FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Chatham Sweet Corn Festival Jul 18-20, 5pm-12am Fri, 10am-12am Sat, Features world famous sweet corn and cow chip throw, plus entertainment and more. chathamjaycees.net. Chatham Community Park, S. Main St, Chatham. Girard Festival Days Jul 26-28, Three days of good ole fashioned fun. Girard Township Park, Old Route 66, one block east of Route 4, Girard.

Menard County Fair Jul 18-21, www.menardcountyfair.com. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg, 217-632-3848.

Paint The Street Fest Jul 20, 2-10pm , Springfi eld Art Association block party to paint downtown streets. Bands, food, kids’ area. $30 for 6’x6’ painting area. $5-$2 admission. Downtown Springfi eld, 217- 523-2631.

BOOKS & AUTHORS Book Reading/Signing Jul 20, 2pm, Dan Guillory reads excerpts from his new book ‘HousePoems’ The Sly Fox Bookstore, 123 N. Springfi eld St (Route 4), Virden, 217-965-3641.

Book Signing and Talk Jul 24, 6pm, John Burt, ‘Lincoln’s Tragic Pragmatism: Lincoln, Douglas, and Moral Confl ict.’ Reservations at presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764. Poets in the Parlor Jul 27, 2-4pm, Brian Jackson reads from his new book, ‘From Delancey West,’ published by BlazeVOX [books]. Refreshments. Free. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901. PondicherryLodge/Sherlock Holmes Society Jul 20, 9am, Discussion of “The Musgrave Ritual.” 546-8387. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-8387.

SPOKEN WORD Pharmacy Open Jul 25, 7:30pm, Fourth Thursday of month, poetry, prose, song, stand-up and more. 7 p.m. sign-up. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652- 3273.

THEATER & COMEDY Bleacher Bums Jul 26-28, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, www.hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

Dreamgirls Jul 18-21, 8:30pm, July 12-14, 17-21, Young Chicago trio rises to stardom. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr, 793-MUNI.

Godspell Jul 25-28, 7:30 Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Parables based on Gospel of Matthew interspersed with contemporary musical score. Jacksonville Theatre Guild, 210 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 245-1402.

Leaving Iowa Jul 19-21, 25-27, 8pm, Comedy about family and family vacations. $13- $8. Free pre-show 7 p.m. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440. Nix Nought Nothing Jul 19-21, 25-28, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun, Children’s play. $10, $5 kids. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 217-491-3977 . The Journey Home: The Finale Jul 27, 7pm, Ben Viele and Alexander Rodriguez of LA’s radio show Happy Hour with Ben and Alexander return to Ben’s hometown with Broadway favs and popular hits to benefit American Cancer Society. Finale performance of nationwide tour includes check presentation. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

Artist on the Plaza Jul 18, 23, 25, 30, 12-1pm, Through Aug. 29, Tuesday and Thursday free outdoor performances. 753-3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363. Best of the Barn Jul 20, 6-9pm, Joanne Clark, Called Out Quartet, Crystal Valley Quartet, One Voice Trio. Air conditioned, theater seats. $15. The Barn, Rural route, Tower Hill, 539-4221.

Carillon Concerts Jul 18, 23-25, 30-31, 7pm Tue-Thu, Sun and 3pm Sun, Carillonneur Robin Austin plays wide variety of classical, folk and popular songs. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. 217-546-3853.

Classical Guitar Series Jul 29, 7pm, Regional classical guitarist, Philip Hemmo, followed by Springfi eld-area guitarists. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St, 217-753- 4900. Concerts in the Park Jul 21, 28, 6-7pm, Jacksonville Pilot Club sponsors free music at bandstand Sundays, June-Aug. Bring a lawn chair. 478-2015. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville. Cowbop Jul 20, 8pm, Critically acclaimed western swing and jazz group. $8-$10. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

Crazy Horse Bluegrass Festival Jul 19-21, Performances Friday and Saturday, Sunday morning Gospel Show. Crazy Horse Campground, 2113 Crazy Horse Rd, Ashland, 217-886-2089.

Eddy Flute Choir Jul 21, 28, 1pm, Classical, folk and sacred selections. 726-6667. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776. Eddy Flute Choir Jul 22, 29, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, Free Monday concerts throughout summer of classical, folk and sacred selections. 726- 6667. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785- 9363.

Harbor Lights - Doo Wop Group Jul 20-21, 8pm Sat, 2pm Sun, A cappella group. $22-$20. Dinner show Saturday. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217- 523-2787.

