April 2016 Thrive Entertainment Guide

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CHALLENGE: Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts

Official Blues Brothers Revue

FREE

Apr 2016

SPOTLIGHT// Decatur Brew Works ART SPEAK// Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre FOOD DUDE// Black Iron Coffee Co. Q&A// Julie Staley

Summer Bargain!

Reduced Rates for Junior Golf Passes To encourage participation by youth (the future of the game!) junior season passes are just $150.00 and include unlimited play on weekdays and after 1 p.m. on holidays and weekends, Academy Junior Camps, and admission to the Fred Copeland/Par Tamers Tournament.

Purchase your pass today at golfdecatur.org or call 422-2211.

t n a l P ale S

Macon County Master Gardener

MAY 7, 2016 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. MACON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Herbs • Vegetable Plants • Hostas Annuals • Shared Perennials For details, call 217.877.6042

02 | April 2016

issue #83 | April 2016 | www.thrivedecatur.com

Avenue Q cover image & self portrait photos: Stephanie Gagnon

# B E H I N D THE THRIVE What’s a story without pictures? THRIVE wouldn’t, well, thrive without our sensational shutterbugs – like Stephanie Gagnon, who you get a peek of here.

says with every session she wants to achieve “simple, genuine, natural fun.” Easy to do, since she puts so much of herself into every shoot.

Stephanie grew up in Decatur, lives in Sullivan with the love of her life and their fur babies, and along with us is on a mission to show our readers everything marvelous about Macon County – in the most magnificent light!

“I believe that more than anything humans want to connect,” says Stephanie. She uses her photography to go a step beyond that – to help us tell the story.

A lover of laughter, light and all things green, Stephanie is a local girl who has gone from climbing trees to climbing to new heights. She

#BehindTheThrive

April 2016 | 03

Macon County events at www.thrivedecatur.com Events submitted by the 15th of the month are considered for inclusion in the next print edition of the Thrive Entertainment Guide.

THRIVE is a free, monthly entertainment guide serving as your guide to events in Macon County.

Published by Showcard Studio and distributed to over 300 locations in Macon County on the first of the each month.

PO Box 6195 • Decatur, IL 62524

217.791.5653

@THRIVEDecatur

Publisher: Katrina Smalley publisher@thrivedecatur.com The Eventor: Stephanie Zimmerman events@thrivedecatur.com Editor and Senior Writer: Joli Hohenstein

IN THIS ISSUE

SUBMIT + SEARCH

BEHIND THE THRIVE

March Out & About

SPOTLIGHT: Decatur Brew Works

PUBLISHER'S PICK

ART SPEAK: Pipe Dreams Studio

FOOD DUDE: Black Iron Coffee Co.

Official Blues Brothers Revue

Q&A: Julie Staley

Spot The Difference Challenge

Avenue Q April EVENTS

02 05 08 09 10 12 14 18 28 32 35

Copy Editor: Teena Zindel-McWilliams Photography Coordinator: Stephanie Gagnon Contributors: T.F. Dude Stephanie Gagnon Kim Mangan Angela Meyers Charlie McGorray Katelyn Rumph Robin Walters

THRIVE is a proud member of the following organizations:

Photographers: Stephanie Gagnon Sarah Jane Kim Mangan Robin Walters Layout Design: Showcard Studio Printing: Dynagraphics/Wood Printing Special thanks to the Macon Resources CAPS Program (Community Awareness, Possibilities & Supports) and ECNO Group (Empowering Community Network Opportunities) for all your help with delivering THRIVE each month!

Disclaimer: The contents of this magazine are covered by copyright.

Reproduction in-part or in-full is forbidden, without the express permission of the publisher. It is not our intention to print any matter that discriminates on the grounds of race, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability. Every effort has been made to present all information accurately; however, no liability is accepted for any inclusions or omissions from the publication.

04 | April 2016

THRIVE

is created and printed locally, in Decatur, IL.

WE RECYCLE!

Do You? Hand THRIVE to a friend or toss it in your bin!

THRIVE is printed using 10% Post Consumer Waste, FSC Certified papers.

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

Polar Plunge Hundreds of Special Olympics supporters of all ages shivered onto Lake Decatur's beach on March 5 for the annual Polar Plunge. 389 Plungers rasied nearly $82,000 by diving in for charity. The Polar Plunge is presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run and GEICO. Local law enforcement had dozens of participants from various offices.

Heroes Ball

The American Red Cross hosted its annual Heroes Ball March 5 at the Decatur Country Club to honor 4 local everyday heroes. The event featured live music by Davina and the Vagabonds, a delicious plated dinner, silent auction and more.

April 2016 | 05

Out & About

A look back at last month’s happenings

St. Pat's Day Parade

The streets of downtown were painted green March 12 with the St Patrick's Day Parade, just as they have been for nearly 40 years.

Candy and beads showered onlookers as local businesses and organizations marched in celebration.

MHS Orchestra Spaghetti Dinner MacArthur High School Orchestra hosted a silent auction and spaghetti dinner fundraiser on March 11. Those in attendance were treated to LaGondola spaghetti, bread, and salad while entertainment was provided by various soloists, ensembles, and the entire orchestra.

06 | April 2016

Champions Dinner The CBS Champions Dinner celebrated unsung heroes on March 8. The event honored the 2016 Sports Parent of the Year (Laurie Young, W-L) and Sports Volunteer of the Year (Mark Birch, EHS). Featured speaker Lance Barrow, Lead Producer for CBS Sports, encouraged The Perfect Pair & Pear Pantry, in Warrensburg, parents and kids alike to stay hosted a spring clothing market featuring active and follow their dreams. Hello Dolly on March 7. Owner Rachel Hill shops the globe to bring the Midwest affordable, fabulous fashion finds.

Hello Dolly

Escaping Neverland

Local rock band Escaping Neverland played to a full house at Sliderz on March 12. Members include Ted Agee (vocals), Braun Sheets (guitar), Graham Wene (guitar), Joey Hotwick (bass), and Chad Burns (drums).

April 2016 | 07

08

SPOTLIGHT

by Charlie McGorray creating a soft aroma of clove, vanilla and banana. It’s a great beer for folks just becoming adventurous!

Next on the flight board was CitruSinensis Pale Ale from Lagunitas. This pale ale is quite different from most. You first notice the strong citrus nose as you raise your glass. This comes from fresh Sanguinello blood oranges being added to a pale ale as well as some wheat malt. Not familiar with blood oranges? Think grapefruit & orange combined.

Decatur's Own Microbrewery Pulls for Everyone SIP ON HAND-CRAFTED BEERS AT DECATUR BREW WORKS As an avid beer drinker with more than 45 years of experience, I’ve developed what seems to be an insatiable appetite for one of the world’s oldest beverages. With the recent explosion of craft beer breweries nationwide, consumption of this heavenly brew has changed considerably. Twenty years ago beer drinkers had few brews to choose from. We now have more than 4,200 breweries in the U.S., with most brewing 10 to 20 different styles.

On to Pataskala from Stone Brewing.

This intriguing brew is named for the brewer’s hometown in Ohio. Created as a fundraiser for the local high school band using a new red malt from Germany, it is now in seasonal production. With citrus/ herbal hoppage, it’s very creative!

Finally the local brews! Designed by Decatur Brew Works brewers, first up is 70 Sacrosanct Shillings, an excellent rendition of a Scotch ale. Light hops let the strong malt flavor shine through.

I finished up with D-Town Brown, developed over the years by brewer Dreux—a great mellow brown ale that begs to be taken home. Growlers come in 32 and 64 oz. sizes!

Don’t stay in a rut this year. Try something different and exciting. “In beer there is Freedom!”

This progression leads us to my latest venture into our own Sláinte! local microbrewery, Decatur Brew Works, located at 101 N. Main St., on the “Square.”

We ventured into Decatur Brew Works around 5:30 pm on a recent Tuesday. Perfect timing between the “stop for one after work crowd” and the incoming “BYO dinner crowd.”

Surveying the constantly changing draught line-up, I selected a flight of four plus one! An excellent way to sample new beers without buying a full pint, in case you find one that doesn’t suit your taste.

