z CONTACT US z Call toll-free: 800-228-0429 Cara Recine, Lifestyles and special projects editor cara.recine@thesouthern.com / ext. 5075 Brenda Kirkpatrick, lists, live music flipside@thesouthern.com / ext. 5089 Rhonda Ethridge, cover designer rhonda.ethridge@thesouthern.com / ext. 5118 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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BELLEVILLE ANTIQUE
FLEA MARKET BELLE-CLAIR EXPOSITION CENTER at the BELLE-CLAIR FAIRGROUNDS
SATURDAY & SUNDAY MARCH 20TH & 21ST 9a.m. - 4p.m. Both Days
• NO COST OR OBLIGATION • OVER 600 TABLES • HUGE VARIETY OF EXHIBTORS FREE ADMISSION • FREE PARKING • Antiques • Collectibles • New & Old Jewelry • Old Tools • Hand Crafted Furniture • Antique Furniture • Old Quilts & Lamps Stamps • Coins • Baseball Cards • Comics • Oriental Items • Watches & Pocket Watches • Old Books • Depression Glass • Miltary Memorabilia
Rt. 13 (Just off Rt. 159 & 13), Belleville, IL For More Information call (618)233-0052 www.bcfairgrounds.net Third Full Weekend of Every Month! Page 2 Thursday, March 18, 2010 FLIPSIDE
Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Italian Village BY DAVID ZOELLER SPECIAL ADVERTISING COPY
CARBONDALE — While the pizza business has evolved in this area over the years, there has been one constant for a halfcentury — Italian Village. “We started in 1960,” said owner R.E. Bridges. “We’re celebrating our 50th anniversary this year.” Back then, you could get a large pizza for $1, and proceeds from the jukebox raised enough money to pay the utility bill. “The only place you could buy a pizza then was Italian Village and Pizza King. Now you can buy them in grocery stores, in gas stations and other-type restaurants … there is pizza everywhere,” said Bridges. Bridges has been in Carbondale his entire life, save for about five years when he was in California. It was during his time on the west coast that he learned the pizza business and another mainstay of Italian Village along with the food – the concept of self-service. Customers come to the counter to place their order, and pick up their food when it is ready. The concept saves the customer money, Bridges said, in that they don’t have to tip for service, and it allows the restaurant to keep its prices reasonable and provide quicker service. In the 1960s and ’70s, Italian Village was open all day, seven days a week, catering mainly to SIU students. Now, because college students have so many food options on or nearer to campus, “We are more of a family restaurant,” Bridges said. The menu has changed, too. “We used to just have pizza, pasta, Italian beef
DAVID ZOELLER / THE SOUTHERN
Murphysboro residents (clockwise from top right) Trish Winters, Brian Winters, Chris Cochran, Christine Rhodes and Bill Alexander sample the goodies at Italian Village in Carbondale.
‘We have people who went to school in the 1960s come in and say (the food) still tastes the same.’ R. E. BRIDGES, ITALIAN VILLAGE OWNER
and a salad. Now we have tortellini, fettuccine alfredo, manicotti and a seafood ravioli. We have a chicken parmesan sandwich and a white pizza that’s going over extremely well. It has Italian chicken with broccoli, mushrooms and alfredo sauce on it.” Free ice cream is another customer favorite, and a game room helps keep the kids occupied. A private party room upstairs can accommodate 40 people. A drive-up window also allows customers to take home frozen pizzas and lasagna to enjoy at home. Bridges’ wife, Debbie, keeps the operation running on a daily basis,
Buy one entrée and get one free at this restaurant and other featured restaurants across Southern Illinois with the 2010 Top 20 Dining Card. Top 20 Cards are available for purchase at The Southern offices in Carbondale and Marion by calling 618-529-5454 or online at www.thesouthern.com/top20. Cards are $20 each plus $1 per order for cards to be mailed. Some exclusions may apply. See card for details.
DETAILS Who: Italian Village What: Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salad bar, chicken wings Where: 405 S. Washington, Carbondale Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Phone: 618-457-6559 and handles bookkeeping, personnel and payroll. Bridges comes in every morning, getting things set up for the day, checking inventory, and is overseeing expansion plans which are beginning to take shape. “We’re going to have outdoor dining to seat up to 50 people,” Bridges said, with covered tables, lighted fans and sidewalks
leading up to the tables. Included in the outdoor plans will be a winetasting area where local wines can be sampled. Why does he feel Italian Village has been able to stay in business 50 years? “We have people who went to school in the 1960s come in and say (the food) still tastes the same.’ That’s my answer … consistency.”
War is hell, and Spam is pretty bad, too NEWS OF THE WEIRD Chuck Shepherd
T
he day before British army chef Liam Francis, 26, arrived at his forward operating base in Afghanistan, the Taliban shot down the helicopter ferrying in rations, and Francis realized he had to make do with supplies on hand. In his pantry were only seasonings, plus hundreds of tins of Spam. For six weeks, until resupply, Francis prepared “sweet and sour Spam,” “Spam fritters,” “Spam carbonara,” “Spam stroganoff” and “stir-fried Spam.” He told the Daily Telegraph that he was proud of his work but admitted that “morale improved” when fresh food arrived.
sheets; an armchair topped with the skin of 20 crocodiles; a 24-carat gold racing bike; a boat with a Ferrari engine; a golden coffin (with cell phone); and a diamond-studded wedding gown in pink chinchilla fur.
The animal world
Pigs livin’ large: (1) Among the items that celebrity farmer Cathy Gieseker bought with proceeds from the $12 million Ponzi scheme she, in February, was sentenced for perpetrating (prosecutors called her the “Midwest Madoff”) was a $900 tanning bed for her “show” pigs. (2) Farmer Chang Chung-tou, of Yunlin County, Taiwan, drew praise from environmentalists in December for having “toilet”-trained almost all of his 20,000 pigs to use his 600 specially rigged plots that collect and separate urine and feces. Chang’s farm conserves water and facilitates recycling. Animals with issues: (1) Ashley Questionable obsessions Saks’ 2-year-old basset hound Roxy z In November, Jim Bartek, 49, of was resting comfortably in Maple Heights, Ohio, announced he Jacksonville, Fla., in November after a vet’s removal, one by one, of the was ending his streak of 524 130 nails she had compulsively consecutive days in which he swallowed. (2) The polar bear listened to the album “Nostradamus” by the heavy-metal Aisaqvaq produced two cubs in December at Quebec’s Zoo Sauvage group Judas Priest. z In February, Hilary Taylor, 63, of de Saint-Felicien. Aisaqvaq had given birth to another the previous Great Yarmouth, England, revealed December, but had eaten it. (3) In that she had been bequeathed her uncle Ken Strickland’s collection of November, maritime rescuers were called to ocean waters off the coast 3,000 watering cans. Strickland, who also kept meticulous records of of Darwin, Australia, to rescue an adult cow that was dog-paddling the holdings, died in January. around and, according to a seaman, “not in a good mood.”
