Poets in the Parlor Oct 27, 2pm, Masters biographer Herbert Russell discusses relationship between Vachel Lindsay and Edgar Lee Masters. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217- 524-0901.

Theater & Comedy

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Oct 31, Nov 01-04, 7:30pm Wed-Sat, 2pm Sun, True love is only a dream in society overtaken with automation and technology. Shrewd forest sprites and computer techies restore love. $7. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 245-3471.

Comedian Michael Brown Oct 26-27, 8pm Fri-Sat, Voted Arkansas’ Funniest Person of 2010. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian Steve Hirst Oct 26-27, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat, Mixture of Benny Hill and the movie Snatch with impressions and music. $13- $15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-joke.

Halloween Dreams Oct 26-28, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Enchanting musical revue with festive songs. Come in costume if you would like. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

Last of the Red Hot Lovers Nov 02-04, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Dynamic Patterns Theatre presents Neil Simon play. $15. Club Room. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217- 523-2787.

Rocky Horror Show Oct 26-27, 8pm and 12am, Dress in costume to see rock musical about naive couple ensnared in Transylvanian transvestite’s erotic evil web. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Second City for President Nov 03, 5pm and 8pm, Chicago’s legendary sketch comedy theatre takes on the election. $26-$28. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

The Widows of Whitechapel Oct 31, 8pm, Original play for voices about fi ve Jack the Ripper victims. $10-$15. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

UIS Theatre - Tartuffe Oct 26-28, Nov 01-03, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Comedy about religious fraud. $14-$6. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Music: General Events

Goosebumps Organ Concert /Electronic Light Show Oct 27, 7-8:15pm, Dress in black, white or as historical hero for free dramatic and evocative music, dance and electronic lighting. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St, 528-4311.

Halloween Concert Oct 25-26, 7:30pm Thu, 6pm and 8pm Fri, Millikin University’s Percussion Ensembles. Costume awards. $8. 424-6318 or kirklandfi nearts.com. Albert Taylor Theatre, Millikin’s Shilling Hall, Decatur, 217-424-6318.

Juvae Jazz Society Concert Oct 27, 5-8pm, Red Lehr’s Power House Five. $20. Reservations, 546-1363. Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave, Decatur, 217-429- 4200.

Matthew West Nov 04, 6pm, Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160, 800-207- 6960.

Ray Wylie Hubbard Oct 26, 8pm, WUIS’ Bedrock 66 Live concert series. $24. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Oct 26, 8pm, One-of-the-greatest percussion ensembles in the world. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160, 800-207-6960.

Dance

A Country Dance Oct 26, 7-10pm, Pumpkin dessert night. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217-428-1560.

A Country Dancers Reunion Dance Oct 27, 6-11pm, Potluck with dancing during and after dinner. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, 650 Matilda St, Illiopolis, 217-428- 1560.

Ballroom Boogie Nov 03, 7-11pm, American Red Cross fundraiser. Hour dance lesson followed by swing, ballroom, nightclub and line dancing. $15-$12. 787-7602, ex. 231. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515.

Dance Oct 26, 8pm, Kevin Turner playing 50s, 60s and 70s. Dances every last Friday of each month. (Every Wed. open dance 7-10 p.m. $5) VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Salsa Nights Oct 27, 9pm-12:30am, Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S. Sixth St, 217-529-5511.

Art & Architecture

Brown Bag Art Talk Oct 26, 12pm, Teacher Sheri Ramsey, “Robert Henri.” Free. Michael Victor II Art Library, SAA, 700 N. Fourth Street, 523-2631.

Carpe Diem Art Show Oct 26-28, Nov 02-04, 12- 4pm Fri-Sun, Through Dec. 2, eclectic display of local art. Featured artist Kevin Atterberry, Petersburg. Prairie Palette Art Gallery, on the square, Petersburg, 217-971-7431.

Eat, Pray, Love Nov 02-03, 06-07, 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat, Linda Post Lucas (Multiple Media) - Mary Ellen Strack (Oil & Pastel) Evie Wilson (Watercolor & Acrylic/ Calligraphy). Reception Nov. 3, 5:30-7:30p.m. H.D. Smith Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St, 544- 2787.

