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2014 Christkindl Holiday Festival
Come to downtown Barrington for the annual Christkindl Festival. This is an open-air event during the holiday season featuring authentic German food, live entertainment, drinks, fun activities for families and kids crafts, live reindeer, carousel & train rides, Gingerbread House competition and even Santa's house. Please visit the website for a complete list of entertainment.
CITY: Barrington
38th Annual Guest Artist Concert Featuring Rufus Reid
Bassist and composer Rufus Reid. His major professional career began in Chicago and continues since 1976 in New York City. He has toured and recorded with Eddie Harris, Nancy Wilson, Harold Land and Bobby Hutcherson, Lee Konitz, and many more. He continues to record adding to his over 400 record discography, 18 of which are under his own name.
CITY: Grayslake
48th Annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival
Chicago magazine once hailed the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival as "one of the best buys for your jazz dollars," and its easy to see why. Each February, the best college jazz bands in the country converge on the Elmhurst campus for three days of performances and education. The bands take turns performing for some of the greatest names in professional jazz today, who offer critiques and award a variety of honors. The professionals cap off each night of the Festival with a rousing performance of their own.
CITY: Elmhurst
87th Annual Lake County Fair
Come out and enjoy 5 days of fun at the 87th Annual Lake County Fair. Events at the fair include live entertainment, food vendors, carnival rides and games, live animals, motor crossing, banana derby, demolition derby, flower show, expo hall and so much more. Please visit the website for updated information.
CITY: Grayslake
A Carpenters Christmas
Based on the music of The Carpenters' two holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band bring their unforgettable songs to the stage. Enjoy tunes such as Merry Christmas Darling and the jazzy Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. A holiday concert that spreads joy and cheer to all!
CITY: Grayslake
A Carpenters' Christmas
Singer Lisa Rock and her 6-piece band are keeping the Carpenters' holiday tradition alive and bringing their unforgettable Christmas songs to the stage. For tickets, please call (630) 584-6342
CITY: St. Charles
A Very Electric Christmas
The Egyptian Theatre and The Daily Chronicle are proud to bring the brand new Lightwire Theater's A Very Electric Christmas to DeKalb. Follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole...his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias, light up the stage in Lightwire Theater's A Very Electric Christmas. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. Lightwire Theater is internationally recognized for their electroluminescent artistry, poignant story telling and performs in complete darkness. Brighten your holidays this season with Lightwire Theater's A Very Electric Christmas.
CITY: DeKalb
Al Sear Jazz Festival
The Al Sears Jazz Festival is an annual jazz festival that takes place in the Fall in Chandler Park. Free to the public, enjoy great music all three days with music also Saturday evening. More information can be found at the Al Sears Jazz Festival Website.
CITY: Macomb
Allstate Arena
This facility is home field to DePaul basketball, Chicago Wolves hockey and the Chicago Rush arena football. With a wide variety of events each year, the Allstate Arena is a place where everyone can enjoy quality family shows, riveting sports and mesmerizing musical performances.
CITY: Rosemont
Amadeus Performance
Amadeus, the renowned tale of Mozart as seen through the eyes of his most envious competitor, composer Antonio Salieri. The play is an interesting representative style of the style and values of the time. Jeff Recommended!
CITY: Oak Park
American Dance Center Ballet
This nationally recognized dance company performs all styles of dance. The troupe's annual spectacular, Holiday Fantasy, was selected as the Best Live Show in Chicago Southland.
CITY: Orland Park
American English-The Complete Beatles Tribute
Get ready to twist and shout to all of your favorite Beatles tunes! Sporting mop-tops and vintage suits, this Beatles tribute band is as close as it gets to the real deal. For tickets, please call (630) 584-6342.
CITY: St. Charles
Andy's Jazz Club
A spacious, sophisticated saloon atmosphere, a deliciously varied menu and Chicago's finest Live Jazz! Dining is delightfully casual, served with Live Jazz steps from Michigan Avenue, rub shoulders with celebs and jazz buffs from around the world. Andy's renown is international.
CITY: Chicago
Angels & Kings
This cool rock and roll bar, co-owned by Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz (a Chicago native), boasts over-sized celebrity mug shots adorning its walls. Stop in and croon on the karaoke stage with a live band or dance to the DJ-driven music.
CITY: Chicago
Annual Downtown Celebration
Plan to be part of the Downtown Celebration, a festive day of music, food and fun in the heart of Historic Downtown Jacksonville.
CITY: Jacksonville
Annual Valentine's Dinner/Dance
Join the Jacksonville Rotary Club for their 13th Annual Valentine's Dinner/Dance. Cocktails (cash bar): 5:30 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Vegetarian meal available upon request (advance notice required) Exit 52 Band: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. (Exit 52 delivers high energy classic rock, 80s and Country. They tour extensively throughout Central Illinois. Find out more at www.exit52music.com). Live Auction at 8:30 p.m. and Silent Auction throughout the evening. ADVANCED RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! $35.00 Per person – reserved seating for tables of 8
CITY: Jacksonville
Antioch's Gingerbread Walk & Scavenger Hunt
Bring the family and friends to Downtown Antioch to hunt for Gingerbread! Find delightful Gingerbread Sculptures of Houses and other unique creations. Fill out a contest entry form and track down the different Gingerbread Clues throughout Downtown. Turn in the completed entry form for a chance to win exciting prizes and vote for the best one. Enjoy strolling musicians and carolers on Saturdays while finishing all the holiday shopping.
CITY: Antioch
Anything Goes at the Marriott Theatre
Anything Goes is non-stop laughs and madcap fun on the S.S. American with an unusual array of passengers including a gangster, a wealthy debutante, a charismatic nightclub singer and a lovesick stowaway. With spectacular dance and a boatload of Cole Porter tunes like You're the Top, I Get a Kick Out of You and the title song, the audience will get a 'kick' out of Anything Goes.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Aragon Entertainment Center
Built in 1926, this historic ballroom quickly became Chicago's premier place for world-renowned live entertainment. Its unique architecture, design and ambiance have made it a multiuse facility that often hosts live concerts.
CITY: Chicago
Arie Crown Theatre
McCormick Place's theater located in the Lakeside Center.
CITY: Chicago
Arlington International Racecourse
At Arlington International, we aim to make every day of the season special by combining the excitement of thoroughbred racing, gorgeous grounds and fantastic food to create a winning track experience for our guests! Whether you're looking for a fun and exciting day out with friends and family, a casual and charming afternoon at the races, or a sophisticated and stylish get-together, Arlington International offers an extraordinary experience for everyone! Live racing and entertainment May 3 - September 29, 2013.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Athenaeum Theatre
The Athenaeum hosts theatrical and dance performances throughout the year.
CITY: Chicago
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
The historic landmark Auditorium Theatre, an architectural masterpiece designed by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, opened in 1889. The Auditorium, which regularly hosts live performances, is renowned for its amazing acoustics.
CITY: Chicago
Augustana College Cultural Events
A variety of arts events going on at Augustana College.
CITY: Rock Island
B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted
Chicago's oldest blues bar with live blues seven nights a week. A favorite of tourists and locals, you see blues as it's meant to be heard: up close and personal.
CITY: Chicago
Back Room - Chicago
Intimate, upscale atmosphere - Chicago's finest live entertainment venue. The Back Room entertains Chicago with live band music 7 nights a week, two shows a night! They also offer a light food menu, dancing, late night music on the weekends, and top notch service. For over 45 years The Back Room has been the place to go if you are looking for an incredible evening of live music. Guests enter down a long brick alleyway where they are greeted by our host and led into our Showcase Lounge. Our host can accommodate groups of all sizes at our lounge tables or if you'd prefer to be up and dancing you can find a spot at the bar. Every night you can expect the very best in Jazz along with an incredible mix of Motown; R&B; Funk; Adult Contemporary and some down home Chicago Blues! All of your favorite music under one roof, performed live 7 nights a week in an intimate upscale atmosphere that guarantees an unforgettable night. If you're looking for a fun, lively venue for late night dancing head to the Back Room after 1am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when the music continues with your favorite Top 40 and hip hop classics! There's no reason the party has to stop when the bands do!
CITY: Chicago
Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard
Come visit the Quad Cities during its annual Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard weekend. While many local residents take advantage of this annual promotion, it is also a great time to explore the Quad Cities as a visitor. Enjoy discounts on lodging, attractions, dining and shopping during the Martin Luther King Day weekend. Go online to take advantage of the discounts or pick up a coupon booklet at the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau visitor center - Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CITY: Moline
Beach Boys at The Virginia Theatre
What better way to spend the early winter months than with the warmest band around! The Beach Boys will take the stage at the historic Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign, playing a show jam-packed with their greatest hits. This is a show you won't want to miss!
CITY: Champaign
Beer Barrel Pub
Must be 21
CITY: Godfrey
Bentley's Pub
This traditional pub in Downtown Champaign is off the beaten path and likes it that way. A great selection of beers and a crowd of regulars keep this bar hopping. Live music weekly.
CITY: Champaign
Beverly Art Center
Located in Chicago's historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, the Beverly Art Center is a multidisciplinary, cultural center offering classes in art, music, dance, and theater. Offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and performing art.
CITY: Chicago
Big Bang at Hidden Lake Winery
Dueling piano's. Meal prepared by Winery Chef.
