Holiday Happenings Mardi Gras Celebration Feb 21, 6pm-11pm Sat. Live music by After Sunset, Cajun dinner, games, auctions and dancing. Hosted by Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce. $75 couples/$45 singles. 217-483- 6450. Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, 217-483-7999.

Fairs & Festivals Illinois Field and Stream Deer and Turkey Expo Feb 20-22, 9am-7pm Sat, 9am-4pm Sun. $14 adults, $4 youth 6-11, kids 5 and under are free. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Books & Authors

ArtLiterations Feb 19, 5-7pm Thu. Celebration of art, authors and aesthetically pleasing sounds. Hosted by Prairie Art Alliance. Music by Julie Hulvey, discussion of work by artist Jeff Williams, reading by author/editor Jim Warner. Free to public. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Book Signing

Feb 19, 12-2pm Thu. Author John Spencer signs copies of recently published book, Round Prairie Inferno. Free to public. 217-522-9742. Prairie Archives Antiquarian Booksellers, 522 E. Adams.

Book Signing and Panel Discussion with Seenaa G-D Jimjimo Feb 23, 5:30-7:30pm Mon. Visiting author and UIS graduate Seenaa Jimjimo conducts book signing and cultural discussion on the relationships, American experience and cultural divide between Africans and African-American women. Free to public. The Art Mart, 422 E. Monroe St., 217-744-3301.

Meet Author and Cartoonist Dan Killeen Feb 22, 2pm Sun. Reading and signing of Tillie & Clementine Noises in the Night and Tillie & Clementine Zoo Switcheroo. Free to public. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

Poets in the Parlor: Janice Harrington Feb 22, 2-3pm Sun. Poetry reading by Janice N. Harrington. An accomplished poet and author of children’s books whose work appears regularly in American literary magazines. Free to public. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901. Shelterbelt: Natalie Shapero Feb 19, 7-8pm Thu. Reading by poet Natalie Shapero. Natalie has been published in The Believer, The New Republic, Poetry, The Progressive and elsewhere. Free to public. UIS Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room, Vachel Lindsay Dr., 217-206-6600.

Sherlock Holmes Society Meeting Feb 21, 9am Sat. Discussion of The Adventure of the Dying Detective. Open to public. Free. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veteran’s Pkwy, 546-9440.

Sixteen Tons Book Signing Feb 28, 1-3pm Sat. Local author Kevin Corley. Historical account of Illinois coal mining in the early 1900’s. Free. 217- 397-7587. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391-7628.

Theater & Comedy Comedian Mark Price aka Skippy Feb 20-21, 8pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat. Formerly known as “Skippy” from Family Ties. Seen on NBC, CMT and Comedy Central. $16, $14. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE. Comedian Troy Thirdgill Feb 27-28, 8pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat. As seen on Showtime and HBO. $15, $13.

Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE.

Foreign-Language Play Festival Feb 19-22. Featuring La Jalousie de Barbouille (The Jealous Husband), Moliere and Was Kostet das Eisen? (How Much Is Your Iron?), Bertolt Brecht. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Night at the Movies Mar 1, 4-6:30pm Sun. Collaboraton between Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra and Central Illinois Film Commission. Orchestra performs musical selections from fi lms while scenes from the fi lms play plus live performances from Film Commission actors. $15-$5. 217-753-8000. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Portuguese Rodeo Clown Company - Improv Comedy Feb 20-21, 8-10pm Fri-Sat. Two hours of comedy made up on the spot, based only on audience suggestions and the whims of fi ve actors. $15. hcfta. org. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. The Dixie Swim Club Feb 20-22, 27-28, Mar 1, 8pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun. A story of fi ve women who set aside a long weekend every August to recharge their friendship. A touching comedy about forever friendship. $18 adults, $16 seniors, students. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. The Snow Queen Feb 28, 3pm, 6pm Sat.. A brandnew children’s ballet. Cast features 80 local children ages 7-13. Pre-show parties occur 45 minutes before curtain in main lobby, $5 admission. Show tickets $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

The Vagina Monologues Feb 28, 8pm Sat. Part of the 2015 V-Day College/Community Campaign. Special alumni cast hosts reading of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play. $15 general admission, $10 students with ID. Trutter Center. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Music: General Events

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn and The Del McCoury Band - Del & Woody Feb 20, 8pm Fri. An unforgettable night of bluegrass and banjo by award-winning, legendary musicians. $35, $30. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Bobby Remack Feb 20, 8pm Fri. Friday night dance. Free dance lesson at 7:30pm by J.B. and Jo Campbell. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515.

