z CONTACT US z
Events
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 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Holiday Events . . . . .3 Dance . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Theater . . . . . . . . .6-7 Cover story . . . . . . . .7
z MOVIES z MUSIC z WINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z ART z DANCE z
Concerts . . . . . . . . . .8 Country Scene . . . . .8 Live music guide . . .9 Movies . . . . . . . .10-11 New on DVD . . . . . .10
Art for Giving: Off The Wall exhibit for the selection of holiday gifts, Varsity Center for the Arts, Carbondale; jewelry, cards, small sculptures, paintings; gallery hours, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4-7 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.2 p.m. Saturdays; through Dec. 30; 618-457-5100. Christmas Sale: 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 and 14 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, Hughes Gallery, 1603 Edith St., Murphysboro; variety of art including handmade cards, ceramics, jewelry, paintings; part of Murphysboro Hometown Christmas. The Color of Winter: Exhibit and silent auction of art, Corridor Gallery, Carbondale Civic Center; hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; exhibit and silent auction will close at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; 618-457-5100. Art Over Easy fundraiser and art show: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, Surplus Gallery, Glove Factory, 432 S. Washington St., Carbondale; $30; http://artanddesign. siuc.edu or lduncan@siu.edu. For Kids’ Sake Art Show: Artwork on display and for sale, Harbaugh’s Café, Thai Taste, Town Square Market, Tres Hombres and White &
Borgognoni, Carbondale; art sale, silent auction benefit Bangladeshi children; closing reception, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10.
Exhibits Undergraduate Art Show: Work by SIU students, Art Alley, second floor, Student Center, SIUC, through Dec. 6; 618-536-3393 or spc4fun.com. Small Town exhibit: Communications Building, north wing, SIUC; area towns photographed by SIUC student photographers; towns include Brookport, Cambria, Colp, Dowell, Elizabethtown, Kaskaskia, McClure, Mounds, Olive Branch, Orient, Rosiclare, Schuline, Tamaroa and Zeigler; through Dec. 10. The Vogel Collection/ Carbondale Community Arts’ Biennial: SIUC University Museum; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; through Dec. 11; www. museum.siu. edu or 618-453-5388. Joy of Painting: By Joan Skiver-Levy, Central Showcase at Realty Central, 1825 Murdale Shopping Center, Carbondale; hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday; through Dec. 11; 618-4574663.
Holiday Family Entertainment
Dec 4 - Dec 18 - The Kentucky Opry presents A Country Christmas Show Dec 17 - 7:30pm Doug Gabriel Family Christmas Show direct from Branson, MO
Glass at 40: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the SIUC Glass Program by Bill Boysen, SIUC University Museum; artist Bill Boysen, now professor emeritus, launched the glass program at SIUC’s School of Art in 1970; through Dec. 11; www. museum.siu.edu or 618-4535388. Combined Faculty Art Exhibit: SIUC University Museum; exhibit features art from SIUC faculty; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 14 p.m. Saturday; through Dec. 12; www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388. Masters of Fine Arts’ Preview: SIUC University Museum; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday; through Dec. 12; www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388. Betty Martyn’s World: Watercolors, Harrisburg District Library; through Dec. 14. OFF THE WALL: Holiday Group Artist Exhibition, anthill gallery and vintage curiosities and The Yellow Moon Café, both in downtown Cobden; work by 50 area artists; through Dec. 19; anthillgallery @gmail.com or 618-457-7641. What’s the Buzz on the Playground: Features St. Louis artists, Cedarhurst Center for The Arts, 2600 Richview Road, Mount
Vernon; curated by St. Louis artist Mary Sprague; through Dec. 30; www.cedarhurst.org or 618-242-1236. Holiday Extravaganza exhibit: Little Egypt Arts Centre, downtown square, Marion; original paintings, jewelry, pottery, fine craft and photography; pieces designed for holiday gift giving; through Jan. 10; hours, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Focus 4: Shows by Mel Watkin, Kevin Veara, Judith Raphael and Jacqueline Moses, The Illinois State Museum Southern Illinois Art Gallery, in Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center, 14967 Gun Creek Trail, Whittington; through Feb. 27; free; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 618-629-2220 or www. museum. state.il.us/ismsites. 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. Let There Be Light: By Kathleen “Kat” Shaffner, Holistic Wellness Institute, 1827 W. Main St., Murdale Shopping Center, Carbondale; reception, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3; hours, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Monday-Friday; through Jan. 7; 618-303-7272.
