flipside 12-08

2 Thursday, December 8, 2011 FLIPSIDE

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Well, the Christmaslights are up inRoma — white

lights in Trastevere andlights the color of theItalian flag down Via del Corso, one of thebiggest roads in the whole city.

We’ve been playingChristmas music in ourapartment, and we’re evenhaving a Christmas partythis week.

It is so odd to think thatChristmas is less thanthree weeks away, as Ihave been so busy withfinal studies.

As of this week, two ofmy four classes are doneand my last two finals arenext week.

This past weekend, Istudied and studied and Iam so excited for thelightening of thecoursework load so I canfully take in the cityduring my last week and ahalf.

Speaking of Christmas,one thing I’ve noticed isthat national holidays hereare very different fromthose in the States.

We went to school as anormal day onThanksgiving, which forus was so odd, but we haveother national holidaysthat we get off.

The first day we had off of school was for AllSaints Day, and thentoday, Dec. 8, we’re offbecause of ImmaculateConception.

It is interesting to seethe difference in nationalholidays between the twocountries, and it certainlyallows for a betterunderstanding of the

country’s foundation.I had some wonderful

experiences lately.My cousin from

Cuggiono called and wehad a conversation inItalian. We talked abouthow we were, my finalexams and even chattedabout Rome.

Come to find out, sheand her husband weremarried at a church wevisited for my Renaissanceand Baroque art class.

We reminisced abouthow beautiful it was and how we shouldventure to Rome togethersome day.

Then, later, I went out todinner with some of mygood friends and had suchan excellent time.

As the semester iscoming to an end, yourealize more and more howprecious those momentsare, and we all laughed and had a wonderful timeat an adorable Italianrestaurant withmagnificent food andgreat house wine.

Going out to eat isdefinitely something Iwant to do more of in thislast week and a half.

I’ve become much moreskilled at cooking thissemester because I cookdinner for myself everynight and it has been sofun. I really havedeveloped a new love for cooking and I cannotwait to get even morecreative when I get backhome.

For this last bit of time, however, I want tosoak up all I can of theItalian cuisine because Iam completely positive Iwill be missing it as soonas the next week after Ileave.

It is so interesting —when we first arrived inItaly, it was such anadjustment to get used toeating so many carbs, andless meat.

Pasta, Italian rice andpizza have been dailystaples in my diet thiswhole semester and at first I longed for meat,yet now I am so used to itthat I find myselfvoluntarily making pastaor Italian rice almost everynight.

(Surprisingly, I am stillat the same weight, justfor curiosity’s sake.)

Of course, I still eatmeat, but I have gotten soused to not having it asmuch and I truly am goingto feel a pasta-void after Ileave.

One piece of good newsabout that issue, though,is that Barilla pasta isextremely common here inItaly, so I can easily makesome of the same recipesback home. Buon appetito!A dopo!

LACIE GOFF is the daughter of JaniceGualdoni and thegranddaughter of Louieand Beauella Gualdoni,all of Herrin. Lacie is ajunior at CaliforniaLutheran University in Los Angeles, majoring incommunication andjournalism. She isspending this semester inRome, studying Italian,history and art history.

RROOMMEEAADDVVEENNTTUURREESSLacie Goff

DID YOU KNOW?When you toast or

‘cheers’ your glassesat dinner here in Italy,you say ‘salute!’ Theliteral translation is‘health,’ and it is thesame thing you saywhen someonesneezes.

At an average sit-down restaurant inRome, prices are nottoo bad. It, of course,depends on what youorder, but generallyyou can get a pastadish for about $9 to$11, and then the‘secondi piatti,’(second plate) whichconsists of differenttypes of meat, willrange anywhere fromabout $17 to $27.Water costs atrestaurants, butsometimes you canask for tap water forfree.

PHOTO BY LACIE GOFFThe Christmas lights are up in the streets of Rome.

Christmas season begins in Rome

Marion Santa Train Tickets for train rides arefree for children 2 andyounger, $12.50 forchildren ages 2 through 18 and $15 for adults. Fortickets, call 612-910-5154,go to www.marionsantatrain.com or buy on site.Rides are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m.and 5:30 p.m. Saturdayand Sunday, Dec. 10, 11,17 and 18.

BY ADAM TESTATHE SOUTHERN

In the 1970s, passengerswould board the CrabOrchard-Egyptian

Railroad for quick sight-seeing trips throughSouthern Illinois.

But when the depotcaught fire, the railroaddecided not to continuewith tourism ventures. Thefocus of that line becamemore commercial, carryingfreight through the region.

Now, for the past fewyears, it’s once again mor-phed into another form, atleast for a couple of weekseach winter. About threeyears ago, Marion hostedits first holiday train rideon the COE rails with onlyone car and a caboose.People turned out in drovesfor a ride, and people hadto be turned away.

“There was far moredemand than what theyhad available in terms ofequipment,” said organizerAdam Auxier.

The next year, Auxier and

Justin Sobeck, SouthernIllinois natives now livingin Minneapolis and St.Louis, respectively, werebrought on board with theproject and helped expandit by bringing in upgradedequipment. This year,they’ve once again taken itto the next level, addingeven more train compo-nents and expanding theschedule.

Guests are invited toboard the train at 514 N.Market St. in Marion. Theywill then embark on a 90-minute journey focused oncreating a quiet, relaxingatmosphere for childrenand their parents to spendtime together.

“Once we leave, Santastarts coming through.Everyone’s welcome to takepictures, ask questions andspend time with him,”Auxier said. “It’s not amall-Santa experience, butit’s close.”

The peaceful nature ofthe train ride gives childrena chance to escape into aworld that for many is onlya fantasy, as they dream ofriding on a train but maynever have the opportunityotherwise. For the parents,

it’s 90 minutes to reflectand collect thoughts on theholiday season. It’s anescape from the advertisingblitzes of the season.

“There’s a rumor going around that all of our trips are sold out,but we have plenty of

room,” Auxier said.The remainder of this

year’s trips are dedicated toBrian Shafer, a Santa trainworker who recently diedat the age of 38.

[email protected]

FLIPSIDE Thursday, December 8, 2011 3

MUSIC WINERIES THINGS TO DO COVER STORY FESTIVALS

Santa’s sleigh gets an upgradeTraditionalholiday trainride returns

Santa Clausposes withKaelynHarriss, 7,of Marion andher brotherHayden, 2,while theirmother, Sarah,takes a photoof themSaturday whileriding in thedomed car ofthe MarionSanta Train.

STEVE JAHNKE THE SOUTHERN


MOVIES ART MUSIC WINERIES THINGS TO DO

COMING ATTRACTIONSKentucky Opry Presents: ”A Country Christmas”Dec 9, Dec 10 Matinee 2pm, Dec 10 7:30pm

Dec 16 & 17th Doug Gabriel Christmas Show

(17th is a Matinee 2pm) Branson’s # 1 Male Vocalist!

