FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Homemade Handmade Craft Fair Dec 6, 10am-3pm Sat. All items homemade or handmade. Plus craft table for children, massage therapy, bake sale, Get Covered Illinois navigators on-site. Free admission. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

BOOKS & AUTHORS Postmodern Pastoral Dec 7, 1-3pm Sun. Explore writing about nature from traditional and experimental places. Led by Adam Clay. Must preregister and pay prior to scheduled workshop. $10. vachellindsay.wordpress.com Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.

THEATER & COMEDY A Christmas Story: The Musical Dec. 5-7 and 12-14, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A musical take on the classic holiday fi lm. Springfi eld Theatre Centre production. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Comedian Tim Northern Dec 5-6, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Self described “do-it-yourself comedy”. $12.50 cash only at club. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS 2014 Advent Brown Bag Concert #2 Dec 10, 12:15-12:45pm. Featuring 88 Keys for 2 with Maria Horvath and Pei-l Wang. Free concerts on Wednesdays during Advent. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

A Ringing Christmas 2014 Dec 7, 4pm Sun. Family-friendly jazz holiday concert. $10. 309-365-2910. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut, Chatham, 483-4204.

An Evening with Irving Berlin Dec 5-6, 7pm Fri-Sat. Annual cabaret show by Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus. Dinner at 6:30pm; show at 7:00pm. Tickets $20 advance, $25 at door; available by calling 953- 0225 (day) or 871-9731 (night). landofl incolnchorus.org Little Flower School Activity Center (south of school), Stevenson Dr.

Bells in Motion Christmas Concert Dec 7, 4-5pm Sun. “A Ringing Christmas”. Tickets at door; $10 adults, $5 kids 12 and under. 217- 652-7009. Chatham Presbyterian Church, 1835 E. Walnut, Chatham, 483-4204.

Chicago Blues Reunion Live Performance Dec 6, 8pm Sat. Barry Goldberg (Hammond B-3), Nick “The Greek” Gravenites (vocals/guitar), Harvey “The Snake” Mandel (guitar), Corky Siegel (harmonica/vocals), Gary Mallaber (percussion) and Rick Reed (bass) Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Lutheran High School Madrigal Dinner Dec 6, 6-8:30pm Sat. Annual dinner featuring concert, skit and full catered meal. $15 adults; $12 seniors and students. 217-546-6363. Trinity Lutheran Grade School, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-787-2323.

Organ Concert Dec 7, 3:30pm Sun. “A Baroque Christmas” featuring 18th century organ music. Presented by Andrew Salyer. 217-245- 8213. The Congregational Church, UCC, 520 West College, Jacksonville, 217-370-1035.

Rejoice: A Christmas Concert Dec 6, 4-6pm Sat. Christmas concert by the Capital City Men’s Chorus. Directed by Mary E. Myers. $10. For tickets, email [email protected] or call 629- 9439. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave. W., 217-525-1866.

Rochester High School Madrigal Dinner Dec 5, 6:30pm Fri. Includes dinner and extended performance of Gian-Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Madrigal soloists and chorus backed by 18-piece chamber orchestra. $22. Free tickets for show only (no dinner). Tickets, dinner reservations at RHS.Madrigals@ yahoo.com Rochester High School, 3 Rocket Dr., Rochester, 217-498-9761.

Rochester High School Madrigal Teas Dec 6-7, 2pm Sat, 12pm Sun. Includes tea and performance of Gian-Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Madrigal soloists and chorus backed by 18-piece chamber orchestra. $12. Free tickets for show only (no tea). For tickets, tea reservations e-mail [email protected] Rochester High School, 3 Rocket Dr., Rochester, 217-498-9761.

Saved by Grace Gospel Concert Dec 6, 7pm Sat. Featuring Saved by Grace, Southern gospel group from Roodhouse. Refreshments at 6pm. First Baptist Church, 301 South Grand Ave. West, (217) 523- 7731.

Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass Dec 4, 7pm Thu. Praise and worship concert featuring classic hymns with a contemporary fl air. The King’s Brass uses trumpets, trombones, tubas, percussion and keyboards. $15 adults, $5 children. Tickets, 793-3933. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St.

UIS Music Fall Showcase Dec 5, 7:30-9:30pm Fri. Performance by UIS chorus, chamber orchestra and band. Free and open to public. 217-206-6240. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

DANCE Don Smith Quartet Dec 5, 8-11pm Fri. Friday night dance. Lesson with Pat Lytakker at 7:30pm. $10 admission. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515.

Inclusive Holiday Dance Dec 5, 7-9pm Fri. Monthly dance. Primarily for individuals with disabilities but open to all. Light refreshments, music. Free. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-753- 0702.

Old Fashioned Square and Round Dance Dec 7, 2:30-5:30pm Sun. Jim Davis, caller. Music by Judy, Fiddlin’ Phil Fry and Friends. $15 couple. 652-3499. Jacksonville Moose Lodge, Jacksonville.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

A Community Sketchbook Dec 1-18, 8am-4pm Mon- Fri. The community is invited to pin a piece of visual art, prose or poetry to the James S. Murray gallery walls. No framed or stretched work. All work must be collected by Dec. 18 at 4 pm. Free to public. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200. Art Exhibit and Opening Reception Dec 6, 6-8pm Sat. Artist Dianne Martia. Oil and wax, acrylic and collage paintings. Artist speaks at 6:30pm. Appetizers, wine, soda. Free to public. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

DEMO Project Special Event Dec 5, 6-8:30pm Fri. “Priceless” features mixed-media works by Brad Balster and Judah Johnson. All works will gradually be given away to attendees throughout the evening. An examination of the concepts of value and preciousness in art. Free to public. 217-523-2631. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 217- 206-6506. Holiday Hall Dec 2-20, 9am-5pm Mon- Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. View and purchase fi ne art and crafts by local artisans. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Holiday Steampunk Spectacle Dec 6, 7-11:30pm Sat. Art showcase featuring holiday, Steampunk, Dieselpunk or Victorian-era themes plus live music by Sammy Flores, Solar Cafe, Dead Zebbra and Wanna. Costumes encouraged. Free to public. Rt. 66 Monster Tattoos, 211 N. Main Street, Chatham, 217-717-5692.

L. Philip Trutter Commemorative Exhibit Dec 4-July 2015, 10am-3pm Tue, Wed, Thu. Through July 2015, Trutter’s artwork including one-of-a-kind handmade puzzles, interview excerpts of his thoughts on growing up in Springfi eld, his art and architecture. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200.

Meet the Artists Dec 5, 5-8pm Fri. Live music, wine, refreshments, door prizes every half hour. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522-8006. Michael Dunbar Exhibit Dec 6, 6-8pm Sat. Features framed posters of artist Michael Dunbar’s sculptures. Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St., 217-523-4415.

theGALLERY art exhibit Dec 4, 6-9pm Thu. 217-904- 3050. Joe Gallina’s Pizza and Restaurant, 432 E. Monroe St., 217-522-5271. Winter Art Show at Chatham Library Dec 8, 9am-8pm Mon. The art of wood turning by Michael Blankenship plus winter watercolor scenes by the Sangamon Watercolor Society. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

FILM & TELEVISION

Born in Chicago Dec 5, 7pm Fri. Documentary screening as part of Chicago Blues weekend Dec. 5-6. Free to public. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

The Polar Express Pajama Party Dec 5-7, 7:30pm Fri-Sun, 2pm Sun. Wear your jammies (grownups, too) as you watch the fi lm. Preshows 1 1/2 hours prior include crafts and cocoa. Special North Pole guest after show. $15. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

CHILDREN’S CORNER Satur-Play! - Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder Dec 6, 11am-3pm Sat. For children ages 3-10 and their parents. Using a cookie cutter, make a simple bird feeder that will please and delight birds this winter season. Free to public. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386.

