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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Weekly Downtown E-News 1/31/08

The biggest Mardi Gras this side of the Mississippi is back and the weather is not an obstacle this year! This year's Muncie Gras will take place on Saturday, February 2nd, from 7pm-2am in the streets of Downtown Muncie. There will be tons of places to get out of the cold. A new addition this year is 3 huge heated tents (40' x 100'). Inside will be live entertainment, drag show, costume contests, mechanical bull riding, etc. In addition, our downtown bars will also be hosting live entertainment. For more information and entertainment lineup, visit www.munciedowntown.com and click on the Muncie Gras banner.

April 26th Cardinal Greenway will be hosting a 5k race, and a 10k race on May 31st (both include 5k non-competitive walks). Donations are requested -- What a GREAT way to promote your business! contact Lenette@cardinalgreenways.org to donate.

FEBRUARY EVENTS :

1st - Muncie Children's Museum - Friends and Family Fun Night. Free admission from 3 - 7 p.m. Visitors will make Valentine's cards, and take part in games and Valentine's Day-themed activities such as Valentine's Bingo. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. For more information, contact the Museum at 286-1660 or visit our website at www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

1st - The Living Room presents Nate Hack and Leah Ashton. Show starts at 8:30pm. Check out Leah's myspace page at myspace.com/leahashton and The Living Room's myspace page at myspace.com/thelivingroommuncie.

1st - Redic-u-ligion and Lady Moon will be perfoming at Doc's Music Hall at 8pm. Visit www.docsmusichall.com for info.

2nd - Downtown's annual Mardi Gras (Muncie Gras) returns. Advance tickets are now available. Visit munciedowntown.com for details, or call Downtown Develoment at 282-7897.

2nd The Artist Within: ....Expose Yourself To The Fun (private party at The Artist Within). Special Mardi Gras hours: 7-midnight

2nd - Morton's Pub & Grub features: Mars or the Moon during Mardi Gras

3rd and 10th Artist Within offers Fused Glass classes from 11-5pm more details visit www.theartistwithininc.com

3rd - Trivia Night at Doc's Music Hall. It's absolutely free to play, and the winning team gets a $50 bar tab. Teams have to be ready to play at 9pm sharp.

4th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: I'm Eating What!?! Deciphering Food Labels 6:30-8:00pm

4th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Beginning Bridge 11-12:15pm FREE ($12 one time charge for book) Duplicate Bridge 1:00-2:00pm

5th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Finishing Touches--Giving Your Food Flair 6:30-8:00pm

5th - Morton's Pub & Grub feature: Pray for Mojo - come enjoy Louisiana Crawfish Boil

7th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: What's So Great About Organic Foods? 6:30-8:00pm

7th The Artist Within: opening reception for artist Jason Bord, Paul Grant, Marc Girouard, Andrew Nicholson and Brie Thompson

8th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: TRIAD Meeting 10-11am

8th-10th Muncie Civic theatre and Cornerstone Center for the Arts team up for Ragtime

8th - David Allan Coe at Doc's Music Hall, with Michael Martin Band and The Silver Dollar Family Band. Show starts at 9pm, doors open at 5. Visit docsmusichall.com for info.

8th - Robert Mathison and Noah East will be playing at The Living Room. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 8:30pm. Visit www.thelivingroommuncie.com or http://www.myspace.com/noaheastmusic

10th - Indiana Public Radio's 7th annual "All Things Chocolate," February 10th at Minnetrista. Registration deadline is Feb. 7. For more information, call Carol Trimmer at 765-285-5887. Registration form and guidelines may be downloaded at www.bsu.edu/ipr.

11th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: The Wonders of Chocolate 6:30-8:00pm

12th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Diabetes and the Diet 6:30-8:00pm

12th - Black History Field Day at Minnetrista, Feb. 12. Children grades 4-n8 will spend the day meeting African Americans who made an important impact on America's history. Tolerance and mutual respect for all people will be the focus for the day. Register by Feb. 1.

14th Artist Within Valentine's Day Desserts and More 6-9pm

14-16th Civic theatre and Cornerstone Center for the Arts team up for Ragtime

15th - Darkroom and The Better Take (James Clary, Andrew Schneider, Der! ek Young, Josh Elrod, Keegan Ferris) will be playing at The Living Room on February 15th. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 8:30pm. http://www.myspace.com/darkroommusic or http://www.myspace.com/thebettertake

18th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Beginning Bridge11-12:15 FREE and Duplicate Bridge 1-2:00pm

18th - Muncie Children's Museum - Open for President's Day. For more information, contact the Museum at 286-1660 or visit our website at www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

19th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Keeping Sharp in your Kitchen 6:30-8:00pm

20th - PBS Program Club at Minnetrista - "Oswald's Ghost" aired on WIPB-TV Jan 14. This film, part of the American Experience series, focuses on the public's fascination with Lee Harvey Oswald and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Meeting Place: Minnetrista. Price: Free

20th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: You Are What You Eat 6:30-8:00pm

21st - An Inside-Out Minne-trip Thurs., Feb. 21, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. If the Grossology exhibit sparked your curiosity, then you'll love this trip! Learn more at the Ruth Lilly Center in Indianapolis, and explore the Medical History Museum to see the treatments, tools, and medicines used through time to cure our ailments! Lunch is provided. Registration Deadline: Mon., Feb. 18

22nd - Get Your GROSS On! (For Grown-ups Only) at Minnetrista, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Complimentary drink, tasty treats, and an exploration of everything gross, featuring the exhibit, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Registration Deadline: Friday, February 15. Call 282-4848 to make your reservation.

22nd - Adam Weber and Adam Clark will be playing at The Living Room on the! 22nd. Doors open at 8pm, the show starts at 8:30pm. Come out for a night of great music and laughs! www.thelivingroommuncie.com or myspace.com/adam_weber

23rd - Muncie Children's Museum - Free Family Saturday. Free admission from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, contact the Museum at 286-1660 or visit our website at www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

24th - Minnetrista Show & Tell: Hand-dipped Chocolates Sun., Feb. 24, 1:30 - 3 p.m. Are hand-dipped chocolates as easy to make as they are to eat? Learn a new skill from the experts at Lowery's Candies! Price: Included with paid admission.

24th - Minnetrista presents Candies, Cards, and Chocolates, Sun., Feb. 24, 1 - 3 p.m. For 4-9 year-olds. Valentine's Day may be over, but at Minnetrista the fun has just begun. Learn how to mold a candle, create a card, and dip your own chocolate, with the help of Lowery's Candies. Registration Deadline: Thurs., Feb.21.

25th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: : Beginning Bridge11-12:15 FREE and Duplicate Bridge 1-2:00pm

27th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: The Truth About Global Warning 6:30-8:00pm

28th - The Downtown Business Council will meet Wednesday, Feburary 28th, at 3:00 p.m. in the conference room at The Star Press building, 345 S. High St. Downtown Business Council is not limited to businesses and merchants. Residents, organizations and supporters of downtown in general are all encouraged to attend.

29th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Craft Seminar 10-12pm

FEBRUARY ONGOING :

Through February - Tthe Artist Within will feature abstract paintings by Jason Bord from Feb. 5 through 29th. The upstairs gallery at The Artist Within will feature the work of four Ball State University students, Paul Grant, Marc Girouard, Andrew Nicholson and Brie Thompson, from Feb. 5-29th. An opening reception will be held for both exhibits on First Thursday, February 7, from 5-8 pm.

Through February -Artworks will exhibit "From Heart and Hand" by Arline Johnstone and Donna Cunningham, February 7 through March 6, 2008. An opening reception will be held during First Thursday, Feb 7, 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Through February - Gordy Fine Art and Framing will feature Marilynn Derwenskus, painting professor at Ball State University,who will exhibit new works along with four of her friends - three from Cardiff, Wales, and the fourth from Oakland, CA. A reception for the artists will be held First Thursday, February 7th from 5 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

Through February - Gallery 308 exhibit photography by Katie James, 'Shifting Dimensions'. James is a graduating senior studying photography at Ball State. Her exhibition opens on First Thursday, February 7, with an evening reception at the Gallery at 308 East Main. The reception begins at 5:00 p.m. Admission is free; refreshments will be served.

Through February -Muncie Children's Museum - Daily Make 'n Take. Included in Museum's admission. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Museum at 286-1660.

Feb 16 - March 30 - 18th Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show & Sale. The visual arts are alive and flourishing in East Central Indiana. Artists from across East Central Indiana will participate in the 18th Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show & Sale. The exhibit will be open to the public February 16 - March 30, 2008 at Minnetrista.

Through Apr. 24th Cornerstone for the Arts winter classes. Call for more info about classes at 281-9503 or visit www.cornerstonearts.org.

Feb. 2nd - April 27th - "Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body" exhibit at Minnetrista. For more information, call (765) 282-4848, visit www.minnetrista.net, or visit the Grossology tour Web site at www.grossologytour.com.

Through May 2 - Muncie Children's Museum presents Chagall for Children, a one-of-a-kind traveling exhibit. Admission is included with regular admission to the Museum. For more information on Chagall for Children, call (765) 286-1660 or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com

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SEND NEWS ITEMS:

Send information on downtown-related events for the weekly emailed newsletter to nancylnorris@aol.com.

Send information to be added to the downtown website to info@munciedowntown.com.

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Upcoming Shows at The Living Room

On Friday nights, The Living Room is buzzing with activity. Unless otherwise noted, at 8:00 PM the doors open for people to come in and relax after a long week. We serve coffee, pop, and several other drinks as well as a variety of finger foods.

At 8:30 PM, the music starts; anything from piano pop to alt country, jazz to acoustic rock. We stay open for people to talk and hang out until everybody leaves.

The Living Room is an 18 and older, smoke-free, alcohol-free venue.

