Saturday, June 14, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
bacon n eggs full service downtown
may 22, 2014
breaking news,
elroys is serving breakfast, full service, bacon n eggs, skillets, the real deal. downtown bloomington il. hasn't had this great food service for a very long time. open at 6 am daily, the coffee is real good. katie the morning server is model material. stop down and leave her nice tip. enjoy the seasoned chefs creations. bloody mary anyone.
spruce up your walls with my fine art print assortment
portrait & commercial from $950 many prints included.
ph 309 824 9176
Monday, January 4, 2010
t shirt offer
2010 Savings - Limited time promotion!!!
4 color process printed T-Shirt
$2.99ea. net
Includes 4 color process imprint on white t-shirt
Set up fee: $185.00 (includes screens, separations and preproduction sample)
Minimum order: 1008 pcs small - xlarge
Same print size, location and design on all 1008 pieces or more
Offer valid with orders placed by 1/8/2010.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
recycled glass xmas tree event and downtown plans 1200 condos plus
Copyright Anthony Saluto Productions p.o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702 ph 309 824 9176 em gosaluto@bellsouth.net sites, www.strollthehill.blogspot.com ,www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com www.bnstyle.blogspot.com
mack glass to perform art works upfront bcpa downtown
Christmas Gets “Fired Up” at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts
As the year begins to wind down and the Christmas season is set to begin, things will be heating up at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts…literally.
Join Jason Mack, owner of local glassblowing studio Mack Glass, and his team of artists as they wind hot glass into branches and needles of a Christmas tree. Mack and company will have their furnace on site and will be melting recycled glass at 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the glass is liquid, they will begin ladling it onto a large steel armature, while rotating the frame to create a spun effect.
The public is invited to view this process, which will take place the first two weekends in December. Join Jason and his team December 4-6 and 11-13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day on the front lawn of the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts. It’s a perfect backdrop for taking photos with family and friends.
“We’ll take the glass bottles and jars that are donated to us, break them up and shovel them into the furnace. The labels, caps, spaghetti sauce, baby food, or whatever remains of the contents gets burned away and out comes a crystal-like substance. The community helps build the work and becomes a part of the work. That’s what makes the tree event so exciting; it’s about building something together.”
Mack Glass will have an array of hand-blown glass items on sale just inside the BCPA near the ticket window to help fund the building of the tree. They also have a special gift for anyone who helps support their project with a donation of $25 or more. The community is encouraged to bring their clear and green glass of any kind, with the exception of window glass, to help build the tree. If interested in contributing to this project, contact Jason Mack at (630) 303-0493.
Mack Glass Company, LLC was established by Jason Mack in April 2008 as a vehicle for producing glass sculpture and fine art events. Currently, their home base is situated in a late 19th century factory in Bloomington, IL. The company is composed of three core members and a number of freelance artists who vary depending on the production. You can find Mack Glass online, including photos of last year’s Christmas tree, at http://www.mackglass.com.
-end-
www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com , call for a quote, 309 824 9176meters pay back in one year and pay for other improvements and increases retail sales dramatically.
doug farr drives home meters for downtown
by anthony saluto oct 1 2009
the presentation of the downtown redevelopment plan was presented to about 75 last night. the smallest crowd of the 3 mega meetings that have taken place during the plans year long development. farr says meters all the way. they are worth around 100k to retail sales each. all day parkers have to go. customers have to have to access to stores. the city will have them paid for in one year with all the computers etc. year two is profits to help do some of the other improvements like streetscapes, green spaces, etc.. all your neighbors have them, springfiield, champaign, and peoria, farr says. it was added normal is looking at doing them too. farr says, some are so smart, you can just wave your cell phone at them and they fill.
i know a lot of retailers that are swaying back and forth on being able to stay downtown with the current parking suffocation. many i would think would like to see the meters happen sooner than later. unfortunately when i hear the word streetscapes. thats a long process. i wouldn't think meters could get the green light until there is a final walk to install them to.
and actually this whole plan came to a finale rather quickly for the scope that it was. maybe if bloomington city council sees money in the way of meters, they will jump on it. so how long before meters are saving retail stores downtown, the meters could happen fast, since the money has been found to work on the streescapes on the rest of main street downtown.
farr says, have some greeters, info stations, pointing out tourists attractions downtown. slow down traffic around downtown to 20 mph, or so. families and neighbors will come more.
building around downtown will see 1200 condos over 20 years, trails will be extended, farr says. 20 more stores on n main, front, and washington should be developed to fill in empty spaces, and some town homes, to cushion into single family a little further. make it so everyone wants to filter into downtown from these neighborhoods, farr explains.
stroll the hill merchants association looks forward to meters so that customers will have hundreds of parking spaces freed up for parking near their desired destination.
a few shots from my studio
now located at 104 washington st. downtown bloomington,
i started with children in the early 90's. this was from a quick take session in about 15 minutes.
entertainers and models ... contact me to quote your head shots & portfolios309 824 9176
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
anthony saluto studio gallery moving downtown
Copyright Anthony Saluto Productions p.o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702 ph 309 824 9176 em gosaluto@bellsouth.net sites, www.strollthehill.blogspot.com , www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com www.bnstyle.blogspot.comn follow me on twitter, www.twitter.com/anthonysaluto coming soon, a new business edition.
gallery/retail space for rent. contact redbird management 454 4888
anthony saluto gallery/studio move
as before, i am moving the gallery and studio back to my loft on the fifth floor above elroys in the livingston building. take the elevator and call first for full service portraits, from children to groups and everything in between. commercial has been dominating my shooting schedule. more often than not jobs are booked from callers viewing my blog.www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com , i consider lack of customer convenient parking to have played a major role in limited traffic i would hoped to have experienced. yet commercial and portrait calls kept coming. i may have been more booked than i really want to be. the gallery was much like a long art or trade show, and with so many rotating through downtown over the course of an average year i consider it successful venture. the feed back and appreciation from gallery and studio customers was over whelming at times. i have been doing this 35 years, and still feel like i am practicing. i have many new products and prints i hope to be working on. i have about 45 head shots on the books along with some food photography for a restaurant chain. i completed my aerials for the shopping center on rabb road. and since going digital 4 years ago, i have an opportunity to produce the widest variety of subjects from personal to commercial than i could ever hope for. my gallery, was designed to be a giant portfolio showing my range of work. the range seems to hold my interest and challenge me. as for all the 35 artists living upstairs downtown, i highly recommend the experience of a solo gallery to develop new client work. if i had to rely on print sales off the wall it wouldn't have worked as well. what worked well for me was the range of assignments that i was able to discuss and or do.
bnstyle will continue soon. stroll the hill merchants association may as well.
sthma, i am so invested now in digging up the truth and offering my own experiences opinions, i doubt if i will go long without new writings. a revenue stream would have to exist and being off the street and as available as i have been to comments will surely alter my story content. because as long as this plan is unfolding there will be situations that i wont think are making since. i will want to generate stories to support such a reconsideration. stay tuned.
Monday, July 13, 2009
bn is interstate rich / billboard proposal
where to park the busesby anthony saluto
my new downtown bloomington marketing campaign suggestion passed around today to city and marketing professionals. we are interstate rich. placing billboards around bloomington normal could be a traffic boost to downtown. capitalizing on fell as publisher positioning lincolon as a contender as president. so that he could work on stopping slavery. all this took place on the second floor above burpos boutique on washington street.
anthony saluto Productions p.o. box 3425 bloomington il., 61702 ph 309 824 9176 .
anthony saluto Productions p.o. box 3425 bloomington il., 61702 ph 309 824 9176 .loft liver Jeff Beninato Interview
by anthony saluto
jeff beninato landed in bloomington shortly after Katrina hit new orleans. in a scramble survival mode, he spotted an ad for a 3300 square foot loft downtown bloomington. he lives on the second floor of my building with his wife karen. they commute back and forth to new orleans about every two weeks. he has a great feel for the music scene here and there.
Where did you start out?
“I started out in bed with the radio stuck to my ear and that was how I went to sleep. I realized how much I love music and then I started playing with an instrument. I started out with drums first then went to guitar and started to go see bands play when I was a teenager.”
Where did you grow up as a teen?
“New Orleans.”
So you go way back to the New Orleans music scene?