Dec 17 - 7:30 Last Showing of A Country Christmas Dec 31 - Big New Year’s Eve

Hors d’oeurves, Several bands,& several guests including Doo Wop Ground Blend

Jan 21 - Big Talent Search - $3000 prize money www.oprytalentsearch.com

www.kentuckyopry.comor

call 888-459-8704Open year ‘round

SAVOR THE FLAVOROF SWEDEN

www.hedmanvineyards.com560 Chestnut St., Alto Pass • (618) 893-4923 or (618) 521-2506

Swedish Cuisine • Award Winning Wines • Scandinavian Gift Shop

Traditional Swedish Christmas Dinner - Dec. 15, 22 @ 7:00Reservations required.Book your private celebration at Hedman’s.

New Deliveries for Christmas at our Scandinavian Gift ShopCome shop with us!

Books & AuthorsBook Signing: By members

of the Southern IllinoisWriters Guild, 1-3 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 8, HerrinPublic Library; authorsinclude Jon Musgrave, Bruceand Lisa Cline, Anne-MarieLegan, Joy King and LoisFowler Barrett; www.jalc.edu/activities/siwg.

Treasure in the ShawneeHills: By author C.C. Willis,2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10,Bookworm bookstore,Eastgate Shopping Center,Carbondale; also booksigning, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec.11, Harrisburg Public Library;the book opens in pre-CivilWar Southern Illinois; 618-457-2665.

Book Sale: Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 12-14, HerrinLibrary, 120 N. 13th St.; newand used books, paperbacks,cookbooks, record albums,tapes, movies, lots of books-on-tape, children’s books;$1/box bargain books; 10a.m.–8 p.m. Monday andTuesday and 10 a,m.-7 p.m.Wednesday; donations alsoaccepted; 618- 942-6109.

ComedyThe Carbondale

Comedians: Stand-upcomedy, 9-11 p.m. Wednes-day, Station #13, 2400 W.

Main St., Carbondale;attached to the old RoyalPlaza Inn; 618-529-2424.

Film‘Our Idiot Brother’: 7 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday Dec. 8-10and 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10, StudentCenter Auditorium, SIU; ratedR; $2/$3; 618-536-3393;www.spc4fun.com.

Holiday EventsHometown Christmas

Festival of Trees: GeneralJohn A. Logan Museum, 1613Edith St., Murphysboro;decorated greenery ondisplay and bidding until Dec. 11; proceeds to charity;[email protected].

Holiday Lights Fair:Through Dec. 30, Du QuoinState Fairgrounds; drivethrough; holiday tree display,visits with Santa; $8; 618-542-8338.

Fantasy of Lights:Dusk-11 p.m. through Dec. 31,Foundation Park, 1616 E.McCord, Centralia; drive-through lighted Christmasdisplay; Santa visits on Fridayand Saturday nights; free;618-532-3214

Candy Cane Lane:5-10 p.m. Monday throughThursday and 5-11 p.m.Fridays, Saturdays and

Sundays; through Dec. 31,downtown West Frankfort;Christmas lights and displaysbegin at Main Street past thehigh school.

Coulterville Holiday LightDisplay: Through Jan. 1,Coulterville City Park; walk-through display; www.coultervilleholidaylightdisplay.com.

Way of Lights ChristmasDisplay: 5 p.m. nightlythrough Jan. 1, Our Lady ofthe Snows, Belleville; cameland pony rides, petting zoo,rides on horse-drawncarriages, laser show; 314-241-3400, ext. 6293.

A German Christmas:9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8,C.E. Brehm Memorial Library,101 S. 7th St., Mount Vernon;Ulrike Ohlwein sharesChristmas customs andstories of her home countryGerman. 618-242-6322.

Chocolate Festival:11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec.8, Elks Lodge, 1107 Jordan St.,Mount Vernon; taste samplesof contest entries; treats willbe available for purchase;cakes, cookies, brownies,candy, pie; entry, $5; 618-246-0033

Holiday Open House:11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec.8, Cypress Creek NationalWildlife Refuge Office,Shawnee College Road, Ullin;618-634-2231.

Live Nativity:5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9,United Methodist Children’sHome, 2023 Richview Road,Mount Vernon; hot chocolateand live animals; free; 618-242-1070 ext. 234.

Christmas Bazaar: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10,DuBois Building, 117 S.Appleknocker Drive, Cobden,next to the Union CountyMuseum; collectible holidayrelated items; 618-893-2567;618-893-2865.

Hometown Christmas andFestival Of Trees: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 andnoon-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11,downtown Murphysboro;silent auction, tour of homes,exhibits at Hughes Gallery,Santa’s Favorite Cookiecontest to benefit foodpantry; 618-687-3663

Event: 7 p.m. Saturday,Dec. 10, Gaia House. SouthernIllinois West African DrumEnsemble will perform. Livemusic, food, raffle, auctionand fellowship. Tickets: $10 at the door.

Powerhouse AthleticsChristmas Bazaar: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10,Times Square Mall, MountVernon; bows, tutus, candles,scrapbooking, home decor,spices, kitchenware andmore; entertainment forchildren; 618-237-1663 [email protected]


MOVIES ART MUSIC WINERIES THINGS TO DO BOOKS COVER STORY FESTIVALS THEATER Marion Holiday Train:

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18,514 N. Market St., Marion;$15/$12.50; www.marionsantatrain.com.

Olde Tyme Christmas:1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, FortMassac State Park,Metropolis; re-enactorsshowcase the Christmastraditions of the FrenchColonial, AmericanRevolutionary, Lewis andClark, War of 1812 and CivilWar periods; 618-524-9321.

Holiday Dinners:Traditional SwedishChristmas dinners, 7 p.m.Dec. 15 and 22, HedmanVineyards, 560 ChestnutStreet, Alto Pass; advancereservations required fordinner; 618-893-4923.

Christmas in the Park:Friday-Saturday, Dec. 16-17,Veterans Park, Mount Vernon;drive through the parkdecorated with thousands oftraditional and religiousthemes and live scenes; 618-242-6890.

Holiday ShowsWhite Christmas:

Presented by SIUDepartment of Theater,7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday,Dec. 8-10 and 2 p.m. Sunday,Dec. 11, McLeod Theater,Communications Building,SIU; $25/$10; www.southernticketsonline.com.

Jacob Marley’s ChristmasCarol: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10, 16-17 and2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 11, 18,The Varsity Center for theArts, 418 S. Illinois Ave.,Carbondale; dark comedy istrue to the original but has atwist; The Jackson CountyStage Company’s holidayshow; $15/$10;www.stagecompany.org.

A Radio Christmas Carol:7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec.16-17 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec.18, Sesser Opera House, 108W. Franklin St., Sesser; $5 ortwo cans of food for theSesser Area food pantry;www.sesser.org; 618-625-6300.

MURPHYSBORO —This weekend marks theclosing of Murphysboro’sannual Festival of Treesfundraiser, and the townplans to celebrate with itsown charm of Christmasspirit.

