FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival Sep 14-16, 10am-4pm, Craft booths, historical displays, working craft area, pioneer village and more. Logan County Fairgrounds, 1408 Short 11th St, Lincoln.

Clayville Fall Festival Sep 22-23, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am- 4pm Sun, Artisan/craftsman demos, historic building tours, pony rides, pioneer crafts/games for kids, craft vendors and entertainment. $5- $3. Clayville, Route 125, Pleasant Plains, 572-4984. Harvest Fest Sep 14-15, 10am-5pm, Food, crafts, bands, activities. Free, some activities have a fee. 632-7363. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St at W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg.

International Route 66 Mother Road Festival Sep 21-23, 6-10pm Fri, 11am- 10pm Sat, 11am-, Over 1,000 cool cars, free entertainment, swap meet and so much more. route66fest.com. Downtown Springfield. LakeFest Sep 20-22, 3-8pm Thu, 3-11pm Fri, 11am-11pm, All-new fest in conjunc tion

with Bassmaster Toyota Trucks All- Star Week. Live music on four stages, fishing industry exhibits, kids play area, festival food vendors and more. Free. Nelson Park, Decatur, 217-423-4222. Multicultural Fest Sep 19, 11am-6pm, Celebration of diversity with food samples (11am-1pm and 4:30-6pm), activities, entertainment and exhibits. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200. Prairie Harvest Days Sep 14-16, 5pm Fri-5pm Sun, Tons of contests, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, parade, food, music, crafts, kiddie tractor pull and lots more.

prairieharvestdays.com. Mason City, 217-414-7137. TAP Fest - The Autism Program BEnefit Sep 16, 2-7pm, Features kids activities, BBQ and music of Still Kick’n, The Shenanigans, Dave Littrell Band, The Blue G’s. $10, $20 families. Crows Mill Pub, 1220 Toronto Road, 217-529-2769.

BOOKS & AUTHORS Book Signing and Discussion Sep 20, 7pm, Stacy Pratt McDermott, The Jury in Lincoln’s America. Reservations, 558-8934. Abraham

Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764. Contemporary Fiction Group Sep 26, 6-7pm, Group discusses popular fiction and nonfiction meets fourth Wednesday of month in Carnegie Room South. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900. Used Book Sale Sep 15-16, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, Thousands of books, magazines, CDs, DVDs. 217-523-2631. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217- 523-2631. Writers Workshop Sep 13, 7pm, Second Thursday of the month at new artist coop. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652-3273.

SPOKEN WORD Open Mic Sep 19, 6-8pm, Come read your work or listen. Food for purchase. Hosted by Springfield Poets and Writers. 725- 9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

THEATER & COMEDY

All My Sons Sep 13-16, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Jacksonville Theatre Guild drama. Jacksonville Theatre Guild, 210 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 245-1402.

Comedian B.T. Sep 14-15, 8pm Fri, 8pm Sat, Performed in over 43 states, three countries, and seen in numerous television shows. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233. Entertainer and Comedian Midnight Swinger Sep 14-15, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat, Vegas-style show by a guy with good looks and style. $13-$15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-joke. Spring Awakening Sep 14-16, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm

Sun, Tony-award winning electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll about teens coming of age. $18-$20. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

The Yellow Wallpaper Sep 20, 6pm, Free public presentation of play for History Lecture. South auditorium. 545-4261 weekdays. SIU School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, 545-2155.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

Bossa Azul Sep 15, 22, 11:30am-12:30pm, Playing every Saturday. Golden Frog Cafe, 218 S. Sixth, 299- 6576. Chris Young Sep 21, tba, Country singer. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. Come to the Cabaret Sep 22, 7pm, Professional cast

of musicians perform some of your most loved songs from Broadway musicals. Free, donations to Basket of Hope, RMH.

Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787. Don Smith Quartet Sep 15, 10am-12pm, Playing at the Farmers Market. Downtown Springfield. Francesca Battistelli Sep 22, 7pm, Christian singer. $19-$29. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Kansas with Kings X Sep 20, 7:30pm, Legendary rock band who appeared on Billboard charts for over 200 weeks in 70s-80s. $29-$35. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

LLCC Recital Series Sep 16, 4pm, Highly acclaimed pianist Dr. Pei-I Wang, ‘A Musical Journey.’ 786- 2318. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Mark O’Connor Sep 15, 7:30pm, Grammywinning violinist. $13- $16.50. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St, Decatur, 424-6318.

