Flipside

June 26-July 2, 2014 www.thesouthern.com

THINGS TO DO • BOOKS • DANCE • THEATER • ART • MUSIC • MOVIES

Set your phasers to

‘SUNG’Music Festival features Mozart

opera with a sci-fi twist

Hitching a ride‘Transformers’ franchise in new sequel

Plan your weekendMusic, festivals and more on tap in Southern Illinois

Page 2 Thursday, June 26, 2014 FliPside

Movies Art Wineries Books Cover story theAter things to do MusiC

ContACt us: [email protected]

Adam Testa, Lifestyles writer [email protected] / ext. 5031

Brenda Kirkpatrick, Flipside content coordinator [email protected] / ext. 5089

Brandon Byars, online [email protected] / ext. 5018

Cara Recine, Lifestyles and special projects editor [email protected] / ext. 5075

The southern illinoisan (USPS 258-908) is published daily at a yearly subscription rate of $219.96. It is published at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. It is owned by Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa.

Our coverage of restaurants on our Top 20 list will resume next week with a feature on La Fogata in Carbondale. Be sure to pick up your copy of Flipside next Thursday.

Top 20: Restaurant of the Week

Art events Thursday Night live:

Art, food, music, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 Richview Road, Mount Vernon; 618-242-1236; www.cedarhurst.org

exhibits summer solstice

Art exhibition: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 28, and 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 950 Park Ave., Paducah; 270-442-1985

Revived, Reclaimed Redeemed: Prints and jewelry by Ashley Greer, Du Quoin Library of Arts, 6 S. Washington St.; through July 20; 618-790-4036; [email protected]

The Art of description: Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, 14967 Gun Creek Trail, Whittington; through Oct. 17, 2015; hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; no admission charge; 618-629-2220

Flower Power: South wall, Little Egypt Arts Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion; floral artwork; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; through June; 618-998-8530 or www.

littleegyptarts.comdrawings — More Than

Black and White: By Najjar Abdul-Musawwir and Mike Faris, Centralia Cultural Society’s Community Arts Center, 1250 Rexford St., Centralia; through June 30; 618-322-8486

Kaye Howell: North window artist, Little Egypt Arts Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion; through June; 618-998-8530 or www.littleegyptarts.com

George and Janet stone: Photographers, north wall, Little Egypt Arts Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion; through June; 618-998-8530 or www.littleegyptarts.com

daedalus’ Wings: Installation by Luca Cruzat, The Gallery Space, law office of Joni Beth Bailey, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro; hours, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; through June

French artist: Camille Ticheur, Weaver’s Cottage, 1904 Bass Lane, Carbondale; through June; 618 457-6823

Celebration in Nature: Paintings by Bluma Herman, Carbondale Public Library, 405 W. Main St.; through July 1; 618-559-1641; [email protected]

light Up the Night: Exhibit by Scott Morris of Karnak, Harrisburg District Library; street scenes of Paducah; closing reception, July 13

stitching and Painting: The Art of Faith Ringgold, Mounds African American Museum, 216 N. Front St.; 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through July 27; 618-745-6183

Paint on the Wall: By Shawn Vincelette, Pavilion of the City of Marion, 1602 Sioux Drive; through July; also the Marion Landmarks Series; 618-993-2657

Anna Centennial celebration of 1954 exhibit: 60th anniversary, Union County Museum, Cobden; through July 27; hours, 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Joan skiver-levy: 24 paintings, Corner Dance Hall, Whittington; through July; 618-303-5266

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts: Playing with Scissors, Polly Winkler-Mitchell; Waves in Black and White, Sandra Gottlieb; Dreaming Out Loud, recent works by Paul Aho; Pastoral America, The Morrissey

Family Collections; 2600 Richview Road, Mount Vernon; through Aug. 3; 618-242-1236; www.cedarhurst.org

staycation: Missy Carstens, local scenes, Latta Java coffee shop, 412 N. Market St., Marion; 8 a.m-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday; through August; 618-998-8530

Playful Notions — experiments in Mixed Media: Clay sculpture, painted furniture, wire sculpture, mixed media vessels, mixed media painting, Southern Illinois Art and Artisan Center, 14967 Gun Creek Trail, Whittington; through Aug. 23; 618-629-2220 or [email protected]

Receptions landscapes of southern

illinois: 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26, Carbondale Civic Center Corridor Gallery; hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; through July 31; presented by Carbondale Community Arts; 618-457-5100; [email protected]; carbondalearts.org

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Flipside Thursday, June 26, 2014 page 3

Old & New: Paintings by Carol Good, 7-9 p.m. Saturday, June 28, Longbranch Café & Bakery, 100 E. Jackson St., Carbondale; through Aug. 10; 618-201-6252

strictly digital photog-raphy: Anna Arts Center, 117 W. Davie St., Anna; through June 29; reception, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 29; 618-833-2862 or [email protected]

eldon Benz: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 3, Varsity Center For the Arts, Carbondale; Southern Illinois nature photographs and prints of Lee Benz serigraphs, watercolors and woodcuts; local artist Eric Easton of Soildidgeridoo will play one of the handcrafted didgeridoos he makes from local trees; eldonbenz.com; soildidgeridoo.com

MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC

ANNA — A closing reception and awards ceremony for the Strictly Digital Photography Competition will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29, in The Anna Arts Center, 117 W. Davie St.

The show was juried by Charles “Chuck” Swedlund, emeritus professor of photography at SIU. A photograph by Swedlund will be part of the exhibition.

A total of 105 pho-tographs featuring a wide range of styles, approaches and subject matter will be displayed. The photographs were taken by 37 regional photographers.

The ceremony and exhibition is free.