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Page 2 Thursday, December 2, 2010 FLIPSIDE
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC z WINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z DANCE z FESTIVALS z
Kwanzaa celebration set at SIUC
‘Christmas in the Village’ offers bazaars and events in Cobden COBDEN — A variety of bazaars and events will highlight the second annual “Christmas in the Village” in this Union County town. Merchants will be selling decorations, gifts, crafts, homemade treats and more at St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Union County Museum’s General Store. These shops will open at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The Old Feed Store will host a food giveaway, a roasted nut vendor, a gingerbread house contest and other activities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santa will visit from 2 to 5 p.m. and have goody bags for children. Other activities include a 5K walk/run at
10 a.m., horse-drawn surrey rides from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., wreathmaking demonstrations from 1 to 4 p.m., a live nativity scene at First Baptist Church from 1 to 5 p.m., a number of open houses at businesses and other community organizations and more. At 4 p.m., the Apostolic Lighthouse Church will perform Christmas carols in the downtown park pavilion, and at 5 p.m., Santa will lead a walk from the Feed Store to downtown for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Information, maps and schedules will be available at all participating locations and at Village Hall before the event. — Adam Testa
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The 20th Lights Fantastic Parade will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in downtown Carbondale. Shuttle service is available.
Lights Fantastic parade celebrates 20 years CARBONDALE — A popular holiday event in Jackson County turns 20 on Saturday, Dec. 4, as the city of Carbondale hosts the annual Lights Fantastic parade. The display of lighted and decorative floats will begin its trek through town at 6 p.m. Shuttle buses will begin transporting people from Murdale Shopping Center and University Mall to downtown Carbondale at 4 p.m. to help alleviate
parking problems. A variety of downtown businesses and community organizations will be hosting open houses and other special events after the parade. Rotary Club of Carbondale-Breakfast will also be running a chili supper fundraiser to support the Boys and Girls Club and other local charities from 4 to 7 p.m. in Carbondale Civic Center. — Adam Testa
CARBONDALE — The 40th annual Kwanzaa Celebration at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is set for Sunday, Dec. 5, and everyone is welcome to enjoy the cultural tradition. The Black Togetherness Organization is presenting the program from 4 to 7 p.m. in the lower level of Grinnell Hall. The festivities include entertainment, refreshments and a short program highlighting the meaning and symbols of Kwanzaa. According to Jasmin Thurston, graduate advisor for BTO, Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in the African Kiswahili language and is the celebration traditionally celebrates values including family, community, responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. Commemorated Dec. 26
through Jan. 1, each day is marked by a guiding principle of “Nguzo Saba” and represented by seven candles in the “Kinara” candleholder. Founded by Maulana Karenga and first celebrated in 1966, Kwanzaa is now a worldwide celebration observed by millions of people. While the traditional celebration may include the exchange of gifts, Kwanzaa is a celebration of people, heritage, culture and love rather than a commercial or religious event. “Honoring our History” is the theme of the 2010 SIUC Kwanzaa celebration. Come enjoy light appetizers, apple cider and performances by campus student organizations. You need not register for this family friendly event. For more information, contact Thurston at jmarie@siu.edu. — SIUC University Communications
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z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC z WINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z DANCE z FESTIVALS z City State Park, book signing by Karen Sisulak Binder, 1-3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 4, Marion Bookworm and 1-3 Authors, Books p.m. Saturday Dec. 11, Carbondale Bookworm; 618Jonesboro book sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 457-2665 or 618-997-3790. Jonesboro Public Library; Dance donations also accepted; 618-833-8121. In Concert: Modern, jazz, From Christmas to Twelfth hip-hop and ballet by The Night in Southern Illinois: Southern Illinois Dance Book signing by John J. Company, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dunphy, noon-2 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Saturday Dec. 4, Carbondale Dec. 4, Furr Auditorium, Bookworm, Eastgate Pulliam, room 42, SIUC; PG-13 Shopping Center and from because of language; $8-$4; 3-5 p.m. Dec. 4, Marion www.sidanceco.rso.siuc.edu. Bookworm, Illinois Centre mall; 618-457-2665 or Events 618-997-3790. Images of America: Giant Winter Wonderland Ice Skating: 4-8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Walker’s Bluff, North on Reed Station Road, Carterville; through Sunday, Dec. 19; 618-985-8463 or
For more local events, go to www.flipsideonline.com.
Manor: 1-4 p.m. today through Dec. 5, Magnolia Manor, 2700 Washington Ave, Cairo; $5; decorations are for sale; 618-734-0201 or www. magnoliamanorcairo.org. Coulterville Holiday Light Display: Nightly through Jan. 1, city park; 350 Christmas Holiday Events figurines, animated displays, Holiday Home Tour: music; North Pole Express 1-4 p.m. Dec. 2-5, Riverlore Train; 6-8 p.m. every Friday Mansion, 2723 Washington and Saturday; free; www. Ave., Cairo; 1865 historical coulterville.org or 618-758home is decorated for the 2813. holidays; 618-734-1840. SIU Holiday Craft Sale: Holiday Lights Fair: Drive 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdaythrough, 6-9 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 2-3 and 9 a.m.-4 Dec. 30, Du Quoin State p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, SIUC Fairgrounds; lighted displays Student Center, Art Gallery; throughout the fairgrounds; handiwork by more than 90 exhibition hall open Fridayartisans; www.siucstudent Sunday the first three center.org/craft-shop or call weekends of December with 618-453-3636. musical performances, Christmas on the River: holiday tree display, visits with Friday-Sunday, Dec. 3-5, Santa;$8 per vehicle; downtown Chester; Lighted 618-542-8338. Christmas Parade, 7 p.m. Holiday House at Magnolia Friday, Dec. 3; Home Tour, 3-7 www.walkersbluff.com. Kwanzaa Celebration: 47 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 5, SIUC, lower level, Grinnell Hall; entertainment, refreshments and a short program; jmarie@siu.edu.