Music in the Park Sep 23, 4-7pm, Free Celtic music with Skibbereen, Elk Pipes, The Emerald Underground. Bring a chair or blanket. Washington Park Playground, 1021 South Grand Ave, 217-753-6225.

Prairie Grapevine Folklore Society Sep 18, 7:30pm, The Don’t Be Brothers, Nashville duo playing Celtic (mostly Irish) songs. $10- $5. 454-0178. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Sound Celebration Chorus Sep 15, 7pm, 6:30 preshow, 1940s USO Tribute by woman’s chorus. $16-$13. Portion of proceeds to Illinois Military Family Relief Fund. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-2787.

Springfield Block Party Sep 15, 12-4pm, Free food, music, entertainment and children’s activities for entire family.

Free. Dreamland Park, 2300 Taylor Ave, 217-528-2299. St. Louis Brass Sep 22, 7:30pm, America’s longest standing brass quintets. Free 3 p.m. workshop. $15. 217- 245-3069 or fas@ic.edu. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

The Midtown Men Sep 22, 8pm, Four stars from original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys celebrate the music that defined the 60s. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160, 800-207-6960.

Wonder, Worship & Blessings: An Evening with Michael W. Smith Sep 21, 8pm, Grammy Awardwinning, multi-platinum-selling Contemporary Christian artist. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207-6960.

DANCE A Country Dance Sep 14, 21, 7-11pm, Fridays. Sep 19, 26, 7-10pm, $5, $3/member. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560. A Country Reunion Dance Sep 22, 7-11pm, Potluck dinner. $5-$3. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428- 1560.

All About Country Dance Sep 14, 8-11pm, Free lesson at start. DJ Marilyn Ferry. $6. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438. All About Dance Sep 19, 26, 7-10pm, Every Wed. open dance preceded with hour line dance lessons with DJ/instructor Marilyn Ferry. $5. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438.

Autumn Dance Your Socks Off Party Sep 22, 7-11pm, Variety of music and dance styles for all dancers. Prize for wildest socks. $10, free dance lesson 7-7:45 p.m. 652-2128. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Ballroom Dance & Lesson Sep 15, 7-11pm, Lesson $5/pp, dance $5/pp, $3/members. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 428-1560. P.O.L.K. of A. Dance Sep 16, 2-5:30pm, Eddie Korosa and His Boys from Illinois. $10- $9. illinoischapterpolkofa.org. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton.

Rockballet LIVE Sep 15, 8pm, Sep 16, 2pm, Springfield Ballet Company with live music by band, Downstate. $26-$16. springfieldballetco.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

ART & ARCHITECTURE Carpe Diem Sep 15-16, 21-23, 12-4pm Fri- Sun, Through Dec. 2, work by Petersburg artist Kevin Atterberry. Reception Sept. 14, 5p.m. Prairie Palette Art Gallery, on the square, Petersburg.

Colette Sep 17, 7pm, Internationally-known NY multi-media artist present for opening reception “on site Art Installation.” On display through Oct. 15 at Becker Gallery in library. Brinkerhoff Home, 1500 N. Fifth St.

Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Sep 15-16, 10am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, Premiere event with tours of Edwards Place Home, hands-on activities for kids, food, music, demos and more. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Gallery Exhibit Sep 13-16, 18-23, 25-26, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Sept 8-30, Thomas Trausch - Watercolor and Oil Paintings. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243- 9390.

Heavy Hitters Sep 13, 18-20, 25-26, Graffiti and street art from around the world. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Holding Hands With History Sep 13-15, 18-21, 10am-3pm Tue-Sat, Through Sept. 21, watercolor paintings by Kay Smith, Artist Laureate of Illinois. National Museum of Surveying, Inc. 521 E. Washington, 217- 523-3130.

Rx and Pharmacy Exhibit Receptions Sep 15, 6-9pm, Two simultaneous exhibits - Chicago artist Dawn Gettler, “be still my heart.” Video/sculptural installation on daily rituals. Rx Project Space, 940 S. Pasfield Street. “Breaking In.” Younger resident artists. Pharmacy Warehouse Gallery, 1022 S. Pasfield St.

Sangamon Watercolor Society Reception Sep 22, 5:30-7:30pm, Exhibition and dessert reception. Free and open to public. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-2787. Vignettes - Claire Hedden Sep 13, 17-20, 24-26, 11-6

Mon-Thu, Through Sept. 27, Sculptural works from nationally known artist and Mclean County Arts Center curator. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 206-6506.