Brown Bag Concert - The Heritage String Trio Feb 25, 12:15-12:45pm. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Concordia University Chicago Kapelle Concert Feb 27, 7:30-9pm Fri. Premier choral ensemble of Concordia University Chicago. Directed by Dr. Charles P. Brown, Assisant Professor of Music. “Holy is His Name.” Free to public. 217-741- 4390. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-4531.

Illinois College Fine Arts Series: Ho Etsu Taiko Feb 21, 7:30pm Sat. Japanese drum troupe infl uenced by traditional Japanese-American Taiko drumming plus musical infl uences in the greater Chicago area. Tickets $15, free to students. Rammelkamp Chapel, Illinois College, 215 Park St., Jacksonville, 217-245-3000. Kevin Turner Feb 27, 8pm Fri. Friday night dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546- 9515. Lenten Brown Bag Concert #2 Mar 4, 12:15-12:45pm. Free. Lunch available for $5 or bring your own. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528- 4311.

Night at the Movies Mar 1, 4pm Sun. Collaboration by the Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra and the Central Illinois Film Commission. Civic orchestra performs musical selections from fi lms while scenes from those fi lms play in the background. $15 adults, $10 students, $5 kids 12 and under. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.

Springfield Classical Guitar Society: Angelo Favis Feb 28, 8pm Sat. Concert by Guitar Foundation of America’s International Solo Competition Prize Winner, Angelo Favis. $15, $10. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2313 Whittier Ave., 217- 522-7331. Worship with Levi Vincent Feb 21, 6-8pm Sat. An evening of popular and contemporary Christian worship music with musician/songwriter Levi Vincent. Free. 217-391-7587. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391-7628.

Art & Architecture

Ego Vs. Alter Ego Exhibition Feb 19, 21-28, 10am-2pm Sat. U.S. debut of mixed-media Romanian artist, Ilie Vaduva. Exhibit expores the psychology of the ego and alter-ego. Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 217-423-3189.

“Gone ‘Round” Featured Artist Exhibit Through Feb 26, 12-7pm Tue-Sat. Art by Joan Turner Burmeister (multi media), Don Tewell (wood turnings) and Carolyn Owen Sommer (watercolor/mixed media). Free. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Art Exhibit Closing Reception Feb 19, 5-6pm Thu. Collected artworks by Rosemary and Rod Buffi ngton. Rosemary, an active pastel painter, taught art for 37 years at New Berlin High School. Rod, a mixed-media artist, is a former Springfi eld Art Association Director. Last professional exhibit in Becker Gallery. Free, open to public. Benedictine University at Springfi eld, 1500 N. Fifth Street, 217-525-1420.

Crafter’s Projects Day Feb 28, 9am-5pm Sat. Bring a current project and scrapbook, knit, paint and craft alongside other craft enthusiasts. Make and takes and short projects offered throughout the day. $25, includes lunch and snacks. Registration, 787-0617. Springfi eld Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfi eld St., springfi eldceramicsandcraftsclub. org.

L. Philip Trutter Commemorative Exhibit 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.

Mid-Central Ilinois Scholastic Art Awards Feb 19-21, 23-28, View work of some of Central Illinois’ most talented high school and junior high art students. Pieces submitted from over 34 schools in a variety of media. Free to public. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Remembering Lincoln Exhibition Feb 19, Mar 1-4, 12-12am Thu-Wed. Exhibition featuring rarely seen objects honoring the memory of our 16th President.

Runs through May 10, 2015. 217- 782-7386. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Film & Television Dear White People Film Screening Feb 25, 8pm Wed. Screening of 2014 fi lm, Dear White People, a satire about “being a black face in a white place.” Moderated dialogue to follow. Free to public. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Film Screening: Wrenched Feb 25, 7-9pm Wed. Free screening, hosted by Liberty Brew & View. Award winning documentary on Edward Abbey and environmental activism. Free to public. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Force Majeure Screening Feb 22, 4pm Sun. Part of 24th Annual Molly Schlich Independent and International Film Series. French dramedy nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. Proceeds benefi t Michael Victor II Art Library. $8 per ticket, $4 students with ID. 217-523-2631. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Boulevard, 888-262-4386.

Children’s Corner Dr. Doolittle, Jr. Feb 20-22, 2pm Sun. Musical about a wacky but caring doctor who can talk with animals. $12. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Family Game Night Feb 27, 6-8pm Fri. Games, family and food. Bring your favorite game or play one of ours. Free. 217-391-7587. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391-7628.

Junior Collector’s Day Feb 21, 1-3pm Sat. Explore the collections of local kids and teens. Ages 8-15 can display a collection and meet other young collectors. Free, preregister by Feb. 16. 782-0061. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386.