Leading economic indicators
z Details about Britain’s biggest marijuana-importing operation emerged in March after the conviction of its three managers in Southwark Crown Court. The enterprise earned the equivalent of as much as $300 million at such a rapid clip that the partners apparently were unable to use much of it, despite buying real estate, jewelry and expensive cars. An inspector said Scotland Yard found “moldy” cash “rotting away,” hidden under floorboards. z Among the items on display in February at the Verona Luxury Fair in Verona, Italy: a hand-crafted billiards table covered in gold
Is it the 22nd century? Later this year, manufacturer Organovo, of San Diego, will begin shipping its $200,000 ink-jet-type printers that create living organs for patients needing transplants. The 3D “bioprinter” works by spraying extracted microscopic cells on top of each other, in pass after pass. On the bioprinter’s equivalent of a sheet of paper, and under laboratory conditions, the cells fuse together and grow for weeks until an organ substantial enough for research use is created (and ultimately, substantial enough for human transplants). The bioprinter is faster
than growing such organs from scratch, which scientists at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have been doing for several years.
Fine points of the law If you’re wearing a ski mask and carrying a gun and walk into a store to rob it, but there are no employees there to rob, and you abort, is that an “attempted robbery”? Sanjuan Reyes, 22, and two teenagers were arrested in Joliet in January and charged with attempting to rob the Supermercado Viva Mexico. Two acted as lookouts while the youngest, wearing a ski mask and wielding an air pistol, entered the store. Apparently, the only employees on duty were in the back room. The boy waited for a minute or so, then bailed out, and the three fled emptyhanded. Joliet’s deputy police chief said a crime was committed.
Least competent criminals z Jonathon Smith, 27, was arrested in March in Fairbanks, Alaska, shortly after his release on bail on charges that he tried to buy three trucks from local dealers using forged checks. His latest arrest came at Seekins Ford, where, according to police, he was trying to buy yet another pickup truck with a forged check. z Falmouth, Mass., police hired John Yarrington as a confidential informant on Feb. 16, setting him up with $100 in marked bills to make a cocaine buy from dealer Cory Noonan, which Yarrington completed. He left the scene, but less than 10 minutes later, before Noonan could be arrested, Yarrington returned and, according to police, attempted to buy more cocaine on his own.
Undignified deaths A 36-year-old man drowned in Denville, N.J., in January during a friendly swimming competition with a pal, as they raced underneath a 30-yard long ice patch on partially frozen Indian Lake. SEND ITEMS to
weirdnews@earthlink.net.
FLIPSIDE Thursday, March 18, 2010 Page 3
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC zWINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z
Irish stew cook-off highlights Murphysboro St. Pat’s festival BY ADAM TESTA
executive director of the Chamber. “It’s running really smooth this year, and MURPHYSBORO — hopefully the weather Organizers of Murphysboro’s annual St. holds out and we can get Patrick’s Day celebration a good turnout,” he said. Saturday’s schedule of hope the luck of the Irish events includes: will bring about good z 9 a.m.: 5K Walk/ weather Saturday. Run beginning at corner An annual parade promises to be one of the of 17th and Walnut streets biggest yet, and early z John Stankovich registration for the day’s Memorial Bicycle Ride 5K walk/run event and beginning at corner of memorial bike ride has 17th and Pine streets exceeded expectations. z 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: “If we do (see nice Registration and drop-off weather), we should see of entries for Irish stew the streets of competition at 17th Murphysboro as lined as Street Bar and Grill usual,” said Marlene z 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: McGregor, chairman of Corned beef buffet at 17th the one-day festival for Street Warehouse the Murphysboro z 11 a.m.: Parade down Chamber of Commerce. Walnut Street Planning for annual z 11:30 a.m. to events, including the 1:30 p.m.: Kids festival at parade and Irish stew cook-off, has been going the Murphysboro Youth and Recreation Center well, said Chris Walls,
THE SOUTHERN
Page 4 Thursday, March 18, 2010 FLIPSIDE
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Steve Reed allows his teammate a good whiff of their stew in the Murphysboro Irish Stew Cook-Off.
z Noon: Fire truck display across from 17th Street Warehouse z 5 p.m.: DJ and dancing at the 17th Street Warehouse adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031
996-3129 or phylcarl@ shawneelink.net. An Abstract Waltz, A Spring Fling Trivia: 7 p.m. Metaphorical Walk through Friday, March 26, Carterville Life in the Abstract: By poet Community Center; doors Jacob Erin-Cilberto, also open, 6 p.m.; $150 per table, known as Fog, 3 p.m. eight at a table; cash prizes; Saturday, March 20, The bring food and drinks; prize Bookworm, 618 E. Walnut St., for best decorated table; Carbondale’s Eastgate proceeds to Hospice of Shopping Center; ErinSouthern Illinois; 618-997Cliberto is a three-time 3030. Pushcart Prize nominee and Trivia fundraiser: 6 p.m. teaches English at John A. Friday, March 26, Goreville Logan College in Carterville; High School; each team must 618-457-2665. consist of at least one high school student; $10 per Comedy player; also taco supper, 5:30 p.m. before the trivia Rated L Comedy Show: games; adults, $5 and 8 p.m. Friday, Shryock children, $3; proceeds used Auditorium. SIUC; comics Lil to purchase books for the Duval and Damon Williams; 2011 Illinois reading lists for $10; SIUC students, $7; 618students in K-12. 536-3393; www.spc4fun.com. Lipizzaner Stallions: So Ill Improv Comedy 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27, Festival: Thursday-Saturday, Roberts Stadium, Evansville, March 25-27, Longbranch Ind.; Dancing With Horses Coffeehouse and Varsity Tour; $19.50-$26.50; Center for the Arts, www.smgevansville.com; Carbondale; featuring The www.ticketmaster.com; Improvised Shakespeare 800-745-3000. Company from Chicago; Gem and Mineral Show: 800-383-3006; for complete 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April schedule, go to www.soill 10, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. improv.com. Sunday, April 11, Williamson Ron White: 7:30 p.m., County Pavilion, Marion; Sunday, April 18, Shryock adults, $2; children admitted Auditorium, SIUC; 618-453free; minerals, fossils, Indian 6000 or www.southern artifacts, gemstones, jewelry, lightsentertainment.com. shells and lapidary work; demonstrations; silent Events auctions; mineral light shows; Sesser-Valier Trivia Night: food available; 618-942-2387. 7 p.m. Friday, high school Commons; adults, $10, Film students, $5; fundraiser for girl’s track and volleyball Fresh: 7 p.m. Friday, Liberty teams; 618-625-5105, ext. Theater, Murphysboro; 252. documentary featuring St. Patrick’s Day farmers, ranchers and celebration: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. entrepreneurs who are Saturday, Murphysboro; striving to produce healthy walk/run, 9 a.m.; parade, food; music by Devin and 11 a.m. down Walnut Street; Thom Brown; donation, $7; Irish stew competition; DJ, eatsouthernillinois.org or dance, 5 p.m., 17th Street 618-319-2715. Warehouse; 618-684-6421. Antique Car/Truck Swap Theater/Performance Meet: 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Du Quoin, State Fairgrounds; Spring musical: Bye Bye Car Corral $10 per vehicle; Biridie, 7 p.m. Friday and vendor spots, $20; sponsored Saturday, Goreville High by the Egyptian Antique Auto School; $6 in advance or $8 Club; admission, $2; 618at the door; 618-995-2142.
