Blind Dog Willie

The best of both worlds

The Windy City may be closer than you think. My family stopped by Chicago Pizza & Grill one night last week, about three weeks after it opened in the former home of Firehouse Pizza on Pioneer Parkway. The place is unassuming, to be sure, and we debated even going in for dinner. It holds just [...]

Quick Guide: Chicago Pizza & Grill

814 W. Pioneer Parkway 691-6900 Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday. Ratings: **** is highest Food *** Atmosphere ** 1/2 Service *** 1/2 Prices: Appetizers, $3.95 to $7.95; salads, $4.45 to $7.45; hot dogs and sandwiches, $2.50 to [...]

A curious role for Brian

After gifts have been unwrapped and stomachs have been stuffed, it’s not uncommon for families to flock to the movies on Christmas Day. But the Andersons of Cuba made the ambitious hourlong drive to Peoria not because they ran out of egg nog and conversation, but because family member Brian Anderson scored a small role [...]

2008 Cue rewind: Were you tuned in?

Restaurants closed. Entertainment venues opened. A hometown singer was honored, and piles of hot dogs were snarfed with impressive speed. It was an exciting year for local entertainment, but how much were you aware of?   Test your knowledge with our quiz.

Check out early lineup for 2009 Summer Camp

Although fans of outdoor music festivals are many months away from pitching their tent and enjoying the tunes, a bit of news may help them get through the winter. Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment and Jam Productions has announced the ninth annual Summer Camp Music Festival on May 22, 23 and 24, 2009, at Three [...]

Hatch: Rallying troops for big salute

Do you sing really, really loud when you hear "Back in Black"? Do certain songs by the Australian heavy metal band make you consider crushing a beer can on your forehead? Would you really love to see AC/DC at the Civic Center this fall? Me, too. But for the latter to happen, it’s going to [...]

Cue calendar

Items for Calendar and Night Life must be received in writing by noon Thursday for the next Thursday’s publication. Releases must include a signature and daytime telephone number. Mail to Calendar/Night Life, in care of Tabitha Dorsey, Cue, Journal Star, 1 News Plaza, Peoria, IL 61643; send faxes to 686-3296; or send e-mail to moc.ratsjpnull@yesrodt. [...]

Final goodbye: A roll call of some who died in ’08

From the summit of Everest, the top of the world, to the intricate workings of the human heart. From outer galaxies to the dungeons of Stalin’s gulag. Sir Edmund Hillary was the first man to stand atop the world’s highest mountain. Dr. Michael DeBakey developed treatments for heart disease that prolonged the lives of millions. [...]

Tina Fey voted AP Entertainer of the Year

Tina Fey is the entertainer of the year? You betcha. Fey was voted The Associated Press’ Entertainer of the Year, an annual honor chosen by newspaper editors and broadcast producers across the country. Fey was selected by AP members as the performer who had the greatest impact on culture and entertainment in 2008. The 38-year-old [...]