SGF’s annual arts show on Historic Walnut Street celebrates year 32 this weekend (May 5, 6) with more than 140 artists from across the country. Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

SATURDAY

Dance Stage
10:00-10:30 – Ozark Dance Academy
10:30-11:00 – Disney Dynamics
11:00-11:30 – A&B Dance Center
11:30-12:00 – Credo Dance Academy
12:00-12:30 – Missouri Performing Arts Center
12:30-1:00 – Sonshine Performing Arts Academy
1:00-1:30 – Malaika Dancers
1:30-2:00 – Petra Ballet Company
2:00-2:30 – Springfield Dance Alliance
2:30-3:00 – Springfield Ballet
3:30-4:00 – Starlighters School of Dance

Bandstand Stage
10:00-11:30 – Play and Sing His Praises
11:30-12:00 – St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church
12:00-1:00 – Lonesome Hollow Bluegrass Band
1:00- 3:00 – Missouri State University Jazz Symposium I & II and Jazz Studies Ensemble
3:00-5:00 – Keltic Knot
5:00-6:00 – Willbilly

Showwagon Stage
10:00-10:30 – The Skinny Improv
10:30-11:30 – Springfield Little Theatre Youth Performance Troupes
11:30-12:30 – Pat’s Clogging Studio, Celtic Fire Irish Dance Co, and the Crew
12:30-1:00 – Viva Xalisco
1:00-1:45 – Springfield Metro Chorus
1:45-2:30 – Roxy
2:30-3:30 – SuperCharge
3:30-4:00 – SLT Cast of Rent
4:00-5:00 – Summit Preparatory All Stars
5:00-5:30 – Men’s Chorus of the Ozarks
5:30-6:00 – Rhythm of Rountree

Music at the Inn
10:00-11:00 – Devlin Pierce
11:00-11:30 – Lija Fonner
11:30-12:00 – Fiddlin’ Suzi Vause and friends
12:00-12:30 – Liberty and Justice
12:30-1:00 – Le Grande Dames
1:00-2:00 – Reel Greene
2:00-3:00 – Rowan’s Crossing
3:00-4:00 – Aunt Lulu’s Environmental Friends
4:00-5:00 – Stringfield
5:00-6:00 – Dan O’Callaghan (solo guitarist)

The Coffeehouse Stage
10:00-11:00 – Acoustic Essays
11:00-11:30 – Sarah M. Smith
12:00-1:00 – Eddie Gumucio and the Electrics
1:00-3:00 – Caduceus The Doctors’ Band
3:00-4:00 – Kellswater
4:00-5:00 – Live Oak Band
5:00-6:00 – Canto 17

SUNDAY

Dance Stage
11:00-11:30 – Malaika Dancers
12:00-12:30 – Troupe Sarrab
12:30-1:00 – Missouri Performing Arts Center
1:00-1:30 – Sonshine Performing Arts Academy
1:30-2:00 – Petra Ballet Company
2:00-2:30 – A&B Dance Center
2:30-3:00 – Ozark Dance Academy
3:00-3:30 – Springfield Ballet
3:30-4:00 – Credo Dance Academy
4:00-4:30 – Starlighters School of Dance
4:30-5:00 – Showtime Productions

Bandstand Stage
11:00-11:30 – St. Thomas Apostle Orthodox Church
11:30-12:00 – Island Breeze Steel Band
12:30-1:00 – Missouri State University Community Flute Choir
1:00-2:00 – Bella Musica Flute & Harp Duo
2:00-3:00 – The Woodshed Boys
3:00-4:00 – Republic Community Band
4:00-5:00 – Little Hoover’s Big Band

Showwagon Stage
12:00-1:00 – A Cub Bella
1:00-2:00 – Springfield Little Theatre Youth Performance Troupes
2:00-3:00 – The RetroGnomes
3:00-3:30 – Missouri Performing Arts Center
3:30-4:00 – SLT cast of Rent
4:00-5:00 – The Western Paradise

Music at the Inn
11:00-11:30 – Fiddlin’ Suzie Vause and friends
11:30-12:30 – Jay Caughron, Street Organ
1:00-2:00 – Hamburger Cows
2:00-2:30 – Fun with Lou LeBrun
2:30-3:00 – Lija Fonner
3:00-4:00 – Dan O’Callaghan

The Coffeehouse Stage
11:00-11:30 – Sarah M. Smith
12:00-1:00 – Working Title
1:00-2:00 – Lyal Strickland
2:00-3:00 – The Topangas
3:00-4:00 – Canto 17
4:00-5:00 – Jake Rogers

Here is TAG’s can’t-miss list for art showings/events in downtown SGF tonight, including First Friday Art Walk. Not enough? Get your complete listing of FFAW stops. Find TAG Team to pick up a copy of the April issue of TAG Magazine.

DON’T MISS

Everything is a Problem by Daniel Zender is featured this month at Randy Bacon.

Everything Is A Problem by Daniel Zender at Randy Bacon Photography (600 W. College St.)

The exhibit by SGF artist Daniel Zender will feature a variety of his work from illustrations for national magazines and newspapers to screen printed posters for local musicians. Live music by Eskimo Girls and Ghost Dance.
•••
Life’s Pieces by CJ Art at Hawthorn Galleries (214 E Walnut St.)

Carol Chappell and Joan Gentry use recycled metals and mixed media to create whimsical and sometimes statement-making sculptures.
•••

iPhone photograph by Elise Ellis Photography

iPhone Photography by Elise Ellis at OTC Fine Art Gallery (325 Park Central East, 3rd floor of Gillioz Theatre)

Skeptical of iPhone photography or “iPhoneography”? Ellis says she put away her professional gear in favor of using her iPhone camera. “iPhoneography challenges me,” Ellis says. “It pushes me to be a better photographer and artist. When you take away all the fancy lenses, flash units, camera bodies, all you have left is your creativity, your vision, your skill in composition and in manipulating the light. iPhoneography is photography in the simplest form.”

MORE

Fifty for Fifty by Cindy Pedigo at Good Girl Art (325 E Walnut St.)
Live demonstrations at Springfield Hot Glass Studio (314 S Campbell Ave.)

NEW

The Hamels Foundation (420 College St.)
NOMAD (318 W Walnut St.)
The Vision Clinic (213 W Olive St.)

CLOSED

MSU Student Exhibition Center

Here is TAG’s can’t-miss list for art showings/events in downtown SGF tonight, including First Friday Art Walk. Not enough? Get your complete listing of FFAW stops. Find TAG Team to pick up a copy of the March issue of TAG Magazine.

Don’t Miss!

• Art is Monumental II by SPS K-12 students at Creamery Arts Center (411 N Sherman Pkwy) — Selected artwork from students of all ages across SGF to celebrate National Youth Art Month.

• Painted Ladies by Sarah Blinkhorn at Good Girl Art Gallery (325 E Walnut Ste. 101) — Born in England but raised in the middle of the U.S. map, Blinkhorn’s drawings are inspired by “low brow” arts (tattoos, circus posters, comics, etc.) will be joined by a display of art from the Springfield Roller Girls Poster Contest.

• The Luck of the Irish at MSU Center of International Programs (301 S Jefferson) — First Friday Art Walk newcomer dives into the culture of Ireland with photographs and more in anticipation of the St. Patty’s Irish Parade.

Other highlights:

Darlene Prater, Ashley Haws, Shannon Bacon at Monarch Art Factory (Figment, Randy Bacon); Discovering An Eyeful by Dustin Burgert at Obelisk Home.

Closed: Evangel University Bellweather Gallery, Hawthorn Galleries

Several galleries are closed for the year’s first Friday … but only the schools should get a permission slip. Nonetheless, quality is not lacking. Here is TAG’s can’t-miss list for tonight’s First Friday Art Walk in down town SGF tonight. Not enough? Get your complete listing of FFAW stops. Find TAG Team to pick up a copy of the January issue of TAG Magazine.

Don’t Miss!

• The Pain Killer Series by Eric Vaughn at Good Girl Art (325 E Walnut) — I had my wisdom teeth taken out a decade ago and I still remember the things I don’t remember doing while in recovery, on a very strict, per-the-prescription regiment. The stuff that’s legal these days is ridiculous — even the fizzy sinus caplets make me feel like I’m three Outland Specials deep. If Vaughn’s work reflects any piece of that, there’s a good chance he’s putting out some interesting acrylics. Also catch John Trammell (Okla.) and his mixed medium series Wanted: Smiles.

• Beer Tasting + Live Art at Farmers Gastropub (431 S Jefferson Ste. 160) – An absolute don’t miss. Combine an O’Fallon Brewing beer tasting with Artists at Work, where local artists create right in front of you. Not to mention this will be a surefire spot to be among the first with a hot-off-the press copy of the new TAG Magazine. I think you will like it.

• Reformed Art: Bad Trash Gone Good at Squidfoo (407 N Boonville) – One man’s trash might be another’s treasure, but now it’s both. Recycled and upcycled  garbage given purpose once again. To look pretty or … be a robot. It’s not an official FFAW stop, but definitely worth the handful footsteps North of the square just to see.

Other highlights:

Daria Claiborne (pottery) at Fresh Gallery; Italian Glassblowing Techniques at Springfield Hot Glass Studio; Travis Marler (illustrator) at Park Central Branch Library.