“Yeah. Then I started to go see bands and get into clubs by that age… I started listening to bands but I never really liked the bass players. So I said, ‘you know what, I could be better than some of these guys’ and that was really where my inspiration came from. I started doing studio work at 17 and making a living on bourbon st. performing with guys much older but well seasoned and getting some hands on experience.
So you were playing for three or four decades? All your life?
“Yeah. All my life.”
Have you played with any famous people?
“Well, I’ve jammed with famous people, playing on bourbon st.
is where everyone that came to town would end their night so if you in town doing a concert you probably would come stumbling in the club.
Who’d be the most famous? Like Louie Armstrong?
“No. He never came back to New Orleans.” People like ZZ TOP would, horn sections from various plays like jesus christ superstar, Paul McCartney's band and many more cats that had hits at the time.
Fats Domino?
“I’ve played with his sons.” they were part of the band. we had quite a band, the horn section was the on the original Lady Marmalade.
Were you ever involved in the booking and the promotional side of the business?
“Absolutely. That’s all I did. I’ve gone into promoting shows, basically, and then started to veer away from playing, the business end of the music industry started to leave a bad taste in my soul. I've scheduled and promoted shows through the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund including Wilco, Dr. John and members of REM. I wanted to do more producing and steer the artist in the right direction.
When you produce someone, you do what, take them through the steps of making a CD?
“Yeah. Help them write songs and try to get the best out of them"
But you’re not their agent?
“No.”
Do you remember Woodstock?
“I remember Woodstock but I wasn’t there.”
Do you remember where you were when it was going on?
“No. (laughing)”
There’s a big movie coming out, I think.
“Yeah. It looks good.”
I’ll tell you what I do remember, because I was probably not quite a teenager yet, and Main Street used to be old Route 66 I think. As a child, I remember the people coming through town but I think it was a concert was actually happening around here that brought hippies from everywhere, just free spirits with lots of time. Came right through downtown Bloomington. I must have been 11-ish. Anyway… The Coliseum: What do you think should be done in the way of the music bookings over at the Coliseum that would be beneficial for this thing for getting into the black? No pressure.
“Well, I think the location is great… I think the way things are promoted there is done well enough. You got to do more than just T.V. You got to do radio contests, things like that to get people more interested from outside the bubble.”
So contests would be a big attendance booster?
“Just to promote it you've got to get it out on the radio, give tickets away. Don’t just go for what the normal thing is. Don’t get me wrong, T.V. ads are good but, in a lot of cases, they aren’t much… just get it done. They can do smaller shows, Pink Floyd laser light shows, make it all ages.”
I think we all love Pink Floyd around here. Is the size/capacity restricting some performers from coming?
“It works both ways. It’s the guarantee you have to work out before you bring [the performers] in. If you make smaller shows… you have to bring in the right acts”
Have you been to any shows over there?
“Bob Dylan. The sound was pretty good… I thought Elvis Costello was fantastic…”
Would you be able to assist the people who are trying to book the shows over there with some of these newer lanes here in Bloomington?
“Yes, I think this is a good little city to bring into the world.”
That sounds like an incredible opportunity. I think if anything came out of this article, putting newer acts at the Coliseum would be an incredible project. Stay tuned. More to come.
stories i am following ...
loft dwellers behind on parking tickets see car towed over $340 past due bal. plan moving out of downtown.
dennys doughnuts expanding to champaign, decatur, and surrounding areas.
roof top parties cause for concern?
new roof top decks with ornate gating most asked about new development dt.
another new jean/clothing soon coming soon to 300 block
game store retailer moving from 400 block to 300 block downtown
neighborhood thrift the biggest retail success in years
more & more empty nester's asking what its like living downtown
Friday, March 20, 2009
parking meters, 1000 lofts, boutique hotel, new ymca, and lincolns trail coming soon
Copyright Anthony Saluto Productions p.o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702 ph 309 824 9176 em gosaluto@bellsouth.net sites, http://www.strollthehill.blogspot.com/ , http://www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com/ , coming soon, a new business edition.
By Anthony Saluto
doug farr unveils plans for downtown bloomington
photo © anthony saluto doug farr stands by his plan
© anthony saluto
Hooking up the trail to wind into downtown was a big hit with the room, down to the naming, Lincolns Downtown Trail was my version, or maybe just Lincolns trail, hmmm, downtown this way. About a decade ago, I biked the trail about 500 miles, and would find it to be an absolutely perfect option a stop uptown, now downtown, for many linking the two via trail would be a great time out for exercise or leisure.
Honey, lets see how long it takes to loose 10 pounds, lets walk Lincolns trial downtown every night, grab a 64 calorie beer or a glass of wine, check out some boutiques. What do you say? Great lets get a healthy salad while were there.
More boutique options were discussed in 3 story buildings on main on an empty lot, they looked great, blending in with some period look yet mixed.
The farr group said two things about parking, parking meters are vital to boutiques and boutiques are the future and mainstay of downtown. Also saying, let the box stores go to veterans, do about 1000 rental lofts, turn the streets back into two way, like the 60’S, slow down your average drive by speeds, and grow your downtown. Just some of the messages I took away from the meeting. For me that’s good stuff, I’m a boutique fan for sure. “Box stores just don’t have the scale of space to work with, and parking to support them to justify anchoring downtown in this market”, the panel presents.
http://www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com/ call for commercial assignments interiors exteriors, aerial, illustration, head shots solo or groups, 309 824 9176
Lets face it, retail is not gearing up for many expansions right now, three to five years out, who knows. I have passed the buzz about the teched out ymca by many a friends, in a high approval style. Sure I know a super bookstore along with a pottery barn would generate more traffic than we know what to do with, but a y would be great, who knows possibly greater. with all those health conscious people that could also tie in spa, nail work, salons, lunching with friends, etc. it has been suggested that common ground expands into more grocery product, maybe like a whole common ground.
photo © anthony saluto f arr associates experts talk with bn
I think doug farr is selling buildings the same way winnies is selling shirts, imagine that fun. Looks like bn business people are lining up to help get it done. actually for 200 grand, I would have this study just keep going for years, rather than stopping the study process, its seems to pump everybody up, that’s worth 200 grand by itself. It helps put everybody’s thinking in check and create synergy. Getting the study through Bloomington city council for launch pad was a great accomplishment by the downtown Bloomington association. Fred wollrab tells me Peggy Flynn was instrumental in getting the study prior to relocating back to ca.
steering committee member Fred Wollrab was credited with mentioning the 50 meter pool as pull for Bloomington. This would be a very distinctive competitive marketing advantage for downtown as a whole for long time to come. Hey did you hear the wollrab brothers split up there buildings, they did. Redbird remains as management.
Tim tilton was handing out new downtown trail ideas, like cotton candy. highlighted with his proposed route for the extension.
"Boutiques are downtown's future, and parking meters are vital to boutiques" say farr experts.
The doug farr associates put on another meeting following up on some design ideas for taking downtown bloomington forward. I find the meetings very interesting, informative, concise, creative, and all wrapped up actually motivational. With the choosing of option one or option two, of a particular style idea, the choice is as easy as buying a shirt.
The doug farr associates put on another meeting following up on some design ideas for taking downtown bloomington forward. I find the meetings very interesting, informative, concise, creative, and all wrapped up actually motivational. With the choosing of option one or option two, of a particular style idea, the choice is as easy as buying a shirt.
So your looking at a teched out ymca with mega garage parking spaces, hot looking facades, loaded with a state wide rarity 50 meter pool, as option a. Option b, is the existing market street garage which is announced as in terrible shape and a priority project. That was easy, option a, most of us would choose, next.
That’s not a hard sell, somehow there are a whole bunch of ways to tread through the financing of such things. a mega y, loaded with some shops inset possibly, an all serving parking deck within, with a 50 meter pool that will attract swim events from all over state and beyond. Sounds good, for business, lots of meals. lots more basis for a hotel downtown, boutique style. Meanwhile the ymca board has 3 present at the meeting, looking very keenly on how the plan is being unveiled..
Lots to think about. Doug farr claims he is simply collecting our own ideas, and packaging them up for us.
They have people here from berkeley ca., and a traffic expert from tallahasse fl, all contributing to the presentation of about 100 people for the second time. The room was much fuller on the first meeting originating many of of ideas from which to work from.