Upcoming shows:

Leah Ashton w/ Nate Hack - 02/01/08
Nate Hack is going to get the evening started for us at 8:30pm. Then Leah Ashton will be taking the stage. Tickets are only $3...what else can you do on a Friday night for only $3?? Check out Leah's myspace page at myspace.com/leahashton and The Living Room's myspace page at myspace.com/thelivingroommuncie

Robert Mathison & Noah East - 02/08/08
Robert Mathison and Noah East will be playing at The Living Room. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 8:30pm. Tickets are only $3
www.thelivingroommuncie.com or http://www.myspace.com/noaheastmusic

Darkroom & The Better Take - 02/15/08
Darkroom and The Better Take (James Clary, Andrew Schneider, Der! ek Young, Josh Elrod, Keegan Ferris) will be playing at The Living Room on February 15th. Tickets are only $3. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 8:30pm.
http://www.myspace.com/darkroommusic
http://www.myspace.com/thebettertake

Weather Won't Be an Issue at Muncie Gras 2008

The biggest Mardi Gras this side of the Mississippi is back and the weather is not an obstacle this year! This year's Muncie Gras will take place on Saturday, February 2nd, from 7pm-2am in the streets of Downtown Muncie.


There will be tons of places to get out of the cold. A new addition this year is 3 huge heated tents (40' x 100'). Inside will be live entertainment, drag show, costume contests, mechanical bull riding, etc. In addition, our downtown bars will also be hosting live entertainment.

MITS Trolley will provide a safe ride home, running from 7pm-3am to campus and Lyndenbrook hotels. This is a 21 and up event. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.

This year will also have humongous outdoor inflatable screens that will bring all of the sights and sounds of New Orleans Mardi Gras straight into our party! We literally will bring the French Quarter, parades from Bourbon Street to Walnut Street. Live remote cameras will be placed throughout the venue to project the party on big screens throughout the event!

A crowd pleaser, the mechanical bull is back, new giant inflatable twister board, the go-go cage, interactive video screens, FM Music outdoor stage, dj dance music everywhere, and live entertainment will keep you in the party mood throughout the evening!


CLICK HERE to visit the official Muncie Gras website.


or CLICK HERE to download a map and schedule



ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

Two Humongous 32x24ft. screens will fill Walnut Street with the sights and sounds of New Orleans as revelers party their way to Fat Tuesday right along with us! And party they do! Be a part of everything New Orleans as we bring it to Walnut Street all night long!

Live webcams footage from the French Quarter/Bourbon Street
Parade Footage
Bead Action...you know what that means!
Special Muncie Gras performance from MOJO and the Bayou Gypsies @ 11:00pm

Blue Bottle our own Cafe du Monde!
Red beans and rice/ hot chocolate!
Laughing Monkey dancers
Tarot by Sherita

FM Music Stage: 200 Block of Walnut Street
Casanova Dega
Six String Split
Big Bang Static
Ruined for Life
James Brown Car Alarm
Virgin Millionares!!!!

Doc's Music Hall:
6-7: Rob Amick
7-8: Jack of Suede
8-9: Rediculicous
9-12: The New Walking Catfish
12-1: MMB
1-3: Know More Robots

Food Vendors:
Legacy Catering
Fat Boy Chicken & Sweet Nuts
Poppy and Son


Heated Downtown Krew Tents - corner of Adams and Walnut
Go-Go Cage
Live camera


BSU Center for Media Design
The Mitchell Place Studio store front will have two screens that will allow
people to play each other in a game similar to pong. The players will wear
reflective tape on their fingers that will allow them to control their
paddles and play each other

CenterStage-
ClubBud- DJ and Live music

Indy Street Beat Percussion- 9-midnight

Bourbon Street Stage- 300 blk Walnut St.
Belly Dancers, Fire, Swords, Veils and Freaks of Nature!

Laughing Monkey- 7:30, 10:30and 12:00
Carenza's Caravan- 8:00, 10:00 and 12:30
All Access Costume Contest! 9:30
Freakshow Foley- 8:30 and 11:00
Wyld Fyre 9:00, 11:30 and 1:00
Il Troubadore- TBA


Heated Bayou Tent- Buddy's Place Krew
DJ Dance Party
Mechanical Bull- save a horse....
2 screens/ live cam and projection

Heated French Quarter Tent- Red Dog Krew
DJ Dance Party
live performance stage featuring:
Live cam and giant projection screen

7:00-8:30- Amateur Showcase- show us what you've got on our stage!
8:30- 10:00- Professional Showcase?
10-11pm -Rainbow Girls- Drag Review
11:00-12:00-Lingerie Show
12:00- 1:00- Rainbow Girls Drag Review
1:00-2:00- Amateur Showcase- show us what you've got on our stage!

Heated Big Easy Tent- End Zone Krew
DJ Dance Party
Giant Inflatable Twister Board
2 screens/ live cam and projection

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Downtown Business Council Meets Wednesday

The Muncie Downtown Business Council will meet this Wednesday, January 31st, at 3:00 pm in the Star Press building conference room.

Topics on the agenda include results of the holiday window dressing contest, update on the downtown promotion at the Muncie Mall, status report on the new parking placards, new member outreach efforts, and a Heart of the City update.

You need not be a member to attend the meetings, and Downtown Business Council is not limited to businesses and merchants. Meetings typically last one hour.

This is an excellent opportunity to network with your downtown peers, keep informed of downtown happenings, and learn all about the Downtown Business Council and our continued efforts to market your business and our downtown neighborhood.

Members will be on hand to answer any questions about the Downtown Business Council, and membership applications will be available for anyone who wants to join. Please come by, bring a friend, and help take part in making Downtown Muncie the best place to be.

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Downtown Business Council Statement of Purpose “The primary purpose of the Muncie Downtown Business Council is to create and maintain an environment for growth and expansion of businesses in the downtown area of Muncie, Indiana”

February Happenings at Minnetrista

In the Galleries at Minnetrista: Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body
February 2-April 27, 2008
Based on the best-selling book series, Grossology, the exhibition uses sophisticated animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell you the good, the bad and the downright ugly about runny noses, body odor and much more. This is a science that kids can't resist! For more information, see www.minnetrista.net.

18th Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show & Sale
February 16-March 30, 2008
The visual arts are alive and flourishing in East Central Indiana. Artists from across East Central Indiana will participate in the 18th Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show & Sale. The exhibit will be open to the public February 16 - March 30, 2008 at Minnetrista.


Upcoming Programs & Events: Adult Programs

PBS Program Club
Wed., Feb. 20, 2 - 4 p.m.
"Oswald's Ghost" aired on WIPB-TV Jan 14. This film, part of the American Experience series, focuses on the public's fascination with Lee Harvey Oswald and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Meeting Place: Minnetrista. Price: Free

An Inside-Out Minne-trip
Thurs., Feb. 21, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
If the Grossology exhibit sparked your curiosity, then you'll love this trip! Did you know that skin is the human body's largest organ? Learn more at the Ruth Lilly Center in Indianapolis, and explore the Medical History Museum to see the treatments, tools, and medicines used through time to cure our ailments! Lunch is provided.
Price: Members $30; non-members $40. Registration Deadline: Mon., Feb. 18

Get Your Gross On!
Fri., Feb. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.
Join us for a night of after-work, grown-up, gross-out fun! Complimentary drink, tasty treats, and an exploration of everything gross, featuring the exhibit, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Play Gas Attack pinball, take a Tour du Nose, Ride the GI Slide, find out YU Stink, and much more. It'll be gross, but it'll be fun. Don't miss it!
Price: $10 per person. Registration Deadline: Fri., Feb. 15


Family Programs

Show & Tell: Hand-dipped Chocolates
Sun., Feb. 24, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Are hand-dipped chocolates as easy to make as they are to eat? Learn a new skill from the experts at Lowery's Candies!
Price: Included with paid admission

Candies, Cards, and Chocolates
Sun., Feb. 24, 1 - 3 p.m.
For 4-9 year-olds
Valentine's Day may be over, but at Minnetrista the fun has just begun. Learn how to mold a candle, create a card, and dip your own chocolate, with the help of Lowery's Candies.
Price: Members $7; non-members $10. Registration Deadline: Thurs., Feb.21.

For more information on any of these great events or programs, please visit us at www.minnetrista.net.

Can the Muncie Children's Museum Melt Your Heart?

The Muncie Children's Museum offers free admission to celebrate Valentine's Day on Friday, February 1, 2008, from 3-7 p.m., as a part of the monthly Friends and Family Fun Night event.

Throughout the evening children and families will have a chance to showcase their artistic abilities by making Valentine's Day cards to give away to their sweethearts. Visitors will also be able to take part in games and Valentine's Day-themed activities such as Valentine's Bingo. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

2008 Friends and Family Fun Night are sponsored by The Ball Brothers Foundation.

For more information on Friends and Family Fun Night, call (765) 286-1660 or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

The Muncie Children's Museum provides hands-on, educational and innovative learning. The Museum is located at 515 S. High St. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6 a person ages 1-100.

Monday, January 28, 2008

This Week at Doc's Music Hall 1/28/08

Members of Doc's email mailing list are eligible for a monthly $50 bar tab drawing! If you're not on the mailing list, sign up at www.docsmusichall.com. On the first Tuesday of every month, On the first Tuesday of every month, we select one of the members of our mailing list and, provided that he or she is present, award $50 in free food and drinks. Make sure you're here on Tuesday, February 5th for your chance to win big!

MONDAY - ACTIVITY NIGHT
Every Monday, Doc's holds Activity Night, where we break out the cards, chess sets, beer pong table, and cornhole boxy thingers. Moreover, we award a $50 bar tab to the team that wins our combined cornhole / beer pong tournament.
We hold our street team meetings at 6:30pm on Mondays, and offer free beer and pizza to everyone interested in helping promote Doc's.
SPECIALS: $2 pitchers of Bud Light, $1 pizza slices, $2 Jaeger shots, and $3 Jaeger bombs

TUESDAY
No performances this Tuesday, but our specials are $2 Two-Hearted Ale, $1.50 Well You-Call-Its, and whole vegan pizzas for $5. Want to perform this night? Email kcampbell@docsmusichall.com.