Fine Arts Boutique Nov 02, 6:30-9:30pm, Benefi ts local health program grants. Hosted by Sangamon County Medical Society & Alliance. 529- 2088 or [email protected]. Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Dr, 546- 4431.

Gallery Exhibit Oct 25-28, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Michelle Schneider, watercolor illustrations; Richard Bilinsky, bronze sculptures. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 243- 9390.

Israeli Art Sale Nov 03-04, 5:30-7:30pm Sat and 9am-2pm Sun, Award-winning Israeli artists Ilan Hasson and Avi Biran sell their art along with colleagues’ art. Wine/cheese reception Sat. is $10. Sunday free. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St, 525-1360 or 494- 4098.

Meet the Artist Oct 25, 6pm, Chicago artist Leopold Segedin. One of octogenarian artists from Luminous Ground: Artists with Histories exhibition. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217- 782-7386.

Photography Exhibit Oct 25-31, Nov 01-07, 8am-4pm Mon-Thu, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, John Sevigny’s “Happyland,” photos from Central America. Charles E. Becker Library, Benedictine University at Springfi eld, 1500 North Fifth St.

Writers and Watercolorists Nov 03, 5:30-7:30pm, Dessert reception of Sangamon Watercolor Society and Springfi eld Poets and Writers. Hear poetry and artists talk about their work. Free, open to public. Third fl oor Boardroom, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

Film & Television

Film Expo & Trade Show Oct 26-27, 6pm. Guest speakers and daily events. Riverbank Lodge, Petersburg. 632-0202.

Route 66 International Film Festival Nov 02-03, Best independent fi lms from around the world. Friday world premier screening of new feature length documentary, A Blood Red Sky. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 1-800-838-3006.

Children’s Corner

American Ice Princess and Her Doll Ice Skating Event Nov 03, 1:30-3:30pm, Free skate rental and skating, goodie bag, desserts and manicure and hair stations. $15-$20. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-652-5226.

Special Friends Halloween Oct 25, 6-7:30pm, For pediatric cancer patients and their siblings. Free, reservations requested to American Cancer Society. St. John’s Pavilion Atrium, 301 N. Eighth Street, 217-523-4503 x3.

WJVO Safe Halloween for Kids Oct 25, 5-8pm, For more information phone 217-245- 5119. Prairie Land Heritage Museum, 1005 West Michigan, South Jacksonville.

Where Are the Wild Things? Oct 28, 12-4pm, Educational games, crafts, displays, prizes. Costumes are encouraged. Admission. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Zoolie Ghoulie Oct 27-28, 2-6pm Sat- Sun, Bring little ones dressed in costume for safe trick-ortreating. Contest at 5 p.m. each night. $3-$2 each person. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

Science

Friday Night Star Parties Oct 26, 8-10pm, Fridays in Oct. weather permitting. Observatory, roof of Brookens Library. Free. uis.edu/astronomy. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206- 6073.

Nature

Fall Bird Hikes Oct 27, 8am, Birders of all skill levels. Free. Meets at Nature Center. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529- 1111.

Lectures & Meetings

Citizens Club of Springfield Policy Breakfast Oct 26, 7:30am coffee, 8am program, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523- 2787.

Mcbrian Lincoln Douglas Toastmasters Club 51 Oct 25, Nov 01, 6-7:30pm, Thursdays in the conference room. Public invited. Guests, members welcome. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217-546-4531.

Neighborhood Association Meeting Oct 25, 7-9pm, Meeting and ice cream social. Melody LaMar of Sustainable Springfi eld. Douglas United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Avenue, 787-6823.

World Affairs Council Oct 25, 7:30pm, Kristina Koch- Avan, United Nations employee, on peace keeping efforts in Syria. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6073.

Bulletin Board

Backgammon Club Oct 31, Nov 07, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622- 9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111 .

Blanket and Coat Fair Oct 27, 10am-1pm, Need a coat or blanket? Non-profi t organization giving away to those less-fortunate. Must show ID for blanket. Freedom in Holiness Mission, 1430 Loveland Ave, 217-522-2527.

Breast Friends Wing N Bling Oct 28, 2-6pm, Bling contest with prizes. Vendors. Proceeds to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Breast Friends. $5. Mugshotz Pub, 1008 E. Ash, 217- 528-3800.