Music in the Park Jul 28, 4-7pm, Blues and bluegrass with The Blue G’s and The Debbie Ross Band. Bring a chair or blanket. Free. Iles Park, Sixth St and Ash St.

Rock the Arts Music Festival Jul 27, 4-10pm, Music, public art and kids activities, food/ drink. Outside and inside. $5- $3. Kids 12 and under free. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 544-2727.

Songsalive: Songwriting 101 Jul 27, 6-8pm, Guest speaker, Mary Lemanski. Listen or get a critique. $5. Must register songsalive.org/events.htm. The Pharmacy, 401 South Grand Avenue West, 217-652-3273. Springfield Gospelfest/Back to School Bash Jul 20, 11am-7pm, Groups from Chicago, St. Louis and throughout central Illinois performing. 638-1906. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Ave and Martin Luther King Jr Dr, 217- 638-1906. Springfield Municipal Band Jul 21, 7pm, Free concert. Bring a chair or blanket. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217- 753-0702. Springfield Municipal Band Concert Jul 18, 7:30pm, Free at the bandshell. Bring a chair or blanket. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753- 6225.

Springfield Municipal Band Concerts Jul 23, 30, 7:30pm, Playing every Tuesday, except July 2. Douglas Park, 400 N. Macarthur Blvd.

DANCE All About Dance Jul 24, 6:30-10pm, Every Wed. dance lessons before dance at 8 p.m. $5. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 836-1438.

Dance Jul 19, 26, 8-11pm, July 12 - Angel Brown Ensemble; July 19 - Don Smith; July 26 - Kevin Turner. $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Dance of India Jul 19, 7-9pm, Classical dance form from South India. $10 donation. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

P.O.L.K. of A. Dance Jul 21, 2-5:30pm, Dynamic Duo. $10. illinoischapterpolkofa. org. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton. Salsa Nights Jul 27, 9pm-12:45am, Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S.

Sixth St. 217-529-1862.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Charles Houska Jul 18-20, 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10m-3pm Sat. St. Louis artist originally from Springfi eld. Springfi eld Art Association Gallery of Art, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631. Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Jul 18-20, 22-27, Through July 27, Pastel: Painting with Pure Pigment by local artists on display. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

Laura Kay Coffey Art Show Closing Reception Jul 19, 6-8pm, New works, hors d’oeuvres, wine and live music by members of Frank Trompeter Quintet and Bossa Azul. Free. Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St, 523-4415.

Norway: Marilynn and Dean Madden Collection Jul 18-20, 22-27, 29-31, Through July 31, exhibit highlights the art of rosemaling, Norway’s national folk painting. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189. Political Cartoons Exhibit Jul 18-19, 21, 10am-3pm Fri, 10am-1:30pm Sun, “How Israel and U.S. are portrayed in Arab Media.” Opening July 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Also on display July 22-25 by appointment. RSVP sjf@shalomspringfi eld.org or 787-7223 ext. 11. Jewish Federation of Springfi eld, 1045 Outer Park Drive, Suite 320, 217-787-7223.

Third Thursday Art Show Jul 18, 6pm-12am, Free, open, all ages art show with local acoustic music and one band at end of night. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook Road, 217-691-1301.

FILM & TELEVISION Central Illinois Film Commission Meeting Jul 18, 7pm, Third Thursdays in Highland room. 725-1187. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams.

Movies in the Park Jul 19, dusk, Free viewing of “The Hobbit.” Bring a chair or blanket. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544- 1751.

CHILDREN’S CORNER Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 23-24, 10am and 2pm, “The Magic School Bus Goes to Seed.” Recommended for ages 3-8. Free. Illinois State

Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993.

Children’s Program Jul 22, 29, 10am, Repeated at 1 p.m. at the Pleasant Plains location. Prairie Skies Public Library District, 125 W. Editor St, Ashland, 217-476-3417.

Free Eco-Kids Day Camp Jul 29-31, 9:30am-3:30pm, Kids 5-12, nature activities, crafts, lunch and snacks. Free T-shirt. Optional Aug. 3-4. Register 546-5834. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 546-5834. Into the Wild 1 Art Class Jul 18, 10am, Preschool 2-5 years old and grownups. $40. Urban Sassafras, 200 Broadway, 670-2391. Kids ‘N Control Triathlons Jul 20, Ages 5-13 swim, bike and run. 535-3875. springfi eldtriclub.com. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544-1751.