Ebel’s Weiss from Two Brothers is an excellent unfiltered wheat beer using traditional Bavarian malts, hops & yeast,

08 | April 2016

GET THERE Decatur Brew Works 101 N Main St, Decatur, 330-8683 www.decaturbrewworks.com Tu - Fr: 4-10 p, Saturday: 12-10 p

Publisher's

Pick of the Month Just a little something we ran across and wanted to share.

Bloody Mary $6.00 each

Donnie's Homespun Pizza 126 S Oakland, Decatur, 217.424.4344

The photos pretty much speak for themselves, but if you don't get the idea yet, I strongly recommend you give a bloody mary at Donnie's a taste. My mouth is watering all over again as I list the garnishes: lemon, lime, olives, pickle, celery and pepperoncini.

This bloody mary has a rich flavor and yet a little bit of sweetness. Plus, it can be spiced as hot as you like.

April 2016 | 09

10

ART SPEAK

by Katelyn Rumph

Catch Another Round of Awesome with Live Theatre at Pipe Dreams Studio Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre opened its doors in 1984 as a black-box theatre venue to host student-led productions. Four years ago Pipe Dreams was transitioned to a student-run business born of the collaboration between the Department of Theatre and Dance and the Center for Entrepreneurship. Millikin’s Pipe Dreams is run entirely by undergraduate theatre and business students—meaning every show is directed, designed, marketed, performed and managed by students. The responsibility of hiring directors, large casts of actors, designers, stage managers, run crews, music directors, musicians and tech crews for each of the three to four annual productions falls to the cohort of up to 18 students.

Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre’s mission is to offer an environment for artists to play, experiment and explore by presenting theatrical experiences that challenge audiences to question their own perceptions of art and its connection to human experience. This spring we will be producing two shows:

The Last Smoker in America (April 2-17)

Enter an America where the government is in your kitchen, sniffing for outlawed cigarettes!

The extreme anti-smoking laws test the sanity of one suburban family. Pam is having an impossible time trying to quit. Her husband Ernie retreats to the basement to relive the rock star dreams of his youth, while their teenage son Jimmy only turns away from his videogames to explore his gangster rapper

10 | April 2016

persona. Adding to the dysfunctional dynamic is anti-smoking fanatic Phyllis, the neighbor who can’t keep her nose out of everyone else’s business.

What I Didn’t Learn in College (April 29-May 14)

Set in 1979 Chicago, a shy guy who has just graduated from a small liberal arts college is filled with theories and judgments about how the world should be. Aware he needs to learn more about life, he decides to move into a group house with a bunch of beer guzzling, frat types. He ends up learning more than he expects.

GET THERE Pipe Dreams Studio West Towne Square Plaza 1099 W. Wood St. Decatur, IL 62522 Tickets can be purchased at kirklandfinearts.com or by calling 424-6318.

More information can be found at www.pdtheatre.org.

Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, a studentrun venture founded by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Millikin University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, offers a full season of performance experiences in musical theatre and drama each year in their 90-seat blackbox theatre.

25th ANNUAL

Saturday, May 7th 9 am - 1 pm

F R E E A D M I S S I O N D AY

for a chance to win...

$1,000 2nd PRIZE

Buy your ducks before April 27th to qualify for Early Bird prizes!

Visit www.CMofIL.org or call 217-423-KIDS benefiting

April 2016 | 11

12

THE FOOD DUDE

by T. F. DUDE

Black Iron Coffee Co. Keep in mind that while The Food Dude understands the importance of objectivity in journalism, Food Dude is also a dude who really likes food, so I’ve been enthusiastically telling all my pals about the Black Iron Coffee Co. near Mt. Zion. Not only does it offer healthy, flavorful options for food, but it’s casual enough that you can eat solo inside or pick it up and take it to the park.

I don’t want to draw comparisons, but it was a bummer when we lost Cow Depot. I liked having fresh sandwiches, soups and baked goods. Now you can get similar fresh and healthy options at Black Iron Coffee Co. because they’ve started selling wraps!

Options include turkey, chicken and roast beef, which was my choice that day because I’m a sucker for everything horseradish. Wraps are $5.49, and you can add chips or a roll for $0.75. Each wrap features Boars Head meats that have no added fillers or preservatives. My roast beef wrap came with horseradish sauce, lettuce, red onion, tomatoes and horseradish cheddar cheese.

In addition to my delicious wrap, I ordered a raspberry white chocolate mocha and a piece of cinnamon sugar pecan coffee cake. All of the baked items are made daily (or wait until the second day and get them half off!). My mocha was ridiculously good. I’m no coffee purist, and I like experimenting with different flavors, especially sweet ones, so the raspberry and white chocolate were a perfect combination.

The coffee cake was moist, crumbly and full of cinnamon flavors. Other baked goods (that can be seen on Black Iron’s Facebook page) include awesome-looking muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls and mini iced cake loaves.

If hot drinks (in addition to coffee, there’s tea, chai or hot chocolate) aren’t your thing, you can also get an iced coffee, frappuccino (try the bubble

gum one!) or a smoothie. Sugar-free options for syrup are available, too, and those with gluten concerns can ask for the tortilla part of any wrap to be replaced with a lettuce wrap.

Did I mention that all the ladies working there were incredibly nice and helpful? Business hours for Black Iron Coffee Co. are 6am to 5pm, Monday-Friday, and 6am-12pm on Saturdays.

GET THERE Black Iron Coffee Co. 2890 S. Mount Zion Rd. Decatur, Illinois, 571-0167 Facebook.com/blackironcoffeecompany

The Food Dude is not a professional food critic. He just really, really likes food.

12 | April 2016

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY® DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE Albert Taylor Theatre Wednesday, May 4 Thursday, May 5 Friday, May 6 Saturday, May 7 Sunday, May 8

By Federico García Lorca Directed by Denise Myers

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Admission $12-$14 217.424.6318 kirklandfinearts.com

A love triangle threatens the union of two barren families.

Illuminated by the Moon and tracked by Death, surging passions and rebellion are exposed in this classic Spanish drama. Will the bindings of fate be cut by love or by a tiny knife?

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY® PACE PROGRAM

FINISH YOUR DEGREE. PACE is an accelerated bachelor's degree program that takes place one evening each week.

MAJORS » Accounting B.S. » Early Childhood Education B.S. » Elementary Education B.S. » Nursing R.N. to B.S.N.

millikin.edu/pace

Avenue Q Brought to you by the letter R for raunchy raucous fun!

14 | April 2016

Theatre 7’s latest production brings one of Broadway’s favorites to Decatur Photos & Words by Stephanie Gagnon Theater 7 is well known for the wide variety of plays it’s brought to Decatur, but the latest musical production is certainly one that shouldn't be missed! Filled with humorous looks at adult issues and delightfully catchy music, Avenue Q is truly a unique show that has quickly become a favorite for audiences everywhere. You may be wondering what makes this show so special...in addition to the very talented human actors, you'll also be seeing the performances of some very gifted puppets!

More on page 16

We managed to catch up with two of the stars from the play, Princeton and Kate Monster, for an exclusive interview!

THRIVE: Thank you both so much for finding time to meet with us! We are so excited to hear about your upcoming performance.

First, what brought you to Decatur?

Princeton: We are actually from Peoria, and we were contacted via the Theater 7 people. They said “Hey! We have a great community, and they love shows with puppets.”

Kate Monster: Yes! And we’ve been really impressed since we got here! There’s so much to do and we've had fun seeing the sights.

Princeton: We are touring Decatur and sharing it on Theater 7's Instagram. We saw this chicken car, went to Coffee Connection and Stephen Decatur. It's been a lot of fun!

THRIVE: That's so great! So tell us a little about the show.

Princeton: It is really my story. The story kind of unfolds around me. I’m a recent college graduate, and I’m really just trying to find my purpose in life. So I move to Avenue Q and I have this colorful cast of characters to help me.

Puppets, monsters and people.

Kate Monster: The show is really about living and loving in New York. Having a family among friends, and a lot about relationships.

THRIVE: Awesome! So what people or puppets can we expect to see?

