3Ways to rock Valentine’s Day on the cheap! page 30
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Steve Revis and his Decatur Underground Theater bring the hit musical to Decatur
Central Illinois Pro Wrestling Blue Eggs & Ham Jazz Festival The area’s handiest Events Calendar
Pick up your free copy at any of these locations: Argenta, Forsyth, Oreana Veolia Environmental Services • Gerber State Bank - Argenta • Gerber State Bank - Oreana • Melisty Mart • Nola’s Hair Salon • Old Book Barn • Oreana Public Library • Architectural Expressions • Applebee’s • Coziahr Harley Davidson • Love at First Sight • Ramada Limited • Salon Zen • Soy Capital • Speed Lube - Forsyth • Texas Roadhouse Decatur-North ADM • Aloha • America’s Best Value Inn • Carlos O’ Kelly’s • Cartridge World • Caterpillar • C&K Custom Signs • Coffee Connection • Curly’s • Debbie’s Diner • Decatur Animal Clinic • Decatur Mutual Insurance • DECU - North • Diane’s Maine Strategy • Dragon Buffet • Dynagraphics/FastImpressions • El Matador • Endless Summer Tanning • Fox & Hound • Fuji • Greater Decatur Y • IHOP • Krekels • La Gondola • Lana’s Cakewalk • Land of Lincoln CU - Mound • Land of Lincoln CU - Oakland • Macon County Farm Bureau • Main Hangar • McGorray’s Golf & Grille • Miles Chevrolet • Millie & Bo’s • Monical’s • Nissan • Northgate Pet Clinic • Pla-Mor Lanes • Play it Again Sports • Pride Coin Laundry • Richland Community College • Soy Capital • Spare Time Lanes • Speed Lube - Pershing • Star Silkscreen • Tropix Salon and Spa • Up N’ Runnin’ • Yoga Hound Decatur-East / Mt. Zion Attitudes • Decatur Airport • Decatur Beach House • Decatur Dental Care • Del’s Express • Dreamer’s Diner • El Matador • Fillipo’s Pizza • Good Naber Specialty Foods • Hawthorne Suites • Krekel’s • Kroger • La Gondola • Linda’s Music • Maustell’s Pizza • Merry Maids • Millenium Tan • Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce • Pizza Hut • Priceless Smiles/Styles & Smiles • Pride Coin Laundry • Renew Total Wellness • Soy Capital • Speed Lube - East Eldo • Speed Lube Total Care - East Eldo • Timbuktu • Triple Dog Dare Ya • Unique Boutique • Wabash Depot Antique Center Decatur-South Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy • Decatur Athletic Club • Guadalajara • Kroger • Mari Mann Herbs Co • Sakura • Solar Tan • Speed Lube - Franklin • The Wharf Decatur-West Bourbon Barrel • Clockwork Pizza • Days Inn • Decatur Conference Center • DMH Express Care Fairview • Donnies Homespun Pizza • Firewater Cafe • First Wok • Garcia’s Pizza • It’s Just a Little Prick • Krekels-Oakland • Kroger • Leo H. Berger Insurance • LockStock & Barrel • Mi Pueblito • Millikin University/Kirkland • Pride Coin Laundry • Richland Extension Office • RUSH Wireless • Sound Check Music Center • Speed Lube - Grand • Speed Lube - West Eldo • Tasty’s Chicago Grille - W. Eldo • The Winery • Whitestar Home Healthcare Service Decatur-Downtown Baker Law Office • Bellasara • Blue Connection • Chamber of Commerce • Chili Bowl • CITC • Coney McKanes • Decatur Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau • Decatur Civic Center • Decatur Professional Plaza • Decatur Public Library • Da Franco’s Pizza • Different by Design • Doherty’s Pub & Pins • Earthen Pottery • Fringe • Giggles • Goodfellas • Haines & Essick Co. • It’s a Girl Thing • Jimmy Ryan’s • Katz on Merchant • Madden Arts Center • Mike’s Hairstyling • Neuhoff Media • Nova Framing / Gallery 510 • One Main Place Building • Paco’s Sol Bistro • Pastabilities • Petals • Porter’s on Merchant • Promax Construction • Regions • Robbies Outlet • Salon 402 • Shear Learning • Shop on Main • Sloan’s Calzones • Soy Capital • Spa Villa • Studio 7 • The Decanter • The Decatur Club • The Fox’s Den • Tournesol • Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Cafe • Zips Florist by the Gates
Subscribe at www.thrivedecatur.com/iwantthrive (receive 12 issues for only $15) If you have a great place to distribute THRIVE monthly, let us know! Don’t miss your chance to advertise in next month’s issue! CALL 217.791.5653
02 | february 2011
THRIVE is a publication of Showcard Studio 363 S. Main St #435 • 217.791.5653 Find us on facebook! THRIVE Decatur www.thrivedecatur.com Publisher: Katrina Smalley publisher@thrivedecatur.com Managing Editor: Jayson Albright editor@thrivedecatur.com The Eventor: Stephanie Zimmerman events@thrivedecatur.com Senior Writer: Joli Hohenstein Contributors: Aric Lee Jayson Albright Katrina Smalley Sarah Gaughan Photographers: Alida Duff Sullivan Jayson Albright Sarah Gaughan Travis Lickey Layout Design: Showcard Studio Printing: Wood Printing
THRIVE
is a monthly entertainment guide for the Decatur area, but it is also a state of Being. To THRIVE is to Flourish. It’s Prosperity. It’s Success. It’s Positivity at all cost. It’s finding the Fun in all you do. It isn’t always easy, but to persevere against those who would have you believe “there’s nothing to do here” is to THRIVE. 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.
in this issue
05
14
27
30 BEHIND the THRIVE Out and About SPOTLIGHT: Central Illinois Jazz Festival The Food Dude: Blue Eggs & Ham The Locker Room: Macon County Basketball Jesus Christ Superstar:
Decatur Underground Theatre Rocks the Rock Opera
February Events 501 Club: 401 with 501 Spot the Difference Central Illinois Pro Wrestling: Ready for Prime Time THRIVE 3Way: Three Ways to Rock Valentine’s Day on the cheap!
