Illinois State University School of Theatre presents The Who's 60s rock opera, an electrifying musical that follows the 'pinball wizard' on his journey through trauma, heartbreak, recovery, and success. The production features music and lyrics by Pete Townshend, book by Des McAnuff and Pete Townshend, with additional music and lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon. For ticket information, call the Box Office at the ISU Center for the Performing Arts, (309) 438-2535, or see the School of Theatre website.
FlatCon 2007
The Interstate Center
2301 W. Market, Bloomington, Illinois
October 5 - 7
FlatCon is a gaming extravaganza that offers something for everyone. Roleplaying, miniatures, board, and card games and tournaments from a wide variety of genres will be represented and demonstrated. Vendors will include Anime, gaming, fantasy gifts, and comics. More information is available online at the FlatCon website.
Prairie Fire Theatre Production “The Story Goes On”
Ewing Manor Presser Hall, Illinois Wesleyan University Campus, corner of Park and University Streets, Bloomington, Illinois
October 12 - 14
Prairie Fire Theatre celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and this musical journey into fatherhood is a first-person account of the ups and downs of family life. The show is written, adapted and performed by Robert Mangialardi. For ticket information, call (309) 454-5500. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Learn more about this local theatre troupe at the Prairie Fire Theatre website.
Fall Barn Dance
McGhee Barn
9326 Old Peoria Road,west of Bloomington, Illinois
October 13
If you've always wanted to learn to square dance, here's your chance! Experienced and novice dancers alike will have a great time when the McLean County Barn Keepers host their Fall Barn Dance. For directions, call (309) 963-4636.
Haunted Trail
Constitution Trail, Normal
October 19, 20, 26, 27
Take a self-guided tour complete with scary characters, spooky sounds and creepy lighting. Kids 8 years old and up will have lots of fun. For younger children and their parents, the first two nights will feature non-scary sights and sounds. Call (309) 454-9540 for more information.
Autumn Celebration
Sugar Grove Nature Center
4532 N. 725 East Road, McLean, Illinois
(south of Funks Grove off Old Route 66)
October 20
It’s fun for everyone with Fall color walks, horse-drawn wagon rides, storytelling, Native American encampment, buckskinners, pumpkin races, blacksmithing demonstrations, and a Scarecrow Factory. Music, Raptor presentations, and Old Tyme Medicine Shows will be featured, along with traditional fall foods and cider. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (309) 874-2174 or visit the new Sugar Grove Nature Center website.
Victorian All Hallow's Eve by Gaslight
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
1000 E. Monroe Dr., Bloomington, Illinois
October 21 and 28
Venture out on a fall evening for a gaslight celebration of All Hallows Eve in the Davis Mansion parlor. Hear traditional 19th century eerie stories and learn about some amusing superstitions. Victorian gypsies will also read tea leaves to tell fortunes for the guests. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Reservations are required, so call The Tea Ladies at (309) 827-2200 today. For more information, visit The Tea Ladies website.
Uptown Normal “Treat Feast”
Beaufort and North Streets
Normal, Illinois
October 30
Join the Uptown Normal Business Association and Normal Parks and Recreation Department staff for trick-or-treating between 5 and 6:30 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof
Community Players Theatre
201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington, Illinois
November 2 - 4, 8 - 11, and 15 - 18
The thought-provoking musical with book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick is the story of Tevye, the poor Jewish dairyman trying to balance his his family, his faith and the growing political issues in Tsarist Russia. Familiar musical numbers include: “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.” Call (309) 663-2121 for ticket information or visit the Players website.
Around the Corner Art Studio Walk
Art studios on West Monroe and North Center Streets
Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
November 2
Downtown Bloomington is home to many professional artists. Take a leisurely Friday evening stroll and tour the studios of Angel Ambrose, Joann Goetzinger, Darin Dawdy, Herb Eaton, Jeff Little and Kay Seefeld. View their latest work, visit with the artists and enjoy refreshments at each site. Each studio will have featured artwork for sale during the event from 4 to 9 p.m. Call (309) 829-3424 or e-mail AroundTheCornerArtists@gmail.com for details. (Photo: Branch 1 by Joann Goetzinger)
Cats!
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
110 E Mulberry St, Bloomington, Illinois
November 4
This matinee performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-running musical tribute to fantastic felines will delight the whole family. Call (309) 434-2787 for ticket information or visit the BCPA website.
Holiday Treasures Show
McLean County Arts Center
601 N. East St., Bloomington, Illinois
November 8 – December 22
Looking for unusual gifts for holiday giving? Check out the array of fine art created by more than 100 local and nationally known artists. Featured art will include paintings, prints, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, photography, fiber, and jewelry as well as seasonal items. For more information about Arts Center programs and classes, call (309) 829-0011 or visit the Arts Center web site.