Decorated trees havebeen submitted anddisplayed at Gen. John A.Logan Museum, 1613Edith St., for weeks, andbids can be placed onthese auction itemsthrough the close of thecelebration on Sunday,Dec. 11. Money raisedfrom the tree auction willbenefit area charities.

“Sometimes we areconsumed by the brightlights and tinsel ofChristmas and forgetthat giving is importantduring this time of year,”said organizer LisaMileur. “In this event, weunite the fun of sightsand sounds with

generous giving to groupsin our community.”

But the tree auctionisn’t the only highlight ofthe MurphysboroHometown Christmas. Ahome tour is scheduledfor 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 10, andnoon-4 p.m. Sunday,Dec. 11. Tickets are $10and can be purchased atthe MurphysboroChamber of Commerceor the DaumAdministrative Building.They will also beavailable at the SheleyHouse in the historicLogan Neighborhood.

Local artists will alsohave their works ondisplay at the HughesGallery, and other smallevents, including acookie contest and gingerbread house-buildingcompetition, arescheduled.

— Adam Testa

Hometown Christmas arrives in Murphysboro this weekend

CARBONDALE — TheStage Co.’s newest holidayproduction features afamiliar cast of characters— personalities likeEbenezer Scrooge andJacob Marley — butpresents their tales with aunique twist.

Longtime Stage Co.member Mary Boyledirects “Jacob Marley’sChristmas Carol,” a not-so-traditional looks atCharles Dickens’ classictale.

Playwright Tom Mulaused his writing as a way

to ask the question,“What happened toMarley?”

That query is answeredwith a jaunt through thelife and afterlife ofScrooge’s deceasedbusiness partner. Aidedby a malicious hell-spritewith an agenda of hisown, Marley makes alast-ditch effort toconvert Scrooge, save hisown soul and break free ofthe chains he forged inlife.

A four-person ensemblecast portrays 18

characters that audienceshave come to know andlove through otherversions of the story.

The show runs at 7:30p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17and at 2 p.m. Dec. 11 and18 at the Varsity Centerfor the Arts, 418 S. IllinoisAve. Tickets are $15 foradults and $10 forstudents and can bepurchased at the Varsitybox office from 5 to 7 p.m.Monday through Saturdayor one hour before eachperformance.

— Adam Testa

PADUCAH — Fans ofBritish humor are in for aspecial treat when theTony award-winning BestMusical of 2005, “MontyPython’s Spamalot,”arrives in town Jan. 31.

Lovingly “ripped off”from the internationallyfamous comedy team’smost popular motionpicture, “Monty Pythonand the Holy Grail,”“Spamalot” is the winner

of three Tony Awards,also including BestMusical and BestDirector.

The play features a bookby Python member EricIdle, based on the movie’sscreenplay and featuringmusic and lyrics by theGrammy award-winningteam of Idle and John Du Prez.

The musical includes allthe classic highlights of

the film, as well, such asflatulent Frenchmen,killer rabbits and thefeared Dark Knight.

“Spamalot” is producedby Stephen B. Kane,Michael McFadden andPhoenix Entertainment.

The play takes the stageat 7:30 p.m. Tuesday,Jan. 21, at the Carson

Center, 100 KentuckyAve.

— Adam Testa

Stage Co. presents a twist on ‘Christmas Carol’

‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ comes to Paducah

PROVIDED‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ will be performed Jan. 31 in Paducah’s Carson Center.

Shawn Mayer7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fridayat Mollie’s in Marion and7:30 to 10:30 p.m.Saturday at the MarionElks; free and open to thepublic. Craig Curtis will beopening act both nights.

It took more than halfher life, but ShawnMayer is finally pointed

in the right direction downthe musical highway.

A native of May City,

Iowa, population 45,Mayer put the tinycommunity on the map in2008 when she finishedthird during the sixthseason of the nationallytelevised talent contest“Nashville Star.” Theprogram launched thecareers of MirandaLambert (2003) and ChrisYoung (2006).

“‘Nashville Star’ was anamazing experience,” shesaid during a telephoneinterview this week. “Itwas broadcast on a majornetwork (NBC), so it putme in front of millions offans each night for severalweeks, plus it earned me apublishing deal.”

Mayer left home as soonas she graduated highschool in 2004 to pursueher dreams in Nashville.The first few years were astruggle. She was mentallyassessing her progress asshe stood in line with herprofessional bull ridingboyfriend, as he waswaiting to audition for“Nashville Star.”

When the cowboy finallygot to the front of the line,Mayer decided she wouldenter the contest, too. Ofcourse, she qualified andmade it all the way to thefinal 12, which allowed herto display her talent to amassive new audience.

Mayer survived thegrueling weekly cuts andadvanced to the final nightof the competition, whereshe finished behindwinner Melissa Lawsonand runner-up GabeGarcia. The recognitionfrom the event led to apublishing deal with theSavannah Music GroupInc. of Nashville.

Spending countlesshours locked in a tinycubicle with collaboratorstrying to create hits forother artists got Mayer

thinking about her future.“It got to the point that I

didn’t like writing musicfor a specific person or aspecific genre,” she said.“Any artist would be lyingif they said they didn’twant a record deal, but Igot into music because ofthe way it makes me feel. Iwasn’t happy when I waslocked into the publishingdeal. Now that’s gone, andI just want to put out realgood music. It doesn’tmatter if it is pop orcountry. I have to be trueto myself.”

Before, Mayer said shewould try to smooth theroughness from hergravelly vocals to pleasemusic executives. Now,she just throws her headback and cuts loose. Herstyle is a soupy mix ofSheryl Crow, TanyaTucker, Melissa Etheridge,Lacy J. Dalton and AlanisMorissette.

The 25-year-old Mayerhas perfected her soundplaying nonstop the pasttwo years on the rich MusicCity scene with long stintsat the Whiskey Bent Saloonand Bootleggers, inaddition to the “HonkyTonk Rivera” clubs on

Lower Broadway. Hersteady gig now is Thursday,Friday and Saturday nightsat Benchmark on SecondAvenue.

Local fans will have anopportunity to see thehighly talented singer freethis weekend in Marion,when she appears Friday atMollie’s in Marion andSaturday at the MarionElks for a birthday partyfor Jon McAnelly, which isopen to the public.

Hard work is nothingnew for Mayer, who wasraised on a hog farm. As ahobby, she was amechanic, helping her dadtinker with the modifiedcars he raced on weekends.With limited financialresources and unlimitedvocal skills, she found away to get close to theaction.

“I didn’t have the $20for a pit pass, so I wouldsing the National Anthemand they would let me in,”she said.

One fan made a video ofher singing and it led to ajob opening for LynyrdSkynyrd, which whet herappetite for performing.


