Fairs & Festivals

Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mar 17, 12pm, Reviewing stand and family friendly area is Sixth Street. More details at springfieldirish.org. Downtown Springfield.

Books & Authors Book Club Mar 11, 7pm, Second Sunday at artists gallery and coop. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West.

Classics Book Group Mar 19, 12-1pm, Meets October through May in the Bicentennial Room. Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Duma. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900.

Poets in the Parlor Mar 10, 2pm, Features poetry of local poet Sandra McKenna. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.

Writers Workshop Mar 08, 7pm, Second Thursday of the month at new artist coop. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West.

Spoken Word Poetry Open Mic Mar 21, 6-8pm, Bring poetry to read –

or just sit back and listen. Springfield Poets & Writers. 725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza.

Theater & Comedy An Evening with Ken Bradbury and Friends Mar 10, 7pm, Fun evening of music, skits and other entertainment as Girard Community Center Committee raises funds for community center. Girard First Christian Church, 700 W. Center St, Girard, 217-627-3533 or 217-627- 2060.

Avenue Q Mar 09-11, 16-18. For mature audiences only. Parental discretion is advised. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 523-2787.

Comedian Troy Davis Mar 09-10, 8pm Fri, 7:15pm, Talks about fatherhood and three divorces in a clean, funny style. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482- 5233.

Stoops Mar 16-18, 23-25, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Springfield Theatre Centre production of front porch comedy by Ken Bradbury. $12-$18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 523-2787.

The All New Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers

Mar 10, 8pm, Features original members from the West End run, with amazing favorite moments and songs with a few new twists and moves. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6160, 800-207-6960.

Music: General Events Fanfare Mar 11, 4pm, Peter Harris, trumpet, and Dale Rogers on organ. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

Girls Night Live with Mandisa Mar 15, 7pm, Concert features Mandisa, Laura Story and Britt Nicole. Tickets girlsnightlive.com or 1-866-440-7880.

Abundant Faith Christian Center, 2525 Taylor Ave, 585-4000.

Illinois Chamber Orchestra Mar 16, 7:30pm, “Fresh and Fortuitous.” Rei Hotoda, conductor. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St, 217-793- 1330.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Mar 17, 7:30pm, Spring Concert. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 215-245- 1181.

LA Phil LIVE Mar 18, 2pm, LA Phil with jazz legend Herbie Hancock celebrate American composer George Gershwin. AMC