z MOVIES z ART z MUSIC z WINERIES z FOOD z BOOKS z DANCE z
CONTACT US Call toll-free: 800-228-0429 Cara Recine, Lifestyles and special projects editor cara.recine@thesouthern.com / ext. 5075 Adam Testa, Lifestyles writer adam.testa@thesouthern.com / ext. 5031 Brenda Kirkpatrick, lists, live music flipside@thesouthern.com / ext. 5089 Rhonda Ethridge, cover designer rhonda.ethridge@thesouthern.com / ext. 5118 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.
z WHAT’S INSIDE z Theater . . . . . . . . . . .3 Things to do . . . . . . .3 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5 Live music guide . . .6 Cover story . . . . . . . .7
Music . . . . . . . . . . .7-9 Country Scene . . . . .8 Concerts . . . . . . . . . .9 Movies . . . . . . . .10-11 DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
AWARD-WINNING WINE, GREAT FOOD... GREAT TIMES!
HUSBAN D NO EXCU S... SE WE HAVE , BEER!
Treat Mom on Her Special Day!
“saturday music event” “SUNDAY IN THE PARK” FrEE MUSIC 2-5 5/7 5/8
CONCORDIA
(Harmonizing Trio)
CHRISTIAN HALE (Acoustic Americana)
Kentucky Derby Party - May 7th
Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Italian Village the very best product we can get. We just don’t cut corners.” Though it costs a lot CARBONDALE — Anyone with a connection more to run a successful to the city of Carbondale in restaurant these days, Bridges is determined not the last 50 years is likely to pass those cost increases familiar with Italian on to the customer. In an Village. Chances are, in economy where you often fact, they have their name get less and pay more, written on the wall Italian Village is a somewhere. A dining throwback to the good old institution since 1960, Italian Village — owned by days. But don’t assume the Debbie and R.E. Bridges — food, or the restaurant itself, is stuck in the past. has been serving its “We’ve added new signature pizza, along with restrooms, a new indoor a menu of other Italianbar and dining room that inspired favorites, longer seats 30 people and than anyone else in town, outdoor patio dining and and with good reason. While the people, places bar that can seat 60 people,” Bridges said. and business landscape in Bridges also plans to offer Carbondale has changed entertainment on the new drastically over the last patio when weather allows. half-century, the Bridges refuse to change the unique Large groups who want a more private setting can dedication they have to providing a family-friendly use the loft upstairs for a returnable deposit upon place for southern request. The “graffiti” on Illinoisans to enjoy and good, quality meal at a fair the interior walls is still there, which is a tradition price. This is a simple that dates back to the formula, perhaps, but the restaurant’s beginnings but restaurant’s longevity is not in the new dining areas. proof of its success. As far as the food is “We stay on top of our concerned, the unique product and our people,” said Bridges, “and we serve square-cut pizza is still as
BY SHAWN CONNELLY FOR THE SOUTHERN
Buy one entrée and get one free at this restaurant and other featured restaurants across Southern Illinois with the 2011 Top 20 Dining Card. Purchase them at The Southern’s office at 710 N.Illinois Ave.in Carbondale,call 618-529-5454 or online at www.thesouthern.com/top20.Cards are $20.
DETAILS Who: Italian Village What: Pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches and more Where: 405 S. Washington St., Carbondale Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Phone: 618-457-6559 good as ever, but if you’d like to try something new to eat in the new I.V.’s, you can get an alfredo Italian chicken pizza, chicken salad of croissant or hot wings along with an expanded selection of bottled beers, wines and draught mugs and pitchers. On the first Thursday of each month, wine tastings are offered from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring local wineries. For those who would like to enjoy the Italian Village experience at home, a drive-through window allows customers to pick up frozen favorites or call
ahead and pick up fresh, hot meals as well. “Our frozen pizzas are great, and they don’t taste like cardboard,” laughs Bridges. “We make our own crust for the pizzas, and we also have lasagna frozen and ready to go.” Oh, and there’s still free ice cream cones for dine-in customers and the gondola-style salad bar is as well stocked as ever. “We welcome everyone. If you enjoy your meal, tell your friends. If we messed up somewhere along the line, tell us and we will make it right,” pledges Bridges.
Wear Your Derby Finest! Prizes for Best Derby Attire Awarded at 4:30 Ladies: Most Spectacular Hat Gents: Most Distinguished Attire Win Blue Sky Gift Certificates 1st Place = $150 • 2nd Place = $100 • 3rd Place = $50 Watch the 137th “Run for the Roses” on Our Big Screen Post Time 5:15
Special Derby Day Drink: Mint Julep Sangria! UPCOMING EVENTS
OPEN TILL 8PM BOTH DAYS
Reds, Whites & Blues Festival Saturday 5/14: King Juba followed by Black Magic Johnson Sunday 5/15: Deep Fried Rhythm & Blues featuring Mike Aguirre followed by Ms. Dahn & The Misters Variety Band.