WEDNESDAY - OPEN MIC NIGHT
Show up early and sign up for your preferred time. Performances by Munsonian talent starts at 9pm and goes on until close.
SPECIALS: $2 whiskey and $5 pitchers

THURSDAY
Art Vandalay will be performing at 10pm.
SPECIALS: 1/2 price martinis and $1 Long Islands.

FRIDAY
Redic-u-ligion and Lady Moon will be perfoming at 8pm. Visit http://www.myspace.com/rediculishous to give Redic-u-ligion a listen before you show up.
SPECIALS: $1 Killian's and FREE hot dogs

SATURDAY - MUNCIE GRAS
Come out to the biggest party you'll ever find in Muncie and see performances by Big Bang Static, Know More Robots, the Michael Martin Band, the Spitshine, Shoeshine Joe & the Muddy Souls, and Doc Peterson. Doc's Music Hall is going to be the only Muncie Gras bar not charging cover on Saturday, so party with us and save!
SPECIALS: $1 white Russians and $5 cheese pizzas

SUNDAY - HANGOVER TRIVIA NIGHT
The weekly battle of wit and cunning where egos are crushed and legends are born continues this Sunday with a special Hangover Trivia Night (in honor of everyone's post-Muncie-Gras convalescence). It's absolutely free to play, and the winning team gets a $50 bar tab. But remember that teams have to be ready to play at 9pm sharp!
SPECIALS: $1 beer with FM Music mug and $10 "pizza and a pitcher" special

As always, visit http://docsmusichall.com for info on all of our events.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Gallery 308 to Showcase Katie James' Photography: Shifting Dimensions

"Growing up in the Midwest, I have always been fascinated by the small towns that are scattered across the landscape," says photographer Katie James in reference to her new exhibit, 'Shifting Dimensions', opening at Gallery 308 on February 7.

James is a graduating senior studying photography at Ball State. Her exhibition opens on First Thursday, February 7, with an evening reception at the Gallery at 308 East Main. The reception begins at 5:00 p.m. Admission is free; refreshments will be served.

In James's eyes, small towns have one unifying feature: a "main" street, long neglected and often forgotten, filled with old buildings and businesses from another era. She is intrigued by the loneliness of such places—once bustling with life but now, all but abandoned, overlooked and under-appreciated.

"My window photography draws from my fascination with these old buildings," James says. "The camera has an amazing ability to capture these ignored storefronts. By focusing on the window pane, I pick up details that most people overlook—things like scratches, BB holes, and writing in the dirt on a window that are not usually noticed by passers-by. There are often interesting things behind these windows as well, such as a faux deer, Styrofoam gravestones, or mannequin heads."

In Shifting Dimensions, James uses a shallow depth of field in order to merge the reflection of the scene behind the photographer and what is visible through it to create a peculiar kind of "landscape." This intermingling of visual layers produces photographs that take more than a glance to understand. The longer you look, the more you can recognize and appreciate in her work.

"Although my images are digital photographs, I do very little manipulation on the computer. I use a contemporary camera in a very conventional manner, much in the same way I try to present a fresh view of a very traditional subject matter. I strive to make these long forgotten buildings once again a point of interest."

Shifting Dimensions will be on view at Gallery 308 through February 29.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Weekly Downtown E-News 1/24/08

Downtown Announcements: Don't miss the Downtown Business Council "Meet the Members Mixer" this Thursday, Jan. 24th from 5 to 7pm at the Horizon Convention Center. This month's After Hours Mixer will be a special co-op event with the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Advertising Federation of East Central Indiana and Muncie Downtown Business Council.

These three groups of local professionals will have the opportunity to preview the entries for the ADDY Awards during the mixer. Attendees will enjoy an open house atmosphere with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar while previewing the entries that will judged at a later date.

The next DBC members meeting will be Wednesday, January 30th, at 3pm in the Star Press Building conference room.

MALL PROMO HAS BEEN EXTENDED: Any downtown business interested in participating in the Downtown giant wall promotion at the Muncie Mall needs to contact Bob Hartley at The Artist Within as soon as possible. Email Bob at theartistwithininc@yahoo.com or phone at 765-289-7985. The cost is very reasonable.

THE DOWNTOWN FARM STAND will be open full time hours starting on January 28th! They will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. Please stop in and see what they have to offer.

JANUARY EVENTS:

24th - Downtown Business Council "Meet the Members Mixer" from 5-7pm at the Horizon Convention Center. This month's mixer will be a co-op event with the Chamber of Commerce and the Ad Federation of East Central Indiana.

24th - Soraia and Know More Robots at Docs Music Hall. Visit www.docsmusichall.com.

25th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents a CRAFT SEMINAR 10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. Cost includes 2-3 craft activities to make and take home. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 for cost and info.

25th - DOC's features all the way from Boston: Spiritual Rez--they are a seven piece reggae band--come, have fun and dance! 10pm Visit www.docsmusichall.com for info.

26th DOC's features Mudkids

26th Delaware County Fairgrounds: Breast Cancer Awareness concert 11am--performances by 20 bands from the region.

26th Muncie Children's Museum Free Family Saturday, sponsored by Muncie Rotary. For more information about Free Family Saturdays, call (765) 286-1660 or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

26th - 7th Annual Dead Leaf Festival returns to Centerstage. Doors open at 2:30pm, Music Starts at 3:30 pm. This is an All Ages event. Alcohol will be available to those of age with ID. Bands: Headliners- Soraia & Red Horse also- Legion, Necrophagous, Malachai, Antagonists, Consumed by Fury, nomonic, & MAAX.

28th - The Downtown Farm Stand will be open full time hours on January 28th! We will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm.

28th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents BABY BLUES, BEAUTIFUL BROWNS: EXCELLENT EYE INFORMATION 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture byDr. Vasilis Makris. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

30th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents FLOWN THE COOP 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture by Dr. Bradley Hartman from Associates in Mental Health.

30th - The Downtown Business Council will meet Wednesday, January 30th, at 3:00 p.m. in the conference room at The Star Press building, 345 S. High St. Downtown Business Council is not limited to businesses and merchants. Residents, organizations and supporters of downtown in general are all encouraged to attend.

JANUARY ONGOING:

Through January 12 - Minnetrista will exhibit "White River Turtles: Paintings from Brian Gordy". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will host Anne Frank: A History for Today. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will exhibit "Indiana Acres: The Changing Face of the Family Farm". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will exhibit "B'ruchim Habaim: Midwestern Sanctuary". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January - Artworks presents an exhibit by Jack Orrick, "The Wood Speaks," with an opening reception at First Thursdays, January 3, 2008, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Through January - Gordy Fine Art & Framing will continue its annual Print Show, featuring twenty area artists. Selections will include many sizes, subjects and price ranges, with all works available for purchase. The print show is the largest exhibit of the year at Gordy's. Prints may be removed from the exhibit at the time of purchase. The Annual Print Show will continue through January.

Through January - Gallery 308 presents an exhibit by Margie Prim, to open on January 3, 2008. The public is invited to the opening reception, 5-8 p.m., when light refreshments will be served and the artist will be on hand.

Jan 26 - May 2 - Muncie Children's Museum presents Chagall for Children, a one-of-a-kind traveling exhibit. Admission is included with regular admission to the Museum. For more information on Chagall for Children, call (765) 286-1660 or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com

Jan 28-Apr. 24th Cornerstone for the Arts winter classes. Call for more info about classes at 281-9503 or visit www.cornerstonearts.org.

FEBRUARY EVENTS :

2nd - Downtown's annual Mardi Gras (Muncie Gras) returns. Advance tickets are now available. Visit munciedowntown.com for details, or call Downtown Develoment at 282-7897.

2nd The Artist Within: ....Expose Yourself To The Fun special Madri Gras hours: 7-midnight

3rd and 10th Artist Within offers Fused Glass classes from 11-5pm more details visit www.theartistwithininc.com

4th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: I'm Eating What!?! Deciphering Food Labels 6:30-8:00pm

4th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Beginning Bridge 11-12:15pm FREE ($12 one time charge for book) Duplicate Bridge 1:00-2:00pm

5th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Finishing Touches--Giving Your Food Flair 6:30-8:00pm

7th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: What's So Great About Organic Foods? 6:30-8:00pm

7th The Artist Within: opening reception for artist Jason Bord, Paul Grant, Marc Girouard, Andrew Nicholson and Brie Thompson

8th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: TRIAD Meeting 10-11am

8th-10th Muncie Civic theatre and Cornerstone Center for the Arts team up for Ragtime

8th - David Allan Coe at Doc's Music Hall, with Michael Martin Band and The Silver Dollar Family Band. Show starts at 9pm, doors open at 5. Visit docsmusichall.com for info.

10th - Indiana Public Radio's 7th annual "All Things Chocolate," February 10th at Minnetrista. Registration deadline is Feb. 7. For more information, call Carol Trimmer at 765-285-5887. Registration form and guidelines may be downloaded at www.bsu.edu/ipr.

11th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: The Wonders of Chocolate 6:30-8:00pm

12th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Diabetes and the Diet 6:30-8:00pm

14th Artist Within Valentine's Day Desserts and More 6-9pm

14-16th Civic theatre and Cornerstone Center for the Arts team up for Ragtime

18th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Beginning Bridge11-12:15 FREE and Duplicate Bridge 1-2:00pm

19th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Keeping Sharp in your Kitchen 6:30-8:00pm

20th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: You Are What You Eat 6:30-8:00pm

22nd - Get Your GROSS On! (For Grown-ups Only) at Minnetrista, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Complimentary drink, tasty treats, and an exploration of everything gross, featuring the exhibit, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Registration Deadline: Friday, February 15. Call 282-4848 to make your reservation.

