Entertainment

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, Ind. – Local mother and daughter, Stacey and Lexi Shannon, have released their first book together, “Connecting with Grace: A Mother and Daughter Shared Journal.” Stacey, a freelance journalist and blogger for nearly 20 years, and her tween daughter, Lexi, saw a need for a faith-based approach to a mother and daughter shared journal. So they decided to create one together. “Connecting with Grace,” which is now available on Amazon for $12, has 50 different…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, Ind.—Think “The Office” meets “A Christmas Carol,” told in the style of “This American Life.” That’s how Jennifer Blackmer describes this year’s IPR Radio Drama, broadcasting live at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 from Sursa Performance Hall at Ball State University. And she should know. She wrote it. Blackmer is a professor in the Department of Theatre & Dance and the Director of the Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry, both at Ball State University. And…

By Dee McKinsey— Event Last Year Held Virtually Due to Concerns About COVID-19 MUNCIE, Ind.— In the spirit of the holiday season, 104.1 HD1 WLBC is again hosting its annual Christmas Ornament Smash where selected participants —104 of them — get to smash a Christmas ornament and win prizes. Those prizes can be gifts, money, or $3,000 to spend at Walls Furniture and Mattress in Muncie. Five lucky children will begin the event by each being given a special gift…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, Ind.—The toussled hair. The childlike grin and sparkle in his eyes. The spreading of Christmas Cheer by singing loud for all to hear. The, um, pointy shoes and hat. It’s hard to imagine a better fit for the holiday production of “Elf the Musical!” than Ashton Freeman.  “I’ve always been a kid at heart,” Freeman said. “Many friends said I would be a good fit for Buddy and encouraged me to try out for the role….

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie Symphony Orchestra is inviting families to ring in the holiday season during its Indiana Trust Pops Series “Holiday Pops” concert on Saturday, Dec. 4. “Holiday Pops” will feature a mix of modern and classic Christmas songs, including selections from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Polar Express,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “White Christmas,” and more. The show will also include a playing of the short film “The Snowman,” with live accompaniment by the…

By Pat the Roaming Southside Turkey— HELO! Menie of YOO have seen me OWT on 29th STReett. Gobble, Gobble! (Ok enough of that.) My name is Pat, and I’m a turkey. Yeah, I know that sounds like the introduction to a 12-step program for you humans who are trying to give up something that’s bad for you. But consider it my introduction to you and what has become something very good for me. I am referring to being Muncie’s famous…

By Rev. Dr. Daren Hofmann— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Ball State Opera Theatre in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church presents Amahl and the Night Visitors on December 3rd at 7:30pm and December 4th at 3pm. Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors is a retelling of the Nativity story and the journey of the Magi from the point of view of Amahl and his mother who are on the brink of poverty. Performed in English in one 45-minute act, the opera…

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, Ind. – The annual seasonal presentation of the Children’s Nutcracker is set for Dec. 16 -18 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main in the E. B. Ball Auditorium. On-line tickets go on sale Dec. 1 at MuncieBallet.org. “The Children’s Nutcracker is a holiday classic and wonderful family holiday tradition,” said Lisa Love, president and CEO of the Muncie Ballet Studio. “It is classical music and dance performed by children for children.” The Children’s Nutcracker…

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, Ind.—There is no better way to kick off the holiday season than with your family and friends at the Enchanted Luminaria Walk at Minnetrista, on December 3 & 4 from 5–9 p.m. each night. “Enchanted Luminaria Walk is one of my favorite events to work here at Minnetrista,” said Associate Director of Experience & Education, Ashley Mann. “It’s our gift to the community and there are so many amazing opportunities for family fun and memory making….