Holiday Happenings

26th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mar 14, 10am-10pm Sat. Parade starts 11am. Free to public. More information, 245-5119. Intersection of East State Street & Clay Street, Jacksonville.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mar 14, 12pm Sat. Annual St.

Patrick’s Day parade featuring marching band competition, prizes for best fl oat and local music. Free, $1 per wristband to drink. Downtown Springfield.

Fairs & Festivals

Annual Train Fair Mar 15, 10am-4pm Sun. Largest train show in downstate Illinois. Hosted by Springfi eld Model Railroad Club. Early bird shopping, 9am. springfi eldtrainfair. com. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217- 725-8047.

Books & Authors An Evening with Illinois Author Taylor Pensoneau Mar 19, 7-8pm Thu. “Dapper & Deadly: The True Story of Black Charlie Harris.” Free to public. Refreshments. Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine St., Taylorville, 824-4736. ArtLiterations Mar 19, 5-7pm Thu. Author Jackie Jackson reads from her Round Barn series. Artists Tess Sakolsky and Toni Wrightsman. Music by Ocean State. Free, open to public. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 544-2787.

Spoken Word SPW Poetry/Open Mic Mar 18, 6-8pm Wed. A Springfi eld Poets & Writers event, hosted by Thea Chesley, third Wednesday of every month. Free to public. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

Theater & Comedy Comedian JR Brow Mar 13-14, 8pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat. Standup comedian who performs with guitar in hand. Seen on Comedy Central and the “Bob and Tom Show.” $13, $15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE.

Death of a Doornail - A Murder Mystery Dinner Mar 13-15, 20-22, 6:30pm Fri-Sat, 1pm Sun. A Springfi eld Theatre Center production. $30. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Disney’s Tarzan the Musical Mar 13-15, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the Apes. Music by Phil Collins. $16, $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Fancy Nancy: The Musical Mar 13-14, 18-21, 7pm Wed-Sat, 2pm Sat-Sun. Off-Broadway musical based on the popular Fancy Nancy children’s books. $15 advance, $20 day of show. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838- 3006.

Fiddler on the Roof Mar 20-22, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Directed by and starring John Preece. $16-$18. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787. Zeta Phi Beta Dinner Theater Mar 15, 4-7pm Sun. Featuring “storyteller with attitude” Linda Gorham. Proceeds support scholarships for Springfi eld area youth. $40 in advance, $50 at door. 217-529-6310. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 217-523-7900.

Spotlight on Ice Mar 21-22, 2pm Sat-Sun, 7pm Sat. Featuring ice versions of Mary Poppins, Wicked, Pippen and more. Guest skater, former US Champion and Olympian Mirai Nagasu. $12 adults, $7 children under 14. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Music: General Events A Youthful Heir: Youth Concert Mar 24, 7:30-10pm Tue. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorale present their 52nd season, “Music is in the Air.” jaxsym.com. 217-243-5678. MacMurray College Annie Merner Chapel , College Avenue and Clay St., Jacksonville.

Dark Gypsy Spring Equinox Event Mar 20, 7-10pm Fri. Musicians, live artists, art auction, belly dancers, palm reading, tarot cards and more. Ages 18 and up. $5. 217-243- 5678. ASA Talcott House , 859 Grove St., Jacksonville, 217-473- 2726.

Expect the Unexpected Mar 13, 7-8:15pm Fri.

Sopranos Diane Dietz and Jody Kienzler in a variety program with organist/pianist, Dale Rogers. Free to public. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

Lenten Brown Bag Concert #4 Mar 18, 12:15-12:45pm. Free. Lunch available for $5 or bring your own. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528- 4311.

Second Friday at the Illinois State Museum Mar 13, 5:30-8pm Fri. Drinks, live music by The Blue G’s, food truck, activities, Pro-Text art exhibit opening, cash bar and more. Free admission. 217-782- 5949. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. Sing Irish Songs with Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus Mar 17, 7:30pm Tue. Open to all men. Past members encouraged to attend. More information, 415-2112. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.

Springfield High School’s Swing into Spring Mar 20, 6-8pm Fri. Music extravaganza and talent show. Featuring jazz bands from Springfi eld High, Franklin Middle School, Iles and Lincoln Magnet School, plus individual talent. $5 individual, $12 family. 217-494- 4134. Springfi eld High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 217-525-3100.

