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2 Thursday, February 6, 2014 FLIPSIDE

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TThhee SSoouutthheerrnn IIlllliinnooiissaann (USPS 258-908) is publisheddaily at a yearly subscription rate of $219.96. It ispublished at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901.It is owned by Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa.

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BY JOE SZYNKOWSKIFOR THE SOUTHERN

The art of perfecting acrepe is one that requirespatience and discipline –two attributes Ming-WeiHuang possesses inabundance.

The dedicated owner ofBlend Tea and CrepeLounge in Carbondale putsin 70 hours per week toensure his eatery’s success,and he wouldn’t have it anyother way.

“I love it,” Huang said.“We’re bringing a lifestyleand a cultural influence toCarbondale.”

Originally from TaipeiCity, Taiwan, Huangoperated a successful crepebusiness in Virginia beforerelocating to Carbondaleand opening Blend in 2011.He describes crepe-makingas a labor of love, onecomprised of spreadingbatter into a thin circle overa flattop skillet, and thenfilling it with fresh fruits,peanut butter, ice cream,meats, cheeses or otheritems.

Blend offers a widevariety of crepes – from thesweet ones filled withNutella and ice cream tothe savory options loadedwith ham, egg, cheese andspinach. A diverse, easy-to-navigate menu has beencritical to Blend’s successin drawing a large customerbase, which like many

Carbondaleestablishments, is madeprimarily of SouthernIllinois Universitystudents.

Blend’s interior iscolorful and open, withplenty of seating and roomfor customers to enjoy theirfavorite crepe. Guests canalso enjoy a meal or cold teain the outdoor dining area.Free Wi-Fi is available,making Blend the perfectplace to study or socialize.

“We hold a lot of eventsfor the studentorganizations,” Huang said.“We’ve done live music andwe have a lot ofpromotions.”

Huang cares about hiscustomers, and is focusedon reaching new ones withspecials, menu updates andloyalty programs. Blendalso sends special couponsto customers on theirbirthday and is always

willing to listen to menufeedback.

“We now have the grilledchicken that is verypopular,” Huang said.“People tell us they reallylike it. We’re alwayslooking to add new things.”

Enthusiasm for Blend’s

food offerings is matchedby the excitementsurrounding its extensiveselection of teas, slushiesand smoothies. For lessthan $3, you can enjoy a tallglass of shaken iced teawith bubbles and a splashof your favorite flavor.Popular options are honey,peach, mango andstrawberry, but feel free tochoose another fromBlend’s large list of flavoroptions.

Huang also offersseasonal drinks likecinnamon chocolate milktea, as well as healthy drinkoptions like skim or soymilk.

“We try to havesomething for everybody,”Huang said.

With a diverse menu anda comfortable atmosphere,Huang wants Carbondale’sbusiness community toknow that there is room atBlend for lunch meetingsor special events.

“Our target market isdefinitely the collegestudents, but we would liketo expand,” Huang said.“We want to continue toget good business in thesummer and winter whenthe students aren’t here.”

Anyone interested instaying current withBlend’s upcomingpromotions and menuadditions can find and‘friend’ the lounge onFacebook.

Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Blend Tea and Crepe Lounge

DETAILSWhat: Fruit or savory

crepes, grilled chicken,fresh teas, smoothies

Where: 719 S. UniversityAve., Carbondale

Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.Contact: 618-300-1088

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STEVE MATZKER / THE SOUTHERNBlend Tea and Crepe Lounge in Carbondale offers a variety offruit or savory crepes, grilled chicken, fresh teas and smoothies.

ExhibitsBrenda Fleming: Artist of

the Month, Little Egypt ArtCentre, 601 Tower Square,Marion; through February;618-998-8530 orwww.littleegyptarts.com

Cropper Life: Images ofDignity, Mounds AfricanAmerican Museum; throughFeb. 9; hours, 2-5 p.m.Saturday and Sunday; 618-745-61833;[email protected]

To Kill and To Heal:Weapons and Medicine of theCivil War, Anna Arts Center.125 W. Davie St., Anna;traveling exhibit; designedand constructed by the staffof the Abraham LincolnPresidential Museum; 9 a.m.to noon Monday-Thursday;appointments to see exhibit,618-833-6525; free; throughFeb. 10

High School ArtCompetition: Little Egypt ArtCentre, 601 Tower Square,Marion; cash andmerchandise prizespresented to winners atclosing reception Feb. 16;includes art by high schoolstudents from throughoutSouthern Illinois; painting,drawing, photography,sculpture; exhibit may beviewed from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.Monday and from 11 a.m.-3p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 618-993-2564;www.littleegyptarts.com

Wheat Elder: VisitingArtist Series, Rend LakeCollege, 468 N. Ken GrayParkway, Ina; theater lobby;through Feb. 28; 618-437-5321; www.rlc.edu

A Song from the Field:Collection of works by RobertKetchens and WilliamBurton, Jr., depicting thehistory of the Blues genre ofmusic, Carbondale CivicCenter Corridor Gallery; inconjunction with BlackHistory Month; throughMarch 2; 618-457-5100,[email protected] orcarbondalearts.org

Jeanne Warren: Award-winning needle work,

Harrisburg District Library;counted cross-stitch;through March 2

25th AnniversaryExhibition: Dedicated toartist Roscoe Misselhorn,Misselhorn Art Gallery, 611 W.Second St., Sparta; ondisplay until mid-March; 618-443-3577;www.misselhorngallery.com

Jo Dodd, Joanna Gray andRene DeGroof: The Pavilion,1602 Sioux Drive, Marion;hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; through March 26;618-993-2657

Caught in the Sweep ofHistory: Egypt in the CivilWar – The Second Yearexhibit and documentarynow on display, The GeneralJohn A. Logan Museum, 1613Edith St., Murphysboro;through April; 618-684-3455;to www.loganmuseum.org

Master Artists from theMuseum’s Art Collection:University Museum, SIU;artists featured includePierre Bonnard, PabloPicasso, Berthe Morisot,Jacob Lawrence, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and MaxErnst; through May 9; 618-453-5388;www.museum.siu.edu