Kate Monster: There are puppets made of felt, like Princeton. There are furry ones that are monsters like me. And there are humans, and we all live together on Avenue Q. Princeton: Yes! We have myself and Kate Monster. We have Trekkie monsters, Rod and Nicky, who are roommates, and Lucy the Slut makes an appearance, too.

Kate Monster: We have some human characters as well, like Brian and Christmas Eve, who are engaged.

Princeton: And there’s a surprise celebrity in the show, too, but we don't want to spoil the surprise.

THRIVE: Now what makes this show different?

Princeton: This show started its run on Broadway in 2003, and in 2004 it won TONYs for best musical, best book and best score.

It beat out Wicked that year, which is saying something. The music is great, catchy, and fun, and it was written by one half of the duo who wrote the music for Frozen.

Kate Monster: Most importantly, it will be a TON of FUN!!! But super relatable. You will find someone’s story line that you can identify with. Heartwarming and heartbreaking are all wrapped up in the show.

THRIVE: Great! So when and where can we see the show?

Kate Monster: April 1, 2, 8, & 9 at 7:30 pm and April 3rd & 10th at 2:00 pm at Richland's Shilling Auditorium.

Princeton: Don't forget! Avenue Q is brought to you by the letter R for raunchy, raucous, ridiculous, and yet relatable and relevant.

GET THERE: Avenue Q April 1, 2, 8 & 9 at 7:30pm April 3 & 10 at 2:00pm Purchase tickets at www.Theatre7.net

FLY DECATUR

travel plans?

Take off and travel from Decatur Airport, your link to great destinations!

Featuring daily flights to Chicago O’Hare and Lambert-St. Louis International on Air Choice One. Free parking, roomy seats, and prices so low, you can’t afford NOT to fly!

Enjoy a Stress-Free Summer!

Register early for Summer and Fall 2016 classes during our Saturday event.

April 9, 2016 10am – 3pm Workforce Development Institute RICHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

• Registration • Advising • Course Selection • Financial Aid and Scholarships • Payment Plans • Placement Testing • Career Advising • Refreshments • Live radio remote • Activities for your kids, while you register

Call 1-866-I-FLY-VIP to schedule your trip today!

April 2016 | 17

April

EVERY TUESDAY & FRIDAY Tinkering Toddlers EVERY DAY Tinker in the Make Space with your April Art in Decatur toddler. Join us for a story at 10:30 Each location with a unique art am followed by building a themed exhibit. Specific dates and times to be project. Ages 2+. $6, Children's determined by each location.

Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Blue Connection [117 N Water St], Rd, cmofil.org] 10:30a-12:30p Decatur Airport [910 S Airport Rd], EVERY WEDNESDAY Decatur Area Arts Council [125 N Open Mic at Donnie's Water St, 423.3189], Decatur Public Decatur's longest running Open Mic Library [130 N Franklin St], RCC: continues tonight. Play some songs, Erlanson Gallery [One College Park], Gallery 510 [160 E Main St, 422.1509, poetry, comedy or whatever. Donnie's gallery510.org], MU: Perkinson Gallery Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, donnieshomespun.com] 9p [1184 W Main], Rock Springs Nature Center [3939 Nearing Ln] EVERY THURSDAY Storytime EVERY MONDAY Enjoy art activities, playtime, Country Line Dance Come join a fun-filled evening, meet storytime, and snacks! Do not miss out on the fun! Ages 2-6. Maroa new people and learn to country Public Library [305 Garfield St, Maroa, line dance. 7-8p (Class), 8-9 (Dance).

794.3005, maroa.lib.il.us] 10-11a $6, Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E North St] 7-9p Y-Toddler Time Join us for a parent-child adventure.

EVERY TUESDAY Free (members), $2 (non-members), Senior Art Classes Decatur Family YMCA [220 W Learn about a variety of artists and McKinley, decaturymca.org] 10a-12p techniques. Space is limited. Ages 55+. Free, Madden Arts Center [125 Adult Coloring Night N Water, 423.3189, decaturarts.org] Release your "inner child" and join 10-11:30a us for an hour of coloring. Coloring EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY pages, colored pencils, crayons and markers, light refreshments and Baby TALK Times Small parent-child groups for families background music provide. Ages 18+. Free, DPL: Staley Room [130 N with children birth to three to share Franklin St, 424.2900] 6-7p parenting questions and concerns, to celebrate babies' achievements Make It, Take It! Beach and to have fun with books, toys, Therapy Edition (thru 4.21) songs and fingerplays. Free, DPL: Children's Auditorium [130 N Franklin Inspired by Pinterest, the library St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 6-7p will provide all of the supplies and instruction to make these beach(Tu), 10-11a (Th) themed crafts. Registration required.

Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, barclay.lib.il.us] 6:30-8p Open Decks Night Ages 21+. Free, Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, donnieshomespun.com] 9p

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY Wine Tastings Free, The Decanter Fine Wines [215 N Main St, 422.9463, thedecanterfinewines.com] 4-7p (Fr), 1-6 (Sa) EVERY SATURDAY Macon Speedway Racing Macon Speedway [205 N Wiles St, Macon] 7-9p FRIDAY, 1 Arts-in-Education Reception A show featuring the work of area students grades 6-12. Show on display from 3.31- 4.7. Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, 422.1509, decaturarts.org] 5-7p First Friday Gallery Walk Visit the downtown Decatur galleries!

Enjoy an evening of unique art, artist talks, live music, hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Featured art includes Caught in the Middle (Anne Lloyd Gallery), Arts in Education H.S. Art Show (Madden Arts Center, 3rd floor), Ceramics & Sculpture (Blue Connection) and Jane Frey oil paintings (Gallery 510). Plus a fun, interactive Haiku competition and art-making for all ages at the Madden Arts Center. [Downtown Decatur] 5-7:30p Rotten Easter Egg Hunt Hundreds of glow-in-the-dark eggs will be scattered across the Scovill Golf Course lawn during the inaugural, adults-only Rotten Easter Egg Hunt! Music, karaoke, adult beverages, pizza, bags, and Easter Egg Pong. Eggs will be redeemed for cash prizes, gift cards, and passes. Bring a basket for your eggs and a flashlight.

Registration preferred. $25 (person), $40 (couple), Scovill Banquet Facility [3909 W Main St] 6-10p Family Movie Night Come watch one of three awesome movies, popcorn and drinks provided.

Free, First Christian Church [3350 N MacArthur Rd, 875.3350, firstdecatur. org] 6-10p

Maroa-Forsyth High School presents

18 | April 2016

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!

Piano Trio Recital Join us for the premiere performance (in modern history) of two rare piano trios by Beethoven's student Carl Czerny (1791-1857). Samuel Gingher, piano; Sun-Young Gemma Shin, violin; Benjamin Hayek, cello. Free, MU: Kaeuper Hall [1184 W Main St, 424.6342, millikin.edu/som] 7:308:30p Friday Night Movie: Super Troopers Celebrate April Fools Day with this hilarious movie about prankster highway patrol officers. $5, Lincoln Square Theatre [145 N Main St, 7065229, Media@lincolnsquaretheatre. com, lincolnsquaretheatre.com] 8-11p (doors open 7p)

4.1-4.3 & 4.8-4.10 Avenue Q (Rated: R) A laugh-out-loud musical where humans and puppets interact in a tale of twenty-somethings learning to live and love in New York City. Think "Sesame Street" with adult themes, humor, and songs. Definitely not for children. $15, RCC: Shilling Center [One College Park, theatre7. net] 7:30p (Fr & Sa), 2p (Su) 4.1-4.3, 4.8-4.10, 4.15-4.17 The Last Smoker in America Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre [1099 W Wood St, 424.6318, pdtheatre.org] 7:30p (Fr & Sa), 2p (Su) SATURDAY, 2 Run to Beat PD 5K and 1-mile walk for Parkinson's awareness. $25 (5K), $20 (walk), Forsyth Park [Forsyth, 620.0599, Run2beatPD@yahoo.com, run2beatpd.com] 9-10a

Jaik Willis Live!