Books & Authors
Disney’s High School Musical 2: Friday-Saturday, Shawnee Community College, Ullin; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and matinee performance, 2 p.m. Saturday; adults, $10; 12 and under, $5; 800-481-2242, ext. 3250; 618-634-3250 or www.shawneecc.edu. The Vagina Monologues: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, McLeod Theatre. SIUC; Eve Ensler’s production explores women’s sexuality, body image and gender violence via an assortment of powerful monologues; $8 in advance and $10 at the door; proceeds go primarily to The Women’s Center Inc.; vaginafriendly carbondale@gmail.com or 618-529-5149. Steeling the Heart: Women Turning the Tide During World War II, 8 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, March 25-27, Kleinau Theater, SIUC; directed by Jamie Huber, co-directed by Molly WiantCummins and Christi Wells; general admission $7; students, $5; 618-453-5618; kleinau@siu.edu. Journeys 2010: A presentation of new one-act plays 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, March 25-27 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 28, Christian H. Moe Theater, SIUC; $6; mcleod.siuc.edu or 618-453-3001. Oliver: 7 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, March 25-27 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 28, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; stage adaption of Charles Dickens’ novel, Oliver Twist; musical presented by Artstart; $12; 618 997-4030, www.marionccc.org. Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! FridaySaturday, March 26-27, the Carson Center, Paducah; $1535; 270-450-4444 or www.thecarsoncenter.org. 101 Dalmatians Kids: The Musical, 7:30 p.m. April 17 and 2 p.m. April 18, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; presented by the Paradise Alley Players; adults, $10; children, $7; www.marionccc. org or 618-997-4030.
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC zWINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z
If Shakespeare could do improv ... ... he just might make you laugh hysterically; check out this year’s So ILL Improv Festival So ILL Improv Festival Thursday, March 25 7:30 p.m., Longbranch Coffeehouse, 100 E. Jackson St., Carbondale; $5; featuring Community Floss, Cult of the Stage Monkey, The Sandbox Pursuit, Skirts Friday, March 26 7: 30 p.m., Longbranch Coffeehouse; $5 featuring 96D, Legitimate Beef, General Slocum, Boom Boom Washington. 7:30 p.m., Varsity Center for the Arts, 418 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; $6/$8; featuring Droppin’ $cience, Valid Hysteria, The Katydids, Michael Pizza Saturday, March 27: 2 p.m., Varsity Center for the Arts, free/$5, featuring Hogwash. 7:30 p.m., Varsity Center for the Arts; $8/$10; featuring Jessica, Fusebox Theater, Improvised Shakespeare Company. 10 p.m., Varsity Center for the Arts; $6/$8; featuring Stripper’s Picnic, Rick.Oops.Sorry, Bacon3, International Stinger.
Get info, buy tickets: See this story at www.flipsideonline. com for more information.
BY ROB CROW THE SOUTHERN
W
hen Eric Christensen set foot on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he knew he wanted to participate in improvisational comedy. He just didn’t know where to look. Now, Christensen is hoping he’s helped change the face of improv in the region. A co-producer of the So ILL Improv Festival, the fourth installment of which begins next week in Carbondale, Christensen still gets audibly excited when discussing the festival he was instrumental in creating. He’s seen the festival grow from something used to raise awareness of improv in the region to a three-day event that can bring in one of the nation’s hottest acts. It’s this year’s headlining act — Improvised Shakespeare Company — that Christensen said he hopes will propel the festival into a true comedy destination. “Oh, yeah. In terms of getting people to come down from other states, and just come to Carbondale, it’s huge because it gives the festival legitimacy,” Christensen said. “They’re a nationally known group. In the future, maybe we can get the Second City touring company or ComedySportz to come down.”
The festival, which runs March 25 to 27, includes a performance by Improvised Shakespeare at 7:30 p.m. March 27 at Varsity Center for the Arts. Improvised Shakespeare, which is based out of Chicago but also does several shows in New York and elsewhere, has received several awards and accolades over the past few years. In the show, audience members suggest a play title (one that has never been written), and the players perform an improvised play, as if written by William Shakespeare. “They’re just a joy to watch on stage,” Christensen said. “They really try to hold true to the Shakespeare form, and they’re hilarious.” Among the other notable acts at this year’s festival is Hogwash, which is Chicago’s longest running children’s improv group. That show, at 2 p.m. March 27 at the Varsity, is free for children to attend and costs $5 for adults, with all proceeds benefitting Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale. There are also three improv workshops, designed to teach interested individuals some of the necessary skills. “This year, we wanted to expand our mission statement and really affect the community,” Christensen said. “The Hogwash show, partering
Chicago improv comedy group Improvised Shakespeare Company (above) will headline the 2010 So Ill Improv Comedy Festival with a performance at 7:30 p.m. March 27 at Varsity Center for the Arts. Improv group Michael Pizza (left) performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Varsity Center for the Arts.
PROVIDED
with Boys and Girls Club, and also the workshops … that was our way to take that approach and get more people aware and involved.” Christensen became involved in improv while a high school student in Kentucky, and started to perform during his debate class. He came to SIU wanting to grow as an improv comedian, but it took him more than a year to discover SIUC’s improv group, Community Floss. Now, he’s part of a
couple of Chicago shows, including a four-man group, Michael Pizza, that will perform March 26 at the Varsity. One night before that show, Community Floss performs at Longbranch Coffeehouse as part of a local showcase that features four improv groups from Southern Illinois. Shows like that are reminiscent of the first So ILL Improv Festival. And it helps remind Christensen of what the festival once was — and
what it can become. “When I first came onto the campus, it took me a year and a half to find there was an improv team,” Christensen said. “So, it was kind of my way to let people in the community know this exists. “I kind of wanted to leave Carbondale giving it something that could put it on the map a little bit, like the Big Muddy (Film Festival).” rob.crow@thesouthern.com 618-351-5080
FLIPSIDE Thursday, March 18, 2010 Page 5
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC zWINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z
ArtStarts presents ‘Oliver!’ at Marion Civic Center Oliver!