The Urge to Embellish:Illinois State MuseumSouthern Illinois Art Gallery,Art & Artisans Center, 14967Gun Creek Trail, Whittington,six miles north of Benton;open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily;through May 25; 618-629-2220;www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/so-il

ReceptionsFrom Generation to

Generation: Folk Arts ofIllinois, University Museum,SIU; reception, 4-7 p.m.Friday, Feb. 7; curated by LisaRathje and Clark “Bucky”Halker; through March 7;www.museum.siu.edu; 618-453-5388

Hoyeon Chung: MixedMedia, University Museum,SIU; reception, 4-7 p.m.Friday, Feb. 7; through March7; www.museum.siu.edu;618-453-5388

Sustain 2: NationalCollegiate Juried Exhibitionof Art and Design for EcoLiving, curated by NateSteinbrink, reception, 4-7p.m. Friday, Feb. 7; throughMarch 7;www.museum.siu.edu; 618-453-5388

The Trunk Show: Curatedby Eric S. Jones, UniversityMuseum, SIU; reception, 4-7p.m. Friday, Feb. 7; throughMarch 7;www.museum.siu.edu; 618-453-5388

What’s What, WhoseWho?: Reception, 4-7 p.m.Friday, Feb. 7, UniversityMuseum, SIU; through March7; www.museum.siu.edu;618-453-5388

Mike Chervinko: HistoricPhotographs of the Tri-StateTornado, reception, 4-7 p.m.Friday, Feb. 7; through March

30; www.museum.siu.edu;618-453-5388

Artist Trading CardsProject: Curated by BobDeHoet, University Museum,SIU; reception, 4-7 p.m.Friday, Feb. 7; through May 9;www.museum.siu.edu; 618-453-5388

Cast in Carbondale:Sculptures & Drawings byVisiting Artists from theThomas Walsh Donation,University Museum, SIU;reception, 4-7 p.m. Friday,Feb. 7; through May 9;www.museum.siu.edu; 618-453-5388

Master Artists from theArt Collection: Curated byDona Bachman, UniversityMuseum, SIU; reception, 4-7p.m. Friday, Feb. 7; throughMay 9;www.museum.siu.edu; 618-453-5388

Scholastic Art Awardceremony: 3 p.m. Sunday,Feb. 9 , Mitchell MuseumPerformance Hall,Cedarhurst Center for theArts, 2600 E. RichmondRoad, Mount Vernon; work ofstudents from AnnaJonesboro, Belleville, Benton,Carbondale, Carterville,Cobden, Herrin, JohnstonCity, Joppa, Kell, Marion,Mount Carmel, MountVernon, Waltonville andWaterloo; through Feb. 9;618-242-1236;www.cedarhurst.org

FLIPSIDE Thursday, February 6, 2014 3

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ANNA —The travelingexhibit, “To Kill and ToHeal: Weapons andMedicine of the CivilWar” will be on displaythrough Feb. 10 in theAnna Arts Center.

The exhibit exploresthe invisible killer of theCivil War: “disease andthe conventionalweapons used to createslaughter on anunprecedented scale.”

The display wasdesigned andconstructed by the staffof the Abraham LincolnPresidential Museumand Library and wassponsored by theLooking for LincolnHeritage Coalition, inrecognition of the 150thAnniversary of the CivilWar.

The exhibit is free andopen to the public from9 a.m. to noon Monday

through Thursday withalternative hoursavailable by calling 618-833-6525.

The exhibit is part ofthe Civil War Weekendof Union County whichis set from Feb. 7 to 9.

— The Southern

To Kill and To Heal exhibiton display in Anna

ART SERVICESCivil War era weaponry andmedical equipment will beon display at the Anna ArtsCenter through Feb. 10.

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CARBONDALE —Herrin author HeatherMcLaren will sign copiesof her new teen-fantasynovel, “Mythos”,beginning at 1 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 8 in the

Bookworm bookstorelocated in the EastgateShopping Center.

“Mythos” tells the storyof David Cooley and FarenSands. While in theBahamas, true love wasleast on Cooley’s mind,but the moment he laideyes on Sands, he knew hehad found the girl of hisdreams.

But there are manyobstacles to face includingthe fact that the love of hislife is a mermaid from thelost island of Atlantis.

Fate forces David tomake a decision that willforever affect his younglife.

McLaren wrote andrewrote “Mythos,” forthree years beforesuccessfully publishingthe book.

She is currently workingon the second book in thefive book series entitled“Beyond Legend.”

“Mythos” sells for$17.95.

For more informationcontact the Bookworm at618-457-2665.

— The Southern

Teen-fantasy author signs booksSaturday at the Bookworm

PROVIDED BY HEATHER MCLARENAuthor Heather McLaren wrote ‘Mythos.’

CARBONDALE —Express Yourself: ACompany of FolkWorkshop with FiberArtist Edna Patterson-Petty will take place from9:30 a.m. to noonSaturday, Feb. 8 inHickory Lodge, 1115 W.Sycamore St.

Participants willcomplete a 12 by 12 fabricsquare using their ownremnants of fabric andembellishments such asribbon, buttons, etc.

Before creating thefabric square, eachparticipant will create aquick design idea onpaper. The idea can bebased on a word that isspecial to the participant

such as a hobby or a petdepending on whatdepiction eachparticipant wants tomake.

The remnants andembellishment will beused to create the ideasand cut and glued on tothe 12 x 12 fabric square.Any buttons would haveto be sewed on the fabric.

Patterson-Petty usesthe tradition of sewinglearned from her motherand grandmothercombined with theeducation she received.

This is a free programbut advance reservationsare required andparticipants are asked tobring their ownmaterials.

To register, contactCarbondale CommunityArts at 618-457-5100 [email protected].

— The Southern



~The Stage Company presents~

LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERSBy Neil Simon

Directed by Lee Brackett

FEBRUARY 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 237:30 P.M. Friday and Saturday and 2:00 P.M. Sunday

Tickets $15 adults/$10 students/ $5 Student Appreciation Day February 16 Varsity Center for the Arts 418 S. Illinois Avenue in Carbondale

Box office opens February 7 (618) 549-5466For more information go to: www.stagecompany.org

*For mature audiences

Chocolate fountain with strawberries and a cash bar

including champagne, available before each performance

and during intermission, and a special Valentine’s Day

surprise, available opening night the 14th!

