Send us your events!
It’s easy.
Submit online at:
www.illinoistimes.com
Email:
[email protected]
Mailing address:
Calendar P.O. Box 5256 Springfield, IL 62705 Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending events.
Fairs & Festivals
Holistic Healing Fair Apr 11-12, 10am-5pm Sat-Sun. Fair featuring central Illinois’ best natural healing arts, reiki, healing touch, chiropractors, access consciousness, pure essential oils, aura picture reports, psychics and more. 217-698-2776. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 217-523- 7900.
Books & Authors
From Springfield to Schlestadt Apr 11, 9-10am Sat. Featuring Lincoln Land Community College Political Science Professor Chris McDonald, Ph.D. WWI presentation based on Professor McDonald’s newly published book. Free, open to public. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.
Note and Pen Society Apr 4, 11am-12pm Sat. Teen writers’ group focuses on key elements of creative writing. Share and edit writing projects, play fun writing activities. All genres welcome. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Drive, Rochester, 498-8454.
Rebellion as the First American Tradition Apr 2, 7pm Thu. Award-winnning poet Jericho Brown reads from latest poetry, The New Testament, and his fi rst book, Please. Brown’s poetry explores community, specifi cally the ways in which certain individuals are not allowed to be a part of their home community. Free, open to public. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 217-206-6073.
Shelterbelt: Jericho Brown Apr 3, 7-8pm Fri. Keynote speaker for Student Technology Arts and Research Symposium. Former speechwriter for Mayor of New Orleans. Recipient of the Whiting Writers Award and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. Free to public. UIS Brookens Library, One University Plaza, 217-206-6633 info, 217-206- 6605 circulation.
Theater & Comedy
A Streetcar Named Desire Apr 10-12, 16-18, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, 6pm Thur. UIS Theatre performs Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Charlotte’s Web Apr 2-4, 7:30pm Thu-Sat. Playhouse on the Square presents a classic tale of loyalty and friendship featuring local youth. Directed by Laurie McCoy. $10 adults, $5 kids. Tickets. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 217-491-3977.
Comedian Dr. Gonzo Apr 3-4, 8pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat. A central Illinois native. Seen on the “Bob and Tom” show. $15, $13. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE.
Comedian Todd Yohn Apr 3, 8:30-10pm Fri. Apr 4, 7:15- 8:45pm Sat. Todd has appeared on HBO, SHOWTIME, VH-1, and Comedy Central. $15 cash only at club. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.
Our American Cousin Apr 10-12, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Springfi eld Theatre Center production. Three-act play by Tom Taylor. Comedy about the introduction of an awkward American to his English relatives. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Talley’s Folly Apr 3-4, 8pm Fri-Sat. Pulitzer Prizewinning show that illustrates one evening in the courtship of two unlikely loves, Sally Talley and Matt Friedman. $16, $18. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.
Music: General Events
Brass Quintet Apr 8, 11am Wed. Around the Town concert series. Free, hour-long concert featuring Illinois Symphony Orchestra members. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363.
Fiery Fiddlin’ Apr 11, 7:30pm Sat. Fiddler Jeremy Kittel, ISO’s concertmaster Violetta Todorova, ISO’s Conductor Laureate Kenneth Kiesler. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.Jacksonville Symphony Annual Jazz Benefit Apr 10, 6pm-12am Fri. 217- 243-5678. Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Apr 2, 7:30pm. 217-245-1181. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.
Johnnie Concaroo Band Apr 10, 7-10pm Fri. BYOB. $5. Springfi eld Senior Center, 701 W. Mason St., 528-4035.
Art & Architecture
All Over the Place Art Exhibit Apr
2, 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.
Along the Water Opening Reception Apr
10, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Exhibition showcases impressionistic, abstracted
or conceptual perspectives of the lake. Featured artists: Amanda Arnett,
Amanda Greive, Bernie Hatcher, John Hayes, Robert Mazrim, Ruthann
Mazrim, Ginny Lee, Erin Svendsen and Jeff Williams. Through April 26,
9am- 5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. Free, open to public. Springfi eld Art
Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
BIO-fied Opening Reception Apr
2, 5:30-8:30pm Thu. Group art exhibition examining various perspectives
on the subject of genetic engineering by mostly Springfi eld-based
artists. Through April 16, 11am-6pm Mon-Thurs. Free, open to public. UIS
Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6506.
DEMO Project Presents CLOSED Opening Reception Apr
10-11, 6-8:30pm Fri, 1-4pm Sat. Exhibition by Chicago artist Danny
Volk, whose work “assumes that superfi ciality is the essential truth of
objects and actions and uses theatrical semiotics to explore the social
world.” Open Saturdays through May 2 from 1-4pm or by appointment.
217-523-2631. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 217-206-6506.
Exhibit #7 Apr
5, 8pm-12am Sun. Open art exhibit alongside Tom Irwin. Free to public.
217-904-3050. Brewhaus, 617 E. Washington St., 217-525-6399.