For more information, call 904-625-1109 or email [email protected].

— The Southern

Reception scheduled for Strictly Digital

WHITTINGTON — “The Art of Description,” which focuses on still life, landscape and portrait works with an emphasis on the quiet meditation of its subjects, is now on display at The Illinois State Museum Southern Illinois Art & Arti-sans Center.

Participating Illinois artists include Sandra Binion, Peter Butterfield, Steven Carrelli, Richard Deutsch, Laura Letin-sky, Tim Lowly, Michael Mahoney, Karen Perl and Zack Sabin.

The subject of the exhibition was inspired by poet Mark Doty’s book, titled “The Art of Description: World Into Word.”

The book is dedicated to descriptive writing and asks the question, “How do we put the world in words?” Doty suggests that poetic description is the diligent, continuous, subjective participation in the process of living.

The exhibition is curated by Doug Staple-ton of the Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery.

Stapleton writes: “Reading Doty brought to my mind visual artists whose works are centered in the palpable and tan-gible world. These artists have located a sustained

pulse on the sensory world that startles our own inner witness into a strange and new familiarity with the clamoring world.”

The exhibition runs through Oct. 17, 2015.

The Illinois State Museum Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center is six miles north of Benton, just off Interstate 57, west of Exit 77.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and there is no admission charge.

For more information, call 618-629-2220.

— The Southern

‘The Art of Description’ now on display at Artisans Center in Whittington

PROVIDED BY RICHARD DEUTSCH ‘River III,’ casein on linen over panel, is by Richard Deutsch.

PROVIDED BY MICHAEL MAHONEY ‘Still Life with White Pot and Oil Can’ by Michael Mahoney is part of the new exhibit.

CENTRALIA — An exhibition of drawings by Najjar Abdul-Musawwir and Mike Faris that explores racial issues in the United States is now on display at the Community Arts Center of the Centralia Cul-tural Society.

The title of the show is “Drawings: More Than Black and White,” which references the media of the works, racial issues in the United States, and the subject matter of some of the artworks.

Abdul-Musawwir is an

art instructor at SIU, and Faris is an art instructor at Shawnee Commu-nity College.

The drawings will be on display through Monday, June 30. There is no charge to see the

exhibition.The Community Arts

Center is at 1250 Rexford St., near Pleasant Avenue.

For more information call the Centralia Cultural Society at 618-322-8486.

— The Southern

‘More Than Black and White’ drawings exhibit in Centralia features Musawwir, Faris

are youready?!

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CARTERVILLE — The Big Branch River Country Fest is coming to Walker’s Bluff Saturday, June 28, as part of the Summer Concert Series at Legends Amphitheatre and the Gazebo stage.

Artists performing

from noon to 9:30 p.m. include Amanda Wright, Kelly Wayne, Jonathan Frizzell and Mocking Bird Hill.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $15; kids younger than 12 are admitted free. Tickets

may be purchased at the Walker’s Bluff General Store or online at www.walkersbluff.com.

Walker’s Bluff Winery is at 326 Vermont Road. For more information, call 618-956-9900.

— Brenda Kirkpatrick

Big Branch River Country Fest coming to Walker’s Bluff

CARTERVILLE — Rock legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will take the stage at 7 p.m. Sun-day, July 13, at Legend’s Amphitheater, Walker’s Bluff, 326 Vermont Road.

Benatar and Giraldo, who are married, are continuing with their 35th Anniversary Tour, which includes concerts from coast to coast.

Benatar has been called the leading female rock vocalist of the ‘80s. She won four consecutive Grammy Awards between 1980 and 1983, as well as three American Music Awards.

She is probably best known for her song, “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.” Other hits include “Love is a Battlefield,” “Heart-breaker,” “We Live for Love,” “Promises in the Dark” and “We Belong.”

Giraldo is a guitarist, producer and songwriter. He first collaborated with Benatar 35 years ago on the debut album “In the Heat of the Night.”

VIP tickets for the July 13 concert are $140 and include Legend’s buffet, white glove service and

access to the Legends patio seating.

Lawn seating at $45 is

available on a first-come, first served basis.

No outside food or beverage is allowed at the concert.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.Buy tickets at Walker’s

Bluff General Store or call 618-956-9900. For more information, visit www.walkersbluff.com.


Benatar will hit you with her best shot July 13 at Walker’s Bluff for 35th Anniversary Tour with Giraldo

COURTESY BENETARGIRALDO.COM Neil Giraldo and Pat Benatar, who are married, are continuing with their 35th Anniversary Tour with a stop at Walker’s Bluff in Carterville.

Highway 127 Alto Pass • 618 893 4898M-Th 10-5p • F-Sa 10-7p • Su 12-7p

altovineyards.net

Sat, June 28 • 2-6pmBosco & Whiteford

Sun, June 29 5:30New Jazz Quartet- Part of the

Southern Illinois Music Festival


Cafés

Coulter, Goot and Wall: 7 p.m. Thursday, Grotto Lounge/Newell House,

201 E. Main St., Carbon-dale; 618-549-6400

Nate staub: 9-11 p.m. Thursday; Kid Mikey T, 8-11 p.m. Friday

and Mortimer Bustos, 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Fat Patties Red Corner, 611 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; 618-529-3287

Bars & Clubs

THURsdAYBenton: Senior Center,

The Swing N’ Country Dance Band, 7-9:30 p.m.