FILM & TELEVISION Blue Sep 17, 6pm, Documentary that explores filmmaker Derek Jarman’s experiences with AIDS. Political Art and Public Sphere series. 206-8328. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Central Illinois Film Commission Meeting Sep 20, 7pm, Third Thursdays in Highland room. “Marlboro Man” Mr. Bob Petit speaks about his 11 year career. 725-1187. Hilton Springfield, 700 E. Adams. Sherlock Holmes Society Film Day Sep 22, 12pm, Public invited to potluck picnic and viewing of Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows at private homes. 546- 8387. Various locations.

CHILDREN’S CORNER Creatures of the Night Family Event Sep 22, 11am-3pm, Learn about nocturnal animals. Games, hands-on activities, specimens, talk to scientists. Free. 782- 5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Halloween Costume Swap Sep 22, 1-3pm, Bring your outgrown costume and go home with a new one. In library gallery. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483- 2713. Kids K Sep 22, 8:30am check in, Springfield Park District hosts. Pre-registration requested. $10- $15. 753-0700. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225.

Wonderous Wednesday Storytime Sep 19, 26, 11am, With Miss Alana, plus activity. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S.

Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

SCIENCE

Friday Night Star Parties Sep 14, 21, 8-10pm, Fridays in Sept. and Oct. weather permitting. Observatory, roof of Brookens Library. Free. uis.edu/astronomy. University of Illinois at Springfield, 217-206- 6073.

NATURE Leaf Identification Hikes Sep 15, 22, 10am-12pm, 50-different types of leaves. Adults asked to accompany their kids. Pre-registration by phone required. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-4116.

Springfield Audubon Society Program Sep 20, 7-8pm, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Naturalist Jack MacRae’s 24mile journey from Wisconsin to Michigan. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Standard Flower Show Sep 19-20, 2-4pm Wed, 10am- 2pm Thu, “In Tune With Nature” hosted by Springfield Civic Garden Club. Free admission. www.scgc-il.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-4116. Tea Gardens Sep 18, 6-8pm, Extension educator speaks on creating your own tea garden and how to grow plants used to make tea. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217- 544-2473. Volunteer Work Day Sep 16, 1-3pm, Tools, water and cookies provided. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Circuit Clerk Outreach Event Sep 20, 5-7pm, Find your unclaimed property, New Berlin

police handing out free gun locks, get a passport, pay your traffic fine and more. Free. New Berlin Village Hall, 301 East Illinois St, New Berlin, 217-535-3254. IWIL’s End of Summer Social Sep 20, 5:30-7pm, $22-$27. Reservations at iwil.biz by 5 p.m. Sept. 14 or by mail. Island Bay Yacht Club, 76 Yacht Club Road, 217-529-5418.

Inventor Seminar Sep 18, 6:30-8:30pm, “Patentable Subject Matter: Is Your Idea Patent Eligible?” Hosted by INVINT. $5 non-members. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 545-6397.

Parkinson Disease Support Group Meeting Sep 16, 2-4pm, Third Sunday of Jan. Mar. May, Jul. Sept. Nov. Family welcome. Accessible. Refreshments. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry, 698-0088.

Single in September Seminar Sep 15, 2pm and 8pm, Ages 18 and up info on dating skills, fashion show, speed dating, cocktail hour and more. Travelodge, 3751 S. Sixth St street, 638-8989 or 816-1018.

Springfield African-American History Museum Advisory Board Sep 19, 1:30pm, Third Wed. of month at Springfield African- American History Museum Office. Second floor. 698-6339. National Museum of Surveying, Inc. 521 E. Washington, 217- 523-3130.

Springfield Social Club Sep 26, 5:30-8:30pm, Bring bottled water and granola bars for American Cancer Society. Boone’s Saloon, 301 W. Edwards St, 217-753-9135. Woman’s Symposium Sep 13, 7:30am-4:30pm, Keynote speaker Deb Jones, “Tactical Steps for Strategic Planning.” $89. www.iwil.biz. 628-3441. Illinois Education Association, 3440 Liberty Dr.

BULLETIN BOARD

Academy of Lifelong Learning Fall Kickoff Sep 20, 10-11:45am, Public and those interested in becoming a member of age 50-and-over group. 786-2477. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

Association of Information Technology Professionals Sep 18, 5:30-8pm, Aaron Conkwright, “Linux - Getting Started.” $23. Lakepointe Grill, 1386 Toronto Rd, 628-3697. Free Registration Cruise-In Sep 16, 4-8pm, Quaker Steak & Lube and the Central Illinois Z Enthusiasts. Quaker Steak & Lube, 1121 West Lincolnshire Blvd, 217-899-3032.