CITY: Aviston
Big Chicks
This friendly bar in the Uptown neighborhood caters to a lesbian and gay clientele. Try Big Chicks' next-door restaurant, Tweet, for a delish breakfast, lunch or brunch made with organic ingredients.
CITY: Chicago
Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant
Big Shot is an upscale Restaurant & Piano Bar. A cozy place to meet, eat, and drink while listening and interacting with talented musicians. From the warm atmosphere to the variety of enticing menu items, this intimate spot will showcase live talent every night. The extremely friendly restaurant will invite its patrons to participate and sing along with new songs performed by talented professionals. This will definitely be a place to start and end an evening.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
Built in 1922 to house the original American Passion Play, the former Scottish Rite Temple is the centerpiece of downtown Bloomington's Cultural District. The Performing Arts Center has a 1,200-seat theater and 1,000-person ballroom.
CITY: Bloomington
Blue Chicago
Blue Chicago is located near Ontario street's restaurant row. Chicago's best blues artist star in this safe and friendly club. It is popular with blues fans all over the world. The low cover charge is good for admission to both Blue Chicago locations.
CITY: Chicago
Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group features three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else.
CITY: Chicago
BlueLine Night Club
There's great bands and sophisticated atmosphere at the BlueLine Night Club in Downtown Bloomington!
CITY: Bloomington
Blues In The District
Regional and local blues bands provide outdoor free concerts in Quincy's historic Washington Park. Concerts are held from 5-9:30pm and food from local venders is typically available. Dates of concerts: June 12 June 26 July 10 July 24 August 14 August 28 September 11 Bring a chair!
CITY: Quincy
Blue's night with Nick Moss & Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners
Singer/songwriter Kevin Purcell welds the gritty, back alley sounds of Chicago blues with the back roads soul of southern rock.Nick Moss was weaned on postwar electric blues, his timely and topical songwriting enveloped in new rhythms and guitar innovations have resulted in music of a higher intensity. Together, these blues heroes, backed by incredible bands, deliver a no-holds-barred show that's gritty, rockin' and, above all, a blast.
CITY: Schaumburg
BMO Harris Bank Center
Rockford's downtown arena hosts a variety of world-class entertainment, including concerts, circuses, rodeos and family shows. The BMO Harris Bank Center is also home to the Rockford IceHogs, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.
CITY: Rockford
Boomerang Bar & Grill
This laid back local bar has pool tables, great food and no cover charge except when bands play.
CITY: Urbana
Brad Paisley in Concert
Tickets ON SALE Friday, November 22nd for February 5, 2015! Country music superstar BRAD PAISLEY has announced the extension of his Country Nation World Tour presented by KRAFT Cheese through March 2015. The last leg of the tour will include the NIU Convocation Center on February 5th, 2015. Special guests on the tour will include Parmalee and The Swon Brothers. The show will start at 7:30pm and doors will open at 6:30pm. Tickets for Brad Paisley will go on sale Friday, November 22nd at 10:00am. Tickets are $39.75 and $59.75. All seats are reserved. Tickets can be purchased at the Convocation Center box office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, Livenation.com, or by phone 800-745-3000. Special guests on the tour will be Stoney Creek Records family band Parmalee and Arista Nashville recording duo The Swon Brothers.
CITY: DeKalb
Brando's Speakeasy
Brandos Speakeasy, the Chicago Loop bar in the historic South Loop, is where everyone wants to be. Once you enter Brando's Speakeasy, which is a landmark status building, you will be impressed and welcomed with the intimate, warm, feeling you get from the staff as well as the patrons.
CITY: Chicago
Bret Michaelas Birthday Bash
Get ready and join Bret Michaels as he rocks out the Effingham Performance Center for his Birthday Bash! He's a cultural icon, a rock god, an entrepreneur, a TV star, a father, the face of the American Diabetes Association, a supercross enthusiast, solo artist, and a generous donor to a myriad of charitable causes. Selling over 32 million records, the legendary performer continues to top the charts with his solo releases with three generations of loyal fans. Doors open at 7 p.m. and help celebrate his birthday at 8 p.m.
CITY: Effingham
Show-stopping Broadway hits from Wicked to Jersey Boys to The Sound of Music. BROADWAY BY DESIGN is filled with songs that you love most! Vote for your favorite songs as this is your show to program. Then enjoy an exciting evening of show tunes, performed by Broadway singers and actors who love to perform the music you love to hear! List of selections coming soon with voting throughout the season will be available on Effingham Performance Center's website. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the good ole tunes will begin at 7:30 p.m.
CITY: Effingham
Broadway's Next H!T Musical
Every song is fresh. Every scene is new. Every night is different. It's all improvised and it's all funny! Master improvisers create an evening of music, humor and laughter gathered from made-up, hit song suggestions from the audience, turning it into a full-blown improvised musical.
CITY: Grayslake
Buddy Guy's Legends
Owned by legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy, Legends exemplifies and electrifies the best of Chicago blues, seven nights a week. Here you'll find an amazing collection of blues memorabilia, a great Cajun menu and maybe even Buddy himself on stage.
CITY: Chicago
Byron Civic Center
Musicals, comedies and mysteries are performed August-May at this civic center located in Byron High School.
CITY: Byron
Canopy Club
Canopy Club is committed to diversity in the entertainment it provides for its diverse patron base. The Canopy Club also strives to foster an environment of activism for positive social and environmental change through hosting various benefits and informational gatherings. In striving to achieve the highest level of entertainment, the Canopy Club prides itself on being able to offer entertainment for all walks of life. Whether you like rock, country, hip hop, jazz, funk, indie or anything in between, the Canopy Club has something to offer you. If you're a fan of live music and entertainment, the Canopy Club is your home in central Illinois! Come see live music at the Canopy!
CITY: Urbana
Carterville High School Performing Arts Theatre
This 750 seat theatre features a full orchestra pit, large stage, air conditioning and convenient and ample parking for audience members. From a performance standpoint, the auditorium also features a large backstage dressing area and wondrous acoustics.
CITY: Carterville
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts & Mitchell Museum
Exhibitions, a children's gallery, a permanent collection and special events. Grounds include 85 acres sculpture park, nature trails and bird sanctuary. Hosts annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Center on Halsted
Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to building and strengthening the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community. Center on Halsted's Community and Cultural team creates and hosts a wide array of fun, interactive and engaging programs enjoyed by members of the entire community. Events range from volleyball games in our gymnasium to dance recitals in our theatre. We host regular receptions showcasing local LGBTQ artists and special events for LGBTQ families and friends.
CITY: Chicago
Central IL Jazz Festival
The 40th Central Illinois Jazz Festival is produced by the Juvae Jazz Society of Decatur, IL and held annually at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. Scheduled are some of the top bands/musicians on the festival circuit.
CITY: Decatur
Champaign Urbana Ballet presents The Nutcracker
It the classic ballet - "Swirling among snowflakes that float from the evening sky, the sweet sounds of violins and flutes fill the air. It is Christmas Eve, and in every house, warm hearts beat in anticipation of the magic of the night. In one special house - the home of the Stahlbaum family - the music and the magic are about to take an unusual shape." That excerpt from Champaign Urbana Ballet's The Nutcracker sets the stage for what has become a glamorous, magical holiday tradition for local audiences. Our production is presented each December with a live orchestra, the famed CU Symphony Orchestra, in the elegant Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois. Local children are cast in roles as mice, soldiers and Polichenelles, while company dancers perform the Waltz of the Snowflakes and Flowers, variations of international delights, and the magnificent Pas de Deux that richly defines the Tchaikovsky score.
CITY: Urbana
Charlie's Center for the Arts-All of the Arts-All over Town
This event is truly All of the Arts, All over Town. The entire city will be transformed into an Arts Center featuring a major Art Show, music, live theater, and more from some of the best local, regional and national performing and visual artists.
CITY: St. Charles
Chicago Gay Men's Chorus
Chicago Gay Men's Chorus (CGMC) creates musical experiences that entertain and enlighten, inspire change, and build community. CGMC has been an integral part of Chicago's cultural and gay communities since 1983. For the last three decades, CGMC has entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming and features an active membership of over 200 singers. Among CGMC's performances are traditional choral concerts, musical revues, original commissions, and full-length book musicals.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Music Tour
Chicago Music Tour, Inc. specializes in guided bus tours of Chicago music history, including jazz, rock, blues, classical & soul. Tours feature a soundtrack of songs for each sight or stop. Open since 2011, the tours have received widespread acclaim. Tours include the Chicago Bound Blues Tour, Chicago Rocks 1980-2005, The Chicago Music Tour, Raised in Chicago Jazz Tour, Michigan Avenue Serenade Soul Tour, & Chicago Rock Stars tour. Tours run on weekends, but are available for private events.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Opera Theater
This opera company specializes in a unique repertoire that focuses on works from the 17th, 18th and 20th centuries, performed beautifully in a small venue.
CITY: Chicago
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) performs at the grand Symphony Center on Michigan Avenue in the Loop. The CSO is led by Music Director Riccardo Muti, and often collaborates with some of the biggest names in classical music. In the summer, the CSO takes up residence at the outdoor Ravinia Festival in north suburban Highland Park. Photo credit: Todd Rosenberg as photographer for CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
CITY: Chicago
Christmas at Clayville
Enjoy caroling groups from local elementary schools starting at noon. There will be a children's store, face painting and refreshments. Santa will as be there to visit with the children.
