The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • Page 36

The Pantagraph Thursday. December 29, 2005 www.pantagraph.com GOICALENDAR RINGING IN 2006 I Peoria Symphony Orchestra: spana With guest guitarist Sharon Isbin, 8 p.m. Jan. 21, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria. (309) 671-1096.

I St. Lawrence String Quartet With cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, of I Krannert Center, Urbana. (217)333-6280.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra With pianist Barry Douglas, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25; Gershwin Gala conducted by Marvin Hamlisch, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26; of I Krannert "5 The Heartland Jazz Orchestra will headline big for Mew Year ra i j' i the New Year's Eve Gala at The Chateau.

foundation. I Fans of alcohol-free, family-friendly First Night celebrations may have had it better back in the waning years of the 20th century, when Bloomington-Normal still threw one of its own, as did several other Central Illinois cities who no longer do (B-N, meet Decatur). But two such celebrations continue. Closest is the 17th anniversary for Pon-tiac's First Night Celebration, which takes over the downtown square from 6 p.m. onward, offering dancing, singers, puppetry live bands, horse and carriage rides, ice sculpturing and more.

While it's too late to get the $8 advance button for admittance to all events, the $10 regular-priced button is still available at the PROUD Office, Tourism Office, Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce and other city locales. On New Year's Eve itself, the buttons will be sold at the Safety Complex, Central School and First United Methodist Church. Meanwhile, there's also First Night Springfield, which marks the Capital City fete's 19th anniversary, making it the longest-running First Night in the state. Per tradition, the arts-and-entertain-ment activities are centered on the downtown area at around 20 sites. Unlike some First Nights, this one begins as a kind of First Afternoon, offering free family-oriented games, hands-on activities and entertainment from 1 to 4 p.m.

at one site, Springfield High School. Then, from 7 p.m. to midnight, First Night proper begins with visual arts displays, dance performances, theater presentations, live bands, a teen rock party and even a festival of silent movies. The evening climaxes with a parade at 11:45 p.m., followed by fireworks. Buttons are $10 in advance and $15 at the door for adults, and a flat $5 for ages 5 to 18.

Group and family rates are available. Check out www.springfieldartsco.orgfirstnightfor more details. Finally, there's a sounds-kinda-like-First-Night-but-isn't-one-actually in Peoria: Families First, which shifts priorities around a bit, by emphasizing fun and games for kids at an earlier hour. Sponsored by Peoria's D. A.R.E.

organization, the fun and games begin at 3 p.m. in the Peoria Civic Center's Exhibition Hall and are over by 7 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door, with ages 4 and under let in free. Call (309) 673-3200 for more details. I Speaking of kids, downtown Normal's Children's Discovery Museum celebrates New Year's Eve at the other end of the 12 o'clock spectrum as in noon Dec.

31. Dubbed the Happy Noon Year's Eve Party, the event actually runs before and A v-- For The Pantaqraph after high noon, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and features a "beach party" theme, including limbo contests, sand castle building, face painting, music, games, decorations, food and a countdown to the "Noon Year." Admission is $2 for museum pass-holders and $6 for everyone else. Speaking of beaches and sand, Bloomington's Radisson Hotel Ne Year's Eve Celebration will attempt to coax a little summer into its big fete, by way of the Central Illinois-based Jimmy Buffett tribute band, the Boat Drunks. Parrotheads and non-Parrotheads alike will ring in '06 to the beat of "Cheeseburger in Paradise," "Changes in Latitude" and the other usual suspects.

Besides the Drunks channeling Buffett, the evening includes hors d'oeuvres, drink specials, party favors, a champagne toast and more. Individual tickets are $40; for couples, $80; for overnight packages, including room and other couples-friendly perks, $229. Call (309) 644-6446. I If you'd like to usher in '06 to a country' beat, two area oprys are accommodating fans. Petersburg's New Salem Country Opry will present its annual New Year's Show with special guests at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $10 at (217) 244-8894. Meanwhile, the Bement Country Opry in Bement will present its big show at 7 p.m., with a $10 admission tag. Call (217) 877-6499. I Dinner theater fans have two options in the area: Conklin's Barn Dinner Theater in Goodfield closes out its run of the Ray Cooney farce, Out of Order, with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and laughs at 8 p.m.