Magician - Mike Niehaus Jul 23, 10am, Summer Reading Program special guest. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

SCIENCE Tree Trunk Exhibit Jul 18-31, 8:30am-5pm Mon- Sat, 12-5pm Sun, Through Aug. 25, remnants of the devastating 1925 Tri-State tornado. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

NATURE Bike and Hike Days Jul 21, 28, 8am-5pm, Barricaded to promote biking, hiking, walking and running. Sundays through Sept. Washington Park, South Grand and MacArthur, 217-753-6225. Family Camp Out Jul 26, 5pm, Dinner, night hike, activities and breakfast in morning. $15, $10 child. Reservations required. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

Land, Water, Life: Protecting Our Future Jul 26, 7pm, Friends of the Sangamon Valley fundraiser. Ed Collins, McHenry County Conservation District, Nippersink Creek. $50, $75 couple. Maldaner’s , 222 S. Sixth St, 525-1410. Sangamon River Cleanup Jul 27, 9am-12pm, South Fork Nature Preserve, Bakutis Road, Rochester, 525-1410.

Wed. Morning Pickup Party Jul 24, 9-10am, Weather permitting, help pick up trash. Bags, long-handled trash grabbers, gloves available. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544- 2473.

ENVIRONMENT Electronics Recycling Jul 27, 8am-1pm, Midwest Computer Processing. 726- 5100 ext. 213. Sojourn Shelter & Services, Inc. 1800 Westchester Blvd. 217-726- 5100.

LECTURES & MEETINGS ABATE Chapter Meeting Jul 18, 7pm, ABATE Lincoln Land Monthly Chapter Meeting. All motorcycle enthusiasts welcome. Third Thursday of every month. Northender’s VFW, 2349 Stockyard Road, 217- 836-3336.

Citizens Club of Springfield Policy Breakfast Jul 26, 7:30am coffee, 8am program, Electric power generation, distribution and governance. Hoogland Center

for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787.

Free Medicaid Informational Meeting Jul 23, 10am-12pm, Molina Healthcare of Illinois sponsors to address questions anyone has about enrollment packets. Caritas Bingo Hall, 909 East Converse, 888-562-5442 .

IWIL’s Monthly Luncheon Jul 18, 11:30am-1pm, Colleen Stone, American Red Cross Illinois Capital Area CEO. $18- $23. Register iwil.biz by July 12. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St, 217-528-2323. Springfield Lecture Series Jul 26, 9:30am, David W. Jamieson, Ph.D. ‘Strategic Human Resources.’ Register by July 25. springfi eld.ben.edu or 525-1420, ext. 3519. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Rd, 523- 0901.

Springfield Social Club Jul 31, 5:30-8:30pm, Collecting pens/pencils, construction paper and folders for Hope Institute. Coz’s Pizza and Pub, 4441 Ash Grove Drive, 217-726-7700.

The Rotary Club of Springfield Jul 22, 5:30-7pm, Complimentary to prospective

Rotarians. Thea Chesley, Route 66 Film Festival. Maldaner’s , 222 S. Sixth St, 793-1710.

BULLETIN BOARD

3D Printing and Scanning Workshop Jul 18, 10am and 2pm, For teachers, students and other interested parties. Register 782-7475 or bdyer@museum. state.il.us. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785-0037.

APL Christmas in July Carnival Jul 20, 12-4pm, Scavenger hunt, carnival games, celebrity dunk tank, fun contest. Free admission, small fees for some activities. www.apl-shelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, 544-7387. Backgammon Club Jul 24, 6pm, Every Wed. with Sangamon Valley Backgammon Association. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111.

Bar-B-Cue Jul 28, 12-7pm, Clown, swimming, door prizes, Bob Remack Band, DJ Brad Schroeder. Free admission.

787-2360. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road. Bike Collection Jul 21, 1-4pm, Drive-thru and drop-off your donation. North side of Visitor Center in bus parking lot. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St, 217-391-3221. CINA Summer Coin Show Jul 28, 9am-4pm, 70 dealer tables, buying and selling old coins, paper money, bullion. Numismatic exhibits. $1. Northfi eld Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr, 217-899-9996.

Crafts for Cats Jul 20, 1-4pm, Tie dyeing, face painting, rock painting, fi nger painting, stuffed animal adoptions. Activities range from $2-$10 each. Benefi t Forever Home Feline Ranch. 679-1593. Rochester Community Park, Rochester. Crows Mill Pub Solider Mailing Fundraiser Jul 21, 2-6pm, Music, food, silent auction, 50/50 and much more. Crows Mill Pub, 1220 Toronto Road, 217-529-2769.

