Muncie Gras Postponed to March 20

Muncie Gras 2010 has been postponed to Saturday, March 20, due to current and forecast weather conditions.

Any tickets that have been purchased for the February 20th date are valid for the new date; however pre-sold tickets are non-refundable.

The annual Muncie Mardi Gras celebration will now take place Saturday, March 20, from 7pm-2am in the Streets of Downtown Muncie.

Stay tuned to munciedowntown.com/munciegras or facebook.com/munciegras for details regarding any changes that may occur in the entertainment line up and other events of the evening.


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St. Patrick's Day Parade Set for Downtown Muncie

28th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held Saturday March 13th beginning at 5:30p.m. Line-up will begin at 4pm at Muncie Central Field house parking lot. The parade will proceed south on Walnut Street to Charles St. and return via Mulberry St.

Parade entry forms will be available www.munciedowntown.com. Click here to download application (MS Word format).

For more information or applications, contact Cheryl Crowder at Downtown Development Partnership, (765) 282-7897.


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Early Registration Discount for Snowed In Family Camp at Minnetrista!

Spend the night at Minnetrista during "Snowed In: A family overnight adventure!" Friday & Saturday, February 26 & 27 from 7 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday.

Science! Nature! Fun! Pretend you're snowed in for the night at Minnetrista! How will you survive? It's an overnight experience for your family and a chance to see new exhibits at Minnetrista after hours! This is a great opportunity for learning at any age. A fun night for adult and child!

You and your family will have a BLAST at this overnight family camp at Minnetrista. We're planning lots of fun activities, like: building a sleeping fort, exploring the exhibits, eating astronaut ice cream snacks, creating a family art project and learning about the stars.

Don't forget to bring your sleeping bag and pillow!

Sign up before February 15 and get $5 off the program price! Call or email to RSVP

Price: Member Family $20 per adult-child pair; $10 each additional child, Non-member Family $25 per adult-child pair; $12 each additional child. (includes snacks and breakfast)

Questions? Call (765) 213-3549 or visit minnetrista.net for more information.


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The Miracle Worker at Muncie Civic Theatre

Muncie Civic Theatre presents The Miracle Worker on the Mainstage Theatre, February 19th-20th, 26th-28th, and March 4th-6th. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm and the Sunday matinee on February 28th is at 2:00pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students.

Immortalized onstage and screen, this classic tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. The Miracle Worker dramatizes the volatile relationship between the lonely teacher and her charge. Helen, trapped in her secret world, is violent, spoiled, and almost sub-human and treated by her family as such. Only Annie realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence.

Following scenes of intense physical and emotional struggle, Annie's success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single word: "water". Helen Keller went on to become an author of 14 books and one of the most influential speakers in the world. Join us as we experience the beginnings of this amazing story. Directed by Robby Tompkins.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.munciecivic.org or by calling 288.PLAY or by stopping by the Box Office, Tuesday-Friday from Noon-6:00pm at 216 E. Main Street in Muncie.

Go online to www.munciecivic.org for complete season information.


Cast List:

Annie Sullivan: Tonya Kunkel
Helen Keller: Paige Cooper
Captain Keller: Jeff Shull
Kate Keller: Antoinette Heard
James Keller: Aaron Beal
Aunt Ev: Rita Wessel
Viney: Denise Hurt
Jimmie Sullivan: Kevin Kratz
Martha: Brianna Tschuor
Percy: Wally Kern
Doctor: Bob Green
Dr. Anagnos: Gary Kern

Blind Girls:
Katie Bitterman
Katie Donahue
Lucy East
Hallie Gick
JJ Kern
Laura Schmidt
Rossi Wingler
Chelsea Wardrop


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Free Muncie Gras Ticket to the 500th Fan on Facebook!

Muncie Gras is just around the corner, and organizers are giving away a FREE ticket for Muncie Gras 2010 to the 500th person to become a fan of the Muncie Gras facebook page! Winner will be notified by email.

On the fan page, you can post your own Muncie Gras photos, videos and links to entertainment websites and other Muncie Gras event listings on facebook. Become a fan today! You'll receive up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook, and you'll be the first to know when next year's Muncie Gras details are available.

Find Muncie Gras on Facebook at facebook.com/munciegras. You can also follow Muncie Gras on twitter @munciegras.

The 9th Annual Muncie Mardi Gras celebration returns to the streets of downtown Muncie Indiana on Saturday night, February 20, from 7pm-2am.


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Cornerstone Center for the Arts Opens Registration for Spring 6 Week Classes

The Cornerstone Arts Program is excited to introduce its spring six week classes, which will run from March 8th to April 22nd. The Arts Program offers classes for youth and adults in numerous areas of the arts. This is a small sampling of classes in a shorter session.