Local Artisans • Sam the Balloon Man
3150 S. Rocky Comfort Rd. Makanda • 618-995-WINE www.blueskyvineyard.com Mon.-Thur. 10:00-6:30 • Fri. 10:00-Sunset • Sat. 10:00-7:30 • Sun. 12-7:00
Page 2 Thursday, May 5, 2011 FLIPSIDE
We have just the thing for your Mother on her Special Day! • Stained Glass • Framed Art • Jewelry • Tote Bags • Scarves
1/2way to Walker's Bluff on Reed Station Road (618) 457-5282 | Open Saturdays 10am-5pm
“Shows Every Saturday Night Year Round!” www.kentuckyopry.com Call 888-459-8704
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
Benton; carnival rides and food booths take place in the Bird presentation: 7 p.m. parking area; parade, 10 a.m. Monday, May 9, Carbondale Saturday; 618-438-2121. Township Hall, 215 E. Main St.; Friday Night Fair: 6-9 p.m. Jeff Walk will present findings Friday nights, Town Square on the oldest bird survey in Pavilion, Carbondale; music, North America; Shawnee food, crafts; through Oct. 28; Audubon Chapter, Illinois 618-529-5044 or www. Audubon Society meeting; carbondalemainstreet.com. 618-521-1030 or Pick of the Vine Benefit: terri@shawneeaudubon.org. Starts 10 a.m. Saturday, May Local author: Marty 7, Rustle Hill Winery, 8595 U.S. McMorrow plans to read from 51 North, Cobden; proceeds his book “Phoenix to L.A.” to the Fowler-Bonan from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Foundation’s Clothes for Kids; May 11, Longbranch music by Outlaw Joe C. Wails, Coffeehouse, Carbondale; noon-2 p.m.; Slappin Henry also, discussion about coming Blue with Tawl Paul, 2-5 p.m. of age in the late 1960s. and The Cache River Band, 6-9 p.m.; auction, 5 p.m.; Classes admission, $5 per car; 618-893-2700 or Student Center Craft www.rustlehillwinery.com. Shop: Variety of crafts and Makanda Spring Fest: classes offered, SIUC; 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday618-453-3636, www.siuc Sunday, May 7-8, downtown studentcenter.org. Makanda; art, music, food; 800-248-4373 or Comedy www.villageofmakanda.com John James Audubon’s: The Carbondale Whistle Stop Tour of Southern Comedians: Stand-up Illinois celebrating the comedy, 9-11 p.m. Bicentennial of Audubon’s Wednesday, Station #13, first journey through Illinois, 2400 W. Main St., 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, Carbondale; attached to the old Royal Plaza Inn; 618-529- Liberty Theater, Murphysboro; storyteller 2424. Brian “Fox” Ellis, in the persona of Audubon, brings Events history, ecology, art and Rend Lake Water Festival: literature to life; www.foxtales Today, May 5-Saturday, May 7, int.com or 309-689-8000.
Authors
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
Lower Town Arts and Music Festival: FridaySunday, May 20-22, Paducah; 40 performing artists and groups, three stages; headline group, Marrakesh Express, a tribute band to Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 21; www.lowertownamf.com.
Theater The Craving: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Brehm’s Student Activities Center, Carbondale; play described as a horrific comedy; doors open 6:30 p.m.; free; 618-457-0371 or dkulich@brehm.org. Romeo and Juliet: By Stone Soup Shakespeare, 6:15 p.m. Monday, May 9, Carnegie Library, Marion; 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, Noble Park Amphitheater, Paducah; 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, Washington County Courthouse, Nashville and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15, Turley Park, Carbondale; free.
Workshop Shakespeare Workshop: Registration open for the Stone Soup Shakespeare’s workshops conducted May 14, 15, 20, 21, Varsity Center for the Arts, 418 S. Illinois Ave, Carbondale; for adults and children; $25/$10; stageco @summitstudies.com.
BOOKS
DANCE
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Stone Soup Shakespeare to present Local author to ‘Romeo and Juliet’ throughout region lead discussion Residents in on events, culture Southern Illinois are invited to a of the 1960s series of special CARBONDALE — Local author Marty McMorrow will read from his book, “Phoenix to L.A.,” and lead a discussion at Longbranch coffeehouse next week. McMorrow refers to the book as “living history” for many children of the 1960s, as well as their children and grandchildren. From tales of open-road hitchhiking and protesting the Vietnam War to winding up in Vietnam treating heroin-addicted soldiers, the book covers a variety of topics. The reading and discussion begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Longbranch Coffeehouse, 100 E. Jackson St.
performances of “Romeo and Juliet” in the coming weeks. Stone Soup COLIN MCREADY / FOR THE SOUTHERN Shakespeare, a Gavin Purdie and Julie Stemper (in new theater group fake beard) perform a scene from aimed at ‘Bill’s Belles Brew-ha-ha,’ a collection presenting the of scenes from Shakespeare plays. Bard’s works in an This scene is from ‘The Winter’s Tale.’ easily accessible format, will present the classic tragedy. The idea came about after several company members studying drama at the Royal Scottish Academy, including Carbondale native Julia Stemper, performed a melee of Shakespeare’s scenes in Glasgow, Scotland. The performance schedule includes these dates: 6:15 p.m. Monday, May 9, at Carnegie Library in Marion 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at Noble Park Amphitheater in Paducah 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Washington County Courthouse in Nashville 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Turley Park in Carbondale
— Adam Testa
— Adam Testa
Discover Discover the Alternative!! Alternative
Now open for lunch at both locations 20% off at lunch with coupon M-F 11-2:30 No alcohol • exp 5/18/11
3000 West DeYoung St. Suite 156 Marion 993-9686
715 N Giant City Rd. Carbondale 549-2000
FLIPSIDE Thursday, May 5, 2011 Page 3
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
Burnside’s landscapes on display in Cobden
PROVIDED
Art by Ken Burnside will be on display through June 12 at anthill gallery and vintage curiosities in Cobden.
r yone!
for eve g in h t e m so e v a h We
Lick Creek Burger
COBDEN — Ken Burnside of Dowell discovered his passion for landscape painting while studying sculpture at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He now excels at en plein air painting, lavishing his landscapes with quick, energetic brush strokes, bright colors and very thick dry paint. His paintings depict many locations across Southern Illinois in a style he describes as “deconstructive impressionism,” each one telling a simple yet eloquent story. Burnside’s recent work will be on display at anthill gallery and vintage curiosities, above the historic elevated sidewalk in Cobden. The exhibit will be on display through June 12. A reception is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7.
