Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Thai Taste
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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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What: Authentic Thai cuisine Where: 100 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale Hours: 11 a.m.-2:45 a.m. Monday-Friday, 5-8:45 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5-9:45 p.m. Friday, Saturday Phone: 618-457-6900
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.
lack of Thai cuisine in Carbondale. Because his parents operated a Thai restaurant in San Antonio, THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO and he had worked there for some time, Tam’s Thai Taste is at 100 S. Illinois Ave. in Carbondale. friends urged him to bring BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI his cooking talent to The restaurant draws a Diners are asked to FOR THE SOUTHERN Southern Illinois. select the level of spiciness robust local clientele but “I had finished school, also brings in diners from they would like using a Thai Taste in and my friends said, ‘You the entire Southern scale of one to 10. Carbondale is Southern need to come up here and Illinois region who are “Ten is pretty hot,” Illinois’ go-to spot for a open a restaurant,’ so here looking for the unique Rachatanavin said. “We unique Thai food Thai food experience. Thai I am,” Rachatanavin said use two primary types of experience. of the decision that led spices — dry red chiles and Taste’s tables are often The bustling restaurant him to change course and on the southwest corner of fresh green chiles. It’s just populated by diners from open Thai Taste Mount Vernon, Cape a matter of how much we Main Street and Illinois Carbondale in December Girardeau or Paducah. put in your food.” Avenue offers appetizers, 2004. And they all have The restaurant can seat soups, noodle and rice The first few months the Rachatanavin’s college about 55 guests in its dishes and a variety of restaurant was open were friends to thank. upscale, yet casual, specialty entrees. As a biology student at a both busy and a little It is the raw ingredients, environment. Its walls rocky. Being a new owner college in Texas, boast the work of local according to owner and, among other things, Rachatanavin was on a artists, many of whom Jetaime “Tam” career path quite different having a staff largely Rachatanavin, that set the often participate in an unfamiliar with the from the one that interactive meet-therestaurant’s food apart cuisine, was a real learning eventually landed him in artist forum. from standards Asian experience. Carbondale. Reservations are not food. “We were caught off “There were a bunch of “It is the ingredients we required although they are guard a little, and it took us from San Antonio,” strongly encouraged on use to make our sauces,” Rachatanavin said. “I had us a while” to get things the weekends when the he said. “You’re going to running smoothly, he said. find a lot more fish sauce, dinner crowd can become friends who moved up Rachatanavin’s sizable. Thai Taste has also here and were going to lime juice and a lot more restaurant has certainly added an impressive list of school.” herbs and spices. There found its stride in As he continued his are similarities; it’s mostly fine wines and craft and becoming a pillar of studies in Texas, his imported beer to their the flavor and texture downtown Carbondale. friends took note of the menu and bar. that’s different.”
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MOVIES
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Spoken-word ballet captures family’s struggle THE SOUTHERN
FESTIVALS
THEATER
PROVIDED
‘A Life Unhappening’ will be peformed Friday, May 4 at Shryock Auditorium at SIU.
Jeanine Holtgrave — are students at Southeast Missouri State University looking to become professional dancers — and the fourth, Hallie Chametzky, is a student at Carbondale Community High School. Southern Illinoisans have the opportunity to see “A Life Unhappening” in a sneak peek performance, sponsored in part by Carbondale Community Arts, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Shryock Auditorium at SIU. The show will then have its official world premiere at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 11, at the Blance M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri St. Louis. This performance will be broadcast to more than 630,000 subscribers on the Higher Education Channel and streamed live on its website. On Sunday, May 13, the first tour of the production will close with a 2:30 p.m. Mother’s Day matinee performance on Sunday, May 13, at the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at SEMO.
CARBONDALE — Organizers of the Southern Illinois Irish Festival will host the annual Irish Pub Night and Fish Fry from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Carbondale Elks Club, 220 W. Jackson St. The evening will begin with a fish, chips and slaw dinner, and vegetarian options are also available. Music will be provided by The Dorians and Celtic harp player Christa Ashton. A variety of Irish items will also be sold during a silent PROVIDED auction, and there will be The Dorians will perform Saturday at the Carbondale activities for kids. Elks Club for the annual Irish Pub Night and Fish Fry. Advance tickets are $14 for adults, $11 for students and $5 for children 12 and under. Adult tickets will be $16 at the door. Admission after 8 p.m. is $5. Tickets can be purchased at silirishfest.org or by calling 618-549-3090. Proceeds from the dinner benefit the Southern Illinois Irish Festival, scheduled for Oct. 5-7. — Adam Testa
Our Lunch Menu Has Expanded • Fried Rice Now Available •
adam.testa@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5031
Book enthusiasts meeting at Carbondale library CARBONDALE — A Brown Bag and Book Discussion Group, a group of book lovers, will meet every Monday through June 4, in the Carbondale Public Library, 405 W. Main St. Discussions are limited to one hour starting at noon. Everyone is welcome and participants do not have to be a
COVER STORY
Irish pub night supports fall Celtic festival
BY ADAM TESTA
CARBONDALE — In the final days of Adam Stone’s mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, he spent as much time as he could by her side. He slept on a mattress on the floor near her bed at Lavender Ridge, a hospice care facility in Mount Vernon. As the end of her life drew near, his mother had slipped from consciousness into a coma, relying solely on the nurses to care for her. One evening, as Stone lay on his floorlevel mattress, he watched a team of nurses come into the room, readjusting his mother in her bed to avoid her from accumulating bedsores. “The way they were working together to move her was beautiful,” he said. “It was like a ballet.” Stone, a writer, knew for a while that he would tell the story of his experience and the struggles of Alzheimer’s, but he didn’t know the medium he would use. Inspired by what he saw that evening, he crafted “A Life Unhappening,” a spokenword ballet exploring the effect of Alzheimer’s on three generations of a family. The ballet, which lasts just less than an hour, tells the story of Marletta, an Alzheimer’s sufferer; Thomas, her son; and Sara-Jo, her granddaughter, who is in her early teens. Through nine acts, each narrated in a distinct style by one of the characters, the different reactions and responses to dealing with the disease are explored. The story is brought to life by a cast of four dancers, each with their own understudy. Three of them — Carrie Kesler, Chance Marshaun Hill and
BOOKS
Carbondale Public Library cardholder to be a part of the group. Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch and one book to discuss/share. For more information, call Mary Stoner at 618-457-0354 or visit www.carbondale.lib.il.us.
