Datebook

Book clubs see a bump in participation as "January Joiners" look for ways to up their word count. Librarians and indie organizers say book clubs aren't just about the books—they build community.

The Starving Artists is a grassroots initiative encouraging Central Illinois musicians to hold monthly benefit concerts. A concert at the Coffeehouse in Normal on Jan. 24 is collecting donations for WYSE Food Pantry in West Bloomington.

The contemporary romantic comedy, produced at Illinois Art Station, is the first of three productions in a satellite location while Community Players undergoes renovations.

Dan Hubbard's new EP, his first studio release in 6 years, explores uncharted territory for the singer-songwriter, who dabbled in new sounds and deeply personal themes for "Letting Go."

What Kyle and Shannon Merkle call Santa’s Village has, in just a few years, become one of LeRoy's most magical holiday traditions.

Santa's elves forged a partnership with Normal Parks and Recreation to schedule calls from Santa on Dec. 8 and 10.

There are ample opportunities to get merry and bright in and around Bloomington-Normal next month. Here is our list of more than 40 options.

Stefen Robinson, aka Yea Big, is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who releases music at a lightning fast pace. Robinson's new label, Black Flag Bonsai Club, is a way to keep the music flowing. He plans to release other artists on the label as well.

Playwright Ariel Cipolla said "So You Think You Can Stay" is designed to spark conversation and challenge both pro- and anti-immigration ideologies by reminding audiences of our collective humanity. There are four performances this weekend at the Normal Theater.

Actor Greg Sestero presents "The Room" and "Big Shark" at Normal Theater on Nov. 8.