VIDETTE summer WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017 Vol. 129 / No. 62
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Singin’
all summer long
From past to present: ISU possesses a rich festival history STORY BY STUART STALTER | Features Reporter | @VidetteStuS
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ounded in 1857, Illinois State University’s history is rooted in providing students a premium education. ISU’s history also boasts a rich track record of hosting entertaining events and festivals. Archive assistant Julie Neville believes ISU’s time as an entertainment venue is almost as old as the campus itself. “I believe the earliest ‘concerts’ on campus would be put on by the literary societies which formed soon after the university was founded,” Neville said. “The literary societies on campus (Philadelphian and Wrightonian) would hold
meetings and events that included debates, speeches, and musical entertainment.” A look into ISU history book “A History of the Illinois State Normal University,” written in 1882 by John Williston Cook and James McHugh, assures Neville’s accuracy. According to the book, on Oct. 9, 1857, four days after ISU opened, ISU’s male students proposed “a society for the purpose of extending their social relations and for the elevation of their moral character and intellectual attainments.” A formal proposal was accepted the following day, thus forming the Normal Debating Society.
Later that year, the society was renamed to Philadelphian Society. However, member disagreements led to the Wrightonian Society forming in 1858. These two societies hosted ISU’s first social gatherings. Student picnics occurred each spring and a union exhibit occurred at the end of the winter semester. However, the biggest event was an annual faculty serenade involving the whole school and the Bloomington city band. The band and students would go to each professor’s house to play live music. see FESTIVAL page 6
A student enjoys the lights and sounds during a May concert put on by the University Program Board in Uptown Cricle. DJ Earworm was performing. Photograph by Shea Grehan | Vidette Photographer
James Robinson looks to make jersey his own PAGE 8
ISU will receive $65 million with state budget PAGE 2
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017
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Passed budget ‘sigh of relief’ for ISU
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Illinois State University will recieve $7.2 million less from the state than it did the last time a budget was passed. (HLC) Barbara Gellman-Danley wrote a letter to Rauner warning him of potential trouble for universities throughout the state. “Students attending institutions that do not have status with an accrediting agency recognized by the federal government cannot access federal financial aid.” Gellman-Danley said.
Despite any previous concern for another year without a state budget, ISU would have remained in good shape. “Our enrollment continues to be very strong and very steady,” Jome said. “We don’t have any major fears about enrollment drop, and that’s a very important factor in continuing success.”
‘Once Upon a Mattress’ to spring into Miller Park
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The Illinois House overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget veto Thursday 71-42, providing Illinois with a budget after a 736-day impasse. Illinois State University will receive slightly over $65 million for fiscal year 2018. ISU Director of Media Relations Eric Jome said there was a sigh of relief among himself and other ISU faculty when it was announced the state approved a budget. “As we saw, it isn’t a budget where everybody was on board,” Jome said. “It took a veto override by both Houses. It was certainly not something everybody in the state agreed on, but certainly, it was a major sigh of relief to have that in place so that we can begin to move forward.” The budget plan would spend more than $36 billion on primary and secondary education, colleges and universities, social services, medical care for the poor and other government functions, with close to $5 billion in new taxes, according to
the Chicago Tribune. Jome said that while ISU will receive less money this fiscal year than it did in 2015, the last time the state had a budget, it is a step in the right direction. “At least for this budget cycle, we are back to a consistent level of funding, which allows us to actually have a set number we can look at when we begin financial planning,” Jome explained. “The appropriation for fiscal year 2018 is about $7.2 million less than what we got the last time we had a budget, fiscal year 2015. It’s nice at this point after what we’ve been through to have a fixed number.” “It allows us to begin some serious planning,” Jome added. The state is still at risk for bond rating agencies to downgrade it to “junk status.” State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said Rauner must go to New York to talk bond-rating agencies out of knocking the state’s creditworthiness into “junk” status Monday. President of the accrediting agency Higher Learning Commission
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IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Once Upon a Comedy and music meet with Mattress” the Bloomington Center for the WHEN: July 27-30 Performing Arts’ (BCPA) debut WHERE: Miller Park of “Once Upon a Mattress.” Bandstand The BCPA will continue its COST: Free long-standing tradition of SPECIAL NOTES: In performing in Miller Park, case of rain an adwhere it first began holding dtional show will be shows for the public in 1973. held Aug. 5 All performances will be held at the Miller Park Bandstand, located at 1020 S. Morris Ave. Despite receiving in Bloomington. mixed reviews at the Showings will be held every time of its release, night at 7:30 p.m. from July 27“Once Upon a Mat30. There will also be afternoon tress” has remained relperformances on July 29 and evant and celebrated, 30, both of which will start at Shea Grehan | Vidette Photographer making it a favorite for 2 p.m. In case of rain, an extra community theatres. The Bloomington Center for Performing Arts will continue its tradition of holding free perperformance will be held on formances at Miller Park in Bloomington by hosting “Once Upon a Mattress”. The BCPA perforAugust 5, also at 7:30 p.m. All mance of “Once Upon have adult and teen cast members, [as well showings are free of charge. a Mattress” was one of the last performances as] some even younger members,” Dittmann Adapting material from “The Princess planned by the late director of the BCPA. said. “Miller Park Summer Theatre is fun and and the Pea,” a fairy tale by Hans Christian “We are very happy to be doing this show. different for all ages.” Andersen, the musical blends comedy and It was planned by Tina Salamone, who reDebuting for the first time in New York song to create an entirely new experience for cently passed,” Ditmann said. in 1959, the show quickly made its way onto audiences, even those who are familiar with Ditmann said the show will be dedicated to the stages of Broadway. It would go on to be the original story. Salamone. nominated for a Tony award in 1960 for Best BCPA Assistant Manager Ann-Marie DittFor more information about Miller Park Musical, and would be nominated again in mann said the show is appropriate for all ages. performances and other upcoming events, 1997 when the show was revived. “[Our show] is really intergenerational. We visit the BCPA website.