Elliott of Herrin and 11-year-old Matalin Olson Musical presented by of Marion are starring in ArtStarts; 7 p.m. Friday the ArtStarts musical. and Saturday, March 25 Elliott and Olson are and 26 and 2 p.m. Sunday, among the 114 adults and March 27; Marion Cultural students who appear in “Oliver!” next week at and Civic Center; $12; Marion Cultural and Civic tickets and info: 618-997Center. 4030. “The double cast gives more people an BY MARY THOMAS LAYTON opportunity to perform, THE SOUTHERN but it actually makes it harder on everyone MARION — Who said because it cuts your it’s a man’s world? Not Cindy Hunt. The executive rehearsal time in half,” Hunt said. “Everyone who director of ArtStarts is quick to point out that the auditions gets in the show. We don’t turn anyone lead role in the doubleaway.” cast production of Olson takes the stage as “Oliver!” is played by two part of the strawberry cast young ladies. in the Friday and Sunday Nine-year-old Erin
productions, while Elliot appears in the rose cast during the Thursday and Saturday shows. “Singing and saying the lines are the easiest. It’s hard work, but it’s really fun. I’m just not very good at dancing,” said Elliot, a homeschooled youngster who wants to be a veterinarian. Hunt described everything about the musical production as big. “It’s a big set, a big orchestra, a big cast,” she said. The 30-piece orchestra, which includes a 12-piece string section, is made up of high school and college students, as well as adults, who live in communities
presents
The Musical Charles Dickens’ touching tale of an orphan boy who runs away from the orphanage and tries to pick a pocket or two for Fagin, but gets caught. As Fagin tries to save him, all Oliver wants to do is go to his uncle, and live a good life.
at the Marion Cultural & Civic Center March 25th, 26th, & 27th @ 7:00pm Sunday, March 28th @ 2:00pm
Purchase tickets at Civic Center box office or by calling 997-4030.
Music, Lyrics and Book by Lionel Bart. Licensed by Arrangement with Olivery Productions, Ltd. and Olivery Promotions, Ltd.
Page 6 Thursday, March 18, 2010 FLIPSIDE
throughout Southern Illinois. All of the production work is performed by volunteers, including Derek Hamblin of Carbondale, orchestra conductor; Alison McAuliffe of Marion, choreographer; Gina McCann of Carterville, costume director; Jane Ann Cruse of Marion, creative consultant; Lori Olson of Marion, prop director; Jared Garrison of Marion, assistant director to Hunt; Beth McCurdy of Marion, parent volunteer coordinator; Dale Pound of Marion, set construction coordinator; Camille Joyner of Marion and Beth Zwick of Herrin, promotions coordinators; and Lisa Gualdoni of Herrin, program chairman. Rebecca O’Neill of Marion is president of ArtStarts. The youngest in this group of leaders is McAuliffe, a Marion High School sophomore who turns 16 Friday. She has been dancing 14 years and, after college, hopes to make a living as a dietician and dance teacher. “I have to teach them the dances, and I have to critique them. It’s been a challenge juggling high school life and cheerleading, but Cindy and everyone has made it so that I can do everything,” McAuliffe said. Cast members are encouraged to stay involved in other activities while participating in ArtStarts productions. “They sometimes miss practices because they’re very involved. We have extra practices because of that,” Hunt said. Much like his younger counterparts, Brian
ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN
Matalin Olson (top left, as Oliver Twist) and Braxdyn Melvin (as the Artful Dodger) perform a scene during a dress rehearsal of Oliver! on March 15. The show opens March 24 at Marion Cultural and Civic Center. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by calling 618-997-4030.
Caraker, 24, of Anna is juggling commitments to make time for “Oliver!” Caraker, a professional musician and dog groomer, plays Fagin in the strawberry cast. “As adults, those of us with experience get the chance to get in there and teach the skills that it takes to pursue a career in theater,” he said.
ArtStarts is a Marionbased, nonprofit charitable organization devoted to making the arts accessible to all Southern Illinois children. The programs offered by the organization are open to residents who reside in the southern 14 counties. mary.layton@thesouthern.com 618-997-2279, ext. 5071
CRAVING KARAOKE?
WEEK OF MARCH 18-24
Karaoke and DJ lists are online at flipsideonline.com.
Coffeehouses, Cafés and Eateries Todd Menton: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Cousin Andy’s Coffeehouse, United Church of Christ, 515 Orchard Drive, Carbondale; www.cousinandy.org Etherton Switch: 7 p.m. Friday, Crazy Joe’s Fish House 708 Suchman Road, Ava, 618-7634417 The Renegades: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Palace Pizzeria, 215 Appleknocker, Cobden; 618-8934415 Howlin’ at the Moon Jam & Open Mic Night: Hosted by John Vitt and Ray Hogan, 8 p.m. Saturday, Yellow Moon Café, 110 N. Front St., Cobden; 618-893-2233 The James Barns Band: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Palace Pizzeria, 215 Appleknocker Drive, Cobden; 618-893-4415
Wineries Bruce Zimmerman: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Rustle Hill Winery Mel Goot: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Walker’s Bluff Dan Stapleton: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Lau-Nae Winery EL Kurtz: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Blue Sky Vineyard Rich Fabec: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Big Larry & Doug: 25 p.m., Saturday, Von Jakob Orchard Apples and Hand
Grenades: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, StarView Vineyards Ivas John Band: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Rich Fabec: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Walker’s Bluff Andrea Stader: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Blue Sky Vineyard Marty Davis: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery Barefoot Trolley: 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Von Jakob Orchard
Blue Sky Vineyard: 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda; 618995-9463. Lau-Nae Winery: 1522 Illinois 3, Red Bud; 618-282-9463. Orlandini Vineyard: 410 Thorn Lane, Makanda; 618-9952307. Rustle Hill Winery:
U.S. 51, Cobden; 618893-2700. StarView Vineyards: 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; 618 893-9463. Von Jakob Orchard: 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass; 618-893-4600. Walker’s Bluff: North on Reed Station Road, Carterville; 618-9858463.
WANT TO BE LISTED?
