The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center
1601 Jumer Drive, Bloomington, Illinois
December 31
This popular annual event will be held in a new location this year. Ring in the New Year Dancing to the Heartland Jazz Orchestra. The evening will include hors d'oeuvres, a six-course dinner and a Champagne toast at midnight. Make your reservations by calling (309) 665-5671. For details on additional hotel packages, visit the link on The Chateau website. Find out more about this area’s great big band sound at the band’s website.
“Deadwood Dick” Melodrama by Tom Taggert
Community Players Theatre
201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington, Illinois
January 13 -15, 19 – 22 and 26 - 28
It’s good old-fashioned melodrama at its comic best with long-lost daughters, stolen gold mines, kidnapped heroines and hairbreadth escapes, plus a crew of infamous villains and vintage cowpokes in this tale of wild days in the Old West. Call (309) 663-2121 for ticket information or visit the Players website.
“Fun Runnin’ Trains”
Children’s Discovery Museum
101 E Beaufort Street, Normal, Illinois
January 14 and 15
Model railroaders from all over the Midwest will be on hand for this special model railroading weekend. N-scale model train layouts with miles and miles of track will be on exhibit, including N-Scale structures and trains from the Minor Myers N-Scale Collection. Learn about model railroading and N-Trak modular layouts with presentations by N-Trak of Bloomington-Normal. Call (309) 433-3444 for information on hours and upcoming programs and be sure to visit the Children's Museum web site.
30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Luncheon
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market, Bloomington, Illinois
January 14
Bloomington-Normal residents join forces to recognize local individuals who exemplify the ideals of Dr. King. Human Relations Awards are presented and outstanding high school students from Bloomington and Normal are also honored with the "I have a Dream" award. This year’s featured speaker will be Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, who is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For ticket information, call (309) 434-2218, or e-mail: ejackson@cityblm.org.
16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Gospel Festival
Westbrook Auditorium, Presser Hall
1210 Park St., Bloomington, Illinois
January 16
This festival honoring the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is free and open to the public. It’s a powerful mix of music and celebration cosponsored by United Community Gospel Singers of Bloomington and Normal, and Illinois Wesleyan University. Scheduled choirs include: The Fantastic Jones Family from Springfield; Gayles Baptist Church Choir from Aurora, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church - Jam Production Choir from Bloomington, and Malcolm Williams and the Voices of Great Faith from Chicago. For additional information, call (309) 828-4602. Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids, services or special arrangements for the festival can contact the University at (309) 556-3429.
Auditions for Battle of the Bands 2006
Lincoln Leisure Center
1206 S. Lee St., Bloomington, Illinois
January 21
Bloomington-Normal High school students are invited to audition for the 2006 Battle of the Bands. The event is co-sponsored by Bloomington Parks and Recreation and Normal’s Youth Action Board. Bands will be judged by a group of their peers, and the top bands will perform at Lincoln Leisure Center February 24 to compete for first place. Call Eric at (309) 434-2260 to sign up for an audition time.
2006 Midstate Fish & Feather Expo
Interstate Center
2301 W Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
January 27-29
If you like to hunt and fish and appreciate the many opportunities for outdoor sport in Central Illinois, you’ll want to check out the seminars by experts including champion fishermen Ted Takasaki and Bloomington-Normal’s own Terry Brown, exhibits and displays. The Bassmaster Casting Kids State Championship will also be part of this event. For details, call (309) 452-9646,
e-mail: larry@midstatefishandfeather.com or visit the Expo website.
Funk's Grove Maple Sirup
Old Route 66 (15 miles south of Bloomington)
Funks Grove, Illinois
Seasonal – typically early February through March
In the early spring visitors can see how maple sirup (spelled the old-fashioned way) is made in the majestic McLean County timber of Funk's Grove. Sirup-making has been a local tradition since the early 1920s when travelers on the new hard road stopped to enjoy Hazel Funk Holmes' tasty sirup. Call 309-874-3360 for hours and visitor information or visit the website.
Presence, Pride, and Passion: The History of
African Americans in Mclean County
McLean County Museum of History
200 N. Main, Bloomington, Illinois
February 4 through May 2008
Discover the important roles Blacks have played in local history, business and community organizations in this new exhibit. The story of their achievements, celebrations and courage in the face of adversity has been gleaned from interviews, archaeological artifacts, and photographs. The exhibit includes portraits, booklets, church and club histories and memorabilia, clothing and household items documenting the Black experience in McLean County. For more information, visit the museum website or phone (309) 827-0428.
Valentine’s Dance
New Lafayette Club
1602 S. Main, Bloomington, Illinois
February 14
Dress up in your best attire and take your sweetheart dancing. University Jazz Ensembles I and II will perform music for swing and Latin dance styles from the 1930s and 1940s by composers such as Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Count Basie and other favorites. Tickets will only be available at the door. For additional information, call (309) 438-2541 or visit the Illinois State University Jazz Program website link.
International Family Fest
Bone Student Center Circus Room
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
February 18
This free International Family Fest is part of the annual International Fair. It’s an afternoon of fun that allows children and families to experience cultures through a variety of interactive activities. For details, call (309) 829-6307 ext. 203.
2006 IHSA State Girls Class A Basketball Tournament
Redbird Arena, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
Feb. 24 - 25
This year marks the 30th anniversary of competition between the top high school girls’ teams in the state. For details about teams and schedules, visit the Illinois High School Association website link.