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017
Small town arcade transports families to the 80s CLAIRE WEINZIERL News Reporter | @ClaireWeinzierl
It is no understatement that arcades are not nearly as popular as they were in previous decades. However, that is not stopping one local man from giving families a glimpse into the past via Arcadia, the playable arcade museum. John Yates dreamed of opening an arcade museum since he first started hoarding arcade games while he was in college during the late ’80s and early ’90s. In 1995, Yates dubbed his idea as foolish and gave up his effort. After his second internet startup failed, Yates returned to Illinois from San Francisco, defeated and in need of a distraction. He began remodeling one of his buildings in downtown McLean. What started out as a fun distraction for Yates, owner of about 1,500 arcade games stored in warehouses, became an arcade museum in 2009. Yates began to take his fun distraction seriously over the last eight years. He single-handedly runs the museum with the occasional help of friends. “It’s [Arcadia] my baby,” Yates said. “I buy the games, repair them, restore them and maintain them.” In his free time, Yates works on remodeling other buildings, future expansions of Arcadia. In March 2016 Yates opened the first expansion of the museum as a single unit arcadethemed bed and breakfast, which guests can reserve on Airbnb.com. The second expansion opened in December 2016 which focuses on Pinball machines. Yates said he has two more expansions planned and hopes they will open by the end of the year. “Rather than trying to feature rare, unusual or oddball arcade games, our focus has been
Shea Grehan | Vidette Photographer
ABOVE: One young customer enjoys a round of “Ghost Squad Evolution.” LEFT: Arcadia has many classic arcade games avaliable for those feeling nostalgic. to recreate the experience of going into a real arcade back in the ’80s or ’90s,” Yates said. “This is an experience that has all but disappeared from our country, but it was very common two decades ago. Therefore, we try to select the most popular, funnest and most memorable games from the arcade boom-years.” Staple arcade games such as “Pac Man,” “Galaga,” “Donkey Kong,” “Centipede,” “Tapper,” “Tron” and more are always present in Arcadia. However, Yates rotates new games in frequently. “I really like the variety of games at Arcadia.
Bands from across the country make their way to Twin Cities for concert
CINDY HERNANDEZ News Reporter | @cindylu_7
ALEX CAMPBELL News Reporter | @alex_campbell98
Music Under the Stars is a family-friendly program that puts on free concerts throughout the summer in Bloomington-Normal. The program brings different types of music genres to town. According to the Bloomington Parks and Recreation website, Music Under the Stars will have performances by various bands and artists on Tuesday nights from 7-8:30pm. The concerts take place in Bloomington’s Miller Park Bandstand. The Illinois Art Council Agency helps make the summer event free of charge. According to arts. illinois.gov, the Illinois Art Council Agency appoints members to work in “developing the state’s public arts policy” and “fostering quality culturally diverse programs.” “The Illinois Art Council gives a grant to the non-profit park district sponsoring the program,” IACA Program Director Susan Dickson said. In this case, Bloomington’s park district sponsors the shows put on in Miller Park. Its donation is one of the many reasons why Music Under the Stars stays free of cost and can be enjoyed by everyone. The BraziLionaires, a jazz band with a “Latin twist” will perform Tuesday. The band is made up of seven members and is fronted by vocalist Dove Benoit and guitarist Rico Wayne Johnson. The Brass Band of Central Illinois will perform Aug. 1.
The Twin Cities has many cornerstones including Uptown Normal, Downtown Bloomington, Illinois State University, State Farm Headquarters and the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts (BCPA). The Twins can now add another cornerstone to the list, the Cornerstones of Rock Concert that is. The BCPA will host on its front lawn this month. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. July 15 and will feature The Shadows of Knight, New Colony Six, The Cryan’ Shames, The Buckinghams and The Ides
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faces at Arcadia and that is rare today.” Arcadia is located just off Interstate 55, drawing the attention of travelers as a driving break. The current summer hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., however during the school year Arcadia is only open on the weekends. Yates said once the two new expansions are complete, the hours may increase to seven days a week. Claire Weinzierl is a news reporter at The Vidette and can be reached at vidette_caweinz@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter @ClaireWeinzierl.
‘Cornerstones of Rock’ to shake up Blo-No
Music Under the Stars provides free community concerts
Full story online.
I especially appreciate that they have my most favorite arcade games, ‘Pac Man,’ ‘Space Invaders’ and of course ‘Pin Ball,’” Kenyon Jodlowski, senior agriculture education major said. Arcadia’s primary audience is families but many adults visit the museum to travel back to their childhood days hanging out at the local arcade. “As a father who loves to do things with his kids, nothing brings me greater joy than seeing a dad bonding with his son or daughter over a great arcade game,” Yates said. “There aren’t a lot of places around here that make that as easy as Arcadia. Generally, you see nothing but smiling
of March featuring Jim Peterik. Marketing Manager for BCPA Erin Shannon said The Ides of March have performed at the BCPA over the past few years. “What makes this show so unique is the opportunity for five hit making bands all from the ’60s and ’70s, all originating from the Midwest,” Shannon said. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased in a multitude of ways including in person at the BCPA located at 600 N. East Street. The BCPA is open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at (309)-434-2777 or on the BCPA website. The concert will take place on the BCPA’s front lawn and will also feature food trucks and is presented in conjunction with the Lincoln Fest. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and
Photo courtesy of the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts
The Bloomington Center for Performing Arts will bring together a variety of bands for this year’s “Cornerstones of Rock.” the concert is open to all ages. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to the concert.