04 05 08 10 12 14 16 22 26 27 30
Cover photo: Steve Revis by Sarah Jane Photography
february 2011 | 03
BBEH EH I N D THE
THRIVE
Extra bits & pieces from this month’s issue
-- O verheard a s a D owntown D ecatur restaurant patron flipped through the Januar y issue of Thrive I didn’t hear that comment first hand; no, a waitress enthusiastically shared the sound bite with me. Hearing it made my day, but not for the statement itself. What excited me was how excited she was to share it with me. It’s a great example of how more and more people are taking ownership of Thrive, which is all we’ve ever wanted for this publication. See, the way we’ve always looked at it is that this is our book. Not ours as in Thrive’s, but ours as in the community’s. Thrive just captures what you the community is doing, so to see genuine excitement in the eyes of someone outside of Thrive HQ is just awesome because whether you realize it or not, you’re helping us produce this book. Every comment shared, every idea, any and all feedback... It’s all welcome, it’s all appreciated, and it’s all used to craft the best publication possible. We just love what we do, and to know that our readers care enough to make Thrive and by extension, us - a monthly part of their routine is something we absolutely do not take for granted. This truly is our book. All of ours. Without you, there is no Thrive. So thank you for doing what you do, and know that it’s a pleasure sharing this experience with you month after month! Good Times!
Managing Editor 04 | february 2011
(ABOVE) Jay just happened to park next to this car when covering The Great Forsyth Chili & Salsa Competition (see next page). Just goes to show you the draw little o’ Decatur has! (BELOW) The Dixie Daredevils played to a packed house at Lock Stock Saturday, Jan 8th from 4-6pm. And when we say packed, we mean packed. The music was great, but the energy in the room was even greater. We’ll definitely be back!
Chili & Salsa Competition and Dixie Daredevils: Jayson Albright
“I never realized there was so much going on here in Decatur.”
Out & about
A look back at last month’s happenings
Jimmy Callihan pummels his opponent Jared Cody at Round 1 Fight Night
Fight Night and Chili & Salsa Competition: Jayson Albright
Fight Night Knockout: Jeff DeVore’s Jan 8th edition of Round 1 Fight Night Featuring four inaugural Title fights and a slew of additional action-packed bouts, this latest round of DeVore’s immensely popular Mixed Martial Arts events packed the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel with fight fans eager to cheer combatants on. During his welcome, DeVore brought younger fans into the cage, reminding the crowd they would “see what you do, [and] hear what you say.” Message received; the crowd was respectful, the event a class act.
Mike Goodman, a pro from Pewaukee, WI, was thrilled with the event’s “terrific turnout.”
You couldn’t miss The Great Forsyth Chili & Salsa Competition at The Hickory Point Mall (Sat, Jan 15th). The smell of chili filled the mall, rewarding those who followed it to the Bergner’s wing where pro and local competitors served up their creations.
february 2011 | 05
Out & about
A look back at last month’s happenings
Cheer Camp
Somewhere in this sea of brides lurks the dreaded Bridezilla...
Cheer Camp: Jayson Albright; Bridal Expo: Sarah Jane Photography
Cheer Camp at the DISC (Sat, Jan 17th) saw girls kindergarten through eighth grade enjoying a full day of activities led by Millikin’s Cheerleading Squad. “The kids have fun,” beamed Cheer Coach Cindy Marmor, which could have applied to either the participants or her cheerleaders since all involved were equally enjoying themselves. Routines learned were scheduled to be performed the following Saturday at the Millikin Men’s basketball game. We’ve got spirit, yes we do! We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout you?
Decatur Bridal Expo
The 2011 edition of this long-running event (31 years and counting) brought together brides old, new, and yet-to be at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel Jan 7th & 8th. As usual, the event saw a sizeable crowd come out to view the over sixty vendors in attendance, including photographers, caterers, florists, bakers, DJs, limo services, and many more.
06 | february 2011
Barstool Open: Jayson Albright;
Skee Ball was the name of the game for the Bourbon Barrel hole
Barstool Open
Another successful year has come and gone for the UCP/Miller Lite Barstool Open. The five available courses were once again completely filled up with teams, each comprised of participating bars and restaurants featuring their own miniature golf holes. Some had additional elements added in; for example, Pastabilities had an inflatable football you could “punt” to earn back a stroke. “Yeah, some holes are the same, but others have been pretty creative,” said Brent Sloan, who in his fifth year as a participant was golfing on the “Jack Nicholas” course. “But they’re all fun.” A hole in one netted you your very own pigskin at Pastabilities
Team Foreplay at McGorray ’s
Words they’ll remember. Freelance writing / editing
Joli A. Hohenstein
217-454-0542 www.jolihohenstein.com
february 2011 | 07
It’s showtime for one lucky person, place, or thing!
SPOTLIGHT
by Joli Hohenstein
Central Illinois Jazz Festival
The Juvae Jazz Society’s 36th Annual Central Illinois Jazz Festival will once again bring the excitement of jazz to the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel February 4-6. Here are four fun facts about this high-energy event! 1. Juvae knows what’s good—and what gets the crowd jazzed. “We bring in all the top bands from across the nation,” says festival director Maggie Parker-Brown. “We have bands from California to New York, so you have the opportunity to see musicians and bands that you wouldn’t usually.” Back by popular demand this year are Vince Giordano’s New York Nighthawks, the St. Louis Rivermen, and Cornet Chop Suey. Hot and now are Rebecca Kilgore Quartet, Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, and Tom Rigney & Flambeau, “the hottest band on the West Coast,” according to Maggie. And she would know; as a jazz aficionado from way back she’s hit festivals across the country (traveling to performances with her late husband), co-ran jazz and Dixieland bars, and even taken jazz cruises. 2. It’s been at the same hotel from the start. Not a bad little run for an event that almost didn’t make it to its 27th birthday. Originally the hotel was owned by the Raynor Doors CEO (a huge jazz fan). When he retired and the hotel sold to local investors, the festival’s future came into question. Not to worry! The (at the time) 50 members of the tiny Juvae Jazz Society banded together to keep it going. Bonus Fact: Ten years later, it’s one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the U.S.
