FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Chatham Sweet Corn Festival Jul 18-19, 4:30pm-12am Fri, 10am-12am Sat. Features world famous sweet corn and cow chip throw, plus entertainment and more. chathamjaycees.net. Chatham Community Park, 731 S. Main St., Chatham.

Christian County Fair Jul 22-27, Gate admission is free. Grandstand admission. Christian County Fairgrounds, 700 W. Spresser St, Taylorville. Menard County Fair Jul 15-20. Queen Pageant, tractor pulls, harness racing, demolition derby, contests, live music, great food and much more. Weekdays $4 and under 10 free. Weekends $10 after 3 p.m. with ages 6-10 $3. Menard County Fairgrounds, 18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg, 217-632-3848.

BOOKS & AUTHORS Book Discussion Jul 20, 10:30am-12:30pm Sun. Chicagoarea criminal defense lawyer Steve L. Richards, talks about his new book “Sitting on top of the World.” Introduction and commentary by Bernie Schoenburg. Free but must RSVP, 217-787-7223, x18 or sjf@shalomspringfi eld.org. Temple Israel, 1140 Governor. Book Discussion and Signing July 23, 6pm, Gillen D’Arcy Wood Ph.D.

on his new book “Tambora the Eruption That Changed the World” that took him around the world. Refreshments. Sponsored by Illinois State Historical Preservation Agency, Sangamon County Historical Society and The Illinois State Historical Society. Free underground parking till 8:30 p.m. Old State Capitol, 217-785-9363. Book Discussion and Signing Jul 19, 2-3pm Sat. D. L. Dennis will talk about researching the history of characters in his new book The Witwer Files about Hillview, Illinois and gang violence and murder. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

PondicherryLodge/ Sherlock Holmes Society Jul 19, 9am Sat. Discussion of The Man with the Twisted Lip. sherlock.lolopop. org. 546-8387. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

THEATER & COMEDY Agnes of God July 11-13, 18-20. 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Drama about a novice nun who gives birth and insists that the dead child was the result of a virgin conception. $18-$16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

All Shook Up July 11-12, 17-19, 24-26. 8:30pm Thu. The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr, 793- MUNI.

America Assassination Jul 26, 2:30-5:30pm Sat. 7:30-9:30pm, Urban community where characters share stories through up-tempo rhythms, music, humor and poetry. $20. Mysterious King Joe, a UFO, Tourist Guide and hope for a town without any. 417-771-0444. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

The Civil War Musical Jul 24-27, 8pm Thu. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum presents production with 27 performers, six musicians, gospel, folk, country, rock and R&B. $12-$10. $5 lawn, bring blanket/chair. Tickets at presidentlincoln.illinois.gov or 217-558- 8934. 217-558-8934. Union Square Park, 212 N. Sixth St.

The Music Man July 18-20, 24-26. 8-10:30pm.

$13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440. Your Swash is Unbuckled July 18-19, 25-26, 8pm Fri. Nine short stage combat plays by Jeff Goode presented by LLCC Theatre. $5 cash/check only. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 217-786-2200.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS Cow Bop Jul 26, 8pm Sat. Cowboy-bebop band with swinging grooves, thrilling riffs, sweet and hot vocals and western sensibilities. $18-$16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Marina V. and Nick Jul 25, 8pm Fri. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550. Artist on the Plaza Jul 17, 12-1pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays, free outdoor performances. 753-3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.

Blues in Central Park Jul 17, 6-10pm Thu. Sugar Ray and the Bluetones playing from 7-10 p.m. Vendors open at 6 p.m. Free. Decatur Central Park, Decatur.

Free Concerts Jul 17, 7pm Tue, Wed, Thu, 3pm and 7pm Sun. Thirty-minutes rain or shine. (Also tours Wednesdays, 6:30; Saturdays and Sundays every 30 minutes 2-8. Live carillon performance. $3.50-$2.75.) Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.

I Sing Because I’m Happy: Gospel Sing Jul 18, 6pm Fri. New Jerusalem Singers with Pastor Ray and Cindy Spellbrink, Taste and See with Paula Irby, John T. Crisp Jr. and Marcellus Leonard. Freewill offering. Heritage Church, 3436 S. Douglas, 217-415-3932.

Jazz in Bloom Jul 19, 6-9pm. The Sam Crain Trio, home tours, cocktail bar and food. $60. 788-9452. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

Loud Clouds Jul 17, 12-1pm Thu. Artist on the Plaza. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363. Made for Music Jul 17, 5:20pm Thu. Thursdays June 5-Aug. 7, Lincoln Troubadours play with evening house tour at 6 p.m. Free but donations accepted. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

Made for Music Concert Jul 18, 3pm Fri. Fridays June 6-Aug. 22, hear folk musician Chris Vallillo. Free but donations accepted. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782- 6776. Music in the Park Jul 20, 4-7pm. Rhythm and grooves featuring Kapitol Sound. Free. Bring a chair or blanket. 544-1751. Comer Cox Park, Capitol Ave and Martin Luther King Jr Dr.