Story Time at the Museum Dec 8, 10-10:30am Mon. “Who? Who? Owls!” Ages 3-5 and caregivers. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

SCIENCE Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Dec 10, 7-8:30pm Wed. “Freshwater Mussels of the Illinois River Basin: Community Variation and Change” presented by Dr. Robert Warren, Illinois State Museum. Free to public. 217-785-0037. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785- 0037.

ENVIRONMENT Sierra Club Holiday Party Potluck Dec 5, 5:30-8:30pm Fri. Enjoy appetizers and a potluck dinner with Sierra Club members. Cash bar. Free and open to public. 217-502-2836. Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, 210 S. Fifth St.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Lunch and Learn Dec 11, 11:30am-1:30pm Thu. A discussion on the origins and practices of the holiday season by David Bertaina and Sharon Graf. $20 covers buffet lunch and program. Register online at uiaa.org/uis. Free for lecture only. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Dec 4, 11, 6:30-7:30pm Thu. 217-737-8356. Various locations.

Starting Your Business in Illinois Dec 4, 17, 1:30-3:30pm Wed. Hosted by Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC. Free workshop for prospective business owners. Preregistration required, call 217-544-7232. Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason.

SDAR Chapter Meeting Dec. 20, 11:30am Sat. Monthly meeting features Clarence “Bud” and Leah Beckhoff on “Creative Wood Caving”. $20. For reservations, call 741-7463 or email [email protected] by Dec. 17. Illini Country Club, 1601 S Illini Road, Springfi eld, 217-546-4614.

BULLETIN BOARD Beer School Dec 6, 10-11am Sat. Tour brewery, learn about beer making process, sample a few of brews. Free limited to 20 participants. Phone to register. 217-670-0627. Obed & Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St.

Board Game Day Dec 6, 11am-2pm Sat. Sponsored by Freedom in Holiness Mission. Play board games, presents for children and towel giveaway for adults. Free of charge. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217- 753-4900.

Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide program Dec 4, 6:30-8pm Thu. St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos St., 217- 793-1330.

IWIL Holiday Social Dec 11, 5:30-7pm Thu. Festive holiday event featuring full dinner and cash bar. Guests and potential new members welcome. Registration $37 through Dec. 5, $40 after. Register at iwil.biz. Arlington’s, 210 Broadway St., 217-528-1563. St. Joseph Parish Holiday Fair Dec 7, 9am-12:30pm Sun. 217- 572-6004. St. Joseph Parish, 1345 N. Sixth St.

POLITICS Living Liberally - Evening Group Dec 4, 11, 6:30pm Thu. Every Thursday, informal political discussion and socializing with fellow progressives. livingliberally.org/drinking/ chapters/IL/springfi eldil. Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, 210 S. Fifth St., 217-522-2020.

HISTORY

Origins of World War I Dec 9, 6:30pm Tue. Historian Mark DePue on the origins of “the war to end all wars”. Free to public. Union Theater. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-782-5764.

Vietnam Christmas Remembrance Dec 6, 1-2pm Sat. Hanging of ornaments for 66 soldiers still listed as POW or MIA and Christmas music by Lincoln Barbershop Chorus. 217-782- 2717. Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Oak Ridge Cemetery.

HEALTH NAMI Springfield Monthly Support Group Dec 6, 1pm Sat. First Sat. of month. 217-341-3125. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 217-528-3407.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Baha’i Basics Dec 5, 7:30-9pm Fri. Basics of the Baha’i Faith. Presentation followed by discussion. All welcome. Free. 217-546-9171. Springfi eld Bah·’Ì Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

SPORTS & FITNESS

Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game Dec 6, 5-10pm Sat. 6th annual police vs fi refi ghter charity hockey game to benefi t Illinois Chapter of Concerns for Police Survivors. $5. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Werewolf Ride Dec 6, 4:30pm Sat. Audubon Woods Mountain Biking Trails, Woods Lane north of Vandalia Road and south of Country Club Road, Jacksonville, 217- 245-4178.

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

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