MARION — The OldJail Museum now has newopen hours.

The museum, locatedat 105 S. Van Buren Ave.,will be open from 9:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m. everyday and on Sundays byappointment.

The museum includesmore than 20 rooms ofexhibits on countyhistory plus a largeresearch library for studyof county history andgenealogy.

Circuit clerk records

dating to 1839 are alsohoused in the museum.

The WilliamsonCounty Historical Societywelcomes new volunteersto help staff the museum.

Membership dues forthe Historical Society are$20 per year forindividuals, families orbusinesses.

For more information,[email protected] or call 618-997-5863.

— The Southern

Old Jail Museum inMarion has new hours

Express Yourself workshopscheduled for Saturday

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Learn about herbs and gardens this weekend in Mount VernonMOUNT VERNON —

The 2014 MidwesternHerb and Garden Showwill be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday andSaturday Feb. 7 and 8 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 9 in theTimes Square Mall.

The 26th annual show will includespeakers, workshops andvendors offering plants,arts, crafts and specialtyfoods.

A variety of workshopswill be offered on topicssuch as edible andmedicinal herbs,birding, beekeeping and do-it-yourself herbal bath and bodyproducts.

Keynote speaker isbest-selling authorSharon Lovejoy, formercontributing editor of“Country LivingGardener” magazine.

Lovejoy, a guest onseveral TV showsincluding “The VictoryGarden” on PBS, is authorand illustrator of 10 books, including”Sunflower Houses” and“Trowel & Error.”

She will hold booksignings and speak ontheme and containergardening at 5 p.m.Friday, and secrets ofgood gardening at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Sunday’s special guest speaker, stormchaser and emergencymanagement andresponse expert EddyWeiss, will speak aboutdisaster preparedness at 1 p.m.

Speaking events are freeto the public, as are mostworkshops.

The annual show helps fund an annualscholarship for studentsseeking a degree orcertificate leading to a

career in horticulture.A full schedule of

activities can be foundonline at

www.midwesternherbandgardenshow.com.

— The Southern

Country Concert SeriesKentucky Opry & Z-100

Marion Culture & civic center618.997.4030

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Presented by

JOHN CONLEE T.G. SHEPPARD

February 28, 2014

BOX OFFICE(618) 997-4030OR GO ONLINE AT

www.marionccc.com

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOPattie Jackson of Edwardsville talks to a vendor at theMidwestern Herb and Garden Show in Mount Vernon.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOGuests peruse the Midwestern Herb and Garden Show at Times Square Mall in Mount Vernon.

MURPHYSBORO —AWinter Book Sale isscheduled Friday andSaturday, Feb. 21-22 in

The Sallie Logan PublicLibrary located at 1808Walnut St.

Items for sale include

new and used books,videos, DVDs, audiobooks, cassette and VHStapes.

A preview day will befrom 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Friday, Feb. 21.

Admission is $5 or joinThe Friends of SallieLogan Public Library for

$5 per year and get freeadmission to three booksales.

The regular sale is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 22 andthere is no admission fee for the Saturday sale.

— The Southern



Your Professional Footwear

$5 OFFAny Dansko Shoe!

Not valid with any other offer. Coupon required.

(618) 529-2313

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Downtown CarbondaleCrystal Ball features White City Park theme

HERRIN— The annualCrystal Ball set for 6 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 15 in theHerrin Civic Center willhave a White City Parktheme.

White City was a hugeentertainment complex in Herrin with a swimmingpool, carnivals, picnics and dancing in the evening to many of the BigBand orchestras of thetime.

White City borderedNorth 17th and North l8thstreets near the oldNorthside School from the1920s till the mid 1950s.The Williamson CountyCrisis Center and theHerrin Food Pantry are

now located on the site.The Crystal Ball will have

cocktails, dinner, dancingand a silent auction.Proceeds will benefit theHerrin Historical Societyand the Herrin CommunityStrategic Plan.

Dinner will be provided by Crystal’sCatering and musicwill be provided by ThePresswoods.

Tickets are $50 perperson or $350 for a tableof eight.

For questions or tickets, call Jennifer Frost at 618- 922-1530 orNina Helleny at 618-534-9234.

— The Southern

HARRISBURG —A triviacontest will be at 6 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 22 in theAmerican Legion GeorgeHart Post 167, 600 E.Logan St.

The contest is afundraiser for CourtAppointed SpecialAdvocates of SalineCounty.

Doors open at 5 p.m. andcategories include:Movies; In the News;Music; Television;History; Truly Trivial andWho is behind those

Foster Grants?Teams can dress up in

themed attire anddecorate their tablesaccording to the theme.

Cash prizes are givenand food and beveragesare served.

Cost to participate is$100 per table, whichincludes 10 players.

To reserve a table for the contest or inquireabout training sessions for CASA, call 618-253-3355.

— The Southern

CASA Trivia Contest set Feb. 22Winter Book Sale slated at Sallie Logan Library

‘Masks of Culture’ on tap Feb. 27 CARBONDALE —A

unique presentation onhow masks allow people totransform themselves is set for 7 p.m. Thursday,Feb. 27, in The ScienceCenter of Southern Illinois,in the University Mall.

“Masks of Culture” willbe presented by RonNaversen, Department ofTheater at SIU.

Naversen will discuss theassociation of masks withhuman culture from the

ancient past to the presentday and “how masks allow us to transformourselves.”

Admission is free andthose who come early canenjoy a complimentary cupof Gloria Jean’s coffee.

For more [email protected],call 618-549-2565 or go to [email protected].

— The SouthernAt the Marion Culturaland Civic Centerwww.marionccc.com or 618 997 4030

UNION COUNTY —Anna’s KirkpatrickPottery will be on displayduring the Civil WarWeekend in Union County at the Anna ArtsCenter, 125 West DavieSt., Anna.

The pottery will be ondisplay from 9:30 a.m. to5 p.m. Saturday, Feb 8.

