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‘On the Road with Antiques’ program at library 

[OCT. 15, 2001]  Rob and Joy Luke of Luke Auctions in Bloomington will present a program entitled "On the Road with Antiques" on at 7 on Thursday evening, Oct. 22, at the Lincoln Public Library.

Learn what is hot and what is not in antique collecting. Six lucky attendees will receive an appraisal of their antique. Light refreshments will be served following the program. The seating is on first-come, first-served basis.

Also, it’s not too late to register for the weekly story times and craft times in the children’s department.

The library is located at 725 Pekin St. For more information about the auction program and future adult programming or the children’s programs, call the library at 732-8878 or 732-5732.


‘Fair Weather’

[OCT. 17, 2001]  Fair Weather." Richard Peck. Dial Books, 2001. 139 pages. Grades 5-8.

Richard Peck, the Newbery-winning author of "A Year Down Yonder," has written another winner. In "Fair Weather" he takes us back to 1893 and a visit to the World’s Columbian Exposition.

The Beckett family travels from their farm in central Illinois to Chicago for the exposition. Aunt Euterpe had sent a letter of invitation telling them they could stay with her, and she included four train tickets. Rosie (who’s 13), Lottie (who’s 17), Buster (who’s 7 and always has something jumpy in his pocket), Grandad (who’s full of surprises) and Tip (Grandad’s dog who "pines and gets off his feed if left behind") will make the trip. The story is full of humor and surprises from the time they board the train until they return home. But this is really 13-year-old Rosie’s story, as she gives her interpretation of all the events in the narrative.

When Rosie’s mama decides the trip to Chicago would be a good experience for the children, she takes them all to town for new clothes to wear. Buster is less than thrilled with the idea of wearing his new outfit, complete with high-top shoes and a sailor hat.

As they’re shopping, Rosie realizes they are actually going but not with Mama. How Grandad ends up on the train is an unforgettable chapter.

 

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Aunt Euterpe’s life would never be the same after attending the exposition with Grandad and the children. They made their first visit the night of their arrival in Chicago, against the wishes of Euterpe. "Awful, rough types come out after dark," she said. Rosie tells us that upon arrival it looked like "white electricity had lit the world and erased the stars."

Rosie also narrates "The Worst Day in Aunt Euterpe’s Life (Parts One and Two)" and "The Greatest Day in Grandad’s Life (Parts One and Two)." She tells about the first Ferris wheel, hamburgers, Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony and all of the family’s rollicking adventures.

 

This story is wonderful fun for all who read it — as for me, I only wish I could have been there when Aunt Euterpe’s hired help got ahold of the snapping turtle, or it got ahold of her, and Grandad introduced himself to Buffalo Bill.

Richard Peck also includes some 1893 photos, used by permission of the Chicago Historical Society.

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217) 732-8878.

[Pat Schlough, Lincoln Public Library]




Lincoln hears Pasadena Roof Orchestra

[OCT. 13, 2001]  Thursday night, the second of this year’s community concert series brought what seemed like most of Lincoln to the LCC chapel. The Pasadena Roof Orchestra from London, England, filled the hall with its blend of ’20s and ’30s jazz, big band and swing music.

The band, which got its name from Warren’s "(Home in) Pasadena," had the style and appearance of the 1920s lounge bands, from their suit-and-tie apparel to their music stands with the PRO logo on the front. They delighted the audience with old-time favorites such as "Jeepers Creepers," "My Melancholy Baby" and "Forty-Second Street."

Each band member got his turn in the spotlight. Pianist Simon Townley "tickled the ivories" in "Kitten on the Keys"; Andy Kuc, the baby of the group, shone on the rhythm guitar in "Play that Hot Guitar"; and Dan Hammerton stole the show with his dynamic trumpet solos in almost every song.

Lead vocalist James Langton had amazing stage presence. His white tie and tails complemented his loose and interactive style. When he wasn’t caressing the microphone with his smooth voice, he was dancing around the stage and mingling with the band members. There was only one time when he seemed to lose touch with his audience.

"Sugarfoot Stomp" contained around seven minutes of instrumental solos. The lack of vocals was almost too long. The band was saved, however, when they did their "rousing conclusion" two songs later. "Minnie the Moocher" by Calloway and Mills brought the audience to life with its wailing trumpet and echoed scat. Blues Brothers fans kept up nicely with the energizing refrain.

[Gina Sennett]

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The Pasadena Roof Orchestra members are:

James Langton — orchestra leader, vocalist

David Ford — trumpet

Dan Hammerton — trumpet

Steve Shaw — trombone and vocal trio

Nick Payton — alto and baritone sax, clarinet

Paul Jones — alto sax and clarinet

James Scannell — alto sax and clarinet

Simon Townley — piano and vocal trio

Andy Kuc — guitar and banjo

John Sutton — drums

Dave Berry — bass and sousaphone

Thorsten Merriott — sound engineer

To learn more about the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, visit http://www.pasadena.co.uk/.

 


Lincoln Community Theatre website

Lincoln Community Theatre’s website serves a number of functions, from providing information on becoming a season ticket holder to showing what new productions are being planned. Pictures from past productions are also posted.

Visit LCT’s website at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html, e-mail LCT at lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com, or write to Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656.

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