— Adam Testa
BOOKS
DANCE
Fish Fry Fridays! $6.50 Per Plate - Fish and 2 Sides
Ice Cream Sandwic
h
Indoor & Outdoor Karaoke s y Sunda Fun for the whole family! BELLA TERRA WINERY Creal Springs, IL 618-658-8882 Open Daily 11am- 6pm www.bellaterrawinery.com
Page 4 Thursday, May 5, 2011 FLIPSIDE
THEATER
5, Zeigler-Royalton High School study hall; student Herrinfesta entries sought: work from the Art and All Southern Illinois artists Industrial Technology eligible to enter the programs; public invited to HerrinFesta Italiana Art vote for the best-in-show art; Competition during Memorial refreshments. Weekend, May 26-30; Art Known & Unknown preregistration by Friday, May Show: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 6; www.herrinfesta.com/art or 7, Old Feed Store, 111 N. herrinfesta.art@gmail.com. Appleknocker Drive, Cobden; Student artwork: Sought raffles; proceeds will help for Congressional competition purchase an electric kiln and by student artists living within potter’s wheel for the Cobden the 19th Congressional school district; also, local and District; deadline, Friday, May student musicians; 6; 217-492-5090 or shimkus. refreshments; 618-893-4031 house.gov. or lhicks@cusd17.org. Audubon Travelling Exhibit: Classes 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, Gen. John A Logan Museum, The Art or Watercolor Murphysboro; in May 1811, Painting: Variety of approaches to the medium of John James Audubon walked across Southern Illinois, from watercolor painting, 6-9 p.m. Monday evenings starting May St. Genevieve, Mo., to 16; four-week session, sign up Henderson, Ky.; over 30 prints of Audubon’s birds and now at SIUC Department of mammals, a complete set Continuing Education; of the Royal Octavo Edition www.dce.siu.edu or 618-536of “The Birds of America” 7751. and “The Quadrupeds of North America,” mounted Events birds, wood carvings; www.foxtalesint.com or SHARP Club’s Art-Shop Show: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 309-689-8000.
Call For Art
4-7pm
Fresh Salads
FESTIVALS
Exhibits Nature’s Bounty and Gourd-geous Gourds: Little Egypt Art Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion; display of hand painted gourds, a selection of nature paintings and photographs. The Essence of India: The Brush, the Lens and the Light: The Work of Mary, Abraham and Cynthia Pachikara, University Museum, SIUC; hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdayFriday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; through May 13; free. Daffodils, Moths And Ponds: A show of original photographs and painting by Richard Cox, Weaver’s Cottage, 1904 Bass Lane, Carbondale; through May 30; 618-529-1413 or weavecottage@hotmail. com. SIU Women’s Club Painting Interest Group: Central Showcase at Realty Central, 1825 Murdale Shopping Center, Carbondale; variety of works; hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.noon Saturday; through June 4. A Joyful Journey: By Jerry Oliver, Harrisburg District
Delicious Breads & Pastries Baked Fresh Daily! Stop in Today to try Authentic Salvadorian, Guatemalan & Mexican Baked Goods!
La Unica Bakery Panaderia La Unica 213 W. Main St. Unit 12 Carbondale (parking in rear)
457-6513 Mon, Tues, & Fri 7:30am-7pm • Wed & Thurs 7:30am - 6pm Sat & Sun 8:00am - 6:00pm
MOVIES Library, 2 W. Walnut St.; hours, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 1- 5 p.m.. Sunday: through June 4. A New Twist on Tradition: Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, Rend Lake, north of Benton; quilt artists who have reinterpreted traditional quilt patterns into a unique vision; through Aug. 21; 618-629-2220. A Parade of Quilts: Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, Rend Lake, north of Benton; varied display of unique art quilts created by members of the Illinois Artisans Program; through Sept. 15; 618-629-2220. Pop Art: University Museum, SIUC; from the museum’s print collection; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; through Sept. 23; www.museum.siu. edu or 618-453-5388. Civil War Era Quilts: Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, Rend Lake, north of Benton; includes a quilt from Anna whose fabrics include both Union and
ART
MUSIC
Confederate uniforms, said to be the sons of the maker; an album quilt made by a neighbor of Abraham Lincoln and quilts made by mothers and sisters of soldiers; exit 77 off of Interstate 57; hours, 9-5 p.m. daily; free; through Sept. 30; 618-629-2220. Down On The Farm: Memories of Not That Long Ago, Logan Museum, 1613 Edith St., Murphysboro; through mid-November; 618-303-0569 or johnalogan museum@globaleyes.net. Katherine Kuh: Creating a Legacy of Art for SIUC, University Museum, SIUC; art critic for the “Saturday Review,” and a curator for the Art Institute of Chicago; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; through May 2012; www.museum.siu. edu or 618-453-5388. Sun and Raven Totem Pole: Thirteen-foot totem pole crafted more than 60 years ago by native Tlingit people in Alaska; University Museum, SIUC; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdayFriday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388.
Carbondale Community
Friday Night Fair A Back to Basics Event Featuring Local, Home Grown and Handmade Products and Services Live Music
Every Friday Night 6:00-9:00pm April 22 - October 28, 2011 except for September 3
On the Town Square At the corner of 51N &13W 618-529-8040 www.carbondalemainstreet.com
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
Rotating art exhibitions: anthill gallery, 102 N. Front St., Cobden; original works by more than 50 Southern Illinois artists; ceramics, painting, photography, wood turning, jewelry, mosaics, stained glass, fibers, blacksmithing and fine metals; www.anthillgallery. com. Ongoing art exhibit: Photographs of Juhree Veach, mosaics from Janet Altoff and sculpture from Tom Horn, StarView Vineyards, 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; 618-893-9463 or www.starviewvineyards.com. Jo Loomis: Williamson County Pavilion, Marion; 20 paintings; 618-889-5330 or vanjol@frontier.com.