100 s. illinois ave • 618.457.6900 lunch:11-2:45 mon-fri/dinner: 5-8:45 sun-thurs/dinner 5-9:45 fri & sat
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, May 3, 2012 Page 3
GET OUT and about in
Southern Illinois
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
‘Broadway Workshop’ offered at Carson Center this summer PADUCAH — Local youth looking to learn about the theater business will have a firsthand opportunity this summer, as professionals from New York will descend on Kentucky for a seminar. The Carson Center, 100 Kentucky Ave., will host its “Broadway Workshop” from June 4-8. The event is open to those ages 9 to 16. Participants will be split into two groups based on age. Students will spend the week learning about acting and scene work, improvisation and more. The week ends with participants seeing a real Broadway musical, “Mamma Mia,” live at The Carson Center. The seminar costs $325; registration materials can be found online at thecarsoncenter.org. — Adam Testa
Car, truck show set at Shawnee College ULLIN — Pulaski County Project Hope will host its annual car and truck show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Shawnee College. There will be several new classes, including emergency vehicles such as wreckers, ambulance and fire trucks along with a display of the area’s show cars and trucks. There will be music and food. The show is sponsored by Pulaski County Project Hope, a not-for-profit community organization providing emergency supplies and housing. For more information, call John Windings at 618-521-4883 or visit pcph.net. — The Southern
618 E. Walnut St. Eastgate Shopping Center
Carbondale 618.457.2665
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THINGS TO DO
BOOKS
COVER STORY
Book Signings
Dance
David E. Christensen: Book signing, 1-3 p.m. Saturday May 5, the Bookworm, Eastgate Shopping Center, Carbondale; 618-457-2665. Book Signing and Presentation: By Herb Russell, 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, Union County Museum, Cobden; 618-893-2567 or 618-457-7554.
A Life Unhappening: Presented By Adam E. Stone and The Alzheimer’s Association, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, Shryock Auditorium, SIU; spoken-word ballet; $15/$10; southerntickets online.com.
Car Shows Auto Show: To benefit American Cancer Society, 8 a.m. Saturday, May 5, Murphysboro High School parking lot; car wash, 8-10 a.m.; registration for auto show starts 10 a.m.; lunch, 11 a.m.; auto show, 11 a.m.3 p.m.; entry fee, $15; amreinha@olemiss.edu; 618-998-9898. Project Hope Car and Truck Show: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 5, Shawnee College, Ullin; 618-521-4883; www.pcph.net. VFW Car Show: 9 a.m.3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, Old US 51 North, Anna; best of show; food available; 618-833-7027.
Events Friday Night Fair: 6-9 p.m. Friday nights May through September, corner of U.S. 51 North and Illinois 13 West, Carbondale; www.carbondale mainstreet; 618-529-8040. Hamlet: 7:30 p.m. FridaySaturday, May 4-5 and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 6, Varsity Theater, 418 S. Illinois Ave, Carbondale; presented by Cobden High School; $8; 618-453-6000. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: 7 p.m. Friday, May 4 and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 6, SIU Arena; www.ringling.com. Free Comic Book Day: Saturday, May 5, Castle Perilous Games & Books, 207 W. St., Carbondale; call for more information; 618-5295317; castlep@aol.com; www.freecomicbookday.com Irish Pub Night and Fish Fry: Starts 5 p.m. Saturday, May 5, Carbondale Elks Club, 220 W. Jackson St.; fundraiser for the Southern Illinois Irish Festival; music by The Dorians and Celtic harp player Christa Ashton; silent auction; advance tickets $14/$11/$5; at the door, $16; after 8 p.m., $5; www.silirish fest.org; 618-549-3090. Makanda Spring Fest: Saturday-Sunday, May 5-6, downtown Makanda; www.visitmakanda.com; makandainn@gmail.com. Black and Blue Prom fundraiser: By The Southern Illinois Roller Girls, 9 p.m. Saturday, May 5, Evelyn’s Restaurant, 519 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; music, dancing, silent auction, photo booth; soillrollergirls.com.
FESTIVALS
Lower Town Arts and Music Festival: FridaySunday, May 18-20, Paducah; hours, 3-10 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday; www.lowertownamf.com.
Film Sustainable Living Film Series: Howard Zinn: Can’t Be Neutral On a Moving Train, 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, May 4, Longbranch Coffeehouse, 100 E. Jackson St., Carbondale; discussion of film; films set the first Fridays through October; 618-529-5044.
History Pierre Menard visit: Sunday, May 6, The Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, Ellis Grove; early 1800s baking demonstrations with free samples 1-4 p.m.; music; children’s games; Menard impersonator, 2 p.m.; Menard was elected the first lieutenant governor of Illinois; home open for visitors, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WednesdaySunday; 618-859-3741. War of 1812 presentation: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19, CE Brehm Memorial Public Library, Mount Vernon; presentation by historian and author Gillum Ferguson; learn the story of the murder of the first white settlers of Jefferson County; copies of Ferguson’s book will be available for purchase and signing; 618-242-6322.
