LIVE EVENTS
Matt Linsin Night Photography
Photography Exhibit
Available to View During Events
Free Admission / Bar Open
Unless we are awake in the middle of the night in some of Southern Illinois’ most beautiful places, few of us have seen our world as captured by Matt Linsin.
Linsin, of Marion, is a nightscape and nature photographer with 20 years of creative leadership in Southern Illinois. His photography is so amazing it has been featured on the Star Talk Facebook page of Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
His work will be exhibited at The Varsity in downtown Carbondale from Nov. 9 through Dec. 9. The exhibit will be available to view during all events at The Varsity.
Linsin launched “The Darkest Light” collection in 2018, highlighting photographs of recognizable local landmarks at night. The assortment features Camel Rock, Iron Furnace and Muddy Coal Mine, among others.
“I love taking photographs of familiar places in unexpected ways,” he said.
The award-winning advertising voice of Mississippi River Radio, Linsin is creative director and producer with the station. He lives in Marion with his wife, Jennifer, and daughters, Jada, Maya and Elsa.
Terriers Live! Improv Comedy
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
$8 adults / $6 adults 55+ / $4 students
Doors and Varsity Bar at 7
Terriers Live! Improv Comedy troupe is making its monthly appearance at The Varsity at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.
The talented group of students is based at Carbondale Community High School. They perform a variety of short-form improvisational games. The show is appropriate for all ages.
The troupe is sponsored by CCHS teachers Erik Berrey and Josh Taylor. Their work is also made possible through a grant from the Garwin Family Foundation.
Tickets are available only at the door night of show when doors open at 7 p.m. That’s also when the Varsity Bar opens, featuring wine, beer, select cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales
7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15
$12 / $8 students / $4 kids 10 and younger
A classic Dylan Thomas holiday story will be brought to life in two performances. The shows are co-sponsored by Baldwin Piano and Organ Center in Herrin.
Kevin Purcell of Cobden tells the story, and William Bewley will conduct a small ensemble performing a musical underscore written by Illinois composer Tim Schirmer. Schirmer, who will attend both performances and take part in a post-performance discussion on the art of composing for concert pieces. A small vocal ensemble rounds out this lyrical holiday tale.
“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” was written by Welshman Dylan Thomas, who is lauded as one of the greatest of the 20th-century poets. This story is one of his best-known works, and many families include a rousing reading of the poem in their holiday traditions. The story is a personal, nostalgic and often comical recollection of past Christmases, evoking memories at every turn: the warmth of a family gathering – including odd relatives, the loveliness of a mistletoe-decked home, cats by the fire and the mischief of children left to their own devices.
Members of the orchestral ensemble are Tammy Kirk, flute; Emma Byrd and Christie Faling, clarinet; Cameron Taylor, euphonium; Brian Wagner, trumpet; Liz Hartman, string bass; Jimmy Beers, percussion; and Anita Hutton, piano. Included in the vocal ensemble are soprano Melissa Anne Olsen, alto Beverly Bain, tenor Lucas Morgan and bass John Lipe.
Holiday Pop-Up Jewelry Sale
Southern Illinois Jewelry Makers
4-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22
Varsity Bar Open Throughout
Southern Illinois Jewelry Makers are gathering to make your last-minute holiday shopping a little easier! See the work of featured artists Mary Jane Patterson, Lisa Smith, Amber Staff, Molly Gabel and Chris McKinley.