MOVIES ART MUSIC WINERIES THINGS TO DO BOOKS COVER STORY FESTIVALS THEATER

CCOOUUNNTTRRYY SSCCEENNEEVince Hoffard

ConcertsIndiana

The Van-Dells: 7 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 10, Boot CityOpry, 11800 S. Highway 41,Terre Haute; $15;www.bootcityopry.com or812-299-8379.

Holiday ConcertsA Country Christmas

Show: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec.9 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 10, KentuckyOpry, 88 Chilton Lane,Benton, Ky.; $17-$7.50; 270-527-3869;www.kentuckyopry.com.

Give Thanks and Sing:Southern Illinois Children’sChoir, 3 p.m. Saturday,Dec. 10, Epiphany LutheranChurch, 1501 W. ChautauquaSt., Carbondale.

Community ChoirChristmas Concert: 2 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 11, Sesser

Opera House, 108 W. FranklinSt. Free. 618-625-6300.

Corelli’s ChristmasConcerto: SI ChamberMusic Society, 3 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 11, UnitarianFellowship, 105 N. ParrishLane, Carbondale; $15/$5students; 618-453-2870.

Twelve Days ofChristmas: Vince Gill andAmy Grant, Friday, Dec. 16,The Aiken Theatre at TheCentre, 715 Locust St.,Evansville; $44.50-$79.50;www.ticketmaster.com or800-745-3000 orwww.smgevansville.com.

Smoky Hollow StringBand: An Old TimeyChristmas, 7-9 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 17, John A. Logan Museum, EdithStreet, Murphysboro; fiddle tunes, carols;refreshments; $7.50/$10; 12 and under free; 618-684-4397 or 618-684-3455.

Mayer still rising after ‘Nashville Star’

PROVIDEDShawn Mayer, a May City, Iowa, native who finished third on ‘Nashville Star,’ will perform in Marion this weekend.

SEE HOFFARD / PAGE 8


CARBONDALEPPiinncchh PPeennnnyy//

CCooppppeerr DDrraaggoonn::17th Floor

FFaatt PPaattttiieess:: AfterBarbed Wire,8-11 p.m.

INAIInnaa CCoommmmuunniittyy

BBuuiillddiinngg:: Friday NightJam Band,6:30-9:30 p.m.

MARIONMMoolllliieess:: Shawn

Mayer/Craig CurtisTHOMPSONVILLEOOlldd CCoouunnttrryy SSttoorree

DDaannccee BBaarrnn:: JeanitaSpillman & TheSentimental SwingBand, 7-10 p.m.

WHITTINGTONCCoorrnneerr DDaannccee HHaallll::Battle Creek Band,7:30-10:30 p.m.

CARBONDALEHHaannggaarr 99:: Mountain

Sprout/Hobo Knife,10 p.m.

PPiinncchh PPeennnnyy//CCooppppeerrDDrraaggoonn:: Mike and Joe

TTrreess HHoommbbrreess:: SexfistMARIONHHiiddeeoouutt RReessttaauurraanntt::

Bob Pina, piano 5:30-9:30 p.m.

MMaarriioonn EEaagglleess:: SaltyDog, 7-11 p.m.

MMaarriioonn EEllkkss:: ShawnMayer/Craig Curtis

RRaammeesssseess::South of 70

MURPHYSBOROMMuurrpphhyyssbboorroo SSeenniioorr

CCeenntteerr:: ThePridesmen,6:30-9:30 p.m.

THOMPSONVILLELLiioonn’’ss CCaavvee:: Swing “N”

Country Band,7-9:30 p.m.

OOlldd CCoouunnttrryy SSttoorreeDDaannccee BBaarrnn:: Lil’ Boot& Classic Country,7-10 p.m.

WHITTINGTONCCoorrnneerr DDaannccee HHaallll::Nice & Easy Band,7:30-10:30 p.m.

CARBONDALEHHaannggaarr 99:: Tweak Bird, 10 p.m.MARIONHHiiddeeoouutt:: Bob Pina, piano,

5:30-8:30 p.m.THOMPSONVILLELLiioonn’’ss CCaavvee:: Mike’s Band,

7-10 p.m.WEST FRANKFORTCCoollyyeerr’’ss:: Righteous Rebel

Band, 7-11 p.m.WWBB RRaanncchh BBaarrnn:: WB Ranch

Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

BENTONDuncan Dance Barn:: Spring

Pond Opry Band, 6:30-9:30p.m.

CARBONDALEHHaannggaarr 99:: Pokey LaFarge and

the South City Three/TheDirt Daubers, 9 p.m.

TTrreess HHoommbbrreess:: Sacrifice TheGods/The Shakes

WHITE ASHSSccaarrlleetttt’’ss MMuussiicc BBaarrnn:: Country

Music Band, 7-10 p.m.

FRIDAY

DIRECTIONS & DIGITS

2200’’ss HHiiddeeoouutt RReessttaauurraanntt:: 2602 WandaDrive, Marion 618-997-8325

AAnnnnaa VVFFWW:: 70 VFW Lane, Anna 618-833-5182

CCaarrbboonnddaallee EEaagglleess:: 1206 W. Linden,Carbondale 618-529-9345

CCoolloonnii’’ss BBaarr && GGrriillll:: 3 Park Plaza,Herrin 618-988-5341

CCoorrnneerr DDaannccee HHaallll:: 200 Franklin St.,Whittington 618-303-5266

CCoouulltteerrvviillllee VVFFWW:: 511 VFW St.,Coulterville 618-758-9009

DDiivveerr DDoowwnn:: 199 E. Main St., Golconda618-683-3483

DDuunnccaann DDaannccee BBaarrnn:: 13545 SpringPond Road, Benton 618-435-6161

EEnnrriiccoo’’ss:: 208 S. Main St., Royalton618-984-2071

HHaannggaarr 99:: 511 S. Illinois Ave.,Carbondale; 618-549-0511.

HHuurrlleeyy’’ss:: 1504 W. BroadwayBoulevard, Johnston City

JJoohhnn BBrroowwnn’’ss oonn tthhee SSqquuaarree:: 1000Tower Square, Marion 618-997-2909

KKeeyy WWeesstt:: 1108 W. Main, Carbondale618-351-5998

KKiipp && TTrraaccii’’ss CCoolloonniiaall CClluubb:: 1602 OldCreal Springs Road, Marion 618-997-6989

LLiinneemmeenn’’ss LLoouunnggee:: 100 E. Broadway,Johnston City

LLiioonn’’ss CCaavvee:: South Street,Thompsonville 618-218-4888

MMaaddddiiee’’ss PPuubb aanndd GGrruubb:: 14960 Illinois37, Johnston City 618-983-8107

MMaarriioonn AAmmeerriiccaann LLeeggiioonn:: LongstreetRoad, Marion 618-997-6168

MMaarriioonn EEaagglleess:: Rural Route 3, Marion618-993-6300

MMaarriioonn EEllkkss:: .204 S. Market St.,Marion 618-993-3151

MMaarriioonn YYoouutthh CCeenntteerr:: 211 E. BoulevardSt., Marion 618-922-7853

MMoolllliiee’’ss:: 107 E. Union St., Marion 618-997-3424

MMuurrpphhyyssbboorroo EEllkkss LLooddggee:: 1809Shomaker Drive Murphysboro 618-684-4541.