Theater Red, Hot and Cole: A revue of the life and music of composer Cole Porter, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, McLeod Theater, Communications Building, SIU; free; mcldpub@siu.edu. Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, May 4-5 and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, John A. Logan College, Carterville; $12/ $5; 618-985-2828, ext. 8287; www.jalc.edu/ activities/performingarts.php.
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
May 4; 618–534-3989; www.antarctica-initiative.org. HerrinFesta: Southern Darwin Reid Payne: Illinois artists and student Theater set design and artists are invited to painting, University Museum, participate in the 2012 SIU; hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., HerrinFesta Italiana Art Tuesday through Friday and competition; juried 1-4 p.m., Saturday; through competition with cash prizes; May 4; www.museum.siu.edu deadline, May 4; or 618-453-5388. www.herrinfesta.com/art. Intercollegiate Art Photography: Paducah Exhibition: Southeastern Photo ‘12 Juried International Illinois College, Harrisburg; in Photography Exhibition and conjunction with Shawnee Regional Showcase, The Community College; more Yeiser Art Center, Paducah; than 75 pieces of art on open to all photographers display; through May 4; working in digital or film 618-252-5400 ext. 2486. photography; deadline, May Fantastic Fibers 2012: 11; www.paducahphoto.com; Yeiser Art Center, downtown 270-442-2453. Paducah; artwork created with fiber as the primary medium; through May 5; Exhibits 270-442-2453; Windmills of My Mind: By www.theyeiser.org. Larry Mittendorf, Central Classic Images: Showcase, Murdale Shopping Photographs by Ansel Center, 1825 W. Main St., Adams: Cedarhurst Center Carbondale; oil paintings for The Arts, Mount Vernon; inspired by classical music; normally $5 admission; free each painting has a admission, Thursday; corresponding piece of through May 6; 618-242music to listen to while you 1236; www.cedarhurst.org. view the paintings; through Shrode Fine Art & Craft June 23; 618-529-5098. Competition and Exhibit: Antarctica – Imagined Shrode Art Center at Geographies: Includes Cedarhurst Center for the media arts installation Arts, Mount Vernon; through created by SIU Professor May 6; www.cedarhurst.org; Gary Kolb and Associate 618-242-1236. Professor Jay Needham, Exhibit of Quilts: Corridor exhibited in the rotunda of Gallery, Carbondale Civic Morris Library, SIU; through Center; variety of hand and
Call for Art
THINGS TO DO
BOOKS
machine-stitched quilts created by quilters from St. Andrews Parrish in Murphysboro; through May 13; 618-457-5100. Helen Gallimore: Featured artist, Harrisburg District Library; oil paintings and crafts; through May 20. A Different View — Abstract Show: Paintings, recycled abstract work, Little Egypt Arts Centre, Tower Square, Marion; through May 31; 618-998-8530; www.littleegyptarts.com. Familiar Faces Familiar Places: Watercolors by Mary Pachikara, The Gallery Space, Law office of Joni Beth Bailey, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro; through June 22; gallery hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; marypachikara@gmail.com; gallery@jbbaileylaw.com. From Humble Beginnings: Lincoln’s Illinois, 1830-1861, Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, 14967 Gun Creek Trail, Whittington; commemorates bicentennial; through July 22. The Kilenge: Life in New Guinea Villages; Documentary Photographs and Objects Collected by Philip Dark, University Museum, SIU; Dark was a professor of anthropology at SIU Carbondale from 1960-1978; ongoing; www.museum.siu. edu; 618-453-5388.
FESTIVALS
Watercolor painting class starts May 14 CARBONDALE — Students in SIU’s upcoming “The Art of Watercolor Painting” class will work with a variety of techniques and approaches to the art form. The course, which will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays beginning May 14, will focus on composition, color mixing and the choice of subject matter. Kathleen Frye, who has taught and created art for 30 years, will teach the class. Both beginners and intermediate students are welcome to participate. Students should bring their own materials, and a supply list can be obtained by emailing kfryestudio@yahoo.com. A $3 fee will be collected on the first class date for a sampling of different watercolor papers, and additional supplies will be available for purchase. The course costs $75 and participation is limited. For registration information, call 618-536-7751 or visit www.dce.siu.edu. — University Communications
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, May 3, 2012 Page 5
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
COVER STORY
FESTIVALS
THEATER
‘It’s what we do’ Charlie Daniels Band aims to please at upcoming show Charlie Daniels Band 6 p.m. Friday, May 18; Walker’s Bluff, 14400 Meridian Road, Carterville; $30-35 in advance, $40 at Charlie Daniels Band will perform Friday, May 18 at Walker’s Bluff in Carterville. the gate, $100 for VIP; southernticketsonline.com topped the country music played all over the place. or 618-453-6000. It’s a good area for us; branch and inspired a sequel, “The Devil Comes BY ADAM TESTA Back to Georgia, two THE SOUTHERN decades after the original. One would think that n his mind, Charlie after more than 30 years Daniels’ legacy is simple. playing and singing the “I just want to be same song, the job may remembered as a good become tiring. But Daniels man, a Christian man.” said that’s not the case for The mentality is appro- him. priate, being that Daniels’ “It’s how I choose to musical legacy is heavily spend my life; I still love rooted in a memorable doing it,” Daniels said. “I tune about a young man have no plans for retireovercoming the devil’s ment.” challenge — quite literally. If any Charlie Daniels Daniels, 75, first belted Band fans have missed out “The Devil Went Down to on their series of performGeorgia” on the 1979 ances in Southern Illinois album “Million Mile in recent years, they’ll Reflections.” Through the have another opportunity past 30 years, he’s perlater this month, as formed the song hunDaniels and the boys take dreds, if not thousands, of the stage at 6 p.m. Friday, times to audiences all May 18 at Walker’s Bluff. across the globe. For Daniels, playing The tale of young shows in Southern Illinois Johnny overcoming the is always a good time. His odds and winning the guitarist, Bruce Brown, Devil’s golden fiddle as a hails from West Frankfort, reward for his accomso each concert is almost plishment has become like a homecoming of ingrained in country and sorts. Western music and lore. “We’ve been playing The song reached No. 3 on there for a long time,” the Billboard charts, and Daniels said. “We’ve just