Call (309) 965-2545 for reservations. In Lincoln, the Mystery Ink Company gang, housed at Elizabeth's and Capone's' downtown, will serve up Mayhem at Midnight's, an interactive whodunit farce. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for appetizers, with the dinner and show at 7 p.m. Special New Year's Eve additions include dancing to the Dan Rivero Trio, a champagne toast at midnight and other festivities.

Call (217) 732-6102 for reservations. I Finally if you're looking for star power, about the only event in the area with a big marquee name attached takes place at the historic Virginia Theater in downtown Champaign. There, the renowned Scottish folk singer Jean Redpath will join the Champaign-Urbana Civic Chorale in a New Year's Eve concert, starting at 7 p.m. Other highlights include an audience sing-along, featuring the glass slides used in the theatre during the days of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, led by Dan Perrino with Warren York at the Wurlitzer theater organ. Ere THIS WEEKEND (DEC.

Bloomington-Normal I Christmas at Clover Lawn Tours of historic mansion decorated for Dickens-style holiday celebration, with music, refreshments and costumed tour guides; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 29-31; David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, 1000 E. Monroe Bloomington. (309) 828-1084.

Central Illinois I East Peoria Festival of Lights Citywide lighting festival with animated displays, indoor holiday marketplace, other special events; 5-10 p.m. daily, Dec. 29-31; downtown East Peoria and nearby locations. (800) 365-3743. I Forest of Llqhts Lighted displays, gingerbread house (6-9 p.m.

only), Santa visits, special music; dusk, Dec. 29-31; Dooley Park, Downs. Free, but donations accepted. (309) 378-2451. I Holiday Floral Display Poinsettia displays and decorated white pines, more; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 29-Feb. Schaub Floral Display Center in Sportsmans Park, 3415 Lost Bridge Road, Decatur. Free.

(217) 422-5911. I Pekin Winter Wonderland Festival Lighted Christmas trees, holiday music, more; 6-9 p.m. nightly, Dec. 29-31; Mineral Springs Park, Pekin. (309) 347-7275.

DeWitt County Museum Candlelight Christmas Tours Evening tours of decorated historic mansion; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 30; C.H. Moore Homestead, 219 Woodlawn, Clinton. Adults, ages 12-18, under 12, free.

(217) 935-6066. I DARE Family Fest 2005 -Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration, with games and children's activities; 3-7 p.m. Dec. 31; Peoria Civic Center, Peoria. General, under 5, free.

(309) 673-3200, Pontiac First Night Alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration, with various art, music and entertainment events; 5 p.m.-mid-night Dec. 31; downtown Pontiac. (815) 844-6692. Springfield First Night -Alcohol-free family arts and entertainment festival, dusk-midnight Dec. 31, dowmtown Springfield.

(217) 753-3519. THIS WEEK (JAN. 2-4) State Elsewhere I East Peoria Festival of Lights Citywide lighting festival with animated displays, indoor holiday marketplace, other special events; 5-10 p.m. daily, Dec. 29-31; downtown East Peoria and nearby locations.

(800) 365-3743. Forest of Lights Lighted displays, Gingerbread House (6-9 p.m. only), Santa visits, special music; dusk, Dec. 29-31; Dooley Park, Downs. Free, but donations accepted.

(309) 378-2451. I Holiday Floral Display Poinsettia displays and decorated white pines, more; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 29-Feb.

Schaub Floral Display Center in Sportsmans Park, 3415 Lost Bridge Road, Decatur. Free. (217) 422-5911. Pekin Winter Wonderland Festival Lighted Christmas trees, holiday music, more; 6-9 p.m. nightly, Dec.

29-31; Mineral Springs Park, Pekin. (309) 347-7275. DeWitt County Museum Candlelight Christmas Tours Evening tours of decorated historic mansion; 5-8 p.m. Dec. 30; C.H.

Moore Homestead, 219 Wood-lawn, Clinton. Adults, ages 12-18, under 12, free. (217) 935-6066. Harlem Globetrotters Comedy basketball troupe, 1 p.m. Jan.

2, The Mark, Moline. (563)326-1111. NEXT WEEKEND (JAN. 5-8) BEYOND Central Illinois Battle of the Bulls Professional Bull Riders Enterprise Tour competition, 8 p.m. Jan.

