FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Illinois State Fair Aug 7-17, 7am-12am. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, exhibits and more. 782- 6661. agr.state.il.us/isf Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217- 782-1698.

BOOKS & AUTHORS Poets in the Parlor: Sarah Henning Aug 17, 2-3pm Sun. Managing Editor for the South Dakota Review. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217-524-0901. Springfield Comic Book Convention Aug 17, 10am-4pm. Comic books, new and old, toys and related collectibles. No admission. 309-657-1599. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St.

SPOKEN WORD Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic Aug 20, 6-8pm. Every third Wed. sign up to read some poetry, prose, nonfi ction. Listeners welcome. Food available for purchase. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

THEATER & COMEDY Greater Tuna Aug 15-17, 8pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun. Comedy where two actors play all the residents of a small town in Texas, (where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies). $18-$16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Pajama Game Aug 15-17, 21-23, 8-10:30pm. $13-$8. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Shrek The Musical Aug. 8-9, 14-16, 21-23. $6-$14.

The Muni, 815 East Lake Dr, 793-MUNI.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

Artist on the Plaza Aug 21, 12-1pm. Lowder and Manning. Free outdoor performances. 753-3519. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.

Blues in Central Park Aug 21, 6-10pm Thu. Samantha Fish playing from 7-10 p.m. Vendors open at 6 p.m. Free. Decatur Central Park, Decatur. Free Concerts Aug 14, 17, 19-21, 24, 26-27, 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.

Jake Owen Aug 16, 8pm Sat. 2012 American Country Awards “Breakthrough Artist of the Year.” Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.

Made for Music Concert Aug 15, 22, 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. Powerlight Christian Music Fest Aug 17, 12-9pm Sun. Former Newsboys lead singer, Peter Furler, headlines with Christian rock legends PETRA. Free with paid state fair admission. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698. Robin Thicke Aug 17, 8pm Sun. Awardwinning singer and songwriter.

Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698. Seeking Musicians for UIS Band Fall semester rehearsals begin fi rst week of classes Aug. 25 and continue through December. UIS VPA33 Mondays 4-5:50. 217- 206-6240. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206-6073.

Seeking Musicians for UIS Chorus Fall semester rehearsals begin fi rst week of classes Aug. 25 and continue through December. UIS VPA33 on Tuesdays 7:30-9:15 and Thursdays 3:30-5:30. 217- 206-6240. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206-6073. Springfield Classical Guitar Society Reception Aug 23, 7-9pm Sat. House concert at 3557 Benbrook. RSVP by Aug. 18 with name, number attending, phone, email or address and $25 per person. SCGS, PO Box 171, Springfi eld IL 62705. 217-546-2782 [email protected].

Steely Dan Aug 15, 8pm Fri. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.

DANCE POLKA Dance Aug 17, 2-5:30pm Sun. Larry Haller Band. $10. 217-726- 7039. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St, Riverton.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Canon Rebel 101 Aug 22, 4-6pm Fri. Taught by Tom Tussey. Preregistration required at Creve Coeur Camera. $69. 217-546-4005. Courtyard Marriott, 3462 Freedom Drive, 217-793-5300.

DEMO Project Opening Aug 15, 6-8:30pm Fri. Illinois artist Lauren Turk’s exhibition Communal Paradox. Through Sept. 6, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Free. 217-523-2631. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 217-206- 6506.

Diamonds and Denim Gala Aug 16, 6-9pm Sat. Live pop music by members of Municipal Band, piano by Jared Rixtine, vocal performances, improv, speed painter and more. $75. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Fragile Relations: Art, Nature and Environment Aug 14-27, 8:30am-5pm Thu-Wed. Through Aug. 31, 14 Illinois artists display art inspired by nature. Free. 217-782-7440. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217- 782-7386. Historic Photography Display Aug 16, 24-19-18, 27-26, 12- 4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. View photos of the park as far back as 1902. Exhibit chronicles the changes since its creation. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave, 217-546-4116.

Nikon DSLR Basics Aug 22, 6:30-8:30pm Fri. Taught by Tom Tussey. Preregistration required at Creve Coeur Camera. Must own a Nikon D3100/3200/3300 or D5100/5200/5300 DSLR. $69. 217-546-4005. Courtyard Marriott, 3462 Freedom Drive, 217-793-5300.

Shapes of Influence Aug 16, 18-19, 20-23, 25-27, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. July 18-Sep 6, national juried ceramics exhibition. Free. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St, 217-523-2631.

Third Thursday Art Show Aug 21, 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 Free Short Films Aug 14, 6:30-8pm Thu. Second Thursday each month the best of past Route 66 Film Festival fi lms. Free. 217-725-9058. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4049.

RiffTrax Live: Godzilla Aug 14, 19, 7pm Thu, 7:30pm Tue. Hilarious fi lm with guys from Mystery Science Theater 3000. AMC Showplace Springfi eld 12, 3141 Mercantile Dr.

Sharknado 2: The Second One Aug 21, 8pm Thu. AMC Showplace Springfi eld 12, 3141 Mercantile Dr. CHILDREN’S CORNER Monarchs for Kids Aug 16, 10-11:30am Sat. Ages 8-10. Registration includes six Saturday sessions in Aug. and Sept. Ostermeier Prairie Center. $20. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-529- 1111.

Satur-Play! Make Slime! Aug 16, 11am-3pm Sat. Ages 3-10 and families can make ooey, gooey slime. Free. 217- 782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782-7386.