CITY: Pleasant Plains
Christmas Market - Julmarknad
Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of Christmas past. Swedish folk characters roam the village, music plays, shop the Swedish Food specialties, abundance of handmade wares, folk art, antiques. Select homemade chocolate delicacies for your holiday enjoyment at the Steeple Building from 10am to 4pm.
CITY: Bishop Hill
Citadel Theatre
Citadel Theatre is dedicated to producing inspiring theatre by bringing together gifted professionals from all the theatrical disciplines to create exciting, compelling work of the highest caliber.
CITY: Lake Forest
City of Angels
Los Angeles, 1940's. It's double the laughs and double the intrigue as two plots unfold at once when a young New York writer is brought to Los Angeles to turn his best-selling crime novel into a screenplay. As we follow the writer's travails in the film industry, the novel's private-eye comes to life in the evening's split screen plot.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Civic Opera House
The world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago performs in one of North America's most beautiful opera houses, the Civic Opera House. The decorative character of the entire building is a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Comedy-tragedy masks and cornucopia of instruments abound as playful ornaments around entrances, inspired by the Paris Opera House designed by Jean-Louis-Charles Garnier. The famous painted fire curtain (depicting the parade scene from Aida) and the interior decoration details of the Civic Opera House were created by American artist Jules Guerin in a palette of salmon pinks, roses, olives, golds and bronzes.
CITY: Chicago
Clint Black
Join Clint Black, heralded as one of the Country music's brightest stars for a Christmas performance to remember. Boasting nearly two dozen #1 hit singles and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Black remains a devoted family man and Honorary Chair for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. This prolific country star invites us to join in the holiday spirit as he performs music to light up the season! Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and Clint will perform at 7:30 p.m.
CITY: Effingham
Close To You: The Music of The Carpenters
The Carpenter's beautiful, memorable love songs topped the Billboard charts with more than a dozen number one hits. Lisa Rock and her six piece band bring these classics back to the stage. For tickets, please call (630) 584-6342.
CITY: St. Charles
College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center
The McAninch Arts Center is home to five resident professional ensembles: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, DuPage Opera Theatre, Arts Center Jazz Ensemble, New Classic Singers and New Philharmonic.
CITY: Glen Ellyn
Copley Theatre
This theatre offers affordable, live entertainment, comedy, concerts, dance and family shows. Group discounts/theatre rentals; perfect for meetings, performances, fundraisers and banquets.
CITY: Aurora
Dailey & Vincent: "Spirit of Christmas Concert"
Three-time Grammy nominated Daily & Vincent, one of the most elite Bluegrass acts in America, returns to Effingham to delight us again with their "Spirit of Christmas Concert". Spearheaded by four-time International Bluegrass Music Association's "Vocalist of the Year" winner Jamie Dailey and five-time Grammy Award winner Darrin Vincent, this Bluegrass powerhouse will get you in the mood for the season with their highly acclaimed signature sound live concert performance.
CITY: Effingham
Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago is the city's leading presenter of contemporary dance, showcasing artists of regional, national and international acclaim.
CITY: Chicago
Dancenter North's The Magic of the Nutcracker
The Magic of the Nutcracker is the largest and most lavish version of the holiday ballet in Lake County! Clara'a dream has been brought to life in a beautiful production by Dancenter North that features over 100 performers, including internationally renowned guests artists. For over 20 years, Dancenter North's Nutcracker has been Lake County's favorite version of the classic holiday ballet. Choose from 2 shows 1pm or 5pm.
CITY: Waukegan
Danville Symphony Orchestra Presents "Joyful Sounds"
Soak in the Joyful Sounds of the season along with some Disney classics as the DSO welcomes back Danville High School's own Delegation Choir along with the Danville Symphony Community Choir. Selections will include, It's a Wonderful Life, Five Sketches After Dickens, music from Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, Turkey Lurkey and tried and true O Holy Night and the Hallelujah Chorus.
CITY: Danville
Decatur Civic Center
The Decatur Civic Center hosts trade shows, concerts, expos and more.
CITY: Decatur
Deerfield's 4th Annual Winter Celebration
The Village of Deerfield will be celebrating the holidays with festive holiday activities for every age. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, roasted chestnuts, carolers, warm treats, live animals and more. In addition Saturday will include the big man, Santa Claus to offer photo opportunities for children of all ages, holiday games, including dreidel games, petting zoo, pony rides, gingerbread house decorating and much more.
CITY: Deerfield
DeKalb Municipal Band Holiday Concert
CELEBRATING 160 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS MUSIC! The DeKalb Municipal Band is recognized throughout the country as one of the Midwest's most historic musical organizations. This performance will feature newly arranged seasonal music along with musical guests from the area. History: The DeKalb Municipal Band is a tradition that goes back to 1854, when a small group of musicians fresh from the California Gold Rush formed the Silver Cornet Band. Since then, a City Band in DeKalb has existed for 155 years, uninterrupted by wars, and a depression. With such a record, DeKalb claims to be the city with the oldest continuous band in Illinois. When: December 13, 2014 at 7:30 pm Where: Egyptian Theatre http://www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/district/dekalb-municipal-band
CITY: DeKalb
Dinner and Christmas Concert
Lovely Christmas music by the Prairie Singers and a delicious holiday meal by the Cheese Shop of Ottawa. Reservations required. Reddick Mansion Association.
CITY: Ottawa
Diversey River Bowl
Diversey River Bowl features a phenomenal light show, great sound system, video arcade and bowling fun. Open lanes every night.
CITY: Chicago
Dorothy Menker Theater
The Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center (FPAC) presents quality cultural programs and popular entertainment in this 600-seat Theater.
CITY: Palos Hills
Double Door
Find a lot of standing-room shows of predominantly rock bands that play to packed crowds. Play pool, watch the evening's performance on a video screen downstairs, or simply check out the music scene with beer in hand.
CITY: Chicago
Drink Nightclub
Drink is the perfect place to join your friends for a few cocktails, have your next event, or dance the night away with Chicaog's hottest DJs.
CITY: Schaumburg
Earth & Space by Quincy Youth Orchestra
Fantastic performance by the Quincy Youth Orchestra! The Kroc Center 405 Vermont Street Quincy, IL
CITY: Quincy
Edman Memorial Chapel - Wheaton College
This large auditorium, seating more than 2400 people, is the site of campus chapels, concerts, commencements, and various community-related events such as the Artist Series.
CITY: Wheaton
Effingham Performance Center
Arts Connection of Central Illinois has been established for the citizens of Effingham County and beyond to showcase arts and entertainment, to encourage interaction with and appreciation of live performance, to endorse the educational process and to enhance the quality of life and cultural vitality of the region.
CITY: Effingham
Egyptian Theatre
The Egyptian Theatre hosts film festivals, special movie screenings, and live entertainment events. This theatre is a 1929, fully restored Egyptian Art Deco movie palace and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Egyptian is also available for rentals, tours, weddings, graduations, parties and receptions. Capacity: 1,419 Raised stage with dressing room below; balcony and lobby space.
CITY: DeKalb
Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Named "Orchestra of the Year" an unprecedented three times by Illinois Council of Orchestras, the ESO performs over 60 concerts a year thrilling more than 50,000 patrons, from Chicagoland to Wisconsin and Indiana.
CITY: Elgin
Ellwood Holiday Traditions Weekend
Start your holiday season by taking a guided tour of the decorated Ellwood House mansion. Local businesses, decorators, college groups, and clubs help to present the home in a new, elegant way each year. This is the place to get ideas for your own decorating or view what times were like while the Ellwoods inhabited the opulent home.
CITY: DeKalb
Engelbert Humperdinck at Genesee Theatre
Engelbert Humperdinck has been a legend in the international music industry for more than 40 years, with over 150 million records sold. He's recorded everything from the most romantic ballads to a recent platinum-selling contemporary theme song. Tickets $45-$65.
CITY: Waukegan
Known for its live salsa music and dancing, Esteban's hosts Expression Nite on Thursdays, featuring drag performers. The dinner menu, served Wednesday through Saturday evenings, offers Latin American specialties.
CITY: Naperville
Evanston Symphony Orchestra
The ESO was founded in 1945 by a handful of veteran and amateur musicians who were passionate about making music together. Concerts take place on Saturdays at 2:30 PM.
CITY: Evanston
Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre
Located on the campus of Highland Community College - features a variety of fine arts programming including vocal and music concerts, live theater, special performances, and the popular Summerset Theater Program, a community performing arts theater.
CITY: Freeport
Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre
This theater, located on the campus of Highland Community College, features a variety of fine arts programming including vocal and instrumental music concerts, live theater, special performances, and the popular Summerset Theatre program, a community performing arts theater. The Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre is also home to HCC's Royal Scots, Big Band, Concert Band, Chorale and Highland Gallery. A seasonal listing of performances is available by calling the box office or visiting the website.
CITY: Freeport
Fermilab Ramsey Auditorium
The mission of the Fermilab Arts and Lecture Series is to celebrate the artistic and intellectual vision of Fermilab by actively fostering an appreciation of science and the performing arts in neighboring communities.
CITY: Batavia
First Night Springfield
28th Annual First Night Springfield! This family-friendly, alcohol-free event is a Springfield area tradition. Free children's activities from 1 - 4 pm at Springfield High School Commons. Fireworks at 8 pm. Over 30 performances around Downtown Springfield from 6 pm - 11:15 pm.