3. When Juvae took over, things really got good. They expanded to multiple venues, brought in more bands, added events, and started the wildly popular New Orleans-Style Umbrella Parade. The Decatur venue features local high school and college bands; The Ragtime Pianorama keeps the joint jumpin’; a dinner show now livens up the traditional Saturday dinner event; and for the dancers in the house, the 18-piece big band Sentimental Journey keeps things swinging into the night. 4. Almost a thousand people jam to jazz every year at this shindig, and half of them dig in for the whole weekend! That means there’s some serious tuneage to be had here. The Juvae—which now boasts over 300 members—knows how to do it up, bringing in aficionados from 21 states each of the last two years. They nearly fill the DCCH’s 376 rooms, and they very well may max it out this year. What’s so hot about it, other than that cool jazz of course? “The time of year,” says Maggie. “After the holidays there’s kind of a letdown. It’s a nice getaway the first weekend of February.”
Get There
36th Annual Central Illinois Jazz Festival: February 4-6
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel Tickets: $30 per session Friday/Saturday, $25 per session Sunday, $140 patron package includes all events except Sunday Jazz Brunch. See web site for special event prices. Tickets available ahead or at the door, and there’s a ticket structure for everyone. www.juvaejazz.com (217) 546-6091 or (217) 454-2709
Joli Hohenstein is a senior contributor to THRIVE. Though she is an award-winning freelance writer, marketer, and editor, both her first and last name gets spell-checked in Word. Get more Joli at jolihohenstein.com
08 | february 2011
Kirkland Fine Arts Center
engage the arts
2010-2011 SEASON
BEHINd THE CURTAIN CIRQUE VOILÀ! Culinary Arts Experience Sit on stage behind the curtain. Enjoy “Cirque” infused entrees highlighted by tasty spirits.
Friday, March 11, 2011 | 7:00 p.m.
tickets:
$100.00 (includes ticket to performance, dinner and drinks)
EILEEN IVERS: Immigrant Soul Sunday, March 20, 2011 | 4:00 p.m. www.eileenivers.com
tickets:
Adult $12.00 | $18.00 | $24.00 Child $6.00 | $8.00 | $10.00
JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU Sunday, April 10, 2011 | 4:00 p.m. www.oceanfutures.org
tickets:
Adult $12.00 | $18.00 | $24.00 Child $6.00 | $8.00 | $10.00
BEHINd THE CURTAIN Hot Club of San Francisco Meet Me in Paris
Come join us for this charming concert with an evening of French cuisine, wine pairings and entertainment at our French café, Behind the Curtain.
Saturday, May 14, 2011 | 7:00 p.m.
KFAC-THRIVEad-0111
tickets:
$100.00 (includes ticket to performance, dinner and drinks)
Tickets available at www.kirklandfinearts.com or by calling the Kirkland Box Office at (217) 424-6318
A Foodie’s take on Decatur cuisine
the Food Dude
by T.F. Dude
Blue Eggs & Ham
Folks, your Food Dude loves breakfast. And truth be told, I tend to enjoy the heartier aspects of breakfast – pancakes, omelets, etc – at times past the early morning hours most enjoy them. So when the new West End eatery Blue Eggs & Ham (120 S. Oakland Ave, across from Lock Stock) officially opened it’s doors Monday, January 17th I couldn’t wait to check them out and get all the inside scoop on this, a breakfast lover’s dream joint. First off, the place is cozy, complete with a heated floor. “You know, with a sixteen foot ceiling, you want to keep the heat down,” smiles Nate McKean, the extremely likeable owner of BE&H. “It’s just a warm place to come and eat breakfast. All day, too! I don’t know of many places you can do breakfast all day.” And that’s not all, fellow breakfast lovers. “The big thing is you can eat on Sundays. Hardly any place is open on Sundays except fast food, and I hate calling that breakfast because nothing is cooked to order. It’s ten bacon and cheese biscuits in the bin, waiting. That’s not what we’re doing here.” What they are doing is serving up a fun, filling menu that is already bringing in crowds. As early as their third day open, breakfast at lunch was in full swing. “Everybody loves the pancakes and waffles,” says Nate. “Lunch has [already] grown tremendously. A lot of Millikin students are coming in. Between eleven and one it’s just packed in here.” This was something your Food Dude witnessed first hand. Folks eagerly lined up to place their order at the counter as fat stacks of pancakes were being delivered to happy tables. And this wasn’t just a Millikin crowd, nor was it just a breakfast
crowd, which leads us to the full scope of the menu. In addition to breakfast, BE&H has taken a rather unique approach to their lunchtime offering: sliders. Yep, those little buns typically topped with a burger (typically), though here the offerings are anything but ordinary; pick two, three, or four (with fries) from ten choices including Bourbon Onion, Bacon Blue Roasted Red Pepper, Pot Roast w/onion tanglers, Brisket w/broccoli slaw and wasabi, and so on. “They’re quick, or as quick as you can be, and fun,” says Nate of his choice to go with sliders over bigger burgers and sandwiches. Nate says the number of slider choices may in fact double, but not before he and his staff gets comfortable with the current menu, not to mention the daily routine itself. (There’s also a selection of soups (in breadbowls), salads, and a couple of apps) Back to breakfast, which is just as creative. Even though Nate admits, “there’s only so much you can do with breakfast (and we’re pretty much doing all of it),” he’s still added some quirky fare. Sausage Pancake on a Stick? Check. Stuffed French Toast? Uh-huh. And how about that Breakfast Horseshoe? “It’s toast, sausage, egg, bacon, hashbrown… it’s very big.” So is the excitement from breakfast lovers across the Decatur area. Welcome, Blue Eggs & Ham! And folks, try the spicy bacon. Deeeeeeelicious!
Blue Eggs & Ham is open Mon-Fri 5am – 2pm Sat-Sun 7am – 3pm.
Find them on Facebook and at eatblueeggs.com
Agree? Disagree? Join the discussion at: Facebook.com/DecaturFoodDude 10 | february 2011
The Food Dude is not a professional critic. He just really, really likes food.
