PHOTO BY BRANT SANDERLIN/TNS “Hi, Mom! Hey, how much do chicken wings cost at the store? Some guys are coming over tonight to play cards, and I want to make hot wings. I’m going to have to get them at the grocery store, ’cause the farmers market isn’t until Saturday.” It was my son, Robb, calling from Vermont. […]
Illinois Times
Posted inArts & Culture
Architecture inspired by insects
Learn about the monarch butterfly, the insect that inspired many of the lighting designs throughout Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House, during a free educational event on Sunday, Aug 9. University of Illinois Extension volunteer master naturalist Brenda Larison will discuss the plants that attract monarch butterflies as well as the life cycle of the monarch, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
10 stages of family-friendly fun
PHOTO COURTESY decaturcelebration.com For the past 30 years, live music and family fun have been at the forefront of Decatur Celebration. This year is no exception, with a four-day schedule that is bigger and better than ever. The musical lineup is massive and features a long list of headliners – such as Blackberry Smoke, Lonestar, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Haunting Gift one of the year’s best
Jason Bateman in The Gift. Smart, uncompromising and timely, Joel Edgerton’s excellent new thriller The Gift is a sly little film that mirrors its main character in all the best ways. Unassuming and deceptive, the movie slowly sucks you in, leading the viewer down what seems a familiar path only to play against expectations, shunning […]
Posted inMusic
Festival festivities
The Timmys go crazy at the Downhome Music, Beer & Art Festival on Saturday night, 9 p.m., on the Washington Street stage. PHOTO BY SETH ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY This weekend brings us festivals galore, bands all over town and a happening ALS benefit. Just around the calendar corner comes the Illinois State Fair and all the […]
Posted inMusic
Broseph E. Lee
On the move and in the groove, this six-piece, self-proclaimed “country-rock” band covers contemporary and country classics, but what really sets Broseph E. Lee apart is their catchy songwriting. With the recent completion of the CD EP Fill ‘Em On Up, Aaron Larsen (drums), Sean Halbrook (bass, vocals), Chace McNinch (keys, banjo, vocals), Brock Jones […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Contrast
Niche in St. Louis PHOTO COURTESY www.facebook.com/nichestl In June I ate a multi-course meal at Niche, one of St. Louis’ most highly acclaimed and innovative restaurants. Each course was beautifully presented, some components having been delicately placed with tweezers. Niche and its owner, Gerard Craft, and executive chef, Nate Hereford, are so committed to using […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Abe’s auto and air show
PHOTO COURTESY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ABELINCOLNCARSHOW/ The Abraham Lincoln Car Show Spectacular is the largest car show in central Illinois. Displays include the replica Lincoln Funeral carriage, 30-50 Pinto Stampedes, the Fordzilla Monster truck, Justin Allgaier’s #51 Nascar show car, the Sangamon County Sheriff MRAP vehicle, several “celebrity” movie cars – such as Christine and Bumblebee from the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fresh food, close to home
PHOTO COURTESY ILLINOIS STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE In celebration of the United States Department of Agriculture dedication of August 2-8 as National Farmers Market Week, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance has partnered with local like-minded businesses for a week-long celebration of local libations and delicacies. Curious gardeners can try farming for a day during the Crop Mob event […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Satisfying Mr. Holmes
Ian McKellen as Sherlock Holmes in Mr. Holmes. PHOTO COURTESY ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS One would think that, what with Sherlock Holmes being the fictional character who’s appeared in more theatrical films than any other, the well would be dry where coming up with new ways to portray and explore him are concerned. And while Mitch Cullin […]
Posted inMusic
A blue moon weekend
Deep Lunar Blue plays the Trails End Saloon in Curran on Fri., July 31 for a Blue Moon Celebration. I’m not sure if you can stretch a blue moon, like the one this Friday, the only one in 2015, into an entire weekend, but if you’re willing to go along with this cockamamie idea, so […]
Posted inMusic
The Cadillac Three
Hailing from the other side of the tracks in Nashville, the long-haired trio of Jaren Johnston (lead vocals, guitar), Kelby Ray (bass guitar, Dobro, acoustic guitar, vocals) and Neil Mason (drums, vocals) are making it in Music City U.S.A., without the usual trappings. They don’t fit the mold of working-out, cowboy hat-wearing, country-crooning, cookie cutter […]