Youth classes (Age 1 through 8th grade) include: Early Art, Youth Art, Art Exploration, Hip Hop for boys and girls, Indian & Bollywood Dancing, Tap Dancing, , and Youth Drama.

9th Grade - Adult classes include: Digital Photography, Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Cardio Dance Movement, Stage Combat, Line Dancing, & Swing Dancing

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

These classes are a great way to have fun, start a new hobby or learn a new skill! Come explore, create, and escape at Cornerstone Center for the Arts!

The full session with multiple classes in each art form will be offered again in the summer. The schedule will be announced in early May.

Register at www.cornerstonearts.org or pick up a brochure in the building for class details. Call Cornerstone Center for the Arts at 765.281.9503 ext. 15 for additional information.


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Muncie Ballet Offers Peter Pan Workshop Classes

When a child performs for an audience they can imagine dream and discover their talents. Muncie Ballet performs two complete story book ballets each season. Join us for Peter Pan six week dance classes, and give your child the magic of ballet theatre.

The six week classes are a great introduction to dance and Muncie Ballet one-of-a-kind performances. Dance or stage experience is not required. Learn a few new steps along the way too. After completing the classes students will perform in Peter Pan with Muncie Ballet.

6 Week classes March 3 - April 10 Perform in Muncie Ballet's Peter Pan April 17th Class fee $75.00

Free family tickets! Costume rental fee included! Tuition assistance available.

Grade K-3 , Wednesday 5:30-6:15 March 3- April 7
Crocodile - slither and jump and be ready for action

Pre K-K Wednesday 6:15-7:00 March 3- April 7
Tip toes, turning & twirling Tinker bells

Grade K-3 Saturday 10:15-11 March 6- April 10
Aarghh Come be a Pirate and dance like a sailor.

Registration RSVP Contact Lisa Love, Muncie Ballet
765-216-5472

www.MuncieBallet.org



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Winter Happenings at Minnetrista

New lower admission at Minnetrista

Minnetrista is pleased to announce that it has lowered the general admission fee to a $5 flat rate. Under the new pricing structure, children age 3 and under will be admitted free. And as always, members of Minnetrista are admitted free.

This rate change makes it easy for a family of four to visit Minnetrista for $20 and explore our incredible exhibits. There is always something new to discover at Minnetrista!



A cool way to keep warm!

This winter, visit your public library to check out a FREE ADMISSION pass to Minnetrista! Participating libraries allow cardholders to check out a pass just like a book! We have exciting exhibits to experience all winter long!

For additional information:
Call (765) 282-4848 or (800) 428-5887
Or visit our Web site at www.minnetrista.net


Discover All Day:


Casey's Clubhouse (NEW!!)

Let your kids become explorers at Casey's Clubhouse at Minnetrista. This interactive exhibit encourages kids to explore their world with their senses and with explorer tools. The clubhouse has secret hiding places and lots of fun items to explore. But the exploration doesn't end there. Families can checkout real explorer tools from the front desk to explore sites on Minnetrista's 40-acre campus.


Minnetrista Boulevard Walk
Daily, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Take a walk on the boulevard! Minnetrista Boulevard is the site of the beautiful former Ball family homes. This walking tour is filled with stories of history, nature, and gardens.

(Tour includes the G.A. Ball home). Meet in the lobby of the Center Building.


FEBRUARY______________________________________

ADULT PROGRAMS


PBS Club:
American Experience: John and Abigail Adams
Wednesday, February 17
2-4 p.m.


Share an intelligent, stimulating group conversation on John & Abigail Adams. Join us on the third Wednesday of each month from 2-4 p.m. Every meeting we will view a different educational program from WIPB and then have a facilitated group discussion of what we have watched.

Price: Free to members and non-members


Cold Combing Glass Jewelry Wednesday, February 17

Friday, February 5
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Cut glass, create a template and create some jewelry in this fun class. Participants will learn glass cutting, cold combing, and fusing techniques and complete a jewelry pendant to be picked up at a later date.

Price: members $20, non-members $25


FAMILY PROGRAMS


Snowed In!
(indoors overnight at Minnetrista)

Family (adults w/ kids ages 6-9)
Friday & Saturday, February 26 & 27
7 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday

Science, Nature, Fun! Pretend you're snowed in for the night at Minnetrista! How will we survive? It's an overnight experience for your family and an opportunity to see new exhibits at Minnetrista after hours! This is a great opportunity for learning at any age and spending quality family time together. A fun night for adult and child!