Carbondale: Hangar 9, Sunset After Party w/Chicago Farmer; PKs, The Big Idea; Tres Hom-bres, CopeceticFRidAY

Carbondale: Hangar 9, Marc B; PKs, Mar-shall Anderson and the Whiskey Caper; Tres Hombres, Nasty Nate/Transcendental Cowboys, 6-9 p.m., patio

Herrin: N-Kahootz Night Club, Paragon, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

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

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

Whittington: Corner Dance Hall, South of 70, 7:30-10:30 p.m.sATURdAY

Carbondale: Curb-side, Djibril Camar and SIWADE, 8 p.m.; Hangar 9, The Shawnee Hills Band; PKs, Bosco and Whiteford; Tres Hombres, The Deciders

Herrin: N-Kahootz Night Club, Murphy 500, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Marion: American Legion, Dave Caputo, 7:30 p.m.; Hideout Res-taurant, Bob Pina, piano 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Egyptian Hills Resort, Ivas John Band, 6-10 p.m.

Thompsonville: Old Country Store Dance Barn, Lil’ Boot & Classic Coun-try, 7-10 p.m.sUNdAY

Marion: Eagles, Big

Country, 6-9 p.m.MONdAY

du Quoin: Derby’s Com-munity Hall, Jerry’s Jam-mers, 7-9 p.m.

Marion: Youth Cen-ter, Craig’s Country Band, 6-9 p.m.TUesdAY

Herrin: Teen Town, Country Ram-rods, 7-10 p.m.

Marion: Hideout Restau-rant, Bob Pina, piano 5:30-8:30 p.m.FiNd THeM HeRe

Barb’s place: 206 E. Market St., Christopher 618-724-5562

Carbondale eagles: 1206 W. Linden St. 618-529-9345

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

Curbside: 227 W. Main St., Carbondale 618-490-1539

derby’s Community Hall: 214 High St., Du Quoin

618-201-1753Gwen Wynn senior

Center: North Ninth St., Benton 618-967-4635

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

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

Hideout Restaurant: 2602 Wanda Drive, Marion 618-997-8325

italian Club: 9038 Main Street, Coello 618-724-4610

John Brown’s On The square: 1000 Tower Square, Marion 618-997-2909

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

la Fogata Mexican Bar and Grill: 519 S. Illinois Ave. Carbondale; 618-457-2092

Marion American legion: Longstreet Road, Marion 618-997-6168

Marion eagles: Russell and Longstreet Roads,

Marion 618-993-6300Marion Youth Center: 211

E. Boulevard Ave., Marion

618-922-7853Midtown pub: Public

Square, Jonesboro 618-614-7777

Murphysboro Moose lodge: 9663 Old Illinois 13, Murphysboro 618-684-3232

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

Old Country store dance Barn: Main Street, Thomp-sonville 618-218-4676

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

pinch penny pub: 700 E. Grand Ave., Carbondale 618-549-3348

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

Tres Hombres: 119 N. Washington St., Carbon-dale 618-457-3308

The Mansion: 1602 Heartland Drive, Marion 618-579-4145


Photo Provided by terry hickeyMel Goot, Jim Wall and Ron Coulter will play at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Grotto Lounge in Carbondale.

TO Be lisTed iN OUR liVe

MUsiC GUide618-351-5089

[email protected]

100 s. illinois ave • 618.457.6900lunch: 11-2:45 mon-fri/dinner: 5-8:45 sun-thurs/dinner: 5-9:45 fri & sat

$1.00 OFF Lunch SpecialOne lunch special per coupon.

Valid Monday thru Thursday only.100 s. illinois ave • carbondale

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an authenticthai cuisine experience


Wineries

FRidAY ivas John Band: 6-9 p.m.,

Rustle Hill Winerydirtwater Fox: 7-10 p.m.,

Walker’s Bluff

sATURdAYBig Branch River Country

Fest: Starts 11 a.m., Walker’s Bluff

Barry Cloyd: 2-5 p.m., Blue Sky Vineyard

Zola Road: 2-5 p.m., Rustle Hill Winery

Bosco & Whiteford: 2-6 p.m., Alto Vineyards

Martin McMorrow and Mike Wright: 2-6 p.m. Orlandini Vineyard

Bill Bradley duo: 2-6 p.m., Owl Creek Winery

Just Jill: 3:30-6:30 p.m., Von Jakob Winery & Brewery

eli Tellor & Tyler

dickerson: 4-8 p.m., StarView Vineyards

The Venturis: 6-9 p.m., Rustle Hill Winery

sUNdAY Barry Cloyd: 1-4 p.m.,

Rustle Hill WineryBud summers: 2-5 p.m.,

Blue Sky VineyardRyan schambach:

2-5 p.m., Walker’s BluffTim Whiteford: 2-6 p.m.,

Owl Creek WineryRich Fabec Blues: 2:30-

5:30 p.m., Von Jakob Winery & Brewery

Todd Pierson: 5-8 p.m., Rustle Hill Winery

FiNd THeM HeRe Alto Vineyards: Illinois

127, Alto PassBella T Winery: 755

Parker City Road, Creal Springs

Blue sky Vineyard: 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road, Makanda

The Bluffs Vineyard and Winery: 140 Buttermilk Hill Road, Ava

Honker Hill Winery: 4861 Spillway Road, Carbondale

Orlandini Vineyard: 410 Thorn Lane, Makanda

Owl Creek Vineyard: 2655 Water Valley Road, Cobden

lincoln Heritage Winery: 772 Kaolin Road, Cobden

Pheasant Hollow Winery: 14931 Illinois 37, Whittington

Rustle Hill Winery: U.S. 51, Cobden

starView Vineyards: 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery: 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass

Walker’s Bluff: 326 Vermont Road, Carterville

Concerts

sOUTHeRN illiNOis southern illinois Music

Festival: Mostly Mozart in the Midwest, now through June 29; www.SIFest.com; 618-997-4030

sunset Concert series: Features Hot Sauce, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, SIU campus, Carbondale; rock, hip hop; bring coolers; free; 618-536-3393; www.studentcenter.siu.edu; www.hotsaucemusic.com

dJ Party: 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 27, Town Square Pavilion, corner of U.S. 51 North and Illinois 13 West, Carbondale; food; crafts; www.carbondalemainstreet.com; 618-529-8040

American Fool: A tribute to John Mellencamp, 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, Egyptian

Hills Resort, Lake of Egypt, 75 Egyptian Parkway, Creal Springs; $20; benefits the Williamson County Family Crisis Center Homeless Shelter; www.egyptianhillsre-sort.com; 618-364-8088 or 618-996-3449

Big Branch River Country Fest: Features Amanda Wright, Kelly Wayne, Jonathan Frizzell and Mocking Bird Hill, noon, Saturday, June 28, Walker’s Bluff Winery, 326 Vermont Road, Carterville; part of the Summer Concert Series at Legends Amphitheatre and the Gazebo stage; gates open, 11 a.m.; $15; kids younger than 12, free; www.walkersbluff.com; 618-956-9900

sunset Concert series: Features Scarletta, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 3, Turley Park,

Carbondale; country rock; bring coolers; free; 618-536-3393; www.studentcenter.siu.edu; www.scarlettamusic.com

Pat Benatar and Neil Giradlo: 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13, Legend’s Amphitheater, Walker’s Bluff, 326 Vermont Road, Carterville; songs include Hit Me With Your Best Shot; VIP tickets, $140 include buffet; lawn seating, $45; doors open 5:30 p.m.; 618-956-9900; www.walkers-bluff.com

Fixx for Hunger: Will Rock for Food benefit concert, 7 p.m., Saturday, July 26, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; proceeds to the Marion Food Pantry; headlin-ers, The Fixx with guests, The Jeff Pritchett Project; $50/$35/$25 at www.mari-onccc.org, 618-997-4030


618-351-5049thesouthern.com/top20

2014 ParticipatingRestaurants

Annex Coffee & DeliBennie’s Italian FoodsBJ’s Garden Inn Café

Blend Tea & Crepe LoungeBoondock’s Seafood Co.Bottom’s Up Bar & Grill

Centralia HouseChuck’s BBQCourtside GrillCrossroads Coffee

Delaney’s On BroadwayEgyptian Hills Resort

Fat PattiesGrandma Helen’s

Jack Russell Fish CompanyMiranda’s On MainPagliai’s Pizza & PastaPizza & Pasta ExpressRiverview Mansion Hotel

& Levee LoungeSergio’s Mexican RestaurantSouthern Que BarbecueTaqueria La Fogata

Thai TasteWhaler’s Catch

111 N. Oak St.Centralia, IL 62801618-532-9754www.centraliahouserestaurant.com

The 150-year-old establishment issynonymous with Southern Illinois diningServing up impressive tradition and delectable dishes towhoever comes through its doors, Centralia House’s offersfine dining including steak, shrimp and cajun cuisine.


illinois state Fair concerts: Feature Pitbull, Aug. 9, Hunter Hayes, Aug. 13, Emblem3, Aug. 14 and Steely Dan, Aug. 15, Springfield; fair Aug. 7-17; www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000; www.illiniosstatefair.info.org

Centralia Carillon summer series: 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 22, 29 and Sept. 5, Carillon Tower, 114 N. Elm St., Centralia; [email protected]; 618-533-4381; www.centralia-carillon.org

du Quoin state Fair: Aug. 23 Foreigner, Kenny Rogers Aug. 24, Travis Tritt Aug. 25, The Jon Henninger Band Aug. 26, .38 Special Aug. 28, Rodney Atkins Aug. 29; KC and the Sunshine Band Aug. 30; shows start 7:30 p.m., grandstand; The Jon Henninger Band, $10; remaining shows, $25/$30; 618-542-1535; www.duquoinstatefair.net

Carbondale Rocks Revival: Sept. 4-6 con-certs at various venues throughout downtown Carbondale; carbondal-emusiccoalition.com

Kentucky stars of Tomorrow

show: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, Kentucky Opry, 88 Chilton Lane, Benton, Ky.; $16/$15/$10/$7.50; www.kentuckyopry.com; 888-459-8704

Country Music show: Features patriotic music, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, Kentucky Opry, 88 Chilton Lane, Benton, Ky.; $16/$15/$10/$7.50; www.kentuckyopry.com; 888-459-8704

The Beach Boys: 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, The Carson Center, Paducah; $135/$100/$65/$50/$30; www.thecarsoncenter.org; 270-450-4444


COBDEN — Raveolu-tion Studios in Banga-lore, India, has released the newest music video from the Kevin Lucas Orchestra.

“Little Man” is one the singles from the group’s upcoming album, “Echoes in the Sand.” The video and song fea-ture several new artists to the group, including a new vocalist.

“I am extremely excited about this music

video and this album,” frontman Lucas said. “It has been a very excit-ing year.”

The video has a pow-erful message against child labor in factories across the world.

Local footage of Lucas was filmed at Misunder-studio in Murphysboro.

A second video from the album is scheduled for release within the next few weeks.

— Adam Testa

Kevin Lucas Orchestra releases new video

AdAM TesTATHE SOUTHERN

Some pieces of art, whether handcrafted or performance, tran-

scend time and find a cel-ebratory place in history – or, as some like George Takei and William Shatner might say, they live long and prosper.

One such work will be showcased this weekend, when the Southern Illinois Music Festival boldly goes where no opera produc-tion has gone before. A cast of professional opera performers will present a “Star Trek”-inspired ren-dition of Mozart’s comic opera “The Abduction from the Seraglio.”

