THE CALENDAR

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Jan 14-16, 21-23, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Springfield Theatre Centre performs a funny musical about six adolescents vying for a championship. $15-$12. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

The Color Purple Jan 24, 7:30pm, Nominated for eleven Tony Awards including best musical. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 217-788-8814.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

Acoustic Lunch Jan 13-14, 17-21, 24-26, 12- 1pm, Thu - Stacie Taylor; Fri - Dennis Darling (Jan. 21), Hippie Viejo (Jan. 14, 28); Mon - Matt Eck; Tue - Kathryn Raistrick; Wed - Thistle and Thyme. Trout Lily Cafe, 218 S. Sixth St.

Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra Jan 21, 7:30pm, “Cosmopolitan Classics” of symphonies that will transport you around Europe. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St, 217-793-1330.

Prairie Grapevine Concert Jan 22, 7:30pm, Stories and dulcimer playing with Mike Anderson, well-known and

nationally recognized local musician and school teacher. Donation: $10, $9 seniors, $8 members, $5 students, $25 for family. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road. prairiegrapevine.org.

DANCE

Central IL Singles /Couples Dance Jan 14, 8-11pm, Judy Kaye plays. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515.

Central IL Singles /Couples Dance Jan 21, 8-11pm, Kevin Turner. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Country Dancing Jan 14, 19, 21, 26, 7-10pm