Books & Authors

A Message of Peace and Reconciliation Apr 03, 1pm, Dr. Joseph Sebarenzi, former head of Rwanda Parliament and author of memoir ‘God Sleeps in Rwanda: A Journey of Transformation.’ LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Book Signing Apr 03, 5-7pm, Poets John Knoepfl e and Brian Jackson sign their new books of poetry. Traditional Irish refreshments. Holy Land Diner, 106 W. Cook St. 217-544-5786.

Poets in the Parlor Apr 06, 2pm, Local acclaimed poet John Knoepfl e. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.

Spoken Word Pharmacy Open Mar 28, 7pm, Fourth Thursday of month, poetry, prose, song, stand-up and more. 6:30 p.m. sign-up. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652-3273.

Theater & Comedy

Awake and Sing Apr 05-07, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Ordinary Americans struggling to survive and even hold on to their dreams in depression-era New York. $14-$10. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160. Comedian Chili Challis Apr 05-06, 8pm Fri, 7:15pm and 9:30pm Sat, Voice and writer for Bob and Tom Show, “Tonight Show” writer. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233. Comedian Todd Yohn Mar 29-30, 8pm Fri, 7:15pm and 9:30pm Sat, Stimulating mix of standup, improv and music. $15-$16.

Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Laughing for Learning Mar 28, 7pm, Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 217- 523-7670.

Music: General Events

Bluegrass for the Tallgrass Apr 07, 6pm, Friends of the Sangamon Valley’s fundraiser with music of Henhouse Prowlers. $15. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook

Road, 525-1410. Capital City Men’s Chorus Mar 31, 5:30-7pm, Any male 18 years or older invited to join. Sunday rehearsals starting Feb. 3, with May 19 concert. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W.

Dwight Yoakam Apr 07, 7-11pm, Country star comes to town. $61-$41. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745- 3000.

Easton Corbin Mar 30, 8-11pm, Country music newcomer with two No. 1 singles already under his belt. $27. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745- 3000. Field Report Apr 06, 8pm, WUIS Bedrock 66 Series. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-523-2787.

LLCC Recital Series Apr 07, 4pm, ‘Musical Soup’ Jason Waddell and Friends. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217- 786-2200. Put a Cork in Crime

Mar 30, 6-10pm, Wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music of Whirled Peas. $10. cashfortips. us. Hill Prairie Winery, 23753 Lounsberry Rd, Oakford, 217- 635-9900.

Dance All About Country Dance Apr 05, 7-10pm, Line dancing, two step, waltz, swing. Free lesson at start of dance w/ DJ Marilyn Ferry. $6. Decatur Moose Lodge, 3190 N Woodford Street, Decatur, 217- 836-1438.

All About Dance Apr 03, 10, 6:30-10pm, Every Wed. hour line dance lessons with Marilyn Ferry before dance. $5. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438. Dance Mar 29, 8-11pm, Kevin Turner Band. $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Salsa Nights Mar 30, 9pm-12:45am, Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S. Sixth St. 217-529-5511.

Art & Architecture Amateur Photography Contest Deadline April 19 for May display. Call or stop by for entry form. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-4116. Art Exhibit Mar 28-31, 9am-5pm, On display through March. Local artist Carolyn Owen Sommer, “The Colors of My Life.” Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622. Art Reception Apr 06, 6-8pm, Local artist Toni Wrightsman. Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St, 217-523-4415. Art Reception Apr 05, 8pm-12am, Mauricio Ramirez’s collection of contemporary graffi ti works. Ramirez will discuss his work. Stella Blue, 221 S. Fifth St,

217-789-8988. Art Showcase Mar 28, 8am-9pm Mon-Thu, 8am-4pm Sat-Sun, Juried exhibition of Springfi eld area Catholic Grade School artwork. Apr. 10 ceremony. Charles E. Becker Library, Benedictine University at Springfi eld, 1500 North Fifth St. Artrageous First Friday Apr 05, 5:30-8pm, Cindy Trainor, demonstrates paper card making techniques and tools. The Blue Door Gallery, 214 S. Sixth St, 217-753-0262.

Brown Bag Mar 29, 12pm, UIS Professor Emerita Judith Everson on the late Dr. Albert Barnes’s unusual approach to placement and presentation of art for public viewing. Free. Lunches welcome. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Ethnic Soul Exhibit Reception Apr 05, 5-7:30pm, Fran Jaffe, Australian aboriginal dot art painting. Casey Puetz, art quilts. Decatur Area Arts Council, 125 N. Water St. Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Gallery Exhibit Mar 28-30, Apr 01-04, 8am- 4pm Mon-Fri, Through Apr. 4, Alliance Art Gallery, artists’ coop in Hannibal, Mo. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall, 217-786-2219. Gallery Opening and Exhibit Mar 28-31, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1-3pm Sun, Through Mar 31, Greg Amend. Oil and acrylic paintings and photography. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 217- 243-9390.

Illinois Artisans Program April 11 deadline. museum. state.il.us/artisans. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217- 782-7386.