CITY: Springfield
FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island is an outdoor concert hall in Chicago. It is located on Northerly Island on the grounds of the former Meigs Field general aviation airport. Construction started in 2005. The venue seats 7,500 people and hosts many different musical artists and shows.
CITY: Chicago
FitzGerald's, just across the street from Oak Park in Berwyn, has built a legendary reputation for an eclectic mix of music in a casual, comfortable setting that attracts music fans of all ages. The New York Times calls the club "a musical gem" and it has consistently been ranked among the top five music venues in Chicago. For special events, FitzGerald's offers a unique setting for all types of gatherings from 30 to 300. The family's award-winning restoration and classic look extends from its intimate private party room to the courtyard and legendary music club next door. An in house event planner can assist with any and all aspects of your event as needed.
CITY: Berwyn


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ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern (Iowa), member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), recorded a hitting percentage of .364 to sweep Dakota State in three straight sets Tuesday evening at the Bultman Center.
Dakota State dropped their second straight match to start the 2012 season. Northwestern won their fifth straight match to raise their overall record to 5-0.
The Trojans committed 12 attack errors in the opening set, while NWIA had a .421 hitting percentage to earn a 25-7 first set victory.
The Red Raiders won the second set by the score of 25-13 and third set at 25-15.
Taylor Mosco led DSU with six kills and six digs. Stacey Schuller produced nine set assists and six digs.
Kristen DiPaola had seven digs for the Trojans' defense. Katie Green added six digs.
Karlie Schut and Haley Chambers each had nine kills for Northwestern. Kara Nonnemacher had 12 set assists. Madeline Hannon added 11 assists.
Alexis Bart recorded 18 digs for the Red Raiders. Claire Roesner had three service aces.
Northwestern outhit the Trojans 44-14 in the match. The Trojans committed 22 attack errors compared to the Red Raiders' 12 attack errors.
NWIA had 52 digs in the match while DSU recorded 37 digs. The Red Raiders had seven blocks compared to DSU's six blocks.

subset: commoncrawl


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Leisure Learning Unlimited, Inc.
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Originally written on Football Nation | Last updated 11/18/14
The Fiesta Bowl on Thursday, January 3 features a rather intriguing matchup between the Oregon Ducks and Kansas State Wildcats, but this matchup could very well have been for the BCS Championship if not for one fateful weekend in November. The Ducks' title hopes were derailed by Stanford at Autzen Stadium in overtime, while Kansas State was crushed by Baylor, a talented but erratic football team that finished in the middle of the pack in the Big 12. Suffice to say, this meeting features two teams that have been amongst some of the strongest in Division 1-A Football.Kansas State has appeared in 15 bowl games throughout their long history, and the 2013 Fiesta Bowl marks their third consecutive season in a bowl game. This will also be the Wildcats third visit to the Fiesta Bowl, winning the 1997 game versus Syracuse but losing in the 2003 version against Ohio State. Oregon is making their fourth consecutive appearance in a BCS bowl game – losing the 2010 Rose Bowl to Ohio State, losing...
Original Story: http://www.footballnation.com/content...
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White House Hosting Minority Health Blogger Townhall
April 20, 2012 by HRC staff
Post submitted by Dan Rafter, Former HRC Associate Director of Communications
April is National Minority Health month, and the White House is holding a townhall meeting to discuss the Affordable Care Act and how it impacts racial and ethnic minorities. The event also will cover healthcare disparities. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Dr. Regina Benjamin, the Surgeon General, are among those participating.
The administration has taken a number of steps to improve the healthcare experience for LGBT patients and their families. Under the leadership of HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, we've seen new efforts to promote equal treatment of LGBT Americans, provide enhanced resources for LGBT health issues, and develop better information regarding LGBT health needs. For example, hospitals taking federal funding must extend visitation rights so LGBT people can visit their parents when in the hospital. And the administration has released the first-ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy, explicitly including gay and bisexual men and transgender people in its plan to reduce infections, increase access to care, and reduce disparities.
The townhall is taking place at the Executive Office Building, but also will be live streamed via www.whitehouse.gov/live and www.hhs.gov/live.
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Android 4.4.2 KitKat for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A (SHV-E330K) Rolls Out in Korea
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By Karla Danica Figuerres | February 7, 2014 7:11 PM EST
Samsung has already started to deliver the newest Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates to most of its devices and now it is finally rolling out to the Galaxy S4 LTE-A, at least in South Korea.
The update is not for everyone just yet, as it is only for the SHV-E330S and SHV-E330K versions offered by the SK Telecom and KT carriers.
This Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update is available and can be downloaded via the Samsung Kies application or you can also check the availability of the update for your device by going to Settings > General > About Device > Software Update > Check now.
Android 4.4.2 KitKat for Galaxy S4 Enhancements and Changes
Samsung Galaxy S4 owners in Korea are expected to receive the typical enhancements and changes from the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. As such, there will be wireless printing support, messaging apps directly from the settings menu, easy manipulation of the default launcher, improved Samsung keyboard in landscape orientation and white status bar.
Furthermore, the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update brings camera shortcut to the homescreen, reduced memory usage, transparent status bar and a number of improvements to the overall device performance.
SHV-E330S and SHV-E330K Models
You must bear in mind that this Android 4.4. KitKat update is only for the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A version SHV-E330S and SHV-E330K, according to SamMobile. Therefore, do not attempt to install the update on any other version of the Galaxy S4. To make sure that you have the same model of Galaxy S4, check your device model number by going to Settings > About Phone.
Meanwhile, now that Korean versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 are receiving the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, we are expecting to see the International update for Galaxy S4 units to come very soon. Thus far, although Samsung already missed its initial January Android 4.4.2 KitKat for international Galaxy S4 roll out deadline, the recent leaks and updates to other versions of the current flagship smartphone of Samsung that sprout, the delay will not be too great.
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Cairo: An Egyptian diplomat in Libya says 32 missing Egyptians survived a sinking boat and were smuggled into Libya. The search for seven more missing continues.
Ashraf Sheiha told Egypt`s official news agency Tuesday that Libyan authorities confirmed that most of the Egyptians on the boat that capsized a day earlier entered Libya illegally.
Officials had said earlier that three bodies washed ashore Libya yesterday, while one survived. Sheiha said search continues for seven missing. The discrepancy couldn`t immediately be reconciled.
They were part of a three-boat fleet carrying Egyptians heading to Europe illegally. One boat, carrying nearly three times its maximum load, capsized Saturday night.
Thousands of Egyptians make the dangerous sea journey to flee poverty and high unemployment at home.


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Posted 23 April 2008 - 13:36
Posted 23 April 2008 - 14:13
We do that every now and then already.
But what good is a large member base of inactive users?
I would think that deleting users who have made 0 total posts and not logged in for at least 12 months is a safe move.
Posted 17 May 2008 - 04:34
Threads with no author post and thus no subject make absolutely no sense. It really mucks up the database.
yeah deleting users is always a bad idea, mainly because you either delete posts with that user, or you suddenly have posts with no author.. Then things just get messy
Posted 17 May 2008 - 04:46
Posted 05 June 2008 - 17:13
Posted 23 December 2008 - 14:16
Makes the site look better
,it all has to do with psychology ,people are more likely to join a website with 200,000 members then a website with only 20,000
Posted 05 February 2009 - 16:18
I hope no one goes on holiday for 2 weeks without net access if that was the policy. Any forums I run also never delete accounts. I for example forget to login sometimes for ages until I go to post but by this standard I would lose my account and if that happened I probably wouldnt bother registering again.
Users that never logged in (7 day limit)
Users that never activated (7 day limit)
^ These are the useless ones and should be removed. They add no value to the community at all and are only inflating your member count.
An accurate member count will make you work harder for those members you have. You already lost the members who aren't staying, why keep them usable valuable database storage?
Posted 28 January 2010 - 19:16


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This beautiful 18-hole championship course is located in Brooklyn near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Experience lush fairways and top-notch greens amid the hustle and bustle of the City's most populous borough. Originally a private club but now City-owned, Dyker Beach was the most played course in the world in the 1950s and '60s. Reachable by car or mass transit, it will soon feature a new clubhouse and event venue.
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Merrivale Road, Liverpool L25 - Three bedroom family house to let, gardens and off road parking
A three bedroom family house to let in Merrivale Road, Liverpool L25. Merrivale Road is located off Halewood Road, a short 3 minute journey to Woolton Village. The house is modern throughout and comprises: Large front fscing lounge, tiled floo
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Hello everyone! It's me, SuperSonic096, here to give on an update on my life and cosplay plans!
I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that I wasn't able to finish my Pikachu gijinka cosplay in time for my birthday, since not only did I not receive my wig in time, but the costume itself hasn't been completed yet. (School's still being a pain in my rear.) -_-
The good news is that I overall had a pretty good birthday! I managed to receive everything I wanted, and I've been having a great time with playing my new video games (Especially Bayonetta 2)! Not only that, but I also have this and next Tuesday off, so I should be able to make some progress on my cosplays!
Here's some changes to my cosplay plans. They might change later on, but this is what I have in mind right now.
From: Pokemon
Version: Gijinka (Designed by me)
Timeframe: Should be completed within 1-2 weeks from now. If it isn't completed before November 27th, I'll have to reschedule it for right after Sora is completed.