Price: Member Family $20 per adult-child pair; $10 each additional child, Non-member Family $25 per adult-child pair; $12 each additional child

Registration Deadline: February 22


EXHIBITS

Eyes on Earth
Through May 9, 2010

Eyes on Earth is a hands-on exhibit designed to help people understand how the Earth is observed from space. This exciting exhibit will help visitors become aware of the importance of satellites in our world.


Disease Detectives
February 13 - May 30, 2010

This exhibition explores the world of infectious diseases. There are many different people involved in solving an infectious disease mystery. Discover why young Adam can't enjoy his birthday cake or why Yolanda has become deathly ill while visiting her family.


20th Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show and Sale
February 20 - May 2, 2010

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Annual Juried Art Show and Sale. This show features the finest of regional talent. A catalog of the art show entries will commemorate this anniversary year.


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Catch Live Jazz Tonight in Downtown Muncie in February

Live Jazz Tonight will return to White River Landing on Charles Street in Downtown Muncie on Friday, Feb. 12 and 26, performing from 6:30-9:30. Come on out and enjoy great food and music.

Live Jazz Tonight will return to Two Johnny's on Friday, Feb. 19.

On Sunday, March 7, Live Jazz Tonight will perform at the Kennedy Library in Muncie from 2:30 to 4. A Thelonious Monk tribute is planned, as well as original Paul Rhine compositions and other jazz standards. Come on out and enjoy this free event.

The band also performs at Motini's every Saturday from 9 to midnight. Motini's is located above the MT Cup in the village.

For more information, check out the band's website: www.livejazztonight.net

Also, the Tim Van Cleave Project performs at Motini's every Thursday night from 9 to midnight. The group features Tim Van Cleave on vibes, Paul Rhine on electric fretless bass and flute and Gabe Beach on drums.


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Art & Soul by Phoebe Hosts Trunk Show and Crazy Sweatshirt Day

Two events are to occur simultaneously at Art & Soul by Phoebe Gallery, 409 S. Walnut Street, on Saturday, February 13, from 10am to 5pm.

A Trunk Show by Debra Gindhart Dragoo will be the opening event. Debra is presenting her "Private Collection" vintage handmade jewelry from 10am - 5pm. These are new pieces that have never been seen before. Debra has started a new line, which she has carefully crafted, and now wishes to present for the very first time.

Also on Saturday, at 1pm, the "Crazy/Wild Sweatshirt Day" Event will start. This contest was announced a couple of weeks ago, and hopefully contestants have been working on their entries. The winner of this contest wins a $100 painting of their choice by either Michael or Phoebe. They have four to choose from. Those attending will vote on the sweatshirts entered. The one with the most votes will be the winner. Winner will be announced at 3pm.

The sweatshirts can either be bought, sewn, painted, stitched, or whatever.....they just have to be crazy and wild!

Refreshments will be served throughout the day. Free to the public.


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Bears of Blue River Save the Civic on Feb. 8

Bears of Blue River will play a homecoming show as a "Save the Civic" Fundraiser at Muncie Civic Theater on Monday, February 8th.

The doors are at 6:30 PM with a 7 PM start time. A portion of all proceeds go to the "Save the Civic" fundraiser.

This date falls two and a half weeks into The Bears of Blue River two and half month tour schedule. The Bears of Blue River (Chicago, IL) will be touring most of early 2010 in support of their new EP "The Killer Bee Scare" which was engineered and produced with friends, Margot and the Nuclear So and So's. (Sony/Epic)

The Bears of Blue River are celebrating the Tuesday, January 26th Release and hit the road Wednesday, January 20th for a circuit running through the end of March. Their travels will take them all through the Midwest, up and down the East Coast, to the warmth of Florida and through the Gulf of Mexico to Texas for SXSW.

Prominent stops along their travels include a Daytrotter Session in early February, a performance on KARE 11 Showcase MN (NBC) with an average viewing audience of 100,000, a cozy show at Arlene's Grocery in New York's Lower East Side for representatives from Sony, lead Music stories in the circulated Midwest entertainment rag NUVO, as well as Redeye and Metromix features, Hype Machine feature, UK Write Ups, greeting the audience of 2,000 locals for the Ghent Bar Tour in Virgina, and a wide ranging, eclectic mix of venues from Bowling Alleys to Art Galleries.

All the while Minneapolis based, Tinderbox Music will be pushing the EP hard via the College Radio Circuit for a National Radio Campaign.