Wild fire-breathing freakshow, pummeling a flying V acoustic guitar that crashes like cymbals and booms like a bass; howling & scatting impossible vocal turns while simultaneously beat-boxing. Donnie's Scovill Zoo Opens for the Season Scovill Zoo [71 S Country Club Rd, Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, 421.7435, decatur-parks.org] 9:30a-6p donnieshomespun.com] 9p-12a Into the Wild: 4.1-4.2 Nature Scene Investigators 36th Annual Quilt Fest Use your detective skills to find out Featured speaker, Suzanne Marshall, quilt artist and author. Viewer's choice which animals have visited feeding sites in the forest. A variety of small favorite quilt, merchant mall with mammals and birds are expected. vendors, raffle quilt, quilt appraisals, Take home a bag of seed to feed general store features items for sale by guild members, quilter's boutique, small wildlife in your neighborhood. magazine/book/patterns sales booth Register online by noon on 4.1. will offer these gently-used items for Free, Rock Springs Conservation bargain prices. $7 (1-day), $10 (2-day), Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, $4 (ages 5-12), Free (under 5), Decatur maconcountyconservation.org] Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, 10-11a 412.0262, boleslinda51@yahoo.com, Overlook Adventure Mini Golf decaturciviccenter.org] 10a-5p (Fr), Opens for the Season 10a-3p (Sa). $6.75, Overlook Adventure Mini Golf [2501 E Nelson Park Rd, 422.2316, Comedy Hour decatur-parks.org] 10a-10p Featuring Patrick Passafiume & headlined by Brian Aldridge. $10 (adv), $12 (day of ), Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, MainHangarRestaurant.net] 8:30-10p

Stephen Decatur DAR Chapter scholarship luncheon. "The Significance of the Battle of Wyoming in the Revolutionary War" presented

by Richard Chamblin. Guests welcome and reservations required.

First United Methodist Church [201 W North St] 12-1p SAI Variety Show Desserts and entertainment.

Imboden Creek Living Center [180 W Imboden Dr, 422.64645, http://imbodencreek.com/] 2-4p 11th Annual Soup Supper Tickets available at the door. Price includes a sample of each soup plus a bowl of your favorite soup, dessert, and a beverage. Enter on the north side of the church; handicap accessible. $6 (adult); $4 (ages 6-12), free (5 and under), Christ United Methodist Church [1503 N Summit, christchurchhome.com] 4-6p Chili Night Fundraiser Raffles, silent auction, chili. Decatur Gun Club [61 Faries Park] 5-7p Environmental Film Series The Botany of Desire The film takes viewers on an exploration of our relationship with the plant world seen from the plant's point of view.

Discussion following film. Free, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Decatur [3773 N MacArthur Rd, 875.5442] 7-9p Cactus Ranch Port Royal Gastropub [2880 N Oakland] 8p-12a Champaign Freight Free, Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, donnieshomespun. com] 9p-1a Nastics Classic rock. Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 9p-1a

Friday, April 8 @ 7:00pm Saturday April 9 @ 7:00pm Sunday, April 10 @ 3:00pm Reserved Seating Tickets Adults $9 & Students/Senior Citizens $7 For more information: 217-794-3463

April 4.2 & 4.3 MU Men's Tennis vs North Central College. Fairview Park: Tennis Center [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, athletics.millikin. edu] 1p 4.2, 4.16, & 4.30 NFT Flea Market Hunt for your treasure! Free, Never Forgotten Thymes [726 E Cerro Gordo St] 9a-4p SUNDAY, 3 Nature Photography Hike Join long-time volunteer and avid photographer Jerry Sievers on a hike in search of beautiful spring wildflowers. Learn camera techniques for taking your best photos, no matter what camera you own. Register online by noon on 4.1. Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 2-3p Cedric Burnside Project Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p

TUESDAY, 5 Youth Tumbling at the DISC Age-appropriate instruction for youth age 3-5. Beginners focus on flexibility and coordination. Call 429-3472 for more information. $40, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] 11-11:30a Spring BINGO! Ages K-5. Come have fun and win some prizes. Maroa Public Library [305 Garfield St, Maroa] 3:30-4:30p MU Baseball vs North Central College. Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics. millikin.edu] 1 & 4p MU Softball vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Rotary Park [2450 US 51 Business, athletics.millikin.edu] 4 & 6p WEDNESDAY, 6 Greater Decatur Chamber Breakfast $15 (adv), $20 (door), The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, 422.2200, decaturchamber.com] 7-8a

MU Men's Tennis vs Wheaton College (IL). Fairview Park: Tennis Center [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, athletics.millikin.edu] 3:45p THURSDAY, 7 Community Leaders Breakfast $16, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36 W, Facebook: Community-Leaders-Breakfast] 7-9a MidState Little Kritters Soccer 5-week program designed for Pre-K players; provided story book highlights animal characters who possess unique soccer skills. MidState coaches help participants learn soccer skills through fun activities. $54, Decatur Soccer Complex [1 Educational Park, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] 5-5:30p Sweet Repeats Semi-annual sale for family and baby items. $2 (5:30-8p), Free (8-9), Heartland Community Church: Grand Palace [3253 N Brush College Rd, decaturilmoms.com] 5:30-9p

MU Songwriters' Workshop Live student performances. Come out Book Discussion Cobb-Gibbons Piano Duo Recital and support original music! Wildflour We get the books and you read them! Artisan Bakery [256 W Main] 6-8p Join Millikin piano faculty Susan Schroeder Cobb & Bruce Gibbons for Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Warrensburg, 672.3621, barclay.lib.

Science Entrepreneurship an afternoon of enchanting piano Speaker Series duets by Mozart, Ravel, Shostakovich, il.us] 10:30a Speaker: Dan Hoodin, Vice President Gershwin, and Bernstein. MU: Kaeuper Books Between Bites Managed Care, Hospital Sisters Hall [1184 W Main St] 4-5:30p Free, DPL: Madden Auditorium Health System. The Impact of the [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, 4.4 & 4.5 Affordable Care Act in Illinois. MU: decaturlibrary.org] 12:15-1p Parent Tot Tumbling at the DISC Richards Treat University Center [1184 We will introduce children aged 18 W Main St, 424.6392, millikin.edu/ Wednesday Women mo-3 yrs to the world of tumbling in InstituteForScience Make plans to catch up with old a safe and structured environment.

Entrepreneurship] 7:30-9p friends or show up solo and make Rolling, jumping, crawling, climbing, new ones!

RSVP jccaulkins@aol.com.

4.7-4.9 and balance. 5-week session. $40, Robbie's Grille [122 N Merchant] 5-9p Fairy Tale Ball Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) For three magical nights, Children's [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decaturConnect 4 Tournament parks.org] 4-4:30p (Mo), 10:30-11a (Tu) Compete to be crowned as the Main Museum of Illinois transforms into a fairy tale castle fit for all the royalty Hangar Connect 4 Champion. Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, in the land! Escort your princess or prince down our red carpet MainHangarRestaurant.net] 7-9p and enjoy dancing, food, and fun activities plus other magical surprises!

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. $10 per person ($7 for members), Children's Museum of Illinois [55 S Country Club Rd, 423.

KIDS, CMofIL.org] 6-8p

20 | April 2016

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!

FRIDAY, 8 Circus Pages Elephants, rare white tigers, camels, acrobatic dogs, liberty ponies, horses, and rare white lions! Aerial, juggling, and clown acts. $16 (2 free children per paying adult), Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, decaturciviccenter.org] 4:30 & 7:30p Harlem Wizards Different spin on show basketball. $10 (general), $15 (reserved), $25 (courtside), Stephen Decatur Middle School [1 Educational Park, 424.3236, harlemwizards.com/schedule-tickets] 7-9p The Offical Blues Brothers Revue Duo sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi to don the official hat and sunglasses and walk in the legendary footsteps of Jake and Elwood Blues. $20-35 School Age $5, Kirkland Fine Arts Center [1184 W Main, 424.6318, millikin.edu/events/ blues-brothers-revue] 7:30-10p

Dulcimer Club Music Enjoy live music performed by the Dulcimer Club. Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 10a-12p L.A. Gallery Show Hosted by L & L Studio, Local Artists Gallery Show features artists from the Central Illinois region. Come check out the art, meet the artists, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a coffee bar.

Featured art is up for one day only, so don't miss it! Free, Heroic Age Art Center [135 S Henderson, Mt. Zion, 201-0593, lindsey.harrison19@gmail. com, landlstudiomtz.com] 10a-5p Preschool Peepers: Worms Worms aren't creepy or dangerous.