Mozart’s original score comes to life with a new twist and English transla-tion written by director Josh Shaw. Capt. Kirk, Spock, Lt. Ohura, Klin-gons, a green Orion slave girl and an entire harem of alien slaves run amuck on sets inspired by the origi-nal “Star Trek” series.

Loaded with slapstick comedy and campy trib-utes to the popular sci-fi franchise, the show aims to appeal to an audience of all ages. The “Star Trek” theme helps makes the story more relatable to those who might oth-erwise be turned away from opera.

The opera will be pre-sented at 7:30 Friday, June 27, and 2 p.m. Sunday,

June 29, at the Carterville High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $8 for students and are available at the door. A free pre-performance lec-ture precedes the Sunday matinee at 1:15 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

The remaining Southern Illinois Music Festival schedule includes:

Thursday, June 26 Benyas family recital:

5 p.m.; First United Methodist Church of Carbondale; free

Clarinet, cello and piano recital: 8:30 p.m.; First United Methodist Church of

Carbondale; free

Friday, June 27 Klassics for Kids:

children’s event; 10 a.m.; Christopher Civic Center; free

Jive with Jazz: children’s event; 11 a.m.; Murphysboro Youth and Recreation Center; free

Klassics for Kids: children’s event; 12 p.m.; Johnston City Free Will Baptist Church; free

“The Abduction from the seraglio” by Mozart: comic opera; 7:30 p.m.; Carterville High School; $25 premium, $20 general, $8 students

saturday, June 28 Klassics for Kids: chil-

dren’s events; all at 10 a.m., all

free; locations: University Mall, Carbondale; Old Feed Store, Cobden; Renascence House, Makanda

siU extravaganza: wine, hors d’oeuvres and music; 7:30 p.m.; SIU Student Services Building; $50; limited to 200 patrons

sunday, June 29 “The Abduction from the

seraglio” by Mozart: comic opera; 2 p.m.; Carterville High School; $25 premium, $20 general, $8 students

New Arts Jazztet: 5:30 p.m.; Alto Vineyards, Alto Pass; free

[email protected] 618-351-5031

Set your phasers to ‘sung’Music Festivalfeatures classicMozart operawith a twist

PROVIDED BY JOSH SHAW The Southern Illinois Music Festival will feature a ‘Star Trek’-inspired rendition of Mozart’s opera ‘Abduction from the Seraglio’ on Friday and Sunday at Carterville High School.


MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC Authors, Books

Book signing: By Laura Benedict, author of Bliss House, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, Bookworm book-store, Eastgate Shopping Center, Carbondale; hard-cover, $25.95; 618-457-2665

Herrin library sale: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, June 28, and Monday, June 30, 120 N. 13th St.; paperbacks, cook books, VHS tapes, DVDs; 618-942-6109

Comedy Comedy Night: Features

Rob Durham and Andrew Frank, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, The Tasting Room, Walker’s Bluff, 326 Vermont Road, Carterville; doors open 5:30 p.m.; $10; 618-956-9900; www.walkersbluff.com

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

Carbondale Comedians on Facebook

dance West African dance

Class: By Djibril Camara from Guinea, West Africa, Saturday, June 28, Willow Street Studios, 205 W. Willow St., Carbondale; classes start 1:30 p.m.; $20; The Southern Illinois West African Drum Ensemble provides live drumming; reserve at [email protected]

events street Machine

Nationals: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, June 27; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, June 28; 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29; Du Quoin State Fairgrounds; advance tickets, $10; at the gate, $13; 10 and younger free with paid adult; 618-542-1515; www.agr.state.il.us/dq; www.streetmachinenationals.net

super City Blues & Ques: Friday-Saturday, June 27-28, Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis; music, vendors, beer garden, kids’ activities, arts and crafts fair; barbecue competition; events start noon Friday; music, 2-9 p.m. Friday by Soul Bandits, Lew Jetton & 61 South, Elam McKnight and John Sutton Band; barbecue competition, Saturday; music starts 1 p.m. by Beat Daddy’s, Cuttin’ Jessies, Tommy Akers Band and Crestview Kings; also, touch a tractor event, Saturday; 618-524-1696; metropolistourism.com

Marion Rotary Race: 7 a.m. Saturday, June 28, Rosalie and Tilden Parks Rotary Amphitheater, Crisp Sports Complex, southwest of Marion High School; 5K, 10K run; registration, $30; one-mile Fun Run for kids 12 and younger, registration, $10; www.marionrotaryamphitheater.com; 618-993-2196

Game day: For adults, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, CE Brehm Memorial Public Library, 101 S. 7th St. Mount Vernon; board games,

card games, miniatures games and role-playing games; children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; 618-242-6322; www.mtv-brehm.lib.il.us

$1,000 Grand Prize Trivia Contest: Brews Brother Taproom, 1105 Chestnut St., Murphysboro; weekly trivia, 8 p.m. every Tuesday through Sept. 2; main trivia event, 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7; no entry fee; 618-687-1111; [email protected]

Festivals The Annabelle street

Fest: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, June 28, downtown Anna; features the Annabelle hydrangea, which was discov-ered in Anna in 1910; crafts, food, vendors, music; Anna-Jonesboro Garden Club will be selling Annabelle Hydrangeas; 618-833-6311

Great American Chicken day: Patriot Day Celebration, 4-9 p.m. Saturday, June 28, Main Street, Grand Chain; lawnmower and four-wheeler parade, clucking contest, water slide, contests, games, food, washer pitching and cornhole games; home-run

derby and slow-pitch softball tournament between fire departments in Grand Chain, Ullin, Karnak and Olmsted; 618-634-2367; massacbees-wax.com