The Bears of Blue River: The Killer Bee Scare (EP) ZIP
http://www.sendspace.com/file/icfntr


recent press:
"On Killer Bee, Bears frontman Gavin Wilkinson set out to make an album with melodies that stick in your head. He succeeded. His band has crafted an indie folk-pop gem that blends styles ranging from the mid-century styles of Johnny and June Carter Cash to Simon and Garfunkel, Roy Orbison to Frankie Lymon....The benefits of his musical education are evident on The Killer Bee Scare, with five catchy songs that linger in your mind. Along with Gard's show-stealing vocals, McManus becomes a musical tailor, weaving his bass through the melodies like thread, pulling all the elements together into a cohesive unit while also giving the songs a buoyant boost. Wilkinson ditches the somber mood that drove This Story and replaces it with a lighter introspection on relationships and age. Finally, his male band mates come together and drape the compositions with doo-wop harmonies, a perfect element to an already pleasurable listening experience." - NUVO


"Chicago sextet The Bears of Blue River serve up bubbly indie-pop with a pinch of country twang and cutesy boy/girl vocals on their newly released debut EP, "The Killer Bee Scare." The combination of jangly guitars, exuberant harmonies and gently chugging rhythms works wonders on record, and will likely hold up just as strongly on stage tonight"- Metromix


"a truly delightful mix of folk pop that is simply charming (and cleverly carries enough of an edge to avoid ever becoming too saccharine or twee). Bubblegum is carried along on a jaunty melody, sweet vocals, and a catchy chorus that makes you think of waking up in a log cabin to early morning sunshine. Crayola begins as a slightly more subdued number before a bold chorus stirs everything up, and Betty Homemaker is carried along on a trademark Johnny Cash beat with classic "his and hers" vocals that playfully build to a swelling, climactic finish.
The Bears Of Blue River are from Chicago and we like them a whole lot. " - The Mad Mackerel (UK)


"Symphonic melodies, folky guitar plucking, and the all-around peaceful aura of the music and vocals caught my ear! I tend to like bands that use both a male and a female voice in creaming melodies and harmonies. Bears of Blue River do that brilliantly." - Sunsetintherearview.com


"These lovely, glowing, folksy little pop numbers bop right along with charming male & female vocals and strong instrumentation." - WLUR 91.5


"Your music makes me want to walk naked through the woods!" - NBC Correspondent Rob Hudson


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Upcoming Events at Muncie Civic Theatre

Pippin
Muncie Civic Theatre presents Pippin in the Studio Theatre, February 12th-14th, 19th-20th, and 25th-27th. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 8:00pm and the Sunday matinee on February 14th is at 2:00pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Purchase tickets online, call 288.PLAY to order over the phone during box office hours or stop by, Tuesday-Friday, from Noon-6:00pm at 216 E. Main Street in Muncie. Tickets are also available at the door one hour prior to the show for cash walk-in sales only, but seating is limited so get yours in advance today!

Once upon a time, the young prince Pippin longed to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He sought it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. In the end, he found it in the simple pleasures of home and family. Written by Roger Hirson and Bob Fosse, this hip, tongue-in-cheek, fairy tale captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The energetic pop-influenced score by three-time Oscar(R)-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz ("Godspell," "Children of Eden" and the animated films "Pocahontas," "The Hunchback Of Notre Dame" and "The Prince Of Egypt") bursts with one show stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers. Directed by Todd Sandman. Musical direction by Matthew Hooper.

Leading Player: Amanda Hummer
Pippin: Matthew Glasner
Charles: Marty Grubbs
Fastrada: Lisa Etchison
Lewis: Nate Ferrise
Berthe: Sonja Rees
Catherine: Katie O'Keefe
Theo: Neal Reinke
Dance Captain/Ensemble: Holly Mittelmeier

Band Of Players:
Nic Blevins
Erica Dumond
Kodie Egenolf
Cayla Knisley
Treace Koontz
Hannah Strayhorn


The Miracle Worker

Muncie Civic Theatre presents The Miracle Worker on the Mainstage Theatre, February 19th-20th, 26th-28th, and March 4th-6th. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30pm and the Sunday matinee on February 28th is at 2:00pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students. Purchase tickets online, call 288.PLAY to order over the phone during box office hours or stop by, Tuesday-Friday, from Noon-6:00pm at 216 E. Main Street in Muncie. Tickets are also available at the door one hour prior to the show for walk-in sales. Seating is reserved and the house opens thirty minutes before showtime.

Immortalized onstage and screen, this classic tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. The Miracle Worker dramatizes the volatile relationship between the lonely teacher and her charge. Helen, trapped in her secret world, is violent, spoiled, and almost sub-human and treated by her family as such. Only Annie realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence. Following scenes of intense physical and emotional struggle, Annie's success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single word: "water". Helen Keller went on to become an author of 14 books and one of the most influential speakers in the world. Join us as we experience the beginnings of this amazing story. Directed by Robby Tompkins.