Receptions MFA Thesis Exhibition: By Michael Leo Chmielewski, Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6, Surplus Gallery, Studio
BOOKS
DANCE
Arts Building, 432 Washington St., Carbondale; closing reception, 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 6; hours, noon-3 p.m. Thursday and noon-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday; free; powerhammer6@gmail.com; sgallery@siu.edu or 618-4537548 Ken Burnside: Miniature en plein air landscape oil paintings reception, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 7, anthill gallery & vintage curiosities, 102 N. Front St., Cobden; noon-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday; through June 12; www.anthillgallery .com Aesthetic Reflections Exhibit: Reception, 5:307 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, The Varsity Center For the Arts, Carbondale; through, May 13; students from Philosophy & Theories of Art Education, Art & Design 308, SIUC; 618-4575100.
Celebrating 10 Years! Area’s Largest Locally Owned Independent Bookstore Your Source for Local Author & Regional Interest Books • River to River Trail Guide 4th edition JUST • Shades of Gray (Herrin Massacre Novel) ARRIVED! by Brocton Lockwood & Gary DeNeal • 50 Nature Walks in Southern Illinois • In Cold Pursuit by Lt. Paul Echols • Weird Egypt by Jim Jung • The Shawnee Forest • Giant City State Park • Murder in the Heartland Books by Harry Spiller
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Concert lineup announced for Springfest MAKANDA — Music hits two stages during next weekend’s annual Springfest in Makanda. The event will also feature a variety of artists and vendors set up along the city’s boardwalk. Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8, the concert schedule is as follows: Saturday 12:30 to 2 p.m.: Bosco and Whiteford (Pavilion) 1 to 2:30 p.m.: New Arts Jazztet (Rainmaker’s Garden) 2:30 to 4 p.m.: Hobo Knife (Pavilion) 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Barry
Cloyd (Rainmaker’s Garden) 4:30 to 6 p.m.: New Roots Revival (Pavilion) 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Ol’ Fishskins (Rainmaker’s Garden) Sunday 12:30 to 2 p.m.: Ratliff Dean (Pavilion) 1 to 2 p.m.: Silence (Rainmaker’s Garden) 2:30 to 4 p.m.: J. Brown Band (Pavilion) 2:30 to 4 p.m.: Fiddle Rick and the Dippers (Rainmaker’s Garden) 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Giant City Slickers (Pavilion) 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Joey Odum Blues Project (Rainmaker’s Garden) — Adam Testa
Razzle Dazzle! Try this sweet raspberry flavored wine Come join us for a refreshing glass of wine
...And Many, Many More! Carbondale Eastgate Shopping Center
618.457.2665
Marion Illinois Star Centre
618.997.3790
200 C Commerciall S St. II-24 24 & R Rt. 146 Vienna, IL Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm • Sun 12-6pm 618-658-8400 www.shawneewinery.com FLIPSIDE Thursday, May 5, 2011 Page 5
DIRECTIONS & DIGITS
WEEK OF MAY 5-11
CRAVING KARAOKE?
Coffeehouses, Cafés, Eateries Jimmy Davis: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Cousin Andy’s Coffeehouse, Fellowship Hall of the Church of the Good Shepherd, United Church of Christ, 515 Orchard Drive, Carbondale; $10; students, $5; www.cousinandy.org or www.andrewcalhoun.com Magician David Ranalli: Comical sleight of hand, 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, The Blue Martin, 215 E. Main St., Carbondale; 618-549-4326; www.thebluemartin.com.
Wineries Ol’ Fishkins: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Rustle Hill Winery; Concordia: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Blue Sky Vineyard Larry Dillard: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Honker Hill Winery Fertile Soil: 3-6 p.m., Saturday, Von Jakob Vineyard The Swamp Tigers: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, StarView Vineyards Outlaw Joe C. Wails, Slapping’ Henry Blue, Cache River Band: noon-9 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery; Pick of the Vine
Party Dirtwater Fox: 4-8 p.m. Saturday,The Bluffs Winery Christian Hale: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Blue Sky Vineyard Charlie Norman: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Von Jakob Orchard Blue Afternoon: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery Larry Dillard/Blues Therapy: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, The Bluffs Winery Dirtwater Fox: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery Giant City Slickers: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Rustle Hill Winery
Blue Sky Vineyard: 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda; 618-995-9463 or www.blueskyvineyard.com The Bluffs Vineyard and Winery: 140 Buttermilk Hill Road, Ava; 618-763-4447 or www.thebluffswinery.com. Honker Hill Winery: 4861 Spillway Road, Carbondale: 618-549-5517 Lau-Nae Winery: 1522 Illinois 3, Red Bud; 618-2829463 or www.lau-naewinery.com Rustle Hill Winery: US 51, Cobden; 618-893-2700 or www.rustlehillwinery.com StarView Vineyards: 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; 618 893-9463 or starviewvineyards.com Von Jakob Orchard: 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass; 618893-4600 or www.vonjakobvineyard.com Von Jakob Vineyard: 1309 Sadler Road, Pomona; 618893-4500 or www.vonjakobvineyard.com Walker’s Bluff: North on Reed Station Road, Carterville; 618-985-8463 or www.walkersbluff.com
Page 6 Thursday, May 5, 2011 FLIPSIDE
WANT TO BE LISTED?
Karaoke and DJ lists are online at flipside online.com.
Call 618-351-5089 or email brenda.kirkpatrick@thesouthern.com
TONIGHT BENTON Duncan Dance Barn:: Spring Pond Opry Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. CARBONDALE Hangar 9: Wayne “The Train” Hancock, 9 p.m. Tres Hombres: Barnacle Billy and the Zebra Mussels MARION Hideout Restaurant: Brock Bertling, 6-8 p.m.
SUNDAY CARBONDALE Key West: Blue Plate Specials, 8 p.m.midnight MARION Hideout Restaurant: Brock Bertling 11 a.m.3 p.m.; Cynthia Fligel, 4-8 p.m. Marion Eagles: Liberty Road Band, 6-10 p.m.
TUESDAY CARBONDALE Underground Grill & Pub: Rip Lee Pryor, 7-9 p.m. MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob Pina, 6-9 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, 6:309:30 p.m.