They're important! Uncover real worms in dirt and learn about where they live. Children will get to touch live worms and create a wiggle worm craft. Ages 3-5 with an adult buddy. Register online by noon on 4.8. Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 10-11a

Amp it Up Overnight event. Lodging, meals, snacks, GaGa Ball, 9 Square, night games, spike ball, 350-ft zip line, great worship, and so much more! $30, Gorgeous Gelli Prints Camp Warren [4225 Camp Warren Ln, The latest rage in printing and 864.3263, gocampwarren.org] 8p painting! Use multiple layers with this fun process to create rich, varied Pizzazz artwork in creating cards, tags or AIW Hall [2882 N Dinneen St, frameable art. $20 (non-member), aiwhall.com] 8p-12a $17 (member) / Parents add $10 with enrolled child, Madden Arts Center 4.8-4.10 [125 N Water, 423.3189, decaturarts.

Mary Poppins org] 10:30a-12:30p Maroa-Forsyth High School production. $9 (adult), $7 (senior Book Discussion citizens), Maroa-Forsyth High School We get the books and you read them!

[610 W Washington, Maroa] 7p (Fr & Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, Sa), 3p (Su) Warrensburg, 672.3621, barclay.lib. il.us] 11a SATURDAY, 9 Friends of the Library MU Baseball 2nd Saturday Book Sale vs Elmhurst College. Sunnyside Park Free, Decatur Public Library [130 N [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics.

Franklin, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] millikin.edu] 1 & 4p 9:30a-12:30p Fletcher Park Kids Club Decatur Mini Maker Faire Features storybook games, music, of Central Illinois two classic cartoons and a special Day of excitement, idea sharing and presentation by the Gary Strong exploring. Come discover what others Marionettes. $4 (adults), $1 (children), make and create. U of I Extension Fletcher Park: Recreation Center [400 [3351 N President Howard Brown S Henderson St, Mt. Zion, 864-5424, Blvd, 877.6042, go.illinois.edu/dmp] mtzion.com] 2-4p 10a-3p

Jazz Concert Featuring Dick Maley on drums, Cody Henry on trombone, Jay Hungerford on bass, Stan Collins on piano, Paulette Pepper on vocals. $20, The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, 546-1363, juvaejazz.com] 2-5p Josh Holland Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 8p-12a Nickel & Dimes Timbuktu [5843 E State Rt 36] 9p-1a EVENTOR'S FAV! Pepperland Beatles Tribute

SATURDAY, 4.9 This ain't your granny's Beatles - this is rocked up, diverse, Beatles and Solo Beatles, come up and see for yourself - you'll be addicted!

Donnie's Homespun Pizza [126 S Oakland, donnieshomespun.com] 9p-12a 4.9-4.10 Little Blue Basketball Camp at the DISC Directed by Coach Matt Nadelhoffer and the Millikin University Men's Basketball Team, players in grades K-6 will learn new skills focusing on teamwork, dribbling, passing, and shooting. $50, Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) [1295 W Wood, 422.5911, decatur-parks.org] 10a-12p Big Blue Invite Track and Field competition.

MU: Frank M Lindsay Field [1184 W Main St, athletics.millikin.edu] SUNDAY, 10 MU Baseball vs Elmhurst College. Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics. millikin.edu] 12p

Search ALL Macon County events at www.ThriveDecatur.com

April Bluegrass Music Jam Enjoy live music during the Bluegrass Music Jam at Rock Springs Nature Center. Bring your instrument to play or just enjoy the music. For all ages.

Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 1-4p Blessing of the Bikes Coziahr Harley-Davidson [150 W Marion Ave, Forsyth, coziahrhd.com] 2-4p Laura Rain & The Caesars Blues band. Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 3-6p The Piano Voices of Taiwan Taiwanese pianists Pei-I Wang and Meng-Chun Chien perform works by celebrated composers from their native country in solo and duo settings. Free, MU: Kaeuper Hall [1184 W Main St, 424.6342, millikin.edu/ som] 7:30-8:30p MONDAY, 11 Youth Spring Soccer Begins Ages 4-13. $50-80, Borg Warner Sports Complex [US Rt 51, 872-3835, decaturymca.org] 5p A Night of Poetry Original verse, celebrated poets, and heartfelt readings, live original music, refreshments, and an open mic! Free, Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, 423.3189, decaturarts.org] 6:30-8:30p

TUESDAY, 12 DPL Graphic Novel Club Free, DPL: Staley Room [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 6:30-7:30p Paint Like ME! Party Register online. Open to the public. $20, Sliderz [5995 E Route 36, paintlikemeparty.com] 6:30-8p WEDNESDAY, 13 Edible Book Festival Book cakes judged, winners announced at 12:15p. Cakes will be won by a Cake Walk following judging. Richland Community College [One College Park, lgreene@ richland.edu] 11a-1p Paint Like Me! Party Relay for Life Fundraiser paint party (no alcohol allowed). $30, Forsyth Community Center [268 S Elwood, paintlikemeparty@gmail.com, paintlikemeparty.com] 6-7p 4.13-4.14 Vibrant Woodpeckers Mini Camp Find out why woodpeckers tap on wood and what they eat as we learn about the many kinds of local woodpeckers through stories, activities, and outdoor exploration.

Ages 1-5 (We), ages 3-5 (Th) with adult buddy. Register online by noon on 4.12. $10, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 9:30-10:30a THURSDAY, 14 Storytime Kids ages five and younger and their caregivers. We read stories, make crafts, play games, sing songs, and more! Oreana Public Library [100 South Rt 48, Oreana, aopld.lib.il.us] 10-11a

Book Discussion The Goldfinch by Donna Tart. Argenta Public Library [100 E Water, Argenta] 1:30-3:30p DAWN Meeting "Nego-SHE-ation" Skills for Women. RSVP by Sunday, 4/10 at DecaturDAWN.org. $10 (first-time guests), The Decatur Club [158 W Prairie, decaturdawn.org] 5:30-7:45p Your Diet, Your Decade Eating for your health, heart, and brain. Eating for success through your 40s and 50s. Join us to make recipes, eat a meal and discuss food choices, nutritional challenges and learn how to make each decade count. Registration required. $15, U of I Extension [3351 N President Howard Brown Blvd, 877.6042, web.extension. illinois.edu/dmp] 5:30-7:30p Cocktails & Creations: Mixed Media Tea Cups Create the perfect addition to your wall using templates, paint and a variety of papers in this colorful and charming project. Adults only. $20 (non-members), $17 (members), Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, 423.3189, decaturarts.org] 6-8p 4.14 & 4.19 Adult Coloring Workshop Fun hour of coloring, materials provided. Maroa Public Library [305 Garfield St, Maroa] 1-3p 4.14-4.17 Little Shop of Horrors Based on the 1960s cult horror film, this campy little pop-rock musical has been charming audiences for over 30 years. $16-18, MU: Albert Taylor Theatre [1184 W Main St, 424.6318, millikin.edu/kirkland] 7:30 (Th-Sa), 2p (Su) FRIDAY, 15 Senior Piano Recital Millikin piano student Brock Gwaltney performs his senior recital. Free, MU: Kaeuper Hall [1184 W Main St, 424.6342, millikin.edu/som] 6-7p

Decatur’s #1 Full Service Residential & Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!

Family Fun Night Activities and a healthy snack will be provided. Free (member), $5 (non-member), Decatur Family YMCA [220 W McKinley, decaturymca.org] 6:30-8p 360 Band AIW Hall [2882 N Dinneen St, aiwhall. com] 8p-12a Friday Night Movie: Twister $5, Lincoln Square Theatre [145 N Main St, 706-5229, Media@ lincolnsquaretheatre.com, lincolnsquaretheatre.com] 8-11p (doors open 7p) 4.15, 4.16 Comedy Hour Featuring Ben Jones & headlined

by Dr. Gonzo. $10 (adv), $12 (day of ), Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, MainHangarRestaurant. net] 8:30-10p

Demonstations include creating marbles, chainmaille, lampwork, wire wrap, beading and silversmithing. $5, Progress City [E 6th Progress St, 309 830-6516, cigmc@comcast.net, rmkapta.wix.com/cigmc] 9a-6p (Sa), 10a-4p (Su).