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p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; arts and crafts: 618-826-1430. Eighth Annual Christmas Bazaar: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 and 11, Union County Museum, 117 S. Appleknocker Drive, Cobden. sponsored by Union County Historical and Genealogy Society; 618-893-2567 or 618-893-2865. Christmas Home Tour: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; decorated homes open to the public; tickets at Pinckneyville City Hall, $10; also shopping in city hall; 618-357-3243. Hometown Christmas and Festival Of Trees: Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5, downtown Murphysboro; silent auction, home tour of historic and modern homes, holiday shopping at DavisMcCann Center, pet pictures with Santa; 618-687-3663. Christmas In Cobden: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; Christmas bazaars,
exhibits; Santa, 2- 5 p.m.; lighting of the Christmas tree, 5 p.m.; get list of events at village hall; 618-893-2425. Craft And Wine Fair: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, Williamson County Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion; admission, $1; 6 and younger, free; 618-993-2657. Holiday Tea: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, Carbondale Civic Center: tea in conjunction with the Lights Fantastic Parade; 618-5298040. Metropolis Christmas parade: Floats, bands and Santa, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, Ninth and Market streets; 800-949-5740. Lights Fantastic Parade: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. downtown Carbondale; cake walk, 4-6 p.m.; also cookie walk, Polar Express Station, Old Train Depot; pictures with Santa’s Reindeer at Town
Calling all Crafters Murphysboro Christian Academy
Christmas Craft Fair & Cookie Walk BY DAVID MAMET 7:30pm Friday, December 3 & 10 and Saturday, December 11th 8pm Saturday, December 4 (later start time due to the Lights Fantastic Parade) 2pm Sunday, December 5 & 12
Varsity Center for the Arts 418 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale $15/$10 for students with ID; group discounts available Box office hours: 5 to 7pm Monday through Saturday and one hour before every performance To purchase online go to www.stagecompany.org
A hilarious play about a politician’s plan to win support by saving Thanksgiving turkeys. Please note: Show contains adult themes and graphic language
Page 4 Thursday, December 2, 2010 FLIPSIDE
Saturday, December 4, 2010 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Booth space $25 application/fees
805 North 16th Street Chili, Coffee & Hot Chocolate will be available Bring your friends & family!
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z MOVIES z ART z MUSIC z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z Square; Rotary Club Chili Supper, 4-7 p.m.; 618-5298040 or www.carbondale mainstreet.com. Holiday Night Out: Food, wine and music, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mount Vernon; www.cedarhurst.org. Holiday Homes Tour: 15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, Benton; $10; after the tour, homemade Christmas cookies, punch, coffee, Franklin Hospital; 618-438-5201. Holiday Open House: 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, Marion Carnegie Library; Santa Claus, Christmas carols; 618-993-5935. Holiday Craft Fair: 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, Cambria Community Center, 302 Richart St.; chili and sandwiches; 618-925-2523. Olde Tyme Christmas: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis; decorations from 1700s with
period music and refreshments; 618-524-9321.
College Road, Ullin; SCC Chamber Singers will perform a madrigal performance and feasting 17th Century style; Madrigals, Dinners $25; 618-634-3250. Murder on 34th Street: Alice In Blunderland: The Trial of the Century: Madrigal Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, Student 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 and Center’s Renaissance Room, Saturday, Dec. 4 and 1 p.m. SIUC; dinner and a Christmas Sunday, Dec. 5, Rend Lake mystery performance; College, Ina; $25; 618-437interactive murder mystery 5321, ext. 1234. comedy; $20/$30; buy A Dickens Dinner: 7 p.m. tickets in advance at Student Friday-Saturday, Dec. 10-11, Center Business Office or call Conference Center, John A. 618-453-3478; info, Logan College, Carterville; www.siucstudentcenter.org. dinner theatre featuring the A Fool for Your Love: JALC Choral and Chamber Marion High School Madrigal Ensembles; $30; 618-985dinner, 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2828, ext. 8287. Dec. 3-4, Marion Junior High School; adults, $15; children, SEE AUDITIONS / PAGE 6 $8; tickets available in the Marion High School office; 618-579-6352. Garland’s Revenge: 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 3-4, Shawnee Community College, 8364 Shawnee
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FLIPSIDE Thursday, December 2, 2010 Page 5
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC z WINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z DANCE z FESTIVALS z “White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 3Auditions for Macbeth: 2 4 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, Marion Cultural and Civic McLeod Theater, Center, Tower Square Plaza, Communications Building, Marion; presented by SIUC; schedule audition Paradise Alley Players; $10appointment at 618-453-5741. $15; 618-997-4030 or www.marionccc.org. Theater “November”: FridaySunday, Dec. 3-5 and 10-12, Double-bill: Cutting the Fat and Meat My Package, 8 Varsity Center For The Arts, p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 418 S. Illinois Ave., 2-4, Marion Kleinau Theatre, Carbondale; mature audiences; comedy about a SIUC; $7/$5; 618-453-5618 U.S. president who plans to or 618-453-2291. win public support by saving “Alchemy of Desire/Dead-Man’s Blues”: turkeys; Friday and Saturday A play with songs, Thursday- performances, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. and special Sunday, Dec. 2-5, McLeod Theater, SIUC; $6-$16; www. time, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m.; $15/$10; www.stage southernticketsonline.com; company.org or 618-549618-453-6000. 5466. “A Christmas Carol”: Radio Hollydays: 7:30 Presented by Nebraska p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, Marion Theatre Caravan, 7:30 p.m. Cultural and Civic Center, Friday, Dec. 3, Shryock Marion; a 1940s radio Auditorium, SIUC; 618-453Christmas show featuring a 6000.