FRIDAY CARBONDALE Hangar 9: Mountain Sprout w/Hobo Knife Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: Mike and Joe Tres Hombres: Lubriphonic, 10 p.m. INA Ina Community Building: Friday Night Jam Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. MARION Hideout Restaurant: Mel Goot, 6-10 p.m. MOUNT VERNON
The Granada: Hope for the Dying, 7 p.m.; CD release party THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Rebel Country Band, 7-10 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Sentimental Swing, 7-10 p.m. WHITE ASH The White Ash Barn: Lindell and Bob and the Boys, 7-10 p.m. WHITTINGTON Corner Dance Hall: Rebel Country Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY CARBONDALE Hangar 9: The Rum Runners Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: 17th Floor Tres Hombres: Spread w/Neighborhood Flavor, 9:30 p.m. HARRISBURG Centerfield Bar & Grill: Hired Gunn, 9 p.m. HERRIN Perfect Shot: One Finger Flying MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob Pina, piano 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Marion American Legion: Danny and The Dreamers, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Marion Eagles: Liberty Road Band, 8 p.m.-midnight Ramesses: Souls N Camo THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Swing “N” Country Band, 7-9:30 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Lil’ Boot & Classic Country, 7:30-10:30 p.m. WEST FRANKFORT The Casino Tavern: Sacrifice the Gods, Spirit of Chaos, Lunchbox Challenge
WEDNESDAY
MONDAY
CARBONDALE Tres Hombres: SIU Dub Club, 10:30 p.m. HERRIN Herrin American Legion: Timberline, 7 p.m.
MARION Hideout Restaurant: Brock Bertling, 6-8 p.m. Marion Youth Center: Ragtag Band, 7-10 p.m. WEST FRANKFORT Wit and Wisdom: George Sisk, Tom Baker, Randy Atkinson, Jim White, 7-10 p.m.
20’s Hideout Restaurant: 2602 Wanda Drive, Marion 618-997-8325 Anna VFW: 70 VFW Lane, Anna 618833-5182 Coloni’s Bar & Grill: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin 618-988-5341 Corner Dance Hall: 200 Franklin St., Whittington 618-303-5266 Coulterville VFW: 511 VFW St., Coulterville 618-758-9009 Duncan Dance Barn: 13545 Spring Pond Road, Benton 618-435-6161 Gatsbys Bar & Billiards: 610 S Illinois Ave Carbondale 618-549-9234 Hangar 9: 511 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; 618-549-0511. Ina Community Building: 504 Elm St., Ina 618-315-2373 John Brown’s on the Square: 1000 Tower Square, Marion 618-9972909 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 Mack’s Lake of Egypt Marina: 12024 Laguna Drive, Lake of Egypt Maddie’s Pub and Grub: 14960 Illinois 37, Johnston City 618-9838107 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 618-9227853 Mollie’s: 107 E. Union St., Marion 618997-3424 Murphysboro Elks Lodge: 1809 Shomaker Drive Murphysboro 618684-4541. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Main Street, Thompsonville 618-2184676 Orient American Legion: 404 Jackson St., Orient 618-932-2060 Outlawz Dance Club: 10032 Samuel Road, Carterville 618-922-0610 Park Plaza Pub: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin, 618-988-1556 Perfect Shot Bar & Billiards: 3029 S. Park Ave., Herrin, 618-942-4655 Pinch Penny Pub/Copper Dragon: 700 E. Grand, Carbondale 618-5493348 PK’s: 308 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale 618-529-1124 Steelhorse Saloon and Campground: 202 Dewmaine Lane, Carterville 618-985-6713 Tavern on 10th: 224 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon 618-244-7821 Trackside Dance Barn: 104 Rock St., Spillertown 618-993-3035 Trails End Lodge: 1425 Skyline Drive, Cobden 618-893-6135 Tres Hombres: 119 N. Washington St., Carbondale 618-457-3308 Underground Grill & Pub: 717 S. University Ave., Carbondale 618351-0171 WB Ranch Barn: 1586 Pershing Road, West Frankfort 618-937-3718 White Ash Barn: 207 Potter St., White Ash 618-997-4979 Wit and Wisdom Nutritional Site: 225 E. Poplar St., West Frankfort 618937-3070 Zeigler Eagles: 114 N. Main St., Zeigler 618-596-5651
MOVIES
ART
MUSIC
WINERIES
THINGS TO DO
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The return of Revis Band with Southern Illinois roots comes back for show collection of songs includes everything from Los Angeles-based rock classic rock and group with Southern alternative to a ballad Illinois ties; doors open at infused with Indian 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May musical stylings and a 19; Copper Dragon, 700 E. sitar. “It does have the Revis Grand Ave., Carbondale; tickets are $10 for general sound, but it’s definitely a more mature album,” admission and $30 for Holman said. limited VIP tickets. When Revis released “Places for Breathing” BY ADAM TESTA eight years ago, the band THE SOUTHERN seemed to be on the track to success. Released on ans spoke; Revis May 20, the same day the listened. new album will be Years after the rock released, “Places” topped band called it quits, its the Billboard Heatseekers members continued chart, selling 10,000 hearing the desperate copies in its opening week, pleas for a reunion. Unable and peaked at No. 115 on to deny the interest, they the Billboard Top 200. had no choice but to Songs “Caught in the comply. Rain” and “Seven” “We all missed each received radio play across other and missed playing the country, and the with each other,” said lead former was featured in the singer Justin Holman, a Ben Affleck movie Southern Illinois native. adaptation of the “But the thing was that “Daredevil” comic book even after eight years, we series. During that first were still getting a lot of run, Revis also toured with fan mail asking, ‘Why did Pearl Jam and appeared on you guys break up?’” national television shows About a year ago, including “Jimmy Kimmel Holman reunited with Live.” fellow Southern Illinois But will it be possible for native and Revis guitarist the band to capture that Robert Davis and the rest lightning in a bottle twice? of the band to record some “We know there are new songs as a tribute to people out there who will the group’s fans. No one love the music; we just intended on creating a new have to get out there album, but the project again,” Holman said. “We took on a life of its own have our fingers crossed, and the result is the but we’re not betting on upcoming “Do We Have to anything.” Beg?” scheduled for The band’s off on the nationwide release May right track, though, as the 20. song “Save Our Souls” off The new album, a the new album is being followup to 2003’s “Places used as the title track for a for Breathing,” features a forthcoming documentary variety of sounds, Holman on how Hurricane Katrina said. The eclectic affected the burlesque
Revis Concert
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industry of New Orleans. Revis will also be using that track as the album’s first single. For the band, though, the best prospect is that of just getting back on the road. They will make a stop back in Holman and Davis’ native Southern Illinois on Thursday, May 19. In 2003, the city of Carbondale issued a proclamation declaring that same date “Revis Day” in the city. This time around, the band will be playing a show at Copper Dragon, 700 E. Grand Ave. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $10 for general admission. A limited number of VIP tickets, which include a copy of the new album, a meet-andgreet and balcony seating, are available for $30.