Annie Sullivan: Tonya Kunkel
Helen Keller: Paige Cooper
Captain Keller: Jeff Shull
Kate Keller: Antoinette Heard
James Keller: Aaron Beal
Aunt Ev: Rita Wessel
Viney: Denise Hurt
Jimmie Sullivan: Kevin Kratz
Martha: Brianna Tschuor
Percy: Wally Kern
Doctor: Bob Green
Dr. Anagnos: Gary Kern

Blind Girls:
Katie Bitterman
Katie Donahue
Lucy East
Hallie Gick
JJ Kern
Laura Schmidt
Rossi Wingler
Chelsea Wardrop

The Bears of Blue River - Benefit Concert

Muncie Civic Theatre is hosting an all ages benefit show featuring the bands, The Bears of Blue River (myspace.com/thebearsofblueriver) and The Dream Machines on Monday, February 8th at 7:00pm. Tickets are $5 available only at the door and proceeds go to benefit Muncie Civic Theatre and The Bears of Blue River and their debut EP "The Killer Bee Scare". Merchandise and concessions will also be available.

Upcoming Shows

Purchase tickets online, call 288.PLAY to purchase your tickets over the phone or stop by the Box Office, Tuesday-Friday, from Noon-6:00pm at 216 E. Main Street in Muncie. The Box Office opens one hour prior to each performance for walk-in sales.

Mainstage Series
All shows are reserved seating and are at 7:30pm for Thursday-Saturday performances, and the Sunday matinee is at 2:00pm.

The Miracle Worker - February 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, March 4, 5, 6

High School Musical - April 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, May 1

Once Upon a Mattress - July 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24


Studio Series
All shows are general admission and are at 8:00pm for Thursday-Saturday performances, and the Sunday matinee is at 2:00pm.

Pippin - February 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

Equus - April 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11

Proof - June 25, 26, 27, July 1, 2, 9, 10


Family Theatre Series
All shows are general admission and are at 7:30pm and the Sunday matinee is at 2:00pm.

Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues Live! Blue's Birthday Party - May 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22

Sleeping Beauty - July 30, 31, August 1, 5, 6, 7
Auditions

All auditions are free and open to the public. Most call-backs are scheduled for later that day, but it will vary per show. You will be notified of a time after you audition if you are invited to a call-back. Please be prepared to sing a song if auditioning for a musical (we do not have an accompanist), and be ready to recite a monologue. More details will be available soon.

Upcoming Auditions

March 6 & 7 - 1:00pm - High School Musical &
Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues Live! Blue's Birthday Party

May 1 - 1:00pm - Proof

May 29 - 1:00pm - Once Upon a Mattress and Sleeping Beauty

Auditions for our 79th season in 2010/2011 will be announced in early spring.
Support Civic

Help us to ensure that the Civic is here for future generations. You can help support our efforts by volunteering, donating items such as props/costumes/office supplies, etc., and by supporting us financially. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for considering making a donation to Muncie Civic Theatre.

Online
Donate online using your credit card.

By Mail
Muncie Civic Theatre
216 East Main Street
Muncie, IN 47305

By Phone
Call 765.288.PLAY ext. 2 to donate using your Visa or Mastercard.


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Live Jazz Tonight at Two Johnnys Postponed Due to Weather

Due to harsh winter weather conditions, Live Jazz Tonight will not perform at Two Johnnys tonight, Friday, Feb. 5. The band has been rescheduled to perform at the restaurant on Friday, Feb. 19. See you then.

Live Jazz Tonight will return to White River Landing on Charles Street in Muncie on Friday, Feb. 12 and 26, performing from 6:30-9:30.

The band also performs at Motini's every Saturday from 9 to midnight. Motini's is located above the MT Cup in the village.

On Sunday, March 7, Live Jazz Tonight will perform at the Kennedy Library in Muncie from 2:30 to 4. A Thelonious Monk tribute is planned, as well as original Paul Rhine compositions and other jazz standards. Come on out and enjoy this free event.

For more information, check out the band's website: www.livejazztonight.net

Also, the Tim Van Cleave Project performs at Motini's every Thursday night from 9 to midnight. The group features Tim Van Cleave on vibes, Paul Rhine on electric fretless bass and flute and Gabe Beach on drums.


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First Thursday Gallery Walk Tonight in Downtown Muncie

Meet your friends in downtown Muncie Indiana tonight for the monthly First Thursday gallery walk, February 4, from 5 to 8pm. The galleries simultaneously launch their monthly exhibits on the first Thursday evenings of every month, with meet-the-artist receptions and extended hours, live music and light refreshments.

