Arts and Culture

Pontiac's Diaz Sign Art created a custom mural for Sprague's Super Service commemorating significant landmarks in the Town of Normal: the Normal Theater and Steak and Shake. It will be officially unveiled Friday, ahead of a 1950s-themed celebration as part of the Cruisin' through the Century Route 66 Centennial.

While not an exhaustive list, here's WGLT's recommendations for live music outside during Central Illinois' summer months.

The 100th birthday of Route 66 is not lost on businesses and attractions who depend on it. In Lexington, Towanda, Atlanta and Normal, proprietors acknowledge the importance of the nostalgia-driven love for the Mother Road is not just a moment in its history, but a movement they are a part of.

Paul Bouseman has been picked to lead the city-owned zoo. He previously worked in zoo management and parks and recreation in Evansville, Indiana.

Seth Goodman said he can't keep organizing the hot air balloons that are the cornerstone of Lincoln's signature event. Goodman told WGLT he can't keep covering the $30,000 to $40,000 a year it takes to operate and insure the balloon flights.

Johnnie Owens and other Midwest musicians are working with Sam's Club to bring two days of music and fundraising to the grocery store's parking lot. The "Fundstival" will take place on June 5 and 6.

Midwest Punk Fest organizer Jeremy Plue is reviving the regional festival after a four-year hiatus. He's also the "chief creative juggernaut" at Meltdown Creative Works and saw an opportunity to bring the festival back in the burgeoning venue.

“The fans stay excited, we stay excited and we keep making records," Phil Lewis from L.A. Guns told WGLT. They play alongside Cinderella's Tom Keifer on May 28 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S. war with Iran has sent energy prices way up. Something similar happened back in 1973 during the OPEC oil embargo. Find out more in this episode of McHistory.

In a one-time show on June 6, the McLean County Museum of History will serve as the backdrop of a special projection show. Visit BN coordinated the project for ISU fine arts faculty to illustrate and animate images for the show.