Train Fair Swap meets, clinics, door prizes, and boxcar loads of vendors offering those hard-to-find rare model train collectables. $5, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, decaturciviccenter.org] 10a-4p (Sa), 11a-4p (Su) SATURDAY, 16 MU Softball vs Carthage College. Rotary Park [2450 US 51 Business, athletics. millikin.edu] 1 & 3p

Makerspace Interest Meeting Join us to hear about our plans to bring a makerspace to Decatur and MU Men's Golf how you can get involved! U of I Weist Foundation Classic Extension [3351 N President Howard Red Tail Run Golf Course [520 W Grove Brown Blvd, info@maconmakersil.org, Rd, athletics.millikin.edu] maconmakersil.org] 2-5p MU Women's Golf Spring Classic Trivia Night Scovill Golf Course [3909 W Main St, Food (5:30p), trivia (6p). $10, Moose athletics.millikin.edu] Lodge #684 [3190 N Woodford St, 413-8087, chapter36@mooseunits.

4.15-4.17 org] 5:30-8p Forever Plaid On the way to their first big gig, the LSA Dinner Auction "Plaids" are slammed broadside by Mt Zion Convention Center [1400 a school bus and killed instantly.

Mt Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion, 233-2001, It is at the moment when their lsadecatur.net] 6-8p careers and lives end, that the story begins... Presented by Decatur MDSO Season Finale Underground Theatre. Decatur Civic All-American gala features the tunes Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, of Porgy and Bess, starring Janice decaturunderground.com] 7p (Fr & Chandler-Eteme and Leon Williams, Sa), 2p (Su) two of the top Porgy soloists on the scene today. Kirkland Fine Arts Center 4.16-4.17 [1184 W Main, 424.6318, Millikin.edu/ Gem & Mineral Show Kirkland] 7:30-9:30p Merchants will showcase jewelry, rough gems, finished gemstones, West End Boogie Project lapidary, beads, fossils, and mineral Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 9p-1a specimens from all over the world.

4.16 & 4.30 Haunted History Tour Travel throughout the city of Decatur in search of history, hauntings and spirits! Popular with ghost buffs and history enthusiasts alike and includes new and favorite haunted locations! Lasts approx. 3 hours. $30, Lincoln Square Theatre [145 N Main St, 1-888-446-7858, haunteddecatur. com] 7-10p SUNDAY, 17 First Gig Rock Camp Fundraiser 15 bands, raffles, auctions, food.

General public and all ages welcome. $5, Free (12 and under), VFW Post 99 [3915 N Cowgill St] 11a-9p Pirate & Princess Tea Party Children 3 years old - 4th grade invited, complete with games, crafts, and treats. $15 (child), $10 (adult), Warrensburg Latham High School Cafetorium [430 W North St, Warrensburg, 672.3061, wlhsprincessandpiratetea@ gmail.com, facebook.com/ WLHSPirateandPrincessTea] 1 & 3p Be a Superhero, Race Against Hunger 5K Come show your superhero ability and compete! Ice cream social post-race. $10 + 1 canned good donation, Mt Zion High School [315 S Henderson St, Mt. Zion] 12:30-1:30p (registration), 2p (race) Decatur Audubon Society Program & Meeting "Wild Bird Feeding Industries' International Research & Development Center" by Dr. David Horn, with a program on "African Photographic Safari" presented

by Jim and Cathy Smithson.

Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 2-4p

April Mudpainting Make a masterpiece of mud! You will use mud mixed with paint to create your own art in this nature-based tactile program. Register online by noon on 4.15. Free, Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 2-3p

TUESDAY, 19 Garden Club Meeting Business meeting (12:30p), program (1p), tea (following). Judy Borah presents "Bulbs and Branches" where she builds unique designs. First Lutheran Church [250 W Decatur St, facebook.com/gardenclubofdecatur] 12:30-2p

Creek Conservation Area [13734 Friends Creek Park Rd, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation.org] 9-11p 4.22-4.23 Cabaret for the Kids: There's No Place Like Home Features songs about family, friends, relationships, home, and life lessons we learn throughout our childhood. $3 (MU student), $5 (adult), MU: Kaeuper Hall [1184 W Main St, brownpapertickets.com/ event/2510982] 9-10p

WEDNESDAY, 20 Adult Bingo Michael Charles Prizes are sweet & salty treats and the Australian blues artist Michael Charles games are free! Free, Fletcher Park: claims the stage and embraces you Recreation Center [400 S Henderson with an elevated level of energy and St, 864-5424, j_roessler@mtzion.com, PUBLISHER'S FAV! a guitar-driven journey. Pop's Place mtzion.com] 10-11a Startup Weekend [4335 W Main St, popsplacedecatur.

Main Hangar Marvel Theme Night com] 3-6p Fun, games, and trivia. Main Hangar Senior Piano Recital Restaurant [910 S Airport Rd, Millikin piano student Jared Rixstine MainHangarRestaurant.net] 6-8p performs his senior recital. Free, MU: Kaeuper Hall [1184 W Main St, THURSDAY, 21 424.6342, millikin.edu/som] 4-5p DPL Book Club FRIDAY-SUNDAY, 4.22-4.24 Free, DPL: Board Room [130 N Franklin Couples/Singles Dance Pitch an idea or be on a team St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 1-2p Live band. $10, Knights of Columbus that works on a project to Hall [520 E North St, 875.3090, FRIDAY, 22 launch during Decatur's first dancingdates.com] 5-8p Catholic Charities Round Up II Startup Weekend. Be a part of Calling all cowboys and cowgirls this international movement MONDAY, 18 to get out the blue jeans, dust off to learn entrepreneurial tools, Pickleball Leagues the boots, and start the boot scoot skills, and practices. Apply Pickleball is easy to learn and fun and boogie. Enjoy live country the process to a business you to play, whether you're 5, 85 or music from the Glendale Riders and own, a project you run, an somewhere in between! Consists mouth waterin' vittles from Mac's opportunity you see, or a of doubles pool play games and a Pigskin Diner, a cash bar and good dream you have. More info double-elimination tournament. 'ol downhome fun. Ages 21+. $50, & tickets available online.

Ages 16+. For information on how to Knights of Columbus Hall [520 E Millikin University Center for play or if you are in need of a playing North St, 428-3458] 6:30-11p Entrepreneurship [1184 W partner, call or stop by the DISC. Main St, startupdecaturil.com] $40 per 2-person team. (April-May. Symphonic Wind Ensemble Cresthaven Park [660 W Arthur Port, Free, Kirkland Fine Arts Center 429.3472, decatur-parks.org] 6p-10p [1184 W Main, 424.6318, SATURDAY, 23 millikin.edu/kirkland] 7:30-10p Festival of Spring Welcome spring and celebrate Earth Frog Music Hike Day with a day of outdoor family Search for as many species of these activities. See bird banding, watch a slippery critters as possible by sight vintage baseball game played with and sound. Bring your flashlights 1860s rules, meet live birds from the as we scope water habitats for eye Illinois Raptor Center, tour Homestead shine. Register online by noon on Prairie Farm, sample pond water 4.21. $3 (person), $10 (family), Friends

24 | April 2016

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes. When in doubt, call first!

for wildlife, enjoy a hike, learn what other organizations are doing in your community to benefit the planet, and much more. No registration required.