Auditions
Page 6 Thursday, December 2, 2010 FLIPSIDE
13-piece big band; 618-9974030 or www.marionccc.org “ANNIE Jr.”: 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 9-11 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, Park Avenue Productions’ Performing Arts Center, 321 N. 13th St., Herrin; $5; 618319-3421. “Legally Blonde”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, Carson Center, 100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah; $30-$52.50; bring boxes of cereal to donate; 270-450-4444 or www.thecarsoncenter.org. “Away in the Basement”: Christmas show presented by The Church Basement Ladies, 2 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, Shryock Auditorium, SIUC; $24-$49; www.southernticketsonline. com; 618-453-6000. MESSIAH: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg; $5; reservations must be made by Wednesday, Dec. 8; 618-
‘Annie’ to be final show at Herrin Performing Arts Center HERRIN — Despite a recent turn of rain and dropping temperatures, a special holiday performance at Herrin Performing Arts Center will remind those in the audience that “the sun will come out tomorrow.” Park Avenue Productions will present the classic tale “Annie” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 9 to
11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at the Performing Arts Center, 321 N. 13th St. Admission is $10 for the evening shows and $8 for the matinee. A portion of admission revenues will be donated to a local children’s home to help with the purchase of toys, clothing and other holiday gifts and needs. Tickets can be purchased
by calling 618-727-4166. This performance will also be a special occasion, as it marks the final show at the Performing Arts Center, which is closing after five years because of financial issues. Park Avenue Productions will continue to host shows at other venues throughout Southern Illinois. — Adam Testa
‘White Christmas’ launches holiday season in Marion MARION — Southern Illinois’ own Paradise Alley Players will kick off the holiday season at Marion Cultural and Civic Center this weekend. The theater troupe will present Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” for
three days. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Tickets for the first two shows are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Sunday matinee tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children. Then next week, the season continues with a Five By Design concert performance of “Radio Holly Days,” a 1940s big band Christmas extravaganza, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 7. Tickets for that show range from $20 to $30. On Thursday and Friday, Dec. 9 and 10, the venue will host NewSong’s Very Merry Christmas Tour featuring NewSong, Newsboys and Kerrie Roberts. Tickets for the show are $20. For more information or to buy tickets for any of these shows, call 618-997-4030 or visit www.marionccc.org. — Adam Testa
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z COVER STORY z MUSIC z WINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z DANCE z
Two shows take the stage at Kleinau Theatre this weekend
Church Basement Ladies to mark holiday with a show at Shryock ‘Away in the Basement’ to bring comedic Christmas to SIUC ‘Away in the Basement’ Christmas musical installment of ‘Church Basement Ladies’ series; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11; Shryock Auditorium; tickets range from $39 to $49 and can be purchased at www.southernticketsonline. com or by calling 618-453-6000; Star Club members can save $15 per ticket. BY ADAM TESTA
PROVIDED
The Church Basement Ladies will present their holiday show, ‘Away in the Basement,’ at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Shryock Auditorium on the Southern Illinois University campus.