Images of Illinois Photography Contest Reception Apr 04, 5-7pm, Public and all entrants invited to see all entries in a digital show at the opening. Winning photos on display throughout April. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-2727.

|fon’ seks|: Digital Devices and Transformation of Intimacy Mar 28, Apr 01-04, 08-10, 11am-6pm Mon-Thu, Nationally juried exhibition explores impact that digital devices have had on intimacy. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

Film & Television A Deeper Shade of Blue Mar 28, 7:30pm, Underwater cinematography, unique narrative and music highlight this fi lm about the art of surfi ng. AMC Showplace Springfi eld 12, 3141 Mercantile Dr. Molly Schlich Film Series Apr 07, 09, 1pm and 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue, “Barbara.” German with English subtitles. $8-$4. AMC Parkway 8, 3025

Lindbergh Boulevard, 888-262- 4386.

Children’s Corner Chatham Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt Mar 30, 11am, Three age groups, Pre-K through fi fth grade. Bring basket or bag. Chatham town square, 101 W. Mulberry, Chatham. Crack Open A Book Mar 29, Apr 01-05, 9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri, March 29-April 6, short reading program, make-and-take craft, prizes. Birth to teen. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 243-5435. Easter Bunny Mar 28-30, mall hours, Through March 30 lower Macy’s wing. Have your photo taken. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave, 217-787-8560.

Old State Capitol Easter Egg Hunt Mar 30, 11am-3pm, Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363. Story Time at the Museum Apr 08, 10-10:30am, Preschoolers ages 3-5 and their caregivers hear engaging stories and learn about museum objects. 782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782- 5993.

Science

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Apr 10, 7pm-8:30pm, “Between Two Rivers,” documentary fi lm about Cairo, Ill. Thorne Deuel Auditorium. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782- 7386.

Nature

Bike and Hike Days Mar 31, Apr 07, 8am-5pm,

Barricaded to promote biking, hiking, walking and running. Sundays through Sept. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225. Spring Floral Show Mar 28-31, Apr 01-07, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun, Beautiful lily show through April 7. Free lily give-away Apr. 9, 12-3 p.m. or while supplies last. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-4116. Springfield Civic Garden Club Apr 01, 9:15-11:30am, Linda Haas, Tree Star Hollow owner, Sugar Grove, Ill. ‘Gardening for Fairies.’ Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

Lectures & Meetings 1st Thursday Speakers Series Apr 04, 6:30-8:30pm, Speakers discuss favorite world locations such as Kenya and Japan. $7. Pre-registration required, 786- 2785 or llcc.foundation@llcc. edu. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Arjia Rinpoche Apr 06, 1:30-3:30pm and 7-9pm, Afternoon book presentation about escaping from Tibet and evening talk on karma. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Rd, 793-5363 . LGBTQ yOUTh Group Mar 29, Apr 05, 6-10pm, Every Friday for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 13-17. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave, 217-528-5253.

Lincolnland Depression Era Glass Club Meeting Apr 01, 6-8pm, Glass Grinding by Paul Randolph, glass grinder. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 793-0565.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Mar 28, Apr 01, 04, 08, 7:30pm Mon and 6:30pm Thu, For those seeking freedom from addictive

sexual behavior. Meeting info, springfi [email protected]. Confi dentiality assured. Springfield Parental Alienation Advocacy Group Meeting Apr 01, 6-8pm, First Monday of month. Mezzanine level, conference room 3. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217- 793-3586.

Volunteer Meeting Mar 30, 9:30am-12pm, Current volunteers and those interested will hear about new programs. Lunch provided. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217- 492-5929. Women Entrepreneurs - Central IL Apr 10, 11:30am-1pm, “Making Time to Care For Ourselves” with expert panel. $25-$22. Register by Apr. 5, [email protected]. 725- 8500. Great Harvest Bread Co. 1941 W. Iles Ave, 217-793- 3000.

Bulletin Board APL Pet Adoptions Mar 30-31, 11am-4pm Sat, 11am-3pm Sun, Dogs and cats available Sat. (Sunday cats, dogs from noon on.) 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091. Adopt-A-Pet Adoptions Apr 06, 12-3:30pm, Rescued, homeless dogs and cats, spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated. 835- 2538. Petco, 2721 S. Veterans Parkway, 217-793-7387.

Ani-MALL Pet Expo and Mega Adoption Event Mar 30, 10am-2pm, Contests, children’s fun zone, goodie bags to fi rst 500. Donation to APL. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 467-2831. Backgammon Club Apr 03, 10, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley

Backgammon Association. 622- 9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111. Bootlegging Pub Crawl Tour Mar 30, Apr 06, 8-10pm, $12, cash only. Reservations, 217- 502-8687. Begins at Lincoln family statues, Sixth and Adams St. Downtown Springfi eld.

Dog Days of Spring Through April 30, get your dog portrait to benefi t the APL. 217- 698-6000. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, 544- 7387.