Closed:
The Creamery Arts Center, Design Salon & Art Gallery, Drury Pool Art Center, Evangel’s Bellweather Gallery, Hawthorn Galleries, MSU Brick City, MSU Student Exhibition Center, OTC Fine Art Gallery, Springfield Pottery, Randy Bacon Gallery

School is back in session and so are the First Friday Art Walk stops at the universities. September’s art walk is incredibly loaded so get out and enjoy the arts! Here are TAG’s can’t-miss stops during your walk tonight, complete listing of FFAW stops.

Here are the stops we won’t miss. Take a peek at the entire schedule.

Don’t Miss!

• Color Theory, at LemonDrop (416 W Commercial) — An amazing lineup of artists will be on display (Tracy Marshall, Jon Hoffman, Josh Nail and Samuel Smith) with live music from Some Young Animal. Not technically on the First Friday Art Walk billing, but this show tops the don’t-miss list.

• Stephanie Cramer, Jazz and Beer at Revel Advertising (214 W Phelps) — Cramer’s work is always a pleasure to view, add live jazz music from MSU students plus a beer tasting from O’Fallon Brewing and I believe it’s called a party.

• Jodie Laravee at Park Central Library (128 Park Central Square) – Laravee’s digitally-enhanced pencil drawings will line the library with live music from Steve Ames (the lowdown fancy, Hamburger Cows).

• Cyndilee Dawson at Obelisk Home (214 W Phelps) — The work in Dawson’s exhibit is encaustic, a style which layers beeswax and oil paint, then melted together by torch. For real.

• Civil War Art by 5th Graders at The Creamery (411 N Sherman Parkway) -Children’s art is always interesting to me, extra dosages of honesty, perhaps? The Creamery will host images of the Civil War as illustrated by SGF elementary students.

Other highlights:

Isaac Karner at OTC Fine Art Gallery; Inviting the Bell to Sing by Mike Dickey at Drury Pool Art Center Gallery; Glass Pumpkins at Springfield Hot Glass Studio

SO CONFLICTED BY THE RAIN! The plants need it and it’s cooling us down, but I want to art walk! August’s First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF is feeling a touch charitable with SGF artists helping Joplin counterparts. Tonight’s walk has tons of great options, and a lot of residual (read: not technically a part of FFAW) events. Get out and enjoy the arts, but don’t forget your umbrella.

Here are the stops we won’t miss. Take a peek at the entire schedule.

Don’t Miss!

• Artists4Joplin at Squidfoo Art Gallery (407 N Boonville) – Find a large collection of diverse work from more than a dozen local artists (including John Worcester, H.E. Croan, Jeremy Mosher) donated for a month-long auction to benefit Joplin artists who lost equipment in the tornado. The silent auction begins at 6 p.m. (low reserves), but the exhibit will be up all month. Live art by Gary Bedell, Austin Barton and Justin Gault.

• Fundraiser for Martha Goldman at Good Girl Art (325 E Walnut) — Good Girl artist Martha Goldman lost her home in the Joplin tornado. Buy works from SGF artists Julie Blackmon, Chad Woody, Jane Almirall, Stephanie Cramer, Randy Russell and more to raise money for Goldman.

• As I See It by Chelsea Nunn at Obelisk Home (214 W Phelps) – The paintings of Nunn are colorful, vivid and just a little bit quirky … fun.

• Christian Gideon at Fedora(309 Park Central East) — SGF photographer Christian Gideon gained international notoriety for his “What If You Lived At IKEA?” collection.

Other highlights:

Stephanie Cramer at Revel Advertising; Randy Schertz at Kiss My Gas Scooters; Mediterranean-style blown glass at Springfield Hot Glass Studio (ALWAYS a must stop at Art Walk).

Closed:

The University-sponsored galleries (OTC Fine Art, MSU Brick City, MSU Student Exhibition Center, Drury Pool Art Center, Evangel Bellwether) are down for the summer — back in September.

Artists4Joplin, a collective of local artists, will hold a month-long auction at Squidfoo Art Gallery and Studio (407 N Boonville) to support the Joplin Arts Relief Fund. The silent auction will run from August 5-September 2 with proceeds to help replace supplies, canvases and other equipment lost in the May 22 tornado. Live music and live art by Gary Bedell, Austin Barton and Justin Gault on Friday, August 5.

Among others, you will be able to bid on work from:

• Jeremy Mosher
• H. E. Croan
• Hiram Mesa
• John Worcester
• Justin Gault
• Audra Rausa
• Jessica Hudson
• Fonda Golding
• Karla Trammel
• Kristen Atkinson
• Austin Barton
• Bernice Baver
• Marcus Howell
• Maneesh Anand

Before you head to the lake or retreat to the back yard, the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF is beckoning you to join in. Sure it’s hot, but there is plenty of art (and A/C) to make the trip worthwhile.

Here are the stops we won’t miss. Take a peek at the entire schedule.

Don’t Miss!

• Science + Art: Bridging the Gap at The Creamery Arts Center (411 N. Sherman Parkway) — Science has been an inspiration for artists throughout history. Today, the arts meet technology, innovation and design in the IDEA Commons. Senior research scientist Rishi Patel and graphic designer Jeff Rawson of JVIC are capturing amazing microscopic views of familiar objects and materials utilizing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technology. This interactive exhibit offers a rare and intriguing examination of the ordinary landscape around us.

• Featured Artist Dave Garner at Fresh Gallery (Campbell and Walnut) — Garner is currently working on a series he calls “Re-enactment” to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Wilson Creek. Although horrified by the bloodshed and divisiveness of the Civil War, he also sees the necessity of marking and reflecting on this historic conflict. His desire in “Re-enactment” is to capture the spirit of the men, women, and children who call themselves re-enactors.

• The Art of Tanya Johnston at Good Girl Art Gallery (325 E Walnut) – “My work is an investigation into memory, identity and the development of a personal mythology. I have sought to explore these topics through creating paintings and light boxes that employ the use of symbols and archetypical images, such as storms, birds and eyes, as a way to evoke an emotional response,” Johnston said. That’s just the beginning.

• Spring in Springfield at Fresh at Hawthorn Galleries Inc., (214 E. Walnut St.) – Meet Cox, a native of Missouri but California raised, and Fitzgibbon mix their styles to bring the colors of SGF. Meet the artists from 6-10 p.m.

Closed:

The University-sponsored galleries (OTC Fine Art, MSU Brick City, MSU Student Exhibition Center, Drury Pool Art Center, Evangel Bellwether) are down for the summer — back in September.

Happy birthday Art Walk! First Friday Art Walk has been an institution in downtown SGF for a decade. Here’s to the next 10 years (raising an empty hand — use your imagination, folks, and toast). The June edition lists several stops with “TBD” or “show to be announced” listed as the featured exhibit/artist which is pretty disappointing considering the anniversary. Nonetheless, here are the stops we won’t miss. Take a peek at the entire schedule.

Don’t Miss!

• Squidfiti at Squidfoo (407 N Boonville) — Not an official stop on Art Walk, but Squidfoo (which opened in May) presents an urban art show featuring Troy Harris, Derek Schlueter, Unsung Hero and John Worcester.

• Elegance by Kristen Naugle at Obelisk Home (214 W Phelps) — Texture and manipulated color highlight the photography and painting of Naugle.

•  Tina Noble and Maneesh Anand at Good Girl Art Gallery (325 E Walnut) – Noble brings the contrast of white and black, bringing “darkness into light.” Anand will present a collection of abstract ink drawings.

•  Barbara Williams at Fresh (Campbell and Walnut) – Williams was the best in show winner of the Fresh Emerging Artist Competition.

Other highlights:

Gavyn Sky at Inveno Health; John L. Payne at Randy Bacon; Elizabeth Chapman at Revel Advertising (still, but in case you missed her abstract work in May, don’t miss it again); Springfield Hot Glass Studio (ALWAYS a must stop at Art Walk).

Closed:

The University-sponsored galleries (OTC Fine Art, MSU Brick City, MSU Student Exhibition Center, Drury Pool Art Center, Evangel Bellwether) are down for the summer — back in September.

"Snowqueen" by Megan Frauenhoffer

Megan Frauenhoffer

Megan Frauenhoffer received her BFA in studio art and printmaking from Missouri State University before moving to the land of ice and snow (Minnesota) to pursue her MFA in Visual Studies at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Frauenhoffer, who lived in SGF for six years, has been featured in exhibits from L.A. to Miami to Denmark. She is among the artists featured at the SGF stop for FIND Art Across America on May 16 at LemonDrop.

TAG: Your drawings are very detailed, you also work in other mediums. Describe your art for anybody who is going to see it for the first time at FIND Art Across America.

Megan Frauenhoffer: My art explores emotions that hide between reality and the subconscious. Each image becomes a reverie that reflect on the effects of awkwardness, confusion, anger, grief, or loneliness. These moments of contemplation are infused with fantastical tales culturally embedded from our childhoods. I use folktale allusions to connect to wider understanding of struggle and growth as well as reinvent the story’s outcome. The use of creatures alludes to the individual’s subconscious impulses and the primal animal natural in all of us. In the art I use a combination of illustrative detailing, emotive marks, dark imagery, and ethereal environments using printmaking and drawing media. The medium of printmaking allows me to create those unusual marks based on the photo-exposure process for the stencil creation of silkscreen or the obsessive carving away of linoleum for relief printing. These processes contribute to the expressive qualities of the figure as well as the ability to make multiples which I experiment with collage, print variations, and monoprints.

"Mixed Blessings" by Megan Frauenhoffer

TAG: Some of your work shows subjects frequently seen in art (birds, fish, women, etc.), but not (for lack of a better term) traditionally. What are your favorite subjects to draw and what inspires how you present them?