Alex Campbell is a news reporter for The Vidette and can be reached at vidette_ajcamp2@ ilstu.edu.
Chicago beer tasting offered for alumni SARAH ATEN News Reporter | @sarahmaten
contribute to the university. Vahl said that alumni could volunteer and teach or financial donate for The Chicago Young Alumni Network will scholarships. host a beer tasting event as a way for younger Alumni can also get involved graduates to get to know one another at 6:30 with the Chicago Young Alumni p.m. July 27 at On Tour Brewing Company. Network and learn addiThe event at 1725 W Hubbard St., Chicago tional information about the will include a tour of the site, beer tasting organization. and food from Portillo’s. The warehouse “The Chicago Young Alumni is offers many different beer flavors. Alumni a group of alumni typically who can sample three and pick their favorite for have graduated ten years or less a pint. from the university, as a way to Participants will also receive an On Tour engage with other alumni that pint glass. share that similar demographic,” “We hope that it provides an opportuVahl said. “As well as an opportunity for them to come out and get to know nity to engage with new folks and Josh Noel | Chicago Tribune/TNS maybe wanting to get involved some other Illinois State alumni, to provide an opportunity to engage our younger Alumni will connect while tasting an array of beers in Chicago in late July. with the Young Alumni Network alumni,” Associate Director of Alumni Relaand enjoy, of course, a Chicago tions Lindsay Vahl said. staple, Portillo’s.” “We know that if folks are engaged early and often The event takes place in Chicago, which is where when they have the ability to do so, they will also It is $15 to attend the event. Registration can be many Illinois State students are from and where give back to the university,” Vahl said. completed by contacting Alumni Relations. The many alumni go to further their careers. There are different ways that alumni can deadline for registration is 4:30 p.m. July 24.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017
Music festival prices have become too out of tune
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ollapalooza. Coachella. Summerfest. Various music festivals fill the calendar almost year-round, and they are a huge business. Long gone are the days of Woodstock. Forget the mud, sweat and tears; there are now options for fans to go all out with VIP backstage passes that come with a hefty price, of course. Are music festivals too expensive? Absolutely. Weekend passes for Lollapalooza in 2016 cost $335, more than a 20 percent increase from 2015’s $275 ticket price. Compare that to Woodstock. In 1969, advanced tickets to “3 Days of Peace & Music” cost $18, the equivalent of $120 in 2014 dollars. Concert ticket prices have surged since the days of peace and love, with the average increasing by nearly 400 percent from 1981 to 2012. Festival tickets are more in demand than they ever have been. But the price of saying that “you were there” has grown exponentially over the years. As college students, we love music. Music has helped us figure out who we are, what we like, the people we want to be with. Our favorite pop stars, bands and rappers blast at parties, on drives to and from school and when we aren’t listening to any music,
we’re humming songs we can’t get out of our heads. And as college students, why do we have to spend over $300 to hear our favorite musicians perform live? Music has and will always be a very specific industry, and in the age of social media and technology, we have never been more connected to our favorite artists.
JAY-Z owns a popular streaming service. Beyoncé dropped the biggest album of 2016 on that specific streaming service. Drake and Taylor Swift release Apple Music exclusives. Selena Gomez is the most followed person on Instagram. We stay up to date with these artists’ lives, so the demand to see them perform has only increased.
Any festival organizer might also argue that when it comes to festival finances, it’s a case of supply and demand. Festivals now come with cross-generational appeal and have never been more popular. This leads to a reason why ticket prices are rising. Hiring big-name acts is one thing, but the hired acts also draw in
specific sponsors and advertisements. In turn, us fans feed the increased costs. We must not forget that once you are in, if you somehow manage to conjure up over $300, drinks cost at least $5. Food costs $10. Concert tees cost $50. Transportation and parking are even worse. Music festivals have become an oasis for our generation. According to a 2015 Nielsen’s Audience Insights Report, approximately 32 million people attend at least one music festival in the U.S. each year, and nearly half of festivalgoers are between the ages of 18 and 34. Let’s face it. Standing in an either hot or muddy field, dirty, having to relieve yourself of the pints of the official drink partner’s water or beer you waited in line for 20 minutes for, then making your way to the nearest bathroom in slow motion, as you try to keep your Converse as clean as possible, just sounds appealing to a lot of us. It’s our generation. We want to be there, we want to tweet, post on Instagram and relish in the experience. Or, you could go for the cost-efficient option, one which ensures maximum comfort, warmth, good food, clean toilets and the perfect vantage point from which to see your favorite artists. You could just stay at home and watch it on television.
Editorial Graphic by Lee Walls | Vidette Art Director
Editorial written by KEVIN SCHWALLER, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the University.
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Saving money early will help in the long run MY VIEW KAMARA TURNER | Columnist
E
veryone has a different view on saving money, however I think everyone agrees that saving is one of the best habits anyone can have. You can’t do much in this world without money— traveling, eating or just enjoying time out with friends. Saving money is not easy at first, but once you make it a habit, it is a habit you will never want to break.