I
Page 6 Thursday, May 3, 2012 FLIPSIDE
they’re our kind of folks.” Fans who attend the concert can expect to hear the classics Daniels still loves playing, as well as some newer material. One of the modern tunes he takes pride in is the single “Let ’Em Win or Bring ’Em Home,” a patriotic anthem about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Daniels said the song reflects his lifelong beliefs as a patriot and his unending support for the men and women who fight to defend the United States. That characteristic of his personality can be also be experienced on the compilation album “Land That I Love.” But, as Daniels said, one can never be quite sure what to expect when his crew hits the stage. “We’ve got some new things; we’ve got a few surprises,” he said. “We put on a show. We entertain. It’s what we do.” adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031
PROVIDED
Look like Charlie? Win free tickets
Do you know someone who bears a striking resemblance to Charlie Daniels? Is it the signature beard, or can you just imagine him with a fiddle propped up on his shoulder? The Southern Illinoisan is looking for the region’s best Daniels impersonator, and the winner will receive two VIP tickets to the Charlie Daniels Band concert May 18 at Walker’s Bluff. Entries into the contest will be in the form of photos uploaded to The Southern’s online gallery at thesouthern.com/cdb. Readers will vote and select the winner. Voting is now under way and will continue through May 13. A winner will be announced May 16. — Adam Testa
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
BOOKS
COVER STORY
FESTIVALS
THEATER
The Kentucky Headhunters to open HerrinFesta Italiana kickoff breakout hit “Walk Softly on This Heart of COUNTRY Mine” for the Kentucky SCENE Headhunters. “The raunchy guitar intro Vince Hoffard for ‘Walk Softly’ was edited off because it was too nasty for country radio,” Young claimed. The Kentucky The Kentucky Headhunters will be the Headhunters opening act for HerrinFesta & Black Stone Cherry Italiana 2012 at 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. May May 24. The feature for the evening will be Black Stone 24; $15 at the gate or Cherry at 8 p.m. $13 at www.herrinfesta. Other tunes by the com/tickets. Headhunters have included trip to Nashville with “Oh Lonesome Me,” a sliver-of-a-minute “Dumas Walker,” “Spirit in the Sky,” “My Daddy Was a musical connection Milkman” and “Rock ‘n’ led to the unique sound of one of the most progressive Roll Angel.” The band released its acts in country music 12th studio album, “Dixie through the last quarter Lullabies,” in October. Band century. members Fred Young and Richard Young and a Greg Martin rave about the couple of his friends were being driven to Music City “Tumblin’ Roses” track from the project. by his father. They were “The song is the traveling 85 miles from cornerstone of the record,” Edmonton, Ky., to said Fred Young, Richard’s purchase clothing. This was the late 1960s, and the brother. “It’s got a good boys had to have boots that feel. It’s a real song about something deep, a song looked like those worn by that really says something.” fashion icons The Beatles. The roots of the band On the way home, Young date back to the 1960s, heard the guitar intro to when brothers Fred and Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Richard Young joined Woman” on the radio. His forces with their cousins, life was forever changed Greg Martin and Anthony with that moment. Kenney, to form Itchy “It was the epitome of Brothers. The band rock ‘n’ roll nasty guitar. Nothing had ever been that achieved regional success and nearly landed on Swan low down low before,” Song Records, the Young said. “It almost independent label owned sounded like adultery. It by Led Zeppelin, but the was the sexiest thing I’d deal fell through with the ever heard. Hearing that song on the radio made me death of Zep drummer John Bonham. want to play guitar.” Itchy Brothers disbanded Through the next 20 in 1982 and the members years, Young would hone scattered. Richard Young his guitar skills to raw signed a songwriting perfection. Ironically, a guitar riff similar to the one contract with Acuff-Rose Music. Fred Young joined that got him interested in the band of a rising country the business was used to
A
star. Martin started playing guitar for established act Ronnie McDowell. Kenney left the business. A few years later, Martin attempted to revive Itchy Brothers. The Young brothers came on board, but Kenney declined. Martin recruited another member of the McDowell band, bass guitarist Doug Phelps. The final piece was added when Phelps brought in his brother, Ricky Lee, as lead vocalist. Marathon practice sessions were held at the “practice house,” a rickety old structure on a rural Kentucky farm donated to the band by the Young’s grandmother. The shack transformed to a funky creative paradise when the lights were switched on. The arrangements for all the band’s early work were finalized in the practice house. With a borrowed $4,500, the band put together a seven-song tape they intended to sell at live shows. When the material started to generate interest, the band decided to test the water in Nashville. A last-minute addition to a Nashville showcase that featured Lee Roy Parnell, the group attracted the attention of music executive Harold Shedd with its fusion of bluegrass and rock ‘n’ roll.
PROVIDED
The Kentucky Headhunters open HerrinFesta Italiana at 6:30 p.m. May 24.