25th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: : Beginning Bridge11-12:15 FREE and Duplicate Bridge 1-2:00pm

27th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: The Truth About Global Warning 6:30-8:00pm

29th Community Center for Vital Aging (CCVA) presents: Craft Seminar 10-12pm

FEBRUARY ONGOING :

Through February - Tthe Artist Within will feature abstract paintings by Jason Bord from Feb. 5 through 29th, with an opening reception during First Thursday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 8pm.

Through February -Artworks will exhibit "From Heart and Hand" by Arline Johnstone and Donna Cunningham, February 7 through March 6, 2008. An opening reception will be held during First Thursday, Feb 7, 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Through February - Gordy Fine Art and Framing will feature Marilynn Derwenskus, painting professor at Ball State University,who will exhibit new works along with four of her friends - three from Cardiff, Wales, and the fourth from Oakland, CA. A reception for the artists will be held First Thursday, February 7th from 5 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

Feb. 2nd - April 27th - "Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body" exhibit at Minnetrista. For more information, call (765) 282-4848, visit www.minnetrista.net, or visit the Grossology tour Web site at www.grossologytour.com.

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Send information on downtown-related events for the weekly emailed newsletter to nancylnorris@aol.com.

Send information to be added to the downtown website to info@munciedowntown.com.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Entertainment Lineup for Muncie Mardi Gras 2008

The music, performance and entertainment lineup has been announced for Muncie Gras 08. Two Humongous 32x24ft. screens will fill Walnut Street with the sights and sounds of New Orleans as revelers party their way to Fat Tuesday right along with us! And party they do! Be a part of everything New Orleans as we bring it to Walnut Street all night long!

Live webcams footage from the French Quarter/Bourbon Street
Parade Footage
Bead Action...you know what that means!
Just announced! Special Muncie Gras performance from MOJO and the Bayou Gypsies @ 11:00pm

Blue Bottle our own Cafe du Monde!
Red beans and rice/ hot chocolate!
Laughing Monkey dancers
Tarot by Sherita

FM Music Stage: 200 Block of Walnut Street
Casanova Dega
Six String Split
Big Bang Static
Ruined for Life
James Brown Car Alarm
Virgin Millionares!!!!

Doc's Music Hall:
6-7: Rob Amick
7-8: Jack of Suede
8-9: Rediculicous
9-12: The New Walking Catfish
12-1: MMB
1-3: Know More Robots

Food Vendors:
Legacy Catering
Fat Boy Chicken & Sweet Nuts
Poppy and Son


Heated Downtown Krew Tents - corner of Adams and Walnut
Go-Go Cage
Live camera


BSU Center for Media Design
The Mitchell Place Studio store front will have two screens that will allow
people to play each other in a game similar to pong. The players will wear
reflective tape on their fingers that will allow them to control their
paddles and play each other

CenterStage-
ClubBud- DJ and Live music

Indy Street Beat Percussion- 9-midnight

Bourbon Street Stage- 300 blk Walnut St.
Belly Dancers, Fire, Swords, Veils and Freaks of Nature!

Laughing Monkey- 7:30, 10:30and 12:00
Carenza's Caravan- 8:00, 10:00 and 12:30
All Access Costume Contest! 9:30
Freakshow Foley- 8:30 and 11:00
Wyld Fyre 9:00, 11:30 and 1:00
Il Troubadore- TBA


Heated Bayou Tent- Buddy's Place Krew
DJ Dance Party
Mechanical Bull- save a horse....
2 screens/ live cam and projection

Heated French Quarter Tent- Red Dog Krew
DJ Dance Party
live performance stage featuring:
Live cam and giant projection screen

7:00-8:30- Amateur Showcase- show us what you've got on our stage!
8:30- 10:00- Professional Showcase?
10-11pm -Rainbow Girls- Drag Review
11:00-12:00-Lingerie Show
12:00- 1:00- Rainbow Girls Drag Review
1:00-2:00- Amateur Showcase- show us what you've got on our stage!

Heated Big Easy Tent- End Zone Krew
DJ Dance Party
Giant Inflatable Twister Board
2 screens/ live cam and projection

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Limited Space Available for the Downtown-Muncie Mall Promotion

There are only a couple ad spots available for the large "Discover Downtown" wall at the Muncie Mall. We are extending the promotion, and the new lease will cover February and March. These ad spots are available on a first come, first served basis.

Each individual business panel measures approx. 2 feet high by 3 feet wide. Cost to new advertisers is $200, which will cover a share of the mall lease and the printing costs for making a panel. This is an excellent deal for advertising, especially considering mall traffic includes people from all over the ECI region.

Any business interested in renewing or purchasing a new ad should contact Bob Hartley ASAP at The Artist Within, 313 S. Walnut St., email theartistwithininc@yahoo.com or phone 765-289-7985.

Please reserve your space by the end of this week, as we will need time to have any new panels printed.

Businesses wishing to take part in this promotion for the first time will need to provide 5 best photos of your business doing business, your largest digital file of your logo (file type doesn't matter, but If logos were designed professionally a copy the CD is needed), a short paragraph marketing the experience and service of your business no more than 60 words, and contact info (Name of business, address, phone number, hours of operation and web address).

The Downtown wall is at the main entrance near Macy's and The Finish Line. If you haven't seen it yet, go check it out!


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DBC Mixer Thursday 1/24 at Horizon Center

Don't miss the Downtown Business Council "Meet the Members Mixer" this Thursday, Jan. 24th from 5 to 7pm at the Horizon Convention Center. This month's After Hours Mixer will be a special co-op event with the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Advertising Federation of East Central Indiana and Muncie Downtown Business Council.

These three groups of local professionals will have the opportunity to preview the entries for the ADDY Awards during the mixer. Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation of East Central Indiana, the local ADDY Awards is the first of a three tier national competition. The mission of the ADDY competition is to recognize and reward creative excellence in the art of advertising. Attendees will enjoy an open house atmosphere with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar while previewing the entries that will judged at a later date.

Our DBC "Meet the Members Mixers" are an excellent opportunity to network with your downtown peers, keep informed of downtown happenings, and learn all about the Downtown Business Council and our continued efforts to market your business and our downtown neighborhood. Members will be on hand to answer any questions about the Downtown Business Council, and membership applications will be available for anyone who wants to join.

The next DBC members meeting will be Wednesday, January 30th, at 3pm in the Star Press Building conference room.

Please spread the word, or pass this email along to any Downtown business who might be interested in the Downtown Business Council.

Monday, January 21, 2008

This Week at Doc's Music Hall 1/21/08

Members of Doc's email mailing list are eligible for a monthly $50 bar tab drawing! If you're not on the mailing list, sign up at www.docsmusichall.com. On the first Tuesday of every month, we select one of the members of our mailing list and, provided that they're present, award them with $50 in free food and drinks. Make sure you're here on Tuesday, February 4th for your chance to win big!

MONDAY - ACTIVITY NIGHT
Every Monday, we award a $50 bar tab to the winner of our game night. Test your cornhole and beer pong skills for a chance to win $50 in free food and drinks.
On top of all this, everyone gets $1 Long Islands, $2 pitchers of Leinenkugel, $3 Captain Morgan, and $1 nachos.

TUESDAY - COLIN ELLIOT
The Colin Elliot Project will be performing for us, and for this night only, we are offering $2 pints and 50? chili dogs.

WEDNESDAY - OPEN MIC NIGHT
Come and sign up early for a choice spot in this week's Open Mic Night. This week only, we're offering an Open Mic Night special of $2.50 Jim Beam & Coke and $2 Budweiser.

THURSDAY - SORAIA & KNOW MORE ROBOTS
The match made in heaven returns, as Know More Robots (Muncie) shares the stage once again with our newest Philadelphia friends, Soraia. In honor of what will surely be an amazing concert, we're having pre-concert Penny Pitchers until 10pm on top of our all-night $1 Long Islands. $3 cover.
http://www.myspace.com/soraia
http://www.myspace.com/knowmorerobots

FRIDAY - SPIRITUAL REZ
Sprung from the basements of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA in 2003, Spiritual Rez, known for their unique sound and high-energy live performances, have been writing music, touring tirelessly, and just indipendantly released their second album "Rising In The East".
They just finished a 31 date / 11 state summer tour in support of the new EP, and things keep looking up for the Rez. They've played numerous benefit shows in support of organizations including the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, a peace rally at Boston Commons, and the Humana People to People Movement where they donated
50 cents from each ticket sold during their CD release show. Spiritual Rez has shared the stage with internationally touring acts including The Skatalites, Gregory Isaacs, Isreal Vibrations, Gogol Bordello, Jah Wobble, Comedy Central's Dave Attel, Midnite, S.O.J.A., The Bomb Squad, and are continuously seeking similar opportunities.
Spiritual Rez is now recognized as a band with "a higher consciousness of respect through music? and will continue to grow in the hearts of music fans across the globe. Show up early to catch Peterson, Simmons and Dunn trio from 8-10 p.m. for some oldies!
M.C. Sparkplug + Special guests including comedian Jay Baker will also be there!
$5 cover, starts at 10pm.
http://www.spiritualrez.com/

SATURDAY - MUDKIDS
Our biggest hip hop show in months is this Saturday! The Mudkids will be performing with the Urinal Mints, Mental Afro, and Twin Cats. Specials: $1 white Russians and $5 cheese pizzas. $5 cover, starts at 10pm.
http://myspace.com/mudkids
http://mentalafro.com

SUNDAY - TRIVIA NIGHT
The weekly battle of wit and cunning where egos are crushed and legends are born continues this Sunday with Trivia Night. The winners get a $50 bar tab, but everybody gets our $10 "Pizza and a Pitcher" special, along with $1 pints of any of our draft beers with an FM Music mug. It's free to play, but we start at 9pm sharp..

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Chagall for Children at Muncie Children's Museum

Chagall for Children, a one-of-a-kind traveling exhibit, opens at the Muncie Children's Museum January 26, 2008 and goes through May 2, 2008. Chagall for Children is included with regular admission to the Museum.

Chagall for Children offers visitors the chance to explore the whimsical and abstract world of Marc Chagall, the world-renowned Impressionist artist. Chagall for Children captivates visitors with the artwork, and the artist, through 14 interactive elements.