THE SOUTHERN
F
or actress Nikki Savitt, the appeal of the “Church Basement Ladies” theatrical series stems from its realistic roots, which could be derived from any small-town American city. Based on the book “Growing Up Lutheran” and debuting off-Broadway in 2005, the first installment of the musical trilogy introduced the series’ primary characters, a group of women of varying ages and roles who all volunteer at their local church. Last year, Southern Illinoisans were introduced to Vivian, Mavis and Karen when the national production of “Church Basement Ladies” came to Shryock Auditorium. Now, the ladies are returning to the region to present the newest chapter of the ongoing saga, “Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas” next weekend. “Nobody had thought to bring them to life and put them on the stage, and now someone has, and the response has been overwhelming,” said Savitt, a first-time touring cast member of the production with experience performing the show at dinner theaters. “I’ve watched it become the No. 1 selling show at a number of theaters.” Through performing the “Church Basement Ladies” trilogy — rounded out
with the second chapter, “Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping” — Savitt has been able to connect with her character, Mavis Gilmerson, the matriarch persona with the handyman skills of the group. Stepping into that role has been a challenge, Savitt said, as she doesn’t share many of those characters, especially the technical prowess of being able to quickly solve problems around the kitchen. Portraying Mavis definitely requires an actress to be able “to walk and chew gum at the same time,” she added. “Some people call her the Carol Burnett type. She does the physical humor and never stops,” Savitt said. “This just jumpstarted me. It keeps me in good physical shape. It involves a lot of dashing and running around.” Savitt’s co-star Becky Barrett-Jones, on the other hand, has much in common with her character, Karin Engleson. Karin, whose daughter Signe also plays into the plot, carries a very prim and proper demeanor about her and often goes unrecognized for the vast majority of the workload she handles in the kitchen. While Savitt compared her Mavis to Carol Burnett, Barrett-Jones said Karin more resembles a debutante like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. “I also like things of style. I like to dress nice, so in that way, I am similar to her,”
Barrett-Jones, who is also on her first tour of the production, said of her character. “I’m also a very detailed person, so I’d probably be the one behind the scenes working, too.” With three different stories already in production across the country, the “Church Basement Ladies” has already found success on the stage. But the journey’s not quite done yet. A fourth installment of the series opens in the summer of 2011, and a fifth one remains a work in progress, Savitt said. With funny, engaging stories, personal ties to the audience and a growing backstory, the series has potential to remain a musical mainstay for years, she added. “It say let’s just keep them coming,” Savitt said. “They’re great stories and there’s the challenge of getting the shows together. And it provides jobs for women, which we really need.” Two performances of “Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas” are scheduled for 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Shryock Auditorium. Tickets range from $39 to $49 and can be purchased at www. southernticketsonline.com or by calling 618-453-6000. Star Club members can save $15 per ticket. adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031
CARBONDALE — The Marion Kleinau Theatre at Southern Illinois University Carbondale presents a double-bill of performance art in December. “Cutting the Fat,” and “Meat My Package” run today, Dec. 2, to Sat., Dec. 4, with performances beginning at 8 p.m. “Cutting the Fat,” written, directed and performed as a one-man show by Brian Healy, a doctoral student in speech communication, explores size, identity and perception when he “cuts the fat and it cuts back.” Shauna MacDonald co-directs. Anna Wilcoxen, a graduate student in speech communication, presents “Meat My Package,” a production she wrote, directs and performs. Heather Hull co-directs and other special guests round out the performance. This production weaves dance, performance art and narrative to present themes of lesbian sexuality. This performance contains mature themes and is not suitable for young children. Tickets are $7 for general audience and $5 for students. To order tickets in advance, call the Kleinau Theatre box office at 618-453-5618 or the Department of Speech Communication at 618-453-2291. Tickets are also available at the door. — SIUC University Communications
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z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC z WINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO Concerts Southern Illinois Magnificat: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, Shryock Auditorium, SIUC; presented by The SIUC Choral Union, Concert Choir and SIUC Faculty Brass Quintet; holiday concert; adults $12, students, $6; www.southerntickets online.com. Choral Union and SIU Concert Choir: With SIUC Faculty Brass Quintet, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, Shryock, SIUC; $12/$6; 618-453-6000. Redfoo and and SkyBlu: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, Sports Blast, 1215 E. Walnut St., Carbondale; electro-hop; 618-529-5511. SIU Guitar Ensemble: 7:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 7, Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall, SIUC; $5/$3; 618-453-6000. RLC Christmas Concert: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, Rend Lake College Theatre, Ina; free; 618-437-5321. Southern Illinois Flute Choir: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, First United Methodist Church, 214 W. Main St., Carbondale; free. Cedarhurst Choral Project: Vivaldi’s Gloria plus works from Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 Richview Road, Mount Vernon; $3-$8; 618-242-1236. Percussion Studio Recital: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, Altgeld Hall, room 112, SIUC; free; 618-536-8742. Woodwind Chamber Recital: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall., SIUC; free; 618-536-8742.
Kentucky A Country Christmas Show: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, Kentucky Opry, 88 Chilton Lane, Benton, Ky.; $17-$7.50; 270-527-3869 or www.kentuckyopry.com. Holiday Pops Concert: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, Carson Center, 100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah; $15-$45; 270444-0065 or www.paducah symphony.org.