Why is saving money so resourceful? There are plenty of reasons why everyone, especially college students, should pick up this habit. The older I got, the less I wanted to ask my parents for money. I started working, and although it began with minimum wage, I felt financially independent, which is one of the first reasons why saving money is important. Saving money can help you reach those traveling or lifestyle goals you’ve been trying to achieve. It is the perfect time to travel the world right now, and if you have money set aside in a savings account, you have the freedom to call your own shots when and where you want to vacation. In the end, if you have
the funds, you will be able to meet these goals. Saving money will help in the long run when it’s time to pay off debt that you may have. I’m an avid credit card user, so I must pay a monthly limit every month. However, I sometimes use money from my savings to add more to the minimum limit of the card which will help lower interest rates. It is okay to use your credit card every now and then, but life happens, which means we all have unexpected emergencies. A savings account will help lower stress when it’s time to make payments later. In terms of emergencies, no one ever knows what can really happen, so it’s best to always have extra money set aside for
REDBIRD RUMBLE or FUMBLE
things such as losing your job or other financial crises. It may seem impossible to save money in college, but saving now while we’re young is the best thing to do. A few tips on savings would be to not buy new textbooks. There are so many reliable websites out there that allow students to rent textbooks for a cheaper price, such as Amazon. Buying groceries opposed to eating out is also a wonderful way to save money. For students living in residence halls, stacking up on snacks and quick meals for your room and mini-fridge will save you a ton. It is okay to treat yourself occasionally, but grocery shopping is overall better for your health and pockets. Opening a savings account
was one of the best things I have ever done, and everyone should consider it, especially college students. With every check I deposit, I put at least 20 percent of it in my savings and use the rest for necessities. Remember that everyone’s lifestyle is different, so what works for one may not work for someone else. You may need to start off with saving only $20 at a time, but as time goes by, you will see a difference and that is motivation to keep saving. Kamara Turner is a columnist for The Vidette. Any questions or concerns regarding her column can be sent to katurne@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter @kvmara.
Compiled by The Vidette Editorial Board
Redbird Rumble: To the Illinois General Assembly for finally
Redbird Rumble: To Music Under the Stars for providing free
Redbird Fumble: To the Illinois General Assembly for raising
Redbird Rumble: To the Bloomington City Council for unani-
ending the 736-day budget impasse on July 6. The Illinois House overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget veto 71-42, the minimum votes needed in favor of the measure.
personal income tax rates with the budget package. The rates will go from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent.
concerts in Bloomington throughout the summer. Upcoming artists include BraziLionaires and the Brass Band of Illinois.
mously agreeing to add bike lanes to Washington Street during its Monday night meeting.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017
Diversity Council recommended for ISU SARAH ATEN News Reporter | @sarahmaten
A Climate Assessment Task Force that reviewed diversity efforts on the Illinois State University campus has recommended the formation of a Diversity Executive Council. “On a practical level, it would help formalize a lot of the things that are already happening on campus,” Climate Assessment Task Force member Dave Bentlin said. “One thing that we’ve learned from the task force progress, is that there are a lot of good things happening on campus, a lot of departments and offices and colleges that have instituted some programs and some events and ideas that are, that we think are very good.” The University of Pennsylvania supplied a consulting firm that aided in ISU’s efforts to gauge diversity measures. An online survey was provided for staff and students to take and focus groups were held. A report was created with recommendations based off the results. “The initial climate assessment really set the stage for our actions, but we wanted to gain a greater understanding of ongoing efforts, so we talked to a lot of people,” task force member Doris Houston said.
The Campus Climate Assessment was published May of 2016. “Based on that report, President Dietz directed his office to create this task force to go about looking at the recommendations from the report and determining what we could do as a university community to help meet those recommendations,” Bentlin said. The task force existed for a year, until May of 2017. They spent a year getting information on the current atmosphere. Advice from the task force is now being reviewed by the Campus Climate Implementation Team, who are working on areas of improvement. “It’s an exciting time to watch ideas take hold and become action,” Vice President of Student Affairs Levester Johnson, chairman on the implementation team, said A specific council devoted to diversity would allow for a continuous focus on the issue. ISU already has a lot of activities geared toward inclusivity and the council would serve to grow on that. “Our thought is that by having a university diversity council, that it would be a way to bring all of those players together, in one body, so that we could learn from some of those best practices, and we...could have a more...unified diversity message at the university,” Bentlin
Photo courtesy of illinoisstate.edu
University Diversity Council suggested by Climate Assessment Task Force. said. A campus cultural center was also recommended by the task force, in addition to related education materials. “So, I think that the creation of a council will help ensure that this is not a report that
will just sit on a shelf,” Bentlin said. “That it will continue to have a life and that the university as a whole will continue to work on those recommendations.” The task force’s final report is planned to be accessible fall 2017.