A deal with Mercury Records would follow. The group’s debut album “Pickin’ on Nashville” exploded. The industry had never heard or seen anything like it. The opening one-two punch of “Walk Softly on the Heart on Mine” and “Dumas Walker” created a buzz that led to amazing record sales. The album was certified double platinum for moving 2 million units. The awards came in bunches. They took home a pair of Country Music Association Awards for Group of the Year and Album of the Year. The Academy of Country Music gave them Best New Vocal Group. The icing on the
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cake was a prestigious Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Creative differences caused Ricky Lee Phelps to leave the band in 1992. Through the next 20 years, there were minor tweaks in band membership.
Through it all, the band survived by cranking out solid Southern rock at frequent marathon live performances. VINCE HOFFARD can be reached at 618-658-9095 or vincehoffard@ yahoo.com.
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MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
Mozart and Rutter, along with multicultural selections and music by Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein; 618-687-2064. Spring concert: 2 p.m. Concerts Sunday, May 6, Southeastern Southern Illinois Illinois College, 3575 College Guitar ensemble concert: Road, Harrisburg; The Featuring retiring professor Community Chorus will Joseph Breznikar, 7:30 p.m. perform A Stroll Down Thursday, May 3, the Old Broadway and The Jazz Choir Baptist Foundation Recital will present a medley of rock Hall, SIU; adults, $7; students, and roll favorites; 618-252$4; 618-536-8742. 5400 ext. 2130. Joyful Hymns of Praise: Michael Barta: Violin, 7:30 Presented by The Southern p.m. Sunday, May 6, Illinois Children’s Choir, 3:30 Cedarhurst Center for the p.m. Saturday, May 5, Arts, 2600 E. Richmond Road, Carbondale’s Grace United Mount Vernon; 618-242-1236 Methodist Church, 220 N. or www.cedarhurst.org. Tower Road; the choir will Ivas John: Brown Bag feature works by Dvorák, Concert, noon-1 p.m.,
For a complete list, visit flipsideonline.com.
THINGS TO DO
Wednesday, May 9, Town Square Pavilion, Carbondale; bring a lawn chair; www. carbondalemainstreet.com. David Allan Coe: Thursday, May 10, Rustle Hill Winery, 8595 US 51, Cobden; also The Natives, 5-8 p.m.; Coe, 8:30 p.m.; general admission, $35; SouthernTicketsOnline.com; www.rustlehillwinery.com. Theory of a Deadman: Plus Pop Evil and Stellar Revival, 8 p.m. Friday, May 11, Harrah’s, Metropolis; 21 or over; $28; www.ticketmaster.com. Charlie Daniels Band: Doors open 5 p.m. Friday, May 18, Walker’s Bluff, North on Reed Station Road, Carterville; pre-sale, $30/$35; at the door, $40; also featuring Logan Mize and Tyler Farr; concert starts 6 p.m.; southern ticketsonline.com; www.walkersbluff.com; 618-985-8463.
BOOKS
COVER STORY
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Find interviews, video and more at flipsideonline.com.
Illinois hosting music festival later in month CHILLICOTHE — Memorial Day Weekend is this later month, and Flipside has your early PROVIDED summer plans covered. Summer Camp Music Festival, northwest of Peoria, is from A 30-minute drive May 25-27 and feature Moe, Umphrey’s McGee and more. northwest of Peoria will put fans in a real Midwest music mecca known as the Summer Camp Music Festival. More than 100 bands will gather with 15,000-plus concertgoers to collectively create a music experience that is unique to the state of Illinois. The festival has a wide variety of music. Bands appearing at the festival include Moe, Umphrey’s McGee, Jane’s Addiction, Common, Gogol Bordello, Galactic, ALO more. The festival runs May 25-27. Check out The Flipside Review online for interviews with several of the Summer Camp artists. Ticket information is available at summercampfestival.com.
Spring Fest 2012 Saturday May 12, 2012 Noon to 6pm
Featuring
THE SUGAR PROPHETS
Memphis Blues/Rock/Jam - 3:00pm Opening act 14 year old Blues Guitarist
NATHAN GILL & MR. SWAMP BOX Noon GENERAL ADMISSION: $6
Discounts for Case Club Members, Designated Drivers, and with an Alto Vineyards glass, Children under 12 are FREE
Vault Denim Family Fashion Show - 2:00
618-893-4898 • www.altovineyards.net
— Matt McGuire
New Arts Jazztet performing spring concert COBDEN — The New Arts Jazztet will perform its annual spring concert at 6:30 p.m. tonight, May 3, at StarView Vineyards, 5100 Wing Hill Road. Members of the group include Dick Kelley, reeds; Bob Allison, trumpet; Mel Goot, piano; Phil Brown, bass; and Ron Coulter, drums. Admission to the concert is free, and donations are being taken for SIU music scholarships. The New Arts Jazztet will also be participating in the Southern Illinois Music Festival this summer, with a series of Sunday concerts planned at local wineries. — Adam Testa
Children’s Choir to present classical works CARBONDALE — The Southern Illinois Children’s Choir will present “Joyful Hymns of Praise” at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in Grace United Methodist Church, 220 N. Tower Road. The choir will feature works by Dvorák, Mozart and Rutter, along with selections and music by Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein. Admission is free. The concert will feature the Kinder, Apprentice, Singer and Chorister Choirs with members from Jackson, Perry, Saline and Williamson counties. The directors are Stan Willis and Alice Berry. Ten present members and five former members will perform in the Southern Illinois Music Festival’s production of Puccini’s “La Bohème” on June 22 and 24 at Carterville High School. For more information, call 618-687-2064. — The Southern
Page 8 Thursday, May 3, 2012 FLIPSIDE
MOVIES Wineries
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CARBONDALE PK’s: Midnight Success Tres Hombres: Giant City Slickers, 10 p.m. HERRIN N-Kahootz Night Club: The Whistle Pigs, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. INA Ina Community Building: Friday Night Jam Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. MARION Marion Youth Center: Craig’s Country Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Old Country Store Dance Barn: Jeanita Spillman & The Sentimental Swing Band, 7-10 p.m.