M.F.: One of the last subjects I drew was my dog who was recently put down. That print has more psychological depth and emotional draw than my recent works. I also had a thing for bees/wasps because of my aversion but also fascination of those insects. I’m mostly inspired by fables and myths in my images and often imbue my subjects with mythological powers or have them caught in a moment of transformation or entropy. I don’t ever want to have a pretty picture, something always needs to be off kilter.

TAG: When did you realize you could be an artist when you grew up?

M.F.: I guess when I picked it as my major in college… late in the game, eh? I suppose I always thought of it as a hobby before, but then I never envisioned myself as anything else. After the decision was made, I became fully committed to learning everything I can to be successful.

TAG: What/who inspired you to follow the path? Have you always been drawing?

M.F.: My parents have been very influential and supportive of my decision to be an artist. Both had inclinations in life to follow a dream but were discouraged from it because of practicality or society telling them it wasn’t their place. When I was little, my mom used to bribe me with new coloring books to get me to clean my room. Growing up, I found drawing by myself easier than socializing with classmates. I stuck to my strengths.

TAG: What’s your favorite spot to create?

M.F.: My studio is where the artworks takes off. I need a decent drafting table and a place that’s shut away from distractions and people. When I’m printing, I use a printmaking shop, which is a completely different territory. It’s usually a co-op situation where people are constantly using the same space. In graduate school, I would use the shop at 2 am – 7 am so I could spread out and not be around people when I was printing.

TAG: Do you have any nuances before you get started or is it grab a canvas and go?

M.F.: I’m not a clean freak, but if there’s clutter in my work space, I have to clean and organize until it doesn’t distract me anymore. I hate when I can’t find the right ink I need or my PVA glue and glue brushes. I’m also clumsy with my supplies. If I don’t have them put away, I’ll inevitably knock them over on my drawing or laptop. After my studio is organized, I need my ipod playing to set the studio mood. Once those are set then I’m good to go!

TAG: How do you feel about the art scene in Springfield? To me, it seems like there’s a generational disconnect, is that the case? If so, what’s the remedy?

M.F.: I would have to agree, I often found art events boring back when I lived in Springfield. The galleries all displayed the same artwork over and over. The only time I got excited was when the students had their BFA shows. I think the recent cropping of venues exhibiting the younger crowd help bridge the disconnect a little. These sites give public exposure beyond school exhibitions to emerging artists. I think it helps to give young artists a chance to grow in Springfield before they resort to graduate school or move to a bigger city.

TAG: How long were you in SGF?

M.F.: I lived in Springfield for six years and then moved away to Minneapolis for graduate school. I still have friends living here that I visit often and I enjoy seeing the artwork of friends who exhibit in Springfield.

TAG: Did you have a favorite place to eat in SGF?

M.F.: I always enjoyed Bambino’s whenever I ate there. The last time I visited town, there were all these new places that popped up since I’ve been away. There’s a bistro market downtown?! I can drink and enjoy a breakfast buffet during art walks? I love it. It reminds me that I need to explore and discover all these new places.

TAG: Best place to eat in SGF if you only have a $5-spot?

M.F.: I don’t know what this says about my eating habits, but if I had $5, I spend it on Andy’s Frozen Custard or coffee and a bagel at the Coffee Ethic. For economic reasons, I usually cook for myself. When I “eat out” it’s places where I can indulge on dessert or read a good book with a hot drink.

TAG: Favorite SGF band?

M.F.: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. When I was living in Minneapolis for a couple of years and they were becoming popular on the radio station there. It made me nostalgic.

TAG: Beer or wine?

M.F.: White wine. The closest I get to liking beer is hard cider. I can’t stand beer, it tastes like salt water to me.

TAG: Favorite current or historic artist?

M.F.: Historically, I enjoy Edvard Munch’s artwork. I model my approach to variations and printmaking experimenting after him. Current artists I find inspiration are my peers and established artists I see in art magazines, blogs, and exhibitions.

TAG: Where can people find your work (online or in person)?

M.F.: My main website is meganfrau.com. I’m on all the usual sites like my Facebook fanpage, Flickr, and Behance. I’m bad about updating some of those social networking sites, but it helps expose my artwork and I’ve come across so many great artists, friends, and contacts through those venues. I also sell art through Etsy, BigCartel, and Society6, which are linked through the website (http://meganfrau.com/blog/store).

It will be fun to see downtown transform from the Art Walk crowd to the pub crawl crowd tonight, but hopefully there’s a lot of crossover. Either way, it’s a huge art weekend with Artsfest on Saturday and Sunday, but it all starts with the May edition of First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. Here are the stops we won’t miss. Take a peek at the entire schedule.

Don’t Miss!

•  Sad Animals by Cole Closser at Good Girl Art (325 E Walnut) – Paintings, prints and comics of animals in moments of despair.

•  A Celebration of Color and Texture at Fresh (Campbell and Walnut) – Alicia Farris (watercolor) and Fonda Golding (glass) are the featured artists at downtown’s co-op art stop.

Other highlights:

Artsfiesta! at Founders Park (not officially part of FFAW, $3 cover, but surefire fun);Elizabeth Chapman at Revel Advertising; Springfield Hot Glass Studio will be handcrafting Floral Fantasies (ALWAYS a must stop at Art Walk).

Closed:

¡Nada!

FIND Art Magazine, based in Los Angeles, is loading a semi-truck with art and taking it on a national tour for “FIND Art Across America”. Along the way, it will hit more than 55 cities, the likes of San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, Miami … and Springfield. Twice. An artist from each stop is included in the exhibit, and SGF will be proudly represented by Francois Lariviere (coming soon to a TAGsgf.com Art Focus near you). The first stop will hit Lemondrop on May 16 and features an absolutely loaded lineup. More than a dozen local artists will be featured in the exhibit, with live music from Sincerely Yours with Nick Fury, and The Spacetones with more music to be announced later. If that isn’t enough, there will be drinks, and The Taco Wagon on hand with grub. And the best part? It’s free.

FIND Art Across America is sponsored locally by Lemondrop, SpringfieldArtScene.com, 5#Apparel and TAG Magazine

The Local Artist Lineup

• Francois Lariviere
• Derek Schlueter
• John Worcester
• Pixel Masher
• Zac Swanson
• Nicholas Tarr
• H.E. Croan
• Gary Bedell
• Tyler Gross
• Josh Nail
• Shawn Clark
• Joey Trent
• Joe Oelke

The 2011 edition of Springfield Artsfest is set for May 7 and 8 on historic Walnut Street and the list of participating artists is huge. TAG Music Editor Chris DeRosier and I began to speculate on the actual number but don’t have enough hump day brain power for simple mathematics. “Triple digits” was our official decision, for now. (The official word, courtesy of Sarah Hough at the Urban Districts Alliance, is approximately 130.) Not only is the lineup large, but it’s incredibly diverse. No matter your preference of artistic visual stimulation, you’ll be able to find it — mixed media, drawing, photography, jewelry, pottery, blown glass, painting, sculpture, and woodwork is just a taste of the variety you’ll find.

Check the lineup.

Spring’s almost here even though the snow has (allegedly) not completely left. Shake off the greys of the cold months at a loaded Art Walk. The arrival Here’s your guide to the March edition of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. After you check out the places we wn’t miss, take a peek at the entire schedule.

Don’t Miss!

• Thawed book release and signing with Gary Bedell at Canvas (315 South Ave) — SGF graphic artist, animator, graffiti artist, designer and musician Gary Bedell will be releasing and signing his first book with a musical backdrop of DJ P and Sincerely Yours. Thawed will be on hand to purchase as well as full-color prints from the book.
•  Les Sept Péchés Capitaux at LemonDrop (416 W Commercial) – A diverse multimedia taking a look at the seven deadly sins through video, art and written work by more than a dozen of SGF’s creatives.

Other highlights:

Emerging Artist Competition at Fresh Gallery; Transience by Shauna Smith at Good Girl Art Gallery; Jesse Ring at Springfield Pottery; Springfield Hot Glass Studio will be handcrafting Venetian-Style Goblets (ALWAYS a stop at Art Walk)

Closed:

Nothing!! After a large number of stops been closed in recent months, March is scheduled to have a full slate. Huzzah!

Snow Miser came and enforced his will, but don’t worry there are still 14 spots opening tonight for First Friday Art Walk. Due to travel delays, a second February art walk is coming next week (Feb. 11). Here’s your guide to the February 4 edition of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. These are the places we won’t miss – check out the whole schedule.

Don’t Miss!

• Bruce Stidz: The American West at OTC Fine Art Gallery (325 Park Central East — 3rd floor of Gillioz) — British-born, Stidz went road-tripping and returned to SGF with a score of landscape photographs. Landscapes wouldn’t generally make the “don’t miss!” list, but his framing and use of lighting set the work apart. This is destination photography.

•  Running with the Engine: The Fire Photography of Harry K. Garvin at Drury Pool Art (840 N Clay) – Garvin became a part of the Los Angeles fire department, planted directly in the action to capture the imagery of the battle and the emotion of firefighters.