Dance Illinois Chapter Po.L.K. of A. Dance Mar 15, 2-5:30pm Sun. Music by Bobby Remack. Members $9, non $10. illinoischapterpolkofa. org. Riverton Knights of Columbus, 335 S. 4th St., Riverton, 217-629-9018. BAM (Mike Lewis) Mar 13, 8am Fri. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Donna Weghorst Mar 20, 8pm Fri. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-546-9515.

Art & Architecture 6X6 Raffle Fundraiser Mar 12-14, 17-21, 24-27, 12- 7pm Tue-Sat. Raffl e in support of Prairie Art Alliance. Paintings are 6 inches square, created and donated by PAA artists. Tickets, 2 for $5 or 5 for $10. Winners drawn on March 27, 7pm. Free, open to public. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787. All Over the Place Art Exhibit Mar 16-20, 23-25, 8:30am-4pm Mon-Fri. By local artist and LLCC graphic design manager Greg Walbert. Free, open to public. James S. Murray Gallery. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

China Painting Lecture and Demonstration Mar 17, 1-3pm Tue. Ron Ferricks, president of Illinois World Organization of China Painters lectures and demonstrates porcelain and china painting. $15. Registration, 787-0617. Springfi eld Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfi eld St., springfi eldceramicsandcraftsclub. org.

First Day of Spring Celebration Mar 20, 5:30-8pm Fri. Wine, appetizers, make-it-and-take-it project. Free, open to public. The Blue Door Gallery, 214 S. Sixth St., 217-753-0262.

Mystic Harmony Art Exhibition On display through April 23, 12- 7pm Tue-Sat. Featuring artists Toni Wrightsman (mixed media), Delinda Chapman (mixed media) and Tess Sakolsky (felted & gourd vessels). Free, open to public. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 544-2787.

Pretty Thoughts Reception Mar 13, 4-6pm Fri. Paintings by Lacuna Artist Lofts in Chicago artist in residence Mauricio Ramirez. Features stylized graffi ti letters, images from the artists past and abstract elements. In conjunction with the Pro-Text Partnership. On display until March 26, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Free, open to public. UIS Student Access Gallery, One University Plaza, 217-206-6600.

Pro-Text Progressive Reception Mar 13, 4-8pm Fri. A progressive partnership by four Springfi eld art venues featuring exhibitions that examine the use of text in art. Particpating venues are University of Illinois Springfi eld Student Gallery from 4-6pm; Lincoln Land Community College from 4-6pm; Illinois State Museum from 5:30-8pm and Springfi eld Art Association from 5:30-8pm. Free to public. More information, museum.state.il.us. Remembering Lincoln Exhibition Runs through May 10, 2015. 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 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. Salvage & Selvage: Fiber Artists Coalition Mar 12-14, 16-21, 23-25, 8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, 10am- 2pm Sat. Touring exhibit by eight Fiber Arts Coalition members. Fiber arts with a contemporary edge creating using nontraditional materials. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423- 3189. Sublime Light Mar 12, 16-19, 23-25, 11am-6pm Mon-Thu, Abstract paintings by Lyle Salmi. Free, open to public. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6506.

The Travelers On display Saturdays from 1-4pm or by appointment through April 4. By Bloomington resident and self-described nomad Arjan Zazueta. Paintings representing central Illinois. Free to public. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 217-206-6506. Watercolor Awash Mar 12-15, 17-22, 24-25, 4-6pm Tue-Sat, 1-3pm Sun. Paintings by watercolor artist Brenda Beck Fisher. Free, open to public. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Film & Television Free Films: Route 66’s Best

Mar 12, 6:30-8pm Thu. Into the Silent Sea, On/Off, Worlds Apart and Pint. 217-725-9058. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4049.

The Internet’s Own Boy Mar 12, 7-9pm Thu. A Liberty Brew & View Event. A personal story about the effects of ignoring technology and its relationship to our civil liberties. Speaker, auction to follow. Free to public. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580. UIS Movie: Waking Ned Devine Mar 13, 7-9pm Fri. Showing of 1998 fi lm. Rated PG. Ned Devine wins the Irish national lottery, but dies from the shock of winning. Meanwhile, Ned’s friends scheme to keep his prize money in their social circle. Free to public. 217-206-6665. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Children’s Corner Celebrate Cultural Diversity Family Event Mar 21, 11am-3pm Sat. Explore the heritage and traditions of various world cultures via handson crafts, international displays, live performances and more. Free. 217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386.

