THE CALENDAR

Submit calendar listings at www.illinoistimes.com or e-mail to [email protected] or send them to:

Calendar P.O. Box 5256 Springfield, IL 62705 Deadline is Friday at noon prior to when the paper comes out on newsstands.

Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending the event.

Books & Authors

Accepting Teen Poetry Submissions Accepting poetry and art from teens, grades 6-12, for international poetry anthology. Contributors receive two books. pwlf.com or www.adonisdesignspress.com. Springfield Poets and Writers.

Black History Month Event Feb 02, 7pm, Dr. Corey Walker, associate professor in Department of Africana Studies at Brown University discusses his book, A Noble Fight: African American Freemasonry and the Struggle for Democracy in America. 206-6333. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6605.

Winter Book Sale Jan 22, 9am-3pm, Hardcover and paperback books for readers of all ages, plus delicious bakery items by the Friends of the Library. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

Spoken Word

Storyteller: Threads of History’s Lore Jan 22, 2pm, All ages invited to hear local storyteller Cathy Mosley’s selections of Illinois folk tales with roots in immigrant cultures. Free. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217- 523-2631.

Theater & Comedy

Comedian Basile Jan 21-22, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat, One-of-a-kind comedian, who did voice overs for Bullwinkel from Rockie and Bullwinkel. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 2937 W. White Oaks Dr, 391-joke.

Comedian Dr. Gonzo Jan 21-22, 8pm Fri, 7:15pm & 9:30pm Sat, The Doc of Comedy Rock returns to his hometown stage!, Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Cowgirls Jan 21-23, 28-30, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Humorous musical about Jo who fights to save her daddy’s bar with song - except instead of country music, a mix up brings a classical act to town. $16-$15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

Opening Doors by Shannon Pickard Jan 31, 7pm, Combining comedy with improvisation, Shannon Pickard, actor, author, TV producer, comedian and motivational speaker, entertains parents and youth while opening the doors of communication. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 632-2984.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Jan 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 20-21, 24-28, 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.