FAIRS & FESTIVALS

17th Annual Illinois Products Expo Mar 7-8, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am- 3pm Sun. Free food samples and products for sale from over 70 Illinois companies, plus Illinois Wine Garden. $5, children 10 and under free. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.

Women’s Health Fair Feb 28, 10am-12:30pm Sat. “Getting to the Heart of the Matter” featuring Dr. Wendi Wills El-Amin and Dr. Cara Vasconcelles. $10. 217-502-4733. Capital Area Career Center, 2201 Toronto Road, 529-5431 x164.

BOOKS & AUTHORS Annual Book Sale Mar 7-6, 10am-4pm Sat. $5 donation to get in the door. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Drive, Rochester, 498-8454. Poets in the Parlor: Monica Berlin and Beth Marzoni Mar 8, 2-3pm Sun. Accomplished poets/writers/professors read from Parlor Press reissue of their collaborative collection. Their collection of poems, No Shape Bends the River So Long, won the 2013 New Measure Prize. Free to public. Vachel Lindsay

Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.

Shelterbelt: Stuart Dybek Mar 6, 7-8pm Fri. Reading by awardwinning Chicago author Stuart Dybek whose poetry and nonfi ction have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s, The Atlantic, Poetry, Tin House and many other magazines. Free to public. UIS Brookens Library, One University Plaza, 217-206-6633 info, 217-206- 6605 circulation.

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 A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court Mar 4, 7:30pm Wed. A satirical tale by Mark Twain and produced by The Acting Company with The Guthrie. Time-travel back author from the 19th century back to medieval 6th century England. SangamonAuditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

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.

Gabriel Iglesias Mar 5, 5pm Thu. One of America’s most successful stand-up comedians. Millikin University’s 2015 Goodheart Event. Free for Millikin students and staff, $25 public. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217- 424-6318.

MAMMA MIA! Feb 26, 7:30pm Thu. Smash hit Broadway music based on songs of ABBA by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. A celebration of mothers, daughters, old and new friends. SangamonAuditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

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.

Tarzan, The Musical Mar 6-8, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun.

Disney’s musical version of Tarzan and the Apes. Featuring music by Phil Collins. Starring the Hoogland Kids and Teens. $18, $16. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

The Dixie Swim Club Feb 27, 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. $18 adults, $16 seniors, students. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

The Ladies Man Feb 26, Mar 1, 7:30pm Wed- Sat, 2pm Sun. Charles Morey’s adaptation presented by Millikin University’s Department of Theatre and Dance. A series of situations escalate and explode in an attempt to cover up a little lie. $12-$14. Albert Taylor Theatre, Millikin’s Shilling Hall, Decatur, 217-424-6318.

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 Untamed Shrews Mar 6-7, 8pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat. A bawdy variety show consisting of stand-up, improv and music by two very funny women. Not for the faint of heart. $18, $16. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE.

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

Annual High School Band Festival Mar 2, 9am-3pm Mon. Noncompetitive performances by central Illinois high school bands. Each ensemble performs 3 pieces, adjucators write helpful comments. Free, open to public. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217- 424-6318.

Cellist Gabriel Cabezas Feb 28, 7:30pm Sat. Selections include “Dawn on the Moskva River,” Shostakovich’s “Cello Concerto No. 1” featuring Gabriel Cabezas, Faure’s “Pavane” and Debussy’s “La Mer.” Millikin University Choir also performs. $13-$16.50 Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217-424-6318. 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.

Joe Arview Mar 8, 6pm Sun. Live concert with country Gospel singer from southern Illinois. Public invited. 217-525-1978. Edinburg Baptist Church, 416 Ricks St., Edinburg, (217) 623-4437. 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.

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.

SVYS Winter Concert - Symphonic Collage Feb 28, 2pm Sat. Performance debut of the season for the Starter Strings II plus diverse, exciting themes by SVYS and the Preparatory Orchestra. $10 adults, $5 students, 10 and under free. 217-753-8000. Springfi eld High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 217-525-3100. The Dowd Family Mar 7, 7pm Sat. Southern gospel concert featuring beautiful family harmony. Refreshments at 6pm. First Baptist Church, 301 South Grand Ave. West, (217) 523- 7731.

“The Event” Feb 27-28, 6:30-10pm Fri, 9:30am Sat. Show choir competition featuring 20 junior high and high school show choirs. Hosted by Titan Fever. Performances Friday night and Saturday. Finals Saturday, 6:30pm. Admission $10 per day. 217-622-3618. Glenwood High School, 1501 Plummer Boulevard, Chatham, 483-2424. UIS Music Spring Recital Mar 6, 7-8:30pm Fri. Performances by UIS Chorus, A Capella Group plus honorable mention soloists from the UIS Music Soloist Competition. Free, open to public. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 217-206- 6073.

DANCE Old Fashioned Square and Round Dance Mar 8, 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

“Ego Vs. Alter Ego” Exhibition Feb 27-26, 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.

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. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfield St., springfi eldceramicsandcraftsclub.org. DEMO Project Opening Reception Mar 6, 6-8:30pm Fri. The Travelers from Bloomington, Illinois artist Arjan Zazueta. Paintings representing central Illinois. Free to public. 217-523- 2631. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 217-206-6506.

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.

Looking at Lincoln: Pictures and Persuasions Mar 1, 2pm Sun. Presentation by Julia Marsh, Curator of Civic Engagement at the Allentown Museum of Art, on what “contemporary depictions based on early still photographs of Lincoln tell us about the man, his changing identity and ourselves.” Free to public. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Mid-Central Illinois Scholastic Art Awards Feb 26-28, 12am Thu-Sat. 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.