Anna Pottery wasestablished in 1859 by twobrothers, Cornwell andWallace Kirkpatrick. Thebrothers came to Anna,because of the localkaolin clay pits and theIllinois Central Railroadwas across the street toship their wares tocustomers.

Kirkpatrick’s AnnaPottery is recognizedworldwide and isnormally sold foranywhere from $5000 toover $100,000.

Another event on tapfor the Civil WarWeekend is the play“Patches and Squares” at7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9in the Anna Arts Center.

Pete Housman will

present a staged historyof portions of the CivilWar from 1862 to 1864.Also, musicians CarlaAnderson, WarrenAnderson and DickJohnson will play theinstruments of theperiod.

Cost is $10. Reserve at618-697-0009 or 618-625-1109 or [email protected].

Several other events arescheduled Saturdayincluding speakers andexhibits on Grant,newspapers, weapons,Civil War photos andsteamboats

Also on tap for 1 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 9 is ahistorical bus tourentitled: “Lincoln’sFootsteps and Friends inAnna-Jonesboro.”

Call 618-833-8745 forreservations. The cost is$10.

For more informationon the Civil Warweekend, call 904-625-1109, email [email protected] or go towww.pastonline.org.

— The Southern



‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’Neil Simon stage play presented byThe Stage Co.; 7 p.m. Friday andSaturday, Feb. 14-15 and 21-22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 and 23;Varsity Center for the Arts, 418 S.Illinois Ave., Carbondale; tickets are$15 for adults and $10 for students,or $5 for students on Feb. 16

BY ADAM TESTATHE SOUTHERN

CARBONDALE – This Valentine’sDay, The Stage Co. is sharing alesson about looking for the wrongkind of love in even worse places.

The theater troupe opens a six-performance run of Neil Simon’s“Last of the Red Hot Lovers” onFriday, Feb. 14 , at the Varsity Centerfor the Arts.

“This one has a little more edge toit than other Neil Simon plays theaudience might have seen,” said EricBillingsley of Goreville, who playscentral character Barney Cashman,

a middle-aged man going through amidlife crisis.

Having been with his high schoolsweetheart since their school days,Cashman begins to wonder what itwould be like to spend time withanother woman. He sets out for atryst with three different women,each who presents her own uniqueissues and challenges.

“He’s a little out of his depth,”Billingsley said. “Something goesvery wrong with each one.”

And where Cashman findsromantic problems, the audiencefinds laughs and entertainment inthe traditional Simon style.

Lee Brackett, directing his 10thproduction for The Stage Co., saidthe audience will find plenty toenjoy, most of it coming atCashman’s expense.

“They will be totally entertainedby the different personalities of thedifferent ladies he meets,” Brackettsaid. “They make for a veryentertaining and excitingconversation.”

The show isn’t entirely comedythough, as it has its poignantmoments and a serious realizationfor Cashman in the end.

“He ends up realizing what he hadto begin with was the best life hecould have hoped for,” Brackett said.

“Last of the Red Hot Lovers” runsat 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb.14-15 and 21-22, and 2 p.m. Sunday,Feb. 16 and 23. Tickets are $15 foradults and $10 for students.Students can attend the Feb. 16performance for only $5.

A cash bar including champagneand a chocolate fountain withstrawberries will be available beforeeach performance and atintermission. A special surprise isalso planned for the Valentine’s Dayopening.

“It’s a special event,” Billingsleysaid. “It would be perfect for acouple looking for something to dofor Valentine’s Day.”

[email protected]

Red Hot LoversThe Stage

Co. presents

COURTESY SHAY MALONE / THE STAGE CO.Appearing in ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ are Kate Burns, Shelley Hill, Eric Billingsley and Darcy Kriegsman.

Civil War Weekend inUnion County featuresKirkpatrick Pottery

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOAmelia Blakely models her period costume for the musical,‘Lincoln: The Life and Times,’ during the 2012 Civil Warweekend.

Last of the

Authors, BooksMythos: Book signing by

Herrin author HeatherMcLaren, 1 p.m. Saturday,Feb. 8, Bookwormbookstore, EastgateShopping Center,Carbondale; 618-457-2665

ComedyThe Carbondale

Comedians: 9 p.m.Mondays, Hangar 9,Carbondale; 10 p.m.Wednesdays, Station 13,Carbondale; see TheCarbondale Comedians onFacebook

EventsTaste of Chocolate:

Sponsored by the Women’sCenter, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Feb.7, Carbondale Civic Center;chocolate, music, auction;$35; 618-549-4807extension 228

Midwestern Herb andGarden Show: 10 a.m. - 9p.m. Friday-Saturday Feb. 7-8 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 9, Times

Square Mall, Mount Vernon;speakers, workshops,vendors;www.midwesternherbandgardenshow.com

Civil War Weekend:Friday-Sunday, Feb. 7-9,Union County; bus tour,exhibits, re-enactors,storytelling and Civil War erafood and music; 618-833-8745; [email protected]

Fly With the Eagles: HalfMarathon, 9 a.m. Saturday,Feb. 8, Crab OrchardNational Wildlife Refuge,Marion; registration andpacket pick up begins 7 a.m.; 618-694-9035;[email protected]

St. Valentine’s DayMassacre: Features TheSouthern Illinois Roller Girls,6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, thePavilion of the City ofMarion; doors open 5 p.m.;$8 in advance or $10 at thedoor; 12 and under; free;www.soillrollergirls.com

Southern Illinois GotTalent Contest: 9 a.m.-6p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15,Illinois Star Centre Mall foodcourt, Marion; proceeds tothe Good SamaritanMinistries; $15 to try outplus two non perishablefood items; entry intocontest includes tee shirt;bring DVD of performance,non-perishable food itemsand $15 before Feb. 10 tothe Mall office located nearTarget; 10 winners willcompete for $300 March 8at the Marion Cultural CivicCenter;[email protected];618-889-0517

Trivia night: To benefitSouthern Illinois RollerGirls, 6:30 p.m. Saturday,Feb. 15, Herrin Elks Lodge,221 E. Monroe St., Herrin;doors open, 6 p.m.; $100for a team of 8 or $15individually; reserve [email protected];www.soillrollergirls.com

