No ID? No problem

I need to see your ID, please.\nThat's the phrase on the mouth of every bouncer in Bloomington, and it's the phrase that keeps underage students out of Bloomington's bar and club scene. Those without proper identification often have to look elsewhere for evening entertainment. Sarah Haynes, a sophomore, has suffered through this government-enforced restriction.\n"The only thing there is to do is go to the bars," Haynes says, "but unless you have a fake ID or are actually 21, that's out." \nStudents like Haynes might be without access to popular night spots on Kirkwood and beyond, but she, like many others, has found ways to skirt the tricky law.\n"Most of the time, me and my friends go to house or frat parties, because it's not like they card you," she says. "Or if there are no parties going on, we usually just ask one of our legal friends to buy us alcohol." \nTheir entertainment comes at their own risk. Anyone under the age of 21 caught drinking can face harsh consequences, such as fines, a night in jail and losing one's driver's license. Those looking for more legal activities have to search a little harder for their entertainment.\nBill Gray, student body president, understands where minors are coming from. With IUSA, Gray is continually searching for new ways to get students away from reckless drinking and in the company of sober companions. \n"I do think that a large problem around campus is a lack of activities for underage students," Gray says.\nBloomington is well-known for its music scene, but unfortunately many of the concerts take place in over-21 clubs and bars. Those looking for local music that doesn't require two forms of ID can also check out the IMU, with its Late Night Open House on Sept. 6, featuring performances by bands Three Minute Mile, Laborious Clef, Blue Moon Revue and Spread. Along with free food, students can check out comedic performances and bounce on inflatable cushions.\nThe IMU will also put on its annual outdoor film showing tonight. This year's installment will feature the Chris Farley and David Spade comedy classic, "Tommy Boy," and the sci-fi epic, "The Matrix." Showings will take place at Kinsey Hollow, behind the Office of Admissions and between Wright and Read quads, starting at 8 p.m.\nThe IMU offers a variety of entertainment every day and night of the week. Bowling, video games and billiards are just some of the fun things to do in one of the nation's biggest student unions. In the Whittenberger Auditorium, from Thursday until Saturday of every weekend, students can see free movies with their student IDs. \n"I go and see movies and shows there a lot," says Ronnie Houchin, a junior, "and the best part is that it's free."\nWhile the IMU typically shows popular movies after they've been in the theatres, Ryder Films appeals to the arts cinema. According to Peter LoPilato, programming director for Ryder Films, moviegoers can expect cinema different from that of the big theatres. \nRyder Films will show independent and foreign films, along with cult favorites. Beatles fans will get a double-dose of the classic rock group when Ryder Films shows both "A Hard Day's Night" and "The Hours and Time," a story about John Lennon before he reached stardom with the Beatles.\nWhile films are normally projected in the Fine Arts Building, on Monday nights until early October students will have a chance to watch films on the deck of the Laughing Planet Café.\n"It's kind of like the drive-in without the cars," LoPilato says.\nWhen playtime is over and that empty-in-the-stomach feeling sets in, Bloomington has a host of American and international dining when Foster food court just isn't sufficiently satisfying. Nationwide eateries like Applebee's, Colorado Steakhouse and Chili's are a few of the more traditional options, but those wishing to try food from around the world can check restaurants such as The Irish Lion, Le Petit Café, The Siam House, Little Zagreb, Café Django, Burmese Gems and Puccini's.\nBut when the sun drops, why should those over 21 have all the fun? Two clubs have answered this desperate cry from the underaged. Space 101 and Rhino's both provide music and dancing to the college crowd without the hassle of at-the-door carding.\nBob Nugent, entertainment booker at Rhino's, Bloomington's all-ages music club, is enthusiastic about including IU students in on the fun. \n"We've had a lot of big bands play here in recent years," says Nugent, "like Fishbone and Earth Crisis. This club is popular with the underground scene."\nNugent says the club is also sympathetic to college students' finances. "Most of the shows are around $5, and some nights we have karaoke for just $2," he says.\n"Sometimes, people will call us up and tell us that they don't have money to see a show. But we let them come in and work and they can see the show for free. We really want older kids to come in and work with younger ones."\nRhino's is a hot spot for local talent. Nugent says that the club is always looking for local acts to come and play.\n"It's good experience," he says. "I encourage anyone interested to contact us."\nWith movies, bowling, music, dancing and a host of other activities on and around the campus, a Saturday night in Bloomington doesn't have to consist of Bud Light and playing cards. With a little cash and creativity, students can do just about anything.