From: Kingdom Hearts
Version: Christmas Town/Santa form (As seen in "Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix")
Timeframe: Should be completed before December 25 (Christmas Day), 2014
Hatsune Mikuo (AKA: Male Hatsune Miku)
From: VOCALOID
Version: Normal / Standard Outfit
Timeframe: Late Winter / Early Spring, 2015
Hiro Hamanda
From: Disney's Big Hero 6
Version: Standard Outfit
Timeframe: Late Spring / Early Summer, 2015
From: Pokemon Special / Pokemon Adventures
Version: Original Outfit (As seen in "Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire Versions" and the first few volumes of the Ruby/Sapphire Arc from Pokemon Special/Adventures)
Timeframe: Late Summer / Early Fall, 2015
From: Fire Emblem: Awakening
Version: Black Haired Male (As seen in their official artwork)
Timeframe: Late Fall / Early Winter, 2015
Have a good day, everyone!
EDIT: I replaced Robin (From Fire Emblem: Awakening and Super Smash Bros.) with Hiro Hamanda, and I added Ventus. I will most likely wear Hiro to a convention in order to garner attention, so if I announce that I'm going to a convention, expect me to say that I'm going to be him.
ANOTHER EDIT: I keep on switching Ventus for Roxas and vice versa. I'll try to stick to Roxas right now. Keyword: "Try".
YET ANOTHER EDIT: My brain won't stop being an ass, so fine: Instead of Roxas or Ventus, I'm going for Robin. Hopefully I can keep my indecisive mind in check until then.
EDITING 4 ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: Due to fear of cost constraints, I decided that I'll cosplay Morgan instead of Robin, and I will reuse the wig I will get for Ruby in order to cosplay him.


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Jonathan Morris is on a mission to create a better grooming experience for men.
With its economic development engine revving at full throttle, Southlake is about to welcome several major retail and commercial projects that underscore its image
"I've always been a maverick in a number of ways," says businesswoman and philanthropist Stacie McDavid.
Thousands of people rallied late Monday in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and New York to passionately but peacefully protest a grand jury's decision not to indict a white police officer who killed a black 18-year-old in Ferguson, Mo.
WASHINGTON — It may house some of the most esteemed colleges in the country, but if you want to graduate without backbreaking debt, steer clear of schools along
Marissa Mayer, a Google executive and one of the first two dozen employees at the search giant, will take the reins of the struggling Yahoo on Tuesday, July 16, 2012 where she will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors. Mayer held many jobs in her 14 years at Google and most recently served as vice president of location and local services. For years she was one of most public faces of Google, appearing in numerous media interviews and delivering keynotes on behalf of the company.
Credit: Marissa Mayer Google+
Adrian Covert
LAS VEGAS (CNNMoney) -- Marissa Mayer took the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show Tuesday not to revisit the last year spent at Yahoo, but to look at the future.
Joined by the likes of Katie Couric, David Pogue, David Karp, Nick D'Aloiso and SNL's Weekend Update team, Mayer and company rolled out Yahoo's plans for the year, which include new apps, new sites, new acquisitions and improvements to existing products.
The two biggest products to be launched on stage were Yahoo News Digest and Yahoo Magazines, which will both factor heavily in Yahoo's media strategy.
Yahoo News Digest incorporates much of the technology Yahoo acquired from teenage developer Nick D'Aloiso when it purchased his app Summly for $30 million in 2013. Arriving as a small, well-designed feed of stories two times a day, content on Yahoo News digest is automatically written by computers but "editorially curated" by humans. The app draws upon multiple sources for each story, which includes text, images, video, maps and additional links.
Meanwhile, Yahoo's online news content is being reimagined as Yahoo Magazines, which delivers stories through a Tumblr-powered interface that works equally as well on a computer or a tablet. David Pogue, the widely-read former New York Times columnist poached by Yahoo last year, took the stage to show off some of the product's features. He demonstrated Yahoo Magazines using via the Yahoo Tech section, which launched during the keynote. He also tossed out more than a few barbs at rival tech media competitors.
In other announcements, Tumblr CEO David Karp announced that all of Tumblr's ads would now be powered by Yahoo, allowing it to improve targeting on the social sharing platform. Yahoo also announced a revamped app for Smart TVs, which promises better TV and movie recommendations by analyzing what users choose to watch at any given time.
Mayer ceded the stage much of the time to let her team do the talking, but she had a few announcements of her own. She revealed the acquisition of the Android app Aviate, which is a home screen launcher that changes its lineups of apps and notifications according to where you are and what you're doing. Hinting that the company plans to compete with like-minded products such as Google Now and Apple's Siri assistant, Mayer proclaimed that "the future of search is contextual."
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Select "Yes" from the popup window and you're done!
By Christopher Cousins Bangor Daily News
NEWPORT — Footprints in the snow leading away from a crime scene led to the capture of three juveniles who police say burglarized the Newport Redemption Center over the weekend.
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Try this great sauce on just about anything to add a little kick. Whether you spread it on salmon or use it as a dip for some prawns, this sauce will not disappoint.
In the Kitchen with the Pike Place Fish Guys is the seafood cookbook that will bring a fresh feast of environmentally friendly, chef-quality meals to every home cook.
For all you Lutefisk lovers, your journey starts here.
Pre-shelled clams that are great fried or in chowder.


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Rory Gilmore: I gotta go, but call me if there's any news.
Lorelai Gilmore: You mean if Michel kills Babette, then Miss Partty, them himself, and then it's a bizarre murder, suicide.
Rory Gilmore: Amongst other things.
- Permalink: I gotta go, but call me if there's any news. You mean if Miche...
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Paris Geller: I did tell my mother about having sex with Jamie and her only reaction was to talk about how my father hasn't pleased her in 15 years.
Rory Gilmore: Yikes!
Paris Geller: Like I couldn't tell.
- Permalink: I did tell my mother about having sex with Jamie and her only re...
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Luke Danes: Don't do that.
Lorelai Gilmore: Don't do what?'
Luke Danes: Don't pull the sheet back after I pull it, i need more room for this side.... You pulled it back again.
Lorelai Gilmore: Okay, I need it for my side.
Luke Danes: I need it to tuck it in.
Lorelai Gilmore: Same here.
Luke Danes: I always tuck it in on this side.
Lorelai Gilmore: Let's tuck it in on both sides.
Luke Danes: You tuck a bed in on both sides?
Lorelai Gilmore: Yes, then I slip down into it like I'm in a straightjacket or something.
Luke Danes: You must feel right at home there.
- Permalink: Don't do that. Don't do what?' Don't pull the sheet back aft...
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|By Jesse Davis
Article Rating:
|December 29, 2009 12:30 AM EST
If your systems require constant accessibility, you know that application failover is an essential function for automatically and transparently redirecting requests to an alternate server in the case of a failure or downtime. Several options exist for ensuring high availability for your mission-critical applications. Those options may be hardware- or software-based, and may also vary considerably in terms of project or enterprise scope and in terms of cost and complexity. Chances are you're relying on one or more such options. But are you aware that the database driver software you use can make application failover much easier and cost-effective to implement, configure, and manage application failover?
High availability solutions are typically complicated and expensive to code. With an application relying on an Oracle data source platform, for example, the Transparent Application Failover (TAF) is what Oracle offers as a high availability strategy. This is certainly a robust solution; however, it must operate in conjunction with Oracle's Real Application Cluster (RAC) high availability environment. An existing application using a non-RAC replication solution cannot use TAF. Implementing Oracle's RAC environment is expensive, and to get an application to support TAF you'll be faced with writing a great deal of complicated, Oracle-specific code.
As an alternative option, you could implement, configure, and manage your application failover entirely through the JDBC software driver used to access the Oracle database. Drivers exist on the market that provide sophisticated failover capabilities such as replaying Select queries in progress and re-creating lost connections and sessions. This approach obviously offers advantages over a proprietary failover approach requiring database-specific application code and offering limited database-related flexibility going forward. But is a driver-based solution really up to the job?
Putting It to the Test
To demonstrate how you might implement a JDBC driver-based application failover, I prepared a use case example of the technology using a small Java application and a high-performance commercially available JDBC driver connecting to an Oracle database. In this demo, a company is writing a web application to browse through a number of golf courses. The country clubs that the company is working for expect a seamless experience for their users (i.e., the application is low tolerance). The data is replicated on two different servers and users get to browse through the course catalog (a page per course), and each page displays course information from the database. The developer wants to ensure that the application doesn't experience any errors or hiccups while a user is browsing the catalog. They want to ensure that, should the database connection to the primary server fail while fetching Course 5, users get Course 6 - rather than an error - when they hit the next button.
Having set up my primary database and replicating the data on my alternate database, I was ready to test failover. Since physically pulling the cable on or actually crashing the server running the primary database would have provoked undesirable responses from my co-workers, I employed a freely available packet analyzer (sniffer) utility called Snoop. It's designed to gather data about the wire-level traffic between the driver and server; however, it can also be used to simulate a database failure. Simply starting a Snoop program sitting between the application and primary sever and then killing the window running Snoop effectively terminates the connection by destroying the active socket. I set the snoop utility to listen to port 1521 on my local machine, connecting to my primary server (see Figure 1).
Next I set my connection URL such that the primary connection would go through the Snoop listener on my local machine, so that closing the Snoop window effectively simulates a connection failure. Listing 1 shows what my URL looked like. (Listings 1 - 4 can be downloaded here.)