The other choices presented were whether to put a 3 story mixed use building on Washington and prairie vs. townhouses. At last glance I think the 3 story multi use building was winning. On the south side of Washington the drawings showed Gipson’s insurance as a 3 story mixed use building. Way to go bob.
Lots to think about. Doug farr claims he is simply collecting our own ideas, and packaging them up for us.
They have people here from berkeley ca., and a traffic expert from tallahasse fl, all contributing to the presentation of about 100 people for the second time. The room was much fuller on the first meeting originating many of of ideas from which to work from.
The other choices presented were whether to put a 3 story mixed use building on Washington and prairie vs. townhouses. At last glance I think the 3 story multi use building was winning. On the south side of Washington the drawings showed Gipson’s insurance as a 3 story mixed use building. Way to go bob.
© anthony salutoHooking up the trail to wind into downtown was a big hit with the room, down to the naming, Lincolns Downtown Trail was my version, or maybe just Lincolns trail, hmmm, downtown this way. About a decade ago, I biked the trail about 500 miles, and would find it to be an absolutely perfect option a stop uptown, now downtown, for many linking the two via trail would be a great time out for exercise or leisure.
Honey, lets see how long it takes to loose 10 pounds, lets walk Lincolns trial downtown every night, grab a 64 calorie beer or a glass of wine, check out some boutiques. What do you say? Great lets get a healthy salad while were there.
More boutique options were discussed in 3 story buildings on main on an empty lot, they looked great, blending in with some period look yet mixed.
The farr group said two things about parking, parking meters are vital to boutiques and boutiques are the future and mainstay of downtown. Also saying, let the box stores go to veterans, do about 1000 rental lofts, turn the streets back into two way, like the 60’S, slow down your average drive by speeds, and grow your downtown. Just some of the messages I took away from the meeting. For me that’s good stuff, I’m a boutique fan for sure. “Box stores just don’t have the scale of space to work with, and parking to support them to justify anchoring downtown in this market”, the panel presents.
http://www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com/ call for commercial assignments interiors exteriors, aerial, illustration, head shots solo or groups, 309 824 9176Lets face it, retail is not gearing up for many expansions right now, three to five years out, who knows. I have passed the buzz about the teched out ymca by many a friends, in a high approval style. Sure I know a super bookstore along with a pottery barn would generate more traffic than we know what to do with, but a y would be great, who knows possibly greater. with all those health conscious people that could also tie in spa, nail work, salons, lunching with friends, etc. it has been suggested that common ground expands into more grocery product, maybe like a whole common ground.
photo © anthony saluto f arr associates experts talk with bnI think doug farr is selling buildings the same way winnies is selling shirts, imagine that fun. Looks like bn business people are lining up to help get it done. actually for 200 grand, I would have this study just keep going for years, rather than stopping the study process, its seems to pump everybody up, that’s worth 200 grand by itself. It helps put everybody’s thinking in check and create synergy. Getting the study through Bloomington city council for launch pad was a great accomplishment by the downtown Bloomington association. Fred wollrab tells me Peggy Flynn was instrumental in getting the study prior to relocating back to ca.
steering committee member Fred Wollrab was credited with mentioning the 50 meter pool as pull for Bloomington. This would be a very distinctive competitive marketing advantage for downtown as a whole for long time to come. Hey did you hear the wollrab brothers split up there buildings, they did. Redbird remains as management.
Tim tilton was handing out new downtown trail ideas, like cotton candy. highlighted with his proposed route for the extension.
Actually the whole thing felt a little bit like Christmas morning for downtown and all bn citizens. Like Christmas morning, I’m not sure how we will have the patience for or all improvements.
new apartments, condos, boutiques, all cleaned up with some new street treatments, a proposed mega y anchor, enhanced parking, all on are the fast track downtown bloomington.
photo © anthony saluto
The study is win win for everyone, long term. Short term, i think everyone will continue to iron out problems in crucial areas such as an interim solution to boutiques customer parking, in ways that won’t interfere with inevitable changes forthcoming. The loads of participants gathering downtown for major swim events will have to lodge, dine, and shop along the way.
new apartments, condos, boutiques, all cleaned up with some new street treatments, a proposed mega y anchor, enhanced parking, all on are the fast track downtown bloomington.
photo © anthony salutoThe study is win win for everyone, long term. Short term, i think everyone will continue to iron out problems in crucial areas such as an interim solution to boutiques customer parking, in ways that won’t interfere with inevitable changes forthcoming. The loads of participants gathering downtown for major swim events will have to lodge, dine, and shop along the way.
wanted>>part time reporters, night life photos, e mail gosaluto@bellsouth.net
do you have something ? news, announcements, feature proposal, press release, contributors, submissions in photos or writings, send it in! gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
bloomington art pushing the edge
Copyright Anthony Saluto Productions p.o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702 ph 309 824 9176 em gosaluto@bellsouth.net sites, www.strollthehill.blogspot.com , www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com coming soon, a new business edition.
Jason Mack Interview
by bnstyle staff
How long have you been blowing glass?
8 years
How’d you get into it?
My mom got me into it. It was a Saturday afternoon and she asked me if I wanted to go to a bead making class with 7 of her friends. I was in high school at the time, 17 years old. 6 months later I set up a studio in the basement.
Are you self-taught?
I was self taught the first few years then took classes. I came to ISU and took the glass blowing program for year and a half. I recently graduated ISU with a B.S. in studio arts. I also went to Italy for a short time to study with master glass blowers there.
Describe your work in a sentence.
“do what you can with what you have”
What do you make?
Large installations mostly using hot glass.
What is hot glass?
Hot glass is when you create an installation in front of an audience. I use a combination of materials like wood, steel, plastic and other things. I do live installations because I like people to see how its made, it adds meaning to work and helps people understand how it works.
What materials do you use?
75 lb pot furnace to melt the glass. We collect glass bottles around Bloomington Normal bars. Then we crush those bottles down and melt them in the furnace. We need to collect 400 pounds of bottles before a performance
You had an art show recently, tell me about some of the more popular exhibits.
It’s called “storm clouds”. I suspended 3 shopping carts from the ceiling and poured hot glass in shopping carts. The glass went through the shopping carts and then rained down on the floor. This was done while the band “Ohtis” was playing live. Music is large part of installations.
What is the biggest piece of art you’ve made?
Recently a land mass of glass of 1200 pounds. We spent 7 days on it. It’s made out of 900 pounds of insulator caps which we collected around Bloomington and then melted down.
Where can we see your work?
Mackglass.com., check out our webpage for more details.
Any advice for other glass artists?
It’s cheaper to melt bottles.
How long have you been blowing glass?
8 years
How’d you get into it?
My mom got me into it. It was a Saturday afternoon and she asked me if I wanted to go to a bead making class with 7 of her friends. I was in high school at the time, 17 years old. 6 months later I set up a studio in the basement.
Are you self-taught?
I was self taught the first few years then took classes. I came to ISU and took the glass blowing program for year and a half. I recently graduated ISU with a B.S. in studio arts. I also went to Italy for a short time to study with master glass blowers there.
Describe your work in a sentence.
“do what you can with what you have”
What do you make?
Large installations mostly using hot glass.
What is hot glass?
Hot glass is when you create an installation in front of an audience. I use a combination of materials like wood, steel, plastic and other things. I do live installations because I like people to see how its made, it adds meaning to work and helps people understand how it works.
What materials do you use?
75 lb pot furnace to melt the glass. We collect glass bottles around Bloomington Normal bars. Then we crush those bottles down and melt them in the furnace. We need to collect 400 pounds of bottles before a performance
You had an art show recently, tell me about some of the more popular exhibits.
It’s called “storm clouds”. I suspended 3 shopping carts from the ceiling and poured hot glass in shopping carts. The glass went through the shopping carts and then rained down on the floor. This was done while the band “Ohtis” was playing live. Music is large part of installations.
What is the biggest piece of art you’ve made?
Recently a land mass of glass of 1200 pounds. We spent 7 days on it. It’s made out of 900 pounds of insulator caps which we collected around Bloomington and then melted down.
Where can we see your work?
Mackglass.com., check out our webpage for more details.
Any advice for other glass artists?
It’s cheaper to melt bottles.