Free (canoe rides $2), Rock Springs Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. org] 8a-4p Habitat Haul 5K & Fun Run Fairview Park [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, APopovich@dps61.org] 8-9a

MU Softball vs Wheaton College (IL). Rotary Park [2450 US 51 Business, athletics. millikin.edu] 1 & 3p

TUESDAY, 26 DPL Non-Fiction Book Club Free, DPL: Board Room [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 1-2p

God Is on the Move Decatur Christian School Banquet and Auction. Silent auction (5p), comedian Jeremy Nunes (6p), dinner (6:30p), live auction (7:30p). $25 (person), $40 (couple), $150 (table), Tabernacle Baptist Church [650 N Wyckles Dr, 877.5636, decaturchristian.net] 5-9p

Series - Painting Skills & Techniques Experiment with different kinds of paints and techniques and learn the basics of each medium. $75 (member), $90 (non-member), Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, 423.3189, decaturarts.org] 4-5:30p

WEDNESDAY, 27 Basic Bucket Gardens Create your own basic bucket garden Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby to take home with you. Great greens, Doors Open (4:30p), Backlash (5p), small commitment! Reservations All-Stars (7p). $10 (adv), $15 (door), Dulcimer Club Music $5 (kids), Free (5 and under), Decatur required. Free, U of I Extension [3351 Enjoy live music performed by the Civic Center [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, N President Howard Brown Blvd, Dulcimer Club. Free, Rock Springs 877.6042, mchce.org/Lessons.html] punishersderby.com] 5-9p Conservation Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 9:30-11a 423.7708, maconcountyconservation. Hipbone Sam org] 10a-12p 4.27-4.28 AIW Hall [2882 N Dinneen St, Speedy Hummingbirds Mini Camp aiwhall.com] 8p-12a World Penguin Day Hummingbirds are one of the & Earth Day at Scovill Zoo SUNDAY, 24 fastest birds around. Join us as During our annual Earth Day MU Softball we learn about the ruby-throated Celebration, the zoo's Humboldt vs North Park University. Rotary hummingbird through a feathery penguins will be featured and you'll Park [2450 US 51 Business, athletics. craft and outdoor exploration. Ages discover conservation ideas for your millikin.edu] 1 & 3p 3-5 (We), 1-5 (Th) with an adult own backyard. $6.50, Scovill Zoo [71 buddy. Register online by noon on Tour the Oglesby Mansion S Country Club Rd, 422.5911, decatur4.26. $10, Rock Springs Conservation Tour the restored home of Illinois parks.org] 12-4p Area [3939 Nearing Ln, 423.7708, Governor Richard J. Oglesby to maconcountyconservation.org] Kite Day encounter the lives of its family 9:30a-10:30a Dozens of kites will paint the sky for members and explore their late 1800s this annual spring tradition. Bring lifestyle. $2, Oglesby Mansion [421 W THURSDAY, 28 your kite and enjoy professional flying William, 429-9422, oglesbymansion.

Taste of Eagle Ridge demonstrations! Sinawik Park [1715 S org] 2-4p Do you have a loved one in need of 32nd St, decatur-parks.org] 1-3p an assisted setting? Are they worried Brandon Santini about the food!? Come check out MU Baseball Blues band. Pop's Place the Taste of Eagle Ridge - enjoy vs Illinois Wesleyan University.

[4335 W Main St] 3-6p samples of different food offerings Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, while enjoying live music! Come and Masterworks athletics.millikin.edu] 1 & 4p celebrate Supportive Living Week Free, Kirkland Fine Arts Center with us! Eagle Ridge of Decatur [875 MU Men's Tennis [1184 W Main, 424.6318, W McKinley Ave] 2-3p vs Oakland City University. millikin.edu/kirkland] 4-6p Fairview Park: Tennis Center Bike Nite [1640 W Monument Hill Dr, Free, AIW Hall [2882 N Dinneen St, athletics.millikin.edu] 1p 877.7115, coziahrhd.com] 6-8p Priscilla Shirer Simulcast $30, Tabernacle Baptist Church [650 N Wyckles Dr, 877.5653, tbc.church/ priscillashirer] 9a-4:30p

April Corks & Forks Taste exquisite wines, imported beers and delightful food from area chefs.

Bid on exciting auction packages featuring private dinners, sporting events, original art and more! $50 (adv), $55 (door), $125 (VIP), Decatur Conference Center & Hotel [4191 US 36 W, 423.3189, decaturarts.org] 6-9p

Mac Has Talent Come and see the many talented students at MHS! MacArthur High School [1 Educational Park, dps61. org] 7-9p Steve Kelton AIW Hall [2882 N Dinneen St, aiwhall.com] 8p-12a

4.29-4.30 Bargain Bash 2016 Gently used clothing items, SCORE/DPL Business Book Club tools, small appliances, furniture, The Pumpkin Plan by Mike and children's items! Decatur Michalowicz. Discussion will be led

by Frank Saulsbery, owner of Decatur Masonic Temple [224 W William St, Computers Inc. (DCI). Free, DPL: Staley juniorwelfare.com] 7:30a-3p (Fr), 8a-3p (Sa) Room [130 N Franklin St, 424.2900, decaturlibrary.org] 6-7p Book & Bake Sale Barclay Public Library [220 S Main St, The Masters and Merlot Warrensburg, 672.3621, libriann@ Learn to paint a masterpiece while yahoo.com, barclay.lib.il.us] 9-5 (Fr), having a great time. Open to all skill 9a-12p (Sa) levels! All supplies and light snacks provided, including wine! (21 +) or Spring Dance Recital bring whatever you would prefer.

Enjoy a wonderful showcase of Registration required. $30, dance! $7, Decatur Civic Center [1 Gallery 510 [160 E Main, 422.1509, Gary K Anderson Plaza, 422.5911, gallery510.org] 6-8p decatur-parks.org] 7p (Fr), 11a & 6p (Sa) Paint Like Me! Party Register online. $20, Lock What I Didn't Learn in College Stock & Barrel [129 S Oakland, Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre [1099 W paintlikemeparty.com] 6:30-8p Wood St, 424.6318, pdtheatre.org] 7:30-9:30p FRIDAY, 29 Ladies Night Out Comedy Hour Shop. Taste wine. Sample products.

Featuring Russell Cairns & headlined Have fun. Free, Decatur Civic Center

by Paul Strickland. $10 (adv), $12 (day [1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, 422.6161, of ), Main Hangar Restaurant [910 S decaturciviccenter.org/lno] 5-9p Airport Rd, MainHangarRestaurant. net] 8:30-10p

Little Feet Fun Run 5K Fun Run 1mile/5k. Town Mayor Bobby Embrey or Fire Chief Randy Hiser with a kiss (kiss a pig contest). Auction of pies to the highest bidder to throw at the contender (Mayor or Fire Chief ). $20 (adult), $15 (child), Pritchett Park [140 W North St, Niantic, 791-1323] 9-10a Woodland Friends A three-hour workshop dedicated to creating charming woodland creatures including polymer clay figures, colorful paper wall hangings and painted masks and other activities in a variety of mediums.

Bring a lunch! $35 (non-members), $30 (members), Parents add $10 with enrolled child, Madden Arts Center [125 N Water, 423.3189, decaturarts.org] 10:30a-1:30p MU Baseball vs Carthage College. Sunnyside Park [1590 N Sunnyside Rd, athletics. millikin.edu] 1 & 4p Paint Like Me! Party Ages 10+. $30, Old Grade School [275 N Kenwood, Argenta, paintlikemeparty.com] 2-3p Casas for CASA Playhouse Raffle Raffle drawing. Fundraising event for Macon County CASA. Playhouses on display for the month of April. Hickory Point Mall [1146 Hickory Point Mall, 428.8424, maconcountycasa.org] 4p

The Butterfly Ball Daddy/Daughter dance. A mystical evening for all ages. Daughters may be escorted by their dad, uncle, SATURDAY, 30 grandpa, or any other person that 7th Annual PamperME! fits the role. Your magical evening Ladies' Brunch & Health Fair will be filled with dinner, dancing, Free spa services, health screenings, prizes, and lots more! $20 (couple), vendors, live music - a morning of $10 (additional guest), Camp Warren fun and fellowship! Register by 4.15. $15, RCC: Shilling Center [One College [4225 Camp Warren Ln] 6-9p Park, 855.4747] 9a-1:30p Johnny Lucas Visiting from Great Britain.

Pop's Place [4335 W Main St] 8p-12a

26 | April 2016

Blues Brothers Revue Brings Its “Mission from God” to Decatur The only show sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd & Judith Belushi

By Angela Myers

92 67 e SW r Blu o

Min

49 90 ll SW kyfa S Azalea

79 SW 65 er Flow

96 67 e SW Plat e Blu 84 SW 65 ry Chee

85 SW 65 s se p Ro

ing U

Com

Make the most of your color with the very best paint

DECATUR–NORTH 2705 N WATER ST 217.876.0108

©2016 The Sherwin-Williams Company

28 | April 2016

“Dry white toast” is a phrase sure to make members of the Traughber family chuckle.