Heritage Festival & duck Races on the Ohio: 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5, between the Rose Hotel and the River Rose Inn, Elizabethtown; food, kids’ activities, area craft and food vendors, cake contest 9:30 a.m., pageant 11 a.m., entertainment 2 p.m., duck races 5 p.m.; 1860s era play 6:30 p.m.; street dance 8 p.m. and fireworks at dusk; 618-287-4333 and 800-248-1488; southernmostillinois.com

Films More Than Honey: Film

hosted by Mark Fletter of Dayempur Farm, 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, Longbranch Cafe & Bakery, 100 E. Jackson St., Carbondale; topic is world of bees; part of the Sustainable Living Film Series; 618-529-5044

despicable Me 2: Outdoor movie at dusk, Friday, June 27, Walker’s Bluff Gazebo, 326 Vermont Road, Carterville;

free; bring chairs and blan-kets; concessions available; inflatables; 618-956-9900; www.walkersbluff.com

History Tour PAsT Heritage

House: 1:30-3:30 every Sunday through Oct. 26; 1847 home at 102 S. Main St., Jonesboro; free; donations welcome; also conduct research on local history or genealogy; Lincoln Museum Room features information on Lincoln-Douglas Debate in 1858 in Jonesboro; 618-833-8745, 618-697-1870 or 618-833-3228

Theater/Performance Mcleod summer

Playhouse: Oklahoma, June 27-29; Spamalot, July 11-13 and July 18-20; Anything Goes, July 30-Aug. 3; indi-vidual tickets to Oklahoma and Spamalot, $25 for adults and $10 for students; Anything Goes, $16 for adults and $8 for students; plays presented at McLeod Theater; $12/$8; playhouse.siu.edu; 618-453-6000

SEE THiNGs TO dO / PAGE 935 Years Of

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THINGS TO DO: TheaterFROM pAGe 8

seussical the Musical: By the Pyramid Players, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 27-28 and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, Benton Civic Center; cast is from Southern Illinois; $15: www.bentonciviccenter.com; 618

435-5700steve davis: Memories

of Elvis, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 28, The Gathering Place Dinner Theatre, 290 S. Burns St., Sparta; $35; meal included; www.thegather-ingplaceoffbroadway.com; 618-965-3726


AdAM TesTATHE SOUTHERN

METROPOLIS — This Massac County city recently celebrated a suc-cessful Superman Cel-ebration, but the summer

fun is far from done in southernmost Illinois.

The Super City Blues and Ques festival returns to Fort Massac State Park this weekend, Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28, for its 13th year. Last year’s event brought 10,000 people to the city of Superman through the two days, and organizers hope for a similar turn-out this year, provided Mother Nature cooper-ates.

“It fills up our hotels and our restaurants,” said Parks and Recreation Director Priscilla Abell. “It’s a time for people to come in and see our area and enjoy it. For the community, it’s just a chance to enjoy some great live music and fun.”

Festivities begin at noon Friday with music from 2 to 9 p.m., featur-ing Soul Bandits, Lew Jetton and 61 South, Elam McKnight and

the John Sutton Band. Saturday’s music enter-tainment runs from 1 to 9 p.m. with acts includ-ing Beat Daddy’s, Cut-tin’ Jessies, the Tommy Akers Band and Crest-view Kings.

“We have some really good bands,” Abell said. “It’s all live, and it’s all free. It’s definitely worth the trip.”

But many of the festi-val’s attendees are there for more than the music.

On Saturday, teams will compete in a state cham-pionship competition for the Kansas City BBQ Society. The winning team will win $1,000 and entry into the finals in Kansas City in October.

Friday night will fea-ture an Anything But competition for entrees, sides, sauces and sweets. Each entry is $25 and prizes up to $75 will be awarded in each category.

Other activities are

planned for the weekend, as well. These include a variety of vendors selling food and wares, a beer garden, kids’ activities and an arts and crafts fair.

“It’s just a good time for families to enjoy the community,” Abell said.

For more information, call 618-524-1696 or visit metropolistourism.com.

[email protected] 618-351-5031

Super City Blues and Ques festival returns to MetropolisSuper City festival brings best of music, meat to Metropolis

CARBONDALE — Local author Laura Benedict will sign copies of her fourth dark suspense novel from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, in the Bookworm book-store in Eastgate Shop-ping Center.

“Bliss House” tells the story of Rainey Bliss Adams, who desperately needs a new start when she and her daughter relocate from St. Louis to Old Gate, Virginia, and settle into the house where the Bliss family had lived for more than a century.

Rainey’s husband had been killed in a freak explosion that left her 14-year-old daugh-ter, Ariel, scarred and

disfigured.At the grand house-

warming party, Bliss House begins to reveal itself again as Ariel sees haunting visions.

Benedict is also the author of “Devil’s Oven,” a modern Frankenstein tale, “Calling Mr. Lonely Hearts” and “Isabella Moon.” Her work has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, PANK and numerous antholo-gies.

She lives with her family in rural Jack-son County.

“Bliss House” is hard-cover and sells for $25.95.

For more information, contact the Bookworm at 618-457-2665.

— The Southern

Suspense novelist Laura Benedict to sign copies of book Saturday

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CARBONDALE — The Sustainable Living Film Series will feature four films to be shown at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month start-ing in June. Films will be shown at Longbranch Cafe & Bakery at 100 E. Jackson St.

Each event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will include the showing of a documen-tary film, plus discussions hosted by local profes-sionals.

The series will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, with the film, “More Than Honey” hosted by Mark Fletter of Dayem-pur Farm. The film will discuss the world of bees, showing small family bee-keepers and industrialized honey farms.