Children are encouraged to explore this multi-sensory exhibit by discovering all of the interactive elements through varying media and art principles such as color, composition, light and texture.

Along with the stimulating visual and interactive components, geared towards children ages 2 -12, the Chagall exhibit is also equipped with audio dialogue at each station of the exhibit. The audio asks visitors questions about each individual piece, records visitor's answers and allows them to listen to answers others have responded with. Chagall for Children will spark the creative and imagination of kids and parents alike.

At different stations throughout the exhibit, visitors can create mosaics, use touch screens to digitally alter Chagall's masterpieces, weave tapestries, and through the magic of video, they can even insert themselves into one of his paintings.

Chagall for Children was developed by the Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago, Illinois and is supported in part by the Women's Association of the Kohl Children's Museum.

Chagall for Children is funded through: The Ball Brother's Foundation, the Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Inc., the Indiana Arts Commission, Mutual Federal Savings Bank Charitable Foundation and the Muncie Art Student League.

For more information on Chagall for Children, call (765) 286-1660 or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

# # #

The Muncie Children's Museum provides hands-on, educational and innovative learning. The Museum is locate at 515 S. High Street, Muncie, IN. Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesdays - Saturdays, and 1 - 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6 a person ages 1 - 100.

Friday, January 18, 2008

ArtWorks Gallery Call For New Artists

ArtWorks Artist Gallery, located in downtown Muncie, IN is inviting new artist memberships. So, you haven't had a solo exhibition in Chicago? No need to fret over limited art exhibitions or limited experience. We are welcoming new artist membership applications from novice or well seasoned artists who are searching for opportunities to display and sell their work

ArtWorks Gallery is non-profit cooperative venture run by artists. This is also a wonderful for artists to gain valuable business experiences working with fellow artists in a cooperative venture. We are currently accepting applications from painters, printmakers, photographers, ceramists, fiber artists, sculptors, woodworkers, and mixed media artists. Artists can select to apply for a participating or an associate membership.

Contact: Call the gallery at 765 2221 or come in and get your application. You can also call Jeanette Gilbert at 765 288 0025 or email her at ambrosiaart@aol.com

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Downtown Farm Stand to Open Full Time

The Downtown Farm Stand will be open full time hours on January 28th! We will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. We are very excited about the change of hours and we hope that you all are as well. January 28th will be a re-launch for the store because at that time we will add many new attributes to our operation.

During this time we will...
* begin selling organic bulk foods - dry goods - etc
* have new signs on the outside of the building
* launch our new and much anticipated website
* advertise to the Ball State and Downtown area
* have a new brochure with our new logo
* have an expanded frozen food section
* have radio spots on our local Indiana Public Radio on the air.

Produce, Dairy,& Meats
We are specializing this winter in LOTS of organic produce. We have the best quality, the best variety, and the BEST PRICES of any grocery store in Muncie on organic whole foods. Add to the produce the best variety of local organic meats, cheeses, dairy, dry and canned goods in the state and you have a one stop shopping supply of organic foods.


Produce in the store right now ...all is organic
Celery, carrots, gala apples, red and yellow onions, garlic, ginger, red and green cabbage, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, FRESH Lemons, ruby red grapefruit (now in season!), avocados, bananas, fingerling potatoes, russet potatoes, red potatoes, broccoli, pie pumpkins, and raisins. Our new selection of organic nuts includes pecans, walnuts, and almonds.


We probably won't carry things like tomatoes, peppers, summer squash, and berries in the winter simply because many of those summer fruits and vegetables just aren't that good this time of year. Eating in season provides the highest quality produce, with the longest storage times, the most nutrients, and the best flavors at the most economical prices. We are watching out for your best interests at The Downtown Farm Stand.


A new Swiss Connection order will be in Saturday afternoon and our cheese selection will be fully stocked as well as summer sausage. We have an excellent supply of 100% grass fed steaks from the Johnson's and plenty of local 100% grass fed bison (buffalo) as well. We still have a great supply of local organic pork products as well. Local free range chickens are still fully stocked.


We are currently out of eggs at least until Saturday - Organic Valley is currently having a shortage - I will try to get more by Saturday (1/19) afternoon from the Traders Point Farmers Market. Traders Point Chocolate milk will be out until Saturday afternoon. Ice Cream will be out until Saturday as well.


This weeks offerings at the store ...

Remember these items can vary from the time the newsletter goes out to the actual time of the market so produce will vary throughout the week ...new items come in all of the time.

Trader's Point Creamery - New orders come in on Saturday afternoon after I get back from the market. Supply varies because our sales in the store vary a lot, we appreciate your patience.

Several of their products have won national awards for outstanding quality...we think you'll agree and we are proud to bring them here. All products are certified organic and from grass fed cows. The farm is near Zionsville.
Whole Milk
Outstanding Chocolate Milk - Warning! - Extremely Addictive!
Award winning Drinkable Yogurts - Wild Berry, Banana Mango, Whole Milk Plain, Raspberry, Low-Fat Vanilla

Fromage Blanc Cheese - soft spreadable cheeses in three flavors Plain, Garden Herb and Mildly Spicy.

Cottage Cheese - very popular.
Award winning Fleur de La Terre artisan raw milk cheese - a flavorful artisan cheese that is extremely versatile.
Ice Cream - Vanilla, Chocolate, and Raspberry The best tasting ice cream you can buy, hands down.

The Swiss Connection - Clay County
This is a 100 % grass fed farm and creamery that uses all organic methods and produces superior cheeses and meat products.
We carry many different flavors of their outstanding cheese line - you've never had cheese this good before! Once again we are proud to bring them to Muncie .

Cheese - Swiss Connection
Grasen Colby
Gouda
Garlic and Herb
Hoosier Habanero
Jergerlehner Swiss
Pazia Parmesan
Hoosier Jalapeno
X-Sharp Mayberry
Cheddar Kaese
Medium Kaese
Tomato Basil Jack
Bacon Jack
Sage
Chive
Vintage Cheddar
Caraway Cheddar
Specialty Meats - Swiss Connection
Ground Beef - patties or bulk
Boneless Sirloin - good selection
N.Y. Strip Steak
Filets
Ribeyes
Cube Steak
T-Bone Steaks
Naturally Suckled Veal Bratwurst
Chuck and Arm Roasts
Smoked Ham
The Johnsons - Assorted Steaks and ground beef
Gordy's Bell Creek Farm - Produce and Honey
Garlic
Unheated Honey
Potatoes
Organic Valley Produce
pie pumpkins
red and yellow onions
green cabbage
red cabbage
Popcorn - Mozingo Farms - certified organic near Zionsville.
Our complete Eden Foods line is in stock as well as products from Organic Valley, and Seventh Generation, and out of area organic produce.

Downtown Farm Stand
125 E Main St. Downtown Muncie
S.W. Corner of Main and Mulberry - Parking lot located off of Jackson St.
765-288-3775 - www.downtownfarmstand.com - dlring88@sbcglobal.net

Current Store Hours - Changing January 28th
Monday - Wednesday - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday - 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Muncie Rotary Provides Continued Support for Program at MCM

Muncie Rotary has graciously extended their support to underwrite three months of Free Family Saturdays at the Muncie Children's Museum in January, February and March of 2008.

Muncie Rotary is a part of Rotary International, and is a representative of Rotary organizations in communities around the world. It is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders who set out to provide humanitarian service, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world.

With the continued support of Muncie Rotary, Free Family Saturdays at the Muncie Children’s Museum will be able to continue fostering the creative, educational and inquisitive minds of East Central Indiana children. The partnership between the Muncie Rotary and the Muncie Children’s Museum will benefit hundreds of families. Since the beginning of the program more than 11,200 visitors have attended free Saturday events.

Free Family Saturdays offer families the opportunity to attend the Muncie Children's Museum free of charge for the day and take part in exciting events and activities held at the Museum. In the spring of 2007, Museum visitors were enlightened and entertained by the Muncie Symphony Orchestra when they performed Music on the Move. May offered those in the "racing capital of the world" the chance to learn about Kentucky’s largest event: the Kentucky Derby. The Museum welcomed a representative from the Kentucky Derby Museum who conducted activities, and showed many people the proper ways to care for a racehorse.

Come to the Muncie Children's Museum during January’s Free Family Saturday on January 26, 2008, to see the unveiling of the one-of-a-kind traveling exhibit, Chagall for Children.

The Muncie Children's Museum is excited to be partnering with Muncie Rotary to help provide the families of East Central Indiana with Free Family Saturdays in 2008.

For more information about Free Family Saturdays, call (765) 286-1660 or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

The Muncie Children's Museum provides hands-on, educational and innovative learning. The Museum is located at 515 S. High St. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6 a person ages 1-100.

Monday, January 14, 2008

February at The Artist Within

February at the Artist Within will feature abstract paintings by Jason Bord from Feb. 5 through 29th, with an opening reception during First Thursday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 8pm.

Jason is a graduate of Ball State University with a B.F.A. in sculpture. He is from Columbus, Indiana, but calls Muncie home having lived here the past five years. Working on his large scale sculptures created a space problem after graduation so Jason looked to two dimensional work as a means of artistic expression and exploration. Painting was much more compatible with the size of his studio and has opened up new avenues for him to venture down. His current work examines the ideas of insanity leading to death and the afterlife. Large masonite panels explode with layers of color that have been brushed, dabbed and drizzled to express emotion.

An opening reception to meet the artist is free and open to the public from 5-8 pm, Thursday February 7, 2008.


The upstairs gallery at The Artist Within will feature the work of four Ball State University students, Paul Grant, Marc Girouard, Andrew Nicholson and Brie Thompson, from Feb. 5-29th. An opening reception will be held Thursday, February 7, from 5-8 pm.

These printmakers will exhibit limited edition prints created in a variety of mediums. Paul Grant, Marc Girouard, Andrew Nicholson and Brie Thompson will have an exhibit of woodcuts, intaglios and lithographs. Handmade books will also be included in their exhibit.