PROVIDED
Revis, a band with ties to Southern Illinois, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Copper Dragon, 700 E. Grand Ave. in Carbondale
Tickets can be purchased at Copper Dragon. “We’re just really excited,” Holman said of
returning to Southern Illinois, thanking and crediting the region for much of the band’s
early successes. adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, May 5, 2011 Page 7
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Cache River Band headlines Fowler-Bonan fundraiser COBDEN — Three bands will take the stage next weekend at a charity event to support the FowlerBonan Foundation. Blues band Outlaw Joe C Wails will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Rustle Hill Winery in Cobden. They will be followed by local legends Slappin Henry Blue with Tawl Paul. At 5 p.m., a live auction will take place with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting the foundation, which provides free new clothing and shoes to underprivileged children based on a referral system from area school administrators. Auction items include a night’s stay in a Rustle Hill cabins, St. Louis Cardinals tickets and more. After the auction, The Cache River Band will take the stage from 6 to 9 p.m. The group formed last year after the breakup of bands Southbound and Plain Strange. Admission is $5 per car, and the event is open to all ages. — Adam Testa
Page 8 Thursday, May 5, 2011 FLIPSIDE
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McGee overcomes shaky start at Texaco COUNTRY SCENE Vince Hoffard
hris McGee didn’t know if he would have the opportunity to defend his Texaco Country Showdown title. The Marion native won the local portion of the national talent contest last year at HerrinFesta Italiana. He also won the event in 2006. He is a rock-solid vocalist. However, he didn’t perform well during the first preliminary round April 1 and failed to advance. Just One More in Marion hosted the third of four qualifying rounds this weekend. Although it may not have been his last chance, McGee knew he was running out of time. Before he stepped on stage, he watched three tremendous performances and another very solid effort. His back was against the wall, and he knew he had to produce or he may spend May 29, the date of the local finals, at home. For his performance, McGee chose Luke Bryan’s power ballad “Do I.” McGee had a shaky start. Everything about the first two verses and the first chorus was average. He did nothing to stand out. Patrons in the crowded bar seemed more interested in ordering a Coors Light. Then it happened. McGee shifted from granny low straight into overdrive. He threw his head back and began to wail, emotionally wrapping himself into every word, gaining momentum with each line and finishing with electrifying crescendo. The
C
audience roared its approval, giving him a standing ovation. For his effort, he was selected winner of the People’s Choice Award and awarded a check for $100. “I couldn’t believe how nervous I was when I started. I could hardly breathe,” McGee said. “I was really starting to worry, but about halfway through, I started to relax and was able to cut it loose. I’m just happy to advance. I know I’ll have to step it up a couple notches in the semifinals.” McGee received a stiff challenge for the top spot from Patrick Lee Beasley of Vienna, Tara FasolChambers of West Frankfort and the Southern Belles, a duo from Du Quoin consisting of Stacey Jones and Rachel Brock. Fasol-Chambers and Beasley each scored high because they performed original material. Beasley performed “All We Need is Each Other.” His vocal was strong and refreshing. With flowing long hair, he has a look that is different and marketable, a positive for this event. “I have nearly 50 original songs that I have accumulated through the years,” Beasley said. “I like this contest because they seem to put an emphasis on originality. This is just another way for me to get my music out to the people.” After taking a two-year hiatus from playing music to give birth to twins, Fasol-Chambers resurfaced in the competition with “Bad Boy.” Her vocal presentation was a perfect match for the tune. “I wrote this song for my ex, hoping he would get the
hint,” she said. “He’s still my ex, so I guess he didn’t.” For many years, FasolChambers was the person folks in West Frankfort turned to when they needed a chairwoman for a civic event or fundraiser. The 26-year-old recently entered politics and won a seat on the West Frankfort City Council. One of the biggest surprises of the evening was the Southern Belles, who pulled off the Reba McEntire and Linda Davis duet “Does He Love You” with near perfection. Jones would intentionally sing the Davis part in a softer register; Brock would then come roaring over the top. “We’ve been singing together in the area for a long time,” Jones said. “We just decided to give the contest a try and see what happened.” Five acts advance out of each preliminary round. The final qualifier from round three was Lindsay Karrol of Benton. She struggled at the beginning of Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” but scored big points with the judges by repeatedly nailing the chorus. The final qualifying round will be May 13 at the Zone Lounge in Whittington. A field of 20 contestants will compete at the semifinals May 24 at Hangar 9 in Carbondale for a chance to advance to the local finals May 29 on the main stage at HerrinFesta. A local winner has to advance through four more rounds to make it to the national finals, which take place at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. First-place money is $100,000. VINCE HOFFARD can be
reached at 618-658-9095 or vincehoffard@yahoo.com.
