrossroads: 101 Rushing Drive, Herrin 618-993-8393 Zeigler Eagles: 114 N. Main St., Zeigler 618-596-5651
FLIPSIDE Thursday, January 26, 2012 Page 7
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Parr brings his gospel to the bar
HOFFARD: Hear stone-cold country at Lake of Egypt FROM PAGE 6
migrated to the Texas capitol at the urging of “You think you’ve got it Willis Alan Ramsey, who all figured out, then you knew the band’s sound hear a terrible song that was too unique for goes all the way to No. 1 Nashville’s taste but and it all goes out the would be a perfect fit in window,” he said. Austin. He was right. The He teamed with Bruce band developed a cult Springsteen at the following with highKennedy Center during a energy shows. Bob Dylan tribute. He Eventually the band also joined Bono, Willie broke up. Ball secured a Nelson and the late Jerry record deal in the late Garcia of the Grateful 1980s with RCA, but he Dead on an album had no chart success saluting Jimmie Rodgers. until he moved to Warner Born in Spartanburg, Brothers and reached S.C., Ball was still in high No. 2 in 1994 with school when he became “Thinkin’ Problem.” part of a magical trio — Any hope for an Uncle Uncle Walt’s Band — with Walter’s Band reunion Walter Hyatt and Champ died in 1996 when Hyatt Hood. was killed in a plane The band had a large crash in the Florida local following, and they Everglades. followed their dreams to Nashville, but moved on VINCE HOFFARD can be to the fertile musical reached at 618-658-9095 scene in Austin, Texas. or vincehoffard@ Uncle Walt’s Band yahoo.com.
THEATER
PROVIDED
Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band bounces back to Tres CARBONDALE — The Southeast’s favorite funk institution returns with its unique sound — and name. Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band comes back to Carbondale for a performance at Tres Hombres, 119 N. Washington, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. The group is known for their off-the-wall performances and dance floor heroics, which have
gets a little chaotic with constant reshuffling of instruments and crowdrousing antics. In the past few years the Booty Band’s success has landed them headlining slots at many major festivals including Wakarusa, Jam Cruise 6, Grassroots, Smilefest and Long Beach Funk Fest, among others. The group released its second studio album, “Doin’ It Hard,” last fall.
earned them a spot on many outlets’ lists of best up-and-coming acts in the nation. The six-piece band exerts an energy using funk as a foundation and weaving in elements of hip hop, reggae, ska and Latin soul to create a music entity entirely its own. The music isn’t the only unique aspect of the band’s show, though. The stage performance also
— Adam Testa
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CARBONDALE — Charlie Parr doesn’t seem like the typical musician one would find performing at Hangar 9. Parr’s latest project, “Keep Your Hands on the Plow,” is a collection of mostly traditional gospel songs. The album also features his wife Emily, the band Four Mile Portage and Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker from the group Low, which has been dubbed “the slowest of the ‘slowcore’ bands.” The project was a somewhat spontaneous one, but the idea stemmed from an earlier recording Parr had done with the Black Twig Pickers in Virginia. This time, however, he wanted to do it at home with a hand-picked ensemble. The songs on the albums, released earlier this month, are not strictly gospel. There are a few traditional folk songs and even a chain gang number. But either way, Parr puts his own spin on the music. People in Southern Illinois have a chance to experience Parr’s blending of styles for themselves when he takes the stage at Hangar 9, 511 S. Illinois Ave., at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1. Tickets are $8 at the door. Parr will be joined on stage by modernacoustic quartet Head for the Hills. — Adam Testa
Page 8 Thursday, January 26, 2012 FLIPSIDE
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Entries sought for annual art competition MOUNT VERNON — Entries are being sought for the 2012 Shrode Fine Art and Craft Competition and Exhibit. The juried competition, sponsored by Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, is open to artists ages 18 and older living south of Interstate 70 in Illinois. Accepted media include all painting, drawing,
printmaking, clay, fiber, mixed media, wood, fine jewelry and metal. Photography is not accepted. Entries must be delivered to the Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst, 2600 Richview Road, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week of Feb. 7-10. Entry forms must be filled out included, and each artist must pay a $15
entry fee, or $12 for Cedarhurst members. That fee covers up to three pieces of artwork. A list of accepted works will be emailed to artists by Tuesday, Feb. 21. An award reception is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb 25. The selected pieces will be displayed from then through May 6. — Adam Testa
Reception will honor African-American artists ULLIN — A special reception at Shawnee Community College will celebrate the artwork of African Americans from Southern Illinois. “A Journey of Contemporary AfricanAmerican Artists” is an unprecedented show,
featuring the work of DeSande R, Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, Robert Ketchens, David Crim and Malcolm McCrae. The goals of the show are to celebrate the artists, to encourage art appreciation and demonstrate a dedication to multi-
culturalism at the college. The reception begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Refreshments will be served and guests will be treated to music and the chance to interact with the artists. The event is free and open to the public. — Adam Testa
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Art Event Visiting Artist Program: Sheila Stewart-Leach and Larry Leach, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 1-3, SIU University Museum Auditorium; free; www.artanddesign.siuc.edu or 618-453-4315.