All four of these artists are Indiana natives and have exhibited throughout the state in various shows. Local exhibits include work in shows at Art Works, Gordy's Fine Art and Framing, Doc's, Minnetrista and the Student Gallery at Ball State.

This Week at Doc's Music Hall 1/14/08

This Monday is Activity Night at Doc's Music Hall downtown. The games of the night are cornhole, beer pong, and chess. Craig Furnivall will be performing at 9pm, and our specials are $2 pitchers of Bud Light, $1 pizza, $2 Jaeger shots, and $3 Jaeger bombs. We hold our street team meetings at 6:30pm on Mondays, and offer free beer and pizza to everyone interested in helping us out.

Tuesday drink specials are $2 Two-Hearted Ale, $1.50 well you-call-its, and $5 whole vegan pizzas.

Wednesday is Open Mic Night. Our drink specials are $2 whiskey and $5 pitchers.

Thursday drink specials are 1/2 price martinis and $1 Long Islands.

Friday Losing September (http://www.myspace.com/losingseptember) will be going on at 8pm, and we'll be giving out free hot dogs and $1 pints of Killians.

Saturday Walking Catfish will be performing at 8pm. Our drink specials are $1 white Russians and $5 cheese pizzas.

Sunday is Trivia Night. The weekly battle of wit and cunning where egos are crushed and legends are born continues this Sunday with Trivia Night. The winners get a $50 bar tab, but everybody gets our $10 "Pizza and a Pitcher" special, along with $1 pints of any of our draft beers with an FM Music mug. It's free to play, but we start at 9pm sharp.

As always, visit http://docsmusichall.com for info on all of our events.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

A Message from the New Owners at Blue Bottle Coffee

Hello and thank you for being a loyal Blue Bottle customer. When I decided to purchase the Shop from Tom and Kristine I knew that we could not stay in business without your support.

After a month in business, I see that my hopes were well founded.

We will be working our way back to lunch and drink specials and will announce those via our email list so read it and let your friends know.

For those who have not been in during the last few weeks:

We have a new Breakfast Sandwich. Made in house. Not a boxed item. Pick your bagel, we put on a couple of eggs, the cheese of your choice, sausage, ham or bacon (or all three if the old energy level is low). This is a filling breakfast !

We have added a Sourdough Bread Bowl to our menu. We started this item a week ago with an order of 40 bowls from our supplier. As of Friday evening we had 5 left. We underestimated the popularity of this item so we doubled our new order ! Of course you can still get our soup or chili in a cup or a regular bowl. Add some cheese to the bread bowl for what we are unofficially calling our "peasant lunch in a bowl".

Nantucket juices are back and we have a few great new flavors. I personally am becoming very fond of the Blueberry/Apple.

Stewarts' Soft Drinks are also available.

Check out the shelf below our menu board for the current flavors of both of these products. If you can't see the little tiny labels from the counter ( I can't ) just ask one of our staff what we have on hand.

MUNCIE GRAS.... we will be open till 10:00 PM that night. That is Saturday, Feb 2. It might be a little crazy in here. Belly Dancers, Tarot Card readings, who knows !
In keeping with the Nawlin's spirit, we will have Red Beans and Rice as our featured food item that night. We will be serving that in a to go cup so you can take to the street and keep warm, eat some good food and watch the people all at the same time. We will keep it mild for that delicate midwest palate, but we have hot sauce for you Cajuns at heart. Hot Chocolate will be the special drink that night. We can throw in a shot of espresso for a little extra zip. Top it off with some of Jenicas' Chocolate Whipped Cream and a shot of Tabasco ! OK.... I went too far with the Tabasco didn't I ? We can leave that off.....unless you really want it of course.

Finally, we have had a lot of questions about store hours. Right now and until mid February or March, Monday thru Friday 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Saturday 8 to 5. Closed Sunday. We are open the first Thursday of every month until 8 PM.

We will try some Sunday hours in Feb or March. Probably starting with 10 AM to 2 PM hours. We will adjust those depending on customer response in the store and from emails, so please respond and tell us what you want. We will make every effort to make it happen. We will be looking at longer weekday hours during that time, targeting longer hours on Friday and Saturday first. Watch your email for more information.

Oooops...almost forgot. Beginning next Tuesday, Whole Beans will be available in 8 and 12 ounce sizes. $ 6 for the 8 oz and $ 8 for the 12 oz. No tax on that bagged coffee. What a nice government ! Varieties may vary due to availability, but will include Costa Rican, Yemen, Guatemala, Columbia,Sumatra and Ethiopian. Regular and Decaf. The decaf is Swiss Water Process and the Guatemala, Columbia, Sumatra and Ethiopian are Organic Certified. These coffees are fresh...I was talking to the roaster just moments ago as he was loading in a fresh batch of green beans for this order. We will also have a few flavored coffees for you flavored drinkers.

If you do not have a grinder at home, or you just want us to do it for you, we will grind in the shop. We recommend that you grind it yourself if you have a grinder to assure maximum freshness. The flavored coffees are ground by our roaster just before packaging. NEVER grind flavored coffee in the same grinder used for unflavored coffees. We will look at whole bean flavored products at a later date.

Well, that was a lot of information wasn't it ? We look forward to serving you and please introduce yourself to me or my staff.

Tom Green
Blue Bottle
www.bluebottlecoffee.com

BSU Professor Exhibits at Gordy's with Artists from Wales, California

Marilynn Derwenskus, painting professor at Ball State University, will exhibit new works along with four of her friends – three from Cardiff, Wales, and the fourth from Oakland, CA.

Opening February 4th at Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company in downtown Muncie, the exhibit will continue through February 29, 2008. A reception for the artists will be held First Thursday, February 7th from 5 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

The group of women have previously shown together in Cardiff and wanted to exhibit again in the United States. While each artist creates in a particular medium, the pieces relate via shared philosophies and perspectives by the artists. Entitled, Other Visions: Here and Now, the exhibit promises to be a rich and exotic blending of photographs, prints, paintings and sculpture.

The artists,all recipients of numerous international awards and grants, include: Marilynn Derwenskus, watercolor paintings/mixed media, Dilys Jackson, bronze sculpture, Cynthia Handel, drawings and sculpture, Dianne Setch, digitally-manipulated drawings, and Jean Wolcot, drawings on canvas.


International exhibits are a rare occurrence for the downtown art scene, according to owner Brian Gordy. "We feel privileged to host Marilynn and her art friends, but even more privileged to display their incredible works of art. This contemporary global event will be both an education and delight to visitors and patrons."

The exhibit may also be viewed during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3. Gordy Fine Art and Framing is located at 224 East Main Street, next to Civic Theatre. For more information, call (765) 284-8422.

"From Heart and Hand" Fiber Art Exhibit at Artworks

Artworks will host a new exhibition, "From Heart and Hand" by Arlene Johnstone and Donna Cunningham, February 7 through March 6, 2008. There will be an opening reception during First Thursday, February 7, 2008 - 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

This mother, daughter team excel in working with wool tobcreate colorful and finely detailed felted bags and "pots", wool appliqué, woven shawls and ponchos and hooked rugs.

Both have had extensive training in fiber arts and have been working in this medium for many years. Arline Johnstone teaches rug hooking on an individual basis.

ArtWorks Gallery Mission: we are a non-profit cooperative artist gallery. Our mission is to serve the Muncie community and provide local artists a facility to exhibit their art and to provide educational opportunities and affordable art for our community.

Ongoing Exhibits: David Calvin - Wood and Furniture
Mary Carmichael - Paintings and Drawings
Rita Cassell - Stained Glass

For more information please contact Jeanette Gilbert
765 288 0025 (personal email: ambrosiaart@aol.com)

ArtWorks Gallery - Non-Profit Co-Op
301 S. Walnut St.
Muncie, IN 47305
765 288 2221
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:30am to 5:30pm

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Weekly Downtown E-News 1/10/08

Downtown Announcements: The Muncie Downtown Business Council will have its first member meeting of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 30th at 3pm in the Star Press building conference room. There will be a networking event at the Horizon Convention Center on Thursday, January 24th. Members and those interested in Downtown Business Council membership are encouraged to attend. Details will be forthcoming in a separate email.

The biggest Mardi Gras this side of the Mississippi is back! This year's Muncie Gras will take place on Saturday, February 2nd, from 7pm-2am in the streets of Downtown Muncie. Weather is not an obstacle this year... there will be tons of places to get out of the cold. A new addition this year is (3) 40’X100’ heated tents. Stay tuned to munciedowntown.com for entertainment line-up and more information as it becomes available.

Website update - The 24-hour web cam at MuncieDowntown.com has been recently upgraded - the cam no longer requires a login and password to view the streaming video. Click Here to watch the view from the corner of Charles and Walnut streets. We've also added some new photos to the gallery, so please check it out if you haven't lately. Additionally, the Downtown Deals coupon sheet for January is now available on the website. Click Here to download and print your own coupon sheet, or email info@munciedowntown.com to request printed copies.


JANUARY EVENTS:

10th - Winter Carnival OPEN HOUSE at Community Center for Vital Aging, 4:00-6:30PM. FREE and open to the public. Observe and participate in demonstrations of Yoga, Tai Chi and Sweating To and With the Oldies (our new exercise class). Participants can sign up for all of our new classes, have refreshments, get health screenings, and play carnival games with door prizes. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

11th Cornerstone Center for the Arts: TRIAD Meeting open to the public

11th Minnetrista: It Stings Your Toes and Bites Your Nose 1-3pm

11th Cornerstone Center for the Arts: Brown Bag and a Movie 12-2pm FREE

13th - Open Kiln Night: Small Pieces at Minnetrista, 4 - 8 p.m. Choose from a wide variety of glass, use Minnetrista's cutting tool, and fire your own piece to take home. Size templates will be provided. Knowledge of glass cutting and basic techniques is required to participate. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

16th - PBS Program Club, 2 - 4 p.m. This month's discussion is about "Prayer in America." Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

16th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents WONDER WOMEN 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture by Elaine Cotner of Ball State University's Women's Studies Department. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

17th Muncie Chamber of Commerce host a speed networking meeting at the Horizon Convention Center 2-4pm call Nance Buchert for details 751-9114

19th - Show & Tell: Kick in the New Year at Minnetrista, 1:30 - 3 p.m. Kick in the New Year with a lesson in Kung Fu. Learn how this martial art is also a form of meditation. Kung Fu trainers from Laughing Monkey will demonstrate and show you a few moves. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

21st - Muncie Children’s Museum will be open for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com for program info.