Call 618-351-5089 or e-mail brenda.kirkpatrick@thesouthern.com
z FRIDAY
z TONIGHT BENTON Duncan Dance Barn:: Spring Pond Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. CARBONDALE PK’s: Secondary Modern and The Moon Buggy Kids Tres Hombres: The Rum Drum Ramblers MOUNT VERNON The Tavern on 10th: Live Blues Trio, 7-11 p.m. SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Mike’s Band, 7-10 p.m. WEST FRANKFORT WB Ranch Barn: Little Egypt Country Band 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
CARBONDALE Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: Lieutenant Dan’s New Legs PK’s: Delta MARION John Brown’s on the Square: Aaron Kamm & the One Drops, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Ramesses: Mixed Company, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. INA Ina Community Building: Friday Night Jam Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Robert Ray’s & Yesterday’s Country, 7-10 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Rebel Country, 7-10 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Country Sidekicks, 7-10 p.m. WHITE ASH The White Ash Barn: The Vintage Country Band, 7-10 p.m. WHITTINGTON Corner Dance Hall: Black Lace Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
z SATURDAY CARBONDALE Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: Your Villain, My Hero PK’s: Napsack Problem DU QUOIN The Wet Spot: Acoustic Jam, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. MARION Marion American Legion: Night Shift Band, 8 p.m.-midnight.
Marion Eagles: Steve Kessler & Wing-It, 8 p.m.-midnight Ramesses: Mixed Company, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. MOUNT VERNON Double K’s Kickin Country: Jacks-R-Better, 7-10:30 p.m. SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Rebel Country, 7-10 p.m.
z SUNDAY CARBONDALE Key West: Ivas John Blues Band
z TUESDAY MARION Marion Eagles: Steve Kessler & Wing-It, 6-10 p.m.
z MONDAY CARBONDALE Tres Hombres: Sexfist MARION
STEELEVILLE American Legion: Country Aces THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Weekenders, 7 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Lil’ Boot & Classic Country, 7-10 p.m. WHITTINGTON The Zone Lounge: Hotfoot Teddy, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Marion Youth Center: Ragtag Band, 7-10 p.m.
z WEDNESDAY Yodel, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.. CARBONDALE Copper Dragon: Cornmeal DU QUOIN Tres Hombres: The Giant Ten Pin Alley: Piano Bob, 6-9 p.m. City Slickers/Black
CARBONDALE PK’s: Whistle Pigs Tres Hombres: Patrick Meyers & Open Mic Night MOUNT VERNON Double K’s Kickin Country: Jacks-RBetter, 7-10:30 p.m. SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Rebel Country, 7-10 p.m. WEST FRANKFORT WB Ranch Barn: WB Ranch Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. WHITE ASH The White Ash Barn: The Heartland Country Band, 7-10 p.m.
DIRECTIONS & DIGITS Corner Dance Hall: 200 Franklin St., Whittington 618-303-5266 Double K’s Kickin Country: Illinois 37, Mount Vernon 618-359-0455 Duncan Dance Barn: 13545 Spring Pond Road, Benton 618-435-6161 The Get-Away: 804 N. Douglas St., West Frankfort 618-937-3545 Ina Community Building: 504 Elm St., Ina/618-315-2373 John Brown’s on the Square: 1000 Tower Square, Marion 618-997-2909 Key West: 1108 W. Main, Carbondale 618-351-5998 Linemen’s Lounge: 100 E. Broadway, Johnston City Lion’s Cave: South Street, Thompsonville/618-218-4888 Marion American Legion: Longstreet Road, Marion 618-997-6168 Marion Eagles: Rural Route 3, Marion/618-993-6300 Marion Youth Center: 211 E. Boulevard St., Marion 618-922-7853 Mollie’s: 107 E. Union St., Marion 618-997-3424 Murphysboro Elks Lodge: 1809 Shomaker Drive Murphysboro 618-684-4541. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Main Street, Thompsonville, 618-927-2770. Orient American Legion: 404 Jackson St., Orient 618-932-2060 Perfect Shot: 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 Ramesse: 1754 Illinois 37, Lake of Eygpt/618-995-9104 Steelhorse Saloon: 202 Dewmain Lane, Carterville 618-985-3549 Tavern on 10th: 224 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon/618-244-7821 Tomigirl’s Rollin-in: 14960 Illinois 37, Johnston City 618-983-7655 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 Whisker Willy’s Bar & Grill 13510 N. Illinois 37, Marion 618-983-5300 White Ash Barn: 207 Potter St., White Ash / 618-997-4979 Xrossroads: 101 Rushing Drive, Herrin / 618-993-8393 The Zone Lounge: 14711 Illinois 37, Whittington/618-6292039
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Watch for it: Emily Riesen’s video cleared for air COUNTRY SCENE Vince Hoffard
Emily Riesen 5 p.m. Sunday, May 30, Herrinfesta Italiana PROVIDED
Cornmeal will play at 9 p.m. Wednesday at Copper Dragon.
Cornmeal comes to Copper CARBONDALE — Steeped in the tradition of musical acts such as Old and in the Way, John Hartford and New Grass Revival, Cornmeal has proven to be an influential presence in the world of roots music. In support of the band’s latest album, “Live in Chicago, IL Vol I,” they will be making a stop next week in Carbondale. Cornmeal has consistently evolved its sound and stage performance using bluegrass as a springboard for long, improv songs ranging from country, rock and blues to jazz, funk and disco. While playing a blend of high profile venues, jam-band and bluegrass festivals, the band has shared the stage with such acts as the David Grisman Quintet,
John Hartford, Leftover Salmon, Yonder Mountain String Band, Dark Star Orchestra, moe, Sam Bush and Umphrey’s McGee. Known for their vast repertoire, fast tempos and harmonies, the band prides itself on the energy it puts forth each night creating an unrivaled live performance that continues to shape itself into a truly unique experience. Catch Cornmeal March 24 at the Copper Dragon, 720 E. Grand Ave., Carbondale. Tickets are $6 in advance at Pinch Penny Liquors, 700 E. Grand Ave., and online at www.jaytv.com; $8 at the door; doors open at 9 p.m., show starts at 10 p.m.; ages 19 and older. For more information, call 618-549-3348. — The Southern
WEDDINGS • RECEPTIONS PRIVATE PARTIES Wine • Beer • Mixed Drinks
BELLA TERRA WINERY
Exit 7 off I-24 onto Tunnel Hill Rd. east 2 miles north of Tunnel Hill off Creal Springs Rd. 11am to 6pm daily. 618-658-8882 BellaTerraWinery.com • email: wine@bellaterrawinery.com
Page 8 Thursday, March 18, 2010 FLIPSIDE
Kris Kristofferson landed a helicopter in Johnny Cash’s yard in an attempt to give him songs he had written. Billy Joe Shaver stalked Waylon Jennings and threatened him with physical harm if he didn’t listen to a demo tape. Songwriters have indescribable faith in their compositions and go to great lengths to ensure the work is properly recognized. Like them, Emily Riesen isn’t afraid to battle for her material. A 2007 graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Riesen is the spectacular voice behind “All Out of Smiles,” a tune she composed about a wife waiting for her soldier to return from war. Riesen initially released the song through electronic media last year. All proceeds from the 99-cent downloads were donated to the Military Family Lifestyle Charitable Foundation Inc. and the United Stated Army Special Operations Command. “The song was very popular for awhile,” Riesen said. “The concept was given to me by a couple guys from St. Louis. I knew if I could find the right words, it would touch a lot of people.” As the song seemed to lose internet steam, Riesen
has taken bold steps to reenergize the tune with a new video. She was willing to go the extra mile to obtain special footage for the perfect visual effect. “We shot the video at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. It was an incredible experience,” Riesen said. “The military was absolutely wonderful to work with, but there were certain hoops to jump through because we were in a sensitive area. We owe so much to our soldiers for fighting for our freedom. My song focuses on loved ones back home, because sometimes we forget about the sacrifices being made by the soldiers’ families.” Because of national security interests of items videotaped at one of the most combat-ready military installations in the country, Riesen said high-ranking officials had to approve the final version of the project before it could be released. She said the video was officially cleared Monday. “There is a lot of politics involved when an independent artist tries to get a video played on GAC or CMT,” Riesen said. “I’m going to promote it as hard as I can. If they like the cause, they will push it.” The military family foundation strives to generate revenue streams to provide financial, physical and emotional benefits to military members and their families. USASOC finances the construction and upkeep of military monuments. A native of Central Illinois, Riesen grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River in historic Warsaw, before moving to Chicago, where
PROVIDED
Emily Riesen, whose video for “All Out of Smiles” will hit the air soon, will play at 5 p.m. May 30 at HerrinFesta Italiana.