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Moore’s journey brings him home for concert “I’ve always wanted to sing. My dream was to go to Nashville and give it my best shot. The most important thing is to make as many contacts as possible, stay Vince Hoffard active and let people know you’re still in the game,” Moore says. “The system down here is very political and definitely doesn’t move too fast. If you’re going athan Moore tried to follow the make it, plan on staying done here for a logical path. The Harrisburg native long time.” tried higher education. After Moore signed with Blue Steel Records graduating high school in 2000, he in 2008. His debut single on the attended Southeastern Illinois College independent label, “Beautiful Girl,” was for a year, and then received a musical released earlier this year and follow-up scholarship to Wayland Baptist “Love In Your Life” came out earlier this University in Texas. month. The album showcases Moore’s “School just wasn’t for me,” Moore deep soulful voice and the tunes says. drenched with faith, community, family He came back to Saline County and worked at Liberty Coal for a year. Mining and patriotism. Local fans will have an opportunity to is in his genes. His father has been a coal see the native son in concert at 7 p.m. on miner at American Coal for 35 years. Moore didn’t plan on digging coal for the Saturday, Dec. 11, when he appears at Black Diamond Harley Davidson in rest of his life; he was saving a nest egg Marion for a “Christmas Clothes For to finance a move to Nashville. Kids” benefit concert for the FowlerNot your typical country singer, the Bonan Foundation. All proceeds will be 29-year old Moore grew up listening to used to purchase school clothes for gospel music. There was no steady diet needy children. of Merle Haggard and George Jones. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at “My listening habits were centered the door and can be purchased at Black around the piano and strictly gospel Diamond, Integrated Health of Southern music. I’m a big fan of Kenny Hinson. I Illinois in Harrisburg and People’s Bank still love the Southern gospel sound of The Hinsons. I’ve done a few shows with locations in Marion, Harrisburg and the New Hinsons, and it was an amazing Benton. Also performing will be Cache River. experience,” Moore says. Popular Nashville songwriter Kendell After high school, Moore showcased Marvel, a native of Thompsonville, was his rich baritone voice throughout the Heartland as a member of two quartets, originally scheduled to appear but pulled out of the event because a scheduling Eastern Sky and Reliance, before conflict. heading off to college in Texas. At Blue Steel, Moore’s debut album In the Lone Star State, Moore was was produced by living legend Norro exposed to an exciting brand of country Wilson. music. Sure, there was the typical “Getting to work with Norro Wilson drinking and cheating songs, but there was a thrilling experience,” Moore says. were also powerful tunes with strong “He was able to go to the big publishing vocals, solid instrumentation and companies and get the best songs from uplifting messages. the best writers. I’m slowly climbing Low on funds, he formed a plan. He would move back home and work in the towards the top, but the ladder is awful high. You gotta be willing to stick it out mines just long enough to finance a move to Nashville. A little apprehensive and wait for the big break. It’s all about being at the right place at the right at pulling the trigger on the move, he time.” knew the time was right when two Moore says he seems to be gaining friends graduated from Southeast local momentum with a recent concert Missouri State University in Cape opening for Josh Thompson and huge Girardeau and were taking jobs in Nashville. They invited him to make the fundraisers for Farrell Hospital in Harrisburg and Black Diamond in move with them and he jumped at the Marion. opportunity. Moore made the move to Music City in 2005, and he has been learning valuable VINCE HOFFARD can be reached at 618658-9095 or vincehoffard@yahoo.com. career lessons on almost a daily basis.
COUNTRY SCENE
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WEEK OF DEC. 2-8
CRAVING KARAOKE? Karaoke and DJ lists are online at flipside online.com.
Coffeehouses, Cafés, Eateries Michael Jerling: 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. Wil Maring and Robert Bowlin: 8 p.m. Saturday, Yellow Moon Café, 110 N. Front St., Cobden; $7; in conjunction with the Christmas in The Village event; www.yellowmooncafe.com; 618-893-2233. Tim ‘The Magic Man’ Needham: Magician, 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Fat Patties, 611B S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; 618-529-3287.
Wineries Dirt Water Fox: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Von Jakob Orchard; holiday dinner and dance. Movin’ Mary: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Rustle Hill Winery JW Brown: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Blue Sky Vineyard Blue Afternoon: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Sharron & Larry: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Von Jakob Orchard
Swamp Tigers: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, The Bluffs Winery Breeden, Bradley & Maze: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Barry Cloyd: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Blue Sky Vineyard Carter & Connelley: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery Nite Flyte: 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Von Jakob Orchard
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 Rustle Hill Winery: U.S. 51, Cobden; 618-893-2700 or www. rustlehillwinery.com Von Jakob Orchard: 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass; 618-893-4600 or www.vonjakob vineyard.com Von Jakob Vineyard: 1309 Sadler Road, Pomona; 618-893-4500 or www.vonjakob vineyard.com Walker’s Bluff: North on Reed Station Road, Carterville; 618-985-8463 or www.walkersbluff. com
WANT TO BE LISTED? Call 618-351-5089 or e-mail brenda.kirkpatrick@thesouthern.com
z TONIGHT BENTON Duncan Dance Barn:: Spring Pond Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. CARBONDALE Tres Hombres: Soul Glo, 10 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Old Country Store Dance Barn: Sentimental Swing, 7-10 p.m. SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Misty Mountain Band, 7-10 p.m.
z SUNDAY CARBONDALE Copper Dragon: Saliva , 8 p.m. MARION Marion Eagles: Feelin’ Country, 6-10 p.m.
z MONDAY CARBONDALE Tres Hombres: Another Dead Cover Band, 10 p.m. MARION Marion Youth Center: Ragtag Band, 7-10 p.m.
z TUESDAY CARBONDALE PK’s: Whistle Pigs MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob Pina, piano, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Walt’s Pizza: Matt Basler on the patio, 6-9 p.m. MOUNT VERNON Double K’s Kickin Country: Jacks-RBetter, 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.