6-7, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria. S16.50-$51.50. (309) 673-3200. I Mid-America Antique Show 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan.

6, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. Exposition Gardens, Peoria.

$5. (309) 691-6332. Wedding of a Lifetime Bridal Show 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan.

8, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria. $5. (309) 673-3200. I Harlem Globetrotters Comedy basketball troupe; 7 p.m. Jan.

17, Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield at 217-788-8814); 7 p.m. Jan. 18, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria at 309673-3200). THIS WEEKEND (DEC. Bloomington-Normal I Heartland Jazz Orchestra Center, Urbana.

(217) 333-6280. THIS WEEKEND (DEC.29-JAN.1) Central Illinois I Out of Order Ray Cooney farce; eve. and Sun. matinee, Dec. 29-31; Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theater, Good-field.

(309) 965-2545. Mayhem at Midnight's -Mystery Ink Company interactive whodunit dinner theater production, 7 p.m. Dec. 31, Elizabeth's Capone's, 123 S. Sangamon, Lincoln.

(217) 732-6102. THIS WEEK (JAN. 2-4) Central Illinois I Dinner Is Served Lincoln Land Community College murder-mystery dinner production; 7 p.m. Jan. 4-6; 110 N.

East Jacksonville. $35. (217) 479-4035. NEXT WEEKEND (JAN. 5-8) BEYOND Bloomington-Normal I Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding National tour of comedy in dinner theater presentation; 7 p.m.

Jan. 19-21, 1 p.m. Jan. 21-22; ISU Bone Student Center Ballroom. (309) 438-5444.

Central Illinois 1 42nd Street National tour of musical, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, of I at Springfield Sangamon Auditorium, Springfield. (800) 207-6960. THIS WEEKEND (DEC.

Bloomington-Normal I Phlirlf anrirlr VarioHr ano, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29-31, Jim's Steakhouse. No cover. I Karaoke 8:30 p.m.

Dec: 29, Shooters Lounge (no cover) 9 p.m. Dec. 31, Kegler's Pub 8 p.m. Jan. 1, Illinois Brewing Co.

(no cover). Clint Thomson Friends Acoustic, 8 p.m. Dec. 30, T.C. Buzz.

No cover. I Dave Sid's Country Band Country, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 30, Bloomington Eagles Club. No cover.

I Mr. Dynomite Rock, 9 p.m. Dec. 30, Illinois Brewing Co. No cover.

Scoob and Tim Barnes DJs, 5:15 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 30, Shooters Lounge. No cover. I Super 88 and SignSedSo Rock, 9 p.m.

Dec. 30, Paulie's. $5. I Michael Pace Comedy, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Dec.

30-31, The Funny Bone. I Bistro New Year's Eve Party 9 p.m. Dec. 31, The Bistro. I Boat Drunks Jimmy Buffett tribute, Dec.

31, Radisson Hotel Conference Center. Advance, $40. Charlie Wiener and Brett Er-ickson Comedy, 8 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Tree House Lounge.

First show, $10; second, $15. Chinese Fire Drill Rock, 9 p.m. Dec. 31, Paulie's. $5.

Country Mavericks Country, Dec. 31, Bloomington Eagles Club. $5. Duke's Annual New Year's Eve Dance Party DJ music, Dec. 31, Lafayette Club.

Advance, $15; at door, $17. Herbert Wiser Band Rock, 9 p.m. Dec. 31, Illinois Brewing Co. $3 (advance).

I The Hubbards and Bottle of Justus Alt rock, 10 p.m. Dec. 31, Daddios. $7. I Protege Rock, 9 p.m.

Dec. 31, Holiday Inn. I Tom DJ, 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Shooters Lounge.

No cover. I Scoob DJ, 9 p.m. Jan. 1, Shooters Lounge. No cover.

Central Illinois I Country Mavericks Country, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29, American Legion, Heyworth. No cover. MORE CALENDAR, NEXT PAGE By Dan Craft dcraftpantagraph.com Saturday night's all right for, well, not fighting this weekend.

Not when New Year's Eve falls on it. So, we'll amend Elton John's edict and suggest that Saturday night this Saturday night, anyway is all right for celebrating toasting noisemaking dancing ringing out the old ringing in the new or, like Frank and Sammy and Dean, just plain ring-a-ding-dinging. But not fighting. Not this Saturday To keep yourself out of trouble, be sure to plan big and plan early With Saturday just three days away, the early part is probably out of the question. But the big part is still within reach.