Other highlights:

The Locker by Delanie Cooper and Flawed by Amy Carroll at Good Girl Art Gallery; Linda Mitchell and Brad Noble at Hawthorne; Springfield Hot Glass Studio will be handcrafting Valentine’s Day Treasures (ALWAYS a stop at Art Walk)

Open:

Normally this is where we list what’s closed (obviously), but that would be a lot more keystrokes.
Canvas, The Creamery, Drury Pool Art Center, Farmers Gastropub, The Gillioz, Good Girl Art Gallery, Hawthorne, MSU Brick City, MSU Student Exhibition Center, Obelisk Home, OTC Fine Art Gallery, Park Central Library, Revel Advertising, Springfield Hot Glass Studio

There are several stops closed, and not a lot really riveting, so it could be a quick stop tonight at Art Walk. There are a couple of stops that will definitely please. This is your starter guide for tonight’s January edition of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. These are the places we won’t miss – check out the whole schedule.

Don’t Miss!

•  Sensual Sects by Becca Rutledge at Good Girl Art (325 E Walnut, Ste. 101) – A “playful” look at the sensuality of insects. It might sound weird, but the vibrant colors and rarely seen connection between bugs should be visually exciting. I’m not really sure what to expect, but in the least it’s a must-stop to see what the buzz is all about (count it).

• Brad Noble at Hawthorn Galleries (214 E. Walnut St.) — The surreal work of SGF’s internationally-acclaimed painter Brad Noble will be featured in town for the first time in the better part of a decade. “Noble’s paintings explore the relationship between ourselves and our subconscious,” via FFAW. Live music by Dale Augustson.

Other highlights:

Springfield Hot Glass Studio will be handcrafting abstract animal sculptures (ALWAYS a stop at Art Walk)

Closed:

Creamery Arts Center, OTC Fine Art Gallery, DB Design, Drury Pool Art Center, Evangel Bellwether Gallery, Gillioz Theatre, MSU Brick City, MSU Student Exhibition Center, Randy Bacon Photography,

Julie Bunny Must Die!, written by Ned Wilkinson, open January 7

Julie Bunny Must Die! is one part action movie, one part musical comedy.  SGFer Ned Wilkinson (yes, of Nick, Ruell and Ned the Band local fame) wrote the book, music and lyrics. Cartoonist Adam Chase battles villains from his comic book Julie Bunny: International Spy. Julie Bunny Must Die! received a great response from crowd’s at a theatre festival in Orlando in May and will open Vandivort Center Theatre in 2011. Without knowing much more, it sounds a bit like that Brendan Fraser movie Monkeybone written for the stage (I think that’s a good thing. Yes I know Monkeybone was awful — the idea, however, was not.) Julie Bunny, directed by Shawn Teague, opens Friday, January 7 and will run through Jan. 16.

Tickets available at the Vandivort Center Theatre Box 0ffice, 305 E. Walnut St., or call (417) 831-8001.

Springfield Ballet presents The Nutcracker

The holiday classic, The Nutcracker, hits the historic Landers Theatre tonight and runs through the weekend with special guests making appearance on stage. The Skinny Improv’s Jeff Jenkins is playing the part of Uncle Drosselmeyer and is joined by professional dances from Oklahoma Festival Ballet.

Tickets start at $16, call 869-1334. For more information call Springfield Ballet at 417-862-1343.

Showtimes

Friday, Dec. 17 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 18 – 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 19 – 2 p.m., 6 p.m.

The bulk of the year’s MoPoetry slams involve poetry which is restricted only by timed rounds. Tonight’s slam (Thursday, Dec. 16) is restricted by style: Haiku. MoPoetry holds the Haiku Slam annually and anybody can participate — just be among the first 16 to sign up (poet registration begins at 6:30 p.m.). The winner takes home a $50 cash prize and loads of glory. Members of the audience are selected at random to judge and those not scoring help influence the judges.

If you plan to participate, poems may not exceed 17 syllables and, of course, must be original work. The head-to-head competition will begin around 7 p.m. at Nathan P Murphy’s (smoke free, 18 and up).

Stand up comedy sure looked alive Thursday night at the Outland for the Chicago Stand Up Invasion. Local comedian Merr (host of Laughing Stock) was the evening’s master of ceremonies and got things started. Chicago comedians John Ming and Derek Smith — by way of Oklahoma — presented their stylings before former SGFer Kenny DeForest took the stage as the headliner. Of course, a loud (intoxicated) few couldn’t control themselves, but also provided some of the funnier off-the-cuff moments as the comics got to take a few moments to skewer the misbehaving few to the delight of the audience. The Chicago Stand Up Invasion continues tonight at Icon Nightclub (8:30 p.m.).

Photos by Alex Stocksdale

The Art Factory is located just east of Kansas Expressway on College.

Tickets to the Art Auction are a suggested donation of $10.00 at the door and directly benefit Art Factory 417 and Springfield Regional Arts Council. Art Factory 417 is located just east of Kansas Expressway. The entrance is on the north side of the building. The live auction will take place on the main studio level of Art Factory 417 and the silent auction will take place in the upstairs loft space.

Stand up comic Kenny DeForest returns to SGF for the Chicago Stand Up Invasion

Less than 10 years ago Springfield had dedicated standup clubs. Sir Laugh-A-Lot was consistently pulling national acts, and for a short time Harpo’s (before a quick, not-so-painless death) had full rooms for the likes of Dustin Diamond. It felt like the switch was turned almost overnight, and the light was out on standup comedy. Suddenly there were no more options. One by one the clubs shut down and music venues pulled the plug on comedy nights. Stand up comedy in SGF was on life support.

Kenny DeForest had considered comedy, but no viable options to perform left him (and other comics) stageless. SGF comedian Merr (aka Mark Archambeault) found himself in the same position after having long been an opener for the national acts. Merr took to the music open mic nights and convinced DeForest to do the same. The early response to the change of pace from acoustic songwriters was mixed, but week by week the questioning faces began to turn. The two plotted shows at different venues and developed followings, but gigs were still hard to come by. DeForest fell in love with making people laugh and left Springfield for Chicago seeking further opportunity.

The Windy City held much of the same. Improv comedy gathered the masses, while standup was performed in the smoky back rooms of side street bars. Chicago comedy made famous by sketch and improv groups has launched several careers, but few in the way of standup. Similarly in SGF, The Skinny Improv has always performed for packed rooms. The “keep it clean” nuances of the Skinny certainly help fill seats with church groups and business functions, but outside of Saturday Night Live mainstream comedy is centralized around standup.

Merr says he thinks the standup success of the 1980s also led to its demise. There was total saturation in the ’90s and people got turned back off. There were too many unfunny comedians taking one of several stages nightly in every town. By the start of the 2000s crowds had turned away. “Comedy has grown into a very personality-driven and unique craft. There are no more taboos, there isn’t anything that hasn’t been done, it is now more of a relationship grown between the performer and audience because the craft and topics are known and the technique and style are what is unique,” he says. Hence the success of improv. Every night of an improv show will be different from the night before.

DeForest took improv training at I.O. Theatre (formerly known as Improv Olympics) and says he enjoyed the experience, but it wasn’t the same as getting behind a mic and sharing with a crowd. Though the path is a lot longer with a less comfortable crowd. “I think it’s safer to go to an improv show. There’s a full cast supporting one another and they’re not going to get too deep because it’s all off the cuff,” DeForest says. “I think people are more reluctant to explore stand up, because they don’t want to put themselves in the position to be uncomfortable or have their ideas challenged.”

SGF comedian Merr has helped revitalize stand up with Laughing Stock

In the last year SGF has seen an outbreak of national comedians at big venues. Jeff Dunham, Loni Love, and Bill Engvall have all hit the local stage. Ralphie May is confirmed for an SGF date. According to Merr those national comics don’t indicate the growth of the local scene, just the growth of large venues who will take the chance. “I think it helps to an extent, but it isn’t going to really springboard comedy in Springfield. Maybe a few people will go and realize how entertaining it is to be at a live show as compared to seeing them on TV but overall, it is not going to help boost local comedy. It’s not like people go see The Eagles at JQH Arena and think to themselves, ‘That was great! I need to go watch some local show!’,” he said.

Besides, DeForest says, national acts sell tickets because of the name, not because of the talent. “There are a lot of comedians getting work who aren’t really funny but they’re marketable because they have a recognizable name. The average person knows the name and buys a ticket, but that’s the only comedy show they’re going to go to that year.”

It’s the small grassroots comedy shows that are putting local standups back into the fold. In SGF it’s Laughing Stock, the monthly stand up showcase at the Outland put in motion by Merr. In Chicago, it’s events like Speak Easy, a weekly project of DeForest. Both are early-week features — Laughing Stock on Tuesday and Speak Easy on Monday — that allow local comedians longer sets with no restrictions. The growth in popularity of these events signals the upward trend of standup, though there’s a long way to go. As Merr has quipped in his routine, “there are more (exotic dancers) working tonight than comedians. I like my chances.” Several other comedy nights have begun to spring up locally as well.

DeForest brings a group of comics from Speak Easy to SGF this weekend as part of the Chicago Stand Up Invasion. It’s a double header in town for the group (tonight at the Outland — 10 p.m. —  with Merr on the bill and Friday night at Icon Nightclub — 8:30 p.m. — hosted by Big Ron Hughes for a Dead Day Party). He hopes seeing comedians with names you don’t know helps the effort of moving standup forward and tonight’s show at the Outland will go a long way in showing how far local comedy has come since it was nearly given a toe tag. DeForest is excited to surprise his SGF supporters with his growth onstage while looking forward to sharing the stage once again with Merr. “He’s one of the big reasons I got started and I can’t wait to hear his new material,” DeForest says. It will be fun to reunite after all the shows we did together before.”