2.375” x 3.875”
A look at local sports straight from “The Fan”
Locker Room The
by Aric Lee
The Tip-Off … After a 5-year stint where we all celebrated, debatably, the finest Macon County Basketball streak ever, this year’s “rebuild” has been a fun one to track. In addition to the widest array of competitive games in years, the match-up for the county’s Player of the Year continues to be a topic gaining both steam and nominees as January ended. The contenders:
Halftime … TIM WEAVER (Cerro Gordo) -- The Broncos junior continues to make strides towards being a true leader and all-around performer, instead of only serving as Coach Scott Bacon’s smooth-stroking outside threat. ERIC LEONARD (Sangamon Valley) -Leonard has perennially been a slow-starter, but if 19 points and 8 assists a game is a slow start, then the back half of 2011 could be filled with fireworks. JORDAN RAMAY (Meridian) -- It may be too early for Ramay to be so high on the list, but if the senior transfer from Cerro Gordo continues to slow his transition game when necessary and see the entire floor, he could be alone up here by March. AUSTIN CRIST (Cerro Gordo) -- Another Cerro Gordo scoring sensation, but his ability to get to the basket is almost uncanny. DAN RENTSCHLER (Sangamon Valley) -The junior has added an outside jumper and improved ball handling to a resume that could very well slip him into a POY campaign. CALEB BROWN (Meridian) -- The senior southpaw may be the only player on this entire list whose preseason expectations could outweigh his current output.
KISTON LEE (MacArthur) -- This senior may be the best pure player in the county, but victories are a must for a Player of the Year award. MARQUI APHALONE (Eisenhower) -- See above about the victories. Aphalone has improved his jumper this season, but needs more scoring and distribution consistency. ALEX TUETH (St. Teresa) -- Returned from a calf injury in late January. No surprise the Bulldogs stumbled with their emotional leader sidelined, then began to surge when he returned. AUSTIN JACKSON (Maroa-Forsyth) -- Slowly becoming my favorite senior to watch, Coach Chad Cluver has been able to depend on Jackson since the season began … the day after football season ended. Overtime
…
February’s hottest battles: FRI, FEB. 4 – Okaw Valley Conference Tournament Championship Game @ St. Teresa FRI, FEB. 4 – Williamsville @ Sangamon Valley, 7:30 p.m. TUES, FEB. 8 – Meridian @ Warrensburg-Latham, 7:30 p.m. SAT, FEB. 12 – Cerro Gordo vs. Windsor in Illini Central Shootout in Mason City, 6 p.m. FRI, FEB. 18 – MacArthur @ Eisenhower, 7:30 p.m. FRI, FEB. 18 – St. Teresa @ Meridian, 7:30 p.m. FRI, FEB. 25 – Class 1A/2A Regional Championships @ Argenta-Oreana/Clinton/Mount Pulaski
ARIC LEE hosts “The Aric Lee Show w/Justin Lyon”, each weekday from 3-6pm on both WDZ’s ESPNDecatur 1050AM “The Fan” and ESPNDecatur.com. He enjoys watching One Tree Hill, listening to the soulful stylings of Billy Ocean, and simply cannot learn to say the word “versus,” instead always saying “verse” when seeing “vs”
12 | february 2011
Article: Joli Hohenstein Photos: Sarah Jane photography
What would possess someone – both creatively and financially - to mount a full-scale, Broadway-style production of Jesus Christ Superstar right here in Decatur, Illinois? Some might say AN EPIPHANY 14 | february 2011
“The idea came at 2 am,” says Steve Revis, the triple threat financing, executive producing, and playing the titular role in the forthcoming production. “We’d do a Broadway-style production, and we’d do it with local talent in Decatur.” Come March 4-6, he’ll make that dream a reality when Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony award winning rock opera finally hits the stage at the Lincoln Square Theatre. “It’s one of the largest casts ever put on a Broadway stage in Decatur,” says Revis. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” For Emily Reiners, the understudy recently thrust into the lead role as Mary Magdalene, it really is. “That part was the reason I auditioned. I’ve wanted to play it since I was 14 when I first saw the movie,” she gushes. “I thought it was absolutely genius that someone was telling the story from Judas’ point of view.” And this wasn’t just any audition. This was an audition for a large-scale production aimed to be unlike any this town has seen before. (No pressure.) It’s an opportunity not often put in front of Central Illinois performers; true Broadway
Emily Reiners and Steve Revis, surrounded by chorus members at rehearsal for Jesus Christ Superstar. (BELOW ) The chorus bows to Revis’ Jesus Christ.
auditions involve cattle-call style revolving doors, multiple callbacks, and high-pressure on-the-spot readings. Not here. The very civilized setup was decidedly zlow pressure and high return, thanks in part to Steve’s vision for Decatur Underground Theater (the show’s production company). In fact, Decatur performers are part of the reason Steve founded the company.