MMuurrpphhyyssbboorroo MMoooossee LLooddggee:: 9663 OldIllinois 13; Murphysboro 618-684-3232

OOlldd CCoouunnttrryy SSttoorree DDaannccee BBaarrnn:: MainStreet, Thompsonville 618-218-4676

PPaarrkk PPllaazzaa PPuubb:: 3 Park Plaza, Herrin,618-988-1556

PPeerrffeecctt SShhoott BBaarr && BBiilllliiaarrddss:: 3029 S.Park Ave., Herrin, 618-942-4655

PPiinncchh PPeennnnyy PPuubb//CCooppppeerr DDrraaggoonn:: 700E. Grand, Carbondale 618-549-3348

PPKK’’ss:: 308 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale618-529-1124

PPyyrraammiidd AAccrreess MMaarriinnaa:: 12171 MarinaRoad, Marion 618-964-1184

SSccaarrlleetttt’’ss MMuussiicc BBaarrnn:: 207 Potter St.,White Ash 618-997-4979

SSttaann’’ss PPllaaccee:: Shawneetown 618-269-3083

SStteeeellhhoorrssee SSaalloooonn aanndd CCaammppggrroouunndd::202 Dewmaine Lane, Carterville618-985-6713

TTrraacckkssiiddee DDaannccee BBaarrnn:: 104 Rock St.,Spillertown 618-993-3035

TTrreess HHoommbbrreess:: 119 N. Washington St.,Carbondale 618-457-3308

WWBB RRaanncchh BBaarrnn:: 1586 Pershing Road,West Frankfort 618-937-3718

WWiitt aanndd WWiissddoomm NNuuttrriittiioonnaall SSiittee: 225E. Poplar St., West Frankfort 618-937-3070

XXrroossssrrooaaddss:: 101 Rushing Drive, Herrin618-993-8393

ZZeeiigglleerr EEaagglleess: 114 N. Main St., Zeigler618-596-5651

WEEK OF DEC. 8-DEC.14

CARBONDALEKKeeyy WWeesstt:: Blue Plate Specials,

8 p.m.-midnightMARIONMMaarriioonn EEaagglleess:: Salty Dog,

6-10 p.m.Alto Vineyards: Illinois 127, Alto Pass,

www.AltoVineyards.net or 618-893-4898Blue Sky Vineyard: 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road,

Makanda; 618-995-9463 or www.blueskyvineyard.comThe Bluffs Vineyard and Winery: 140 Buttermilk Hill

Road, Ava; 618-763-4447 or www.thebluffswinery.com.Honker Hill Winery: 4861 Spillway Road, Carbondale:

618-549-5517Lincoln Heritage Winery: 772 Kaolin Road, Cobden;

618-833-3783Rustle Hill Winery: US 51, Cobden; 618-893-2700 or

www.rustlehillwinery.comStarView Vineyards: 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden;

618 893-9463 or starviewvineyards.comVon Jakob Orchard: 230 Illinois 127,

Alto Pass; 618-893-4600 or www.vonjakobvineyard.com

Walker’s Bluff: North on Reed Station Road,Carterville; 618-985-8463 or www.walkersbluff.com

MARIONMMaarriioonn YYoouutthh CCeenntteerr:: Ragtag

Band, 7-10 p.m.WEST FRANKFORTWWiitt aanndd WWiissddoomm: George

Sisk/Jim White/Gene Stiman,7-10 p.m.

KKaarraaookkee aanndd DDJJ lliissttss aarree oonnlliinnee aatt

wwwwww..fflliippssiiddeeoonnlliinnee..ccoomm..

CCRRAAVVIINNGG KKAARRAAOOKKEE??

SATURDAY

Wineries

Coffeehouses, Cafés and Eateries

Matt Basler: 6-9 p.m.Friday, Rustle Hill Winery

Andrea Stader: 2-5 p.m.Saturday, Blue SkyVineyard

Holiday music: Openhouse, Saturday, LincolnHeritage Winery

Marty Davis: 2-5 p.m.Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery

Tracy Schubert Band: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, VonJakob Orchard

Swamp Tigers: 4-8 p.m.Saturday, The Bluffs

Bill Harper: 6-9 p.m.Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery

Concordia: 2-5 p.m.Sunday, Blue Sky Vineyard

Dave Caputo Duo: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Von JakobOrchard

Calex: 3-7 p.m. Saturday,The Bluffs

Larry Dillard, 2-5 p.m.Sunday, Honker Hill Winery

Small Potatoes: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, Yellow Moon Café, 110 N. Front St., Cobden; $10;www.yellowmooncafe.com; 618-893-2233.

WANT TO BE LISTED?Call 618-351-5089 or email

[email protected]

MONDAY

TUESDAY

HERRINHHeerrrriinn AAmmeerriiccaann LLeeggiioonn::

Timberline, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

TONIGHT


MUSIC ART MOVIES WINERIES THINGS TO DO BOOKS COVER STORY FESTIVALS THEATER

Belleville Antique Flea Market

Huge Variety of Exhibitors • Over 600 tablesFree Admission & Free Parking

Saturday & SundayDecember 17th & 18th

9am-4pmBelle-Clair Exhibition Center at the Belle-Clair FairgroundsThird Full Weekend of Every MonthRt 13, Belleville, IL618-233-0052 www.bcfairgrounds.net

HOFFARD: Mayer still workshard after ‘Nashville Star’FROM PAGE 6

While still in highschool, she had a steadygig playing local barswith just her guitar andrecording tracks.

During her senior year,she signed anindependent record dealwith a label in Detroit,but complicationsquickly ended the dealand she scampered off toNashville upongraduation.

“I moved to Nashvilleseven years ago,” Mayersaid. “Sometimes itseems like time isdragging and the day willnever end, but theseseven years have gone byfast. I quickly found outthis town is full ofamazing singers.

My style is a littledifferent because myvoice has so muchtexture. People wereasking why I didn’t go toLos Angeles or New York?There is a vibrant musicscene in Nashville. It’s alot more than justcountry music.”

Mayer said her soundhas evolved frommainstream countrytoward the pop sound ofEvanescence; however,her live acoustic sets inSouthern Illinois willcontain a wide range ofmaterial, from classiccountry ballads to drivingrock anthems.

VINCE HOFFARD can bereached at 618-658-9095or [email protected].

Chamber Music Societyto present holiday show

CARBONDALE — A special holiday performance bythe Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society willraise money for musical scholarships in the region.

The group will present Corelli’s “ChristmasConcerto” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the UnitarianFellowship, 105 N. Parrish Lane.