The film series will continue Friday, July 25 with “Fabulous Fashioni-stas,” hosted by Elaine

Ramseyer. The documen-tary follows six women with an average age of 80 who are determined to look fabulous and have fun.

“Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue Ameri-can Healthcare” is the title of the film set for Friday, Aug. 29, hosted by Dayemi Health Center and Dayempur Herbals. The movie talks about low-cost methods of prevention and healing in healthcare.

The final film of the series set for Friday, Sept. 26, is “Hungry for Change” hosted by Rachel Bangert, a holistic nurse. The movie discusses diet and the food industry and features interviews with health authors and medi-cal experts.

For more information on the films, call Lynn Walters at 618-529-5044.


Sustainable Living Films start Friday in Carbondale KASKASKIA — Illinois’ original capital city will

mark Independence Day at the Liberty Bell of the West Memorial, the bell that tolled in 1778 to celebrate Kas-kaskia’s capture from British forces in the Revolution-ary War.

The 45th annual Independence Day Celebration takes place at 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 4, at the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site.

Stephen Wigginton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, will speak at the event.

Kaskaskia has been home to the bell since 1741, when King Louis XV of France gave it to the town church. On July 4, 1778, exactly two years after the Declara-tion of Independence was signed, the bell rang out to celebrate the capture of Kaskaskia by Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark.

Music, the ringing of bells, and the French Marines de Fort de Chartres’s volley will accompany the patri-otic celebration.

Plate lunches and other refreshments will be available.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, although some chairs will be provided under tents.

The Chester Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, the City of Chester, the Kaskaskia Church Foundation and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency are sponsoring the Independence Day Celebra-tion.

Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is on an island in the Mississippi River. The town was once physi-cally connected to the state, but the Mississippi River changed course in 1881, flooding much of the village and cutting it off from the rest of Illinois.

To reach the island, go to St. Mary, Mo., take High-way 61 to the Old Channel Bridge, turn east and follow Kaskaskia Bell markers for five miles.

For more information, call 618-859-3741 or 618-284-7230 or go to www.illinoishistory.gov.

— The Southern

Liberty Bell of the West celebration set at Kaskaskia

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO Kaskaskia has been home to the bell since 1741, when King Louis XV of France gave it to the town church.

HERRIN — A Hip Hop 5K Run/Walk to benefit the International Hip Dys-plasia Institute will be Saturday, July 26.

Participants must register no later than Wednesday, July 9 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Cost is $25 for those who reg-ister by July 9. Cost is $30 from Thursday, July 10, until race day, and $25 for a phantom runner.

The race will begin at 8 a.m. at the Herrin foot-ball field. A free, half-mile Fun Run for kids 12 and younger will begin imme-diately after the 5K.

River to River will pro-vide event timing. For more information, call Maci-McRaven-Hutson at 618-889-3886 or email [email protected].

— The Southern

Hip Hop 5K Run/Walk set in Herrin

Sizes available for anyactivity from tailgating to

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Opening day ticket numbers for the 2014 season have

left first-year Du Quoin State Fair Manager Shan-non Woodworth ecstatic about advance music entertainment ticket sales.

He attributes a diversi-fied lineup that includes country superstars Travis Tritt, Kenny Rog-ers and Rodney Atkins, plus rock’n’roll giants Foreigner, the iconic KC and the Sunshine Band and legendary southern rockers 38 Special as the reason for the early blitz for prime seating.

“Sales have been astro-nomical,” Woodworth said. “It is the best first day sales total in the last 15 years. It’s incredible and has surpassed our expec-tations from the start. The lineup from top to bottom is appealing to everyone in Southern Illinois.”

Normally, there are one or two shows that create an early box office frenzy, but this year has been much different.

“Ticket sales have actu-ally been pretty much equally distributed for each act. No show has sold significantly more tickets than another,” Wood-worth said.

Tickets went on sale June 18.

“We had a monster walk-up crowd the first day of sales because we guaranteed that the pre-mium seating on the first three rows would be avail-able to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis,” Woodworth said. “Fans of Kenny

Rogers or Foreigner knew if they made a commit-ment to show up early and wait in line, they would be rewarded with the best seats in the house.”

Woodworth, who has worked at the fair for 14 years and was appointed manager in February, says staff at the box office reported the volume of advance ticket requests has been the largest in the last 28 years.

Foreigner kicks off the 10-day fair with a 7:30 p.m. appearance on Aug. 23. The band was a hit-making machine for more than a decade with Atlantic Records, starting with debut single “Feels Like the First Time” in 1977. Other big hits include “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You” and the chart topping “I Want To Know What Love Is.” Tickets are $30 and $25.

Kenny Rogers, one of the most successful crossover artists in music history, will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24. With his band The First Edition, he was very successful on the pop charts with “Reu-ben James,” “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town” and “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In”).

He crossed over to the country format in 1977

and was the Country Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year in 1979. His 21 No. 1 Billboard country singles include “Lucille,” “Coward of the County,” “The Gambler” and “She Believes in Me.” Tickets are $30 and $25.

Travis Tritt, who during a grand entrance at a previ-ous Du Quoin appearance crashed the motorcycle he was attempting to ride on stage, will return to the venue at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25. He is an outstanding guitarist, who made a cameo appearance with Eric Clapton and B.B. King in a remake of “The Blues Brothers” movie.

Winner of the presti-gious CMA Horizon Award in 1991, Tritt’s solid body of work includes “Country Club,” “Anymore,” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” and “Can I Trust You With My Heart.” Tickets are $30 and $25.

A musician with con-tagious enthusiasm,

contemporary Christian artist Jon Henninger will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug.26. He has released two albums, “We Will Stand” and “There Is Hope.” Tickets are $10.