HistoryHandcrafts From The

Heart: 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7,

Herrin City Library; bringany handmade item fromthe past or present handeddown, a gift from someonespecial or a special memoryassociated with the item; noquilts; bring items any-time after 10 a.m.;presented by the HerrinArea Historical Society;[email protected]

Dinner TheatreMonty’s Valentine Show:

Featuring Monty Jackson &Friends, 7 p.m., Friday, Feb.14, The Gathering PlaceDinner Theatre, 290 S.Burns St., Sparta; $35; show and dinner;www.thegatheringplaceoffbroadway.com; 618-965-3726

Theatre AuditionsAuditions: For The

McLeod Summer Playhouse2014 season, starts 9 a.m.Saturday, Feb. 8, AltgeldHall, Room 116, SIU;www.playhouse.siu.edu;[email protected]; also,technical staff interviews;[email protected]

Theatre/Performances

Patches and Squares:Play starring Pete Housman,7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, AnnaArts Center, 125 West DavieStreet, Anna; part of CivilWar weekend; $10; 618-697-0009

Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.:7 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1and 2 p.m. March 2, AnnaArts Center, 125 W. DavieSt., Anna; tickets now onsale; $8; 618-697-0009;[email protected]

C.S. Lewis’ TheScrewtape Letters: 7:15p.m. Saturday, March 8, TheLuther F. Carson Four RiversCenter, Paducah; ticketsnow on sale; classic piece ofliterature transformed into alive performance;$49/$39/$29;www.thecarsoncenter.org;270-443-9932


LITTLE EGYPT BARBERSHOP CHORUSPresents

SINGING VALENTINES 2014

Want to give that special gift for Valentines? Quartets from the Little Egypt Chorus are again offering to sing to that special person. Quartets will be on the road Thursday & Friday February 13 &14 from 9:00 AM to

7:00 PM. Requests will be accepted from Jackson, Union and Williamson counties. Base price is $50.00 and includes two songs, a card and rose.

Call now to request the date and time you wish a quartet to make that special gift. Please leave your phone number and if there is any

flexibility in the time you request.

Call Al Terry 985-4271 between 8 AM and 10 PM.


CARBONDALE —The City ofCarbondale would liketo invite musicians toperform in downtownCarbondale andelsewhere in thecommunity.

“Carbondale hasalways been worldrenown for excellentmusicians that writeand perform a variety of forms and styles so, we wantto encouragemusicians to sharetheir talents,” saidformer CarbondaleMayor Joel Fritzler.“This effort toencourage musiciansto perform, and peopleto support the arts, is asmall part of revivingdowntown Carbondaleas an entertainmentdistrict.”

Musicians arewelcomed to play theirnon-amplifiedinstruments in publicareas while keepingnearby sidewalks clear.

Musicians shouldalso check withbusiness owners to seeif they could performon their property.

Fritzler said peoplepassing by themusicians areencouraged to showtheir support withtheir applause and/orby droppingcontributions into themusicians’ openinstrument cases or tipjar.

Panhandling thoughis prohibited incommercial areas ofCarbondale.

— The Southern

Musicians invitedto perform in downtownCarbondale

Eat, Drink andBe Mine

Open at 5pm Tuesday through SaturdayWalk-Ins Welcome. Reservations SuggestedTake-Out Available

7230 State Route 152, Du Quoin, IL • 618-542-2424

Join usfor lunchSunday,February 16th11am to 3pm

THURSDAYCarbondale: Hangar 9,

AD/DC.Tres Hombres, OrismoMarion: Williamson County

Fairground Hanna Building,Big Lake Country Band,6:30-9:30 p.m.

Thompsonville: Lion’s Club,The Swing N’ Country DanceBand, 7-9:30 p.m.

FRIDAYCarbondale: Copper

Dragon, Chalice DubsMasquerade Ball; featuresDirt Monkey, PositiveVibr8tions, Medusa

Hangar 9, Archnemesis andShattered Sound

Tres Hombres, Nasty NateIna: Ina Community Building,

Friday Night Jam Band,6:30-9:30 p.m.

Marion: Youth Center,Craig’s Country Band,6-9 p.m.

Whittington: Corner DanceHall, Rebel Country Band,7:30-10:30 p.m.

SATURDAYCarbondale: Copper Dragon,

Brushville w/Cache RiverHangar 9, Cornmeal w/Head

for The HillsTres Hombres, The Well, Well,

WellsHerrin: N-Kahootz Night

Club, Flat Line, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

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

Eagles, Salty Dog, 7-10 p.m.Thompsonville: Old Country

Store Dance Barn, Lil’ Boot& Classic Country, 7-10 p.m.

SUNDAYMarion: Eagles, Salty Dog,

6-9 p.m.

MONDAYDu Quoin: Derby’s

Community Hall, Jerry’sJammers, 7-9 p.m.

Herrin: N-Kahootz NightClub, Dave Simmons,7-10 p.m.

Marion: Youth Center, Craig’sCountry Band, 6-9 p.m.

TUESDAYHerrin Teen Town, Country

Ramrods, 7-10 p.m.Marion: Hideout Restaurant,

Bob Pina, piano 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Thompsonville: Lion’s Club,Mike’s Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

FIND THEM HERE20’s Hideout Restaurant:

2602 Wanda Drive, Marion618-997-8325

Corner Dance Hall:200 Franklin St.,Whittington 618-303-5266

Derby’s Community Hall:

214 High St., Du Quoin618-201-1753

Hangar 9: 511 S. Illinois Ave.,Carbondale 618-549-0511

Herrin Teen Town: 105 N.13th St., Herrin 618-889-3651

Just Elsie’s: 302 Jackson St.,Orient, 618-932-3401

Lion’s Club: South Street,Thompsonville 618-218-4888

Marion American Legion:Longstreet Road, Marion618-997-6168

Marion Eagles: Russell andLongstreet Roads, Marion618-993-6300

Marion Youth Center: 211 E.Boulevard, Marion 618-922-7853

N-Kahootz Night Club: 115W. Cherry St., Herrin 618-942-9345

Old Country Store DanceBarn: Main Street,Thompsonville 618-218-4676

PK’s: 308 S. Illinois Ave.,Carbondale 618-529-1124

Steeleville American Legion:303 S. Chester St.,Steeleville 618-965-3362

Tres Hombres: 119 N.