Though the crowd might feel uncomfortable, once won over a standup fan sticks. “The bizarre thing is how standup fans are really loyal,” DeForest said. “I have people come to the back room at sh**-hole bars to hear me work out jokes about how my farts sound.”

Chicago Stand Up Invasion Line Up

According to Kenny DeForest
“The Chicago guys will be a nice taste for everybody to see how good non-recognizable standup can be. They are two guys who go two completely different directions.”

• Kenny DeForest: The former SGFer is a self-proclaimed lover of “bull sh**ting” and the creative process. He can’t keep away from a lonely microphone making nightly stops at Chicago open mics. When he was in town before he still held onto notes during his shows. “Even if I go onstage now with nothing, I can rip something off for a few minutes and get some laughs,” he says.

• John Ming: After performing standup for the better part of a decade Ming started to receive some national recognition. As he began to sour on the direction of his material he met a girl. He got away from standup for a bit. Once single, he dove back in with a full head of steam.

• Derek Smith: DeForest describes Smith as a “Southern hipster” … he makes Jesus soaps on ropes. The Oklahoma transplant has a large following in his home state and frequently returns to a warm room in which to produce laughter.

Improvadors (photo from Improvadors.com)

Meet the Improvadors

This is your starter guide for tonight’s December edition of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. These are the places we won’t miss – check out the whole schedule here.

Don’t Miss!

* Monsters, Music and Mayhem by DA Frizell at Smart Group and Gallery (405 W Walnut) – Known internationally for his musical work with Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, and Sevendust, Frizell makes his SGF artistic debut. The exhibit will feature more than 60 works from ink drawings to 3D sculptures.

* Altered Perceptions by Sean Fitzgibbon at Good Girl Art (325 E Walnut, Ste. 101) – Multimedia art meets historical images as Fitzgibbon uses acrylic, pencil, charcoal, objects … anything. Good Girl will also feature the senior exhibition of Missouri State’s Ashley Byers.

*Kelly Bigbee at Farmer’s Gastropub (940 N. Clay) – (431 S. Jefferson, Ste. 160) – Bigbee, of Flower Child will be demonstrating candle and soap making — useful tools for gifts and keeping unstinky in general. She will also have floral art on display as well, not to mention the grub (fill the belly on your first stop?).

Other highlights

: Cardboard Testimonies at Randy Bacon Photography; mosaic art by Juanita Herrell at Hawthorn Galleries; Iraq Suicide Attack Pillow Project: A Memorial at Drury Pool Art Center; Stevia Bonebrake at DB Design; Springfield Hot Glass Studio will be hand crafting large-scale glass fish and elephants (ALWAYS a stop at Art Walk).

Closed

: One80One, MSU International Center

The Gillioz Theatre announced today that Ralphie May will be performing February 19, 2011.

Ralphie May’s new comedy special, RALPHIE MAY: AUSTIN-TATIOUS was released on DVD and CD in May 2009. Recorded live to a sold-out crowd at the Paramount Theater in Austin, TX, this marks the comedian’s fourth recording in just a few short years.

Ralphie’s popularity exploded from the success of NBC’s hit show, “Last Comic Standing” making him one of the biggest comedians in the country.

Most recently, Ralphie just finished shooting a new movie titled “The Best and Brightest” starring Neil Patrick Harris and Amy Sedaris, scheduled for release later this year. In 2008, Ralphie was named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch.” His 2007 one-hour comedy special, PRIME CUT aired to higher ratings than Larry the Cable Guy or Ron White during Comedy Central’s “Blue Collar Weekend.” Ralphie has worked as a writer and producer on ESPN’s “Mohr Sports” starring Jay Mohr and has also written for the ESPY’s.

Ralphie has performed stand-up on numerous late night talk shows, including four appearances on CBS’s “The Late Late Show” as well as eleven appearances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and he was the first comedian in over 10 years to receive a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show.” This is definitely a show you don’t want to miss! For more information visit www.ralphiemay.com and www.gillioz.org!

Ticket Info:

Tickets available at Gillioz Box Office, online at www.gillioz.org, or by calling 417-863-9491.

Tickets on-sale:
Friday, December 10

Show date:
Saturday, February 19 at 7:30pm

Ticket Price: $29.50
(additional fees apply)

Handmade Ornaments at Springfield Hot Glass

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Alex Stocksdale was among the crowded sidewalks for the November edition of First Friday Art Walk. He snapped photos from Drury’s Pool Art Center exhibit of Julie Blackmon to preschool art at Global Fayre and a couple spots in between.

This is your starter guide for tonight’s November edition of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. These are the places we won’t miss – check out the whole schedule here.

Don’t Miss!

* Gavyn Sky at Revel Advertising (214 W. Phelps, Suite 102) – The newest addition to the Art Walk tour is Revel and they aren’t just showing the shop. Gavyn Sky, has won multiple awards as an abstract artist from right here in SGF, and will be the featured artist. Revel is a definite don’t miss tonight.

* Parents Cooperative Preschool at Global Fayre (324 S. Campbell) – As a parent I’m a sucker for kids art. It actually started in college when a friend who taught a Sunday School class would hold on to the drawings of the kids, but I digress. The quirky perspective of children is always interesting, stop by Global Fayre.

*Julie Blackmon at Drury Pool Art Center Gallery (940 N. Clay) – Since the college’s reopened their galleries for Art Walk, Drury has strung together impressive exhibits. Jacqueline Warren was a treat last week, and you won’t be disappointed again in November with the Dutch-inspired work of Julie Blackmon.

Other highlights

: Clay work by Gin O’Keefe at Good Girl Art, Stephanie Cramer at Inveno Health, mixed media art by Jared Cluck at MSU International, photography by Carl James with the music of Steve Ames at Park Central Library, Springfield Hot Glass Studio will be hand crafting ornaments live (ALWAYS a stop at Art Walk).

The winners of Laughing Stock land a featured weekend spot.

The results are in for Laughing Stock IX and the lineup for the second installment of The Laughing Stock Presents (Saturday, November 13) is set.

Headliner (20 min.): Mark Auvil
(10 min. each): Ginny Bell, Tim Messersmith
(5 min. each): Ol’ Man Willy, Matt Barnes, Kameron Johnson
Opener: Merr, host of Laughing Stock (opener is previous month’s winner)

NSFW: Video from Laughing Stock No. 6 (Lisps subject to camera mic)

This is your starter guide for tonight’s October edition of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. These are the places we won’t miss – check out the whole schedule here.

Galleries

* Smart Group and Gallery (405 W. Walnut) – The foodie in me would head to Smart Group anyway (Big Mike’s Crab Shack, pizza, pumpkin-spiced cordials tonight), but Kristi Mashburn’s Little Monsters exhibit will be a good view, as well. Think Nightmare before Christmas with oil instead of clay.

* Park Central Library (416 S. Campbell) – Enjoy the photography of Jess Heugel (who you may have seen a time or two in the News-Leader) and comedy of the Hero Squad.

Artists/Exhibits

* The Power of Beauty by Jacqueline Warren at Drury Pool Art Center (940 N. Clay): The work of Drury’s resident artist has been displayed internationally. The collection is a reaction to essays and studies about beauty in the arts.

* Grabadores Mexicanos Contemporáneos: Duran, Flores, Ortega, Paciorek at MSU Brick City (215 W Mill) – Four Mexican print makers – a professor, a teacher, a graphic designer, and a children’s book cover designer display prints with vibrant colors used by way of retro and contemporary methods.

* Dustin Burgert at Obelisk Home at the Inspired Commerce Building (214 W. Phelps) – Burgert turns wood that’s been deemed trash by other into artful pieces.

Other notes

* Sertoma Beer Garden (near Campbell and Walnut): Beer, brats, hot dogs and live music at the beer garden to benefit Sertoma charities.

This weekend Walnut Street (from National Ave. to John Q Hammons Pkwy) transforms into an arts and crafts mecca for the 13th annual Cider Days festival. Donnie Rodgers, Urban District Alliance, said there are more than 75 artist vendors registered and with a sunny forecast, U.D.A. expects a big crowd. The vendors include handmade goods (jewelry, furniture, clay, glass, even stufed animals) and handmade art (painting, photography) – though it should be argued the two walk hand-in-hand.

On stage is a diverse lineup which features Springfield Little Theatre’s Youth Performance Troupes, the Skinny Improv, A Cub Bella, and a whole lot more.

Cider Days runs this Saturday and Sunday (September 18-19), from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. It’s just $4 at the gate, children 10 & under are free.

Cider Days Menu

A look at the music schedule

10 Booths to Check Out

(though you’ll enjoy many more as well)

1. Bluff Spring Photography
2. Fusion Stained Glass
3. Dan Bigbee of Fassnight Creek Farms
4. Jim the Bottle Guy
5. Felicity Glass
6. Fresh Gallery
7. Vintage Vice
8. Flower Child
9. Gypsy Junk
10. Just Because

Show Wagon Stage

Saturday

• 10 a.m. – Springfield Little Theatre Youth Performance Troupe
• 11:30 – Springfield Little Theatre Cast of Treasure Island Noon – The Skinny Improv
• 12:30 p.m. – MPAC
• 1:00 – Sonshine Dance Troupe
• 1:30 – Willard Mini Tigerettes
• 2:00 – Credo Dance Academy
• 2:30 – Springfield Ballet
• 3:00 – Sarrab School of Dance
• 3:30 – Pat’s Clogging Studio
• 4:30 – Ann’s PAC

Sunday

• 11:30 a.m. – Springfield Little Theatre Youth Performance Troupes
• 12:30 p.m. – A Cub Bella
• 1:00 – Ann’s PAC
• 1:30 - Credo Dance Academy
• 2:00 – Sarrab School of Dance
• 2:30 – Ozark Dance Academy Choreography Workshop
• 3:00 – SuperCharge
• 4:00 – MPAC
• 4:30 – Korean Association

The Skinny Improv and Springfield Shakespeare Project’s production Hamlet is set to open a three-week stint tomorrow night (Thursday September 16) at The Gallery at National Avenue. Considered by many to be the greatest play ever, Hamlet is directed by Jeff Jenkins who said they are “working to focus on the text and power of the words. There will be minimal costumes and set. Everything will be stripped down … we’re working to lose the distraction of what surrounds Shakespeare and make the power of the words and relationships accessible to contemporary audiences.”