“It’s a good thing for Decatur,” he says. “Decatur is full of talent that’s unrealized.” He should know. As front man for Decatur favorite Russian Roulette for 30 years and a professional singer with 14 albums under his belt, he knows talent. And for this show, “talent came out of the woodwork.” More on page 23
DJ David Lee Lock Stock & Barrel, 10p EVERY MONDAY MidState Indoor Soccer Programs at the DISC (Ends 2.21)Youth aged 5 - 12 will learn fundamentals and improve their soccer skills in these fun, instructional sessions led by MidState Soccer Club’s experienced coaches. Thirty-minute training sessions are followed by 20-minute games. Times vary by age, for info 429.3472, $56 ($47 w res discount). Adult Indoor Soccer Open Play Adult soccer players can enjoy casual matches during these 7-week, friendly, open play sessions at the DISC., $6 per player, 429.3472, 9-10p EVERY TUESDAY Scovill Zoo Volunteer Training If you enjoy working with animals and kids, an exciting volunteer opportunity awaits you at Scovill Zoo. Volunteers will conduct mobile zoo presentations, help at special events, run the Z.O. & O. Express, and operate the
16 | february 2011
Endangered Species Carousel. Tuesdays, February 1 – March 8, 9-11:30a. 422.5911 EVERY WEDNESDAY Mobile Soundz Karaoke AIW Hall, 8p Open Mic Night Donnie’s Homespun Pizza, 126 S Oakland, 9p Comedy Shop Sports Zone - Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. Cover charge: $5. For info, 422.8800, 8-9:30p EVERY WEDNESDAYSATURDAY Docta LD DJ/Karaoke Curley’s Bar, 875.9800, 9p-2a EVERY THURSDAY Adult Volleyball League at the DISC Enjoy volleyball all winter with the co-ed, rec league at the DISC! Teams play once/week, with a schedule of 8 – 9 self-officiated games. $120/team, 429.3472, 6-9p Country Idol Karaoke Contest (through 2.17) Sliderz Bar & Grille, 7p
EVERY FRIDAY Mari-Mann Tea Room Mari-Mann has reopened your favorite Tea Room on Friday’s for the lunch hour. Carry out items available as well. 1405 MariMann Lane, 429.1404, www. marimann.com, 11a & 12:30p EVERY SATURDAY Mobile Soundz DJ & Karaoke 22nd St Discount Liquors, 1325 N 22nd St, 428.5420 9p-1a EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY Cross Country Ski Workshop Learn the basics of cross-country skiing. $12, includes skis, boots, poles and one hour of instruction ($4 with your own skis). At least 4 inches of snow and reservations required. EVERY SUNDAY Winter Skeet League Decatur Gun Club, 877.0400, 8:30a 2.1-2.28 Indoor Soccer Leagues at the DISC 7-week indoor leagues, designed for soccer players aged 9 – adult. Teams play two 24-minute halves each weekend. $500 per team, 429.3472, Time Varies. Barbara Dove Artwork Oil Painter from Decatur, IL Decatur Public Library
Hope Academy Art Students Artwork Decatur Airport Lounge 2.2 Chamber Business Breakfast The Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce’s February Business Breakfast will feature Senator Kyle McCarter as the keynote speaker. Senator McCarter will be speaking on the State Budget. $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $15 for non-chamber members. The Decatur Club, 158 W Prairie Ave, 7a 2.3 CLR Sounds Acoustic Sliderz Bar & Grille, 7-10p Thursday “Bored” Night at Wildflour Bored on a Wednesday night with nothing to do? Come join us for board-gaming at Wildflour Bakery & Cafe, downtown Decatur! Bring your favorite board game to share! 5-7p 2.3-2.26 Moments in Time: A Rob O’Dell Retrospective Decatur Area Arts Council presents over 40 years of Rob O’Dell’s masterful watercolors that celebrate the Midwestern landscape, quiet rural life, colors and patterns of light in skies, gardens and unique locales. Madden Arts Center, 125 N Water, 423.3189, M-F, 8:30a-4:30p & Sa, 10a-2p
2.4 After 5 Live Featuring photographer Sarah Wika. Bronze Man Books will release their new book “Monsters Don’t Read” and author Heather Champion will be available for signing. Live music and complimentary refreshments. Blue Connection, 117 N Water, www.millikinblueconnection.com 428.0112, 5-7:30p
2.5 Preschool Peepers Busy as a Beaver Children 3 to 5 years of age will chew into beaver artifacts, activities, story, craft, and short hike. Dress for the weather. $1. Reservations required. Rock Springs Nature Center, 10-11a
First Friday: Gallery 510 Featured Artist - Shirley Buescher from Pana, IL. Light refreshments served, 5:30-7:30p
Soul Purpose Sliderz Bar & Grille, 4p
The STILL Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 7p
Valentine’s Photos Coziahr H-D, $15, 11a-2p
Brown Bottle Fever Bourbon Barrel Bar & Grill, 4pm One Voice/Blue Bop Lock Stock & Barrel, 4-6p
Black N Blue Band Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p
Prairieland Rebels Cornerstone Tavern, 8p
Brown Bottle Fever The Winery, 10p
Young Artists Concert Annual midwinter celebration of young talent, featuring the winners of Millikin’s Concerto/Aria competition. MDSO completes the evening with one of the great orchestral showpieces, Bartok’s Miraculous Mandarin. Cookie & punch reception following. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 7:30p
2.4-2.6 Central Illinois Jazz Festival Includes lots of events such as Get Acquainted Party, New Orleans style Umbrella Parade, Pianorama, Saturday dinner and Dinner Show, Swing Dance, Saturday Ragtime Pianorama & Late Night Jam Session, Sunday Jazz Brunch. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, www.juvaejazz.com, Fr: 5p-12a, Sa: 10a-2a, Su: 10a-5p
The Blues Deacons Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p-12a
february 2011 | 17
Rock Kandy Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p Rustic Sun - Live Come and support a great local band! $3 cover (goes to the band) eat dinner and watch the show for free! Paco’s Sol Bistro The STILL Bunkers Bar & Grille, Illiopolis, 9p 2.5-2.6, 2.11-2.13 Blithe Spirit The smash comedy hit of the London and Broadway stages, this much-revived classic from the playwright of Private Lives offers up fussy, cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine, re-married but haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, the clever and insistent Elvira who is called up by a visiting “happy medium,” one Madame Arcati. As the (worldly and un-worldly) personalities clash, Charles’ current wife Ruth is accidentally killed, “passes over,” joins Elvira, and the two “blithe spirits” haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity. $12, Decatur Civic Center Fr & Sa - 7:30p, Su - 2p
18 | february 2011
2.5, 2.19 Dulcimer Club Come out and listen to sweet dulcimer music or bring your instrument and join in. Rock Springs Nature Center, 10a
2.10 The World Famous POPOVICH Comedy PET Theatre From Las Vegas, A Purrfect show for all ages. Main Floor & Mezzanine $25, Kids $15. Balcony Adults $20, Kids $10. Call 972.8606, Lincoln Square Theatre. 7p, Doors open at 6p
2.6 I’m Lichen You Winter is the best time to observe hidden plants called lichens. Lichens are a special type of plant that have a symbiotic relationship between mushrooms and algae. We will learn about these amazing overlooked plants as we explore a woodland trail. Rock Springs Nature Center, 2-3:30p