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Brown Bag Chicago’s Lubriphonic to play at Tres Hombres concert schedule set CARBONDALE — Carbondale Main Street has announced its schedule for the weekly Brown Bag Concert and Lunch series. The events take place each Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at Town Square Pavilion. The lineup includes: May 4: Giant City Slickers May 11: Swamp Tigers May 18: Lojo Russo May 25: J Brown Trio June 1: Blackberry Blossoms June 8: Marbin June 15: Carter and Connelley June 22: Ole Fishskins June 29: The Belletones Aug. 3: Hot Sauce Aug. 10: Grant Harp Aug. 17: Parsely and Sagebrush Band Aug. 24: Blue Plate Specials Aug. 31: Black Fortys Sept. 7: Tomcat Hill Social Club Sept. 14: The Natives Sept. 21: Bill Harper Sept. 28: Wil Maring — Adam Testa
CARBONDALE — Six Chicago blues sidemen who have performed with legends like Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Koko Taylor will bring their own joint sound to Southern Illinois this weekend. Lubriphonic, described as a brassy funk soul sextet, will perform at 10 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Tres Hombres, 119 N. Washington St. The show will help promote the band’s new album, “The Gig is On,” which features guest performances by legendary New Orleans keyboardist Ivan Neville. The album showcases the band’s broad range of sounds and has received critical praise. The group has toured extensively and performed at festivals including Summerfest, Gathering of the
PROVIDED
Lubriphonic will play at 10 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Tres Hombres, 119 N. Washington St. in Carbondale.
Vibes, High Sierra Music Festival and Telluride Blues and Brews Festival. — Adam Testa
Wayne Hancock heads to Hangar 9 for show tonight CARBONDALE — Since his debut, “Thunderstorms and Neon Signs” in 1995, Wayne “The Train” Hancock has been building a reputation as the king of juke joint swing, a musical alchemist’s dream concoction of honky-tonk, western swing, blues, rockabilly and big band styles. He is defined by the music he loves: steeped in tradition without being old fashioned and hardcore with a sense of swing. “Man, I’m like a stab wound in the fabric of country music in Nashville,” he’s been known to say. “See that bloodstain slowly spreading? That’s me.” Hancock, the only Bloodshot Records artist to have an album taken aboard a
FESTIVALS
THEATER
Concerts Southern Illinois A Little Country … A Little Pop: Chorus Concert, 6-7 p.m. today, May 5, Zeigler-Royalton Junior High Gymnasium. District 201 Music Festival: 7:30 p.m. today, May 5, Mount Vernon Township High School, Chagnon Gym; featuring orchestra, band and choir. Southern Illinois Children’s Choir: 4 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Grace United Methodist Church, 220 N. Tower Road, Carbondale; 618-536-8742. The Pickin’ Chicks and The Chris Talley Trio: CD release party, 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, New Athens Community Hall, corner of N. Johnson and Chester Streets; food, square dancing, prizes. Swamp Tigers: Brown Bag Concert, noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, Town Square Pavilion, Carbondale; bring a lawn chair; www.carbondalemainstreet.com. The Smoky Hollow String Band: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, Smysor Plaza, on Walnut Street at 12th, near the courthouse, Murphysboro; free; 618-684-4397. Arrowhead Spring Music Festival: noon-10 p.m. Saturday, May 21, Arrowhead Lake Campground, Johnston City; variety of music including bluegrass, country, 80’s rock and Christian rock; also crafts, food; proceeds support local nonprofit groups; $3 or five cans of food; 618-9221272. Willie Nelson Country Throwdown Tour: June 11, World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta; $55; www.countrythrowdown.com.
Indiana PROVIDED
Wayne Hancock will perform at 9 p.m. tonight, May 5, at Hangar 9 in Carbondale.
space shuttle flight, will perform at 9 p.m. tonight, May 5, at Hangar 9, 511 S. Illinois Ave. Tickets for the show are $10. — Adam Testa
Terry Lee: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Boot City Opry, 11800 S. Highway 41, Terre Haute; $11; www.bootcityopry.com or 812-299-8379.
Kentucky Kentucky Opry Talent Search Semi-Finals: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Kentucky Opry, 88 Chilton Lane, Benton, Ky.; $18-$7.50; 270-527-7869 or www.kentuckyopry.com.
Belleville Antique Belle-Clair Exhibition Center at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds
May 21st & 22nd
Third Full Weekend Every Month! 9am-4pm Saturday & Sunday Rt. 13, Belleville, IL For more information call 618-233-0052. www.bcfairgrounds.net
FLIPSIDE Thursday, May 5, 2011 Page 9
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‘Thor’ is good — but not great — as summer’s first comic book blockbuster Thor ***
slick sheen that state-ofthe-art effects can give you. But if it weren’t for all those effects (the 3-D seems an afterthought), for all the story’s attention to “franchise” and “there’s more money to be made from future movies,” it might feel something more than incomplete. Simply put, the movie’s alien god BY ROGER MOORE stuck on the Real World MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS (Earth) scenes sing. And the ones in a digital Merrie “Thor,” the first summer Olde Land of Oz where comic book blockbuster Odin, Thor, Loki and the out of the gate, has a lot of Nordic gods reside are little that winking wit we’ve better than glossy filler, come to expect from our back-story overwhelmed post-“Spider Man” Marvel by the pixels of it all. movies. It has a hunky, The esteemed Kenneth self-mocking young star, Branagh (“Hamlet,” “Much solid support from a couple Ado About Nothing,” of Oscar winners and the “Henry V”) wasn’t wholly
Rated PG-13; starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Tim Hiddleston and Kat Dennings; directed by Kenneth Branagh; opening Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and Illinois Centre 8 in Marion.
able to overcome that “creation myth” part of any epic saga with simple effects. But once he leaves “the Realm Eternal,” Asgard, where Odin (Anthony Hopkins) rules, things pick up. In a drawnout first act, Odin tries to keep the peace with the warlike Frost Giants. But his headstrong son, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) isn’t having it. So Odin kicks Thor out in the hope that he will “cast aside all selfish” impulses. He tosses Thor’s hammer through the wormhole that exiles him to Earth, too. If Thor ever proves worthy, he’ll be able to heft that hammer again. If not, it’s Sword in the Stone time. Nobody who comes across it will be able to move it.