z FRIDAY CARBONDALE Copper Dragon: Mike and Joe Tres Hombres: Dub Club, 10 p.m. INA Ina Community Building: Friday Night Jam Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. MARION John Brown’s on the Square : Through Dint of Heavy Wishing, 8:3011:30 p.m. SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn:
Paul Reynolds & Band, 710 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Rebel Country Band, 7-10 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Country Sidekicks, 7:30-10:30 p.m. WHITE ASH The White Ash Barn: The. Heartland Country Band, 7-10 p.m. WHITTINGTON Corner Dance Hall: Jacks-
R-Better Band, 7:3010:30 p.m.
z SATURDAY CARBONDALE Copper Dragon: 17th Floor Tres Hombres: Strange Arrangement, 10 p.m. HERRIN Herrin American Legion: Stagefright, 8:30 p.m. Perfect Shot: Four Deep JOHNSTON CITY Linemen’s Lounge: Remedy, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. MARION Hideout Restaurant: Bob
Pina, piano 5:30-9:30 p.m. Marion Eagles: Feelin’ Country, 8 p.m.-midnight SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Danny Odum & Country Sounds, 7-10 p.m. 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.
z WEDNESDAY HERRIN Herrin American Legion: Bluegrass Band, 7 p.m.; jam session MARION Walt’s Pizza: Phil Powell on the patio, 6-9 p.m.
DIRECTIONS & DIGITS Andy’s Country Club: 1602 Old Creal Springs Road, Marion 618-997-6989 Corner Dance Hall: 200 Franklin St., Whittington 618-303-5266 Crazy Horse Bar: 14747 Illinois 14, Benton 618-439-6179. Double K’s Kickin Country: Illinois 37, Mount Vernon 618359-0455 Duncan Dance Barn: 13545 Spring Pond Road, Benton 618435-6161 Gatsbys Bar & Billiards: 610 S Illinois Ave Carbondale, 618549-9234 Ina Community Building: 504 Elm St., Ina 618-315-2373 John Brown’s on the Square: 1000 Tower Square, Marion 618-997-2909 Just One More Bar & Grill: 1301 Enterprise Way, Marion 618993-9687 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 Maddie’s Pub and Grub: 14960 Illinois 37, Johnston City 618983-8107 Marion American Legion: Longstreet Road, Marion 618997-6168 Marion Eagles: Rural Route 3, Marion 618-993-6300 Mollie’s: 107 E. Union St., Marion 618-997-3424 Murphysboro Elks Lodge: 1809 Shomaker Drive Murphysboro 618-684-4541. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Main Street, Thompsonville, 618-927-2770. Park Plaza Pub: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin, 618-988-1556 Perfect Shot Bar & Billiards: 3029 S. Park Ave., Herrin, 618942-4655 Pinch Penny Pub/Copper Dragon: 700 E. Grand, Carbondale 618-549-3348 PK’s: 308 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale 618-529-1124 Ramesse: 1754 Illinois 37, Lake of Eygpt, 618-995-9104 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 WB Ranch Barn: 1586 Pershing Road, West Frankfort West Frankfort Moose Lodge: 327 E. Main St. 618-932-3455 Whisker Willy’s Bar & Grill 13510 N. Illinois 37, Marion; 618-9835300
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z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC z WINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z DANCE z FESTIVALS z New on DVD
STUDIO
‘The Warrior’s Way’ Kate Bosworth stars in ‘The Warrior’s Way,’ story of a warrior-assassin who is forced to hide in a small town in the American Badlands after refusing a mission. Directed by Sngmoo Lee, the film opens Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale. Rated R for strong, bloody violence.
Twilight Saga: Eclipse: As a string of mysterious killings grips Seattle, Bella, whose high school graduation is fast approaching, is forced to choose between her love for vampire Edward and her friendship with werewolf Jacob. Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner,
Xavier Samuel and Bryce Dallas Howard. Directed by David Slade. Rated PG13. Releases Saturday, Dec. 4. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: Master sorcerer Balthazar Blake recruits a seemingly every-day guy in his mission to defend New York from his archnemesis, Maxim Horvath. Starring Nicolas Cage and Monica Bellucci. Directed by Jon Turteltaub. Rated PG. Knight and Day: June Havens finds her everyday life tangled with that of a secret agent who has realized he isn’t supposed to survive his latest mission. They soon learn that all they can count on is each other. Starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Directed by James Mangold. Rated PG-13.
Going the Distance: A romantic comedy centered on a guy and a gal who try to keep their love alive as they shuttle back and forth between New York and San Francisco to see one another. Starring Justin Long, Drew Barrymore and Christina Applegate. Directed by Nanette Burstein. Rated R. Vampires Suck: A spoof of vampire-themed movies, where teenager Becca finds herself torn between two boys. As she and her friends wrestle with a number of different dramas, everything comes to a head at their prom. Starring Ken Jeong, Matt Lanter and Anneliese van der Pol. Directed by Jason Friedberg, Aaron Seltzer. Rated PG-13. — Adam Testa
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday
Festival of Trees at Logan Museum
View selected homes elegantly decorated for the holidays. Purchase tickets day of tour at 1607 Edith St
One Stop Holiday Shop at Davis-McCann Center
Weekends through December with holiday specials, a visit from Santa and a matinee at the Liberty Theater Dec. 4.