Washington St., Carbondale618-457-3308

Williamson CountyFairground Hanna Building:Fair and Main streets,Marion 618-917-5230



LiveEntertainment

Saturday, February 8th • 3:00pm-7:00pmBone Dry River Band

starviewvineyards.com • (618) 893-WINE • 5100 Wing Hill Rd. Cobden, ILM-F 11am-5pm • Sat 11am-7pm • Sun 12pm-5pm

WINE OF THE MONTHWINE OF THE MONTH$2 off Red Giant

Serving a Variety of Local Beer

Serving Food Daily

Custom Labels Available

Sunday, February 9th 1:00pm-5:00pmEli Tellor

Coulter, Goot and Wall: 7:30p.m. Thursday, The GrottoLounge/Newell House, 201 E.Main St., Carbondale; 618-649-6400

Buddy Mondlock: 7 p.m.Friday, Cousin Andy’s Coffee-

house, Church of the GoodShepherd, 515 S. Orchard Drive,Carbondale; $10; students, $5;www.cousinandy.org

Rip Lee Pryor: 8 p.m.Saturday, The Grotto Lounge/Newell House, 201 E. Main St.,Carbondale; 618-649-6400

Coffeehouses, CafésBars & Clubs

618-351-5089 [email protected]

TO BE LISTED

ValentineCookie

Bouquet$14.99From$14.99$14.99Sweet TreatsGift Baskets

School PartiesHot Cookies & Milk

One Hot CookieMurphysboro, IL 62966 • 618-997-PURP (7877)

www.onehotcookie.net

Creole musicianperforms atLogan Friday

CARTERVILLE – Go on a musical journey intothe French-AmericanCreole culture whenDennis Stroughmatt etl’Esprit Creole performsat 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in O’NeilAuditorium at John A.Logan College.

Tickets for the show are $15 for generaladmission and $10 forJALC students andchildren 12 and under.

Stroughmatt, a native of Albion, tours with hisband throughout thecountry, playing a livelymix of Celtic, Canadian,and Old Time music thatbridges the gap betweencontemporary Canadianand Louisiana Cajunstyles.

For more informationabout DennisStroughmatt et l’EspritCreole or to order advancetickets for the show, contact the JALC Office of Student Activities andCultural Events at 618-985-2828 or 618-457-7676, ext. 8287.

— Logan Media Services

Just a little more thantwo years ago, TheBand Perry was

playing tiny clubs all overthe country for crowdssometimes less than 100,hoping to build a fan baseand prove the family bandwas not a one-hit wonder.

The group had generatedlimited attention withdebut single “Hip To MyHeart,” but caught theillusive lightening in abottle with follow-up “If IDie Young,” writtenentirely by lead singerKimberly Perry.

An avalanche ofaccolades were earned bythe act-breaking tune,including a difficult sweepof Single of the Year andSong of the Year from theprestigious Country MusicAssociation in 2001, afterthe band had won TopNew Artist and Top NewDuo or Group earlier in theyear from the Academy ofCountry Music.

Getting to the top of thecountry music mountainwas pressure packed.

Staying there is evenharder.

The Band Perryresponded with a fury,cranking out sixconsecutive Top 10singles, including charttopping “All Your Life”and “Better Dig Two,”which was co-written byrising country star BrandyClark.

Gone are the days of tinyvenues. The Band Perrywill be storming into theShow Me Center at CapeGirardeau with their “WeAre Pioneers World Tour”at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21. EastonCorbin and Canadianguitar slinger Lindsay Ellwill serve as the openingacts.

Tickets are $25, $39.50and $182 for a special VIPpackage that includesseating in the first 20 rows,

a pre-show acousticperformance and severalother perks. For additionalticket information,contact the Show MeCenter box office at 573-651-5000.

The 24-year old Ell wasborn in Calgary, Alberta.She started playing pianoat six, switched to guitar ateight and was discoveredat 15 by Randy Bachman ofBachman-TurnerOverdrive fame. She grewup loving country music,but was in a phasededicated to learning theblues guitar techniques ofEric Clapton and StevieRay Vaughn whenBachman listened to herdemo CD and swore it wasChet Atkins.

She toured with blueslegend Buddy Guy, beforemigrating to Nashville andsigning with Stoney CreekRecords. She has sincetoured with Keith Urban,Gretchen Wilson andRonnie Dunn, beforeteaming with The BandPerry on this major 50-city tour.

Ell has recorded twosolo albums and hit thecharts last year withdebut single “Trippin’ OnUs.”

Corbin soared to the topof the charts with his firsttwo Mercury Nashvillesingles, “A Little MoreCountry Than That” in2009 and “Roll With It” ayear later, leading manycritics to crown him “the

next George Strait.”However, it would take

the 31-year old Floridiantwo long years to crack theTop 10 again. He found themagic with back-to-backhits “All Over The Road”and “Lovin’ You Is Fun.”His current single is“Clockwork.”

Raised by hisgrandparents on a steadydiet of classic country andHee Haw, Corbin formedhis own band while still inhigh school that served asopening act for major starslike Janie Fricke and thelate Mel McDaniel.

Corbin graduated fromthe University of Floridawith an agribusinessdegree, before launchinghis assault on Music City.He spent nearly three yearsdeveloping industrycontacts while working aday job at Ace Hardware tokeep food on the table. Histhird studio album will bereleased later this year.

Last month, heperformed an acousticshow at Black DiamondHarley Davidson inMarion, where he haspurchased a couple bikessince performing atHerrinfesta Italian in 2011.

The Perry family hailsfrom Mobile, Ala. At 15,Kimberly formed her ownband, using brothers Reid,10, and eight-year old Neilas roadies. The brotherswould eventually splinteroff and form their owngroup, often serving as the

opening act for their bigsister.