Click here to see photos of past First Thursday events. This month's exhibits will be opening at the following galleries (in alphabetical order by gallery) during First Thursday:

111 Arts Gallery & Tattoo Studio ~ 111 East Main Street ~ 765-282-8342


Art and Soul by Phoebe ~ 409 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-0005

Ronald Gosse, named in "Art International 2010" as one of 90 international artists to watch, will be the featured artist at Art & Soul by Phoebe Gallery. The public is invited to the opening reception, which will take place during First Thursday, February 4, from 5pm to 9pm.

Art & Soul by Phoebe will feature "Mardi Gras" in February, featuring all new work from 18 new artists plus returning artists. READ MORE...


The Artist Within ~ 313 S Walnut Street ~ 765-289-7895

"Short Transparencies in Watercolor", paintings by local artist David Mark Townsend, will be the featured exhibit for February at the Artist Within, located at 313 S. Walnut Street.

An opening reception for the artist will be held from 5-8pm on Thursday, February 4th; the reception is free and open to the public.

In addition, buy one get THREE free on Green Glam/Gindhart Art/Art Rocks! Art recycled-elements repurposed handcrafts at The Artist Within - including Auto chimes, porch chimes, hand painted gourds, earrings, necklace/earring sets, handbags, mother's brooch, beads, bauble & bells boxes. Come in and save some Green! ALL GREEN GLAM originals are $10-$40. READ MORE...


Artworks ~ 301 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-2221

Blue Bottle ~ 206 South Walnut Street ~ 765-284-3630

Every First Thursday is Redtail Day at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop. Stop in anytime during the day, or during First Thursday in the evening, and help support Redtail Conservancy. You can also make donations online at fortheland.org.

Restaurant 2(oh!)4, part of Blue Bottle, will host an eight course Craft Beer Tasting and Food Pairing Dinner on Feb. 4. There will be two seatings at 5 pm and 8pm. Reservations are suggested and can be made at (765)284-3630 or by stopping in at Blue Bottle/Restaurant 2(oh!)4 204-6 S Walnut St., Muncie.

Cornerstone Gallery ~ 520 East Main Street ~ 765-281-9503, ext. 15


Downtown Farm Stand ~ 125 East Main Street ~ 765-288-3775

Downtown Farm Stand organic market at the corner of Main and Mulberry streets now carries Sue Beach's functional pottery. The Downtown Farm Stand is open during First Thursday, and offers a seasonal selection of meat, dairy, eggs, produce, bulk foods and canned goods from Indiana's finest farms and regional producers. Visit www.downtownfarmstand.com for info.


Gallery 308 ~ 308 E. Main Street ~ 765-289-8575

A love for the arts begins at home--and at school. At least that's the belief of Gallery 308, which is opening its 6th annual juried student art show this week. The public is invited to stop by and see what our young people are doing. There's a free reception at the Gallery, beginning at 5 p.m., February 4, the First Thursday of the month.

The nonprofit community art gallery provides a juried show each year for Delaware County students in grades K through 12. It's a juried show, so awards will be presented at the reception.

Students from Muncie Central, Delta, Wapahani, and Wes-Del schools - plus at least one independent student - participated. One-hundred ten entries were submitted, with 74 accepted into the juried process. The students' artwork will be displayed at the Gallery. READ MORE...


Gordy Fine Art & Framing ~ 224 E Main Street ~ 765-284-8422

Paint Story: New Abstracts by Eric Ernstberger is the featured exhibit this month at Gordy Fine Art in downtown Muncie.

Ernstberger will give a short talk about his work during the First Thursday artist reception on February 4th at 6 PM. Hours of the reception are 5 to 8 PM and the public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit may also be viewed throughout the month during normal business hours at the gallery/frame shop: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment.

Gordy Fine Art and Framing is located at 224 East Main Street. For more information call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com. READ MORE...


Toys Forever Models & Hobbies ~ 311 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-6505

On First Thursdays, Toys Forever Models & Hobbies hosts a meeting of modelers who build and detail plastic models of cars, trucks, aircraft, ships, sci-fi and other subjects. The meeting is held from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Come see finished models on display, models in the process of being built and talk to the modelers about tips and techniques. Any person interested is welcome to join and participate in the display and discussion. For more information, contact Brandon Mundell at Toys Forever Models & Hobbies (765) 288-6505.

In addition, Toys Forever Models & Hobbies will be open to the public extended hours until 8:00 PM First Thursday. Come meet our knowledgeable and friendly staff while exploring East Central Indiana's premier selection of model and hobby supplies.