Friday, February 27, 2009
bnstyle eats about town
Copyright Anthony Saluto Productions p.o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702 ph 309 824 9176 em gosaluto@bellsouth.net sites, www.strollthehill.blogspot.com , www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com coming soon, a new business edition.
sushi floats my boat
By Allie Hundley
“Hey, I know you’ve been stressed out lately so I’m going to take you to the best sushi restaurant in town,” my friend tells me. “The best sushi…” I ponder to myself. I suppose it’s worth taking a look. It’s not as if I was paying for it. After a short drive from my dorm I realized we were going to “Oriental Gourmet.” I had always noticed it there before, since its in the same strip mall as Best Buy and Fiesta Ranchera, but it looked slightly dingy on the outside. “Is that where we’re going?” I asked. “Yeah, it’s awesome.” I was not thrilled.
But upon entering the establishment I quickly realized how the bustling little restaurant was actually the best sushi place in Bloomington. First of all, the place was packed. We were lucky enough to find a table for even the two of us. “Man, is it always this busy here?” I couldn’t believe that I had never heard of this place before. “Yeah, well, I mean, they do have amazing sushi.” I let him order as sushi had never been my forte. We both had soup, me the miso, and him the sweet and sour. It was absolutely delicious.
We ended up with over 8 orders of various tidbits and pieces of their exotic flavor brought out to us on a large wooden slab, garnished with slices of ginger, wasabi, and a piece of plastic grass for décor. It was remarkable to the eye and a marvel to taste. Everything was so fresh and prepared remarkably well. It was amazing.
“Hey, I know you’ve been stressed out lately so I’m going to take you to the best sushi restaurant in town,” my friend tells me. “The best sushi…” I ponder to myself. I suppose it’s worth taking a look. It’s not as if I was paying for it. After a short drive from my dorm I realized we were going to “Oriental Gourmet.” I had always noticed it there before, since its in the same strip mall as Best Buy and Fiesta Ranchera, but it looked slightly dingy on the outside. “Is that where we’re going?” I asked. “Yeah, it’s awesome.” I was not thrilled.
But upon entering the establishment I quickly realized how the bustling little restaurant was actually the best sushi place in Bloomington. First of all, the place was packed. We were lucky enough to find a table for even the two of us. “Man, is it always this busy here?” I couldn’t believe that I had never heard of this place before. “Yeah, well, I mean, they do have amazing sushi.” I let him order as sushi had never been my forte. We both had soup, me the miso, and him the sweet and sour. It was absolutely delicious.
We ended up with over 8 orders of various tidbits and pieces of their exotic flavor brought out to us on a large wooden slab, garnished with slices of ginger, wasabi, and a piece of plastic grass for décor. It was remarkable to the eye and a marvel to taste. Everything was so fresh and prepared remarkably well. It was amazing.
For a college student meal it's a little on the high end but for good sushi, it is a very fair price. I've been there a few times since and am always more than satisfied. I would highly recommend.
Monday, November 17, 2008
entertainment outings bnstyle
Copyright Anthony Saluto Productions p.o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702 ph 309 824 9176 em gosaluto@bellsouth.net other sites, http://www.strollthehill.blogspot.com/ , http://www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com/ , coming soon a local business edition,
“Jazzchocolat`” will soothe you into evening
By Alison Kough
Peg has a jazz band which plays at Fat Jacks every first Wednesday.
Jazzchocolat` plays five piece jazz standards
A jazz standard is a jazz piece which is widely known and makes the foundations of jazz. These pieces are sometimes from the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s, but the list is ongoing, showing how jazz is continuing to redefine and grow.
How long have you been singing jazz?
I’ve been doing this for 7 years
What got you into performing?
Artists Herb and Pam Eaton who have been married for at least 30 years had the idea of having “jazz and chocolate nights”. Crazy Planet Kitchen, which is now Reality Bites, hosted the first jazz and chocolate night. We gave chocolate recipe ideas for the restaurant and helped make the food for our first night. They served entrees, drinks, deserts all centered around chocolate. The chocolate theme kept going for five years at three different restaurants. Crazy Planet Kitchen got too small. Jerry’s Grill had a huge chocolate menu and came up with own recipes such as a chocolate sauce pork dish, 3 different kinds of chocolate martinis, and a tropical salad covered in chocolate sauce. It was great.
Where does your musical inspiration come from?
My personal inspiration comes from artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Chris Connor, Diana Krall, and Ann Hampton Callaway to name only a few.
What are your songs about?
Love! And love gone bad!
Do you write your own songs?
Guitar player Gary Muhammed writes his own songs. Almost all of our band members have other bands, Gary has a smooth jazz band called “Soft Spoken”.
What are some of the covers you do?
All jazz standards are covers. But some of the most recognizable covers that we play are, “All of Me”, “Come Rain or Come Shine”, “Easy to Love”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, “I’ve Thought About You”, “Just One of Those Things”, and “Night and Day” are just some of them.
What do you like about playing at Fat Jack’s?
It has a bigger space so there’s room for everybody, there’s a stage, great drinks, good bartenders, wonderful sound, and you could order pizza from Luccas next door!
Have you ever performed at a bad venue or had a bad show for some reason?
Yes, it will go unnamed, but a few venues in town have bad acoustics which makes it hard for the band and hard for listeners
Who makes up Jazzchocolat`?
Herb Eaton – Trombone
Bill Schlipf – Bass
Gary Muhammad – Guitar
Cassie Hart - Sax
Peg Schickedanz (me) - Singer
Why the name Jazzchocolat`?
Because of “Jazz and Chocolate Night” which started it all and we also wanted to show the richness of jazz, like good chocolate.
How do you find time to be a musician?
Number one – jazz musicians don’t rehearse together so it enables them to work on other stuff in their spare time. But we all do rehearse on our own. Also, I hardly ever watch TV so I can spend time on my music.
What are your plans for Jazzchocolat`?
We’re going to keep playing a couple times a month as long as we can. All of the band members have full-time jobs. We all worked on 400 block N Main Street at the beginning, which made it easy to meet up.
Where did you work?
Herb Eaton owns Eaton’s Art Gallery and is a professional artist full-time, Bill Schlipf is a piano tuner and tunes at the Music Center, Gary Muhammad is a hair stylist and worked at Gaston’s Uppercuts which used to be on Main Street, our original sax player, Bruce Weiser was a CPA down town, and I worked at City Consignments.
What do you have coming soon?
Every 1st Wednesday we perform at Fat Jacks, and we’re playing Martinis for Mark at the Loft on November 13. We also are available for private parties and weddings. For more information call Peg 309-829-3049.
Pschick@collaborativesolutions.org
Peg has a jazz band which plays at Fat Jacks every first Wednesday.
Jazzchocolat` plays five piece jazz standards
A jazz standard is a jazz piece which is widely known and makes the foundations of jazz. These pieces are sometimes from the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s, but the list is ongoing, showing how jazz is continuing to redefine and grow.
How long have you been singing jazz?
I’ve been doing this for 7 years
What got you into performing?
Artists Herb and Pam Eaton who have been married for at least 30 years had the idea of having “jazz and chocolate nights”. Crazy Planet Kitchen, which is now Reality Bites, hosted the first jazz and chocolate night. We gave chocolate recipe ideas for the restaurant and helped make the food for our first night. They served entrees, drinks, deserts all centered around chocolate. The chocolate theme kept going for five years at three different restaurants. Crazy Planet Kitchen got too small. Jerry’s Grill had a huge chocolate menu and came up with own recipes such as a chocolate sauce pork dish, 3 different kinds of chocolate martinis, and a tropical salad covered in chocolate sauce. It was great.
Where does your musical inspiration come from?
My personal inspiration comes from artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Chris Connor, Diana Krall, and Ann Hampton Callaway to name only a few.
What are your songs about?
Love! And love gone bad!
Do you write your own songs?
Guitar player Gary Muhammed writes his own songs. Almost all of our band members have other bands, Gary has a smooth jazz band called “Soft Spoken”.
What are some of the covers you do?
All jazz standards are covers. But some of the most recognizable covers that we play are, “All of Me”, “Come Rain or Come Shine”, “Easy to Love”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, “I’ve Thought About You”, “Just One of Those Things”, and “Night and Day” are just some of them.