Local actor Ran Cummings will play the lead role of Hamlet. The show runs Thursday-Saturday (7:30 p.m.) through October 2. All tickets are general admission ($10). There are just 50 seats available each night.

To purchase tickets, visit The Skinny Improv or call the box office at 417-831-5233.

Campbell 16 will host Tapestries of Hope for one showing on September 28.

Campbell 16 Cine continues a run on limited showings of lesser known, documentaries and indie films with Tapestries of Hope – an acclaimed documentary about the life of women in Zimbabwe. It will show just once at Campbell 16 – Tuesday, September 28 (7:30 p.m.), so you may want to purchase tickets in advance. Unfamiliar? Here’s the description from the press release:

Tapestries of Hope is the story of filmmaker Michealene Cristini Risley who traveled to Zimbabwe to document the work of Betty Makoni and the Girl Child Network. The film exposes an issue that continues to be ignored: the rape and abuse of thousands of young girls in Zimbabwe by men who believe it will cure their HIV/AIDS. For women, life in Zimbabwe is a constant barrage of abuse and obstacles.

The most striking element of Tapestries of Hope is not the hell the young rape survivors have lived through, but their unbreakable spirit.

While shooting on location, Risley and her assistant were arrested, imprisoned, and eventually deported by the authorities. Despite only being able to film in the country for a few weeks, the footage Risley captured – particularly interviews with rape survivors and admitted rapists alike – is incredibly compelling.

As the movie artwork says, “If you’ve loved a woman, see this film!”

The Gillioz Theatre has just announced that comedian and song writer Jeff Daniels will perform on Dec. 3, 2010 at the Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, MO.

When you think of “grassroots” and “down to Earth,” you don’t normally think of a movie star. You especially don’t think of a movie star the caliber of Jeff Daniels. Yet that is exactly what Jeff has accomplished with his second CD Grandfather’s Hat.

With the follow-up album to Live and Unplugged, Daniels has proven that he is not an actor who sings, but an accomplished singer/songwriter who’s musical talent does not require the support of his acting. Further proof of his talent is supported by the musicians Daniels has performed with over the last couple of years. Although it took him some time to feel comfortable on stage behind his guitar, Daniels’ confidence has matured with his songwriter, being invited on stage to perform a few songs with legends Lyle Lovett, John Haitt, and Guy Clark during their rare “Songwriters” tour. Having his pal Keb Mo’ join Jeff on stage was equally rewarding (Jeff calls it a “free guitar lesson”). From time to time he’s also been fortunate to expand his shows to sold out venues outside of the Midwest.

Advance tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Gillioz Theatre box office, by calling 417.863.9491 or online at www.gillioz.org!

If a date is missing or has changed, email Brett@TAGsgf.com.

Drury

At Studio Theatre

• The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter
  October 6-8, 8 pm
  October 9, 2 pm & 8 pm

At Wilhoit Theatre

• Company (Musical) by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth
  November 10-12, 8 pm
  November 13, 2 pm & 8 pm

• Rumors by Neil Simon
  March 2-4, 8 pm
  March 5, 2 pm & 8 pm

• Richard III by William Shakespeare
  April 13-15, 8 pm
  April 16, 2 pm & 8 pm

• The Broadway Cabaret – A Musical Revue
  May 4-6, 8 pm

Missouri State

At Balcony Theatre

• The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project
  September 23-24, September 26-October 1, October 3-5, 7:30 p.m.

• Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) by Eric Rockwell and Joanne Bogart
  February 10-11, 14-17, 21-24, 7:30 p.m.
  February 13, 2:30 p.m.

At Carrington Auditorium

• Wiley and the Hairy Man by Jack Stokes
  November 4-6, 7:30 p.m.
  November 7, 2:30 p.m.

At Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts

• Fiddler on the Roof
  Oct. 15, 8 p.m.
  Oct. 16, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  November 1, 7:30 p.m.
• White Christmas, playwright by David Ives, Paul Blake
  December 3-4, 8 p.m.
  December 5, 2 p.m.
• Tomie dePaola’s Strega Nona
  January 18, 7:3 p.m.
• Beauty and the Beast
  February 11, 8 p.m.
  February 12, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Bus Stop
  February 24, 7:30 p.m.
• The Aluminum Show
  April 1, 8 p.m
  April 2, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Star Trek Live
  April 11, 7 p.m.
• Monty Python’s Spamalot
  April 29, 8 p.m.
  April 30, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

At Coger Theatre

• The Beaux Stratagem, Adapted by Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig
  April 7-9, 7:30 p.m.
  April 10, 2:30 p.m.

Springfield Contemporary Theatre

Vandivort Center Theatre

• The Cripple of Inishmaan
  September 9-11, 16-18 7:30 p.m.
  September 12, 2 p.m.
• Rocky Horror Show
  Oct. 8-9, 14-16, 21-24, 28-31 at 7:30 p.m.
  Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.
• The Secret Garden

  November 19-21, 25-28, December 2-5, 7-12

• Julie Bunny Must Die!
  Jan. 7-8, 13-15 at 7:30 p.m.
  Jan. 9, 16 at 2 p.m.
• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
  February 11-12, 17-19, 24-26, March 3-5 at 7:30 p.m.
  February 13, 20, 27 at 2 p.m.
• The Oldest Profession
  March 25-26, 31-April 2, 7-9 at 7:30 p.m.
  April 3 at 2 p.m.
• Amadeus
  April 29-30, May 5-7, 12-14 at 7:30 p.m.
  May 1, 8 at 2 p.m.

Springfield Little Theatre

At Landers Theatre

• CATS
  September 10-26
  Thursday at 7:30pm (September 16 & 23)
  Friday at 7:30pm (September 10, 17, & 24)
  Saturday at 2:30* and 7:30pm (*Matinee only on September 18; Evening on September 11, 18 & 25)
  Sunday at 2:30pm (September 12, 19, and 26)
• Treasure Island
  October 7-17
  Thursday at 7:30pm (October 7 & 14)
  Friday at 7:30pm (October 8 & 15)
  Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30pm (October 9 & 16)
  Sunday at 2:30pm (October 10 & 17)
• Sordid Lives
  November 5-14
  Wednesday at 7:30pm (November 10)
  Thursday at 7:30pm (November 11)
  Friday at 7:30pm (November 5 & 12)
  Saturday at 7:30pm (November 6 & 13)
  Sunday at 2:30pm (November 7 & 14)
• Miracle on 34th Street
  December 2-12
  Thursday at 7:30pm (December 2 & 9)
  Friday at 7:30pm (December 3 & 10)
  Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30pm (December 4 & 11)
  Sunday at 2:30pm (December 5 & 12)
• Big River
  January 28-February 13
  Thursdays at 7:30pm (February 3 & 10)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (January 28, February 4 & 11)
  Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30pm (January 29, February 5 & 12)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (January 30, February 6 & 13)
• Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr
  March 3-13
  Thursdays at 7:30pm (March 3 & 10)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (March 4 & 11)
  Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30pm (March 5 & 12)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (March 6 & 13)
• Chicago
  April 1-17
  Thursdays at 7:30pm (April 7 & 14)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (April 1, 8 & 15)
  Saturdays at 7:30pm (April 2, 9 & 16)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (April 3, 10 & 17)
• The Foreigner
  May 6-15
  Wednesday at 7:30pm (May 11)
  Thursday at 7:30pm (May 12)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (May 6 & 13)
  Saturdays at 7:30pm (May 7 & 14)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (May 8 & 15)
• Children of Eden
  June 10-26
  Wednesday at 7:30pm (June 15)
  Thursdays at 7:30pm (June 16 & 23)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (June 10, 17 & 24)
  Saturdays at 7:30pm (June 11, 18 & 25)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (June 12, 19 & 26)

Other

At Gillioz Theatre

• Hank Williams: Lost Highway
  October 27-30, 7:30 p.m.
  October 31, 2:30 p.m.

The college galleries are back after a summer snooze, and Randy Bacon Photograpy Studio and Art Gallery is hosting an outdoor fashion show. This is your starter guide for tonight’s September edition of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. These are the places we won’t miss – check out the whole schedule here.

Artists/Exhibits

* Second Annual Fall Into La Mode Stree Fashion Show at Randy Bacon Photography Studio and Art Gallery (600 W College) – Local boutiques, major retailers, and Missouri State designers are featured in a street fashion show and reception. Shawn-Weston McLaughlin will have paintings on display inside.

* Pumpkin Party at Springfield Hot Glass Studio (314 S Campbell) – Studio artists Terry and Gabe Bloodworth create blown glass pumpkins. Always a favorite stop, especially when making the seasonal favorites.

