Books & Authors Children’s Book Signing Apr 27, 10am-2pm Sun. Jenny Harrison, “Nice and Cozy.” 618-699-9680. Mariah’s Steakhouse, 3317 Robbins Road, 217-793-1900. SCOPE Awards Reception Apr 26, 2pm Sat. SIU School of Medicine’s SCOPE awards reception. Artists and writers give short presentations on their work. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901.

Theater & Comedy Comedian Kenny Smith Apr 25-26, 7:30pm and 9:30pm Fri-Sat. Seen on Comedy Central. $13-$15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE. Comedian Paul Frisbie Apr 25-26, 8pm Fri, 8-8pm Sat. Chicago comedian. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233. Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged Apr 24, 7:30-9pm Thu. Three men attempt the enormous feat of mastering all of Shakespeare’s plays in 90 minutes. Features student actors. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Les Misérables Apr 25-27, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun.

Hoogland production, in association with Springfi eld Municipal Opera. $16-$33. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Student-directed Plays Apr 25-26, 8pm Fri-Sat. Harold Pinter’s “The Dumb Waiter,” directed by A.J. O’Shea, and William Saroyan’s “Hello Out There,” directed by Amy Cantrall. $5. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 217-786-2200.

Music: General Events

Count Basie Orchestra Apr 25, 7pm Fri. Legendary group returns after sold-out crowd. Local singing celebrity Patti Deener is guest vocalist. $35. Arlee Theater, 139 S. Main St, Mason City, 482-9999.

Masterworks Concert Apr 26, 7:30pm Sat. Millikin University’s Percussion Ensemble. Free. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St, Decatur, 424-6318.

Music Under the Dome Apr 27, 4-5pm Sun. Featuring Tim Grimm, award-winning folk/country musician. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435. Rip the Runway Fashion Show Apr 26, 6-9pm Sat. Ohio-based rap group Fly Union, student and professional models, UIS Dancing Stars and Legacy Dance Team. $2-$3. ($15 vip with dinner). [email protected]. 773-619- 5930. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206-6073.

Rosie Flores with Stuart Smith and Friends Apr 27, 1:30-5pm Sun. Honky tonk rockabilly with opening act at 1:30 and Rosie at 3:30. Dr. Ugs Drugstore Cafe, 142 E. Beardstown St., Virginia, 217- 452-3442.

Spring Classical Concert Apr 27, 6-7:30pm Sun. Classical violinist Kamen Petkov and classical guitarist Russel Brazzel. Sacred Heart Chapel (enter Beata Hall, Sixth St.). $12- $8. Reservations 525-1420, ext.3574 or [email protected]. Benedictine University at Springfi eld, 1500 N. Fifth Street, 217- 525-1420.

The Concert That Shook The Establishment Apr 26, 7:30-9pm Sat. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vocal artist Ollie Watts Davis re-creates Marian Anderson’s historic performance at Lincoln Memorial. $10-$12. Must have e-ticket. 217-558-8934. Abraham

Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764.

LLCC Recital Series Apr 27, 4pm. Emerald Underground (Celtic ensemble). Free. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 217- 786-2200.

Dance Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Apr 27, 7pm Sun. Hailed as America’s cultural ambassador to world. Pulse-racing thrill of contemporary favorites to spiritlifting joy of beloved classics.

Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160. Dance Apr 25, 8-11pm Fri. Every Friday night. Kevin Turner. $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515. POLKA Dance Apr 27, 2-5:30pm Sun. Fred and St. Louis Buttonbox Club Knights of Columbus Hall. $10. 217-726- 7039. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton.

Salsa Nights Apr 26, 9pm-12:45am Sat. Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S.

Sixth St., 217-529-5511. Senior Adult Musical Program Apr 27, 3-5:30pm. Night of free musical entertainment and dance for those 55 and older. 217-494- 9212. Rochester Junior High School, Route 29, Rochester.

Williamsville Jazz Dinner/ Dance Apr 26, 6-9:30pm Sat. Hickory River Smokehouse dinner with Williamsville High School. $20. williamsvillejazzdinner@gmail. com or 217-544-3234. 217- 544-3234. Williamsville Junior High Gym, 500 S. Walnut St., Williamsville.

Art & Architecture

Hundredth Gala Celebration Apr 26, 6pm Sat. Victorian dinner with Lincoln and Edwards family interpreters, fi esta in studio with live demo art. Or enjoy dinner and art trivia. $185-$60. 217-523- 2631. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631. Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Show Apr 25, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Opening reception of 60 new paintings from 30 artists. illinoisprairiepastelsociety.com.

Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

Upper Story Tour May 1, 5-8pm. Self-guided tour of business, residential and historic buildings. $15- $10. downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld.

Film & Television Inequality for All May 1, 4, 7pm Thu, 2pm Sun. Free admission. 217-370-1035. Congregational United Church of Christ, 520 West College, Jacksonville, 245-8213.

Children’s Corner Great Cloth Diaper Change Apr 26, 10am-4pm Sat. Come help break a Guinness World Record or watch as we do during Diaper Derby. Free. Register at eventbrite. 217-622-0353. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave, 217-787-8560.

Kids Klub: Celebrate MOM Apr 28, 6-6:45pm Mon. Ages 4-12 make a special gift for Mom for Mother’s Day. Free. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726- 6330.

Reuse and Rediscover

Apr 26, 11am-3pm Sat. Bottle cap mural project, styrofoam science experiment, recycle rely and more. Ages 3-10 and their families. Free. 217-782-5978. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386. Story Time with David Lee Apr 26, 10-11am Sat. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391-7628.

Science Friday Night Star Parties Apr 25, 8-10pm. Fridays in April. Enter southeast corner, Brookens Library. Free. Weather question, 206-8342 at 7 p.m. or UIS Observatory on Twitter. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206- 6073.

Nature Bird Watcher Walks Apr 26, 6am and 4pm. Register elkharthistoricalsociety.org. $10. Elkhart.

IMTT Muskie Fishing Seminar Apr 26, 1-3pm Sat. Impressive lineup of speakers telling you how, when and where of Muskie fi shing Illinois. Free. 217-414- 0093. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726-6330.

Land of Lincoln Water Gardening Society Apr 24, 6:30pm Thu. “Building a Pond for your Enjoyment,” Dr. Dennis Campbell. 217-793-2307. Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Avenue, 217-546-4631.

Spring Migratory Bird Walks Apr 26, 8am Sat. Springfi eld Audubon Society will guide adults and attentive kids age 7 and older through Adams’ bird habitats. Bring own binoculars. Meet in parking lot. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Wildflower Nature Walks May 3, 26, 10am and 2pm. Register elkharthistoricalsociety. org. $10. 217-899-2238. Elkhart.

Illinois Native Plant Society Plant Sale Apr 26, 9am-2pm. Purchase native Illinois prairie and woodland plants grown by INPS members. Pavilion. 243-6055. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.

Environment

Earth Fair Apr 26, 10am-2pm. Free, all-ages event includes activities, information and music. 789- 2255. Lincoln Park, Fifth St and Sangamon Ave, 217-544-1751.

Party for the Planet Apr 26, 10am-6pm. Animal programs, games, activities, crafts, repurpose/reuse sale and more. Regular admission. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585-1821.

Lectures & Meetings Coffee Seminar: Coffee Grading Apr 26, 1-2:30pm Sat. Free coffee samples and fresh baked pastries. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217- 391-7628.

Springfield ICON Monthly Meeting Apr 28, 7-9pm Mon. Green Summit: Springfi eld Bicycle Club, Jim Johnston of Sustainable Springfi eld, Vera Garrett of Springfi eld Community Garden. 217-528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217-523-5212.

Bulletin Board Ani-Mall Pet Expo Apr 26, 10am-4pm Sat. Exposition Building. Admission: Donation to Animal Shelters. 217-467- 2831. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782- 1698.

Backgammon Club Apr 30, 6pm Wed. Every Wed. Online, new and experienced players welcome. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111.

Beginning Genealogy: Finding and Preserving Your Lithuanian Heritage Apr 26, 2pm Sat. PowerPoint slides will be presented by genealogist and historian Bill Cellini Jr., of Chicago. $5 donation. RSVP sandybaksys@ gmail.com. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St, 217-793-1330.

Citizen Club Policy Breakfast Apr 25, 8-9am Fri. The 2015 Lincoln Funeral Coalition, Katie Spindell - President. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Gem and Mineral Show Apr 26-27, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun. Jewelry, beads, meteorites, minerals, gemstones, fused glass, carvings, fossils, tools, silent auction and more. $5-$3. Macon County Fairgrounds, 3700 N. Westlawn Ave.,

Decatur, 217-875-0135. Golden Needles Meeting May 1, 7-8pm Thu. Basic sewing taught by Patty Stremsterfer. Free. Prairie Skies Public Library, 555 Buckeye Rd, Pleasant Plains, 217-626-1553. Guitar Lessons May 5, 6:30pm Mon. Six 45-minute sessions with Amy Benton. $150. Register 217-753-3519 or programs@ springfi eldartsco.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Holocaust Remembrance Convocation Apr 28, 11am Mon. Students and faculty, with professor Adrienne Hacker Daniels, give readings, with music featuring pianist Garrett Allman, clarinetist Douglas Phillips and cellist Susan Phillips. Free. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Jaycees Lawn Mower Clinic Apr 26, 8am-1pm Sat. Push mower full-service tune up. Service done that day. $55 or $20 blade sharpening. 553- 2082. OReilly Auto Parts West, 1501 W. Jefferson, 217-793- 1872.

