kostanczuk
Bob Kostanczuk
Bob Kostanczuk is a longtime entertainment columnist at the Post-Tribune. He earned first-place recognition for best personality profile from the Society of Professional Journalists, Indiana …Read More
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‘Preacher’ was radio luminary with cool style, swagger
The clearest way I can describe Steve “The Preacher” Glover is to call him a true radio personality. There was substance there, and some grit. Here was an on-air broadcaster with distinctive traits the audience could sink its teeth into. In Northwest Indiana, those kind …Read More
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Religious songs can deliver some pop in the mainstream
Even if you’re not a big football fan, it’s been hard not to notice the widespread attention given to Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos quarterback who is not shy about talking about his religious beliefs. It got me to thinking about songs with Christian themes …Read More
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Blind Boys of Alabama deliver gospel joy to Hammond casino
Black History Month at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond is being celebrated with a gospel buffet brunch featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama on Feb.19. Honored with several Grammy Awards, the Blind Boys of Alabama have appeared on the late-night television talk shows of Jay Leno …Read More
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‘Love, Lust and Long Goodbyes’ art exhibit at CISA in Hammond
Felix Maldonado Jr., an East Chicago native, is billed as a self-taught artist in the fields of fine art and graffiti. With a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a minor in graphic design, Maldonado has directed and produced commercials for various companies, including Roto-Rooter, ATA …
February Sky brings Celtic flair to Front Porch Music
Quality folk music grabs the spotlight Feb. 4. That’s because Front Porch Music in Valparaiso is presenting February Sky, a duo consisting of singer-songwriter Susan Urban and Celtic guitarist Phil Cooper. “They can expect to hear a wide variety of music, from old Scottish, Irish …
Gary connections boost Jerry Butler’s show at the Star Plaza
It could be considered an under-the-radar show at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville. But folks should take note. I’m talking about the Feb. 18 concert with Jerry Butler and the Chi-Lites, a rhythm-and-blues group with Chicago roots that features Marshall Thompson. In the early …
Feel the love at NWI Symphony Feb. 10 concert
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Looking for something to do? The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra has “A Valentine’s Tradition” set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10, featuring pianist Di Wu, who has performed extensively on the international scene. The Auditorium at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, …
Soul music and orchestra brighten Horseshoe’s lineup
You might want to put these Horseshoe Casino shows on your radar. The Venue at the Hammond casino is welcoming Bobby Womack, who’ll be supported by Millie Jackson and Latimore. Performing 8 p.m. Feb. 4, Womack has a rich soul-music history, having worked as a …
Batman, ‘Glee!’ coming up as 2012 unfurls
It’s a new year. Here are five things that I find notable about 2012. 1. There’ll be another Batman movie. The summertime release — titled “The Dark Knight Rises” — is set to feature the villainous terrorist Bane, and is being directed by Christopher Nolan, …
REO Speedwagon rolls into Star Plaza
A taste of British rock was scheduled for Dec. 30, at Merrillville’s Star Plaza Theatre, but instead, it will be an American band with ties to the Land of Lincoln. “Satisfaction — A Rolling Stones Experience” has been postponed, replaced by REO Speedwagon, which has …
Rock renegade savors feel of Merrillville venue
Gothic, ghoulish shtick permeates Alice Cooper concerts, and he wants you to be able to see it. That’s why the member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is no stranger to the 3,400-seat Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville. “It’s a good venue for …
Glenn Miller Orchestra performs Aug. 21 at Munster High School
The Glenn Miller Orchestra is really unique. It’s a musical warhorse that tours extensively, keeping the wistful tunes of a bygone era alive — decade after decade. On Aug. 21, the orchestra performs at the Munster High School auditorium, recapturing the swing era that had …
Eating titan gives bite to RailCats game
How did gorging yourself on food become a sport? Yep, competitive eating has essentially become a sport. It’s even garnered television coverage on ESPN. Takeru Kobayashi is known for his prowess at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest — a quirky …
Whether dead at 27 or 42, pop stars die too young
Dead, man — just really dead ... and young. The “Forever 27 Club” has membership you don’t want to emulate. Much has been made of Amy Winehouse’s death last month, which came at the age of 27. Also 27 years old when death came a …
‘Hairspray’ sticks to bygone teenage era
Frank Hattula has a distinct role in “Hairspray,” a musical that starts a run July 30 in Merrillville. “I play Edna Turnblad,” noted Hattula, a resident of Hammond’s Robertsdale section. “This is the first time that I’ve played a woman on stage.” The public can …
Who’s coming to Horseshoe Casino?
The lead singer of The Who is going to perform his group’s conceptually arty album, “Tommy,” at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. Roger Daltrey will supply the vocals. The show in The Venue at the casino is not until 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, so you …
Music fest diverse
Never let it be said that Festival of the Lakes doesn’t mix up the music. You’ve got Latin Night at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 24, at Wolf Lake Memorial Park in Hammond. Then there’s the Polka Party on the same day at the Hammond Marina …
Hammond pavilion lands orchestra, while Star Theatre nabs new sound
That impressive Wolf Lake Pavilion will host the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 15. The concert is free. It’s part of the orchestra’s 2011 South Shore Summer Music Festival. The pavilion, which premiered last year, is in Wolf Lake Memorial Park, …
Vocal group boasts ‘Jersey Boys’ talent
Under the Streetlamp is a vocal group boasting recent lead cast members of “Jersey Boys.” The smash Broadway musical has spawned offshoot enterprises. Saturday, Aug. 20, marks the Star Plaza Theatre debut of Under the Streetlamp, whose Merrillville performance will be taped for future national …
Hoops legend bounces comedy into Venue at Hammond casino
Just call it a “Shaq Attack” at Horseshoe Casino. Shaquille O’Neal’s All Star Comedy Jam is coming to The Venue at the Hammond casino at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. O’Neal, of course, is the recently retired basketball legend who made his biggest splash with …