2.10-2.13 Cosi fan tutte By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Presented by Millikin Opera Theatre and performed in English. Youthful pretensions of love and fidelity are skewered in this comic masterpiece. Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W Main, Millikin University, $8/11, 424.6318, Th-Sa: 7:30p, Su: 2p
Musical Theatre Workshop Decatur KirkOut: Chamber Series Event, Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 424.6318, 2-3:30p
2.11 Poprocks Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p
2.6 Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce Luncheon $8pp. For more info: 864.2526 2.8-2.9 Sweetheart Owls Mini Camp Children and their adult companions will learn about owls and owlets through a craft, activities, songs, stories and snack. Afternoon campers go on a short hike, dress for the weather. $10. Reservations required. Rock Spring Nature Center, Tu: 1p, We: 9a
Sugar Prophets CD Release Party With guests Soul Creek, Pop’s Place, 9p-12a 2.11-2.12 Cupid’s Revenge A Byron Garrison Theatre Company Production, $15, Call 972.8606 for tickets. Lincoln Square Theatre. 7p, Doors open at 6p 2.12 Women’s Choir Festival Central Christian Church, 8a Second Saturday Book Sale Decatur Public Library, 9:30a-12:30p
To view these events and more visit www.thrivedecatur.com
Super Kid’s Club Valentine’s Party, Adults: $5, Kids 12 and under free. Lincoln Square Theatre, 2p The Hitmen Sliderz Bar & Grille, 4p Romaniacs Lock Stock & Barrel, 4-6p Saturday Blues Project, featuring Tympanic Blues Band Bourbon Barrel, 429.7506, 4p Hawaiian Luau Dress up with for our 2nd COMONAWANNALEIA Hawaiian Luau! Music & Fun! Coziahr H-D. 5-8p 7th Annual Taste of Chocolate With pianist Dennis Streight. Maroa City Gym, 120 S Locust (Old Maroa Grade School), $5 in advance, $8 at the door, 794.5196, 6p Sweetheart Banquet Hosted by Heartland Community Church. The Sweetheart Banquet will include special guest comedian Robert Hines, a delicious dinner, dancing and romance. Tickets $25/couple or $15/single. For tickets, call 877.9529. Grand Palace on the Heartland Campus, at 3523 N Brush College Rd., 6-11p Valentine Swing Night Enjoy a romantic evening of dinner and dancing featuring the Sande Hackel Orchestra at the Hickory Point Banquet Facility (727 Weaver) Dinner and Dance $50 per couple. Dance only pay $15per person or $25 per couple.
422.5911 to make reservations by Wednesday, February 9; tickets may not be purchased at the door. Cocktails: 5p, Dinner 6p, Dancing: 7-10p Millikin Percussion Ensembles “Synergy” showcases the distinctiveness of Millikin’s ubiquitous interdisciplinary alliances through various collaborative performances involving the percussion ensembles and some external entities. $7, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 424.6318, 1184 W Main, 7:30p Romantic Night Hike After you take your sweetheart out for a romantic dinner, join a naturalist for a guided hike through the woods ending with a fire where you can warm up with s’mores and hot chocolate. $2/pp. Rock Springs Conservation Area, 7:30-8p 808 Band Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p Mike Armstrong Best known as the ex-cop heard on the Bob and Tom Show. $22.50, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 9p Soul Creek The Bourbon Barrel Bar & Grill, 9p Usual Suspect Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p-12a
To view these events and more visit www.thrivedecatur.com
2.12-2.13 Rappaccini’s Daughter This adaptation of a Nathaniel Hawthorne story tells of a young student whose thirst for life and love plunge him into a web of secrets, illusions, and scientific miracles that will change him forever. Set in the hazy period between history and myth, Rappaccini’s Daughter is not your typical fairytale, but one that explores the dangers of unchained imagination and unrestricted passion. Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre: 1099 West Wood Street (in West Towne Square), 420-6739, $5, Sa: 2p & 7p, Su: 2p For the Love Of It Dinner Cabaret to raise money for Cancer Foundations, Decatur Club. $35pp. For tickets contact the Decatur Club 429.4208 or Aaron Largent 855.8613 for more details. Sa -- 6p Dinner, 7:30p Show, 9:15p After Party. Su -- 5p Dinner, 6:30p Show, 8:15p After Party 2.13 Music Jam Warm up with your honey in the Nature Center while listening to bluegrass music played by area musicians. Rock Springs Nature Center, 1-4p KirkOut Chamber Series Millikin University Faculty Woodwind Quintet. Free to public, no tickets required. Children’s Auditorium, Decatur Public Library, 2-3:30p
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Shay “The Piano Man” Thiele Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p-12a Blues Jam Check out Decatur Blues Society (www.decaturblues.org) for all the details! Paco’s Sol Bistro, 3-6p 2.17 The STILL Moose Lodge, 7p 2.18 Spongebob Night Aye Aye Captain! Spongebob Squarepants is coming to the museum and you’re invited. For children ages 3-7. $6pp (member), $9pp (non-member). Children’s Museum of Illinois, 6-8p Phred X Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p 2.18-2.19 David Jackson Live David Jackson’s show and music incorporates many styles: Jazz, Classic Pop, Soft Rock, Nostalgia, Traditional Pop, Oldies, Easy Listening, Instrumental Pop, Big Band and Swing. The Main Hangar, Decatur Airport, 6 & 8p. 421.7452 2.19 Decatur Big Band Lock Stock & Barrel
Vocal Jazz Festival Decatur High School and Collegiate Jazz ensembles will have the chance to showcase their jazz skills in front of guest clinicians during the 22nd Annual Vocal Jazz Festival. Millikin University’s award-winning vocal jazz ensemble, OneVoice, will be featured in a guest performance at 1p. 424.6318, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 9a-5p Winter Scavenger Hunt Turn your family into super sleuths when you hit the trails with the naturalist in search of wintry natural treasures. Afterwards warm up with hot chocolate. $1pp. Rock Springs Conservation Area, 1:30-2:30p The STILL Sliderz Bar & Grille, 4p West End Blues Project The Bourbon Barrel Bar & Grill,429.7506, 4-7p Double Feature Movie Night Glenn Close Night. Back to back Glenn Close movies: The Big Chill (1st), Fatal Attraction (2nd). Concession and beer available. Lincoln Square Theatre, 1st movie begins at 7p, FREE! Riverbottom Nightmare Band Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p
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2.20 YMCA Open House, Public Invited, 12-2p Feed the Animals What’s on the menu? Help the naturalist figure out what the nature center’s fish, turtles and frogs eat and then test your theories as we feed the animals. Rock Springs Nature Center, 1:30-2:30p Audubon Society Meeting Rock Springs Conservation Area, 2-3p Decatur Park Singers Auditions Singers interested in the ‘11 summer season should prepare a one minute acapella selection of a non-classical song and be prepared to sight read. If called back singers should be prepared to dance. A resume and nonreturnable picture are required at auditions. 422.5911 to schedule an audition time. Arts & Recreation Center, 2020 N Oakland, 5-8p 2.23 Decatur Chamber After Hours Help us welcome our new Chamber President Mirinda Rothrock. 5p. 100 South Water St., Suite 103. 2.23-2.24 Prancing Deer Mini Camp Children and their adult companions leap into the world of deer through a craft,
= a THRIVE featured event!