Kelly Miller Circus Apr 25, 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Mt. Pulaski. Shred Event

Apr 26, 8-11am Sat. Up to fi ve boxes or bags of paper to be shredded confi dentially on site. 217-726-1561. Marine Bank, West Branch, 3050 W. Wabash, 217-726-0267.

Springfield Community Federation Soiree Apr 25, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Food and award-winning speaker and community organizer R. Dale Evans, Sr. $30. 217-670- 2259. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.

UIS Lunch and Learn Apr 24, 11:30am-1:30pm Thu. “Selecting Great Performances.” $20 with lunch. Reservations requested. uiaa. org/uis. 206-7395. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 217-206- 6073.

Springfield Pride Drag Race Apr 25, 8pm. Drag performers compete. Debbie Ross live performance. $15, $100 table for four VIP. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.

Food Nearly High Tea Apr 27, 2-4pm Sun. Join Jubilee for a delicious fundraiser event. $50. Register. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd, 787- 6927.

Politics ECCE Speakers Series Apr 24, 7pm Thu. “Engagement in a World Without Bodies.” Richard Gilman-Opalsky, UIS associate professor of political science. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

History Grand Re-opening Apr 26, 10am Sat. Music, remarks, ribbon cutting, living history presentations. Tours $2. Lincoln Heritage Museum, 300 Keokuk S, Lincoln, 217-732- 3155. Speaker Series Apr 26, 2pm Sat. Dr. Jinhee Lee, Eastern Illinois University professor who specializes in modern Korean and Japanese history, gives bird’s-eye-view history of Korea highlighting spiritual and physical foundations prior to national division. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-523- 7230.

Underground Railroad Spring Bus Tour Apr 27, 1-5pm Sun. Tour of nine sites in Jacksonville. Tickets 217-479-4144.

Health GROW in Illinois Mental Health May 1, April 24, 6:30pm Thu, 6:30pm Thu. 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816-1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W, 217- 525-1866. Women’s Power Lunch Against Cancer Apr 25, 11am Fri. Hall of Fame Speaker Kathleen Passanisi whose therapeutic humor featured in New York Times and nationally-known publications. $50. 217-545-2955. siumed. edu/cancer. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center, 701 E. Adams, 217-544- 8800.

DBSA Central Illinois Apr 29, 6, 6:30-8:30pm. Tuesdays. For those affected by mood disorder, friends/ family. Fellowship Hall, lower level. 414-7368. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217- 528-3407.

Sports & Fitness 5K Run and Walk for Innocence Apr 27, 7:30am Sun. $25, $15 students. www.uis.edu/ innocenceproject/. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206- 6073. Progress City Cluster Dog Show Apr 24-27, 8:30am-2pm Thu- Sun. Watch all shows $5 per car load. No un-entered dogs. Do not pet any dog without owner/ handlers permission. Progress City, USA, 1 College Park, Decatur, 217-875-2762.

SBC Cycling Challenge #1 Apr 27, 9am Sun. See website for startoff points. www. spfl dcycling.org.

Scheels Golf Demo Day Apr 26, 11am-4pm Sat. Contests and prizes. Free. 217- 726-6330. Knight’s Action Park and Caribbean Water Adventure, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr, 217-546-8881. USTA Tumbling and Trampoline Competition Apr 26-27, 8am Sat-Sun. $6- $4. aautrampolineandtumbling. org. MacArthur High School, 1 Educational Drive, Decatur, 217-876-8021. Abe’s Mini Triathlon Apr 26, 12pm. Perfect for new triathletes. 100-yard indoor heated pool swim, 5-mile bike, 1-mile run. abestriseries.com. 217-341-1309. Porta High School, 17651 Bluejay Road, Petersburg, 217-632-3219.

Pioneer Sprint Triathlon Apr 26, 1pm. 300-yard indoor heated pool swim, 13-mile bike and 3.1-mile run through pioneer cemetery. abestriseries. com. 217-341-1309. Porta High School, 17651 Bluejay Road, Petersburg, 217-632-3219.

Take a Step for Autism Walk Apr 26, 8:30am Sat. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Free. 241-2023. asacic. org. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St, 217-753-0702.