Note that the primary server is to my local machine (nc-jdavis), which goes through Snoop to nc-lnx08 (in the Snoop window). In the URL, I added my failover options to indicate that nc-linux02 is the alternate server and I want the option for failoverMode. Setting failoverMode=select indicates to the driver that I want to failover seamlessly while going through the data - in other words, I'm telling it: "Make it look like I never got disconnected." In addition, I set a small performance option, failoverPreConnect, that causes the driver to connect to both the primary and alternate server during the first connect. This saves my application from incurring the cost of connecting during the failover process. It isn't much, but at runtime every bit counts. Let's take a look at the code that displays the results:
while (results.next()){
for (int i=1; i <= numCols ; i++) {
System.out.print("'" + results.getString(i) + "'\t");
You'll notice immediately that this looks like a standard loop iterating through the results and printing them to the screen. How do I know that I've failed over successfully? Easy - I check the warnings object, which will indicate when the failover occurs (see Listing 2).
Why not show something that indicates the failover? Because I don't want to have to change my code to add failover on the client side; I want it to work with my middleware out of the box (that is, with no changes necessary to client code). In addition, if the application were being developed using a packaged application framework (think Hibernate or Cognos), then you cannot change application code, which makes using this failover mechanism easy to incorporate in any application architecture.
Now I run the application. Notice that the output is formatted for easy reading. In Listing 3 you can see the successful connection information for the server as well as the rows of golf course information.
You can see that I've successfully connected to the primary server and fetched all the data. So the application works. But this is not the purpose of the demo: I want to see it fail. I set a breakpoint (or code in a pause such as System.in) on the line in my application containing the System.out.println() statement, then debugged the application and, when I hit the breakpoint, continued through it for the first six rows. The Snoop window showed my connection (see Figure 2).
Next, I simply closed the window, effectively terminating my socket connection with the database and hanging it there. Continuing again, I see that row seven has nevertheless printed out. The driver caught the "connection failed" exception, connected to the alternate database (nc-lnx02), replayed the connection parameters, refetched, validated the data, and positioned on the correct row. The only indicator that anything happened is in the warnings object, indicating a successful failover. This can be logged to the application logs, or used as a trigger to send an e-mail to the systems administrator for action. Listing 4 shows the output when the failover happened.
The Right Database Connectivity Middleware Is Key
Putting the logic of failover in an application is tedious and expensive. As the sample provided here demonstrates, letting the middleware handle the failover and repositioning logic can be a better strategy in terms of saving development time and costs and focusing on satisfying the needs of your users. However, this recommendation comes with a caveat: not all database connectivity drivers have this capability or, having it, can deliver it with sufficient robustness to serve as a viable failover strategy.
Database drivers provided by the database vendor, for instance - and often used by systems architects as the default choice - provide limited if any application failover support. In such cases failover typically involves dependencies on proprietary high availability environments such as Oracle RAC, Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS), or DB2 High Availability Disaster Recovery (HADR). Where failover support is provided, it is only in drivers that are based on client-side libraries. For Java that means Type 2 architecture - which, in turn, means inferior runtime performance and increased deployment and maintenance costs.
If you're considering the simplicity and flexibility of application failover provided by data connectivity middleware, look for high-quality drivers that provide the following important benefits:
- No reliance on expensive and hard-to-implement server dependencies.
- Failover managed entirely by the driver, simplifying application code.
- Flexible and configurable failover options for various enterprise requirements.
- Standards-based approach, to provide consistency regardless of environment.
- Client load balancing, which works with failover to help distribute new connections so that no one server is overwhelmed with connection requests.
Making sure that application failover can handle connection failures in a standard way is key to ensuring the stability and uptime required by your customers. The database connectivity driver you implement should be an important part of your failover strategy. Some of them offer simple, cost-effective, yet sophisticated failover support to relational data sources, managed by the database driver versus adding costs in the application programs or implementing costly failover options provided by the database vendors. Obviously this is an offer you can't - or at least shouldn't - refuse to consider.
|MoonRainbow 11/19/09 07:39:00 PM EST
Unfortunately your solutions doesn't say anything about the genesis of data. How is the data gets propagated between primary and backup? Any failover solution must take this into account, because if you don't implement it correctly, your databases might not be accessible for quite a while after one crash. Opening simultaneous connections to both databases at start-up is also not a highly scalable approach, because you quickly use network and database resources that way.
SYS-CON Events announced today that Windstream, a leading provider of advanced network and cloud communications, has been named "Silver Sponsor" of SYS-CON's 16th International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on June 9–11, 2015, at the Javits Center in New York, NY. Windstream (Nasdaq: WIN), a FORTUNE 500 and S&P 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to businesses nationwide. The company also offers broadband, phone and digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas.
Nov. 23, 2014 07:30 PM EST Reads: 1,672
"There is a natural synchronization between the business models, the IoT is there to support ," explained Brendan O'Brien, Co-founder and Chief Architect of Aria Systems, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at the 15th International Cloud Expo®, held Nov 4–6, 2014, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Nov. 23, 2014 12:00 PM EST Reads: 1,606
The major cloud platforms defy a simple, side-by-side analysis. Each of the major IaaS public-cloud platforms offers their own unique strengths and functionality. Options for on-site private cloud are diverse as well, and must be designed and deployed while taking existing legacy architecture and infrastructure into account. Then the reality is that most enterprises are embarking on a hybrid cloud strategy and programs. In this Power Panel at 15th Cloud Expo (http://www.CloudComputingExpo.com), moderated by Ashar Baig, Research Director, Cloud, at Gigaom Research, Nate Gordon, Director of T...
Nov. 23, 2014 07:45 AM EST Reads: 1,457
The definition of IoT is not new, in fact it's been around for over a decade. What has changed is the public's awareness that the technology we use on a daily basis has caught up on the vision of an always on, always connected world. If you look into the details of what comprises the IoT, you'll see that it includes everything from cloud computing, Big Data analytics, "Things," Web communication, applications, network, storage, etc. It is essentially including everything connected online from hardware to software, or as we like to say, it's an Internet of many different things. The difference ...
Nov. 22, 2014 10:00 PM EST Reads: 1,340
Cloud Expo 2014 TV commercials will feature @ThingsExpo, which was launched in June, 2014 at New York City's Javits Center as the largest 'Internet of Things' event in the world.
Nov. 22, 2014 05:30 PM EST Reads: 1,439
An entirely new security model is needed for the Internet of Things, or is it? Can we save some old and tested controls for this new and different environment? In his session at @ThingsExpo, New York's at the Javits Center, Davi Ottenheimer, EMC Senior Director of Trust, reviewed hands-on lessons with IoT devices and reveal a new risk balance you might not expect. Davi Ottenheimer, EMC Senior Director of Trust, has more than nineteen years' experience managing global security operations and assessments, including a decade of leading incident response and digital forensics. He is co-author of t...
Nov. 22, 2014 05:30 PM EST Reads: 1,285
ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it is bringing a greater level of control, security and flexibility to cloud-based application development and delivery with a single-tenant version of Bluemix, IBM's platform-as-a-service. The new platform enables developers to build ap...
Nov. 22, 2014 05:30 PM EST Reads: 1,452
Explosive growth in connected devices. Enormous amounts of data for collection and analysis. Critical use of data for split-second decision making and actionable information. All three are factors in making the Internet of Things a reality. Yet, any one factor would have an IT organization pondering its infrastructure strategy. How should your organization enhance its IT framework to enable an Internet of Things implementation? In his session at Internet of @ThingsExpo, James Kirkland, Chief Architect for the Internet of Things and Intelligent Systems at Red Hat, described how to revolutioniz...
Nov. 21, 2014 09:15 PM EST Reads: 1,362
Technology is enabling a new approach to collecting and using data. This approach, commonly referred to as the "Internet of Things" (IoT), enables businesses to use real-time data from all sorts of things including machines, devices and sensors to make better decisions, improve customer service, and lower the risk in the creation of new revenue opportunities. In his General Session at Internet of @ThingsExpo, Dave Wagstaff, Vice President and Chief Architect at BSQUARE Corporation, discuss the real benefits to focus on, how to understand the requirements of a successful solution, the flow of ...
Nov. 21, 2014 08:00 PM EST Reads: 1,429
The security devil is always in the details of the attack: the ones you've endured, the ones you prepare yourself to fend off, and the ones that, you fear, will catch you completely unaware and defenseless. The Internet of Things (IoT) is nothing if not an endless proliferation of details. It's the vision of a world in which continuous Internet connectivity and addressability is embedded into a growing range of human artifacts, into the natural world, and even into our smartphones, appliances, and physical persons. In the IoT vision, every new "thing" - sensor, actuator, data source, data con...
Nov. 21, 2014 08:00 PM EST Reads: 1,377
"BSQUARE is in the business of selling software solutions for smart connected devices. It's obvious that IoT has moved from being a technology to being a fundamental part of business, and in the last 18 months people have said let's figure out how to do it and let's put some focus on it, " explained Dave Wagstaff, VP & Chief Architect, at BSQUARE Corporation, in this SYS-CON.tv interview at @ThingsExpo, held Nov 4-6, 2014, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.