What do you like about playing at Fat Jack’s?
It has a bigger space so there’s room for everybody, there’s a stage, great drinks, good bartenders, wonderful sound, and you could order pizza from Luccas next door!
Have you ever performed at a bad venue or had a bad show for some reason?
Yes, it will go unnamed, but a few venues in town have bad acoustics which makes it hard for the band and hard for listeners
Who makes up Jazzchocolat`?
Herb Eaton – Trombone
Bill Schlipf – Bass
Gary Muhammad – Guitar
Cassie Hart - Sax
Peg Schickedanz (me) - Singer
Why the name Jazzchocolat`?
Because of “Jazz and Chocolate Night” which started it all and we also wanted to show the richness of jazz, like good chocolate.
How do you find time to be a musician?
Number one – jazz musicians don’t rehearse together so it enables them to work on other stuff in their spare time. But we all do rehearse on our own. Also, I hardly ever watch TV so I can spend time on my music.
What are your plans for Jazzchocolat`?
We’re going to keep playing a couple times a month as long as we can. All of the band members have full-time jobs. We all worked on 400 block N Main Street at the beginning, which made it easy to meet up.
Where did you work?
Herb Eaton owns Eaton’s Art Gallery and is a professional artist full-time, Bill Schlipf is a piano tuner and tunes at the Music Center, Gary Muhammad is a hair stylist and worked at Gaston’s Uppercuts which used to be on Main Street, our original sax player, Bruce Weiser was a CPA down town, and I worked at City Consignments.
What do you have coming soon?
Every 1st Wednesday we perform at Fat Jacks, and we’re playing Martinis for Mark at the Loft on November 13. We also are available for private parties and weddings. For more information call Peg 309-829-3049.
Pschick@collaborativesolutions.org
Late Knight Bar Food
By Alison Kough
As a college student, I know there is no better food than bar food - especially when you’ve been up all night trying to drain a keg with all your friends. All you really want is something filling and satisfying. Where do you go at one o’clock in the morning for that late-night snack? Luckily, Bloomington and Normal caters to night owls with large appetites. Most bars have kitchens and you may be surprised at the quality of food. Just because it’s from a bar, doesn’t mean it has to be bad. Some of the best late night bar food comes from Maguire’s, Pub II, NV Lounge, and Elroy’s.
Maguire’s is located in downtown Bloomington and is known best for their wings and daily specials. Open during lunch, their menu has unique items such as Irish Nachos.
The Pub II not only has sandwiches, wraps, and salads, but are more famous for their cheese balls and buffalo shrimp. There are a lot of tables out side, and the food isn’t very expensive. A small plate of cheese balls will only cost you $3.19 – but don’t forget to tip the waitresses, the word is that they can be pretty selective about who they serve. The pub doesn’t have very creative food, just standard bar food cooked just right so it hits the spot. Great for the college kid, but if you want somewhere more sophisticated, I suggest you go somewhere else. Hey, it’s a college bar, it’s not meant to be classy.
The NV Ultra lounge is the newest nightclub to hit Normal. NV is also owned by Emack & Bolio’s ice cream, situated next door. You can sit at the bar and order ice cream to go with your beer. Of course, they also serve all the other standard pub grub. I found their prices to be slightly above average, but the daily food specials are fantastic. Their atmosphere is chic, but you’ll be hard-pressed for a table. One of the best things there is the live music from well-known and local artists. Featuring a weekly open-mic night, this bar goes beyond the beer and offers a complete entertainment experience.
Elroy’s, also in Bloomington, is a sports bar that caters to the health-conscience individual. Serving a variety of salads and wraps, this may be the food you want to balance out those extra beer calories. But, if you’re like me and want something a little more filling, don’t worry you can find that here too. Elroy’s has a selection of thick juicy burgers and steak fries. This sports bar covers its walls in flat screen TVS that can be watched from all areas of the bar. There is a small outdoor beer garden. This bar is recommended for the sports fan and attracts patrons of all ages, but if you walk in during a big game and you’re not a fan, you may want to sit out until the place calms down, it can get a little crazy on a big sports night, which is neither good nor bad. Elroy’s is moderately priced and has happy hour specials where you can get free wings.
As a college student, I know there is no better food than bar food - especially when you’ve been up all night trying to drain a keg with all your friends. All you really want is something filling and satisfying. Where do you go at one o’clock in the morning for that late-night snack? Luckily, Bloomington and Normal caters to night owls with large appetites. Most bars have kitchens and you may be surprised at the quality of food. Just because it’s from a bar, doesn’t mean it has to be bad. Some of the best late night bar food comes from Maguire’s, Pub II, NV Lounge, and Elroy’s.
Maguire’s is located in downtown Bloomington and is known best for their wings and daily specials. Open during lunch, their menu has unique items such as Irish Nachos.
The Pub II not only has sandwiches, wraps, and salads, but are more famous for their cheese balls and buffalo shrimp. There are a lot of tables out side, and the food isn’t very expensive. A small plate of cheese balls will only cost you $3.19 – but don’t forget to tip the waitresses, the word is that they can be pretty selective about who they serve. The pub doesn’t have very creative food, just standard bar food cooked just right so it hits the spot. Great for the college kid, but if you want somewhere more sophisticated, I suggest you go somewhere else. Hey, it’s a college bar, it’s not meant to be classy.
The NV Ultra lounge is the newest nightclub to hit Normal. NV is also owned by Emack & Bolio’s ice cream, situated next door. You can sit at the bar and order ice cream to go with your beer. Of course, they also serve all the other standard pub grub. I found their prices to be slightly above average, but the daily food specials are fantastic. Their atmosphere is chic, but you’ll be hard-pressed for a table. One of the best things there is the live music from well-known and local artists. Featuring a weekly open-mic night, this bar goes beyond the beer and offers a complete entertainment experience.
Elroy’s, also in Bloomington, is a sports bar that caters to the health-conscience individual. Serving a variety of salads and wraps, this may be the food you want to balance out those extra beer calories. But, if you’re like me and want something a little more filling, don’t worry you can find that here too. Elroy’s has a selection of thick juicy burgers and steak fries. This sports bar covers its walls in flat screen TVS that can be watched from all areas of the bar. There is a small outdoor beer garden. This bar is recommended for the sports fan and attracts patrons of all ages, but if you walk in during a big game and you’re not a fan, you may want to sit out until the place calms down, it can get a little crazy on a big sports night, which is neither good nor bad. Elroy’s is moderately priced and has happy hour specials where you can get free wings.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2007
catching some tunes one gig at a time
backyard tire fire's tim kramp shakes the sticks
By Maggie Saluto Borkholder
Tim Kramp is an impressive guy. And believe me, despite the fact that I’ve known him personally for 17 years; it’s a truth no one can possibly deny. He is a beautiful musician, a dedicated artist, and a willing friend. Tim has been working with the band Backyard Tire Fire over the last six years. He and front man Ed Anderson started the band in North Carolina during 2001. After moving to Athens, Georgia for a short time they eventually decided on the good old Midwest as a resting place. Ed’s brother Matt later joined and the rest, well, is history.
Tim was born in Chicago’s Cook County, then moved with his parents to their hometown of Springfield, and finally settled here in Bloomington during third grade. He lovingly calls himself a native of this beautiful place. Home is where the heart is, and his heart is definitely here. He attended Washington grade school for a short semester, Holy Trinity through eight grade, U-high, and Central Catholic, graduating in 2000. Tim’s the type of person who has music in his soul. I recently was able to spend a long evening with my old friend. This is what became of it.
Maggie: Have you always wanted to be in a band?
Tim: Ever since I started being in bands, I always enjoyed making music with other people and as time went on it was what I spent my time doing. I enjoyed it and I continue to enjoy it. So I guess I’m doing the right thing with my time.
Maggie: When did you start you first band?
Tim: It was an eighth grade music project; I had been taking drum lessons for a few years. We had a music teacher who wanted us to get into groups with a few people and write a song, perform it, and record it. That was the first band…it was called Spoiled Meat. We had great band names…such as Crazy Connie. It’s still a fun thing to do,
come up with band names.
Maggie: How old were you when you started playing the drums?