Mennonite College receives $1.4 million grant ALI RASPER News Reporter | @alirasper4
tuition and fee costs, as well as providing a stipend to cover other educational expenses,” Neubrander said. The Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) received an “This will allow students to perhaps work fewer award of $1.4 million to focus on rural and underserved hours, resulting in increased time to concentrate on populations. their graduate coursework...The students will also have Dean of Mennonite College of Nursing Judy Neuopportunities to interact with preceptors in clinical setbrander reflected on how grateful the program is to tings and at the preceptor workshop, with the goal of receive this grant. increasing the number of primary care nurse practitio“[The grant] is a recognition at a national level of ners seeking employment in practices serving rural and MCN’s ongoing excellence and its commitment to servunderserved populations.” ing vulnerable populations,” Neubrander said. Not only has Mennonite College of Nursing received “It will provide funding for curricular enhancement this grant, it also received $2 million for the four-year including clinical simulation, and preceptor developNursing Workforce Diversity grant. ment. It will provide traineeship funding, including With these grants, Mennonite is looking forward to a tuition, fees, and stipends, for 31 graduate students in the successful school year. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) sequence of the MCN “The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of care graduate nursing program.” and access to care for those individuals in rural and Ali Rasper | Vidette Photographer The grant will go towards helping rural health systems The grant will provide funding for rural health systems in the area. underserved settings,” Neubrander said. “Through the in the area and will also teach students how to work in activities of the grant, MCN will be able to establish itself different scenarios. as a leader in caring for these populations, with its FNP Neubrander said students will participate in immersive cliniThe new grant provides the students with endless opportuni- cal training experiences in settings serving these populations. graduates well-prepared to practice primary care in these ties and an inexpensive way to further their education. “Thirty-one FNP students will receive funding to cover settings.”
Milner Library to host ‘Shakespearience’ KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor | @kevschwa
Illinois State University’s Milner Library will host Shakespearience 2 p.m. Sunday on the sixth floor of the Milner Library. The program will give viewers a rare glimpse into the world of poet
and playwright William Shakespeare. In addition to interactive talks and hands-on demonstrations, the public will also get to view rare items, including books from Shakespeare’s time in Milner Library’s Special Collections. Shakespearience will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of Illinois Shakespeare Festival by featuring three Shakespeare scholars: Assistant Professor Tara Lyons from Illinois State’s Department of English as well as DePaul University’s Megan Heffernan and Adam Hooks from the University of Iowa. Participants will be invited to experience what life may have been like for Shakespeare and his contemporaries in Renaissance England.
Burger Baskets:
Photo courtesy of Illinoisshakes.com
Milner will host a Shakespeare event Sunday.
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$2.00 Single Basket $3.50 Double Basket Mon-Fri 5 pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm
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PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Country Thunder rolls in the best summer entertainment CRISTINA MESSENBURG Features Reporter | @CMeesenburg_285
Excited country music fans line up at the gate to enter a sea of tents, American flags and cowboy boots. People from all walks of life will take over Twin Lakes, Wisconsin for yet another year of Country Thunder. For those country music lovers, this musical festival is the best four days of the year. After the performing line-up is released, the excitement and anticipation escalates for the opening day.
Ali Rasper | Vidette Photographer
Country musician Dustin Lynch greets avid fans at the 2016 Country Thunder.
This year’s festival runs from July 20 to 23, four full days packed with performances from popular country artists. Billy Currington, Keith Urban, Dan + Shay, Thomas Rhett, Maddie & Tae and Jason Aldean are just a few that will be lighting up the stage at this year’s festival. “Keith Urban is definitely one to look out for this year. Thomas Rhett is also an incredible performer so these shows definitely won’t disappoint,” Director of Marketing and Media Relations Gerry Krochak said. Performances start in the early afternoon, run throughout the day and finish in the night. Those wishing to still get tickets should check out the schedule so they do not miss their favorite artists. In order to get the true experience of Country Thunder, it is highly recommended to hitch up a tent on one of the seven campgrounds along with the thousands of campers and the 100,000 crazy fans. If camping is not a favorable thing, for the first time ever, Country Thunder is providing campsites just for glamping—a stylish and luxurious way to camp. These air-conditioned tents provide comfortable beds and other amenities. Dust of those boots and check out the Country Thunder website for more information.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 2017
Tips and tricks
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Advice on how to get the full concert experience
ummertime is filled with opportunities to enjoy some live music— whether indoors or out in the warm weather— and with that opportunity comes some responsibility. Anyone planning on attending a concert this summer should keep these pointers in mind to maximize the experience:
bring the essentials: tickets, wallet with cash and ID, hair ties for loose, flying hair and a fully charged phone. “Purchase a charging phone case or bring a battery bank,” Fischer said. “They will save your life and are cheap on Amazon.”