Nov. 21, 2014 07:00 PM EST Reads: 1,285
Focused on this fast-growing market's needs, Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation (Nasdaq: VTSS), a leading provider of IC solutions to advance "Ethernet Everywhere" in Carrier, Enterprise and Internet of Things (IoT) networks, introduced its IStaX™ software (VSC6815SDK), a robust protocol stack to simplify deployment and management of Industrial-IoT network applications such as Industrial Ethernet switching, surveillance, video distribution, LCD signage, intelligent sensors, and metering equipment. Leveraging technologies proven in the Carrier and Enterprise markets, IStaX is designed to work ac...
Nov. 20, 2014 09:15 PM EST Reads: 1,373
C-Labs LLC, a leading provider of remote and mobile access for the Internet of Things (IoT), announced the appointment of John Traynor to the position of chief operating officer. Previously a strategic advisor to the firm, Mr. Traynor will now oversee sales, marketing, finance, and operations. Mr. Traynor is based out of the C-Labs office in Redmond, Washington. He reports to Chris Muench, Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Traynor brings valuable business leadership and technology industry expertise to C-Labs. With over 30 years' experience in the high-tech sector, John Traynor has held numerous...
Nov. 20, 2014 06:00 PM EST Reads: 1,333
Bit6 today issued a challenge to the technology community implementing Web Real Time Communication (WebRTC). To leap beyond WebRTC's significant limitations and fully leverage its underlying value to accelerate innovation, application developers need to consider the entire communications ecosystem.
Nov. 20, 2014 04:45 PM EST Reads: 1,124
The 3rd International @ThingsExpo, co-located with the 16th International Cloud Expo - to be held June 9-11, 2015, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY - announces that it is now accepting Keynote Proposals. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the most profound change in personal and enterprise IT since the creation of the Worldwide Web more than 20 years ago. All major researchers estimate there will be tens of billions devices - computers, smartphones, tablets, and sensors - connected to the Internet by 2020. This number will continue to grow at a rapid pace for the next several decades.
Nov. 20, 2014 01:00 PM EST Reads: 1,580
The Internet of Things is not new. Historically, smart businesses have used its basic concept of leveraging data to drive better decision making and have capitalized on those insights to realize additional revenue opportunities. So, what has changed to make the Internet of Things one of the hottest topics in tech? In his session at @ThingsExpo, Chris Gray, Director, Embedded and Internet of Things, discussed the underlying factors that are driving the economics of intelligent systems. Discover how hardware commoditization, the ubiquitous nature of connectivity, and the emergence of Big Data a...
Nov. 20, 2014 12:30 PM EST Reads: 1,790
Almost everyone sees the potential of Internet of Things but how can businesses truly unlock that potential. The key will be in the ability to discover business insight in the midst of an ocean of Big Data generated from billions of embedded devices via Systems of Discover. Businesses will also need to ensure that they can sustain that insight by leveraging the cloud for global reach, scale and elasticity.
Nov. 18, 2014 09:00 PM EST Reads: 2,015
SYS-CON Events announced today that IDenticard will exhibit at SYS-CON's 16th International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on June 9-11, 2015, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. IDenticard™ is the security division of Brady Corp (NYSE: BRC), a $1.5 billion manufacturer of identification products. We have small-company values with the strength and stability of a major corporation. IDenticard offers local sales, support and service to our customers across the United States and Canada. Our partner network encompasses some 300 of the world's leading systems integrators and security s...
Nov. 18, 2014 08:15 PM EST Reads: 1,566
IoT is still a vague buzzword for many people. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Mike Kavis, Vice President & Principal Cloud Architect at Cloud Technology Partners, discussed the business value of IoT that goes far beyond the general public's perception that IoT is all about wearables and home consumer services. He also discussed how IoT is perceived by investors and how venture capitalist access this space. Other topics discussed were barriers to success, what is new, what is old, and what the future may hold. Mike Kavis is Vice President & Principal Cloud Architect at Cloud Technology Pa...
Nov. 18, 2014 01:30 PM EST Reads: 2,007
Cloud Expo 2014 TV commercials will feature @ThingsExpo, which was launched in June, 2014 at New York City's Javits Center as the largest 'Internet of Things' event in the world. The next @ThingsExpo will take place November 4-6, 2014, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, in Santa Clara, California. Since its launch in 2008, Cloud Expo TV commercials have been aired and CNBC, Fox News Network, and Bloomberg TV. Please enjoy our 2014 commercial.
Nov. 13, 2014 05:00 AM EST Reads: 3,543


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Leonce Crump Joins Us October 26October 13 2014 at 9:58 am 0 Comments
All are invited to join us Sunday, October 26 at 10 a.m. to hear guest speaker Léonce Crump, lead pastor of Renovation Church in Atlanta, Ga., speak on the role and importance of diversity in the kingdom of God.
Originally from Louisiana and raised Catholic, Léonce began following Jesus at age 16. Always an athlete and a talker, Léonce outran his first mall security guard (and pregnant mother) at age 3, and spent most of his grade school years talking with his principals on the subject of public speaking during class. He has been in ordained ministry for nine years, is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and holds Masters degrees in Criminal Justice, with a focus on Case Law, Missional Leadership, and is currently finishing his Masters of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary.
At Oklahoma he was an All-American wrestler and played defensive end on the Sooner football team. After college he competed to make the world team in wrestling, played professional football for the New Orleans Saints and coached collegiate wrestling. He experienced an extended time of rebellion and running from God during college, but after 22 months of living as though he were not a Christian he surrendered to Jesus and ultimately to God's calling into ministry.
Léonce pastored in three other churches prior to coming to Renovation Church, and started and led three college and young adult ministries. In 2006 he felt called to plant a church and through prayerful seeking of direction settled on the under-served area of downtown Atlanta. In early 2008 he and his wife moved to Atlanta from Tennessee to begin the process of planting Renovation Church. In 2009 Léonce was assessed and approved as a member of the Acts 29 church planting network and began a partnership with Perimeter Church in Atlanta in their commitment to local church planting.
Léonce and his wife Breanna have two daughters and have lived in the Grant Park community of Atlanta for over four years.
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Pastoral Prayer - Sunday, September 28September 29 2014 at 6:20 pm 0 Comments
Video above, and text below of Mark Mitchell's prayer yesterday morning in church:
"Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." [Psalm 115:3]
Lord we acknowledge your universal sovereignty and your inexhaustible wisdom as God. You do according to your will among the host of heaven and among all the inhabitants of earth. No one can keep you from accomplishing your purposes and no one can question your wisdom or timing in when you choose to act. The counsel, purposes and plans of your heart stand forever and cannot be thwarted by any human or spiritual activity.
Lord, your Word makes clear that the heart of the king, and by implication every human authority, is under your sovereign direction, and like streams of water in your hand, you turn it wherever you wish.
Father, in all things, good and bad, pleasant and difficult, in blessing and in trial, you act according to your good and holy purposes and for the glory of your name.
So we worship you and honor you and declare that you are worthy of our complete and unwavering trust.
Father, thank you for bringing the civil lawsuit to an end. Thank you for showing us mercy in the outcome. Thank you for sustaining us as a congregation throughout the last two years and for helping us to trust in you as we've waited for this moment.
We acknowledge that this result doesn't end the difficulty of those who have been affected by the civil lawsuit or the pain of those who have suffered because of sinful and criminal actions against them.
• We pray for those who have suffered physical or sexual abuse. We are grieved by these horrific sins and pray for a deep and powerful working of your Spirit in the lives of these victims and their families. We ask you to bring comfort and peace into their lives. Father, we pray that you would please do for them what no doctor, health professional, counselor or pastor can do. Bring a deep and abiding healing to their souls and fill them with hope for a life of peace through relationship with Christ. Please do this for these dear men, women and children who are precious in your sight.
• We pray for any and all who have been falsely accused in this lawsuit. We ask you to strengthen their faith, act on their behalf, and restore their reputation. We pray that you would keep them from the evil one who may tempt them to anger or bitterness and we pray instead that you would fill them with mercy, compassion, and forgiveness toward those who have sinned against them. We pray that you would enable us to love and support them as a church family.
• We pray for the plaintiffs and their families. We don't know the totality of what they've experienced. We simply ask you to have mercy on them. We pray that you would bless them and do good to them. We pray that in every way they would know and embrace the loving kindness of Jesus Christ. You tell us in your Word that as far as it depends on us, live in peace with all men. We pray that to the extent that peace and reconciliation is possible, that you would bring that about according to your wisdom and power.
• Finally, I pray for this dear congregation. I thank you for each and every one. They are your people, your saints, your loved ones. I bless them and thank you for them. Thank you for their patience and forbearance. Thank you for the support, encouragement, and prayers they've extended to us as pastors. These last 2-3 years have burdened and tested us as a congregation. Strengthen us by your Spirit and may Jesus Christ dwell in our hearts through faith and fill our gaze as we behold him in your Word.
Father, you have loved us and called us to be your own from before the foundation of the world. Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, the Friend of Sinners, and the Head of the Church. We thank you for redeeming us from our sins through your death and resurrection. Holy Spirit, you are our ever-present Helper. You are with us, you strengthen us, and you will never leave us.
Triune God, we bless you, and it is through the strong and compassionate name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
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Recap of Sunday, September 14September 17 2014 at 11:52 am 0 Comments
We worshiped God in song and prayer.