Chili Supper and Paw Paw Patch Bazaar Oct 28, tba, Chili, gifts and craft items, holiday greenery and APL apparel to order. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Rd.

Country Cupboard Nov 02-03, 9am-7pm Fri, 9am- 4pm Sat, Craft Show featuring hand-crafted items made by area crafters. 544-3782. Villa West, 100 Stardust Drive, Sherman, 217-744-9891.

Dining with the Daughters... Again Oct 29, 10:30am-2:30pm, Luncheon/style show. (No tickets at door.) $25, 494-4633. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Diversity Week Oct 25, 12-1pm Mon-Thu, Public activities and national speaker. South Auditorium. 545-7334. SIU School of Medicine, 801 N. Rutledge, 545-2155.

PechaKucha Night Oct 25, 7:20pm, 6:20 doors open, Local creatives make sixminute, 40-second presentations (20 slides, 20 seconds each) on creative topics. Tickets, pechakuchaspringfi eld@gmail. com. 789-2377. City Nights Theater, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Trivia or Treat Oct 27, 6:30pm, Includes costume contest and Dawn Sterling as master of ceremonies. juniorwelfare.org. Sky Walker International Sports Complex, 400 E. Eldorado, Decatur.

Food

Chili Event Oct 27, 10:30am-4:30pm, $5. Contact Sr. Marilyn Jean for your tickets. St. Patrick School, 1800 South Grand Avenue East.

Chili Supper and Silent Auction Oct 26, 4-7pm, $8 chili or vegetable soup, dessert, drink. Auction of handmade items for scholarship and Black Hawk School activities. Springfi eld Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfi eld St.

Cooking Vegetarian Nov 03, 10am-2pm, Learn to cook delicious vegetarian with a variety of beans and grains. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 787-6927.

Drive To End Hunger Kick-Off Event Nov 01, 5-7pm, AARP Illinois and Springfi eld Senior Center. Appetizers, drinks and music. $10. Cafe Moxo, 411 E. Adams St, 1-866-448-3613.

Spaghetti Dinner Oct 26, 5-8pm, Ladies Auxiliary of the Knight of Columbus. Kids in Halloween costumes receive free goodie bag. $5-$3. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4179, 141 N. Lakewood Dr, Chatham, 217-483-3013.

Politics

It’s My Vote - I Will Be Heard Nov 01, 7pm, Free public policy forum hosted by AAUW. Voting groups effect on election outcomes. UIS faculty Chris Mooney, Michael Miller, John Transue. American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, 546-1296.

Health

DBSA Central Illinois Oct 30, Nov 06, 6:30-8:30pm, Tuesdays. For those affected by

mood disorder, friends/family. Fellowship Hall, lower level. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 414-7368.

Free Mammogram Oct 29, 4-7pm, For women without health insurance. Appointment required, 545-7296. Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter, 217-545-0798.

Faith & Philosophy

Can Prayer Save America? Oct 27, 9pm-4pm, International speaker Dave Butts. Free. Register online or by phone. Lakeside Christian Church, 225 Toronto Road, 217-525-0304.

Munchies and Movie Night Oct 27, 5:30pm, Family friendly evening. First Baptist Church, 301 South Grand Ave. West, (217) 523-7731.

The Spirituality of Emily Dickinson Oct 28, 10:30am, With Rev. Martin Woulfe assisted by Jack Kriel and Penny Wollan-Kriel. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

Athens Road Race Oct 27, 9am, 4-mile race and 2-mile fun run. $12 no t-shirt option. After noon on Sept. 25, $25. 381-9423. Athens Community Park, W Jackson St. at N Main St, Athens.

Critical Mass October Oct 26, 5:45pm, Last Fri. of each month casual bicycling around downtown Springfi eld. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Sts at Adams, 638-9523.

Scheels Treadmill Marathon Oct 27, 12:30-5pm, Four relay teams compete against each other to beat marathon runner Trent Sinnett. Opening ceremony 12:30 p.m. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 726-6330.

Springfield Junior Blues Game Oct 26-27, 7pm, Blues take on Janesville with Trick or Treat after Saturday’s game. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525-2589.

Sword Fighting Competition Oct 27, 10am-4pm, Full-contact armored combat by international fi ghters vying for positions on offi cial 2013 team. Livestock Center. $5, $20 family. www. usaknights.org. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

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

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