Please visit all our other downtown Muncie businesses, many have extended hours or special events during First Thursdays. Additionally, all of Downtown's independently owned bars and restaurants will be open and ready to serve you. For more information, visit www.munciedowntown.com.

Click Here for More Downtown Muncie Events.

Please send information on your First Thursday event to info [at] munciedowntown.com, or fill out the contact form on the website.


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Mardi Gras and Ronald Gosse on exhibit at Art and Soul by Phoebe

Art and Soul by Phoebe will have an opening reception for February's exhibit, "Mardi Gras," during Downtown Muncie's First Thursday gallery walk February 20.

Ronald Gosse, named in "Art International 2010" as one of 90 international artists to watch, will be the "featured artist" at Art & Soul by Phoebe Gallery at the Opening Reception on February 4, First Thursday, 5-9pm.

Mr. Gosse last year showed at the Seoul National Gallery in South Korea, winning the 2009 Hun Art Foundation Award. He has exhibited in various US cities, including five times in New York City.

In addition, Mr. Gosse has graciously offered to donate ten-percent of any of his sales during this month's showing to the Gallery's Clinton C. Thomas Memorial Scholarship/award Fund which goes to a Delaware County senior high school art student. This year's $500 award will be presented on May 14th at the Gallery.

Mr. Gosse's exhibition in bold abstracts with juxtapositions of vivid colors and considerable relief will be joined by eighteen new artists to the Gallery, plus returning artists with new work.


Art & Soul by Phoebe will feature all new work in February from 18 new artists plus returning artists.


Catering for the First Thursday opening reception will be provided by Tanglevine Crossing, with music by Paul McDaniel -- 6 pm to 8 pm

Art and Soul by Phoebe Gallery is located at 409 South Walnut Street, phone 765-288-0005.



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Juried Student (K-12) Art Show for Delaware Co. at Gallery 308

A love for the arts begins at home--and at school. At least that's the belief of Gallery 308, which is opening its 6th annual juried student art show this week. The public is invited to stop by and see what our young people are doing. There's a free reception at the Gallery, beginning at 5 p.m., February 4, the First Thursday of the month.

The nonprofit community art gallery provides a juried show each year for Delaware County students in grades K through 12. It's a juried show, so awards will be presented at the reception.

Students from Muncie Central, Delta, Wapahani, and Wes-Del schools - plus at least one independent student - participated. One-hundred ten entries were submitted, with 74 accepted into the juried process. The students' artwork will be displayed at the Gallery.

This year the Gallery has offered a $500 Art Education Award for the school whose students earned the most points for their arts involvement. "After Christmas break, the competition [for the Art Education Award] started to heat up with more and more kids and teachers reporting," said Karen Fisher, Gallery 308 Board member who helped coordinate the show. "You can see the scores (so far) on the Gallery website at www.gallery308.org." But, she cautions, the name of the school that wins this award won't be announced until the opening reception.

Students earned points for their school by attending art gallery openings, visiting museums and other art venues. The school with the most points wins the cash award which is to be used by the school to purchase art supplies. The winner of this award will be announced at the reception.

Judges for the juried show were Sherry Powell of Jack's Camera Shop (for primary school artists) and Mary Slafkosky of the Muncie Children's Museum (secondary school artists).

Artwork on display was framed by students and teachers who attended several framing workshops offered at the Gallery in January. The Muncie & Delaware County Community Foundation and Noon Rotary Club provided grants in support of this show, as did individual donors from the community. Additional support for the juried student show is provided by Pamela DeMarris and Jim Meadows, Toyota of Muncie, Frances Petty Sargent and Art Mart.

The Artist Within, The Muncie Children's Museum, and Art Mart donated gift certificates for the honorable mention awards.

Gallery 308 is a 501(c)(3) community art gallery which exists to provide exhibition space for artists, encourage innovative work and serve the community as a cultural and educational resource. Contributions to Gallery 308 are tax-deductible. For more information about gallery hours, volunteer and donor opportunities, please call 765-289-8575.


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Muncie Mardi Gras Stage Lineup Announced

The entertainment and music lineup has been announced for Muncie Gras 2010 on Saturday, Feb. 20 in the streets of Downtown Muncie Indiana.