IHSA Girls Volleyball Tournament
Redbird Arena, Illinois State University Campus, Normal, Illinois November 9 - 10
Watch high school girls volleyball at its best as teams from Class 1A through Class 4A compete for championship honors. This is the first year for the four-class series, so don’t miss out on the excitement. For schedules, ticket information and team stats, visit the Illinois High School Association website.
Veterans Day Big Band Dance
The New Lafayette Club
1600 S. Main St., Bloomington, Illinois
November 10
The Illinois State University Jazz Bands will host a Veterans Day dance to honor those who sacrificed so much for this country. Dance the night away to the great sounds of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Harry James, and many more. The event will include a cash bar. All US military veterans will be admitted FREE! Admission for others is $10. For more information, call Tom Marko, (309) 438-2541.
Uptown Normal Holiday Open House
Uptown Normal, Illinois
November 10 - 11
The Uptown Normal Business Association hosts a Holiday Open House with carriage rides on Saturday afternoon and two free showings of Warner Brothers cartoons at the Normal Theater on Sunday afternoon. Santa will be greeting visitors on the street all weekend, and local businesses will feature sales and treats for everyone to enjoy.
The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
November 14 - 18
This year’s theme for the annual fund-raising event for The Baby Fold is “Christmas Around the World.” Decorated Christmas trees of all sizes will be displayed for auction, along with Gingerbread houses, wreaths, and celebrity trees. A gift shop, musical entertainment by talented local performers and several special events are also planned. For volunteer opportunities and ticket information, call (309) 451-7202 or see the Festival of Trees link on The Baby Fold website.
Once Upon a Holiday
Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
November 30 - December 1
The annual Holiday Window Vignettes with special “live” displays in Downtown Bloomington store windows will be featured Friday evening. Bundle up and watch the annual Jaycee’s Christmas Parade Saturday morning at 10 a.m., and then visit the McLean County Museum of History for cookies, crafts, music and a visit from St. Nicholas.
Christmas in the Park
Miller Park Pavilion
1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois
December 8
The whole family will enjoy the fun featuring pictures with Santa, crafts, sleigh rides, caroling and more! Call (309) 434-2260 for details.
Holiday Skate with Santa
Pepsi Ice Center
201 S. Roosevelt St., Bloomington, Illinois
(directly behind the U.S Celluar Coliseum)
December 20
Enjoy a free hot chocolate and holiday cookie with your paid admission to the Pepsi Ice Center from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Santa will lead the reindeer games on ice, so don’t miss out! Call (309) 434-2875 for more information. Visit the Pepsi Ice Center website to learn about other events and activities.
State Farm Holiday Classic 2007
Various venues in Bloomington-Normal
December 26- 29
The largest coed high school holiday basketball tournament in the nation is hosted right here in B-N. This event showcases 64 high school basketball teams (32 boys and 32 girls) that play over four days between Christmas and New Year's Day. For schedules, locations and ticket information, visit the Classic Tournament website.
Ongoing:
Fall Bird Watching Field Trips
Meet at Highland Park Golf Course
1613 South Main St., Bloomington, Illinois November 11 and 25
Members of the John Wesley Powell Chapter of the Audubon Society host regular field trips around Bloomington-Normal and nearby areas to observe waterfowl and late migrants. Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You’ll be walking on and off trails; so long pants, hiking boots and hats are recommended. For more information about the society and a schedule of other bird watching activities, visit the JWP Audubon Society website.
Gather @ the Gallery
Eaton Studio & Gallery
411 N. Center, Bloomington, Illinois
Third Wednesday evening of the month
Visitors are invited to explore images, sounds, and ideas about art and its role in our world. Each month, a different topic for discussion is selected. Sometimes it’s serious and sometimes the evening is just for fun. Participants view selected paintings and interact with a local artist for a lively evening of conversation and light refreshments. For details and monthly topics, call (309) 828-1575 or visit the Eaton Gallery website.
Blue Moon Coffeehouse
Main Lounge in Memorial Student Center,
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
The Blue Moon Coffeehouse presents great acoustic performances by nationally touring singer-songwriters in a relaxed atmosphere. For more information about upcoming shows, call (309) 556-3815 or visit the Blue Moon website.
Lunchtime Concert Series
McLean County Museum of History
200 North Main, Bloomington,Illinois
October 9 and November 13
If you enjoyed the summer Lunchtime Concert Series, be sure to stop by the McLean County Museum of History for an indoor version on these dates. Members of the McLean County Mandolin Society will perform in October, and guitarist David Berchtold and Steve “The Harp” entertain in November. For more information, call (309) 434-2260.