Included in the program is the fiery and eclecticPiano Quartet No. 1 by Martinu. Performers includeSIU Carbondale School of Music faculty MichaelBarta, Eric Lenz, Jacob Tews and Junghwa Lee, whowill be joined by organist Anita Hutton.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 forstudents and include a post-concert reception.Tickets can be purchased at the door. For info, callthe School of Music at 618-453-2870.

— Adam Testa

Art EventsHoliday Extravaganza:

Little Egypt Art Centre, 601Tower Square, Marion;features artwork,photographs, jewelry,Christmas décor and giftideas; through Jan. 15; 618-998-8530 orwww.littleegyptarts.com.

LEAFS: Quilters’ChristmasFair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday,Dec. 10, Little Egypt ArtCentre, 601 Tower Square,Marion; 618-998-8530 orwww.littleegyptarts.com.

ExhibitsSunshine Artists

Exhibition 2011: Artists from the Ava area, SallieLogan Public Library, 1808Walnut St., Murphysboro;through Dec. 8; hours,10 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,Friday and Saturday.

Combined Faculty:University Museum, SIU;hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m.Saturday; through Dec. 10;www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388.

Master of Fine Arts’Candidates’ Preview Exhibit: University Museum,SIU; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday;through Dec. 10;www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388.

Shin Cheolkyun:Lit Up with the Glow of Black Ink, University Museum, SIU; Shin is avisiting artist from Korea; heteaches in the College of Artand Culture at Korea’sKangwon National University;traditional painter whosework often focuses uponnature, particularlymountains of his homeland;through Dec. 10;www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388.

Members’ Show: FeaturingArtist of the Month, NancyLoving, Yeiser Art Center,Paducah; fine art and crafts;through Dec. 17; 270-442-2453 or www.theyeiser.org.

OFF THE WALL HolidayGroup Artist Exhibition: TheYellow Moon Cafe and anthillgallery and vintagecuriosities, Front Street,downtown Cobden; over 60 area artists; through Dec. 23; 618-457-7641;anthillgallery.com andyellowmooncafe.com.

Maturity and Its Muse:Cedarhurst Center for theArts, Mount Vernon; artistsover the age of 70; MitchellMuseum Main Gallery;through Dec. 31;www.cedarhurst.org.

The History of JeffersonCounty: Highlights from theJefferson County HistoricalSociety and Village, MitchellMuseum’s Beal GrandCorridor Gallery, Cedarhurst,Mount Vernon; through Dec.31; www.cedarhurst.org.

Marching to Appomattox:The Footrace that Ended theCivil War, The Beck FamilyCenter Gallery, CedarhurstCenter for the Arts, MountVernon; original paintings byKen Stark; through Dec. 31;www.cedarhurst.org.

Shrode PhotographyCompetition Exhibit: TheShrode Art CenterRegenhardt Gallery,Cedarhurst Center for theArts, Mount Vernon; throughDec. 31; www.cedarhurst.org.

Transformation: Paintingsby Linda Hostalek, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays,Central Showcase, offices ofRealty Central, MurdaleShopping Center, Carbondale;through Dec. 31.

Dr. Leo Gadzepko andJessica Edmond: Fern FairGallery, 8609 Giant CityRoad, Carbondale; throughend of December; 618-529-3376; www.FernFair.com.

Red Rock Landscapes:Tribeca Gallery, downtownPaducah; photographer LarryHeavrin; through Jan. 11; 270-898-6056 [email protected].

Janet Bixler: Paintings,Harrisburg District Library;through Feb. 5; artwork forsale.

CCOONNCCOORRDDIIAA(Harmonizing Trio)

AANNDDRREEAA SSTTAADDEERR(Folk/Rock)

“SUNDAY IN THE PARK” 12/4“saturday music event” 12/3

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Mon.-Thur. 10:00-6:30 • Fri. 10:00-7:00 • Sat. 10:00-7:30 • Sun. 12-7:00

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Our Logo Wear Sweatshirts, T-Shirts,Glasses, Amish Jellies, Salsa’s and Gift Cards

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FREE WINE TASTING MONDAY-FRIDAY

HOLIDAY SUPER SPECIALS!UP TO 35% OFF SELECTED WINES

Book YourHoliday Parties Now!

Book YourHoliday Parties Now!


MUSIC ART MOVIES WINERIES THINGS TO DO

The Stage Company in association withWSIU-FM and The Southern Illinoisan, presents:

Jacob Marley’sJacob Marley’sChristmas CarolChristmas Carol

By: Tom MulaDirected by: Mary Boyle

“A dark comedy that is not your classic Dickens!”

Friday & Saturday, Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17 - 7:30p.m.Sunday, Dec. 11, 18 - 2:00p.m.

Tickets: $15 adults / $10 studentsBox office hours: Mon-Sat 5-7p.m. and 1 hour prior to performances.

Box office opens December 2nd.

Varsity Center for the Arts418 S. Illinois Ave.; Carbondale, IL

For more information: call 618-549-5466or visit www.stagecompany.org

Cracklin’ Cranberry Now Available!

Only at Pheasant Hollow Winery

Get Your Christmas Shopping

Done Early!Tons of Gift Ideas

•Gift Baskets•Stocking Stuffers

Friend us on FacebookLocated at exit 77 along I-57 • 618-629-2302

www.pheasanthollowwinery.com

Creative Visions: Featuresthe work of ceramic artistGreg Gibbs, woodworker JoeLandon, sculptor DarrenMiller, glass artist MichelleRial, painter Nina Weiss andjewelry artist SandraWilcoxon, The SouthernIllinois Art and ArtisansCenter, Whittington; free;through March 15; 618-629-2220.

The Legacy of Katherine Kuh: Building theUniversity’s Art Collection,University Museum, SIU;Katherine Kuh, Chicago artconnoisseur, art critic for theSaturday Review and galleryowner purchased art for SIUincluding some of the majorartists of the 20th Century;through May 11;www.museum.siu.edu or 618-453-5388.

From Humble Beginnings:Lincoln’s Illinois 1830-1861:Illinois State Museum at RendLake presents Part II of an

original exhibition exploringaspects of the state thatLincoln called home, TheSouthern Illinois Art andArtisans Center, Whittington;through May 13; 618-629-2220.

Ongoing art exhibit:Photographs of Juhree Veach, mosaics from Janet Altoff and sculpturefrom Tom Horn, StarViewVineyards, 5100 Wing HillRoad, Cobden; 618-893-9463 or ww.starviewvineyards.com.

Jo Loomis: WilliamsonCounty Pavilion, Marion;paintings of landscapes,seascapes, people, pets; 618-889-5330 [email protected].

ReceptionsFor Kids’ Sake Art Auction:

Silent Auction and Sale tosupport orphanages andschools in Bangladesh.