Tim: About twelve…I guess I got serious and really wanted to get good. My parents wanted me to learn a musical instrument. I never latched onto piano at that age. So, I took drum lessons because I bugged my parents enough about it that they let me take drum lessons. But I’m interested in other instruments too.
Maggie: So, you play other instruments?
Tim: No, I just like to mess around with other instruments. I’m a drummer!
Maggie: When/How did your current band develop?
Tim: This band began in 2001 and we had a few different players for the first year and a half of the bands existence. At that time we were living in North Carolina for, I guess, the first year and then Athens Georgia for 6 months after that. It was a great experience the whole time, we really had some good things going but when we moved back to Illinois, the Midwest, things just got a whole lot better and we got a whole lot more interest. When we were living down south we would come back up here to play gigs and it seemed we had a much better response up here. Then we traveled down south…and now we go down there and kill, but this is years later.
It was tough being a local band…those two areas in particular are big national music scenes that have large national bands coming through, so as a local band, if you don’t know the right people, which of course we didn’t because we were new in all of these towns, you’re not able to get in front of the right crowds…your struggling to get gigs for like a dollar at the door, just struggling, working bad jobs. Now everything has been great since we came back to the Midwest. At that point in time also, matt Anderson joined the band as our bass player and became our background vocalist. Ed and I started the band.
Maggie: You’ve been playing all over the Unites States, what are some of your most memorable gigs?
Tim: And recently into Canada.
Maggie: And recently into Canada!
Tim: We just returned from a 5 week stint. We played 5 gigs up in Canada. It was so good. It was so fun, it was something new for me to be up there with this band playing these towns in a place I had never been to. And we really had a good response too.
We went out with a wonderful band called Clutch. It was a unique thing for us.
We’ve been from coast to coast, into Canada, and all across the United States; from Portland Oregon to Portland Maine in a week.
Maggie: Do you have a favorite place to play?
Tim: The Denver area is always good to us. Illinois, Chicago. We’re coming back to Chicago this October. For a complete list of all of our dates you can visit our website at backyardtirefire.com
Maggie: Who are your musical heroes?
Tim: The Black Crowes, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Tom Waits, Ike and Tina, Tom petty, Jimi Hendrix, and Morphine-great band that more people should be into.
I just like everybody who you can tell they mean it.
Maggie: How often are you touring?
Tim: These past two years we’ve done about 200 dates per year. It’s really a lot of fun, so we take it very seriously, and luckily we all enjoy doing it very much.
At the end of our interview I thanked my friend for his time and stayed seated comfortably on his couch listening to an array of music and smoking too many cigarettes. I was sitting next to the boy next door, my dear friend, and one of the nicest people I have ever known. He is, to me, Timmy, the reliable guy who came to my house every Sunday for years. However, instead of Sundays the days are fewer and far between. After all, he’s in this very successful band touring our country and Canada. But, at the root of it all, he’s Tim Kramp, he grew up strolling our hill, and as far as he’s concerned coming back to this place after sometimes months on the road is the luckiest part of all.
Tim’s parents are Mark and Mary Kramp of Bloomington. He has three brothers; Joe, John, and Phil. Tim currently resides in Bloomington with his girlfriend Rachael and their cat Charlie.
For more information on tour dates, pictures, music from the band, and much more visit their website athttp://www.backyardtirefire.com/
photography, by maggie saluto borkholder, anthony saluto productions , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
writing, editing, Maggie Saluto Borkholder
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions p.o. box 3425 bloomington il. 61702
advertising, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2007
suddenly east college feels like miami
$8 haircuts $15 facials at the paul mitchell campus
Its more than a school, it’s a culture
by anthony saluto
A 20,000 square foot, 2.4 million dollar, PAUL MITCHELL , and it is incredible. The town of normal scored big with paul mitchell the campus partner school. When I walked in the door I thought I was in Miami.
The facility will be handling 250 future professional cosmologist and or estheticians, the cosmologists will complete a 1500 hour program in 52 weeks, and the estheticians, a 750 hour 22 week program.
A good haircut will be $8, and a facial will set you back, $15. By the first week of October hair service will begin and skin service shortly afterwards. Owner John Kanski, says “ this space was vacant for 2 years before we decide to sign a 10 year lease” .
"With 72 chairs, the public will be coming in by thousands, area salons will benefit by the talent pool that graduates our program” john said. "The presentation is no different than if you were in Sherman Oaks Ca. John says, "the architects are out of Laguna Beach Ca." , as we are turning the corner on o
ne of many corridors.
Its not hard to see how the investment was 2.4 million dollars, the floors are the original concrete that was used by the Jewell store for years, but buffed up and what looks to be some 4x4 timbers inset in various areas.
The photos are worth a thousand words, with 91 franchises in the system the design and equipment are all first class custom work.
Paul mitchelle was well known for innovating the elimination of evening curlers and making blow drying the new standard.
The brand of paul mitchell products, is in 100,000 stores in 47 countries. “The power of the brand offers our future professionals (graduates) strong reconition, when shopping their resume, it gives them instant recognition of a premiere program anywhere they may go to practice the trade” john explains. “Our future professionals will have business skills as well as an expanded ability to rebook clients” says john.
Its more than a school, it’s a culture
by anthony saluto
A 20,000 square foot, 2.4 million dollar, PAUL MITCHELL , and it is incredible. The town of normal scored big with paul mitchell the campus partner school. When I walked in the door I thought I was in Miami.
The facility will be handling 250 future professional cosmologist and or estheticians, the cosmologists will complete a 1500 hour program in 52 weeks, and the estheticians, a 750 hour 22 week program.
A good haircut will be $8, and a facial will set you back, $15. By the first week of October hair service will begin and skin service shortly afterwards. Owner John Kanski, says “ this space was vacant for 2 years before we decide to sign a 10 year lease” ."With 72 chairs, the public will be coming in by thousands, area salons will benefit by the talent pool that graduates our program” john said. "The presentation is no different than if you were in Sherman Oaks Ca. John says, "the architects are out of Laguna Beach Ca." , as we are turning the corner on o
ne of many corridors.Its not hard to see how the investment was 2.4 million dollars, the floors are the original concrete that was used by the Jewell store for years, but buffed up and what looks to be some 4x4 timbers inset in various areas.
The photos are worth a thousand words, with 91 franchises in the system the design and equipment are all first class custom work.
Paul mitchelle was well known for innovating the elimination of evening curlers and making blow drying the new standard.
The brand of paul mitchell products, is in 100,000 stores in 47 countries. “The power of the brand offers our future professionals (graduates) strong reconition, when shopping their resume, it gives them instant recognition of a premiere program anywhere they may go to practice the trade” john explains. “Our future professionals will have business skills as well as an expanded ability to rebook clients” says john.
Paul mithcell acquired 100 acres in Hawaii long ago, embracing the awapui plant, which is an ingredient in many of the companies products.
John will be directing operations here. When I asked about the district management system, john says, “ we operate on the basis of franchise owners visiting franchise owners, to preview operations a to z and discuss areas that may be need tweaking for the system overall” . john compares the system to that of what school systems do amongst themselves. John says, “ the whole franchise system is managed by what we call the pal system” . the web site and johns email are, www.pmthecampus.com , and,johnk@pmthecampus.com .
digital hair dryer to more control temps.
haircut on isle 12
staff poses in one of the many rooms of professional equipment.
"its more than a school, its a culture" says john kanski dierctor owner of the new normal il. franchise. story forthcoming.
the reception desk at the campus paul mitchell partner school in normal
.........................................................................................................................................................
photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints,gosaluto@bellsouth.net
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
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fred wollrab recovered drug store documents in rehab
ed burleson works on the brick wall at 320 n. main st. downtown bloomington il.
this tin ceiling will be restored during a 6 week project.
by anthony saluto
Fred wollrab, wollrab properties, is well underway in rehabbing the original brick walls and tin ceiling on the corners of main and monroe streets downtown bloomington il.. the one thing we all seem to zero in on are the bricks themselves. It seems amongst all of wollrabs properties most bricks will have individual characteristics.
After the existing walls and ceilings have been removed, 320 n. main st. downtown bloomington is ready for some fine tuning. Ed Burleson is at work on the brick walls. The bricks were scrubbed first. Then ed seals the bricks with crete waterproofing. The next step ed says, is a coat of polyurethane. Along the process at the end will be some tuck pointing. The tin ceiling will be repaired and finished as well, completely.