Illinois Deer and Turkey Classic
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market, Bloomington, Illinois
February 24 - 26
Deer and Turkey hunters of all ages can check out exhibit booths and seminars, and even view live big game animals. Demonstrations will include cooking venison and other wild game, and video archery and firearms shooting ranges will also be featured. For details and ticket information, call 1-800-324-3337 or visit the Deer & Turkey Classic website.
Annual Barbershop Show - Winter Concert
Normal Community West High School Auditorium
501 N. Parkside Rd., Normal, Illinois
March 4 - 5
If you enjoy the hits from Broadway musicals, you won’t want to miss the annual Barbershop show by the Sound of Illinois Chorus. “Off Broadway” will feature performances by guest quartet Gotcha! along with local quartets. Ticket orders may be made by phone at 309-661-1367or download an order form from the Sound of Illinois Chorus website.
The American Passion Play
Presser Hall
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
March 18 - 19 ONLY
The 83rd season of this Bloomington tradition will include two performance dates only and will be staged in a new venue due to ongoing renovation of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, (the former Scottish Rite Temple). Shows will be approximately 2 hours in length and will be performed in costume with music and minimal properties. For ticket information call (309) 829-3903 or Toll Free (800) 354-9640, or visit the American Passion Play website.
Spring Bloom Arts Festival
Bloomington Sale Barn
2015 South Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois
March 18
Welcome spring with this juried show of fine art and fine craft by nearly 100 exhibitors from across the nation. Original artwork in a variety of disciplines will be displayed and the artists will be on hand to offer insight into their work. For more information, call the McLean County Arts Center at (309) 829-0011 or visit the Arts Center website.
Illinois Symphony Masterworks 4: Symphonic Seas
Braden Auditorium
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
March 31
The Illinois Symphony Chorus and Orchestra and guest soloists will feature music from the movie classics “Victory at Sea” and “Titanic” along with the “Sea Symphony” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Life jackets are not required, but tickets are, so check the link on the Illinois Symphony website.
Jazz Festival Concert
Center for the Performing Arts
Illinois State University campus, Normal, Illinois
April 1
Join participants in the 10th Annual ISU Jazz festival for an evening concert featuring the competition's winning jazz band performing with special guest, saxophonist Denis DiBlasio. DiBlasio is a versatile performer, composer, arranger and educator. He spent five years serving as music director for Maynard Ferguson’s big band and now heads up the Jazz Department at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. For more information, call 309-438-2540. Tickets are available by calling 309-438-2535 or on the Fine Arts Department website.
Jim Valley Children's Concert
Miller Park Zoo
1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois
April 9
Entertainer Jim Valley encourages children to sing, dance, and use imagination to appreciate themselves and others through music. For details, visit the Miller Park Zoo web site or call (309) 434-2250.
Ongoing:
Gather @ the Gallery
Eaton Studio & Gallery, 411 N. Center, Bloomington, Illinois
Third Wednesday evening of the month
Visitors to artist Herb Eaton’s studio and gallery are invited to attend this salon event 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.
Children's Discovery Museum
101 E Beaufort Street, Normal, Illinois
Tuesday through Sunday
This popular Museum features numerous hands-on exhibits for children of all ages six days a week in downtown Normal. Visit the Sugar Creek Water Area, scale the two-story Luckey Climber, and check out the Reading Garden and Toddler Backyard. The museum gift shop and parent resource areas offer many more interesting ideas for having fun while learning. Call 309-433-3444 for hours and upcoming programs and be sure to visit the Children’s Discovery Museum on the web.
Cross Country Skiing at COMLARA County Park
13001 Recreation Area Drive, Hudson, Illinois (Off I-39 North of Normal)
If you got cross country skis for Christmas, try them out on the trails at Comlara Park. Check weather and snow conditions in advance by visiting the park website’s Cross Country Skiing Conditions link. Park ski trails are groomed when snowfall is appropriate, so you can enjoy some great scenery while getting your exercise. For more information, call (309) 726-2022.
The Stitch-in Club
The Bickford House, 14 Heartland Drive, Bloomington, Illinois
Second and fourth Monday of the month from 7-9 pm
If you like to do cross stitch, canvas embroidery, blackwork, pulled thread, tatting or bobbin lace, stop by and stitch along with this group of creative individuals. It’s an opportunity to share techniques, learn from each other and generally enjoy a little time away to stitch. Email: ladyjanet@dublin.com or visit the Stitch-in Club website.
Mike's Bridge Club
Various times and locations in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
Owned and operated by B-N bridge enthusiast, Mike Tomlianovich, the club is affiliated with the American Contract Bridge League and the Central Illinois Bridge Association. Club activities include sanctioned duplicate sessions for novices, teams, pairs, and individuals, as well as open games at designated times and various locations as listed on Mike’s Bridge Club website.
Adult Open Gym Volleyball
Pepper Ridge Elementary School Gym
2602 Danbury Dr., Bloomington, Illinois (off Cabin Town Road)
Sunday evenings January 8 – April 30
Great exercise and fun for those age 18 and up! Two courts are available and players may opt to sign up for a season pass or just drop by to join in the game on a Sunday evening. For details and to confirm that courts will be open on a specific date, contact Bloomington Parks and Recreation at (309) 434-2260 during business hours.
Bloomington-Normal Backgammon Club
NEW LOCATION AND DATE
Fiesta Ranchera Restaurant, (Next to Best Buy)
2013 N. Veterans Pkwy., Bloomington, Illinois
Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned backgammon player, you will be welcomed at the weekly Tuesday night tournaments hosted by this local club. For more information, contact: Michael Flohr by phone at (309) 662-7967 or by e-mail at MFlohr0925@verizon.net.
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