Art Gallery & Hospitality in the Logan Neighborhood
held at The Print Shop in the Logan Neighborhood
Over 30 home-based businesses offering their wares in one location plus pet pictures with Santa to benefit the new Dog Park
Local artists display and offer their unique works Hometown weekend and December 11 & 12. Visit with Santa at Sheley House.
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Murphysboro Home Tour
Individuals, businesses and organizations auction holiday greenery for Charities; Silent auction begins 11/22, 1-4pm Tues thru Sun and 10-4pm, Dec. 4 & 1-4pm, Dec. 5
Downtown Merchants Open House Christmas Cookie Contest Christmas nativity Exhibit
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 7168 Old Hwy 13
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z MUSIC z WINERIES z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z DANCE z FESTIVALS z
No need to wait to watch ‘A Christmas Story’
A hard lesson in education from the Bronx who likes math and wants to be a reporter; or Daisy, a Los Rated PG for mild vulgar Angeles fifth grader who language; directed by yearns to become a doctor Davis Guggenheim; or veterinarian. The obstacle all the kids produced by Lesley share is that they attend Chilcott; opening Friday at public school systems that University Place 8 in “Waiting for Superman” Carbondale argues are broken and designed to resist repair. BY RENE RODRIGUEZ Among the dense amount MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS of information in the film is the statistic that although The most suspenseful the U.S. government has sequence of any movie I’ve doubled the amount of seen this year comes near money we spend on every the end of “Waiting for student since 1971, math Superman,” when five kids and reading scores have from around the country flattened. There are 2,000 and their parents attend public schools known as lottery drawings that will “dropout factories” — determine whether they schools in which an can enter the charter incoming group of 1,200 schools they desperately freshmen dwindles to 300 want to attend. sophomores every year. Of By then, director Davis the world’s 30 developed Guggenheim (“An countries, U.S. students Inconvenient Truth,” “It rank 25th in math scores. In Might Get Loud”) has made footage recorded by a us privy to the lives and student on a video camera homes of the children, such hidden in his school bag, we as Anthony, a Washington see a teacher reading a fifth grader who was held newspaper at his desk back in second grade during school hours. because his father died of a And because of a fiercely drug overdose that year; defensive teachers’ union, Francisco, a first grader bad or lazy instructors are
‘Waiting for Superman’ ***
STUDIO
‘Waiting for Superman’ opens Friday, Dec. 3, at University Place 8 in Carbondale.
almost impossible to fire, while good teachers cannot be given compensation for merit. When Michelle Rhee, chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools system, comes up with a proposal for teachers to vote on that will marry salary to performance, union leaders refuse to participate in a vote. Meanwhile, Guggenheim shows clandestine footage of some of the 600 suspended New York City teachers who spent three years awaiting disciplinary action, whiling away their days reading books and magazines, at a cost of $100
million to taxpayers. Although education reform has long been a campaign promise (there’s a neat compilation of footage of several U.S. presidents all vowing the same thing), an alternative has popped up: Charter schools have conclusively proven that educating willing kids from every social and economic background is possible (the country’s top charter schools are sending 90 percent of their graduates to college). But the competition for admittance is fierce, and the number of seats limited.
The problems that plague public education today are too broad for a single movie to cover (this one doesn’t delve, for example, into the effect uncooperative or incorrigible kids have on the system). But by focusing on these five kids and their hopeful families, “Waiting for Superman” puts a human face on a crisis worthy of a superhero.
MURPHYSBORO — The staff of the historic Liberty Theater is triple-dog-daring area residents to attend Saturday’s special holiday screening of “A Christmas Story.” For fans who can’t wait for a full-day dose of the holiday medicine on Christmas Day, the theater will be showing the classic 1983 film starring Peter Billingsley as the young Ralphie Parker, who wants nothing for Christmas more than a Red Ryder BB gun. The show begins at 2 p.m. and a donation of $5 is requested. Santa Claus will also make an appearance at the theater to distribute gift bags to children and take pictures. — Adam Testa
We Sell Warmth.
The Stage Company Community Theater will be auditioning for its next play, a dark comedy called
“Dead Man’s Cell Phone”
On December 7th and 8th at 7pm at the Varsity Center for the Arts 418 S. Illinois Avenue, Carbondale
Saturday, Dec. 4 (2-6pm)
Roles are available for two men and four women. • Three women 30-45 (one must know how to dance, and another must be able to speak with two distinct accents) • One woman 55 and up • Two men, one 25 to 35, and one 35 to 45
Marty Davis
Copies of the script are available for review at the Carbondale Public Library Contact info at www.stagecompany.org click on “Open Auditions”
5100 WINGHILL ROAD, COBDEN, ILLINOIS On 51 S., go 6.3 miles South of the “Smiley Face” then Left on Wing Hill Rd for 3.5 mi.
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