Speaking with fred wollrab, fred tells me, “ the great fires of 1900 took the previous building”. The building being worked on was constructed as a Pillsbury design, a prominent architect of the period. Adali Stevenson I, a former u.s. vice president owned the building and business in 1901 operating mclean county coal co’s. general offices. We presume this was a prime energy resource of the period.
Fred tells me “it was a drug store at one point”, and that he has recovered a wide variety of drug store ads and other documents.
Upstairs of 320 n main was once occupied by an eye doctors office. Currently it is occupied as a large townhouse residence.
The work will continue for about six weeks. Multiple tenant discussions have been in progress along the way.
photography, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
writing, editing, Maggie Saluto Borkholder
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions p.o. box 3425 bloomington il. 61702
subscribe to this blog at the bottom
advertising information ... gosaluto@bellsouth.net
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2007
dba time to chill, so much art ... such little time !
be chillin with the dbaq&ahttp://www.downtownbloomington.org/come thursday night
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Downtown Network Social
The Downtown Business Association will be hosting a gathering at Timothy Kent Gallery & Framing this week. The gallery is located at 236 E. Front St. in Bloomington just east of Central Station restaurant. The event will take place from 5 30 -7 pm on Thursday, this week, the 13th. This meeting is open to the public. Ideally, anyone interested in Downtown Business should attend.
Currently showing at the Timothy Kent Gallery is artist James Pratt. James is a native of New Zealand.
Our Anthony Saluto spoke with Mr. Kent this week.
Tony: Tim, are you having food brought in?
Tim: I haven’t finalized things quite yet.
Tony: Will you be serving alcohol?
Tim: Wine for sure.
Tony: I didn’t realize you had an an upstairs gallery.
Tim: Oh, it’s really nice; it has a roof top deck which has just been expanded.
Tony: Have you hosted one of these before?
Tim: This will be my first. Others have been at The Pantagraph and The Monroe
Center.
Tony: What are your Gallery hours?
Tim: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, and closed on Sunday
This event is a very positive way to become involved in our community. Information is power. This is also a very good networking opportunity.
For more information call 309-828-0611 or contact the gallery via e-mail athttp://www.timothykentgallery.com/.
The Downtown Business Association will be hosting a gathering at Timothy Kent Gallery & Framing this week. The gallery is located at 236 E. Front St. in Bloomington just east of Central Station restaurant. The event will take place from 5 30 -7 pm on Thursday, this week, the 13th. This meeting is open to the public. Ideally, anyone interested in Downtown Business should attend.
Currently showing at the Timothy Kent Gallery is artist James Pratt. James is a native of New Zealand.
Our Anthony Saluto spoke with Mr. Kent this week.
Tony: Tim, are you having food brought in?
Tim: I haven’t finalized things quite yet.
Tony: Will you be serving alcohol?
Tim: Wine for sure.
Tony: I didn’t realize you had an an upstairs gallery.
Tim: Oh, it’s really nice; it has a roof top deck which has just been expanded.
Tony: Have you hosted one of these before?
Tim: This will be my first. Others have been at The Pantagraph and The Monroe
Center.
Tony: What are your Gallery hours?
Tim: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, and closed on Sunday
This event is a very positive way to become involved in our community. Information is power. This is also a very good networking opportunity.
For more information call 309-828-0611 or contact the gallery via e-mail athttp://www.timothykentgallery.com/.
several rooms adorned with originals.
timothy kents roof top deck nears completion for the event
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timothy kent is located a few doors east of central station on front st.
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works from artist, james pratt
the artist uses photos to stroke his magic from, often working on cruise ships which then auctions his work on board.
timothy kent, says welcome to my rooftop deck and gallery. thursday night the 13th at 5:30 - 7
Gumby has been spotted in downtown Bloomington
by maggie saluto borkholder
remember gumby? He was the lovable clay character adored by children and adult's beginning in the 1950s and spanning over a thirty-five year period. Well, he's back! In a very small way Gumby is once again gracing our lives right here in Bloomington. On W. Market St. near the corner store of Crossroads there's Gumby etched in the stone wall.
Why there is a tiny Gumby etched into the brick wall remains a mystery. Even more interesting is his coloring. This particular Gumby is bright yellow. Miniature in size, Gumby was originally green. What is his significance in our downtown? I am open to theories, or maybe some of you know the real reason Gumby is there.
Please send me your ideas at maggieborkholder@yahoo.comand I will update you next week as to why Bloomington thinks we have a Gumby.
photography, anthony saluto , usage and or prints,gosaluto@bellsouth.net
writing, editing, Maggie Saluto Borkholder
news tips, downtown trivia,gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions p o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2007
weekender pictorial THE BUS STOPS HERE! by anthony saluto
a tour bus full! starts right here, downtowns farmers market, before lunching at the garlic press, uptown, and then visiting organic farms.
however you say it, delicious is what it really is.
the amazing buildings on jefferson street, backdrops farmers market to an eager crowd of 3-5,000 in peak weeks. the farmers market will run thur october 27
buggs bunny was chased off the square to clear the way for towns people, many with furry friends, on one of the best downtown bloomington il. strolls the week has to offer.
the signs are very small as are the pumpkins, farmers market has the goods to jump start your outdoor fall decorating
the kids are on auto pilot for the grounds of the mclean county museum of history.nothing much has changed in our natural desire to want to climb a tree. as demonstrated by these young ladies enjoying their surroundings.
the old men boys bust a move at yesterdays farmers market and artist alley. next saturday, sept. 15, austin found will be performing. 
can i have the basket too !
if the vegetables aren't colorful enough for you, our India residents are a cultural fashion show.
farmers market is sponsored by ciy of bloomington downtown bloomington association, the market is on the square, it is open 6:45 to 11:00 every saturday morning through the end of october.http://www.downtownbloomington.org/ or 309-829-9599 , should have answers if you need some.
coming soon, an expanded story on the bus will follow.
photography, anthony saluto, usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2007
gallery walk just got longer ...
rotating artist showings coming
above slightly used gone ..1 day
this new set will fill the room at under $1500http://www.cityconsignments.com/ has them coming state wide !
When you’re walking down Main Street and you come to a shop with the most inviting furniture in town displayed quaintly in the window, you’ve made it to City Consignments. It’s a really nice store and we’re not the only ones who think so. Since May when they began updating their inventory listing weekly online, their website has had 25,000 visits. Add that to their newest undertaking, a wall share where they will use wall space to promote local artists, and you’ve got local charm mixed with brand name, quality furniture and accessories.
The Lazy Boy couch (pictured) sold in one day for under five hundred dollars. Up next? Available Friday will be a brand new set couch and love seat with matching chair and ottoman.
So, stop in and try comfortable living on for size. Owners Thom Delforge Mary Munson, and their staff will greet you in style.
attorney don hammer has record golf round of 82
attorney don hammer, of hayes hammer attorney firm, has achieved some leisure time success on the golf course. don recorded his personal best round of golf. shooting an 82 at prairie vista golf course this week. don has been practicing law in all areas for many years at the corner of center andwashington st. when asked what area of law he likes to keep on the front burner going forward, " don says, mediation is one area that i always want to stay focused on.
Loft alert
2 lofts will be available soon
213 e front st lots of exposed brick , Townhouse They go fast, @750 mo.
315 e front st
Soon.
Redbird management 454 4888
2 lofts will be available soon
213 e front st lots of exposed brick , Townhouse They go fast, @750 mo.
315 e front st
Soon.
Redbird management 454 4888
wollrab hits brick jackpot in new rehab space.
the wollrab masterpiece is a work in progress, the space at the corner of main and monroe st. downtown bloomington isfred wollrabs latest rehab project. wollrab has a knack of seeing past the new and uncovering the old. once stripping the walls clean, wollrab hits the downtown jackpot of floor to ceiling brick walls. and the tin ceiling yet one more glimpse to the past that one lucky tenant will cherish merchandising around. the process which wollrab has repeated time and time again in rehabbing downtown bloomington should take another 45 days or so. at this moment the space is still available. redbird management leases freds spaces, they can be reached at the normal office at 454 4888
news tips ... gosaluto@bellsouth.net
contributors .. maggie saluto borkholder writing, editing
photography ... anthony saluto , image usage and or printsgosaluto@bellsouth.net
coming soon , take a peek at what bed time boutique thinks may be one its hottest Halloween costumes this year is.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2007
under the dome
as+copy.jpg)
Jeff Woodard, in studio
a building with purpose .. a man with a vision
Jeff Woodard is the Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at the McLean County Museum of History. He took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk with us about upcoming exhibits underway this season and the many changes happening right in the heart of downtown.