“One of the characters always ordered that in restaurants,” says Jan Traughber, director of the Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University.

“Belushi always ordered four chickens.”

She’s talking about the movie The Blues Brothers, based on a series of Saturday Night Live skits created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. A cult classic since it first came to theaters in the 1980s, the film spawned a sequel some 18 years later as well as myriad tribute bands and reviews.

The Official Blues Brothers Revue coming to the Kirkland Fine Arts Center on April 8 is the real deal—the only review sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi Pisano, John’s widow.

Jan has been a fan since watching the duo on Saturday Night Live and saw the movie for the first time shortly after its release.

“My two daughters grew up watching it,” she says. “It’s a family favorite.”

Jan hopes fans will bring their entire families to the review. “It’s a great show for multiple generations to see together.”

It’s also a great way to introduce youngsters to styles of music they might not know, like blues, rhythm & blues, and soul.

In the musical crime comedy movie, paroled convict Jake and his brother Elwood take on a “mission from God” to save the orphanage where they grew up by reuniting their rhythm and blues band to earn money to pay the property taxes. Shot in and around Chicago, the movie follows the brothers as they are pursued by a “mystery woman,” Neo-Nazis, a country & western band and police on a wild romp through the city.

Belushi, who played Joliet Jake, was born and reared in Chicago and Wheaton and performed at Chicago’s Second City as well as Saturday Night Live. He died tragically of a drug overdose at an early age. Aykroyd, who played Elwood, grew up in Canada and performed at Toronto’s Second City, then did political satire and The Blues Brothers skits on Saturday Night Live. Jan describes their bigger-than-life personalities as “out there.”

More on page 30

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION PRESENTS THE

MAY 1 » CHILDREN’S CONCERT 10am-Noon + 1-2pm Allerton Music Barn $5/child + $7/adult per show The Children’s Fair at 10am + 1pm ScribbleMonster at 11am + 2pm MAY 6 » KICK-OFF CONCERT 6-9pm | Gate House Lawn $5/person + $10/family 6pm West of Staley 7pm Paul Cebar

SPONSORS: THE AYERS FAMILY, THE FRIENDS OF ALLERTON, AHW LLC, THE ATKINS GROUP, CHAMPAIGN SURPLUS, CHAMPAIGN-URBANA MASS TRANSIT DISTRICT (MTD), THE HERBOLD FAMILY TRUST, KENNEDY HUTSON ASSOCIATES, STERLING WEALTH MANAGEMENT FOR MORE INFO VISIT ALLERTON.ILLINOIS.EDU

April 2016 | 29

Blues Brothers Revue from page 29

But she’s just as impressed with the actors chosen to perform in the review. “They found personalities who really fit the parts.”

Wayne Catania, a talented musician, actor and creative writer, has played Jake Blues for 15 years, due in part to his resemblance to John Belushi.

Kieron Lafferty, who plays Elwood, grew up watching acts like Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Doors in his father’s nightclub, and started out as a musician. In 1998 he joined the Las Vegas show Legends in Concert as Elwood Blues, and later performed in the Official Blues Brothers Revival, the 2004 musical that led to the Official Blues Brothers Revue.

“With this show,” says Jan, “I want to demonstrate that the Fine Arts Center can be a place for performances that people don’t necessarily think of as classical. I believe in the ‘specialness’ of live performance art. The younger generation grew up online, and sometimes they aren’t willing to come out to watch a show. Then when they come and feel the energy of the crowd— they get it.”

Sat, April 2 Nastics 9p-1a Sun, April 3 Cedric Burnside Project 3-6p Sat, April 9 Josh Holland Acoustic 8p-12a Sun, April 10 Laura Rain & The Caesars 3-6p Sat, April 16 West End Boogie Project 9p-1a Sun, April 17 Michael Charles 3-6p Sun, April 24 Brandon Santini Blues Band 3-6p Sat, April 30 Johnny Lucas 8p-12a

28 | April 2016 30

GET THERE The Official Blues Brothers Revue Friday, April 8 at 7:30pm Kirkland Fine Arts Center www.millikin.edu/kirkland, 424.6318

April 2016 | 31

32

THRIVE Q&A

JULIE STALEY

With the Staley name irrevocably linked to Decatur for decades, we were pumped to hear about the imminent opening of our very own Staley Museum, celebrating its Grand Opening April 9 from 10 am to 5 pm. We couldn’t wait to get behind those doors and into some history. And who better to give us the inside track than family member and Museum Board President Julie Staley?

We asked her for a sneak peek.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AND CONNECTION WITH THE MUSEUM I am married to Mark Staley, the great-grandson of A.E. Staley and great-great-grandson of Hieronymus Mueller. It has been my job to coordinate the opening along with our director/ curator Laura Jahr, who is doing an amazing job.

Photo: Stephanie Gagnon

FAVORITE DATE NIGHT ACTIVITY A quiet dinner out and a movie that is not rated G. FAVORITE FAMILY OUTING We love to take the kids out to dinner (not as quiet as a date night dinner), or to a stage performance at a local theatre.

FAVORITE WAY TO TAKE IN HISTORY (BEFORE THE STALEY MUSEUM OPENED OF COURSE) We always enjoy seeing what is new at our sister museum, the Hieronymus Mueller Museum.

WHY THE STALEY MUSEUM IS A GREAT IDEA FOR MACON COUNTY What we have at the Staley Museum preserves history not just for A.E. Staley and his family but also showcases and preserves history related to Decatur and Macon County and how they are put on the map through the world of agribusiness.

32 | April 2016

MOST EXCITING PART OF THE STALEY MUSEUM We will have some memorabilia from the Decatur Staleys, which is one of the displays we hope to grow as the future allows.

SOMETHING ABOUT THE STALEY MUSEUM THAT WOULD SURPRISE THE AVERAGE DECATURITE We have some really interesting information and memorabilia from when A.E. Staley Jr. was appointed to direct the Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) in Norway as part of the Marshall Plan after WWII. It is international history that has a direct tie to Decatur and Macon County.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE STALEY MUSEUM We hope to grow and expand some of the stories we have on display. We also will have temporary exhibits and items that will rotate in and out of the museum. We will also be open for meetings/events if someone wants to host something there.

VISIT THE STALEY MUSEUM 361 N. College, Decatur | Tuesday-Saturday 1-4 pm

BLUE CONNECTION ART GALLERY REINVENTING THE WHEEL April 1st, 2016 5:00 - 7:30PM Refreshments Provided by DAAC & LSB Exhibit on display through April

All of your

printing and graphics

in one place. visit

dynagraphics.com

to view our work and learn more

217.876.9950

April 2016 | 33

SCOVILL ZOO Opens April 2!

Spring Hours

Mon - Fri 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat & Sun 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Last admission one hour before closing

Register for summer activities today!

scovillzoo.com 茂 421-7435

EARN REWARDS. KIRKLAND FINE ARTS CENTER

RHYTHMIC CIRCUS

ADULT $25-$40 路 SCHOOL AGE $5 217.424.6318 kirklandfinearts.com 34 | April 2016

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2016 7:30 PM

SPOT THE

DIFFERENCES

For a chance to win one of four

$25 GIFT CARDS

4 Winners will be drawn!

To Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts

3231 E Mound Rd, Decatur | www.cedarlakegardens.com | 217.875.3331

ENTER BY

Apr. 15

original

2 WAYS TO WIN:

1. Find all 6 differences and earn 2 entries! Send an email by April 15 to contests@thrivedecatur.com that includes your name and the 6 differences. 2. Couldn’t find all the differences?

Visit THRIVE Decatur on Facebook on April 15 to see the password. Email your name and password to earn 1 entry. Winners will be drawn on or around April 16 and notified by email. One entry per email address.

All entrants names and email addresses will be used to promote future contests by Thrive and shared with Cedar Lake Gardens & Gifts for promotional usage.

Thrive Online at www.ThriveDecatur.com Search ALL Macon County entertainment, and find just what you're looking for!

www.ThriveDecatur.com Your guide to events in Macon County, Illinois