What not to bring
That being said, there are also plenty of things that should be left at home. Avoid wearing new shoes and instead opt for a more comfortable pair. In addition, people should not wear anything they would hate to ruin or lose such as a favorite outfit or expensive jewelry. Finally, leave the large bags
Buying tickets
Ticket scalpers are famous for buying as many tickets as they can and reselling them at inflated prices later. The best way to avoid Shea Grehan | Vidette Photogapher this is to keep tabs on University Progam threw an Uptown Normal concert in May 2017 with DJ Earworm. ISU students artists you are interested in seeing in concert and gathered for a night of dancing with glow sticks under foam lights. act quickly when they announce a tour. and professional cameras at home. If there is a pre-sale available, take advantage of it and buy tickets What to do at the concert before they are available to the general public. If those wishing to attend Attendees should not be afraid to get closer if they have the opportumiss the pre-sale, their next step should be to set an online alarm when nity, especially if they are on the shorter side. the tickets are released to the public and in order to get second pick. Fischer said, “Be overly polite to those around you while squeezing What to wear through the crowd; it has worked every time. Do this until you make Senior journalism major Ashleigh Lalla advises against focusing too your way to the first or second row.” much on what to wear to the concert and focusing more on the experiFischer and Lalla also suggested taking pictures with friends beforeence itself. hand, otherwise you run the risk of forgetting and missing the photo “Wear something comfy,” Lalla said. “So many times I wished I opt. was just in a T-shirt. Realistically, who’s going to pay attention to your Above all, senior English education major Katie Sall encourages conoutfit?” certgoers to put down their phones and enjoy the moment. In addition, senior elementary education major Carris Fischer suggests lay“Live in the moment. The best times I’ve ever had is when I’m off my ers when considering clothing. “Layer your clothing. Depending on the venue phone, singing terribly for myself and my surroundings to enjoy,” Sall and the distance, it’s good to keep something for warmth, but also not be said. super hot while inside or outside during the concert,” Fischer said. Alumna art education major Emily Lowman agreed with Sall and said, “If your friends wanted to see the show, they could have bought tickets. What to bring Get your money’s worth.” While it is important not to forget something, it is also best to only Compiled by DANIA DE LA HOYA ROJAS | Features Reporter
Kendrick Lamar returns to Chicago LA’NITA BROOKS Features Reporter | @ LaNita107
Lamitrius Watson will be seeing Lamar for the first time at the Chicago concert. “He sends a powerful and inspiring mesSeven-time Grammy winner and music sage to the black community. His rap is icon Kendrick Lamar returns to Chicago different than the other rappers today,” this month to set the city on fire once Watson said. “The stuff he raps about is again. The tour follows and is titled after factual to what’s going on in today’s socihis fourth album “DAMN.” ety. He raps about positive real-life stuff. It has been nearly two years since he In this industry, it is hard to do that and last performed in Chicago, creating a big be successful.” anticipation for his return later this month. Watson also said that he wants to see His album, which was released earlier how Lamar delivers a message through this year in April, has been topping the his performance in the way that his music charts and receiving positive recognition. does. “He’s one of the greatest of our time “DAMN.” has went platinum, has won Courtesy of Getty Images and I think the show will solidify that numerous awards and has been the fastest Kendrick Lamar will preform in Chicago at the United Center on even more,” Watson said. selling album of 2017. The album features So far, Lamar has performed songs July 27. Check out his latest release “DAMN.” out now. artist such as Rihanna, U2 and Zacari. from the album at Coachella and the BET His last tour in 2015, “Kunta’s Groove about “how the music touches my soul.” Awards. Both performances were powerSessions,” was supposed to be an intimate show The tour will have performances by special ful shows that left the audience standing with at a small venue; however, because of the high guest Travis Scott and D.R.A.M. Lamar will be applause. demand to see the performer in Chicago, it was performing a combination of songs from his Due to high demand, there will be two stops moved to a larger venue. new album, such as “Humble” and “DNA,” as in Chicago, July 27 and August 20. Both shows “It was great,” loyal fan Travis Gray said. “He’s well as some of his old hits like “Swimming will be at 7:30 p.m. at the United Center. Tickets a dope artist.” Pools” and “Alright.” The concert is set to leave can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or at the Gray, who will also be attending the concert the audience with a night they will never forget. venue. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets later this month, said that he is most excited Senior organizational leadership major as soon as possible.
FESTIVAL
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History professor John Freed said one of ISU’s first large gatherings was its 40th anniversary in 1897. This two-day event was the last time the first four presidents gathered together. Inside tents pitched near the Old Main building, alumni delivered speeches followed by music playing between speeches. The celebration concluded with a banquet for 385 guests featuring “at least 20 toasts” according to Freed’s 2009 research article, “Educating Illinois: Illinois State University 1857-2009.”
Nearly a century later, ISU’s most successful festival began: Rites of Spring. The all-day, gargantuan gathering on the Quad, ran from 1972-1977. College of Business 1973 graduate Bob Mis started the festival. Disgruntled with ISU’s entertainment, he enlisted the help of a Chicago musical booking agency. The agency attracted big music and comedy stars, making the new festival an immediate success. Rites of Spring then peaked in 1977 when REO Speedwagon and the Charlie Daniels Band co-headlined a concert attended by almost 20,000 people. 1977 was also the first year for psychology professor Mark Swerdlik. New to the
Bloomington-Normal area, Swerdlik immediately noticed the social impact festivals had. “One of the biggest changes in the campus atmosphere when I started compared to now was the appearance of more all-university festivals sponsored by the school, particularly Rites of Spring,” Swerdlik said. “Most of the entertainment spots in Uptown Normal are pretty new due to a rebuild about eight years ago.” The 1980s experienced enduring changes to ISU’s entertainment lineup. In 1983, University Union Auditorium was renamed to Braden Auditorium in honor of ISU’s 10th president, Samuel Braden, and his wife Beth. According
to concert archives, English rockers Adam and the Ants was the first headliner under the new name with a performance on April 6, 1983. The concert tradition continues to be a headlining event each year. Singers Iggy Azalea, Hunter Hayes and JoJo have taken the stage in Braden Auditorium and the Quad in recent years. All and all, ISU is rooted in festivals and musical gatherings, and that tradition is not expected to disappear any time soon. Students wishing to submerge themselves in this history should look to participating in upcoming events such as Springfest and Concerts on the Quad.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 7
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017
SPORTS IN BRIEF ISU Track and Field coaches earn promotion
Brenton Emanuel
Mary Wood
The Illinois State track and field team has named Mary Wood and Brenton Emanuel as Associate Head Coaches heading into next season. Wood will be tasked to monitor the academic progress of the team while also handling home meet management. Emanuel will continue to serve as the program’s recruiting coordinator but will take on additional responsibilities in his new role, including leadership development. “I am grateful for my entire staff of coaches here at Illinois State,” ISU head coach Jeff Bovee said. “In particular, Coach Wood and Coach Emanuel have both demonstrated a high level of success in coaching Valley champions on the field or track and in the classroom. They are ready for this enhanced role within the program. I am fortunate to have such a talented group of coaches working with me to build something really special here at ISU.” Both Wood and Emanuel will enter their fourth year on the coaching staff in the fall. The duo both previously held assistant coaching positions with the Redbirds. NATE HEAD | SPORTS EDITOR
Six women’s golfers named All-American The Women’s Golf Coach Association announced Wednesday that six Illinois State studentathletes had been selected to the 2016-17 All-American Scholars Team. Seniors Maggie Ambrose and Renee Solberg, juniors Abby Luchtenburg and Kiley Walsh, sophomore Caitlin Sims and freshman Paige Seiser each earned a spot on the 952member team. Athletes must cumulate at least a 3.50 GPA to be recognized. This is the second consecutive selection for Ambrose, Solberg, Luchtenburg, Walsh and Sims. Ambrose (3.75 GPA) and Solberg (3.95) both graduated from Illinois State this year. Walsh (3.95) has been selected as a Robert G. Bone Scholar at the university and has earned the conference’s top academic honors each of her first two seasons on campus. Illinois State’s women’s golf team has ranked as the university’s top academic women’s athletic program for five straight semesters. NATE HEAD | SPORTS EDITOR
Bird on the Street coming this fall
videtteonline
Last year’s offensive line included players Jordan Birch (8), Brannon Barry (5) and Jason Harris (95).