20’s Hideout Restaurant: 2602 Wanda Drive, Marion 618-997-8325 Anna VFW: 70 VFW Lane, Anna 618-833-5182 Carbondale Eagles: 1206 W. Linden, Carbondale 618-529-9345 Coloni’s Bar & Grill: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin 618-9885341 Corner Dance Hall: 200 Franklin St., Whittington 618-303-5266 Duncan Dance Barn: 13545 Spring Pond Road, Benton 618-435-6161 Enrico’s: 208 S. Main St., Royalton 618-984-2071 Hangar 9: 511 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; 618-5490511. Highway 127 Bar & Billiards: Illinois 127, Murphysboro 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 618-997-6989 Linemen’s Lounge: 100 E. Broadway, Johnston City Lion’s Cave: South Street, Thompsonville 618-2184888 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 618-997-3424 Mount Vernon Moose Lodge: 800 Broadway Ave., Mount Vernon Murphysboro Elks Lodge: 1809 Shomaker Drive Murphysboro 618-684-4541. Murphysboro Moose Lodge: 9663 Old Illinois 13 Murphysboro 618-684-3232 N-Kahootz Night Club: 115 W. Cherry St., Herrin 618942-9345 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 Ave., 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 618997-4979 Trackside Dance Barn: 104 Rock St., Spillertown 618993-3035 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 618-937-3070 Xrossroads: 101 Rushing Drive, Herrin 618-993-8393 Zeigler Eagles: 114 N. Main St., Zeigler 618-596-5651
BENTON Duncan Dance Barn:: Spring Pond Opry Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. CARBONDALE PK’s: Raw Flesh Eaters Tres Hombres: Venice Gas House Trolley, 10 p.m. WHITE ASH Scarlett’s Music Barn: Country Music Band, 7-10 p.m.
FRIDAY
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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.
THURSDAY
New Arts Jazztet: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, StarView Vineyards, 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden. Venturis: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Rustle Hill Winery, U.S. 51, Cobden Egyptian Combo: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Walker’s Bluff, north on Reed Station Road, Carterville. Whistle Pigs: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Blue Sky Vineyard, 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda Sam West: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery. Nyte Flyte: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Von Jakob Vineyard, 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass; Cinco de Mayo Festival. Bankesters: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery. Hot Sauce: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Walker’s Bluff. Elliott Ranney: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Blue Sky Vineyard. Roxie Randle: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Walker’s Bluff. The Natives: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Von Jakob Vineyard. Shawn Harmon: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery. Little Ed and The Blues Imperials: And The Ivas John Band, 6 p.m., Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery. southerntickets online.com. Marbin: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Rustle Hill Winery.
BOOKS
SUNDAY MARION Marion Eagles: Southern Knights, 6-10 p.m.
MORE LIVE MUSIC KARAOKE, DJs
MONDAY
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MARION Marion Youth Center: Craig’s Country Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
SATURDAY CARBONDALE PK’s: White Gold Centerfield Tres Hombres: Barnacle Billy and the Zebra Mussels /Chicago Farmer, 10 p.m. HERRIN N-Kahootz Night Club: Ten Story, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. LAKE OF EGYPT Pyramid Acres: Megan Pflueger Band, 7:30 p.m. MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob Pina, piano 5:30-9:30 p.m. Marion Eagles: Southern Knights, 7-11 p.m.
TUESDAY CARBONDALE PK’s: Timmy Whiteford Band 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.
FESTIVALS
THEATER
WANT TO BE LISTED? Call 618-351-5089 or email brenda.kirkpatrick@thesouthern.com.
Coffeehouses, Cafés and Eateries Woodenships: 6–9 p.m. Friday, Trail of Tears Lodge & Resort, 1575 Fair City Road, Jonesboro; 618-833-8697. Billy Dan Langley: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, The Blue Boar Restaurant, 820-920 Kratzinger Hollow Road, Cobden; 618-833-5858; www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blue-Boar. Doug and Telisha Williams: 8 p.m. Friday, Yellow Moon Café, 110 N. Front St., Cobden; www.yellowmooncafe.com; 618-893-2233. Heath Holloman: 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Trail’s End Lodge, 1425 Skyline Drive, Cobden; 618-893-6135. Craig Roberts Band: 6–9 p.m. Saturday, Trail of Tears Lodge & Resort, 1575 Fair City Road, Jonesboro. Ivas John Band: 9 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Trail’s End Lodge, 1425 Skyline Drive, Cobden. Rip Lee Prior: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, The Blue Boar Restaurant, Cobden. Ray Martin: 2–5 p.m. Sunday, Trail of Tears Lodge & Resort, 1575 Fair City Road, Jonesboro. Billy Dan Langley: 7-10 p.m. Tuesday, The Blue Boar Restaurant, Cobden.
WEDNESDAY HERRIN Herrin American Legion: Timberline, 7 p.m.