Governor Duncan’s Neighborhood Walking Tour Sep 15, 8:45am and 9:30am, Three grand homes and Illinois College President’s Mansion. $30, by Sept. 12. 245-5390. Governor Duncan Mansion, 4 Duncan Pl, Jacksonville, 245-2626.

Habitat for Humanity Youth Build Sep 21, 6-7pm, Kick off. Free and open to public. www.prairiecompassion.org. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St, 528-0457. International Day of Peace Interfaith Service Sep 21, 7:30-8pm, Join this Year of Compassion Event. 500 East Enterprise. Enos Park, Seventh and Enterprise.

New Salem Shrine Club Car Show Sep 15, 11:30am-4:30pm, Open to cars, trucks and motorcycles. Special display - Justin Allgaier’s Nascar Nationwide stock car. Rain or shine. Petersburg Square, N. Seventh St at W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg, 217- 636-8735.

Nominations Sought Deadline 5 p.m. Sept. 17, 2012. Forms online and at various locations for Mayor’s Awards for the Arts. springfieldartsco.org. Springfield Area Arts Council, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-753-3519.

Passport Registration Sep 15, 22, 9am-12pm, Certified birth certificate and name change court orders, photo id,

two approved passport photos, two checks. 747-5183. BOS Chatham Banking Center, 1140 Commercial Court, Chatham.

Railroad Paper Show and Sale Sep 15, 9am-3pm, Premier show with timetables, rule books, dispatcher train sheets, advertising and many other forms of historic railroad paper. naotc.org. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St. Volunteer Orientation Sep 13, 5:30-6:30pm, Email valerie.goodwin@redcross.org or 787-7602. American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr # 1, 217- 787-7602.

Scrabble Tournament Sep 15, 10am, For Non-Rated Players hosted by Springfield HS Scrabble Club. Admission. 525- 3106. Springfield High School, 101 S. Lewis St. Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Sep 19, 11am-12:45pm, Liz Drake, “Gourds.” Martha Heinhorst, “Joy When Happiness is Gone.” $12. Reservations by Sept. 14, 787-8246. Northfield Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr, 787-8246.

Vigil for Peace Sep 15, 22, 12pm, Each Saturday at noon on corner of Sixth and Monroe, outside Federal Building. All are welcome. 544-3997. Downtown Springfield. Volunteer Training Sep 18, 5:30-8:30pm, Multi Purpose Room. Volunteers asked to attend Oct. 2, 9, 17 also. Register, 558-8984. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 North Sixth St, 217-558-8844.

FOOD

Illinois Stewardship Alliance Harvest Celebration Sep 16, 5-9pm, Six chefs, local beer and wine cash bar, local food, live music, speaker, Robert Dirks. $75-$65. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St, 217-528- 1563.

POLITICS

Fire of Faith Public Meeting Sep 25, 6:30pm, Candidates for public office and current elected officials discuss positions on issues impacting our community. 626-1004. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St, 753-4379.

Foundation for a United Front Sep 22, 1-2:30pm, Creating Local Democracy. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217- 753-4900.

HISTORY Genealogical Society Program Sep 25, 1-4pm, Bramble’s Pleasure Garden, speaker Gail Leonard. Decatur Genealogical Society & Library, 1255 W. South Side Drive, Decatur, 217-429- 0135. A Call to Arms Sep 22, 11am-5pm, Re-enactments, drills and lots of fun with history education. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960. Meet a Boy in Blue: Antietam Sep 15, 11am, 1pm and 3pm , Learn about the battle of Antietam. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785- 7960. The Battle of Antietam Sep 13, 7pm, ALPLM historians talk about Civil War battle. Free and open to public. Advance reservations requested, 558- 8934. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764.

Underground Railroad in Southwest Michigan Sep 13, 7-8:30pm, Dr. Michael Nassaney, Western Michigan University. 785-0037. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-7386.

HEALTH Be Aware Wellness Fair Sep 15, 10am-1pm, Flu shots, hearing tests and other screenings, Activities and free lunch for children. 245-2174. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville. Hands-on Educational Event Sep 18, 10:30am, Finding the Medicare coverage that’s best for you and how to use online resources. Free. Registration required. 1-866-673-3545. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. Babysitter’s Training Sep 21, 8:30am-3:30pm, Recommended for 11-15 year olds. Bring sack lunch. Register by phone or redcross.org/takea-class. American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr # 1, 1-800- 733-2767.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.

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