she completed high school. She excelled in musical theater and show choir during her prep career. At SIUC, Riesen put a little extra change in her pocket during college by playing music throughout the tri-state area. She developed a huge fan base in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau with powerful live shows chalked full of original material. Soaking in influences from Gretchen Wilson, Sugarland, Garth Brooks and the Dixie Chicks, Riesen forged her own unique style as she completed her degree in music business. During mandatory field trips to Nashville, she developed valuable contacts in the music industry. The 24-year-old Riesen moved to Music City just five months after graduating college. Ironically, on the same day her video was cleared by the military, final studio work was
‘The military was absolutely wonderful to work with, but there were certain hoops to jump through ... ’ EMILY RIESEN, ON SHOOTING THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘ALL OUT OF SMILES’
completed on her new album, “Smilin’ Down on Me.” “All Out Of Smiles” is included on the 10-song project. She wrote or co-wrote all but one song on the new recording. Riesen will have the new album available when she appears at 5 p.m. May 30 at Herrinfesta Italiana, setting the table for shows by Wild Horses and Luke Bryan. VINCE HOFFARD can be reached at 618-658-9095 or vincehoffard@ yahoo.com.
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC zWINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z Concerts Southern Illinois Night of Jazz: 5-8 p.m. today, The Blue Martin, 215 E. Main St., Carbondale; $10 at the door; 21 or older; performed by Mel Goot; proceeds from the event will benefit Crimson Express. The World’s Largest Concert: 6:30 p.m. today, Marion Junior High School; the World’s Largest Concert includes more than 6 million participants; free. Brazilian guitar: David Burgess 7 p.m. Friday, O’Neil Auditorium, John A Logan College, Carterville; 618985-2828, ext. 8287. Eric Lenz: With Luther College Early Music Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall, SIUC; free; 618536-8742. Mysterious Morning: By John Sampen and Mark Bunce, saxophone and multimedia, 4 p.m. Saturday, Altgeld Hall, Room 112, SIUC; free; 618-5368742. Inside the Bachs: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall, SIUC; faculty, guests and students; celebrating the 325th birthdays of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti; free; 618-536-8742. Cornmeal: Roots music; doors open at 9 p.m., show starts at 10 p.m., Wednesday, March 24, Copper Dragon, 720 E. Grand Ave., Carbondale; $6 in advance, $8 at the door, 720 E. Grand Ave., Carbondale; 618-549-3348. The Great Collaborators: John A. Logan, Rend Lake and Southeastern Illinois college choirs, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25, Rend Lake College Theater, Ina; $5; 618-437-5321, ext. 1817. The Great Collaborators: Logan, Rend Lake and Southeastern college choirs, 7 p.m. Friday, March 26, O’Neil Auditorium, John A.
Logan College, Carterville; 618-985-2828, ext. 8269. The Great Collaborators: Logan, Rend Lake and Southeastern college choirs, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27, Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg; 618252-5400, ext. 2486 or kellye.whitler@sic.edu. Kevin Skinner: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 17, Harrah’s Metropolis Casino, Riverfront Event Center; winner of NBC’s 2009 “America’s Got Talent” TV show; $15; metropolis. frontgatetickets.com or 888-512-7469; online at www.mykevinskinner.com. Joe Bonamassa: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, Shryock Auditorium, SIUC; 618-453-6000 or www. southernlights entertainment.com.
Kentucky Paducah Symphony: Exhibitions V Heroes & Legends 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Carson Center, Paducah; 270-444-0065 or www. paducahsymphony.org. Suzanne Vega: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17, Myre River Room, Carson Center, Paducah; tickets on sale, 10 a.m. Monday; $39; 270-450-4444 or www.the carsoncenter.org. The Rat Pack Is Back: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29, and Friday, April 30, Carson Center, Paducah; tribute recreates one of the famous Summit at the Sands hotel shows presented by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop; $27.50-$49. Ray Stevens: 7 p.m. Friday, May 14, Carson Center, Paducah; opening act, Clay Campbell and the Kentucky Opry Show; $30$120. Tim Hawkins: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 18, Carson Center, Paducah; opening act, Clay Campbell and the Kentucky Opry Show; $15$45.