activities, songs, stories and snack. Afternoon campers go on a short hike, dress for the weather. $10. Reservations required. Rock Springs Nature Center, W: 1p, Th 9a 2.24 Seal of Excellence Tribute Dinner In Honor of Bob Fallstrom, Easter Seals event held at The Decatur Club, $75pp or $750/10. For reservations, 429.1052, 6p
different woodpeckers in Illinois? Travel along the Discovery Trail with a naturalist in search of the sights and sounds of sapsuckers, pileated, and downy woodpeckers. Rock Springs Nature Center, 10a
LHP Acoustic Sliderz Bar & Grille, 864.9227, 8p
3rd Annual Knights of Columbus Ladies Night Out Finger foods, vendors for shopping and demonstrations, raffles and silent auctions. Music provided. All proceeds benefits Ladies Auxiliary Charitable Funds. For lnfo, 422.2624, $5 advance (at KC Hall) or $8 at door, 4p
2.25 Latin Jazz Percussion Lock Stock & Barrel, 5:30-7:30p
Craig Russo’s Latin Jazz Group Lock Stock & Barrel, 4-6p
Vol Holla Sliderz Bar & Grille, 8p
Soul Creek Sliderz Bar & Grille, 4p
Kung Fu Dynamite Lock Stock & Barrel, 9p-1a
Mardi Gras Downtown Decatur, 5-9p
Mardi Gras Masks In preparation for Mardi Gras, teens will be making their own masks to take home. Registration required. Children’s Auditorium, Decatur Public Library. 2-4p. 424.2900
Escaping Neverland Sliderz Bar & Grille, 9p
56 Hope Road Paco’s Sol Bistro, $5 cover at the door, 10p 2.26 Rube Goldberg Area 5th grade classes will compete with their Rube Goldberg inventions. Children’s Museum of Illinois. Free, 10a-5p
2.26-2.27 Equinox: A Concert of Dance An exciting, eclectic mix of choreography, music and design by students, faculty and guest artists, Millikin’s annual dance concert always offers the unexpected in its artistry and its endless variety. $8, 424.6318, Sa-7:30p, Su-2p 2.27 Celebration of the Blues Bobby Tyrone Givens, Madden
Auditorium, Decatur Public Library, 2p Are You Sleeping What do plants and animals do in the winter? Learn about hibernation and dormancy of native plants and animals with the naturalist. Rock Springs Nature Center, 2p 2.28 Alice in Wonderland, Jr Ticket Sales Begin Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as the Decatur Park District’s 1st – 12th grade performers bring to life Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr. Reserved seats are $7 and may be purchased online, at the Decatur Park District, 620 E. Riverside Ave., by phone with a credit card (422-5911), or at the door of the Decatur Civic Center theatre one hour before show times. UP & COMING 3.6 Brunch at Bizou: Mardi Gras Style Make your reservation in February! How about a breakfast or a lunch served with a twist of Mardi Gras flavor? Food, music and a signature mimosa await you at this scrumptious fundraiser for the Decatur Area Arts Council. $40pp. Call for reservations. Limited seating. 423.3189. 10a & 12p
Woodpecker Walk Did you know that there are seven
To view these events and more visit www.thrivedecatur.com
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THANK YOU! Thanks to everyone that came out to the 411 with 501 last month at Robbie’s Grille! It was awesome to see some new faces and find out what you want to see happen in Decatur. If you missed us, make sure to get caught up with our weekly video updates. You will find the latest information about this week’s events, hottest trends and relevant local information for young professionals in your inbox. If you haven’t received yours yet, leave us a post on the Club 501 Facebook page and we’ll keep you in the loop. The Club is looking to expand our videoproduction committee and wants to extend the invitation to anyone who’s into pop culture, current events, tech geek or wants to be more involved without a huge time commitment. Anyone interested can contact Mike Horcharik at mhorcharik@foxillinois.com to join the crew. -Joe Havis, Secretary, Club 501
Upcoming “411 with 501” Events Thursday, April 21| 5:01-7p – Lock, Stock and Barrel Thursday, June 23| 5:01-7p – Buffalo Wild Wings Thursday, October 20| 5:01-7p – Jimmy Ryan’s Patio
Club 501 is a committee of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce Stay updated with Club 501 on Facebook
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official sponsor of Club 501
Jesus Christ Superstar Continued from page 15 Revis and cast
and people are doing it in droves with this production,” he says. “For the first few months I just worked with the company members— the chorus members. Some of them have to be sweet to Mary Magdalene in a scene and instantly turn around and be an angry mob in the trial by Pilate.” In fact the chorus can make or break a production, something Steve knows well. “They have the hardest job—some of them are on stage the whole time.” It’s quite an undertaking, working with a cast this size—50 or more. That includes community theater veterans, local students, and children ages 4 to 14. “This is a true Broadway production,” he says, “with a very large cast and a high quality of music.” That means a professional choreographer; music production including More on page 24 Brad Barding rehearses as Judas
In Brad Barding’s case, he’s stepping on stage and getting behind it, too. “Originally I wanted to play Caiaphas, and after Steve and I talked, I was Judas. Then when the original director had a work commitment I was thrust into the role of de facto director and vocal director. I have a wild life!” With rehearsals starting last July and gradually increasing to twice and three times a week while increasing in complexity, life soon got even more interesting. “I work for Pepsi Refreshment Services by day and play Judas at night,” says Barding. “When you’re told you’re going to be portraying the #1 betrayer of Jesus Christ, a lot goes through your head.” Fittingly, he’s been able to make those churning thoughts work for him and the cast. “Character research is a big thing with me,
february 2011 | 23
Jesus Christ Superstar Continued from page 23
a 64-piece orchestra for maximum fidelity and sound; a 15-person technical staff—hair, makeup, wardrobe, stage managers, engineers, lighting, music; plus they’re bringing in a large concert-size PA system and $14,000 worth of computerized lights to blow out the Lincoln. Then, of course, there are the rights to perform the show itself. “We had to go to great extents to get licensed by Rodgers & Hammerstein for specific dates and shows,” says Steve. “If this show works, we’ll extend the run, and we want to do more productions:West Side Story, Miss Saigon.” All coming to you live from Decatur’s own Lincoln Square Theatre. “We’re donating half of everything we make for the first three shows to restoration of the Lincoln Square Theatre,” he says. “They’ve agreed to be our home, and we want to see them shine.” Along with resurrecting a rock opera, Steve envisions restoring a community gem—no small feat. “We wanted to do something on a grand scale—go big or go home.”