Live Entertainment Saturday, May 5, 4:30pm-8:30pm
The Dirt Choir $
Plus 2 Corona & $2 Chips & Salsa for Cinco de Mayo
Jazz at StarView
Thursday, May 3, 6:30 pm, Annual Spring Concert
with the New Arts Jazztet FREE ADMISSION (Donations to SIU Music scholarship accepted)
starviewvineyards.com 5100 Winghill Rd, Cobden, IL On 51 S. go 6.3 miles South of the “Smiley Face” then left on Wing Hill Rd for 3.5 mi. Hours: Sun - Fri: 12-5PM Sat: 12-6PM
(618) 893-WINE
FLIPSIDE Thursday, May 3, 2012 Page 9
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Concert violinist to perform at Cedarhurst MOUNT VERNON — International violinist Michael Barta will perform Sunday, May 6, at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts as the final concert in the venue’s annual Chamber Music concert series. Accompanied by pianist Paul Transue, Barta will perform works by Schubert, Kodaly and Shostakovich. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Museum Performance Hall. Born in Hungary, Barta attended the F.Liszt Academy in Budapest and later studied with Arthur Grumiaux. Throughout his career he has won many prestigious awards, toured the world as first violinist of the Kodaly String Quartet as well as other performance ensembles; playing in many of the well known international venues. He began working at SIU Carbondale as an associate professor of music in 1985 and was promoted to professor in 1996. He co-founded the Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society and teaches each summer at the International Music Course of the Pyrenees in northern Spain. Tickets for the concert are $20 for adults, $18 for Cedarhurst members and $5 for students and music teachers. They can be purchased at Cedarhurst in advance or at the door. — Adam Testa
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(“Respectable Drive”), and mercifully free of pretension Pop (almost — the overly complicated melody of Rufus Wainwright “Out of “Montauk” falls flat). the Game” *** Finally, Rufus It’s good to have Wainwright Wainwright returns to pop. back in the pop game: Like his Since 2007’s Release the father, Loudon Wainwright III, Stars, Wainwright has written he’s witty and pointed; like his an opera (“Prima Donna”), released a ponderous album of mother, the late Kate McGarrigle, he’s emotionally Shakespeare sonnets turned forthright and nuanced. He into songs (“All Days Are doesn’t shy from ambition, but Nights: Songs for Lulu”), and these sophisticated pop re-created Judy Garland’s productions suit his sly, often “Live at Carnegie Hall” set. cynical, songs well. For “Out of the Game,” B.o.B. “Strange Clouds” Wainwright drafted producer *** Not a lot of rappers can Mark Ronson, who in turn brought in the Dap-Kings, the say they’re feuding mercilessly with critical darlings Odd R&B band he borrowed from Future, modeling for fashion Sharon Jones for Amy lines, or collaborating with Winehouse’s “Back to Black.” They crafted a ‘70s FM sound Chris Brown, Taylor Swift, and inspired by Elton John, “Young Morgan Freeman, all at about the same time. Americans”-era David Bowie, That’s B.o.B.’s job. and Steely Dan. It’s sometimes The North Carolina-reared extravagant (“Welcome to the Ball”), sometimes languorous hip-hop singer/MC made his
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FESTIVALS
first album, “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray,” into a genre-jumping, conceptually schizoid affair. The follow-up, “Strange Clouds,” benefits from his debut’s messed-up musicality. “So Hard to Breathe” is a hook-heavy honey of a cut with a handsome jumble of tenderly acoustic and epically electric guitars. “Where Are You (B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray)” reflects his Southern upbringing. “Arena,” featuring T.I. and salty crooner Chris Brown, is aerated and arena rock-hopping grand. It lacks Adventures’ fantastical thematic through line, but Clouds has the same melodious singsong quality to B.o.B.’s raps, whether going it alone (“Circles”), doing a brown-eyed soul routine (“Castles,” with Trey Songz), making nice with the voice of God (Freeman on “Bombs Away”), or doing a duet with Swift, country-pop’s sweetheart of the rodeo.
THEATER Jazz Bill Frisell/ Matt Chamberlain/ Lee Townsend/ Tucker Martine “Floratone II” *** Can producers be as creative as musicians? That concept gets tested on the second CD of this unusual “quartet.” Guitarist Bill Frisell and bassist Matt Chamberlain lay down themes, and then producers Lee Townsend and Tucker Martine go to work, layering in a supporting quartet that includes trumpeter Ron Miles and violist Eyvind Kang and shaping the groove-laced results. The set of 13 originals cooks along, racing across cultures with elan, from sitarlike sounds to techno-funk to the blasts of Americana Frisell is known for.
Classical
Anthony Marwood “Brahms Violin Sonatas” *** “Stravinsky Complete Music for Violin and Piano” Country/Roots **** Anthony Marwood has long Marty Stuart and His been one of England’s highFabulous Superlatives “Nashville, Volume 1: Tear the integrity violinists, premiering new concertos by Thomas Woodpile Down” **** Since he teamed up in 2001 Ades and Sally Beamish while with the Fabulous Superlatives playing in the acclaimed (now disbanded) Florestan Trio. Now _ guitarist Kenny Vaughan, he’s concentrating on a solo drummer Harry Stinson, career, the initial calling card bassist Paul Martin _ Marty being the Stravinsky set that Stuart has been making the best music of his career, even consists mostly of melodyoriented transcriptions by if the onetime “Hillbilly Rock” champion is no longer having Samuel Dushkin. He performs them with ease that, combined hits as he did in the ‘90s. He with the high-comprehension continues on that roll here. As Stuart puts it in the liner factor of composer Ades on notes: “Today the most outlaw piano, sets new standards for this repertoire, uncovering thing you can possibly do in untapped wit and meaning. Nashville, Tennessee, is play With the Brahms set, he is in country music.” OK, that’s a bit a more competitive repertoire of hyperbole, but make no mistake: This is country music, arena, though with the cultivated, thoughtful qualities no holds barred, from the of a middle-aged musician — propulsive twang of the title track to the aching balladry of and then some. Unlike anyone “A Matter of Time” and the hot else of his generation, his manner of phrasing has a picking of the instrumental gracious lilt that’s part of “Hollywood Boogie.” And the unguarded expressivity in material matches the these emotionally direct works. excellence of the music.