* R. Brannon Estis at Smart Group and Gallery (405 W. Walnut) – Brannon Estis captures images in a number of styles – portraits, still life, color-enhanced and black-and-white. Big Mike’s Crab Shack will be back with food and drink.

Galleries

* Springfield Pottery (416 S. Campbell) – More than 45 artists (specializing in clay, wood, metal, glass, fibers, photography, printmaking and jewelry) have their work featured at the community clay center.

* Canvas (315 South Ave.) – Featured at Canvas are muralist Tarah Wilson and photographer Mike Williams.

Other notes

* College galleries open: Drury Pool Art Center Gallery, MSU Brick City Gallery, MSU International Center, MSU Student Exhibition Center and OTC Fine Art Gallery are back. See what the students have been up to.

* Sertoma Beer Garden (near Campbell and Walnut): Beer, brats, hot dogs and live music at the beer garden to benefit Sertoma charities.

* Closed: Inveno Health

Jerry Van Dyke will star in the SGF production of The Sunshine Boys.

Jerry Van Dyke was nominated for four different Emmy’s as Best Supporting Actor in the late 80s and 90s for his role as Luther Van Dam in the popular series Coach. In November, he’ll star in the local production of The Sunshine Boys at the Gillioz Theatre.

Van Dyke and local theatre producer Jeff Jenkins, of Skinny Improv, are looking to fill out the cast and are holding auditions at Gillioz on Sunday (August 22) at 2 p.m.

Van Dyke will play the part of Willie Clark. The roles of Al and Ben have been filled but he will be looking for all other parts, including:

• Willie’s Nurse: African American Woman in her 40s or 50′s
• Sketch Nurse: Buxom, Attractive woman
• Sketch Patient: Male
• Eddie: Assitant Televsion Director

For more information contact by email: info@theskinnyimprov.com

Auditionees will do cold readings from the script.

The winner of tonight’s MOPoetry Slam at Nathan P Murphy’s will claim a spot in the Individual World Poetry Slam – the mecca of spoken word poetry. That puts a lot of pressure on the poets, but it’s the audience who will be making the decision. Every MOPoetry event is judged by members of the crowd, whose scores are persuaded by the rest of the crowd.

Featured poet Matthew Mercer will open the evening and acoustic musician Devlin Pierce will provide post-poetry entertainment. Doors are at 7 p.m. with a $5 cover (poets competing in the slam must also pay).

The iWPS is in Charlotte, N.C., in December and tonight’s winner will represent the area with entry and travel expenses paid by MOPoetry Slam Springfield. Some food and entertainment fees won’t be covered.

Rules for tonight’s Qualifier:

Round 1 – All poets may read a poem of 1 minute in length
Round 2 - All poets may read a poem of 4 minutes in length
Round 3 – All poets may read a poem of 2 minutes in length
Round 4 – All poets may read a poem of 3 minutes in length

Did somebody say beer garden? Two words: Hell yes. Your new first stop of First Friday Art Walk starts at 5:30 p.m. (the official start of FFAW is still 6 p.m.). The garden is hosted by Queen City Sertoma with beer, brats, and a hot dog wagon. Proceeds benefit Boys and Girls Club. It’s a busy night with two new spots joining the walk.

Galleries

* Canvas (315 South Ave) – Inaugural FFAW show presents Open for Business by various local artists with music by Postmodern Minute.

* Red Door Studios (313 Park Central East, Suite 201) – Another debut, Red Door is comprised of three photography companies in a combined studio. Live entertainment paired with food and wine sounds like a winner.

* Abundant Life Covenant Church (157 Park Central Square) – Four exhibits continue including Chris Wood’s series For Everything There is a Season.

* Farmers Gastropub (431 S. Jefferson, Suite 160) – The bistro is converted into a replica of Place du Tertre (Montmartre, Paris), with artists working live at their easels accompanied by French music and food.

Artists/Exhibits

* Art Factory 417′s Art-a-thon at LemonDrop (416 W Commercial St) – Chad Thomas, Justin Gault and H.E. Croan worked overnight on July 17-18, with the public stopping in to check it out. Head to LemonDrop to see the final products.

* Virginia Trammell at Good Girl Art (325 E. Walnut, Suite 101) – Trammell works in ceramics and her On the Inside collection demonstrates a microscopic look at the body and cells.

Other notes

* College galleries closed: Drury Pool Art Center Gallery, MSU Brick City Gallery, MSU International Center, MSU Student Exhibition Center and OTC Fine Art Gallery will reopen for the September Art Walk.

* In case you forgot, tonight Sertoma has a …

Beer Garden!

Let's just hope Jeff Jenkins sports a sweet Bob Eubanks suit.

Public Service Announcement for Male Contestants in The Not-So-Newlywed Game:

If you can’t find that little recall switch men sometimes (err, frequently) turn off, prepare to protect yourself. You’ve seen the gameshow. You know what happens. The husband gets hit. Often. Open hand slaps to the back and chest, fists to the shoulders and backhands to the head. Keep an eye out for any guy who hesitates when answering “wife’s favorite Ben and Jerry’s flavor in June of 2006″ Friday night (August 5) at Historic Landers Theatre. He might be in trouble. MC Jeff Jenkins will quiz couples to see who truly pays attention. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a silent auction, show at 7 p.m. to benefit Ozarks Counseling Center. Tickets are $25.

Competing couples

Ethan and Sara Forhetz
Jerry and Jean Harmison
Matt and Nichole Lemmon
Kevin and Heather Robbins
Dr. Douglas and Dr. Alison Kirar

Tonight's Laughing Stock with Merr is the 6th monthly installment

The first Tuesday of every month the Outland is transformed into a comedy club and the mic gets hijacked by SGF comic Merr. Tonight’s August edition of Laughing Stock with Merr will feature around 15 stand-up comics in a pseudo open mic format. The majority of the time goes to trained (mostly self-trained) comedians who are working out new material, but newbies can get in on the act too. Get there early and get your name on the list to try your hand. The show begins at 10 p.m., with a $3 cover.

Tonight’s confirmed comedian list:

Mark Auvil
Matt Barnes
Ginny Bell
Angel Canizalez
Doug Driesel Jr.
Brice Johnson
Tim Messersmith
Sarah Osten
Seamus Pennington
Tyler Snodgrass,
Dan Willey
Old Man Willy

Donald Walkingbear was raised on the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Allen Poe and William Shakespeare, as read to him each night. Walkingbear stopped listening and began writing when his age could still be counted on two hands. Since he hasn’t shied from a topic, just spun each into its own rhythm. Tonight, Walkingbear (AKA “The Man with the Green Hat”) is the featured poet at the MOPoetry Slam at Nathan P Murphy’s, for what could be his curtain call. A health condition makes it difficult for him to properly breathe. “One of the cysts on my liver has grown sizable enough to intrude into my diaphragm,” Walkingbear said. If you’re curious about Slam or have never been to a MOPoetry event, make sure to get out of the house tonight – cancel the mental image of Michael Myers in So I Married an Axe Murderer. Also featured is musical guest Cornfed Chronicles. Tickets are just $5, show starts at 7 p.m. Walkingbear will be releasing his first CD, The Best of Green Hat. Vol. 9 as well, with half the proceeds going to Ozarks Food Harvest.

TAGsgf.com: These events aren’t like people see in the movies (candles, finger snapping, etc.), what can the audience expect from a slam in SGF?

Donald Walkingbear: There’s a general mood of good-natured rowdiness among both performers and audience members. I’ve had folk tell me on their first attendance to a Slam that they felt as if they had walked into a family reunion…a family of which they were readily accepted by and drawn into.

TAG: Tell me a little about your background as a poet and how the art of spoken word drew your attention?

D.W.: My stepfather had a library of classic poets from which he would read aloud of an evening. Although born in ’55, my upbringing was a 19th century one; no television or radio. He instilled in me the seeds to perform from those evenings of Longfellow, Poe and Shakespeare.

TAG: How would you describe yourself as a poet and who influenced your style?

D.W.: I’m a scatter-shot poet…nothing too sacred or profane to miss poetic observation I feel. I’ve been compared to (literally) any poet you may think of. I stopped reading poetry at the age of nine when I began to write my own. I’d like to think that living has influenced me the most.

TAG: Which local poets do you enjoy most?

D.W.:I’ve never met ANY poet not worth listening to. I enjoy every one I meet and am privileged to hear.

TAG: How has the scene grown or changed since you got involved?

D.W.: Well, Mike Sowers brought the integrity of slam poetry, here on the local scene, back into line with that of the national scene. On my return to the city a couple of years ago the increased number of open mics was immediately noticeable and most welcome.

TAG: Do you have any places that really get the creative juices flowing? What’s your ideal setting for inspiration?

D.W.: Anywhere. Everywhere. Seriously.
I’ll let it rip
I’ve got the roar
Lay on the lip
like never before
Give you quick
or a soft slow down
Or lullabye sing
a feeling around

TAG: Most recent album you listened to?

D.W.: Probably the triple album “Yessongs” by the group Yes back in the mid-70′s. Although I do listen to Last Radio and Pandora on the Internet I prefer my music as I do my poetry; live and in person.

TAG: Most recent book you read?

D.W.: The Player of Games by Ian M Banks.

TAG: Best piece of advice you can give or have received?

D.W.: Any and all moralizing advice is wrong.