DANCE Dance Jul 18, 8-11pm Fri. Donna Weghorst 7/18, Kevin Turner 7/25. Free dance lessons by Pat Lyttaker 7 p.m. $10. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515. POLKA Dance Jul 20, 2-5:30pm Sun. Dynamic Duo of Columbus Hall. $10. 217- 726-7039. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton, Salsa Nights Jul 26, 9pm-12:45am Sat. Last Sat. of each month. $3. Abe’s Southside Cafe & Pub, 3751 S. Sixth St., 217-529-5511.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Artist’s Night Jul 18, 6-10pm Fri. Music and art. Free. 217-503-8428. Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, 210 S. Fifth St, 217-522-2020. COLORX3 Jul 17, 12-7pm Thu. June 27- Aug. 14 featuring Jed Leber (watercolor), Rich Ford (pastels), Teri A. Zucksworth (sculpture). Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 544-2787.

Group Photography Exhibit Jul 25, 5-7pm Fri. Lou Fremgen, Tom Handy, James Hawker, Greg Laun and John Record, “Next Friday” photographers, have fi rst show together in their new gallery. Free. Gallery 1227, 1227 S. Pasfi eld Ave.

Paint the Street Jul 26, 4-10pm Sat.

Springfi eld Art Association block party with music and food. Free admission. ($30-$35 to paint square.) 217-523-2631. Downtown Springfield.

Pieces: Laura Kay Coffey, Mark Schwartz Jul 18, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Art opening of local art photographer and multimedia artist. Music by Frank Trompeter Quartet. Ethnic foods and fashion show. Free. Fashion Afrique, 414 E. Monroe St., 217- 544-1289.

Shapes of Influence Opening Reception Jul 18, 5:30-5:30pm Fri. Contemporary ceramics with 94 pieces by 71 different artists from 27 states and Taiwan. Free. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Third Thursday Art Show Jul 17, 6pm-12am Thu. Free, open, all ages art show with local acoustic music and one band at end of night. 217-691-1301. Donnie’s Homespun, 107 West Cook Road, 323-782- 9000.

FILM & TELEVISION Chicago Jul 27, 5pm Sun. Oscar-winning movie musical. Drinks and snacks for purchase. Third floor theater. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Monty Python Live (mostly) Jul 20, 1:30pm Sun. Rebroadcasts July 23 and July 24, 7:30. AMC Showplace Springfi eld 12, 3141 Mercantile Dr.

Movies in the Park Jul 25, dusk. “Gravity (PG-13).” Free. Bring chair or blanket. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-4116.

Summertime Snow Party Jul 19, 1pm and 6pm, 4pm Sun. Snow cones and activities inspired by “Frozen,” screening of Disney fi lm. $15. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800- 838-3006. We Will Not Conform Jul 22, 8pm Tue. Fully interactive experience where audiences will actively engage in conversation with Beck on America’s public education. AMC Showplace Springfi eld 12, 3141 Mercantile Dr.

CHILDREN’S CORNER Batman Day Jul 23, 9am Wed. Costumes encouraged. Make a batstache.Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest Jul 22, 10-10:30am and 2-2:30pm. “Backyard Safari: Home Sweet Home.” Recommended for children ages 3-8. Free. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Community Ag Day Jul 24, 4-7pm Thu. Learn more about where food comes from, pet farm animals, climb on farm equipment, activities for kids. Free. 217-691-8235. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622-7953.

Ecology Day Camp Jul 28, 9:30am-3:30pm Mon. Week-long free Harry Potter-themed day camp for ages 5-12. Nature projects, arts and crafts, scientifi c demos, games, songs, scavenger hunts, growing food, recycling and more. Register by leaving contact info at [email protected]. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Naturally Inspired Art Children’s Workshop Jul 24, 9am-12pm Thu. Twoday workshop July 24-25 for grades 3-5 (completed). $35-$50. Register at bit.ly/ natinspire3-5 by July 20. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217- 782-7386.

Paws to Read Summer Program Jul 21, 10-11am Mon. M & K Parties infl atables. 217-626- 1553. Prairie Skies Public Library District, 125 W. Editor St, Ashland, 217-476-3417. Satur-Play! Float Your Boat Jul 19, 11am-3pm Sat. Engineer a boat made of paper, aluminum foil, or plastic to determine which material holds the most weight. Ages 3-10 and family. Free. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386. Troy Roark, Magician Jul 22, 10-11am Tue. Magic, comedy and a water show. 217- 243-5435. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 West College Ave, Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

NATURE Master Naturalists Class Jul 29, Applications due date. $200. Phone for schedule and application. University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Drive, 217-782-4617.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet

Jul 26, 5:30-11pm Sat. Dinner and live auction. Tickets 544-1313. 217- 638-8569. Knights of Columbus 364, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 217-787-2360.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Chatham Kiwanis Club Meeting Jul 17, 6:15pm Thu. Civic organization meets every Thursday. 725-6467. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713. Heads Up Group Jul 20, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for those who have had a head injury. 217-523- 2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-523- 0427.