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‘Avengers’ almost too much of a good thing The Avengers ***
THEATER
Film stresses the team concept among its roster of superheroes BY GEOFF BOUCHER
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference; starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cobie Smulders and Clark Gregg; directed by Joss Whedon; opening Friday at ShowPlace 8 and University Place 8 in Carbondale and AMC Centre 8 in Marion.
When “The Avengers” arrives in theaters Friday it will represent a Hollywood experiment — The news is grim — a can the narrative threads team member has gone down, the worst is feared from four film franchises come together to form a — and Iron Man (Robert unified tapestry in a fifth, Downey Jr.) and Captain all-star franchise? America (Chris Evans) (And by throwing in a exchange pensive looks couple of newer faces, can while, all around them, the agents of a super-spy it even launch a sixth or agency called S.H.I.E.L.D. seventh?) The great thrill is a sky tend to their duties as an full of iconic characters, off-planet enemy force but the danger is that threatens Earth. The scene, being filmed without a story that can handle their combined on an elevated set, was weight, the movie will watched from a safe distance by Joss Whedon. never get off the ground. “This is something “You know, you shouldn’t unprecedented,and some worry too much,” the director and co-writer of days that makes it “The Avengers” reassured exciting, and then there have been days along the a visitor to the New Mexico set. “This kind of way where it was nervestuff happens here almost racking or a little scary,” said Kevin Feige, presievery day in the Marvel dent of Marvel Studios universe.” and key architect of the It does feel sometimes lattice-work approach to like Hollywood has connect “The Avengers” become a digital factory, with the continuities of but “The Avengers” is a Iron Man, Thor, Captain special case even in this America and the Hulk in summer when SpiderMan and Batman will also their “home” franchises. be back in action on SEE FILM / PAGE 12 planet popcorn.
MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
BY ROGER MOORE MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
How was this going to work? All those Marvel superheroes, many of them with their own action franchises, packed into one epic, save-humanityadventure. How will the retro patriotism of Captain America mesh with the flippant cynicism of Iron Man? Could the brooding Hulk bond with the regal brawn of Thor? How could anybody balance the connection of back stories, the clash of personalities, the need for shared screen time, the
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‘The Avengers’ opens Friday in Carbondale and Marion.
necessity of building up a villain capable of putting fear in this fearsome foursome and then some? But it works, because Joss Whedon (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) brought his A-game to “The Avengers.” It works because he never loses sight of the fragile humanity of the characters, even in their
special effects brawls. It works because somebody finally got The Hulk’s blend of rage, guilt and bull-in-a-chandeliershop fun right. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) has created S.H.I.E.L.D., his supersecret superhero agency, mainly on paper. But when his minions recover the
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magical cube, the Tesseract, from where Captain America buried it last summer, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and The Other (Alexis Denisof) plot Loki’s vengeful conquest of the Earth. Fury has to get the band together, get them to work as a team. SEE AVENGERS / PAGE 12
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, May 3, 2012 Page 11
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FILM: Stresses team concept of superheroes
AVENGERS: Almost too much of a good thing
FROM PAGE 11
FROM PAGE 11
jammed with gods, aliens, monsters, spies and more. The villain is Loki, “We used to put anyconniving Asgardian thing in there that we played by Tom Hiddleston could think of because all in “Thor” and that nods you had to do was be able to comic-book history — to draw it,” the 89-yearthat same trickster god old said. “They could never was the catalyst that led make it a TV show or a to the super-team’s movie because it would formation in the 1963 look ridiculous. But now story by writer Stan Lee they can do it with the and artist Jack Kirby. special effects. It’s not Lee has a cameo in the ridiculous.” movie (as he does in most That is the hope, at Marvel properties), and least. For decades, the even he finds it hard to standard approach to believe Hollywood has superhero adaptations was delivered one movie to ask the question, “How
can we fix this comic book character and make him look like a credible movie property?” Now the question is, “How can we use digital effects to make the movie screen into a living comic book?” “Open those old comics and look inside and what you find is modern mythology and great stories and drama and conflict and amazing places,” Feige said. “Why not look for the reasons these characters have endured instead of ‘fixing’ them?”
Downey’s brilliant touch with the throwaway putdown is showcased to its best effect. He calls Thor “Point Break” (a surfer-Patrick Swayze hair joke) and “Shakespeare in the Park,” and asks “Doth your mother know you weareth her drapes?” The earnest Evans gives just enough gravitas to the Captain, who understands how their special gifts are “a terrible privilege.” The real fun here is in the fractious nature of the
superhero team — Iron Man sniping at and brawling with Thor, Iron Man’s quarrels with Captain America, the “issues” between the assassins Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye, and the “Serenity Now” ethos that Bruce Banner embraces lest “The Other Guy” (The Hulk) break out and make a mess of things. As you might expect from a movie with this many characters and that many zingers, “Avengers” is entirely too long and
entirely too chatty. The 3-D adds nothing to it, and we lose the urgency every time we lose track of the menace and the villain. But Whedon has managed a feat akin to last summer’s “Thor,” finding the fun in what should be, by any rights, an exhausted genre. “Avengers” isn’t deep (yes, we really should all work together) and it doesn’t reinvent the comic-book movie. But it is fun, and if it’s an indicator of the cinema season to follow, this summer is going to be epic.
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