Guys Vs Dolls Jul 25, 5-7pm, See which bar tending team can raise more money for Girls on the Run. Brickhouse Grill and Pub, 3136 W Iles Ave, 217-546-2745.

Jazz in Bloom Jul 20, 6-9pm, Cocktail Party with Sam Crain Trio. Admission and reservations required. $60. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-788-9452.

Lanphier Class of 1983 Reunion Jul 19-21, 6pm Fri, 5pm Sat, 11:30am Sun, Lanphier83@ comcast.net. Various locations. Morgan Horse Show Jul 20, 10am-4pm, Morgan Horse demonstrations in village throughout the day. Free. New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632- 4000. Oldsmobile Club of America’s National Meet Jul 24-27, 9am-5pm Wed-Sat, More than 350 Oldsmobiles in parking lot and inside hotel. Free to view. 685-0140. Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy.

Roots to Rooftop Jul 28, 1-4pm, Tour Springfi eld area community gardens, urban agriculture and a roof-top garden. 782-4617, [email protected], Various locations.

Tin Man Regatta Jul 20, 1pm, 10am youth series, Register to set sail or be a virtual skipper. $75. Awards ceremony at 6 p.m. $25. cmnspringfi eld. org. Island Bay Yacht Club, 76 Yacht Club Road, 217-544-6464 ext. 45160.

Travelogue Destination: Azerbaijan Jul 25, 7-8:30pm, Local Thomas Estabrook shares his recent travel experience. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Young Hands, Furry Feet Jul 20, 6:30-9pm, Educate ages 8-11 on dog ownership. $30, $50 for two kids. Limited spots, illinoishumane.org. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St.

HISTORY Home Tours Jul 21, 24, 28, 10am-4pm Sat, 12-4 Wed, Tour Springfi eld’s oldest home. Artisans demos (Lincoln impersonator 1-3 p.m.) Saturdays through June. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217-492-5929.

Lincoln’s Funeral: Distant Memories Jul 23, 30, 5:30-6:15pm, Every Tuesday night at Receiving Vault. Free. 217-782-271. www.lincolntomb.org. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717.

Meet John James Audubon Jul 19, 11am-2pm, Brian “Fox” Ellis brings John James Audubon alive, 11 a.m. auditorium then guided tour 1-2 p.m. “Birding in the Museum with Audubon.” Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-5993. Vietnam War Encampment Jul 20, 10am-4:30pm, Living historians establish Fire Base Castle on grounds to display equipment, uniforms and weapons. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761-3910.

HEALTH Fitness for You Jul 18, 25, 12:30-1:30pm, Various exercises and fi tness routines for cancer patients. Register by phone. Free on Thursdays. Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter, 217- 545-0798.

Free Testings Jul 18-19, 22-26, 29-31, 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 Jul 18, 25, 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. Post Polio Group Jul 20, 10am-12pm, Speaker: Registered dietitian from Memorial Hopsital. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217- 523-2587 v/tty. Workplace Wellness Downtown Jul 30, 10am-1pm, Free screening and tests. Also info on smoking cessation, fi nancial wellness and more. PNC Lobby, One Old State Capitol Plaza North, 217-960-5724.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY Anticipation and Danny Funderburk Jul 19, 6:30pm, Formerly with the Cathedrals and Gaither’s. Detroit Christian Church, 400 Main Street, Detroit, 217-285- 5521 or 217-723-4497. Court Madonna Meeting Jul 18, 6:30pm, Monthly meeting. Potluck with Hawaiian theme. 528-4582. St. Joseph Parish, 1345 N. Sixth St. Spiritual Development of Abraham Lincoln Jul 21, 10:30am, Terry Jones, local historian and actor. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550. The Peeks with 3 Nails 1 Cross Jul 20, 6:30pm, In concert. Love offering. Fairview Baptist Church, 2001 N. 21st Street, 741-1817.

SPORTS & FITNESS Laugh Yoga Jul 21, 4pm, First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217- 528-3407.

P.G.P. Wrestling Presents Fighting Spirit Jul 20, 7:30pm, R.O.H. superstar Michael Elgin vs. P.G.P. Franchise Champion Prince Mustafa Ali. $10. Goals Indoor Sports, 3604 North Peoria Road, 217-502- 4015.

Springfield Sliders Games Jul 21, 5:05pm, Sliders take on Terre Haute Rex. Bark in the Park night. Fido gets in free. Robin Roberts Stadium, Lanphier Park, N. Grand Ave and Michigan Ave.

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

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