Post Polio Group Jul 19, 10am-12pm Sat. Support group for those who have had polio. 217-523- 2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-523- 0427.

Springfield ICON Monthly Meeting Jul 28, 7-8:30pm Mon.

Springfi eldICON.org. 217- 528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217-523-5212.

Springfield Social Club Jul 30, 5:30-8:30pm Wed. Collecting backpacks with school supplies for Start Smart Back to School. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St.

BULLETIN BOARD Academy of Lifelong Learning Kickoff Jul 24, 10am Thu. Brief program, refreshments. New members welcome. 786-2477. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

APL Pet Adoptions Jul 19, 11am-2pm Sat. Cats and dogs available. Green Hyundai Certifi ed, 2605 N. Dirksen Parkway, 217-241-0045. Backgammon Club Jul 23, 6pm Wed. Every Wed. Online, new and experienced players welcome. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546-2111.

Capitol Con Jul 26, 9am-6pm Sat. Gaming convention to benefi t Springfield High School World War II Memorial Scholarship Fund. www.sps186.org/capcon. Springfi eld High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 217-525-3100. Citizens Club Policy Breakfast Jul 25, 7:30am Fri. Chris Hembrough, President and CEO, The Greater Springfi eld Chamber of Commerce. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. Coca-Cola Collectors Convention Swap Meet Jul 19, 10am-2pm Sat. Register onsite for July 15-19 convention. Public invited to swamp meet free. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 217-529-7777.

First Anniversary Party Jul 24, 5-8pm Thu. Aids Helping Paw Project senior dogs. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, raffl es and door prizes. $25. adonais-animalsrescue.org, click on donate.

352-228-0015. It’s All About Wine, 1305 Wabash Ave, 546- 9463. Grant Application Workshops Jul 19, Attendance required at workshop for funding (deadline July 31). Register, 753-3519. springfi eldartsco.org. Springfi eld Area Arts Council, 420 S. Sixth St, 217-753-3519. Guys vs. Dolls Celebrity Bartender Event Jul 17, 5-7pm Thu. For Girls on the Run scholarship program. 217-726-9808. Cousin Eddies Bar and Grill, 1951 W. Monroe, 217-679-5777. Springfield Indian Artifact Show Jul 26, 8am-2pm Sat. Displays of arrowheads, spear points, hardstone tools, and pottery made and used by the earliest Americans. Vendors. Free. 217- 529-8691. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St.

United Warriors Xtreme Race Jul 19, 8am-4pm Sat. Music, beer, food, children’s obstacle course, games. $55 race fee, $5 parking, $5 spectator fee. 217-245-4557. Morgan County Fairgrounds, 110 N. Westgate, Jacksonville.

FOOD East Side Farmers Market Jul 21, 8:30am-12:30pm Mon. Mondays through Sept. 29. (Also: Cooking classes Mondays in July, August. Sign up for up to four, phone 217-814-4308 or [email protected].) Sangamon County Department of Public Health, 2833 South Grand Avenue East, 217-535- 3100 or 888-217-3505 .

Roots to Rooftop Tour Jul 27, 1-4pm Sun. Main info site. Also see a school garden, rooftop garden, urban farm and community gardens. Free. 217-782-4617. Illinois Executive Mansion, 410 E. Jackson.

HISTORY 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Flag Lowering Jul 22, 7-7:30pm Tue. 217- 782-2717. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave, 782-2717.

Morgan Horse Demonstration Jul 19, 11am-1:30pm Sat. Mississippi Valley Morgan Horse Club presents history and modern role of horse, and ongoing horse activities. Free, $4, $2 kids, $10 family donation suggested. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217- 632-4000.

Vietnam Encampment Jul 26, 10am-4:30pm Sat.

Living Historians will establish Fire Base Castle on the museum grounds to display equipment, uniforms and weapons used in Southeast Asia and during the Vietnam era. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761-3910.

Why Truman Didn’t Drop Nuclear Bombs Lecture Jul 24, 11:30am-1pm Thu. Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. Dr. Devine examines Truman’s decisions not to use nuclear weapons in Korea. 217-523-7230. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 217- 523-7230.

Wright Artifacts Talk Jul 23, 11am and 3pm. Free but donations accepted. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

AUDITIONS Auditions for Shakespeare’s Women Jul 19, 1pm Sat. New play by Dr. Robert Seufert. Info at [email protected] or 217-742-5777. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 217-491-3977 .

HEALTH DBSA Central Illinois Jul 22, 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.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Jul 17, 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.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

No Separation Jul 20, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Local restoration ecologist, Becky Croteau, talks about interconnected web of life. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd, 217-585-9550.

Was Jesus God? Jul 18, 7:30-8:30pm Fri. Presentation followed by discussion. Ideas from Baha’i Faith discussed. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St, 217-544-9595.

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

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