After a summer of comedy at the Vandivort Center Theatre, the venue is changing shape to become a nightclub in Singapore for the jazz musical <em>Song of Singapore</em>. It premieres Friday, July 30, and runs through August 15, as ringside tables put the audience in the middle of the action.

Sally Trtan leads as Rose, the club’s chanteuse who has lost her memory. She’s joined by the club’s band (Daniel Bush, Andy Sun, Larry Teague, Shawn Teague and Ned Wilkinson) as they search for jewels with the Japanese on the cusp of attack.

Song of Singapore will play Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Reserved seat tickets and ringside tables are priced $22 Adult, $18 Students and seniors. Reduced priced tickets are available for opening weekend performances, July 30-August 1: all seats are priced at $16. Military and school faculty members receive half price tickets on Sunday matinee performances. Group rates are available for 12 or more tickets for the second two weekends. Reservations can be made in person at the Vandivort Center Theatre Box 0ffice, 305 E. Walnut St., or by calling 417-831-8001 (out of town: 888-452-0930).

The father of the “Here’s Your Sign …” redneck jokes is making his way to the Ozarks. Bill Engvall, who gathered popularity on the hit comedy series Blue Collar Comedy and even scored his own show on TBS – cleverly titled The Bill Engvall Show, has added his name to the growing list of entertainers making early appearances at Drury’s O’Reilly Family Event Center. Engvall will bring his hillbilly stand-up set to SGF on Thursday, Nov. 18 presented by Nottingham Productions. Josh Wolf is set to open.

There’s plenty to take in tonight in midtown at the First Friday Art Walk. Here’s the short list of where to start.

Galleries

* Smart Group and Gallery (405 W Walnut) debuts as a stop with displays from Cincinnati’s Juli Cady Ryan and SGF’s Carla Stine.

* DB Design Salon & Art Gallery (326 S. Campbell) – featuring photography by Jim Mayfield and watercolor by Debra Sutherland.

* Historic Gillioz Theatre (325 Park Central East) – The Gillioz Restoration Project revisits photographs, architectural drawings and more compiled by Matt Loveland.

Artists

* Stephanie Cramer at Inveno Health (429 N Boonville) – The vibrant colors and landscapes of Cramer find a home in the development areas of Inveno.

* Clarissa French at Fitzwilly’s (308 South Ave) – Celebrating Independence Day with fireworks photography by French.

Other notes

* Drury Pool Art Center and MSU Brick City are closed, but Evangel’s Bellwether Gallery is open.

MSU professor Mark Biggs (left) leads a discussion with some of the cast and crew of Winter's Bone Friday at Plaster Student Union. Photo courtesy Steve Olson/MFAS

Following Friday’s sold out, 450-person screening of Winter’s Bone at Missouri State’s Plaster Student Union, members of the cast and crew were joined by MSU film professors to conduct a question and answer section.

TAGsgf.com was on hand to capture the entire session surrounding the film that was named best screenplay and best film at Sundance Film Festival. While there is little way to identify who is speaking, it’s a riveting conversation about how the movie was made, what choices went into some tough decisions and how involved local people were in shaping the culture of the movie.

The first voice you will hear is WB director Debra Granik and many of the questions are asked by Missouri State film professor Mark Biggs. Also included in the discussion are Winter’s Bone actresses Lauren Sweetser (Gail), Shelley Waggener (Sonya) and Nixa native Casey MacLaren (Megan), actors Cody Brown (Floyd) and Isaiah Stone (Sonny) and actress/musician/historian Marideth Sisco.

The clip is nearly 40 minutes long, but worth it, even if you have to download it and listen to it later.

Winter’s Bone is coming home for the first time.

The 2010 Sundance Grand Jury Prize winning film, shot in the Ozarks, will screen at 8 p.m. in SGF at Missouri State’s Plaster Student Union, giving a sneak peek to 450 people before being released to theaters in June. Depending on your perception of good or bad news, the event is sold out, but don’t worry, TAGsgf.com will have thorough coverage that will get you ready for the June 18 unveiling at Campbell 16.

But, back to tonight. Two local musical groups who are featured in the film, Marideth Sisco’s band and White River Music Company, will play at 7 p.m. The film will screen at 8 p.m. Afterward, there will be a short interview and Q&A session with the film director, Debora Granik.

As for the plot, here is a summation.  Winter’s Bone follows Ree Daniels, a teenage Ozark Mountain girl, as she tries to keep her family together. After her meth cooking father puts the family home up as collateral and disappears, Ree travels across the roughest part of the country into life threatening situations to find him and keep the bail-bondsman from taking their home and putting her, her younger siblings, and mentally-ill mom out in the bone cold winter.

Here is the Winter’s Bone IMDB page and here is the trailer:

Fingers crossed that showers keep to the afternoon because it’s time to go art walkin’. There’s a lot going on across midtown, here’s a couple spots that are your must hits tonight.

Artists/Exhibitions

* Where the Wild Things Are at Global Fayre (Campbell) – The shop has had sneak peeks of this exhibit near the ceiling. It is all work done by children ages 3-5 who are in the Shining Stars, a group from the Springfield Public Schools Early Childhood Education Program. These aren’t your standard acrylic on canvas pieces, either. Tubular paper structures have been lining the ceiling and indicate a really cool show. Randy Buckner will be on hand playing a menagerie of musical styles on acoustic guitar (western, swing, jazz).

* Emily Frost at Hawthorn Gallery (Walnut) – Frost works in several different medias. Her still photography is given movement with slices that are playfully matted. In the same exhibit it appears she went antique shopping recently because there’s all sorts of random, but fun to look at, objects squeezed together. Lyn Pharis and the abstract work of Elizabeth Chapman are also on display.

* H.E. Croan at Good Girl Art Gallery (Walnut) – Good Girl owner Lil Olive always seems to do it big for art walk and once again pulled an incredible exhibit. Croan work is a bit off the wall, but the brilliant, cartoon box (ish) pieces are fantastic. The figures are bizarre, but relate-able. He works mostly with watercolor, acrylic and ink. There are also copies of his book Ends and Origins, The Dream Cycle of Ansela and Lilly available for perusal.

Other fun stops

* Opera and Silent Auction at Fresh (Campbell) – While popular locals Sandy Strother (water color animal portraits) and Sharon Warren (abstract acrylic) are featured, the spotlight will be pointed toward the silent auction and the Springfield Opera. The voluntary bid silent auction started during last Art Walk, and remaining bids will be won or lost tonight. Throughout the evening member of the Springfield Opera will be performing.

* 40 Under 40 awards getting crafted at Springfield Hot Glass (Campbell) – The Bloodworths will be blowing and shaping the vases for Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 recipients from 6-8. It will probably get crowded so get there early to get a good spot. From 8-10 there will be glass bead making and demonstrations.

Of course there is something to catch at each spot. If you’ve got anything else that should be pointed out, leave it in a comment below. Don’t fret the rainfall and have fun walkin’, it should be a good night.

A good rinsing helps freshen things up and brighten the colors. Last weekend’s rain was needed, but that hardly seems pertinent to an arts festival. Or is it? SGF’s Artsfest draws around 20,000 people to the annual event on Historic Walnut Street, but the 2009 version was a soggy affair that hosted nearly as many puddles as people. This weekend’s Artsfest expects more than 140 featured artists with music and live theatre productions through both days. Entry is $3 in advance (available at local McDonald’s) and $5 at the gate. It runs Saturday (May 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (May 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Check out the Artsfest website for more information.

Artsfest is put on by the Springfield Regional Arts Council and the Urban District Alliance.

Weed from the Devil's Garden ... set to music.

Reefer Madness the Musical is heading to SGF for a three weekend stay brought to you and housed by the Springfield Contemporary Theatre at the Vandivort Center. It’s the first time for the live production based on the cult hit and marijuana-smear film released in 1936, Reefer Madness, to hit SGF.

This raucous musical comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when clean-cut kids fall prey to marijuana, leading them on a hysterical downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex and violence. This show will go straight to your head! It contains adult humor, religious parody, and drug use, as well as suggested violence and sexual explicitness. – It’s All Downtown

Show times: April 23-25, 29-May 1, 6-8 at 7:30 PM, May 2 at 2:00 PM

Box Office is Open: Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. Located in the theatre lobby, 305 E. Walnut St., 4th Floor. Walk in or call 417-831-8001 for reservations.

Reserved Seat Tickets: Opening weekend, April 23-25, all seats $15.
The following weekends: $20 Adult, $17 Senior (55 and over) & Student.
Group Rates Available for 12 or more on final two weekends. Student Rush Tickets $12 (if seats are available) 30 minutes before each performance, with I.D. Military and School Faculty members half price on Thursdays. On Sale Now.

Here’s what we’re most looking forward to during tonight’s First Friday Art Walk (downtown 6-10 p.m.) …

Galleries

Fresh Gallery: The owned-by artists gallery at Campbell and Walnut is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a silent auction. Dale Augustson (stained glass) and Carol Penprase (fiber and fabric) are the featured artists.

LemonDrop: It’s a little jaunt North, but worth it for a showcase of the Art Factory (on West College) is will be on display. The group of artists collaborate on many pieces, and have works in all mediums (painting, sculpture, ceramics – even animation!).

Artists

Elizabeth Snipes at Obelisk: Snipes’ oil paintings “explore a curiosity and fondness” of a familiar subject – the human body.

M. Scott Phifer at APO After Dark: Phifer brings a collection of works in soft pastels, as APO After Dark makes its First Friday Art Walk Debut.

The It’s All Downtown official listing of galleries and Art Walk participants.