Kids in the Kitchen Mar 21, 1-4pm Sat. Free event for kids and parents. Registration 1pm, event from 2-4pm. 217- 414-3604. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 217-544-9846.

Satur-Play! - Compass Art Mar 14, 11am-3pm Sat. Celebrate Pi Day by using a math compass to create a cool art piece. Science and art activities for ages 3-10 and their families. Free to public. 217-782-5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Satur-Play! - Density Day Mar 21, 11am-3pm Sat. Art and science activities about density. For ages 3-10 and their families. Free, open to public. 217-782- 5955. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. Super Saturdays at the Museum Mar 14, 11am-3pm Sat. Learn about the women who made their mark on natural science, art and anthropology. Ages 3-8 and families. Free. 217-782- 6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Science Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Mar 18, 7pm Wed. Third Wednesday of March. Deanda Johnson, Midwest Regional Coordinator, National Park Service presents “Filling in the Blanks: Social Reform Movements and the Life of Martha Ann Blanks.” Free to public. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

Lectures & Meetings Association of Information Technology Professionals Mar 17, 5:30-8pm Tue. Rebecca Mercer, Memorial Health Systems, presents “Cyber Security Today”. Program free at 6:45pm. Meal, $15. [email protected]. 217- 971-7005. Top Cats Chill and Grill, 1822 Stevenson Dr., 217-529- 4005.

Catholic War Veterans Meeting Mar 12, 7-9pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Free to public. 217-891- 8719. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 217-523- 7523.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association

Mar 12, 7pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Open to the public. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528- 5740 . Civil Liberties and Human Rights Discussion Mar 12, 11:30am-1:30pm Thu. UIS professor emerita of Legal Studies, Kathryn Eisenhart, J.D., on principles of civil liberties and human rights. Rabbi Barry Marks, spiritual leader of Temple Israel, on Holocaust remembrance and commemoration in light of recent anti-Semitism. $20 includes lunch, program. Preregister, uiaa.org/uis. 217- 206-7395. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 217-206-6073. Great Decisions Discussion Group Mar 24, 7-9pm Tue. Discussion on Russia and the Ukraine Situation. Weekly series of foreign policy discussions sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave W., 217-525- 1866. Heads Up Group Mar 15, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for those who have had a head injury. More information, 523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-523- 0427.

PFLAG Mar 16, 7-8:30pm Mon. Monthly meeting offering support to LGBTQ community members plus their families and friends. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550. SCGC Annual Meeting and Brunch Mar 16, 10am-1pm Mon. Springfi eld Civic Garden Club. Meeting, introductions of new board and offi cers, 2015 member award recipients announced. Program: “Spring in Bloom” by professonal fl oral designer Eldon Haab. Register by Mar. 9. $25. SCGC-IL.org. 217-971-6888. Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Dr., 546-4431.

Sertoma Club Mar 16, 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 Mar 21, 11:30am Sat. Speaker Carol Phillips. Program: “Conserving and Preserving Family Heirlooms.” Reservations by March 18, contact Jane Bradley, 741-7463 e-mail at bradley1818@gmail. com. Illini Country Club, 1601 S Illini Road, 217-546-4614.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Mar 18, 11am-12:45pm Wed. “Expressions of Love” luncheon. Speaker Karilyn Eastvold. Presentation: “Getting Off the Merry-Go-Round of Worry.” $15. 787-8246. [email protected]. 217- 523-7900. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 217-523-7900. Stamp Collecting Club Mar 16, 7pm Mon. Meets third Monday of each month. 217- 546-5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W Lawrence, 217- 528-7571.

Bulletin Board APL New Volunteer

Orientation Mar 17, 6-7:30pm Tue. Informational session for those interested in volunteering with APL. Must be 16 or be accompained by parent or guardian. Sign up at [email protected]. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.

APL Pet Adoption Mar 15, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats and dogs available 10am-1pm at Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Parkway. Cats and dogs available 11am-2pm at Farm and Home Supply, 3030 Wabash Ave.