Call For Entries Shrode Fine Art & Craft Competition and Exhibit: Feb. 25-May 6, Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mount Vernon; juried competition open to artists 18 and older living south of Interstate 70; painting, drawing, printmaking, clay, fiber, mixed media, wood, jewelry, metal; no photography; entries need to be delivered to Shrode Center week of Feb. 7-10; www.cedarhurst.org; 618-242-1236 ext. 249.
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Creative Visions: Ceramic artist Greg Gibbs, woodCowboy Christmas: worker Joe Landon, sculptor Photos from the rodeo, Darren Miller, glass artist Morris Library, SIU; exhibit Michelle Rial, painter Nina by H.D. Motyl in the Rotunda Weiss, jewelry artist Sandra Art Space through the end of Wilcoxon, Southern Illinois January; mlotts@lib.siu.edu; Art and Artisans Center, 618-453-2663. Whittington; free; through Cheonae Kim: Giving March 15; 618-629-2220. Back, Varsity Center for the The Legacy of Katherine Arts, Varsity Gallery, Kuh: University Museum, Carbondale; through end of SIU; Kuh purchased art for January; 618-457-5100. SIU including some of the Janet Bixler: Paintings, major artists of the 20th Harrisburg District Library; Century; through May 11; through Feb. 5; art for sale. www.museum.siu.edu or Teen Spirit 2012: High 618-453-5388. school artwork, The Yeiser From Humble Beginnings: Art Center, Paducah; through Lincoln’s Illinois 1830-1861: Feb. 11; participating schools Illinois State Museum at from Paducah, Tennessee Rend Lake explores aspects and Metropolis; 270-442of the state that Lincoln .2453; www.theyeiser.org. called home, The Southern Paducah Photographers Illinois Art and Artisans Club: Tribeca Gallery, 127 Center, Whittington; through Market House Square, May 13; 618-629-2220. Paducah; through March 6; plumbart@bellsouth.net. SEE EXHIBITS / PAGE 10
Exhibits
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WSIU, library launch educational film series Free screenings begin Saturday in Carbondale CARBONDALE — A new series of free film screenings begins this weekend. WSIU Public Broadcasting and the Carbondale Public Library have partnered to launch “Community Cinema.” The series will see a new film screened at 2:30 p.m. the last Saturday of each month through May.
The first, “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock,” will be shown this Saturday, Jan. 28. All screenings are at the library, 405 W. Main St. A discussion after this weekend’s screening will be sponsored by the NAACP-Carbondale Chapter and the African American Museum of Southern Illinois. The movie tells the story of a seven-year journey by filmmaker Sharon La Cruise to discover the life of a forgotten civil rights activist named Daisy
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STUDIO
— Adam Testa
Spring semester exhibits: Reception, 4-7 p.m. Friday, Ongoing art exhibit: Feb. 3, University Museum, Photos of Juhree Veach, SIU; exhibit includes Iron: mosaics from Janet Altoff and 2010 which features sculpture from Tom Horn, metalsmithing, Patrons’ StarView Vineyards, 5100 Favorites, Student Art and Wing Hill Road, Cobden; Sustain: A Juried Exhibition 618-893-9463 or www. of Recycled Art; hours, starviewvineyards.com. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday Jo Loomis: The Pavilion, and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; Marion; paintings of www.museum.siu. edu or landscapes, seascapes, 618-453-5388. people, pets; 618-889-5330 18 Tigers: Art exhibit or vanjol@frontier.com. inspired by the story of the tigers shot by deputies Opening, Receptions after their owner turned them loose near Zanesville; more A Journey of than 20 artists demonstrate Contemporary African how the extinction of tigers American Artists: Art show reception, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. charges them emotionally and changes their 27, Shawnee Community College, Ullin; art by DeSande perspectives; through end of February; grand opening, R, Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, Robert Ketchens, David Crim 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, First Floor Rotunda, Morris Library, and Malcolm McCrae; ; SIU; 618-453-4097 or refreshments, music; bmartell@lib.siu.edu. 618-322-9181.