22nd - Community Center for Vital Aging presents HOME BASED BUSINESS: HOW TO GET STARTED AND BE SUCCESSFUL 6:30--8:00 p.m., FREE Small Business Development Center director, Rick Leibowitz, will share information on how to start a small home business and be successful. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

23rd - Community Center for Vital Aging presents INVENTIONS OF THE 21ST CENTURY 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture by Dr. Rich Seymour from the BallState University's Department of Technology. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

25th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents a CRAFT SEMINAR 10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. Cost includes 2-3 craft activities to make and take home. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 for cost and info.

26th Muncie Children’s Museum Free Family Saturday. Visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com for program info.

26th - 7th Annual Dead Leaf Festival returns to Centerstage. Doors open at 2:30pm, Music Starts at 3:30 pm. This is an All Ages event. Alcohol will be available to those of age with ID. Bands: Headliners- Soraia & Red Horse also- Legion, Necrophagous, Malachai, Antagonists, Consumed by Fury, nomonic, & MAAX.

28th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents BABY BLUES, BEAUTIFUL BROWNS: EXCELLENT EYE INFORMATION 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture byDr. Vasilis Makris. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

30th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents FLOWN THE COOP 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture by Dr. Bradley Hartman from Associates in Mental Health.

30th - The Downtown Business Council will meet Wednesday, January 30th, at 3:00 p.m. in the conference room at The Star Press building, 345 S. High St. Downtown Business Council is not limited to businesses and merchants. Residents, organizations and supporters of downtown in general are all encouraged to attend.

JANUARY ONGOING:

Through January 12 - Minnetrista will exhibit "White River Turtles: Paintings from Brian Gordy". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will host Anne Frank: A History for Today. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will exhibit "Indiana Acres: The Changing Face of the Family Farm". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will exhibit "B'ruchim Habaim: Midwestern Sanctuary". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January - Artworks presents an exhibit by Jack Orrick, "The Wood Speaks," with an opening reception at First Thursdays, January 3, 2008, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Through January - Gordy Fine Art & Framing will continue its annual Print Show, featuring twenty area artists. Selections will include many sizes, subjects and price ranges, with all works available for purchase. The print show is the largest exhibit of the year at Gordy's. Prints may be removed from the exhibit at the time of purchase. The Annual Print Show will continue through January.

Through January - Gallery 308 presents an exhibit by Margie Prim, to open on January 3, 2008. The public is invited to the opening reception, 5-8 p.m., when light refreshments will be served and the artist will be on hand.

Jan 28-Apr. 24th Cornerstone for the Arts winter classes. Call for more info about classes at 281-9503 or visit www.cornerstonearts.org.

UPCOMING IN FEBRUARY:

2nd - Downtown's annual Mardi Gras (Muncie Gras) returns. Advance tickets are now available. Visit munciedowntown.com for details, or call Downtown Develoment at 282-7897.

3rd and 10th Artist Within offers Fused Glass classes from 11-5pm more details visit www.theartistwithininc.com

8th - David Allan Coe at Doc's Music Hall, with Michael Martin Band and The Silver Dollar Family Band. Show starts at 9pm, doors open at 5. Visit docsmusichall.com for info.

10th - Indiana Public Radio's 7th annual "All Things Chocolate," February 10th at Minnetrista. Registration deadline is Feb. 7. For more information, call Carol Trimmer at 765-285-5887. Registration form and guidelines may be downloaded at www.bsu.edu/ipr.

14th Artist Within Valentine’s Day Desserts and More 6-9pm

22nd - Get Your GROSS On! (For Grown-ups Only) at Minnetrista, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Complimentary drink, tasty treats, and an exploration of everything gross, featuring the exhibit, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Registration Deadline: Friday, February 15. Call 282-4848 to make your reservation.

Through February -Artworks will exhibit “From Heart and Hand” by Arline Johnstone and Donna Cunningham, February 7 through March 6, 2008. An opening reception will be held during First Thursday, Feb 7, 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Feb. 2nd - April 27th - "Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body" exhibit at Minnetrista. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

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SEND NEWS ITEMS:

Send information on downtown-related events for the weekly emailed newsletter to nancylnorris@aol.com.

Send information to be added to the downtown website to info@munciedowntown.com.

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Dead Leaf Fest Returns to Center Stage

7th Annual Dead Leaf Festival returns to Centerstage on Saturday, January 26th. Doors open at 2:30pm, Music Starts at 3:30 pm,
Admission is $10 at the door. This is an All Ages event. Alcohol will be available to those of age with ID.

Bands:
Headliners- Soraia & Red Horse
also- Legion, Necrophagous, Malachai, Antagonists, Consumed by Fury, nomonic, & MAAX

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Minnetrista Gets Gross with exhibit, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body

Sometimes it's stinky, sometimes it's crusty, and sometimes it's slimy. Explore why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk at Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body at Minnetrista February 2 - April 27.

Based on the best-selling book Grossology, this exhibition uses sophisticated animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell you the good, the bad and the downright ugly about runny noses, body odor and much more.

Grossology is a collaboration between Science World, Advanced Exhibits, and Grossology author Sylvia Branzei. As a teacher, writer, curriculum designer and microbiologist, Branzei explains the concept of Grossology as a learning tool.

"This is science in disguise," Branzei says. "If we teach students in their own words, they'll understand better and actually learn something."

Admission is $4 child/student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Exhibit hours are Mon. - Sat.,
9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call (765) 282-4848, visit www.minnetrista.net, or visit the Grossology tour Web site at www.grossologytour.com.


Grossology Exhibit Features

• "Her Grossness" will introduce you to Grossology at the gallery entrance.

• Take a "Tour du Nose" to explore 10 nasal features, including how your snoot acts as an air filter, a smell sensor and a mucus producer.

• Play the pinball game “Gas Attack” by scoring off bumpers dressed up as food items
that cause gas.

• Mimic the build up of acid indigestion by causing the "Burp Machine" to release a
giant belch.

• Play "Urine: The Game" to explore the role of the kidney in a virtual reality experience.

• Take a ride on the GI slide, climb a large-scale replica of human skin, and discover other mysterious ways your body’s biology does what it needs to do to keep you healthy.


Special Events for lots of REALLY GROSS fun!

Get Your GROSS On! (For Grown-ups Only)
Friday, February 22 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Join us for a night of after-work, grown-up, gross-out fun! Complimentary drink, tasty treats, and an exploration of everything gross, featuring the exhibit, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body.

Play Gas Attack pinball
Take a Tour du Nose
Ride the GI Slide,
Find Out YU Stink and more

$10 per person
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 15. Call 282-4848 to make your reservation.

It'll be gross, but it'll be fun. Don’t miss it!

Grossology Fun Day for Families
Saturday, March 29 1 - 4 p.m.

See the exhibit and discover everything you ever wanted to know (or didn’t want to know) about how and why your body does the gross things it does. Join us for an afternoon of hands-on grossology in action for the whole family. Check www.minnetrista.net for updates and details. Included with paid admission ($4 child/student; $6 senior; $7 adult).


###

Located along historic White River, Minnetrista includes 40 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, a modern museum facility, an historic home, Nature Area, numerous sculptures, and a portion of the Cardinal Greenway. Minnetrista serves East Central Indiana with dynamic community activities and exhibits that honor and reflect its natural and cultural heritage. For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Muncie Mardi Gras 2008 Tickets Now On Sale

The biggest Mardi Gras this side of the Mississippi is back! This year's Muncie Gras will take place on Saturday, February 2nd, from 7pm-2am in the streets of Downtown Muncie.

Weather is not an obstacle this year... there will be tons of places to get out of the cold. A new addition this year is (3) 40’X100’ heated tents to house all of your favorite bars and some of our favorite active entertainment.

This year will have humongous outdoor inflatable screens that will bring all of the sights and sounds of New Orleans Mardi Gras straight into our party! We literally will bring the French Quarter, parades from Bourbon Street to Walnut Street. Live remote cameras will be placed throughout the venue to project the party on big screens throughout the event!

A crowd pleaser, the mechanical bull is back, new giant inflatable twister board, the go-go cage, interactive video screens, FM Music outdoor stage, dj dance music everywhere, and live entertainment will keep you in the party mood throughout the evening!

MITS Trolley will provide a safe ride home, running from 7pm-3am to campus and Lyndenbrook hotels. This is a 21 and up event. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For more information call the Downtown Development office at 765-282-7897.

Stay tuned to munciedowntown.com for the entertainment lineup and more details as they become available. Or CLICK HERE to visit the official Muncie Gras website.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Downtown Deals for January 08

The Downtown Deals coupon sheet for January 2008 has just been posted to munciedowntown.com. Printed sheets may be picked up at various locations throughout Downtown Muncie, including the Downtown Development office, or at the Downtown display at the Muncie Mall main entrance near Macy's.

Ths Week at Doc's Music Hall 1/7/08

This Monday (tonight) - We're breaking out the beer pong table, the chess sets, and the cornhole... board thingies for game night. Get $2 Bud Light pitchers, $1 pizza slices, $2 Jaeger shots, and $3 Jaeger bombs as part of our Monday special.