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On Earth, hot young astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) is investigating astral anomalies with her Scandinavian mentor (Stellan Skarsgard) and her dizzy science-impaired intern (Kat Dennings). They’re the first humans Thor meets on arriving, banished. And the intern is impressed with this blond lunatic’s physique. “You know, for a crazy homeless person, he’s pretty cut.” The film’s best scenes involve the Norse god as fish out of water. He stalks into a diner and bellows “I need sustenance!” He hurls coffee cups to the floor to ask for seconds. Very Viking. Portman has a great gift at delivering warmfor-Thor’s-form looks that are both sexy and funny. Dennings (“Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist”) has the punchlines, reacting to Thor the way most of us would. Thor’s first words, staggering to his feet on Earth, “Hammer. Hammer!” earn a “We know you’re hammered” from her. Meanwhile, there’s a lot of scheming going on back on Asgar. Thor’s skulking brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is up to no good and Thor’s comrades (Ray Stevenson among
PROVIDED
Chris Hemsworth stars as the title character in ‘Thor.’ The film opens Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and Illinois Centre 8 in Marion.
them) need Mr. Hammertime’s help. And on Earth, the secret S.H.I.E.L.D. agency (Clark
Gregg and Jeremy Renner are part of the team) is trying to get this situation under control without having to involve Captain America, Nick Fury or Ironman. Hemsworth, Hopkins (a tiny part), Portman and Dennings make “Thor” work. And as comic book over-saturation sets in over the long, hot summer, we may look back on this one with fondness and the reassuring thought that with this possible franchise, there is room for and hope for improvement.
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‘Jumping the Broom’ sets itself apart with strong ensemble, visuals Jumping the Broom ** ½ Rated PG-13 for some sexual content; starring Paula Patton, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Laz Alonzo, Tasha Smith and Julie Bowen; directed by Salim Akil; opening Friday at Illinois Centre 8 in Marion and University Place 8 in Carbondale. BY ROGER MOORE MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
“Jumping the Broom” is like a Tyler Perry movie with polish. An ensemble comedy about a wedding that joins a wealthy, Martha’s Vineyard family of African-American professionals with the groom’s more down-toEarth working-class Brooklynites, it is wellcast, well-played, passably written and filmed in the warm glow only the top drawer cinematographers can achieve. And if this T.D. Jakes project (he produced it) lacks the scruffy, hit-ormiss outrageousness of Perry’s down-home Atlanta farces, it
compensates with heart, smarts and a confident air that Perry’s pictures lack. “Broom” never looks like it’s trying too hard. Paula Patton of “Precious” shaves off a few years playing Sabrina, an excitable young woman of privilege who prays for a “good man” and promptly hits one — Jason (Laz Alonzo). Literally. With her car. They date, and when it looks as if she’s about to move to China for a job assignment, he proposes. A wedding at the house on the Vineyard is arranged. But Jason hasn’t brought Sabrina to meet his mom. And Pam (Loretta Devine) is fuming over that. She vents to her pal Shonda (Tasha Smith) and keeps score of all the slights she collects (“That’s strike one!”) from the bride and the highfalutin mother of the bride (Angela Bassett), who switches to French when she wants to say something nasty about the new in-laws. The fights are over clothes, the menu, the “Electric Slide” (wedding dance) and “Jumping the Broom,” a fading wedding tradition dating from
slave times. Mike Epps and DeRay Davis play the groom’s fish-out-of-water cousins, wise-crackers overwhelmed by all the wealth. Meagan Good is the bride’s snobby best friend and Valarie Pettiford is Sabrina’s sexy, free spirit aunt. A nice touch in Elizabeth Hunter/Arlene Gibbs script — there’s an earnest white wedding planner (Julie Bowen) who is the surrogate for the non-black viewer. The character is something of a cliche in black sitcoms, but Bowen makes her work, constantly tossing off overly familiar slang (“Girrrrrl ...”) and asking inappropriate questions about hair weaves, skin shadings, chicken as a dinner staple and the necessity of “The Electric Slide.” (“It’s like the hokey pokey for black people!”) Virtually everybody in this film directed by TV veteran Salim Akil has been a member of Tyler Perry’s ensemble company. But here, they don’t force the laughs. Characters are underplayed, even the clowns. Pairing off Devine
STUDIO
Paula Patton and Laz Alonzo star in ‘Jumping the Broom.’ It opens Friday at Illinois Centre 8 in Marion and University Place 8 in Carbondale.
and Bassett as foils, two good actresses who rarely get to play straight comedy, pays off. Their confrontations are class warfare, with each scoring her hits. The funny moments outnumber the warm ones. There’s a touch of
AS SEEN
ON
TV
religion and plenty of melodrama, especially in the contrivances of a cluttered and drawn-out third act. But as traditional as it is, “Jumping the Broom” throws a few nice twists into its situation and the players deliver.
New on DVD The Green Hornet: After the death of his father, Britt Reid, heir to his father’s large company, teams up with his late dad’s assistant Kato to become a masked crime fighting team. Starring Seth Rogen and Cameron Diaz. Directed by Michel Gondry. Rated PG-13. The Dilemma: A man discovers that his best friend’s wife is having an affair. Starring Vince Vaughn and Kevin James. Directed by Ron Howard. Rated PG-13. From Prada to Nada: A Latina spin on Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility,” where two spoiled sisters who have been left penniless after their father’s sudden death are forced to move in with their estranged aunt in East Los Angeles. Starring Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega. Directed by Angel Gracia. Rated PG-13. — Adam Testa
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