Rabideau, Little Egypt Arts Centre, Tower Square, Marion; Ansel Adams: The Man through March 31; 618-998Who Captured The Earth’s 8530, or killman@mchsi.com. Beauty: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Real and Abstract Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Landscape: Little Egypt Arts Saturday-Sunday, University Centre, Tower Square, Marion; Museum, SIUC, Faner Hall; through March 31; 618-998$5; all students free; through 8530 or www.littleeygpt Sunday; www.museum.siu. arts.com. edu or 618-453-5388. Five-year anniversary The History of The exhibit: Leaping Trout Studio, Division: By Matthew Schultz, 723 Madison St., Paducah; opening reception, 4-7 p.m. exhibit features work by Friday, March 19, University owner Keyth Kahrs; through Museum, SIUC; see behind March 31; 270-441-7050 or the scenes of the secret kahrsk@bellsouth.net. organization of The Division.; George Ions: Orlandini hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Vineyard, 410 Thorn Lane, Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Makanda; Italian landscapes Saturday-Sunday; closing compliment vineyard décor; reception, 4-7 p.m. Friday, through March 31; 618-995March 26; www.museum.siu. 2307; www.orlandini edu or 618-453-5388. vineyard.com; george.ions@ Student Art Show: yahoo.com. Opening reception, 6-8 p.m. Kat Shaffner: Central today, Rend Lake College,468 Showcase at Realty Central, N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina; 1825 W. Main St, Murdale refreshments, 6-7 p.m.; Shopping Center, Carbondale; awards, 7 p.m.; through April gallery hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 15; 618-437-5321, www.rlc.edu Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.Patrick Williams noon Saturday; through April sculptures: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3; 618-457-4663. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Feminist Art of Indiana: Saturday-Sunday, University New Harmony Gallery of Museum, SIUC; Tuesday-April Contemporary Art, corner of 25; www.museum.siu.edu or Church and Main Streets, 618-453-5388. New Harmony, Ind; 812-682Stewart Wessel: A 3156; through April 3; Carpenter’s Son, The Gallery www.nhgallery.com;. Space, law office of Joni Beth Mrs. B’s Illustrations: By Bailey, 1008 Walnut St., Andi Butler, Beck Family Murphysboro; large wooden Center Gallery, Cedarhurst, 3D sculpture; through March Mount Vernon; Butler, 26; 618- 684-8668. features whimsical/retro Landscape Musings: illustrations; through April 4; Artwork by Jake Wells and M. www.cedarhurst.org; 618Ben Cohan, Yeiser Art Center, 242-1236. 200 Broadway St., Paducah; Quilts of the Coastal paintings and mixed media South: The National Quilt works; through March 27; Museum, 215 Jefferson St., 270-442-2453 or Paducah; 10 a.m. 5 p.m. www.theyeiser.org. Monday-Saturday; through Keyth Kahrs: Yeiser Art April 6; 270-442-8856 or Center, 200 Broadway St., nationalquiltmuseum.org Paducah; landscape and pet Skyscapes, Queens, & Still portrait paintings; 10 a.m.Lifes: By Wil & Carolyn 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday; MacKay, Tribeca Gallery, through March 27; 270-442downtown Paducah; through 2453 or www.theyeiser.org May 6; plumbart@bellsouth. net or 270-210-1753. The MALE art show: Over Homily: Qualis Vita, Finis 40 pieces of art created Ita: Oil paintings by Jed strictly by males including works by Allen Carstens, Mike Jackson, Main Gallery, Mitchell Museum, Cedarhurst Faris, Kris Killman, and Tom
Displays, Exhibits
School of Art and Design hosts visiting artist lecture CARBONDALE — The School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting a free lecture. Art critic James Yood will speak at 7 p.m. today in the University Museum Auditorium. His lecture topic is “The Persistence of Place: Contemporary Midwestern Art.” Yood teaches contemporary art history, theory and criticism at the School of the Art institute of Chicago. He is a regional correspondent for several art publications, including Artforum, Art and Auction and GLASS. He is also the author of several books, including “William Morris: Animal/Artifact,” “Jon Kuhn: The Story of a Glass Sculpture,” and “Feasting: A Celebration of Food in Art.” — SIUC University Communications
Center for the Arts. 2600 Richview Road, Mount Vernon; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; free; through May 9; 618-242-1236 or www.cedarhurst.org. SIUC Photography Exhibit: Works from the Department of Cinema and Photography at SIUC, Beal Grand Corridor Gallery, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mount Vernon; through May 9. Shrode Art & Craft Competition Exhibition: Paintings, drawings, printmaking, clay, fiber, mixed media, wood, fine jewelry and metal, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mount Vernon, Regenhardt Gallery of the Shrode Art Center; through May 9; 618-242-1236, ext. 249 or www.cedarhurst.org. Masters of Photography: University Museum, SIUC; highlights from the museum’s permanent collection; includes photograph of silent film siren Gloria Swanson; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. SaturdaySunday; through May; free; www.museum.siu.edu. A Warrior’s Story: Oglala Sioux Buffalo Robe, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and
1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, University Museum, SIUC; through May; free; www.museum.siu.edu. Carolyn Gassan Plochmann display: Work and life of Carbondale artist, Morris Library, SIUC; view the display in the cases outside the Hall of Presidents on the first floor of the library; see artwork in the Special Collections Research Center reading room and other locations within the library; 618-453-2516 or http://archives.lib.siu.edu/in dex.php?pcollections/control card&id2459. Winery exhibit: Photographs of Juhree Veach, mosaics from Janet Altoff and sculpture from Tom Horn, StarView Vineyards, 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; 618893-9463 or www.starview vineyards.com.
Lectures The Persistence of Place: Contemporary Midwestern Art by James Yood, critic, 7 p.m. today,University Museum Auditorium, SIUC; free; artanddesign.siuc.edu/newse vents/visiting_artist.html.
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z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC zWINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z Wolves,” with a human soldier (and his avatar) falling in love Alice in Wonderland Alice with a blue-skinned alien from returns to the whimsical the planet Pandora. PG-13 world she first encountered (violence, aggressive action, as a young girl to find her true alien beasts, adult themes) destiny and end the Red Brooklyn’s Finest In the Queen’s reign of terror. With course of one chaotic week, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, the lives of three conflicted Helena Bonham Carter, New York City police officers Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas are dramatically transformed and Mia Wasikowska. Directed by their involvement in a by Tim Burton. In Disney massive drug operation. With Digital 3D and IMAX 3D. PG Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, (fantasy action/violence Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, involving scary images and and Ellen Barkin. Directed by situations and for a smoking Antoine Fuqua. R (bloody caterpillar) violence throughout, strong Avatar James Cameron’s sexuality, nudity, drug content technological marvel is also a and pervasive language) whole lot of fun: A gamer Cop Out Two longtime generation’s “Dances With NYPD partners on the trail of
Still Playing
a stolen, rare, mint-condition baseball card find themselves up against a merciless, memorabilia-obsessed gangster. With Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan, Adam Brody, Kevin Pollak, Guillermo Diaz and Jason Lee. Directed by Kevin Smith. R. Crazy Heart Jeff Bridges delivers an Oscar-worthy — no, Oscar-required — performance as a whiskeysoaked, one-time country legend trying to put his life back together in this sublime American indie. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall and an uncredited Colin Farrell all offer up memorable turns. R (profanity, alcohol abuse, adult themes)
Green Zone Various intelligence-gathering agencies clash in the chaotic early days of the Iraq war when no one could be trusted and every decision could detonate unforeseen consequences. With Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Brendan Gleeson, Khalid Abdalla and Jason Isaacs. Directed by Paul Greengrass. R (violence, language, graphic war images) Our Family Wedding A newly engaged couple learn the hard way that the path to saying “I do” can be rife with familial strife. With Forest Whitaker, America Ferrera, Regina King, Hayley Marie Norman and Lance Gross. Directed by Rick Famuyiwa. PG-13 (some sexual content, brief strong language) Remember Me A rebellious young man in New York City finds love after a family tragedy separates his family.