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GET THERE!
Jesus Christ Superstar March 4-6 Lincoln Square Theatre
Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Get them online at www.decaturtheater.com or call Debbie Ford at 972-8606. www.decaturtheater.com
The relationship between Jesus (Revis) and Judas (Barding) drives the plot of Jesus Christ Superstar
Hot sauce and salsa from the Great Forsyth Chili & Salsa Competition
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Central Illinois Pro Wrestling—Ready for Primetime Big time wrestling in Central Illinois? Believe it. Joli Hohenstein taps in for a look inside the ring on the eve of their biggest night of the year.
Want an up close and personal, down and dirty, front row like-youwere-there view of the region’s best pro wrestling? Grab your spot in the Nose Bleed Seats. Better known as NBS, they run the hottest pro wrestling fan site, CentralIllinoisProWrestling.com, and March 18 they’re bringing the best seats in the house to Decatur for the 4th Annual NBS Awards. The event (to be held at The Main Hangar) takes nominations to honor the region’s best pro wrestlers with awards like The Golden Microphone (best way with words to the crowd), Most Hated (self explanatory) and of course, the coveted Wrestler of the Year award. “It’s just a great honor,” says twotime Wrestler of the Year Jarin McCaffrey, who wrestles as fan favorite Guy Smith. “The fact that they want to honor us for what we do means a lot. The best way to judge a performance is by how the crowd reacts.” more on p28
all photos courtesy of Chris Cooper
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Central Illinois Pro Wrestling from page 27 No one knows better how to speak the fans’ language than NBS Co-Founder Chris Cooper. A lifelong wrestling addict who grew up on WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), he craved local action. Finding a thriving, albeit segmented, regional circuit, he and fellow fan Steven Lucas formed the Nosebleed Seats to pull the regional pros together and up out of obscurity. “In wrestling, the WWE is the Broadway of wrestling—everything else is what we cover,” says Chris. “Our goal is to make our guys as popular and share their skills. They’re great wrestlers, great performers, great entertainers.” As the NBS took off, its reputation as the ultimate fan stop grew. They started small with MySpace, branched out to Facebook, Twitter, CafePress, their own site (CentralIllinoisWrestling.com), and most recently, the NBS Pro Wrestling Training Center (located right here at Decatur’s Skywalker International Sports Complex). “We’re instilling guys with solid basics and good respect for the business,” says McCaffrey, who serves as Head Trainer. “We work to help them perform well and perform safely and work with an array of styles to help them develop their own styles.” It all goes back to the NBS goal: “Get our wrestling scene in Central Illinois the MASS EXPOSURE it deserves!” And of course, it all feeds Chris’ passion too.
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“It’s the best of both worlds—we meet them, see them, talk with them on a daily basis,” he says. “We know what’s going on and are able to translate what we know to help other fans and communicate from a fan standpoint.” This is the ultimate source for news, rumors, training info, rankings, schedules, show results—if it’s happening in Central Illinois pro wrestling, they’re covering it. They’re even doing regular one-onone podcasts with wrestling’s key personalities. “We’re interviewing wrestlers, promoters and others to find out how they got into it, what they enjoy, who they like to watch,” says Chris. “It’s one of my favorite parts about the whole process—you get to learn about all sides of it.” With every click and post, Chris sees the region drawing closer together. “That’s what NBS is all about: bringing all of those groups together to help each other out,” he says. “And the Awards really is a group effort with the whole region coming together for the fans.” To truly recognize the best of the best, the NBS Awards accepts nominations from all sides of the ring: fans, promoters, media, and wrestlers. Here, it isn’t the number of votes but the quality of the nomination. “If you can’t write two paragraphs on someone, you’re voting for the wrong person,” says Chris. “[Because we don’t just hand out awards] it’s become such an important event.”
2011 NBS Awards
Awards are handed out in the following categories: Wrestler of the Year, Tag Team of the Year, Diamond in the Rough, Fan Favorite, Most Hated, The Golden Microphone, Respect Award, Feud of the Year, Referee of the Year, Promotion of the Year, Match of the Year
There will also be an induction into the Central Illinois Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. Submit your nominations by March 10 via their Facebook page or CentralIllinoisProWrestling.com, and get ready to rumble!
Get There
The 2011 NBS Awards
March 18, 7-10 pm The Main Hangar 910 S. Airport Rd., Decatur http://www.centralillinoisprowrestling.com http://myspace.com/thenosebleedseats http://www.facebook.com/centralillinoisprowrestling http://www.cafepress.com/nosebleedseats http://www.twitter.com/nbsprowrestling
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What are you wearing for the Polar Plunge?