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New line hopes to turn corner in 2017 Head football coach Brock Spack looks forward to season with expected offensive players Drew Himmelman, Cole Anderson, Gerrett Hirsch, Trey Georgie NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51
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he defense, receiv ing core and quarterback are essentially the same from a season ago. But, for the Illinois State football team, a question mark lies next to the offensive line heading into the 2017-18 campaign. The unit is set to return only one starter, Chad Kanugh, who will be joined by a group of newcomers and converted defensive lineman Dean Helt. ISU head coach Brock Spack said he has been pleased with the performance from all the guys in spring practice sessions and looks forward to the beginning of summer camp. The starters on the line remain foggy, but the likes of Drew Himmelman, Cole Anderson, Garrett Hirsch and Trey Georgie are expected to be in the mix to see significant playing time. “I thought all of those guys had great springs,” Spack said. “I’ve been very impressed with our young players up front.” Himmelman was a dual sport athlete in high school and
received basketball offers from Northern Illinois University. The Geneseo, Illinois, native was redshirted the past two seasons, but Spack is excited about his potential. “He has huge upside,” Spack said. “Huge is the name of the game and he is a big, athletic kid that was very impressive during the spring.” Spack cited A nderson—a sophomore tackle from Gurnee, Illinois—as a pleasant surprise to the coaching staff with his athleticism and ability to play multiple positions on the line. Last season, the Redbirds allowed 37 sacks, the highest total in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. It goes without saying that the unit must adjust accordingly to allow second-year starter Jake Kolbe ample time in the backfield. But, it is not just the passing game that will need protection. The Redbirds ranked in the middle of the MVC pack in rushing yards in 2016-17 but hope to generate more production with a dynamic running back core expected to unleash three or four guys weekly. Every group needs a leader,
CRUSADE
CLASSIFIEDS
The Crusaders are not the Shockers, but not many teams from any conference are the Shockers. Valparaiso was a safe and quick addition for the time being, but expect more changes inside the Valley in short order.
Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
continued from page 8
MICHAEL MARRA is Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted atvidette_mmarra@ilstu.edu Follow him on Twitter at @MikeMarraILSTU.
FOR SALE Wood loft twin bed, with ladder. Disassembly and re-assembly required. $75. 309-750-1413
ROOMMATES WANTED Nice 4 Br house.1 Br available for rent. 2 blocks from campus. Parking & amenities included. $400/month. 630336-8959 or email 1010s univeristy@ gmail.com.
even more so when the core is comprised of first-year players eit her coming off a redshirt or stepping onto the ISU campus Brock for the first time. Spack Either Kanugh or Dean Helt will need to emerge as leaders by example. Kanugh was promoted to the first team midway through last season and started the final six games of the season. Helt is a senior that played in all 13 games in 2015 and was limited to just seven games in ’16 due to injury. He has yet to start a game, but the Milwaukee native certainly doesn’t lack experience. Spack raves about the kind of
person Helt is, as well as his versatility on the field. “He’s a pretty valuable guy and can play all positions up front,” Spack said. “He’s got the length and athleticism to play tackle, big and physical enough to play guard and he is smart enough to play center.” Any way you spin it, the Illinois State front unit will need to be at its best to turn the corner after a collectively inconsistent performance last season. While they do not typically get a glimpse of the spotlight, there is no questioning their importance to the offense. Nate Head is a sports editor for The Vidette and can be reached at ndhead@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @NateHead51.
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017
DeJong continues to delight STL fans DEJONG DETAILS
Games: 36 At bats: 128 Hits: 40 hits (10 doubles, 9 home runs, 4 walks) Average: .313 On Base Pct: .331 Slugging Pct: .602 OPS: .932
Conference embracing the crusade
BY VIDETTE STAFF
Former Illinois State slugger Paul DeJong continues to gain favor among St. Louis Cardinals fans—and he is also gaining with some national attention. Last Sunday, he became first rookie in Major League Baseball’s modern era (considered to be since 1900) to record more than seven extra-base hits in a three-game series, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Following the Cardinals 6-0 win over the New York Mets Sunday, DeJong told The Associated Press: “It was one of those days where I was seeing the ball well again. I wasn’t doing too much thinking. Overall, it’s a pretty good series.’’ The Cardinals drafted DeJong in the fourth round in 2015. He made his Major League debut on May 28.