APL Pet Adoption Mar 14, 10am-1pm Sat. Cats available 11am-3pm, dogs from 10am-1pm at Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Parkway. Cats available 11am-3pm, dogs from 11am-2pm at Ace Hardware, 1600 Wabash Ave., Springfi eld. Bowl For Kids’ Sake Mar 13, 15, 5pm & 9pm Fri, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm Sun. Annual bowling event in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. 217- 753-1216. bbbscapitalregion. org. Kingpin Lanes, 3115 E. Sangamon Ave., (217) 544- 0838. Chatham Jaycees March Madness M-Night Mar 20, 7-11pm Fri. Chatham Jaycees recruitment event featuring March Madness basketball and a New Orleansstyle shrimp boil. $5 members, free with prospective member. 217-414-9637. Chatham Alamo, 310 N. Main Plaza, Chatham, 217-483-6699. Junior High Girls’ Career Conference Mar 21, 8am-12:45pm Sat. Science, technology, engineering and math workshops and hands-on activities for girls in grades 6-8. Great opportunity to meet successful career women and other like-minded girls. $15 by Mar. 7, $20 after. EYHSpringfi eld.com. 217-652- 4676. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Riverton Library Annual Trivia Night Mar 14, 6-10pm Sat. Doors at 6pm, games at 7pm. 10 categories. $10 per person, limit 10 per table. 217-629- 6353. Riverton Knights of Columbus, 335 S. 4th St., Riverton, 217-629-9018.

Third Annual Theatre in the Park Trivia Night Mar 13, 7pm Fri. Doors at 6pm, trivia at 7pm. $10 per person, 10 per table. Concession stand, silent auction. More information, 241-3241. Porta High School, 17651 Bluejay Road, Petersburg, 217-632- 3219.

War on Poverty Panel Discussion Mar 12, 6-7:30pm Thu. Threepart panel discussion explores the past, present and future of the War on Poverty. Final event in War on Poverty Forum. Public reception 5:30-6pm. iacaanet.org. 217-206-6079. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 217-206- 6073.

Food 11th Annual Mia Ware Foundation Gala Mar 13, 6-10pm Fri. Cocktails at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. $50 per person. 217-243-5678. Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville. Coffee Cupping and Seminar Mar 13, 6-7pm Fri. Learn about coffee and cup coffee from three growing regions. Free to public. 217-391-7587. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217-391-7628. Pancake Breakfast Mar 21-22, 8am-12pm Sat- Sun. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes and sausage served with 100 percent real maple syrup. Silent auction to follow. $8 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

History An Illinois Regiment Winds Down The Civil War: Final Fights, Marches, Mustering Out, Heading Home Mar 15, 2pm Sun. Program by historian John Alexander on the 122nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, 761-3910.

Auditions

2015 Muni Adult Auditions Mar 14, 8am-5pm Sat. Ages 13 and up. All ages, abilities, sizes needed for 2015 season. Must register in advance for hour-long audition. Online registration form, more information at TheMuni.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Springfield Youth Performance Group Auditions Mar 15, 4am-6pm Sun. Auditions for Summer Showcase production to be performed June 13th. Open to ages 7 to 13. Children must be currently enrolled in dance classes at any dance studio. Registration 4-4:30pm, auditions 5-6pm. More information, sypg. org. Springfi eld Dance, 5531 International Parkway.

Health GROW in Illinois Mental Health Mar 12, 19, 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 80s Trivia Night: Sugar Creek Student Ministry Mission Fundraiser Mar 15, 5:30-9pm Sun. Dinner, trivia, silent auction, door prizes. $10 per person. Preregister, eosterbur@ sugarcreek.org or 483-2270. Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, 622-7953. Faith Coalition for the Common Good Breakfast Fundraiser Mar 19, 7:30-8:30am Thu. Fifth annual. Guest speaker is Sangamon County Sheriff Wes Barr. No cost to attend; attendees asked to invest in Faith Coalition’s work for equality and justice. faithcoalition-il.org. Reservations, 544-2297. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 217-544-8115.

Sports & Fitness JHS Girls Soccer Trivia Night Mar 21, 6-10pm Sat. Doors, food at 6pm. Trivia at 7pm. Entry fee, $10 per person. Maximum 10 to a table. 217-243-5678. Knights of Columbus Hall, Jacksonville, 320 E. State St., Jacksonville, 217-248-0507.

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

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