Our Passion is for You
The Name Above All Names
Nicene Creed
This is Amazing Grace
Be Still My Soul
Ministry Mic
Pastoral Prayer
We built one another up as a community.
We greeted one another, welcomed guests, gave offerings to further the kingdom. We heard announcements about our life together, including upcoming classes and events.
We heard God's Word.
Robin Boisvert preached a message on the Preeminence of Christ from Colossians 1:15-23.
Song of response: Name Above All Names
We were sent into the world.
Mark Mitchell shared a few words to help us personally apply the sermon, and we closed with a doxology from Ephesians 3:20-21.
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God at Work: Discovery Land | Part 2August 19 2014 at 8:59 am 0 Comments
Jesus had a busy, difficult life.
From the moment he was baptized and stepped into the public eye, the Messiah rarely had any time alone. If he wasn't teaching huge crowds or performing amazing miracles, he was spending time with his disciples or dealing with constant attacks from Israel's hateful, faithless religious leaders.
But Jesus always made time for children. Consider the accounts of Matthew 19 and Mark 10. In the latter stages of his earthly ministry, Jesus left his home area of Galilee, traveled south into Judea and crossed the Jordan River. Large crowds followed him, wanting to hear his powerful words and see his remarkable healings.
Then the Pharisees showed up. These hypocritical leaders and Old Testament law experts were always trying to trap Jesus in his words. On this day, they tested him with a random question about the lawfulness of divorce.
After a lengthy, contentious conversation—and then a follow-up discussion with his slow-to-understand disciples—it would've been perfectly understandable for Jesus to want some time alone. But then people began bringing little children and infants to Jesus so he could bless them. Jesus' disciples tried to shoo the children away. They considered the kids a nuisance.
But Jesus rebuked his disciples and then spoke some of the most beautiful words in Scripture: "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 19:14). Then he gently laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Jesus clearly loves children and places a high value on them. His heart toward children reflects the intimate care God the Father shows for each individual life (Ps. 139:13-16). He used children as an example of the simple faith and humility that Christians are to emulate. And he issued a stern warning to anyone who would harm a child (Matt. 18:6).
Jesus' joy around little ones is instructive. If the eternal, all-powerful Son of God has a tender heart for children, we should, too. As a member of Covenant Life, one of the greatest ways you can mirror the Savior's love for children is by serving in Discovery Land. Jesus didn't let busyness and other responsibilities keep him from loving the next generation, and neither should we!
No matter what your spiritual gifts are, there's likely a place for you in Discovery Land. Visit the website for a list of available positions. We still have a great need for volunteers in most of our departments.
There is great joy in caring for little ones and teaching them about the Savior! But don't just take our word for it. Here are a few testimonials from some current volunteers:
"I appreciate serving on the Safety-Security team for the joy it brings, to know you are serving the children, the church and the Lord in a practical way. It seems to be comforting to the parents to know we are there to help protect the children, to give directions or be helpful in other ways as needed." —Scott Bates, Safety-Security
"Serving in Discovery Land worship is awesome! When the kids first come in at age 2, it's just blank stares (and some crying), but by the end of the year, many of the kids sing along and with enthusiasm. It's been a blessing to watch these kids grow and develop a joy for praising God!" —Paul Kim, Traveling Worshipper in Discover (ages 2-3)
"Serving in Discovery Land has strengthened my faith to overcome my weaknesses. I have learned how to humble myself (e.g. listen more than speak), be patient and show compassion towards the little ones in different situations. Serving with kids is a wonderful experience!" —Kartika Dougherty, Adventure (1st-5th grade)
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God at Work: Discovery LandAugust 11 2014 at 1:23 pm 1 Comments
At 7:30 every Sunday morning — as plenty of folks are hitting the snooze button and the low-lying sun is still casting long shadows across dewy fields — the ceiling lights flicker on in the Events Center at Covenant Life Church. The first Discovery Land volunteer has arrived.
With the service still 2½ hours away, one of four monthly band leaders starts preparing for the day. Soon, the other band members join him, and the group begins preparing their equipment to lead 150 bouncy 1st-5th graders in live, loud worship music in the Adventure class later that morning. After they get in tune, lyrics, drumbeats and guitar rhythms begin to fill the air.
Discovery Land is the largest ministry, by far, at Covenant Life. Each week, 300-350 children ages 0 through 5th grade enter its classrooms. It takes 600-plus volunteers — roughly 150 per week — to staff the 16 childcare rooms on two floors and the many other departments within children's ministry. In military terms, a battalion of Christian soldiers is needed to effectively care for the precious little ones of Covenant Life!
And it all starts early each week — much earlier than Sunday, in fact. Midweek, there are volunteers who launder nursery smocks, purchase supplies at Sam's Club, plan lessons, select worship songs that fit the weekly teaching theme, create small group activities, write Tree House Gang scripts, direct Saturday evening Tree House Gang rehearsals, send out informative e-mails, and much more.
Back to Sundays … As the band sets up onstage in the Events Center, a small group of singers warms up their vocal cords in the Discovery Land office. Before long, they'll join the Adventure band to rehearse that day's four-song set.
By 8 a.m., as rehearsal music echoes throughout the building, the supply team buzzes through the hallways. This amazing team of truly behind-the-scenes servants makes sure each Discovery Land classroom is stocked with all the necessary supplies — everything from diapers to saltine crackers to coloring sheets to double-A batteries for bubble-blowing machines.
By 9 a.m., the building is really humming. The church's IT team is powering up all the automated child nametag printing stations and check-in machines. Welcome center volunteers have arrived in advance of the day's first families. And the Events Center is in full swing, with the worship team making way for a final Tree House Gang rehearsal and tech volunteers diligently keeping track of microphones, sound levels, and other audio/visual needs, etc.
Shortly after 9:30, most volunteers have arrived. Adventure's doors are already open to accommodate the large influx of children it receives. Elsewhere, toys are being set out, baby gates are being locked in place, coordinators are meeting with their staff, last-minute preparations are being made and prayers are being lifted up all over the building for God to protect the children and let his Word be proclaimed in clear, powerful ways.
Before the very first child steps foot in class, scores of faithful servants have already been a shining example of 1 Peter 4:10-11: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Our new serving year starts Sept. 7, and we'd love for you to experience the joy that comes with serving the kids in Discovery Land.
Photo credit: Pam Wilbur
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A Prayer for Covenant Life ChurchAugust 4 2014 at 4:32 pm 2 Comments
Kenneth Maresco offered this pastoral prayer during our Sunday service yesterday. Be encouraged in the Lord as you take time to read through it and agree in prayer as you go:
Heavenly Father, thank you and praise you that we can call you Father this morning. We are able to cry out to you because you are a God whose steadfast love never ceases, and your mercies are new every morning. Thank you that we are your children because of what Jesus Christ has done our behalf.
We pray this morning as an expression of our dependence on you for everything. We are dependent upon your grace, your mercy, your action—and we pray because we need you, we love you, and we want more of you in our church, in our lives, in our hearts and in our world.
Lord God, we pray that you would deepen the unity of the Spirit in Covenant Life Church. Help us to love one another.
Dear God, we pray for our church family, that we will be marked by the fruit of the Spirit and genuine love ... that we would love one another, just as you have loved us. Help us to live together in community as brothers and sisters in Christ. May our lives be different than they were before your Holy Spirit made us alive in Jesus Christ. Help us to live with one another in such a way that people will know Jesus is alive!
And today as we study the arrest and betrayal of Jesus, we are reminded of how all of our sins are a betrayal of your goodness and an affront to your holiness. We confess we have fallen short of the perfection your law requires; we have fallen short today and this week.
Thank you that, "For our sake you made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Thank you for the assurance this morning that our sins are forgiven because Jesus bore them on the cross. What a costly sacrifice—thank you!
For the parents here, Lord, we pray you would encourage them as they seek to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Give them strength, faith and courage. For the children, teenagers and young people, Lord, we pray you would protect them from the onslaughts of the enemy, guarding their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and help them to live for the glory of Jesus Christ as children of God in the midst of a twisted and crooked generation.
We pray you would help our young people to bear witness to Jesus Christ among our neighborhoods, schools, and friends, and that we would see many saved. We pray that you will bring fruit from the many outreaches this summer, and from the relationships you give us with those in our community.
Lord we pray for single parents in our community. Lord, for the men and the women seeking to raise their children without the benefit of a spouse, whether by death, divorce or any other reason, strengthen them, and fill them with joy today with the knowledge of your help. And may we be a redemptive community surrounding them with the love and care of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We pray for the two mission teams that have been sent out from among us, to Uganda and Japan … Lord, bless the men and women serving on these teams, and allow them to bear fruit in their ministries.
Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, and in particular for those who are suffering persecution and threats. We specifically lift up the believers in Iraq this morning, and in particular those in the ancient city of Mosul. Give them courage and wisdom to resist the threats and violence being inflicted upon them. Help them to stand firm in their faith, and give them courage to resist the demand made by radical Muslims that they renounce the name of Jesus Christ. We pray you would be with them, and protect them both in life and in death.
Lord, fulfill your promise to Abraham that in his offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed. We ask you to raise up men and women who will be willing to go to the uttermost parts of the earth, to proclaim your name where it is not known.
And finally, Lord, help us as we listen to your Word preached today … help us to hear, understand and to be changed by the gracious work of your Word and the Spirit … so that we will grow in our worship of you, our love for one another and our commitment to making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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