Saturday Stories Aug 16, 23, 11am Sat. For all ages and parents. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217- 753-4900. Scheels Kids Klub Aquarium Aug 18, 6-6:45pm Mon. Explore the aquarium with Scheels’ expert diver. First 50 kids get a Plano tackle box. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur , 217-726- 6330. Thursday Stories Aug 14, 21, 10:30am Thu, 10:30am Thu. For all ages and parent. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

NATURE Basics of Beekeeping and Honey Extraction Aug 23, 1-4pm Sat. With Arvin Pierce. $15. Register by Aug. 20. http://thelandconnection.org. 217-840-2128. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, 9560 Wither Road, Loami.

Family Campout Aug 22, Pitch your tent in camping area, cook out-style dinner, activities, pancake breakfast. $13-$20. Register by phone. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr, 217-585- 1821.

Wed. Morning Pickup Party Aug 20, 27, 9-10am Wed. Every Wednesday. Help pick up litter in sanctuary. Gloves and bags provided. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Chatham Kiwanis Club Meeting Aug 14, 6:15pm Thu. Civic organization meets every Thursday. 725-6467. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713. Photo Exposures 101 Aug 23, 9-11am Sat. Learn exposure: shutter speed, aperture, ISO in two-hour class taught by pro photographer, Tom Tussey. $69. Pre-registration required, 217-546-4005. Courtyard Marriott, 3462 Freedom Drive, 217-793-5300.

BULLETIN BOARD APL Pet Adoptions Aug 16, 10am-4pm Sat. Cats and dogs available at Conservation World. 217-544-7387. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.

Backgammon Club Aug 20, 27, 6pm Wed, Every Wed. Online, new and experienced players welcome. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave, 217-546- 2111. Citizens Club Policy Breakfast Aug 15, 8-9am Fri. Media discussion of the Illinois governor’s race. Coffee reception 7:30 p.m. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787. Citizens Club Policy Breakfast Aug 22, 7:30am Fri. Jim Lewis, U.S. District Attorney for Central Illinois. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Ice Cream Social Aug 17, 6:30pm Sun. $4 includes ice cream, dessert, lemonade, tea or coffee. New Salem United Methodist Church, 6858 Old Jacksonville Road, New Berlin, 217-787-4147. Loco-Motion Cruise-In Aug 16, 12-3pm. Spectators admitted free. 483-7792. chathamrailroadmuseum.org. Chatham Railroad Museum, 100 N. State St., Chatham.

PechaKucha Aug 21, 7:20pm Thu. Locals give interesting and inspiring presentations. Doors open 6 p.m. $8. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Aug 20, 11am-12:45pm Wed. Brenda Copeland, Bestrop, LA. Reservations by Aug. 15. 787- 8246. 217-787-1870. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 217- 523-7900.

Wrigley Field Trip Aug 22, Illinois State Historical Society hosts trip to see Cubs vs. Orioles. $125 includes game, T-shirt, ride. Limited seats. Register 217-525-2781.

FOOD East Side Farmers Market Aug 18, 25, 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 . Illinois Products Farmers Market Aug 14, 21, 4-7pm Thu, Thursdays through Oct 16, local food, entertainment. Commodity Pavilion. 785-4873. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave, 217-782-1698.

HISTORY Ice Cream Social with the Lincolns Aug 16, 5-7pm Sat. Lincoln Troubadours and Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln each Saturday during summer. Coldstone Creamery Ice Cream available for purchase. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St, 217- 524-0901.

Movie: Finnegan’s War Aug 16, 2-3pm Sat. Awardwinning Korean War fi lm narrated by Mark Hamill (Star Wars). Free. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-523-7230.

Movie: The Forgotten War: 1950-1953 Aug 16, 5-6pm Sat. Director/ producer Jesse Romine gives small intro and after viewing, answers questions about making the fi lm. Free. Korean War National Museum Denis J. Healy Freedom Center, 9 South Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-523- 7230.

Wright Artifacts Talk Aug 20, 27, 11am and 3pm. Free but donations accepted. Dana- Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence, 217-782-6776.

HEALTH Coffee With Caregivers Aug 15, 9am Fri. Caregivers whose loved ones have cancer. Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter, 217-545-0798. DBSA Central Illinois Aug 19, 26, 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. NAMI Springfield Monthly Support Group Aug 20, 7pm Wed. Third Wednesday month. 217-341- 3125. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St, 217-528-3407.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY Gospel Sing Aug 15, 6pm Fri. Various local and regional musicians in open mic format. Light meal followed by song. First Baptist Church, 301 South Grand Ave. West, (217) 523-7731. Gurdjieff Legacy Foundation Talk

Aug 21, 7:30-9pm Thu. “I try to show people that when it rains the streets are wet.” A Conversation About G. I. Gurdjieff’s Teaching of Self- Development. Free. 707-540- 1476. Trailhead Healing Arts Center, 802 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-698-8177.

Source and Function of Emotions Aug 15, 7:30-9pm Fri. Presentation and discussion on how this can direct, guide inner spiritual growth. 217- 546-9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St, 217- 544-9595.

The Wanda Mountain Boys Aug 17, 10:45am Sun. Worship service. First Baptist Church, 301 South Grand Ave. West, (217) 523-7731.

Union Baptist Church Worship Service Aug 17, 10:45am Sun. All

welcome. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St, 753-4379. Women’s Day Luncheon: Malachi 3:16-17 Aug 16, 11am-2pm Sat. Sister Ginger Shelton, First Lady of Second Baptist Church, Lincoln, Illinois. $10. 217-544- 8115. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St, 753-4379.

SPORTS & FITNESS Color Dash Aug 23, 9am Sat. Hosted by Springfi eld YMCA. Packet pickup 7 a.m. $40, $85 family. the Y, 4550 West Iles Ave. Monday Night Group Ride Aug 18, 25, 5:30pm Mon. Monday nights from shop to Chatham. All levels. Helmets recommended. Weather details online or FB. Ace Bicycle Shop, 2500 South MacArthur Blvd., 217-523-0188.

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

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