Comings and Goings

So much stuff is opening downtown, we might as well be Britney's legs!

New Bar Number 1

Bubbles, the new champagne bar owned by Mike and Sara Jalili, is now open on Patton Avenue (in the former Bijan’s Under the Tower location). The opening weekend crowd was as high-rolling as expected, and while it’s too new to review, we hear you can find affordable drinks (though the champagne drinks were a bit pricier). The bar is also accessible through The Boogie, just so you know.

New Bar Number 2

After serving almost exclusively as a sandwich place for a number of years, a bar has opened in the former Emack and Bolio’s (and briefly Lettuce Cater To You) spot at 216 E. Walnut St., across from Landers Theatre. The Venice at the Seville is its name, with an upscale interior (with for-sale rock-n-roll artwork hanging on the walls) and a deep drink list. The bar is owned by Nick Russo, owner of St. Michael’s Educational Sports Bar and Grill. Look for further impressions soon.

Set Another Ballpark Record

Last year the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training set a Guinness world record at Hammons Field when more than 5,000 people donned Groucho Marx masks at one time. This year they’re at it again, but this time they want to set the record for the most people playing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at one time... on kazoos. They’ll attempt to break the record during the Cardinals 7:10 p.m. game against Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday, April 29. If you’d like buy tickets to be a part of this fundraiser—which will help send runners to events in Alaska, San Diego and Tahoe, California—contact Sarah Moody with LLS at 417-864-6360.

Downtown Library Branch Open

If you haven’t taken a walk around Park Central Square in recent weeks—particularly the southwest corner—we highly suggest you do so. The much-anticipated Springfield-Greene County Library branch is now open. The slick-looking space is less a library than a media center, with a small selection of popular fiction, but an emphasis on local and national magazines and newspapers, CDs and DVDs, Internet access and research databases. There’s also a connecting door to The Coffee Ethic and a spot for bigger community events, like live music. Contact the branch at 417-831-1342. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Make a Rendezvous With Coffee

Another day, another opening downtown: Rendezvous Coffee is now open in Randy Bacon’s old space on Park Central West. The motif resembles that of an old-school diner, and the sign out front says Rendezvous (320 Park Central West, 417-868-0110) serves breakfast, beginning early at 6:30 a.m.

Parlor Happenings

Parlor 88 is emerging as a go-to place for fun, charitable parties. On Thursday, May 8, Details Salon is hosting a “Trends With Benefits” fashion show, featuring their own hair-styling talents and the styles of Ashby’s and Blackwell’s. Proceeds (you donate at the door) benefit the Rivendale Institute of Learning. A complimentary drink and door prizes await those who attend. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

• On May 31, the ladies of Springfield will be atwitter as Parlor and GO Magazine present a VIP experience to celebrate Sex and the City: The Movie. For $30, ladies get a ticket to the movie at Campbell 16, limo rides to and from Parlor, and a free drink before and after the movie. There are only 200 spots available, so call Crystal Hartin at 417-880-2155 if you want to take your Fab Four out for a night on the town.

GO: Takin’ a Break

Almost since 2008 began, we’ve been taking counting ballots for one event or another. Now we’re giving your clicky-finger a break. But be sure to check out our May 21 magazine, when the 20 Under 30 winners for 2008 will be revealed. Then, come to our party at Highland Springs Country Club on May 29.