Art on display now throughDec. 9 in Carbondale;locations, LongbranchCoffeehouse, Arthur Agency, Global Gourmet,Hair Brains, Harbaugh’s Café, Thai Taste, Town Square Market, TresHombres, Dayemi HealthCenter, Holistic WellnessInstitute and White &Borgognoni; over 200 piecesof art by local andBangladeshi children as wellas professional artists;closing receptions, 6-9 p.m.Friday, Dec. 9, around theTown Square; 618- 529-5044;[email protected];www.forkidssake.net.

Michael Onken:Reception, 6-8 p.m. Saturday,Dec. 10, The Gallery Space,law office of Joni Beth Bailey, 1008 Walnut St.,Murphysboro; through Jan.25; gallery hours, 9-5 p.m.Monday-Friday; 618-521-5713.

Thursday, December 8, 2011 FLIPSIDE


Escape from ChristmasLeave holiday hassles at the door,

and let our dinner & dance relax and revive you.

Christmas Dinner & DanceFriday, December 16Hors d’oeurvres, Dinner and

Live Music from the Dave Caputo DuoReservations Required $34.95 per person

Gift Certifi cates AvailableThe perfect holiday treat.

Our winesmake great

stocking stuffers!Gift baskets

also available Von Jakob VineyardVon Jakob Vineyard1309 Sadler Rd.

Pomona, IL 62975230 Hwy 127 N.

Alto Pass, IL 62905

(618) 893-4500 (618) 893-4600

www.vonjakobvineyard.com

Also offering: Handcrafted beer, award winning wine, live music on the weekends, cottage suites, all day menu, Friday

evening dinners (by RSVP), & new customer reward program.

Weekend SpecialFriday - Saturday - Sunday

$599 Beer Pitchers$1000 Margarita Pitchers$ 599 Coronita Buckets Sat. Only

Drink Specials:$100 Draft Beer 10 oz. Sun-Thurs.

$150 Domestic Bottles Mon & Tues.

$199 Margarita 12 oz. Sun - Thurs.

203 N. Williams St.Murphysboro, Il

(618) 684-6254

1400 S. 16th St.Herrin, IL

(618) 942-8085

1330 W. McCordCentralia, IL

(618) 533-5801Sun-Thurs. 11am-10-pm • Fri-Sat. 11am-11pm

Monday - Thursday

Lunch $5 • Dinner $7DAILY

SPECIALS

GIFT CERTIFICATES MAKE GREAT GIFTS$25 Certifi cate for Only $20!! Limited Time!

Reserve The Party Room.No Charge! Seats 100

Try Our New Pineapple Chicken!New Weekend Special

$800 Fajitas Fri , Sat & SunBeef or Chicken

CARBONDALE — The12th annual For Kids’Sake Art Auction wrapsup this weekend indowntown Carbondale.

Eleven businesses havedisplayed artwork for thepast few weeks, and onSaturday, those pieceswill all be up for auction,with proceeds benefitingorphanages and schoolsin Bangladesh. More than200 pieces by local artistsand Bangladeshi childrenhave been showcased.

The auction will alsoinclude products andservices donated by localbusinesses, such as anovernight getaway andhand-crafted jewelry.The silent auction and

sale will end with closingreceptions around TownSquare from 6 to 9 p.m.Friday, Dec. 9.

Artwork can be foundat LongbranchCoffeehouse, ArthurAgency, Global Gourmet,Hair Brains, Harbaugh’sCafé, Thai Taste, TownSquare Market, TresHombres, Dayemi HealthCenter, Holistic WellnessInstitute and White andBorgognoni.

For Kids’ Sake is aCarbondale-basedinternational fundraisingprogram with projects inthe United States,Germany, Switzerlandand Japan.

— Adam Testa

WHITTINGTON — The Illinois State Museum at Rend Lake iscommemorating thebicentennial of AbrahamLincoln’s birth with thesecond part of an originalexhibition, “From HumbleBeginnings: Lincoln’sIllinois 1830-1861.”

The exhibit, which is ondisplay through May 13,explores different parts ofthe state during the pre-Civil War era. In 1830, likethousands of southernersbefore him, Lincoln drovehis team of oxen to Illinoisin search of a better life.Thirty years later, a traincarried the 16th presidentout of the state toWashington.

When Lincoln firstarrived, Illinoisansdepended on waterwaysfor efficient travel and totransport products tosouthern markets. By1861, railroads tied thestate to the industrialnortheast, sparking ageneral expansion of

industry and agriculture inIllinois.

Featured in part two ofthis exhibition are storiesand objects related to theUnderground Railroad, theAlton riots, temperance,

Native American removal,utopia at Nauvoo, the riseof Chicago, agriculturalinnovation and the Illinoisand Michigan Canalhistory. Together, theseelements demonstrate the

dynamic changes thathelped transform Illinoisfrom a region to apowerful state.

“This exhibitionprovides a peek into theIllinois into whichAbraham Lincoln arrived,”said Angela Goebel-Bain,co-curator of the exhibit.“It gives us an opportunityto understand the changesin the culturaldevelopment of the stateand in the lives of Illinoiscitizens during Lincoln’stime in Illinois.”

The exhibition wasdeveloped by the museum,drawing on unique objectsin its collections, such asan 1855 corn planter, thefirst commerciallysuccessful horse-drawnone, and an 1840 Star ofBethlehem quilt.

The museum, at theSouthern Illinois Art andArtisans Center six milesnorth of Benton, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.Admission is free.

— Adam Testa

Silent auction, art sale benefits Bangladeshi orphans, students

Illinois State Museum exhibit explores our past

PROVIDED‘From Humble Beginnings: Lincoln’s Illinois 1830-1861’ will be on display through May 13 at the Illinois State Museum.



starviewvineyards.com5100 Winghill Rd, Cobden, ILOn 51 S. go 6.3 miles South of the “Smiley Face” then left on Wing Hill Rd for 3.5 mi.Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11-6PMFri: 11-7PM; Sat: 10-8PM; Sun: Noon-7PM(618) 893-WINE

• 13 Award Winning wines• Wine slushies• Salads to sandwiches available in our cafe all day• Scenic views from our large deck overlooking the pond

Big ShowsBig Nights

with Nashville stars Shawn Mayer & Craig Curtis

December 9TH AT Mollie’s Bar & Grill 107 E. UNION, MARION

December 10TH AT THE Marion Elks 204 S. MARKET, MARION

No Cover ChargeCome out for an awesome Show!