Kids Klub-Weather Preparedness and First Aid Feb 23, 6-7pm Mon. Presentation on severe weather signs and basic fi rst aid preparedness. Free. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726-6330. KidsFest Feb 28, 10am-4pm Sat. Craft mural, bounce houses, indoor rock wall, Casey’s Corner, Touch- A-Truck, stage entertainment, kid-friendly vendors. $3 admission; kids 2 and under free. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. Satur-Play! - Recycled Art Sculpture Feb 21, 11am-3pm Sat. Repurpose bottle lids to create a 3-D sculpture. Fun science experiments and art projects for ages 3-10 and families. Free to public. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Satur-Play! - Tornado Tubes Feb 28, 11am-3pm Sat. See a tornado vortex (the center of a tornado) using just a couple of bottles of water and lamp oil. Fun science experiments and art projects for ages 3-10 and families. Free to public. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386.

Springfield Area Rube Goldberg Competition Feb 28, 9am-3:30pm Sat. Only Rube Goldberg program in nation specifi cally for elementary schoolers. View outlandish machines that can fold a piece of paper, as created by area fi fth graders. Free to public. Student Union, Menard Hall. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Story Time at the Museum Feb 21, 10:30am Sat. Enjoy a story read by a civil war soldier. Crafts, treats. Free with museum admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-782-5764. Storytime with Lisa Feb 21, 10-11am Sat. Crafts, snacks and family-friendly stories about love. 217-391- 7587. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391- 7628. Weather Preparedness and First Aid Presenation Feb 23, 6-7pm Mon. Learn about basic weather signs and fi rst aid preparedness. Free ride on ferris wheel for all participants. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726-6330.

Nature

Maple Syrup Time Demonstrations Feb 21-22, 28, Mar 1, 1-1:45pm Sat-Sun. Garden staff and volunteers guide visitors through the process of making maple syrup. Meet inside Garden’s Nature Center. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Environment 12th Annual Central Illinois Composting Symposium Feb 24, 9am-3pm Tue. Theme: “Building Soil and Community.” Keynote presentation by Kay McKeen, Executive Director of SCARCE. Event for composters, educators and businesses. Registration $35. Free to students with ID. Register at llcc. edu/composting-symposium. 217-786-4993. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Designing a Sustainable Springfield Feb 24, 6:30pm Tue. Larry Quenette (Renaissance Architects) and Jeff and Michele Sommers (Square Root Architecture + Design) share how their success and ideas in green design might translate into sustainable design for Springfi eld’s downtown. 217- 652-7489. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Meet a Snowy Owl Feb 19, 6pm Thu. Jacques Nuzzo discusses fi eld marks, behavior, habitats, calls and rehabilitation of the snowy owl. $5, fi rst-come, fi rst-served due to limited seating. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings

Birth of a White Nation Feb 19, 6:30pm Thu. ECCE Speaker Series. Dr. Jacqueline Battalora presents fi ndings of local groups working to dismantle racism and addresses the legal, social and political categorization of people as either white people or non-white people. Free. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Chatham Jaycees Meeting Feb 19, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414- 9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 217-483- 4613. Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection Feb 28, 8:30am-12pm Sat. Understand potential computer security issues and learn what steps can be taken to prevent them from occuring. $35 per person, $49 per couple. Register [email protected]. 217-524-6749. Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason, genHkids Garden Training Feb 28, 10am-3pm Sat. Learn the basics of small-scale, chemical-free urban gardening. Lunch included, provided by genHkids chefs. $10, free for genH volunteers. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200. IWIL Monthly Luncheon Feb 19, 11:30am-1pm Thu. Speaker Sarah Phalen, President and CEO of Illinois National Bank. “My Path to the World of Executive Leadership: Life is a marathon, not a sprint.” Members $18 by Feb 13, $23 for non-members or walk-ins. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793. Personal Assistant Employers Group Feb 24, 3-4:30pm Tue. 217- 523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-523-0427.

Sertoma Club Mar 2, 12pm Mon. Noon, fi rst and third Monday of every month on fi rst fl oor next to Bennigans. 217- 494-2099. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.

Springfield Chapter DAR Meeting Feb 21, 11:30am Sat. Luncheon and meeting honors Good Citizen Award Recipients. Reservations by Feb 18, 741- 7463 or bradley1818@gmail. com. Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Dr., 546-4431.

Springfield Civil War Roundtable Meeting Feb 19, 7-8:30pm Thu. Program: “Southern Refl ections On the Civil War” by member Rick Kasa. Free to public. 546-8065. 217-679- 1880. Grand Army of the Republic Museum, 629 S. Seventh St., 217-522-4373. Springfield Social Club February Event Feb 25, 5:30-8:30pm Wed. Sponsored charity: Share the Spirit Foundation. Engrained Brewing Company, 1120 Lincolnshire Blvd., 217-546-3054.