Spring Lawn and Garden Sale Apr 06-07, 8am-5pm Sat, 9am- 4pm Sun, Learn all that’s new for spring. Exposition Building. Free. 528-3033. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886. Springfield Vegetarian Association Apr 02, 6:30pm, Video, “The Skinny on Fats,” featuring Joel Fuhrman, M.D. Free. 217-787- 1308. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753-4900. Tomboy Tools Party Apr 01, 5:30-7pm, Benefi ts Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County. Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County ReStore, 1514 West Jefferson, 217-523-2710. Lincoln Land Depression Era Glass and Pottery Show/Sale Apr 06-07, 9am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, 27 reputable dealers from many states. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-546-4790.

Food

Fish Fest Apr 06, 9am-7pm, Variety of fi shing-related vendors reps and pros. Register for giveaways. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

Fish Fry Mar 30, 11:30am, American Legion Post 809, 1800 E.

Capitol Avenue, 217-522-3110. SIUE Alumni Happy Hour Mar 28, 6-9pm, Brickhouse Downtown, 217 S. Fifth Street, 618-650-2760.

Politics

Can Technology Serve Social Justice? Apr 09, 7pm, Virginia Eubanks, scholar-activist and cofounder of many grassroots organizations making technology serve U.S. oppressed and exploited. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206- 8507.

History

American Roots of Latin American Boxing Apr 04, 7pm, Anju Reejhsinghani, Latin American and Caribbean history professor, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-8507. Attention to Detail Tour Apr 06, 10:15am, Two Saturdays a month, April-July, led by veteran tour guide Frank Marchant. $20 suggested donation. Reservations encouraged. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217- 782-6776. Civil War Quilters: Loyal Hearts of Illinois Mar 28-31, Apr 01-10, 8:30am- 5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Through Sept. 8, exhibit featuring quilts and objects by Illinois women. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217- 782-7386. Marcos Munoz Mar 30, 4-6pm, In celebration of Cesar Chavez’s birthday, key player in the grape boycotts will speak. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 2176858742.

Mourning in America: Death in the Civil War White Houses Apr 02, 6pm, Catherine Clinton, noted historian and consultant to movie ‘Lincoln.’ Free, reservations required. presidentlincoln.illinois. gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217- 782-5764.

Of Glass and Wood Tour Apr 06, 1:15pm, Two Saturdays a month April-July, led by veteran tour guide Frank Marchant. $15 suggested donation. Reservations encouraged. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217- 782-6776.

Yom HaShoah Holocaust Observance Apr 10, Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785- 7960.

Health

Connection Support Group Apr 06, 1-2:30pm, First Sat. each month. National Alliance on Mental Illness Support Group for persons with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570. Free Testings Mar 28-29, Apr 01-05, 08-10, 12-3pm Mon-Fri, Free HIV, hepatitis C, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Weekdays or by appointment. Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave, 217-528-5253.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Mar 28, Apr 04, 6:30pm, 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816-1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W. NAMI Support Group Apr 06, 1-2:30pm, First Sat. of month, National Alliance on Mental Illness support group for family and friends of persons with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 891-5570.

Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Mar 29, 8:30am-3:30pm, American Red Cross, 1045 Outer Park Dr # 1, 1-800-733- 2767.

Wellness Day Apr 03, 10am-2pm, Free and fun activities, games and screenings for all ages. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 217-206-6073.

Faith & Philosophy Easter Mass Mar 31, 10:30am, Mass with Father William Anderson. St. Joseph’s Anglican Mission, 2617 Findley Drive, 217-722- 3228.

Good Friday Service Mar 29, 12pm, Ministerial Alliance of Springfi eld and others. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 2208 Kansas St, (217) 544-1424.

Good Friday Way of the Cross Mar 29, Two hour prayerful walk remembers sufferings

of injustice in world. paxchristispfld.org. 652-3567. Supreme Court of Illinois Building, 200 E. Capitol.

Heritage Baptist 20th Anniversary Apr 07, 6pm, Four Sopranos featured. Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 3436 S. Douglas Ave , 217-691 8968.

Spring-All Verdant Greening Mar 30, 10am-12pm, Register. Celebrate return of spring with prayer and ritual. $5. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 217-787-6927.

The Spirituality of Jesus Mar 31, 10:30am, Spiritual lessons of Jesus, as reflected in gospel narratives, and how his view of his life, ministry and mission changed. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness CCQMA Quarter Midget Racing Apr 06-07, 9am-4pm, Coliseum. Free. 522-8212. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 782-8886.

Critical Mass Bicycle Ride Mar 29, 6-7pm, Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 638-9523.

Drop-In Derby Apr 07, 8-10pm, First and third Sunday for ages 18 and up. Helmet required. $5, $3 skate rental. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr, 546- 4543. International Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Apr 06, 7:30am, USATF certified race past Lincoln sites. runabe.com. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum,

212 N. Sixth St, 217-782- 5764.

Springfield Celts Rugby Mar 30, 1pm, Celts verses St. Louis at Forest Park. Call for carpool info and rookie training for all weight classes available. Kennedy Park, 3101 J David Jones Parkway, 299- 0163.

Springfield Jr. Blues Mar 30, 7-9pm, Blues take on Kalamazoo with live auction during intermissions. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525- 2589. Springfield Jr. Blues Jersey Auction Mar 29, 7-9pm, Blues take on Kalamazoo with jersey auction during intermissions. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St, 217-525- 2589.