Books & Authors

Springfield Comic Book Convention Aug 28, 10am-4pm, Comic books, new and old, toys and related collectibles. Free and open to public. 309-657-1599. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St.

Spoken Word

Spoken Word/Poetry Night Aug 25, 7pm, Last Thursday of each month in local artist gallery/studio. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652-3273.

Theater & Comedy

Healin’ Home Aug 26-27, 8pm, Full length drama of three orphans in 1910 Missouri who run away from the Orphan Train. $12, 800-710-9290. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.

Macbeth Sep 02-03, 7:30-9pm, Rob Clare (formerly of Royal Shakespeare Company) and Reiko Aylesworth (off-Broadway actress, star of Golden Globewinning TV show ”24”) perform scenes and speeches at Theatre in the Park. Tickets, 632-5440. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg.

Open Mic Comedy Aug 25, Sep 01, 8pm, Every Thursday, Springfield’s best upand-coming comedians, as well as some brave first-timers. Hosted by Buddy Redman. Free. Chaser’s Iron Horse Saloon, 3036 N. Peoria Rd, 481-4754.

Smoke on the Mountain Aug 26-28, Sep 02-04, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Be witness to the stories and toe-tapping hymns from less-than devout Sanders Family invited to perform in church circa 1938. $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St.

Tad Lincoln’s Father Aug 27, 2pm, One-woman drama performed by local actor Linda Schneider. Memoir of a girl sent to play with the Lincoln children in the White House. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.

Music: General Events Acoustic Lunch Aug 26-27, 30-31, 12-1pm, Friday, Dennis Darling (every other Fri.); Tue - Kathryn Raistrick; Wed - Thistle and Thyme; Sat - Julie Hulvey. Trout Lily Cafe, 218 S. Sixth St.

Artist on the Plaza Aug 25, 30, Sep 01, 06, 12- 1pm, Every Tuesday and Thursday, free outdoor performance. 753-3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza.

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