Per tradition, most area bars and clubs with regular live entertainment will be hosting some kind of special celebration, with (in some cases) increased cover charges reflecting same. (Check Nightlife Calendar for that list.) For those on the lookout for something a little different, there is an array of options in Bloomington-Normal and vicinity, both for adults only and for families only. We toast, with champagne glasses hoisted high, the creme-de-la-creme: I After three years of heavy-duty auld lang syne at Bloomington's Interstate Center, the Heartland Jazz Orchestra's New Year's Gala is pulling up stakes and heading east, young band, to The Chateau on the other side of town. The venue may be new but the classic swing band sounds will be the same. Wait a minute.

There is, besides the venue switch, another major new addition the Gala's menu: a full six-course dinner that includes a dual entree of filet mignon and lobster. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with com- plimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by dinner and, of course, dancing to the beat of director Thomas Wirtel and the boys in the band. Promised are sounds suitable "for all hep-cats and zoot-suiters." Meaning, heavy on the Glenn, Benny, Tommy and Stan (if you need us to fill in the last names for you, you don't belong here anyway). When the clock strikes you-know, a complimentary champagne toast will bring the evening, and 2005 itself, to a head.

Tickets are $75 plus tax, or $82.13, per person; for couples, the rate is $150 plus tax, or $164.25. Seating is limited to only 250 people, so reservations are essential, at (309)665-5671. For those who just want to stay put for the night, The Chateau has special room packages available at the same number. Proceeds, by the way, go toward the education-minded Heartland Jazz Orchestra Central Illinois I Air National Guard Band of the Midwest 7 p.m. Jan.

7, Metamora Township High School Auditorium. Free. (309) 367-4151, Ext. 570. I Greater Decatur Chorale Winter Concert Civic choir; 8 p.m.

Jan. 14 and 20-21, 2 p.m. Jan. 15 and 22; Decatur Civic Center, Decatur. $10.

(217) 422-8535. NEXT WEEKEND (JAN. 5-8) BEYOND Bloomington-Normal 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Gospel Festival Featuring Fantastic Jones Family, Gayles Baptist Church Choir, Mt.

Pisgah Baptist Church Jam Production Choir and Malcolm Williams Voices of Great Faith; 3-9 p.m. Jan. 16; IWU Westbrook Auditorium. Free, (309) 828-4602. concert, 7 p.m.

Dec. 31, Virginia Theater, Champaign. (217) 356-9063. I New Salem Country Opry Weekly country music shows, 8 p.m. New Salem Country Opry, 14305 111.

97, Petersburg. Adults, under 12, $3. (309) 244-8894. Guests: New Year's Show with Davey French, Dec. 31 State Elsewhere I Trans Siberian Orchestra Rock-classical orchestra, 3 and 8 p.m.

Dec. 30, The Mark, Moline. (309) 764-2000. New Year's Gala Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, six-course dinner, champagne, dancing to Heartland Jazz Orchestra; 6 p.m. Dec.

31; The Chateau, Bloomington. $75. (309) 665-5671. Central Illinois I Bement Country Opry Country music shows with Bement Country Opry Band and guest artists; 8 p.m. Fri.

andor 7 p.m. 117 S. Macon Bement. Adults, under 12, (217) 877-6499. Guests: Ron De-vore, Dec.

30; New Year's Eve Show, Dec. 31 I Jean Redpath with The Chorale Scottish singer and C-U civic chorale in New Year's Eve Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Radisson with the 1 the only Central Illinois Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band! $229 for overnight package $40 per individual Overnight Packages Also Available at Best Western University Inn and Eastland Suites! Call the Radisson at 664-6446 for tickets! Open! ts Mary Lynn's 1 02 South East Street, 4th Floor 7V Beautiful! IEEE! (309) 824-1 083 309-664-6446 f' 10 Brickyard Drive Bloomington BETTER THAN EVER! Largest Camera Shop in Downstate Illinois! In The Mefro Centre 693-9191 Parking right at our front door www.radisson.com AM 12 3 0 wjhc: tlnct 1937 Email: stitchinggirl2000yahoo.com mib65 jjfa.