S HOW T IMES
FOR
M ARCH 15 TH - 18 TH
Avatar (PG-13) 5:15 8:45 Green Zone (R) 4:40 7:30 10:10 3D Alice in Wonderland (PG) 3:40 6:30 9:20 Brooklyn’s Finest (R) 3:30 6:40 9:40 Shutter Island (R) 4:00 7:20 10:20 Alice in Wonderland (PG) 4:20 5:00 7:10 7:50 10:00 10:30 Our Family Wedding (PG-13) 4:10 6:50 9:30
Hurt Locker (R) 3:40 6:50 10:00 Remember Me (PG-13) 3:50 6:40 9:30 The Crazies (R) 4:50 7:30 10:15 Cop Out (R) 5:00 7:50 10:20 Crazy Heart (R) 4:15 7:20 10:10 She’s Out of My League (R) 4:30 7:10 9:45
Shutter Island (R) 3:50 7:10 Cop Out (R) 5:00 7:40 Remember Me (PG-13) 3:40 6:40 Green Zone (R) 4:30 7:20 She’s Out of My League (R) 4:10 7:00 Crazy Heart (R) 4:00 6:50 Alice in Wonderland (PG) 3:30 4:40 6:20 7:30
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STUDIO
‘The Bounty Hunter’ Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler), a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, gets his dream job when he is assigned to track down his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurly (Jennifer Aniston). He thinks all that’s ahead is an easy payday, but when Nicole gives him the slip so she can chase a lead on a murder cover-up, Milo realizes that nothing ever goes simply with him and Nicole. It opens Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and Illinois Centre 8 in Marion. It’s rated PG-13 for sexual content including suggestive comments, language and some violence.
With Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper and Lena Olin. Directed by Allen Coulter. PG-13 (violence, sexual content, language, smoking) She’s Out of My League A teen romantic comedy in which an average Joe meets the perfect woman, but his lack of confidence and the influence of his friends and family begin to pick away at the relationship. With Jay Baruchel, Lindsay Sloane and Debra Jo Rupp. Directed by Jim Field Smith. R (language, sexual content) The Crazies A husband and wife in a small Midwestern town find themselves battling for survival as their friends and family descend into madness after a mysterious toxin in the water supply turns everyone exposed to it into mindless killers in this terrifying reinvention of the 1973 George Romero horror classic. With Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Joe Anderson and Danielle Panabaker. R. The Hurt Locker Kathryn Bigelow’s riveting and
profoundly tense war movie, set in Baghdad, follows the members of a bomb squad as they go looking for IEDs, looking to stay alive. Far and away one of the strongest of the films to come out of the Iraq conflict. The movie and the director won Academy Awards. Actor Jeremy Renner, who stars in the movie, was nominated for best actor. Also starring Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty and Guy Pearce. R (violence, heavy gore, profanity, adult themes) Shutter Island Two U.S. marshals are summoned to a fortress-like island housing a hospital for the criminally insane to investigate the implausible disappearance of a multiple murderess from a locked room. With Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer and Max Von Sydow. Screenplay by Laeta Kalogridis, based on the novel by Dennis Lehane. Directed by Martin Scorsese. R (disturbing, violent content, language and some nudity) — The Associated Press, McClatchy-Tribune News
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC zWINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z
‘Repo Man’ is bloody and socially relevent at the same time those thugs (Jude Law) has to get his own implant and can’t swing the payments. Remy (Law) and Jake In a future where a bankrupt government has (Forest Whitaker) left the military to become top at long last ceded all earners for The Union — power to corporations, cold-blooded killers with none is more powerful their little metal ice chests than “The Union.” to tote their retrieved As companies go, The organs in, callously Union is today’s nightmares writ large — a running up their score the way they used to tally kills for-profit healthcare company that operates like on their favorite video game. Remy’s wife (Carice a mortgage or car loan van Houten from Black specialist. What they’re Book and Valkyrie) wants pitching is life itself. The him out of repo and into Union makes artificial sales. She’s morally organs and sells them. But what happens if you outraged, but apparently can’t pay your note? They only up to a point. She wants Remy to become send repo men, armed another Frank (Liev with tasers and portable Schreiber), an amoral, field surgery kits to cut fast-talking closer who that metal-and-plastic pushes payment plans heart, lung, liver, what have you, out on the spot. over paid-in-full “Artif“Repo Men” is a slasher orgs.” Remy loses his family movie masquerading as over the horrors of his job, social satire, a bloodloses his heart in an spattered gorefest about the heartless thugs who do accident and goes on the run with the legions of such work, and what “payment past due” organ happens when one of
BY ROGER MOORE
MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
STUDIO
Repo Men Rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, language, sexuality, nudity; starring Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Alice Braga, Liev Schreiber, Carice van Houten; directed by Miguel Sapochnik; opening Friday at University Place 8 in Carbondale and Illinois Centre 8 in Marion.
‘Dairy of a Wimpy Kid’ Meet the kid who made wimpy cool in a family comedybased on the best-selling illustrated novel by Jeff Kinney. ‘Diary’ chronicles the adventures of wisecracking pre-teen Greg Heffley, who must somehow survive the scariest time of anyone’s life: middle school. To survive the never-ending ordeal and attain the recognition and status he feels he so richly deserves, Greg devises an endless series of can’t-miss schemes, all of which, of course, go awry. And he’s getting it all down on paper, via a diary. ‘It’s not a diary, it’s a journal!’ Greg insists, preferring the less-sissyfied designation filled with his opinions, thoughts, tales of family trials and tribulations, and (would-be) schoolyard triumphs. The movie, directed by Thor Freudenthal, opens Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and Illinois Centre 8 in Marion. It is rated PG for some rude humor and language.
recipients, among them the singer Beth (Alice Braga), whose many transplants suggest a selfdestructive lifestyle or a desire to go all-bionic some day. Repo Men morphs into a standardissue “underground vs. murderous tyranny” tale with bloody fights replacing the stomachturning surgeries. Whatever gruesome metaphor for our financially irresponsible age this might have been is lost in the arterial spray and shots of scalpels slicing skin. This is not a bad cast, but whatever wit the script aims for is lost in the queasy details director Miguel Sapochnik found more fascinating. He does stage one “Oldboy” homage in the finale, bless his heart. Schreiber is the only player in on the joke. And third act attempts at playing this as dark comedy are too little, too bloody late.
New on DVD Princess and the Frog A hard-working waitress with dreams of owning her own restaurant is turned into an amphibian when she reluctantly kisses a frog that declares he’s a prince. G Broken Embraces An industrialist whose wife married him for money is willing to ruin her happiness by any means when he learns she is having an affair. With Penelope Cruz. R (sexual content, profanity and some drug use) Brief Interviews with Hideous Men An anthropology student interviews various men to better understand what drives the male species. NR — McClatchy-Tribune News
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