Exhibits
Specializing in Christian Literature
Bates, who fought for the rights of the “Little Rock Nine,” as they tried to attend an all-white school in Arkansas. Other films scheduled as part of the program include “More Than a Month” on Feb. 25, “Revenge of the Electric Car” on March 31, “Hell and Back Again” on April 28 and “Strong!” on May 26. Each screening will feature a facilitator and guest speakers who will participate in a discussion.
‘One for the Money’ Unemployed and newly divorced Stephanie Plum lands a job at her cousin’s bail-bond business, where her first assignment puts her on the trail of a wanted local cop from her romantic past. That’s the plot of director Julie Anne Robinson’s newest movie, ‘One for the Money.’ Starring Katherine Heigl, Jason O’Mara and Daniel Sunjata, the film is rated PG-13 for violence, sexual references and language, some drug material and partial nudity. The movie opens Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and AMC Centre 8 in Marion, but it is not being screened for review.
New on DVD
Featherston. Directed by Tod Williams. Not rated. ‘Real Steel’: Set in the ‘The Whistleblower’: A near future, where robot drama based on the boxing is a top sport, a experiences of Kathryn struggling promoter feels Bolkovac, a Nebraska cop he’s found a champion in a who served as a peacediscarded robot. During keeper in post-war Bosnia his hopeful rise to the top, and outed the U.N. for he discovers he has an covering up a sex scandal. 11-year-old son who Starring David Strathairn. wants to know his father. Directed by Larysa Starring Hugh Jackman, Kondracki. Rated R. Evangeline Lilly and ‘Revenge of the Electric Dakota Goyo. Directed by Car’: Director Chris Paine Shawn Levy. Rated PG-13. takes his film crew behind ‘50/50’: Inspired by a the closed doors of true story, a comedy Nissan, GM, and the centered on a 27-year-old Silicon Valley start-up guy who learns of his Tesla Motors to chronicle cancer diagnosis, and his the story of the global subsequent struggle to resurgence of electric cars. beat the disease. Starring Starring Tim Robbins, Bob Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lutz, Elon Musk, Carlos Seth Rogen. Directed by Ghosn and Adrian Jonathan Levine. Rated R. Grenier. Directed by Chris ‘Paranormal Activity 3’: In Paine. Rated PG-13. 1988, young sisters Katie ‘The Confession’: A story and Kristi befriend an of redemption and an invisible entity who exploration of good and resides in their home. evil featuring a hit man Starring Katie and a priest. Starring John
Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland and Max Casella. Directed by Brad Mirman. Not rated. ‘Restless’: The story of a terminally ill teenage girl who falls for a boy who likes to attend funerals and their encounters with the ghost of a Japanese kamikaze pilot from WWII. Starring Lusia Strus, Mia Wasikowska, Henry Hopper, Ryo Kase and Schulyer Fisk. Directed by Gus Van Sant. Rated PG-13. ‘The Woman’: When a successful country lawyer captures and attempts to “civilize” the last remaining member of a violent clan that has roamed the Northeast coast for decades, he puts the lives of his family in jeopardy. Starring Pollyanna McIntosh, Sean Bridgers and Angela Bettis. Directed by Lucky McKee. — Adam Testa
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‘Man on a Ledge’ offers up a not-that-thrilling thriller Man on a Ledge **1/2
Then we see Genesis Rodriguez, who as Angie has shown up to pull off an elaborate jewelry-store burglary in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” togs — lots of skin and a push-up bra whose engineering only NASA could appreciate. Tee hee. A guy’s standing on a ledge of the Roosevelt Hotel, threatening to jump, and the gumsnapping New Yorkers below yell “Just get ON BY ROGER MOORE with it.” “Man on a Ledge” isn’t a MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS caper comedy. It’s a heist picture, a thriller, and a The first laugh doesn’t not-that-thrilling one at give it all away. Kyra that. But the folks who Sedgwick, playing a New made it have enough of a York TV reporter, shows sense of humor to get how up to cover the would-be silly it is and run with that suicide of the “Man on a on occasion. Ledge.” She finishes her Sam Worthington breathless report, and (“Avatar”) has the title then, with more than a role, a guy who broke out hint of Rita Moreno of prison just days before, sneaking into her voice, the WASPy Sedgwick says, an ex-cop standing on that ledge, proclaiming his “Suzie Morales innocence and demanding reporrrrrting.” that the most unstable, Well, snicker.
Rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language; starring Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Anthony Mackie, Genesis Rodriguez, Edward Burns and Ed Harris; directed by Asger Leth; opening Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and AMC Centre 8 in Marion
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hard-drinking negotiator on the NYPD (Elizabeth Banks) clock in to talk him down. In a few brisk early scenes, we see the prison break, meet the jumper’s brother (Jamie Bell) the brother’s girlfriend (Rodriguez), and the jumper’s former partner (Anthony Mackie). We realize, long before the cops, that this is no mere suicide. Nick Cassidy, standing on that ledge, is drawing attention and coordinating a heist as he does it. “Man on a Ledge” gambles that it can let us stay two steps ahead of the cops (Edward Burns, et al) and yet two steps behind its own twists long enough to work. The villain is played with venomous relish by Ed Harris, a robber-baron developer / jewelry mogul ripped straight from today’s zeitgeist. He’s a rich guy who figures he doesn’t have to play by society’s rules. And the Pablo F. Fenjves script is
STUDIO
‘Man on a Ledge’ opens Friday in Marion and Carbondale.
perfectly pithy, even when its plots twists don’t quite live up to Spike Lee’s “Inside Man.” “My choice, my only choice, is easy — to jump or not to jump,” Nick declares. Worthington only rarely suggests the endof-his-tether mania that would be this jumper’s disguise. He’s playing a guy who isn’t that
convincing as an actor. You’ve got to love lines like “Women jump for love, men jump for money,” and the villain’s marching orders for business in New York — “In this city, on this island, we don’t go to work. We go to war!” It’s hard to take any of it too seriously, and Danish director Asger Leth, son of Danish director Jorgen
Leth, doesn’t. There isn’t much pace to his “ticking clock” thriller. The absurdities begin with the moment Nick checks into the hotel — “Room 2505,” yet somehow, later, it’s “We got a jumper on the 21st floor!” Leth’s real gamble is that there are enough explosions, one-liners, chases and shootouts that we won’t notice.
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, January 26, 2012 Page 11
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Digital wolves distract in ‘The Grey’ Then we start to meet the sketched-in “types” Rated R for R for the script has packed onto violence/disturbing that plane and the movie content including bloody loses its lovely promise, if images and for pervasive not its premise. language; starring Liam There’s the sensitive guy Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dallas with brains (Dallas Roberts), the dad missing Roberts and Dermot Mulroney; directed by Joe his kid (Dermot Carnahan; opening Friday Mulroney), the hothead Latino ex-con (Frank at ShowPlace 8 in Grillo), the gentle manCarbondale and AMC mountain (Nonso Anozie) Centre 8 in Marion and a few others. They’re in the middle of nowhere, with no real BY ROGER MOORE survival gear and no prayer MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS of being found in this blizzard. Not before they “The Grey” is an oldfreeze to death. Not before fashioned survival tale harboring pretensions that the wolves get them. Neeson — as Ottway, the it is something more. Not a lot more — just a hint of hunter who takes over this the psycho-cerebral here, survivor “pack” — lays out the wolf problem: pack a smidgen of the primal dynamics, territory, and primitive there. feeding range. The men, a Liam Neeson stars in rough crew of strangers, director Joe (“Smoking must scramble through Aces”) Carnahan’s latest whiteout conditions, splash of testosterone, about a wintry plane crash keeping warm, keeping the wolves at bay, on a trek to in the Alaskan arctic in safety. which the survivors are The idea from this script stalked by wolves. Their by Carnahan and Ian only protection is each Mackenzie Jeffers is that other and the hunter (Neeson) whose job it was the humans revert to a sort to understand wolves and of pack mentality, with shoot them when they got Ottway as the alpha dog, challenged by others as too close to oil workers. The crash itself is scary, the weak and the careless are picked off. The surreal and graphic, characters pick up random among the best ever bits of back story and the filmed. Those who walk film begs us to wonder away from it find about the woman we see themselves in a snowy in Ottway’s vivid, hell.
‘The Grey’ **1/2
STUDIO
Liam Neeson stars in ‘The Grey,’ opening Friday in Carbondale and Marion.
Page 12 Thursday, January 26, 2012 FLIPSIDE
hallucinogenic flashbacks. The spare use of music emphasizes the howling tundra winds, and the production design gets across the bleak, hostile terrain this mismatched crew must master. The dialogue is hardbitten, but not particularly punchy or pithy. They have “dog” problems, right? “I’m much more of a cat person, really.” Death scenes are handled with a manly grace, with the fatalistic Ottway (Neeson is perfect for this) urging the dying to let it “slide over you.” But “The Grey” sets up scenarios that it forgets about, such as how to battle a wolf pack — “We kill ‘em, one at a time.” And I couldn’t decide if they lost track of the wolves in the editing, or if Carnahan realized how “Twilight”-fake the beasts looked and limited their scenes in the final edit. Digital scenery, digitally enhanced snowstorms? Good. Digital wolves or werewolves? Bad. Why in this post”Avatar” pixelated era this should be a reality is anybody’s guess. The makings of a solid adventure tale were here. But what came out in “The Grey” is entirely too much like the title — colorless, and grey, and a little too digital for its own good.