MY VIEW MICHAEL MARRA Sports Editor
A Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/TNS
St. Louis Cardinals’ Paul DeJong (11) is doused by teammate Tommy Pham in the dugout after he hit a solo home run in the third inning against the New York Mets on Friday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Running back James Robinson (25) rushes during the annual spring game in April at Hancock Stadium.
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Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson Sophomore running back from Rockford rushing to fill shoes vacated by Coprich
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STORY BY NICK LANDI Vidette Sports Reporter | @TheDon1033
he challenge of replacing a player like Illinois State football’s all-time leading rusher Marshaun Coprich would increase the pressure and expectations on many incoming athletes. Then someone like sophomore running back James Robinson comes along, who is looking to leave his own mark on the program; even if he is wearing the same jersey number, 25, that Coprich wore. When the Rockford native came to Normal and became the latest Redbird to embrace the number, he received a message from his new teammates. “It was just like, ‘You got big shoes to fill,’” Robinson said. Robinson is still trying to fill those shoes. He is seeking a big second year with the Redbirds after having a first season described as a “rollercoaster ride” by ISU running backs coach Lamar Conrad in 2016. While he was third on the team with 63 carries for 322 yards and two rushing touchdowns, he missed 3 1/2 games with a calf injury. Robinson also faced adversity off the field. On Christmas Eve, Robinson’s grandparent’s house — the same one he grew up in — burst into flames with his family inside. His grandfather was severely burned on his arms
and shoulder due to attempting to control the blaze. Everyone made it out safely. “That’s one of the biggest things that’s happened in my life,” Robinson said. Many of Robinson’s awards and trophies were lost in the fire. Accomplishments that represent the career of one of the Illinois High School Association’s most successful running backs of all time. At Rockford Lutheran High School (RLHS), Robinson became the state’s alltime leader in rushing yards (9,045) and rushing touchdowns (158). Though, Robinson never made these accomplishments into a big deal. “I didn’t know anything about it until everyone started talking about it,” Robinson said. “I just kept playing the way I play, and they just told me that in this game, you can break the record. And I was like, ‘If I break it, I break it.’” Early on and often at RLHS, Robinson went with his team to summer camps at ISU. When Redbird coaches saw him in action, they were quick to act. “I’ve worked with him for quite a while,” Conrad said. “We have our individual periods and I got to work with him and try to teach him a little bit, get a feel for him. And you
could see then that he was a very talented young man.” ISU offered a scholarship to the young running back before he chose them over Iowa in February 2016. Now with a rejuvenated body, Robinson is now competing on a team with plenty of depth at the running back position. He will try to beat out teammates such as redshirtfreshman Jordan Birch and sophomore transfer Markel Smith for playing time next season. It is unclear if Robinson can be a recordbreaker once again and pass Coprich’s career rushing mark. But don’t count him out when it comes to becoming a game-changer for the Redbirds, just like the last Redbird to wear number 25. “I think he can take games over,” ISU coach Brock Spack said. “I think he can be that kind of back.” ISU begins its season 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2 by hosting Butler University at Hancock Stadium. NICK LANDI is a sports writer and blogger for The Vidette. He can be reached by email vidette_nlandi@exchange.ilstu.edu and found on Twitter @TheDon1033
“I think he can take games over. I think he can be that kind of back.” ISU coach Brock Spack on running back James Robinson
s of the July 1, Valparaiso officially became the next member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The Crusaders are replacing Wichita State, who left for the American Athletic Conference. Let’s just be honest, there is no replacing Wichita State. Each year, at least for Redbird basketball fans, welcoming the Shockers led by Gregg Marshall was the biggest game of the year. Not to mention the success Illinois State had at defeating those Marshall-led Shockers at Redbird Arena. The Shockers also brought national attention to the Valley year-in and year-out on the basketball court. Marshall has led the Shockers to NCAA Tournament berths in each of the last six seasons, something irreplaceable to the Valley, if you ask me. The Valley sent two teams to the NCAA’s in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016, but with the void the Shockers left, it is safe to say the Valley will be a one-bid league for the near future. However, the move benefits the Shockers. After all, they bring back their entire roster from a season ago and bring in more young talent. Based off the dominance they showed last year, there’s a good possibility history would have repeated itself due to the fact the Shockers are so well-coached and just flat out more talented than most teams in the Valley. Not to mention all the early polls have the Shockers as national championship contenders. These are some big shoes to fill for the Crusaders, but dare I say they just might be able to make this transition work. Sure, it won’t be right away. But given enough time, Valparaiso just might turn some heads. The Crusaders have been a Division I athletic institution since 1978 and have accumulated a 634-552 record over said time-frame. From a basketball-minded position, a transition to the Valley allows the Crusaders to contend for conference basketball titles and recruit at a higher level. On the face of things, the Valley is an upgrade from the Horizon, allowing the recruiting trail to seemingly be on a higher level. Going along with the upsides Valparaiso brings, Wichita State did not have a football program, however Valparaiso does. Despite the Crusaders football program not posting a winning season since 2003, again the move to the Valley brings a recruiting bait to a program who needs some help. Arguably the MVFC is the best conference in the FCS, and Valparaiso is now a member of it. They might struggle to start, but Valparaiso is not the only addition to the Valley if I had to guess. At some point, I see the Valley expanding to 12 teams and two divisions. But for now, the cards have been dealt and fans will have to deal with the hands they’ve been dealt. See CRUSADE page 7