Tony Saluto interviews Jeff Woodward:
Tony: Woody, how’s traffic?
Woody: Steady. We had 755 people during the Festival of India in one
day.
Tony: That’s great. What shows do you have coming up in the
future?
Woody: The Vietnam exhibit is coming up January 28, 2008.
Tony: How long do you work on that kind of exhibit.
Woody: Oh, many of our major exhibits are eighteen months in the
planning stage.
Tony: Is anything of particular interest?
Woody: We have a soap carving that was made by a transient that is
so detailed, it is really something.
Tony: What’s going on now?
Woody: Blacks started to settle in McLean County as early as the
1840s. (up next is) Presence, Pride, and Passions: It is a
history of African Americans in McLean County dating back to
the mid 1800’s. We have also extended the Depression
exhibit, Journey Through The Great Depression.
He urges people to view the calendar for details on shows.
Also, bestselling author Jim Loewen will be speaking September 13th at 10 am, about his book, Sundown Towns. The book explores towns, many that are in Illinois, that don’t accept African Americans.
To learn more about times and dates you can visit the Museum’s web site at http://www.mchistory.org/. Look for the events calendar.
Children are free and adults are $5.
Hours: Monday 10am-5pm
Tuesday 10am-9pm
Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Sundays September-May 1pm-5pm
To reach Jeff Woodard directly via e-mail: marketing@mchistory.org
Parking update... Incognito interview with a downtown food service employee
Tony, where do you park?
Server, the parking deck is free for 4 hours. If I don’t work longer than 4 hours I park there. If I work longer I run and move my car from one block to the other. Otherwise in the garage on center, I would get a $25 ticket if my car stays over 4 hours.
Tony, can you park further out?
Server, I can park 3 blocks east of main st. for free on the street.
Tony, what about co-workers?
Server, they pretty much do the same thing. Some live downtown so it isn’t a problem for them to walk. Some also ride their bikes so they don’t have to deal with parking. Some get dropped off so they don’t the move the car hassle or pay for parking.
..........................................................................................................................................................
a building with purpose .. a man with a vision
Jeff Woodard is the Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at the McLean County Museum of History. He took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk with us about upcoming exhibits underway this season and the many changes happening right in the heart of downtown.
Tony Saluto interviews Jeff Woodward:
Tony: Woody, how’s traffic?
Woody: Steady. We had 755 people during the Festival of India in one
day.
Tony: That’s great. What shows do you have coming up in the
future?
Woody: The Vietnam exhibit is coming up January 28, 2008.
Tony: How long do you work on that kind of exhibit.
Woody: Oh, many of our major exhibits are eighteen months in the
planning stage.
Tony: Is anything of particular interest?
Woody: We have a soap carving that was made by a transient that is
so detailed, it is really something.
Tony: What’s going on now?
Woody: Blacks started to settle in McLean County as early as the
1840s. (up next is) Presence, Pride, and Passions: It is a
history of African Americans in McLean County dating back to
the mid 1800’s. We have also extended the Depression
exhibit, Journey Through The Great Depression.
He urges people to view the calendar for details on shows.
Also, bestselling author Jim Loewen will be speaking September 13th at 10 am, about his book, Sundown Towns. The book explores towns, many that are in Illinois, that don’t accept African Americans.
To learn more about times and dates you can visit the Museum’s web site at http://www.mchistory.org/. Look for the events calendar.
Children are free and adults are $5.
Hours: Monday 10am-5pm
Tuesday 10am-9pm
Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Sundays September-May 1pm-5pm
To reach Jeff Woodard directly via e-mail: marketing@mchistory.org
Parking update... Incognito interview with a downtown food service employee
Tony, where do you park?
Server, the parking deck is free for 4 hours. If I don’t work longer than 4 hours I park there. If I work longer I run and move my car from one block to the other. Otherwise in the garage on center, I would get a $25 ticket if my car stays over 4 hours.
Tony, can you park further out?
Server, I can park 3 blocks east of main st. for free on the street.
Tony, what about co-workers?
Server, they pretty much do the same thing. Some live downtown so it isn’t a problem for them to walk. Some also ride their bikes so they don’t have to deal with parking. Some get dropped off so they don’t the move the car hassle or pay for parking.
..........................................................................................................................................................
based on my available parking space counts from one end of downtown to the other i continue to see a surplus of parking, with a few bottle necks here and there. miamis coconut grove had recently installed parking vending units one per block that accepted credit cards as well as money and disbursed a receipt that the parker then placed on their dash. there are lots of solution options, as well as accepting it as good enough. wardwaller is heading up a parking committee to further explore causes and effects of downtown bloomington urban parking. meters, sounds worse than a 4 letter word, and could make the average person cringe. but they may serve as deterrent in aiding in preventing parking space abuse. as long as meters were much more costly than our garages, so that the incentive to park and walk is there to choose.
photography & interviews, anthony saluto ... image usage and or prints,gosaluto@bellsouth.net
writing, editing, maggie saluto borkholder
news tips .. gosaluto@bellsouth.net
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2007
routines resume
first and ten works for here. Doug Rosenbaum owns his Conquest Financial office downtown Bloomington and provides investment services to his clients. While most of us enjoyed a much needed three day weekend Doug spent time traveling to Philadelphia. Once in Philadelphia he was the referee in a professional NFL game, something he does on a regular basis. Most weekends Doug’s free time is MIA. Doug is a Bloomington Normal native. He can be reached via e-mail at:doug.rosenbaum@conquestfinancial.com .
Tony: Doug, you were off refereeing a game this weekend weren’t you?
Doug: Yes, I was in Philadelphia.
Tony: Who won?
Doug: The Jets won.
Tony: What was interesting on the trip?
Doug: The Philadelphia steak sandwich was amazing. We had it catered in the locker
rooms.
Tony: So back to your office downtown Bloomington, what are working on today?
Doug: Well, first I will be studying the markets.
isu girls take a break today .. in style !
It’s Tuesday afternoon on the Reality Bites patio just around lunch time. Michelle Blaskovich and Amanda Bus sit and soak up the beautiful mid-day breeze. Both students at ISU, the girls have been enjoying their afternoon away from classes and a busy campus. They’ve ordered a Margarita, a Fuzzy Leprechaun, and lunch. Today’s heat will swiftly be followed by crisp autumn air and floating leaves. There is nothing like enjoying the last days of summer with good friends, fun drinks, and fabulous food.
They’ve been out enjoying the artistic side to our downtown landscape. Michelle raves about The MusiCenter. “We just bought an electric guitar with a hard case for $200!” she beams, “It was such a fantastic deal.” She goes onto say that the staff was extremely knowledgeable. “Plus”, she adds, “We got to check out the grand pianos.”
The girls are also really excited about the pottery store with plans to decorate their own Margarita glasses. If the day could last forever they might check out a gallery or two, visit the McLean County Arts Center, or tour the architectural genius that is the old court house. Just further proof that downtown has something for the artist and something for everyone.
michelle, left and amanda, right, toast the day
back to work n shops
Nancy McClarty has been strolling this particular hill for the last twenty-eight years. Working for our local McLean County Court System, she has enjoyed countless mornings stepping out into the glimmering downtown sun. If you’ve lived here for any time at all I’m sure you’re plenty familiar with the unusually rare warmth that comes through the trees and over the buildings most mornings in our friendly little city.
Nancy too will be a first to tell you about the beauty in this place. When asked what she thinks about Downtown Bloomington, her warm response came with a subtle smile. “Oh, I love it.”, she exclaimed, “I shop around here all the time. I love A. Renee’s shop and I’ve been using the tailor around the corner for years.” It certainly is a wonderful place to stroll the hill.
photography & interviews, anthony saluto ... image usage and or prints,gosaluto@bellsouth.net
writing, maggie saluto borkholder
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