2

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Christmas CardsDecember Hours:Thurs. - Sat. 10-6

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Regular Hours: Saturdays 10am-5pm

Specializing in Christian LiteratureMark J. Akin • Bookseller

Also Home Of

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GUINNESS MERCHANDISESTERLING & BEADED Jewelry

Stained Glass • Shannon Crystal Pewter Gifts • irish OrnamentsFramed Art • decorative crosses

embossed leather goodsirish & scottish santas

Donegal tweed caps • Tartan ties tea towels • sCARVES • TOTEBAGS

IRISH CDS • BOOKS • POSTERSIRISH/SCOTTISH FOOD PANTRYCeltic tapestries & throws

The The Irish StoreIrish Store

New Year’s Eve **Rated PG-13 for Languageand some sexualreferences; starring SarahJessica Parker, AshtonKutcher, Michelle Pfeiffer,Zac Efron, Josh Duhamel,Katherine Heigl, Jon BonJovi, Hilary Swank, RobertDe Niro, Halle Berry,Jessica Biel and SethMeyers; directed by Garry Marshall; openingFriday at ShowPlace 8 inCarbondale and AMCCentre 8 in Marion

BY CONNIE OGLEMCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS

“Valentine’s Day Redux”— or as it’s officiallyknown, “New Year’s Eve”— purports to be about anight on which the “entireworld comes together” tocelebrate.

Considering that mostpeople in this countryspend that particularnight on the sofa with abag of chips and somecheap bubbly and arefighting to stay awake atmidnight, the premisemay be somewhatoverstated.

Still, the latest in what isturning out to be a seriesof secondary holiday-themed movies — can“Bastille Day” be farbehind? — “New Year’sEve” is not unbearable. It’snot bad, but it’s not good,either.

It delivers exactly whatyou expect: pretty faces,shallow romance and amythical fanaticism about

an event in a friendlyManhattan unblemishedby hyper-vigilant securitymeasures, obnoxiousdrunks or New York Jetsfans.

It straddles a strangemiddle ground thatprobably bears morescrutiny than we care togive it.

If we understood why wecould be vaguelyentertained by somethingso slight, we’d probablynever get out of bed in themorning.

Does it matter, really,what happens? OK, if itdoes: Lots of stars spar,fall in love, face regretsand eagerly anticipate theball drop in Times Square.Names are unimportant inthis script; thesecharacters are known bytheir faces.

Bike messenger ZacEfron — who is far andaway the best and mostcharming person on thescreen, despite thepresence of three Oscarwinners — squires around a sad MichellePfeiffer and helps hercross dreams off herbucket list.

Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michele get stuck in an elevator (please,get her out before shestarts belting outStreisand).

Josh Duhamel hopes tomeet the mysteriouswoman he met a year agoat midnight.

Sarah Jessica Parkerworries when her teenagedaughter (Abigail Breslin)sneaks off to meet a

dreamy boy (Jake T.Austin).

Hilary Swank is incharge of ensuring the balldrops on time, with anassist from Ludacris.Nurse Halle Berrycomforts a dying RobertDe Niro. (Wait. What thehell is Robert De Nirodoing here?)

Jon Bon Jovi looksfantastic, but honestly,does he really prefer theshrill Katherine Heigl toSofia Vergara in a low-cuttight shirt?

Naturally you can’t staretoo hard at this shiny,processed bauble or itbegins to crack.

Zac Efron is SarahJessica Parker’s brother?

Til Schweiger, whoplayed the bloodthirsty,Nazi-hating Hugo Stiglitzin “Inglourious Basterds,”is really playing a dadhoping his kid is born atmidnight so he wins$25,000 for his family?

A trendy record labelparty — the hottest ticketin town, we are told —features a rock balladeerwho performs John Hiatt’s“Have a Little Faith inMe,” a lovely songespecially in its originalincarnation but hardly thetrendy, clubby Pitbull/ FloRida/ Black Eyed Peasperformance such agathering would actuallyprovide?

So no, don’t look tooclosely. And when “NewYear’s Eve” pops up oncable next winter, you’llthink hazily that yes, thiscould be cute, and you’llwatch it again.

‘New Year’s Eve’ isn’t bad, but it’s definitely not good

W W W.T H ESO U T H E R N .C O M

PROVIDEDMichelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron are part of the ensemble cast in ‘New Year’s Eve.’

Thursday, December 8, 2011 FLIPSIDE

Illinois State MuseumSouthern Illinois Art & Artisans Center

I-57, exit 77, Whittington, IllinoisOpen 9-5 daily, 618-629-2220

www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/so-ilwww.facebook.com/illinoisartisans

Shop Illinois

Artisansof Illinoishave been busy

creating gifts for your holidayshopping list.

Gary Gill Mississippi Mud

Nina PeacockMala Jones Roberta Elliott

MOVIES ART MUSIC WINERIES THINGS TO DO

New on DVD‘The Help’: An aspiring

author during the civilrights movement of the1960’s decides to write abook detailing theAfrican-American maid’s point of view onthe white families forwhich they work, and thehardships they go throughon a daily basis. StarringEmma Stone and BryceDallas Howard. Directedby Tate Taylor. Rated PG-13.

‘Cowboys and Aliens’:A spaceship arrives inArizona, 1873, to take overthe Earth, starting withthe Wild West region.

A posse of cowboys andnatives are all that stand intheir way. Starring DanielCraig, Harrison Ford,Abigail Spencer, BuckTaylor and Olivia Wilde.Directed by Jon Favreau.Rated PG-13.

‘The Hangover, Part II’:Two years after thebachelor party in LasVegas, Phil, Stu, Alan,and Doug jet to Thailandfor Stu’s wedding.Stu’s plan for a subduedpre-wedding brunch,however, goes seriouslyawry. Starring BradleyCooper and ZachGalifianakis. Directed by Todd Phillips.Rated R.

‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’:The life of a businessmanbegins to change after heinherits six penguins, andas he transforms hisapartment into a winterwonderland, hisprofessional side starts tounravel. Starring JimCarrey and Carla Gugino.Directed by Mark Waters.Rated PG.

‘The Debt’: Shockingnews reaches retiredMossad secret agentsRachel and Stefan abouttheir former colleagueDavid. Starring SamWorthington and HelenMirren. Directed by JohnMadden. Rated R.

— Adam Testa

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES —Johnny Depp’s “Rango,”Anne Hathaway’s “Rio,”Antonio Banderas’ “Pussin Boots” and StevenSpielberg’s “TheAdventures of Tintin” areamong movies competingfor best-animated film atthe Annie Awards.

The 10 nominees

announced Monday alsoinclude James McAvoy’s“Arthur Christmas,” OwenWilson’s “Cars 2,” JackBlack’s “Kung Fu Panda 2”and three overseascontenders: “A Cat inParis,” “Arrugas” and“Chico & Rita.”

Cast members earningvoice-acting nominationsfor the Annie Awardsinclude “Arthur

Christmas” co-stars BillNighy and Ashley Jensen,“Kung Fu Panda 2” co-stars Gary Oldman andJames Hong and “Puss inBoots” co-star ZachGalifianakis.

Presented by theInternational AnimatedFilm Society, the AnnieAwards will be handed outFeb. 4 at a ceremony inLos Angeles.

STUDIO‘Rango,’ featuring the voice of Johnny Depp, has been nominated for best animated movie.

‘Rango,’ others earn Annie nods

flipside 12-08

Documents

christmas partythis

finals arenext week

allsaints day

rome togethersome day

anormal day onthanksgiving

thing ive

theitalian cuisine

semester iscoming