In 2005, the trio mergedinto The Band Perry,fronted by the boomingvocals of Kimberly. Theyhad tirelessly toiled in themusical trenches for threeyears when a liveperformance made a bigimpression on Bob Doyle,manager of superstarGarth Brooks.

Doyle arranged for astudio demo project thatwould eventually catch theear of Scott Borchetta,who was in the process ofstarting up the RepublicNashville label. He quicklysigned the band to theinnovative company,which is now also homefor Florida Georgia Lineand The Eli Young Band.

The band’s self-titleddebut album was releasedin 2010 and has beencertified quadruple-platinum for salesexceeding four millionunits. Follow-up“Pioneer” came out in2013 and has reached goldstatus, meaning sales havesurpassed the 500,000mark.

On Sunday, the bandplayed at a pre-Super Bowltailgate party with PhillipPhillips, winner ofAmerican Idol season 11.

VINCE HOFFARD can bereached at 618-658-9095or vincehoffard atyahoo.com.

Page 1100 Thursday, February 6, 2014 FLIPSIDE


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CCOOUUNNTTRRYY SSCCEENNEEVince Hoffard

The Band Perry: Family band makes a big impression

COURTESY GRIFFIN NEWSDennis Straughmatt willperform Friday at John A.Logan College.

ConcertsSouthern Illinois

Beatles AnniversaryParty: 50 Years SinceLanding in Americapresentation, 7 p.m. Friday,Feb. 7, Carbondale HighSchool Auditorium; featuresRobby and Kate, Matt Basler,The Venturis, Soul Glo, Mr.Swamp Fox and Dave Brown;trivia, silent auction;donation; go to VenturisFacebook page for moreinformation

Dennis Stroughmatt:Et l’Esprit Creole, 7 p.m.Friday, Feb. 7, John A. LoganCollege, Carterville; designed to bridge the gapbetween contemporaryCanadian and LouisianaCajun style music; $15/$10;618-985-2828

Randall Bramblett Band:7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8,The Old Feed Store, 111 N.Appleknocker Drive, Cobden;doors open at 6:30 p.m.;tickets, $20;www.brownpapertickets.com

Faculty Showcases: 2 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 9, John A LoganCollege, Carterville; Loganfaculty presents program of

solo and collaborative music;free; 618-985-2828, ext.8287

Piccolo and clarinetconcert: 7:30 p.m. Monday,Feb. 10, Old BaptistFoundation, SIU; Jan Gippo,piccolo and Jane Carl,clarinet, former members ofSt. Louis SymphonyOrchestra; free;masterclasses, 4:45 p.m.Monday, Altgeld Hall, SIU;free for SIU students; adults,$20; other students, $10;618-559-8154

Vivaldi for Valentine’s: 6p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, Dunn-Richmond EconomicDevelopment Center, SIU;presented by The SouthernIllinois Symphony and SIUConcert Choir; gourmetdinner; music; $75; reserveby Friday, Feb. 7; 618-453-6000;SouthernTicketsOnline.com;[email protected]

KentuckyTalent Search 2014: 7:30

p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8,Kentucky Opry, 88 ChiltonLane, Benton, Ky.;$16/$15/$10/$7.50;

www.kentuckyopry.com; 888-459-8704

Three Dog Night: 7:15 p.m.Friday, Feb. 21, CarsonCenter, Paducah; $29-$79;hits include Mama Told Me(Not To Come), Joy to theWorld, Easy To Be Hard, AnOld Fashioned Love Song,One, Never Been To Spain,Eli’s Coming, Celebrate andTry A Little Tenderness; 270-450-4444;www.thecarsoncenter.org

MissouriThe Band Perry: We Are

Pioneers World Tour 2014,7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21,Show Me Center, CapeGirardeau; special guestsEaston Corbin and LindsayEll; Pioneer, the sophomorealbum from The Band Perry,has been certified gold andfeatures the number one hits,Better Dig Two and Done;current single, Don’t Let MeBe Lonely; band membersare Neil Perry on mandolin,accordion, vocals, KimberlyPerry, lead vocals, guitar andReid Perry, bass, vocals;www.thebandperry.com; $25-$39.75; [email protected]

FestivalNational Federation of

Music Clubs Festival: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday,Feb. 15 and 1-3 p.m. Sunday,Feb. 16, Altgeld Hall and Old Baptist FoundationBuilding, SIU; over 200 musicstudents will performprepared pieces; includespiano concertos, piano duets and hymn playing, as well as classicalguitar solos, violin solos,duets, trios and voice solos;participants come fromseveral communitiesincluding Carbondale,Carterville, Cambria,Eldorado, Elkville, Herrin,Makanda, Marion andMurphysboro

RecitalsTESSI recitals: Noon and

2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, FirstChristian Church, 306 W.Monroe St., Carbondale;students from the TalentEducation School ofSouthern Illinois; ages 4-18on piano, voice, violin, bowedpsaltery and classical guitar;free; 618-457-6300



Valentine DinnersFebruary 14 and 16

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

Few seats left. Reservations needed.

American of Swedish descent! Contact us for chance to win a free trip to

Sweden, deadline FEBRUARY 10

We’re back from Sweden and returned to regular opening hours.Välkommen!

Winery: Fri. & Sat. 10-9 Sun. 12-5Restaurant: Fri. & Sat.12-9 Sun. 12-5

Vegetarian alternative available with advanced notice

FFRRIIDDAAYYEli Tellor: 6-9 p.m. Rustle Hill Winery

SSAATTUURRDDAAYYPhil & Chuck: 2-5 p.m. Blue Sky VineyardJenny Johnson: 2-6 p.m. Alto VineyardsSharon Clark Blues Band: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Von Jakob

Winery & BreweryBone Dry River Band: 3-7 p.m., StarView VineyardsKristen Kearns: 6-9 p.m. Rustle Hill Winery

SSUUNNDDAAYYMarty Davis: 2-5 p.m. Blue Sky VineyardRyan Schambach: 2:30-5:30 p.m. Von Jakob Winery &

BreweryB. Douglas: 3-6 p.m. Honker Hill Winery

FFIINNDD THEM HEREAlto Vineyards, Illinois 127, Alto PassBlue Sky Vineyard, 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road,