THIS TUESDAY
At 8pm, Brent Wilson will be performing, and you'll be able to get $2 pints of Two-Hearted Ale, any well drinks for $1.50, and whole vegan pizzas for $5.
http://myspace.com/brentwilsonmusic

THIS WEDNESDAY - OPEN MIC
We're holding open mic night from 9pm to close, and offering $2 whiskey and $5 pitchers of any draft beer.

THIS THURSDAY - WELCOME BACK STUDENTS
James Brown Car Alarm and Craig Furnivall will be performing, starting at 8pm. All martinis will be half off, and Long Islands will be only $1.
http://myspace.com/thejamesbrowncaralarm
http://myspace.com/craigfurnivall

THIS FRIDAY
At 8pm, the Cory Hill Trio will be performing. Hot dogs are FREE all night, and pints of Killian's are only $1. Admission is $3.
http://coryhillmusic.com/

THIS SATURDAY - CHICAGO PUNK NIGHT
8pm - The Dave Helms Project
9pm - House of Ghost (Chicago garage/punk)
10pm - Mad Minute (Chicago punk/hardcore)
11pm - Bone Tosser (Chicago rock/post-punk)
12pm - Big Bang Static (experimental indie-punk)
We'll also be offering $1 white Russians and $5 cheese pizzas. Admission will be $3.
http://myspace.com/houseofghost
http://myspace.com/madminutepunk
http://myspace.com/bonetosser
http://myspace.com/bigbangstatic

THIS SUNDAY - TRIVIA NIGHT
The weekly battle of wit and cunning where egos are crushed and legends are born continues this Sunday with Trivia Night. The winners get a $50 bar tab, but everybody gets our $10 "Pizza and a Pitcher" special, along with $1 pints of any of our draft beers with an FM Music mug. It's free to play, but we start at 9pm sharp. Last week's trivia was heated, and gave us our first tie in Doc's trivia history. After an extended overtime round, however, Team Skunk Piss fell to the trivia might of Team Finely Sanded Table Legs.

MARDI GRAS
In downtown news, the legendary annual bacchanalia known as Muncie Mardi Gras is set to take place this Saturday, February 2nd, and we're already working to reinforce the structural integrity of our poor little nightclub to withstand another onslaught like last year. Mark your calendars and come out to join us for the biggest party of the year, featuring the Doc Peterson Trio, Big Bang Static, Know More Robots, Michael Martin Band, The Spitshine, Shoeshine Joe & the Muddy Souls, beads, booze, and utterly profligate and licentious revelry.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Cornerstone Center for the Arts Opens Registration for Fall Classes

The Cornerstone Arts Program is excited to introduce its next series of classes, which start January 28 and continue until April 24. The Arts Program offers classes for youth and adults in numerous areas of the arts.

Youth (K-8th Grade) classes include: Youth Dance, Youth Hip Hop, Youth Tap, Youth Art, Youth Ceramics, Group Piano, Ballet classes, Kindermusik®, Youth Drama, Baby Sign Language, Art Exploration, and Early Art

8th Grade-Adult classes include: Hip Hop Aerobics, Cheerleading, Adult Hip Hop, Dance & Fitness, Belly Dance, Scrapbooking, Swing Dance, Drawing, Painting, Adult Ceramics, Jewelry Making with Polymer Clay, Jewelry Making with Beading, Handmade Books, Shakespeare Troupe, Creative Writing Workshop, and Basic Sign Language.

In addition, the Cornerstone Arts Program offers private instruction for all ages in the following areas: Drums, Guitar, Piano, Voice, Strings, Trumpet, Saxophone, and American Sign Language.

Register online at www.cornerstonearts.org.

* What: Open registration for Fall Classes
* When: September 10 – December 6
* Where: Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main St. Muncie, IN
* Who: Open to the public.

Weekly Downtown E-News 1/3/08

Downtown Announcements: Celebrate the arts tonight in Downtown Muncie during our monthly First Thursday event, January 3rd, from 5 to 8pm. Our many art galleries spotlight their exhibit openings on the first Thursday evenings of every month, with meet-the-artist receptions.

The Artist Within (313 South Walnut) will offer a "Sneak Peek" of work by the artists who will be featured in 2008. They will host a "First Thursday" opening from 5-8 pm January 3rd.

Artworks (301 South Walnut) presents an exhibit by Jack Orrick, "The Wood Speaks," (pictured at right), with an opening reception at First Thursdays, January 3, 2008, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Gallery 308 (308 E. Main) presents an exhibit by Margie Prim, to open on January 3, 2008. The public is invited to the opening reception, 5-8 p.m., when light refreshments will be served and the artist will be on hand.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing (224 E. Main) will continue its annual Print Show, featuring twenty area artists. Selections will include many sizes, subjects and price ranges, with all works available for purchase. The print show is the largest exhibit of the year at Gordy's. Prints may be removed from the exhibit at the time of purchase. The Annual Print Show will continue through January.

Mitchell Place Studio (301 South Walnut) See monthly showcase of recent, supported student art and research projects from the Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts & Animation Student Art & Research, in association with First Thursdays downtown. For more information on this and other IDIAA programs visit www.bsu.edu/cmd/mps.


JANUARY EVENTS:

3rd - Celebrate the arts in Downtown Muncie at First Thursday, January 3rd, from 5 to 8pm. Our many art galleries spotlight their exhibit openings on the first Thursday evenings of every month, with meet-the-artist receptions.

4th Morton's Pub & Grub presents: Walden's Song 8pm--no cover

5th Morton's Pub & Grub presents: Mars or the Moon 8pm--no cover

5th - Tic-Tac Turtle at Minnetrista, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Discover the differences between land and water turtles, then make a fun tic-tac-toe game to help you remember! Registration Deadline: Wed., Jan. 2. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

7th - Morton's Pub & Grub features: Monday Night Movie--The Wizard of Oz: Dark Side of the Moon Edition

8th Morton's Pub & Grub features: Guitar Hero Tuesdays

9th Morton's Pub & Grub features: Stout House open mike 8pm

9th Muncie Chamber of Commerce hosts Muncie on the Move breakfast at Horizon Convention Center doors open at 6:45am program starts at 7:30am, for more details 751-9114

10th - Winter Carnival OPEN HOUSE at Community Center for Vital Aging, 4:00-6:30PM. FREE and open to the public. Observe and participate in demonstrations of Yoga, Tai Chi and Sweating To and With the Oldies (our new exercise class). Participants can sign up for all of our new classes, have refreshments, get health screenings, and play carnival games with door prizes. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

11th Cornerstone Center for the Arts: TRIAD Meeting open to the public

11th Minnetrista: It Stings Your Toes and Bites Your Nose 1-3pm

11th Cornerstone Center for the Arts: Brown Bag and a Movie 12-2pm FREE

13th - Open Kiln Night: Small Pieces at Minnetrista, 4 - 8 p.m. Choose from a wide variety of glass, use Minnetrista's cutting tool, and fire your own piece to take home. Size templates will be provided. Knowledge of glass cutting and basic techniques is required to participate. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

16th - PBS Program Club, 2 - 4 p.m. This month's discussion is about "Prayer in America." Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

16th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents WONDER WOMEN 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture by Elaine Cotner of Ball State University's Women's Studies Department. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

17th Muncie Chamber of Commerce host a speed networking meeting at the Horizon Convention Center 2-4pm call Nance Buchert for details 751-9114

19th - Show & Tell: Kick in the New Year at Minnetrista, 1:30 - 3 p.m. Kick in the New Year with a lesson in Kung Fu. Learn how this martial art is also a form of meditation. Kung Fu trainers from Laughing Monkey will demonstrate and show you a few moves. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

22nd - Community Center for Vital Aging presents HOME BASED BUSINESS: HOW TO GET STARTED AND BE SUCCESSFUL 6:30--8:00 p.m., FREE Small Business Development Center director, Rick Leibowitz, will share information on how to start a small home business and be successful. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

23rd - Community Center for Vital Aging presents INVENTIONS OF THE 21ST CENTURY 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture by Dr. Rich Seymour from the BallState University's Department of Technology. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

25th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents a CRAFT SEMINAR 10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. Cost includes 2-3 craft activities to make and take home. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 for cost and info.

28th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents BABY BLUES, BEAUTIFUL BROWNS: EXCELLENT EYE INFORMATION 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture byDr. Vasilis Makris. Please call the CCVA at (765) 289-4541 to reserve your seat.

30th - Community Center for Vital Aging presents FLOWN THE COOP 6:30 -- 8:00 p.m., FREE lecture by Dr. Bradley Hartman from Associates in Mental Health.

JANUARY ONGOING:

Through January 12 - Minnetrista will exhibit "White River Turtles: Paintings from Brian Gordy". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will host Anne Frank: A History for Today. Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will exhibit "Indiana Acres: The Changing Face of the Family Farm". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January 20 - Minnetrista will exhibit "B'ruchim Habaim: Midwestern Sanctuary". Call (765) 282-4848 or visit http://www.minnetrista.net.

Through January - Artworks presents an exhibit by Jack Orrick, "The Wood Speaks," with an opening reception at First Thursdays, January 3, 2008, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Through January - Gordy Fine Art & Framing will continue its annual Print Show, featuring twenty area artists. Selections will include many sizes, subjects and price ranges, with all works available for purchase. The print show is the largest exhibit of the year at Gordy's. Prints may be removed from the exhibit at the time of purchase. The Annual Print Show will continue through January.

Through January - Gallery 308 presents an exhibit by Margie Prim, to open on January 3, 2008. The public is invited to the opening reception, 5-8 p.m., when light refreshments will be served and the artist will be on hand.

Jan 28-Apr. 24th Cornerstone for the Arts winter classes. Call for more info about classes at 281-9503 or visit www.cornerstonearts.org.

UPCOMING IN FEBRUARY:

2nd - Downtown's annual Mardi Gras (Muncie Gras) returns. Stay tuned to munciedowntown.com for details.

3rd and 10th Artist Within offers Fused Glass classes from 11-5pm more details visit www.theartistwithininc.com

14th Artist Within Valentine's Day Desserts and More 6-9pm

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