MAX Stage

7:30-7:45: Helena & Zuriellah
8:00-8:15: Ladonna & Vashka
8:30-8:45: Dunya & Penticuff
9:00-9:15: Molly's Troupe
9:30-9:45: Tantric Trio
10:00-10:15: Wyld Fyre
10:30-10:45: Celeste
11:00-11:30am: Steel Town Fire- Escape Show
11:45-12:00: LaJoi
12:15-12:30: Wyld Fyre
12:45-1:00: Tantric Trio
1:15-1:45: Steel Town Fire

FM Music Stage

7:00 - Small Wonders
8:00 - Sonny Yingst Band
9:00 - 8 Stories High
10:00 - MC Spark Plug
11:00 - Soraia
12:00 - Losing September
1:00 - ENZ

Docs Music Hall

7:00- Gargantua
8:00 - One Side Later
9:00 - Walking Catfish
1130 - MM & Peaceful Revolution
1:00 - Catch Curtis

Budweiser Stage

7:00-730- Amateur hour! Show us what you got!
7:30-9:00- Rainbow Girls Drag Show
9:00-9:45 Sizzling Hot Males
9:45-10:45 Jokers Wild Dancers

10:45-11:15 All Access Costume Contest

Muncie Sanitary District Eco Friendly Costume Contest

11:15-12:00 Sizzling Hot Males
12:00-2:00- Rainbow Girls Drag Show

PLUS: Upside down margaritas, go-go cage, stripper pole, mechanical bull, Bessie the Beer Cow, log roll contest, beads, photo opportunities, food and beer!

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Paint Story: New Abstracts by Eric Ernstberger at Gordy's in February

Paint Story: New Abstracts by Eric Ernstberger is the featured exhibit this month at Gordy Fine Art in downtown Muncie. The prolific painter, who employs a knife in place of the typical brushes, merges his other interests - landscape architecture and writing - when creating his color-filled works of art. The artist admits to an attraction to drama. "My subjects reflect things I like, things I fear, dreams, and places I've been. Like the drama in a good story, I appreciate the tension of a contradiction or the truth imbedded in an underlying notion."

Abstract art is usually traced back to Picasso and his contemporaries, Braque and Matisse. Their rebellion against traditional painting techniques and nature-derived subject matter took place around 1910. One hundred years later, abstraction in art is still fresh, and still being mined for its treasures of raw energy and intellectual content. Muncie artist, Ernstberger, finds painting with a knife not dissimilar to writing with a pen. "Both represent storytelling exercises, as both can morph fact and fiction and employ the use of modifiers; words are to colors as adjectives are to strokes, or adverbs to hues."

Ernstberger will give a short talk about his work during the First Thursday artist reception on February 4th at 6 PM. Hours of the reception are 5 to 8 PM and the public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit may also be viewed throughout the month during normal business hours at the gallery/frame shop: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment.

Ernstberger is a Principal in the firm, Rundell, Erstberger Associates, LLC, located in downtown Muncie.

Gordy Fine Art and Framing is located at 224 East Main Street. For more information call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.



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Muncie Gras Tickets On Sale Now

Downtown Muncie's biggest party of the year is just a few short weeks away! Tickets are on sale now for Muncie Gras 2010 on Saturday, February 20, from 7pm-2am in the Streets of Downtown Muncie Indiana.

Tickets to the 9th annual Muncie Gras are $10 in advance at various locations listed below, and $15 at the gate. Tickets are also available online @ www.wlbc.com or www.maxrocks.com. This is a 21 and up event.

Get your tickets for the Muncie Mardi Gras celebration today at the following locations:

After Dark
Look for their Special Coupon on your Ticket!
3 locations! In Muncie, Marion & Anderson

Party Wizards
corner of McGalliard & Reserve across from Starbucks

JR's Tropical Tan
at the corner of Streeter and Granville in Muncie

Low Bob's Discount Tobacco
all 4 Muncie locations -
on Memorial Dr., Tillotson Ave. East Main St. & Walnut St.

Wine-N-Vine
1524 W. McGalliard in Muncie

Pita Pit
across from Jimmy John's in the Ball State Village

Toys Forever
on Walnut Street in Downtown Muncie

Cirilla's
on McGalliard in Muncie

Victor's Gyros & Pancake House
on S. Tillotson next to Island Tan in Muncie

Mobile Plus - T Mobile
in the Muncie Mall & on Scatterfield Rd. in front of Walmart in Anderson
(All new customers who sign up for a 2-year contract will receive a free ticket to Muncie Gras!)

MITS Trolley will provide a safe ride home, running from 7pm-3am to campus and Lyndenbrook hotels.

Check this website www.munciedowntown.com/munciegras often for entertainment updates, pre-sale ticket locations and MITS Trolley route. For up-to-the-minute updates, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/munciegras or follow us on twitter @munciegras.

Produced by: Muncie Downtown Development

Sponsored by: MSD Recycling and Education Initiative and Bud Light

Brought to you by: WLBC, WERK and MAX and All Access


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