UsA Championship Wresting will be presented on the main stage at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27. The fea-tured match will include long-time fan favorite Jerry “The King” Lawler. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Formed by Jacksonville, Fla. childhood friends Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes in 1974, .38 special helped establish the parameters of the southern rock genre with the breakout album “Wild Eyed Southern Boys,” and hit the charts with tunes like “Hold On Loosely,” Caught Up in You,” “Sec-ond Change” and “Rockin’ into the Night.” The show is Aug. 28. Tickets are $30.

A veteran Nashville

songwriter, the transition to recording artist had a rough start for Rodney Atkins, who takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29. He basically swung and missed with his first three singles, then figured out the formula and has reached the top of the charts six times, with songs like “Take A Back Road,” “It’s American,” “Cleaning This Gun (Come On in Boy)” and “These Are My People.”

Atkins stayed an impressive four weeks at No. 1 with both signature tune “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)” and follow-up “Watch-ing You.” Tickets are $30 and $25.

“The Atkins show is going to be good. I’m expecting a huge turnout. People may not realize it, but he has a big pile of hits,” Woodworth said.

A powerhouse disco

band during the 1970s, KC And The sunshine Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 30. Their long list of true classics include “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s The Way (I Like It),” “Please Don’t Go” and “I’m Your Boogie Man.” Tickets are $30.

UsAC silver Crown series dirt track racing will be presented Aug. 31. The featured race will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.

ARCA Car series racing will bring the grandstand presentation for 2014 to a close Sept. 1. The featured race starts at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $30.

Woodworth says fair staff is in the process of finalizing an entertain-ment schedule that fea-tures music from 52 acts at the free entertainment area and the beer tent.

ViNCe HOFFARd can be reached at 618-658-9095 or [email protected].

Du Quoin Fair entertainment tickets selling at a brisk pace

Country SCeneVince Hoffard.

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CHRis leeMCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS

Before Mark Wahlberg ever attempted to test his mettle vis-a-vis giant metamorphosizing robots from outer space — before he befriended a heroic battle-bot named Opti-mus Prime on screen — the actor prepared for his latest part with an unlikely foil: a talking teddy bear with an outsize taste for prostitutes and cocaine.

Which is to say that before Wahlberg signed on to appear in Paramount Pictures’ mega-budget

sci-fi thriller “Transform-ers: Age of Extinction,” he got a first taste of acting opposite computer-gen-erated imagery in a certain raunch-comedy that became 2012’s surprise breakout hit.

“’Ted’ was definitely a good warm-up,” Wahlberg said of the movie in which he plays a Boston bro who co-habitates with his hard-swearing, magically alive plush toy. “With ‘Ted,’ it was a more intimate setting. But this movie is much bigger and more intense. You’ve got eight Autobots talking to you at the same time. There’s nothing but a pole or a stick really there. You’ve got to believe and totally commit. The most difficult part of acting is when you look ridiculous and have to confront the risk of look-ing foolish. You’ve got to be on the whole time. You can’t phone it in.”

“Age of Extinction,” which hits theaters Friday, arrives as a kind of reboot for the franchise, which has grossed $2.7 billion worldwide, and is the first entry in an intended new

trilogy of “Transformers” films. Wahlberg takes over as protagonist from Shia LaBeouf, who departed as the series’ primary human foil, Sam Witwicky, after “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” in 2011.

Never mind that Wahl-berg — as a down-on-his-luck auto mechanic who discovers a dilapidated truck that turns out to be none other than the leader of the good-guy Transformers, the Auto-bots — prefers to consider the movie on its own mer-its rather than as fitting into a global juggernaut (which also encompasses a cartoon series, Happy Meal toys and amusement park rides).

“Some people think of this as a sequel,” he said. “We thought of it more as a stand-alone thing. I’ve never done a sequel.”

Chock-a-block with the kind of signature bombast for which director Michael Bay is known — arma-das of black Escalades, swarming SEAL teams, enormous explosions and menacing displays of high-tech hardware

adding to its $165-mil-lion budget — the new film departs from the prescribed “Transformers” universe to present a world in which Autobots are no longer viewed as friends of man. It’s a post-Witwicky era when the Earth’s populace is unclear about who their extraterrestrial robot enemies are.

For nearly six months, the production hopped across America, filming

in locations including Chicago, Detroit, Texas and Utah before moving to China and shooting in the teeming slums of Hong Kong. The only filming hiccup came months after principal photography had wrapped. Wahlberg had shed 60 pounds from his 197-pound frame to por-tray a literature professor with a gambling addic-tion for the 2015 remake of James Caan’s 1974

“The Gambler.”“I had to come back

for some pick-up shots,” Wahlberg recalled. “So when Bay saw me, he freaked. He was used to seeing me on the healthier side. But here I am skinny with long, stringy hair. He was like, ‘You can’t look like that!’”

In the end, Bay managed to film Wahlberg in a way that obscured his, ahem, transformation.

Mark Wahlberg: From Teddy bears to Autobots

Director and executive pro-ducer Michael Bay (left) dis-

cusses a scene with Mark

Wahlberg, who plays Cade

Yeager, on the Detroit set of

‘Transformers: Age of

Extinction.’

MCT | PARAMOUNT

PICTURES

HANdOUT Mark Wahlberg plays Cade Yeager in ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction,’ which opens Friday in Carbondale and Marion.

transformers: Age ofextinctionRated PG-13 for action, adventure; starring Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Abigail Klein, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci, Robert Foxworth, John Goodman, Ken Watanabe, Kelsey Grammer; directed by Michael Bay; advance review not available; open-ing Friday at Carbondale AMC 8, University Place 8 in Carbondale and Illinois Centre 8 in Marion.

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