MakandaHonker Hill Winery, 4861 Spillway Road, CarbondaleOrlandini Vineyard, 410 Thorn Lane, MakandaOwl Creek Vineyard, 2655 Water Valley Road, CobdenLincoln Heritage Winery, 772 Kaolin Road, CobdenPheasant Hollow Winery, 14931 Illinois 37, WhittingtonRustle Hill Winery, U.S. 51, CobdenStarView Vineyards, 5100 Wing Hill Road,

CobdenVon Jakob Winery & Brewery, 230 Illinois 127,

Alto PassWalker’s Bluff, 326 Vermont Road, Carterville

Wineries

Marion Cultural and Civic Center Foundation

Call 997-4030 for more information

Join us for an evening of musicentertainment, dinner, dancing,

cash bar and a silent auctionblack tie optional

Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.at Kokopelli Clubhouse

1527 Champions Dr., Marion, Illinois

Tickets are $40 each$70 per couple

or a table for 8 - $275

is Proud to Present The Ninth Annual Benefit Affair

.....an affair to remember

ff

Red Rose Gala

Thursday, February 6, 2014 FLIPSIDE

618-351-5049thesouthern.com/top20

2014 ParticipatingRestaurants

Annex Coffee & Deli

Bennie’s Italian Foods

BJ’s Garden Inn Café

Blend Tea & Crepe Lounge

Boondock’s Seafood Co.

Bottom’s Up Bar & Grill

Centralia House

Chuck’s BBQ

Courtside Grill

Crossroads Coffee

Delaney’s On Broadway

Egyptian Hills Resort

Fat Patties

Grandma Helen’s

Jack Russell Fish Company

Miranda’s On Main

Pagliai’s Pizza & Pasta

Pizza & Pasta Express

Riverview Mansion Hotel & Levee Lounge

Sergio’s Mexican Restaurant

Southern Que Barbecue

Taqueria La Fogata

Thai Taste

Whaler’s Catch

123 N. 2nd StreetPaducah, KY 42001270-444-7701

The taste of New Orleans close to home.Whaler’s Catch has a rich and varied past. Commonly known as“Whaler’s” by local Paducahans, the first-of-its-kind fresh seafoodrestaurant and fish market was started in 1977. Members of the“Catch Crew” invite you to enjoy our beautifully restored, historicsetting, the casual New Orleans ambiance and fine diningthat truly make Whaler’s Catch a local treasure.

The Lego Movie ****

Rated PG for mild actionand rude humor; starringWill Arnett, Elizabeth Banks,Will Ferrell, MorganFreeman; directed by PhilLord and Christopher;opening Friday atShowPlace 8 in Carbondaleand AMC Centre 8

BY MICHAEL PHILLIPSMCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS

Finally! A comedy thatworks. An animated filmwith a look — a kinetic aes-thetic honoring its productline’s bright, bricklike ori-gins — that isn’t like everyother clinically roundedand bland digital 3-D effort.A movie that works for the

Lego-indebted parent aswell as the Lego-crazed off-spring. Amovie that, in itsbrilliantly crammed firsthalf especially, will workeven if you don’t give a ripabout Legos.

“The Lego Movie” provesthat you can soar directlyinto and then straight pastproduct placement into arealm of the sublime, ifyou’re clever enough. Thisisn’t just the funniest PG-rated animation in too long;it’s the funniest film, peri-od, in months, since thekid-hostile “This Is theEnd” and “The World’sEnd” came out last sum-mer. I would like to nomi-nate the screenwriting teamof Phil Lord andChristopher Miller (“21Jump Street,” “Cloudy With

a Chance of Meatballs”) forthe Nobel Peace Prize, eventhough very little about“The Lego Movie” is peace-ful. It is, in fact, a manicwonder, sneaking in somany small, medium andlarge jokes on the sly, it hasan instantly re-watchableappeal.

The setup of“The Lego Movie,” alsodirected by Lord and Miller,recalls both “Who FramedRoger Rabbit” and therecent “Wreck-It Ralph” inits mashup of familiar char-acters and imaginativeworlds. (Confession: Ialways found “RogerRabbit” a technicallyremarkable but mean-spir-ited drag, and consider“Wreck-It Ralph” cleverbut exhausting. So consider

that when considering myresponse to “The LegoMovie.”)

The prophecy dictatesthat the one who will savethe world is a person bornwith “face of yellow.” Sosays the Yoda-style sooth-sayer voiced by MorganFreeman. The hero? Anordinary Lego constructionworker, with the classicwaist-bendy design andfondness for right anglesand orderly skylines ofmany colors. Emmet is hisname, and he lives andresides in the bustling com-munity of Bricksburg. Thisworld’s overlord, PresidentBusiness (Will Ferrell doingthe vocals, in full snivel),has nefarious plans formaintaining that order per-manently. But a mighty

band of resistance fightershas other plans, and prettysoon safe, routinized,anonymous Emmet is mis-taken for the saviors’ ring-leader and mastermind,even though he’s never real-ly put much stock in indi-viduality. He’s a good lit-tle Lego. The way ChrisPratt of “Parks andRecreation” voices this fel-low, his sweetness is neverin doubt.

The movie flings Emmet,and the audience, intoone Lego universe afteranother. There’s a WildWest sequence that owes asmuch to “Son of Paleface”as anything else. Whenother Lego favorites areintroduced into the action— Will Arnett voices anexceedingly narcissistic

Batman — they’re givendistinct and vivid comicpersonalities. Liam Neesonis superbly cast as the voiceof the quick-change artist Bad Cop/Good Cop,tasked with capturingEmmet and implementingthe end of Bricksburg as weknow it.

Each facet of Emmet’sworld is part of an insidi-ously entertaining mind-control experiment. Thecitizens of Bricksburg alltune into the same officiallysanctioned hit show,“Where Are My Pants?”;everyone sings the sameannoyingly hummable hitsong, “Everything IsAwesome.” (Mark Mothers-baugh of Devo did thescore.) This isn’t paradise;it’s hell. Or both.


Those pesky little pieces add up to long-awaited laughs

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