“Mystic Harmony” and 6 x 6 Painting Raffle Reception Mar 7, 5:30-7:30pm Sat. On display through Apr. 23. Mixed-media artwork by Toni Wrightsman, Tess Sakolsky, Delinda Chapman. 6x6 painting to be unveiled for raffl e. Free. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 544-2787.

Pro-Text: When Words Enter Visual Art Mar 8-11, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun. An exploration of the ways artists combine language in visual art. Featuring emerging and midcareer Illinois contemporary artists plus work from the ISM’s Fine Art Collection. On display Mar. 8 to Sept. 13. Free to public. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 217-782- 7386.

Remembering Lincoln Exhibition Through May 10, 8:30am-5pm M-Sa, 12-5 Sun. Exhibition featuring rarely seen objects honoring the memory of our 16th President. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Sublime Light Opening Reception Mar 5, 5:30-8:30pm Thu. Abstract paintings by Lyle Salmi, associate professor of painting, drawing and printmaking and chair of the Art Department at Millikin University on display Mar 2-26, 11am-6pm Mon-Thurs. Free, open to public. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

FILM & TELEVISION To Light a Candle Film Screening Feb 27, 12pm Fri. Film depicting worldwide efforts to provide access to higher education for Baha’i youth in Iran. Free to public. Part of international “Education is Not a Crime” campaign. Free to public. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

To Light a Candle Film Screening Feb 27, 7pm Fri. Film depicting worldwide efforts to provide access to higher education for Baha’i youth in Iran. Free to public. Part of international “Education is Not a Crime” campaign. Free to public. Springfi eld Bah·’Ì Center, 1131 S. Eighth St, 217-544-9595.

The Liberator Screening Mar 1, 3, 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue. Part of 24th Annual Molly Schlich Independent and International Film Series. Final fi lm of festival. Venezuelan fi lm about South American Revolution. $8 adults, $4 students with ID. 217-523-2631. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Boulevard, 888-262-4386.

CHILDREN’S CORNER 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 28, 1-3pm Sat. Rain date from Feb. 21. Explore the collections of local kids and teens, meet other young collectors. 782-0061. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386.

Junior and Senior Naturalist Program Mar 7, 9am-4pm Sat. Opportunities for young naturalists to explore the ever changing landscape at the Garden. Juniors (age 5-8) meet 9am to noon, seniors (age 9-12) meet 1-4pm. Members, $40 for all three series or $15 per program. Non $15 per program. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529- 1111.

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! - Tornado Tubes Feb 28, 11am-3pm Sat. See a tornado vortex 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 Mar 9, 10-10:30am Mon. Celebrate Women’s History Month with stories of women who accomplished amazing things, just be by being themselves. Ages 3-5 and caregivers. Free. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

NATURE

Maple Syrup Time Demonstrations Feb 28, Mar 1, 7-8, 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.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Capital Area Woodworkers Club Meeting Mar 4, 6:30-8pm Wed. Regular monthly meeting. Scheduled program: “Sharpening - Part II.” Dinner/social hour begins at 5:30pm. Visitors welcome. Free. MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave., 217-787-8706. Chatham Jaycees Meeting Mar 5, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414-9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 217-483- 4613.

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. 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. The Rotary Club of Springfield Mar 2, 5:30-7pm Mon. Presentation by Carol Harris, Sangamon County Medical Society. Complimentary for prospective members. 217-793- 1710. Maldaner’s, 222 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4313.

BULLETIN BOARD APL New Volunteer Orientation Feb 26, 28, 6-7:30pm Thurs, 10-11:30am 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 Rd.

APL Pet Adoption Feb 28, 11am-4pm Sat. Cats and dogs available 11am until 4pm at PetSmart. Cats and dogs available 11am until 2pm at Green Hyundai offsite sale inside the old Hobby Lobby at 1987 Wabash Ave., Springfi eld. 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. Bowl For Kids’ Sake Mar 6-7, 9:30pm-10:30pm Fri, 1-4pm Sat. Annual bowling event in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. More information, 217-753-1216 or bbbscapitalregion.org. Kingpin Lanes, 3115 E. Sangamon Ave., (217) 544-0838.

Citizens Club Policy Breakfast Feb 27, 8-9am Fri. Program on fracking with speakers Al Grosboll and Mark Denzler. Coffee reception, 7:30am. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

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 PAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Mar 9, 5:30-9pm Mon. Induction of Robert Secter, Deborah Peterson and Chuck Abbott into UIS Public Affairs Reporting Program Hall of Fame. $50. 217- 206-7163. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 217-523-4466.

FOOD Bacon Fest 2 Mar 7, 6-10pm Sat. Judging based on taste, creativity, appearance and incorporation of bacon in dish. Must submit entry to attend event. Free. Information, deargemm2@ yahoo.com. Dockers, 120 E. State Route 54, Spaulding, 217- 629-8872.

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

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 GROW in Illinois Mental Health Feb 26, Mar 5, 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.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY Iraq’s Internally Displaced Persons:

Their Life and Their Future Mar 1, 2pm Sun. Sister Marcelline Koch discusses her trip to Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq, temporary home to 2 million internally-displaced Iraqis. Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe Street, 217-787-0481.

SPORTS & FITNESS Capital City Cage Wars Feb 27, 6pm Fri. All-amateur fi ght card. Lineup at springfi eldpc3.com. Admission $30-50. Tickets, 800-745- 3000 or ticketmaster.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza. SCHEELS Fish Fest Mar 7, 9am-5pm Sat. Meet and greet with Mark Menendez, Bassmaster elite pro tournament angler, kids activities, and vendors. Free. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726-6330.

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

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