Bulletin Board

16U Wolfpack Baseball Trivia Night Feb 21, 7-10pm Sat. Cash prizes. Silent auction. Outside food permitted, snacks for purchase. Doors at 6:30pm. $100 per table of 10. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528-5740 . APL New Volunteer Orientation Feb 25-27, 6-7:30pm Wed- Thurs, 10am Sat. Minors (under 16) must be accompanied by parent/guardian. 15 spots. Register at volunteer@ apl-shelter.org. Questions to Anne, 544-7387 x227. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road.

APL Pet Adoption Feb 21, 10am-1pm Sat. Cats and dogs available 10am until 1pm. 217-544-7387. Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Parkway, 217- 535-4540.

APL Pet Adoption Feb 22, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available. 217-544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091. APL Pet Adoption Mar 1, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available 11am until 3pm, dogs available from noon until 3pm. 217-544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698- 3091. Backgammon Club Mar 4, 6pm Wed. Every Wed. Online, new and experienced players welcome. 622-9447. Capital Teletrack, 1766 Wabash Ave., 217-546-2111.

Pink Recognition Gala Feb 21, 6-9pm Sat. Elegant sit-down dinner, cash bar, photography gallery featuring breast cancer warriors and survivors by local photographers. Hosted by Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Chapter. 217-303- 3487. Hilton Springfi eld, 700 E. Adams, 217-789-1530.

Tri-Angels Playground Trivia Night Feb 28, 6-11pm Sat. Trivia, silent auction, 50/50, Mardi Gras prizes. $100 per table or $10 per person. Proceeds fund allaccessible playground honoring Amara, Sophie and Cecilia. Preregister, 725-6294 or http:// triangelstrivia2015.eventbrite. com. American Legion Post 759, 206 W. Chestnut St., Chatham, 217-483-4084. UIS English Department Trivia Night Feb 20, 7-10pm Fri. Cash prizes for top fi nishers. Cash bar. Proceeds support academic and cultural endeavors of UIS English Department students and faculty. $10 each for table of 10. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Politics Capital Area Libertarians Business Meeting Feb 26, 7-7:30pm Thu. Pass by-laws, install new members, discuss 2015 events and elections. Prospective members welcome. Free. Boones Saloon, 301 W. Edwards, 217-679-3752.

History African-American Read-in Feb 28, 1pm Sat. Read, recite or listen to literary work by African- American and Black authors in honor of Black History Month. Free to public. 217-585-6847. Zion Baptist Church, 1601 E. Laurel St., 217-528-6113.

Evening with the Creators Series Feb 26, 6:30pm Thu. “How it all began.” Panel discussion on the museums origin and beginnings moderated by Dr. Mark DePue. $36 members, $40 non. alplmfoundation.tix.com Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-782-5764.

Auditions

The Muni’s 2015 Audition Workshops Feb 21, 10am Sat. Open to those interested in auditioning for The Muni’s 2015 season. Children’s workshop at 10am, adults at 1pm. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. Theatre in the Park Open Auditions Feb 28, 9am-1pm Sat. Auditions for 2015 season. Show casting and audition requirements at theatreinthepark.net. Registration, 8:30am. Western Oaks Baptist Church, 5345 Old Jacksonville Road, 698-8622.

Health Black Lung Benefits Counseling Outreach Event Feb 19, 1-3pm Thu. Free to coal miners, widows of coal miners. Learn how to fi le for Federal Black Lung benefi ts, get help with claims, schedule screenings and more. 866-252- 9732. UMWA Offi ce, 3695 S. Sixth St.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Feb 19, 26, 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 Introduction to the Baha’i Faith Feb 20, 7:30-9pm Fri. Presentation followed by discussion. All welcome. Free. 217-546-9171. Springfi eld Bah·’Ì Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217- 544-9595. Mourning Lincoln Feb 22, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Featuring speaker Michael Burlingame, Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies, University of Illinois Springfi eld. Free to public. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

The Council Feb 21, 7pm Sat. Group of believers, saints, scholars and skeptics studying Gods’ Word via Scripture, history, science and media. Showing of “Noah” by Trey Smith. Open to public. 871- 1509. Holy Ground Coffeehouse, 304 W. Allen, 652-0423.

Sports & Fitness Capital City Cage Wars Feb 27, 6pm Fri. All-amateur fi ght card. Lineup at springfi eldpc3. com. Admission $30-50. Tickets ticketmaster.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. Presidents Day Ice Hockey Jamboree Feb 21, 8-11:30am Sat. 23 Illinois and Missouri youth hockey teams face off from 8am-6:15pm. Free “Try hockey for free” clinic 10:30-11:30am for kids 3-15. Preregister at tryhockeyforfree. com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

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

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