Free Downtown Artisan Walk Apr
11, 11:30am-1pm Sat. Garden party, tour downtown art galleries and
shops. Free to all ages. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522-8006.
Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Annual Show Apr
10, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. First show of the season featuring new works by
IPPS members in their “most colorful show yet.” Refreshments, live music
by Bill Furry and Friends. On display through June. Free, open to public. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.
Meet the Artists Apr
3, 5-8pm Fri. Meet the textile artists behind “Artsy Threads.” Free to
public. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 217-522-8006. 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.
Paradise Awaits... Apr 3, 6-9pm Fri. Featured artist Bob McKinzie. Free, open to public. 217-904-3050. Maldaner’s, 222 S. Sixth St., 217- 522-4313.
ProText Addendum Apr 2-3, 9am-5pm Thu-Fri. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Reflections Through April 26, 8am-7pm Mon-Sat. Drawings, paintings and calligraphy by MarySusan Farmer. Free, open to public. 217-787-3452. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622.
Remembering Lincoln Exhibition Runs
through May 10, 8:30am- 5pm M-Sa, 12-5 Sun. Exhibition featuring rarely
seen objects honoring the memory of our 16th President. 217-782-7386.
Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
The Travelers Apr 4, 1-4pm Sat. By Bloomington resident and selfdescribed nomad Arjan Zazueta. Paintings representing central Illinois. Free to public. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 217- 206-6506.
theGALLERY Apr
2, 6-10pm Thu. Open art exhibit featuring spoken word and musical open
mic. Free to public. 217-904-3050. Joe Gallina’s Pizza and Restaurant,
432 E. Monroe St., 217-522- 5271.
Film & Television
Free Films: Route 66’s Best Apr 9, 6:30-8pm Thu. 217-725- 9058. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4049.
UIS Movie: Citizenfour Apr
10, 7-9pm Fri. In Jan 2013, Laura Poitras began receiving anonymous,
encrypted emails from “CITIZEN-FOUR” who claimed to have evidence of
illegal surveillance programs by the NSA and other worldwide agencies.
This promoted the fi rst of many meetings with Edward Snowden. 2014.
Rated R. Free to public. 217-206-6665. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One
University Plaza, 217-206-6073.
Children’s Corner
Dodge Ball Easter Egg Hunt Apr
4, 6pm Sat. Duck, dip, dive and dodge for Easter Eggs. Candy or prize
in every egg. Bring your own basket. Ages 8-13. $3 per child. Goals
Indoor Sports, 3604 North Peoria Road, 217 789- GOAL.
Home School Programs: Henri Matisse Apr
9, 1:30-2:30pm Thu. Study infl uential modern artists and artworks of
the Twentieth Century and create a Matissestyle artwork. Open to ages
6-13. Registration required. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community
Drive, Rochester, 498-8454.
Kids Klub Fishing Fun Apr
6, 6-7pm Mon. Learn all about fi shing. Free ferris wheel ride. Free,
open to public. Scheels, 3801 South MacArthur, 217-726- 6330.
Kids Rock! 2015 Apr
11, 9:30am-12pm Sat. Family concert by Jeanie B!, a Chicagoarea
award-winning children’s entertainer. Plus face painting, interactive
vendors, activities and more. Advance tickets $6 per person ages 4 and
up or $8 at door. Group tickets for up to 5 available in advance for
$25. 217- 875-1910. Macon Resources, 2121 Hubbard Avenue, Decatur.
Spring Break Search at the ISM Apr
2-12, 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Search activity leads visitors
through the Museum in search of symbols of spring. Monarch butterfl y
tattoo and milkweed seed packet to all who complete the search.
Recommended for school-age children and families. Free, open to public.
217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Spring Story Time Apr 11, 10-11am Sat. Spring stories, crafts and snacks. Free, open to public. 217-391-7628. Edgar’s Coffee House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham.
Story Time at the Museum Apr
13, 10-10:30am Mon. “How Does Your Garden Grow?” Stories and songs
about growing things. Ages 3-5 and caregivers. Free, open to public.
217-782-5993. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.
Super Saturdays at the Museum Apr
11, 11am-3pm Sat. Theme is “The Earth & Me.” Activities, crafts and
educational games recommended for children ages 3-8. Free, open to
public. 217- 782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St.,
217-782-7386. Vachel Lindsay Illustration Contest Apr 7, 8am Tue. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 217-524-0901.
Science
Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Apr
8, 7-8:30pm Wed. “There Are Neandertals Among Us!” by Fred H. Smith,
Ph.D., Illinois State University. Free to public. 217- 785-0037.
Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.
Nature
42nd Annual Spring Floral Show Apr
2-5, 12-4 Mon-Fri, 12-5 Sat- Sun. Easter lilies, tulips, azaleas,
hyacinths, other tropical foliage and more on display. Free to public.
Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Environment
Sustainable Connections at Driftwood Eatery Apr
15, 5:30-7pm Wed. Casual drinks with others working on innovations in
urban sustainability and connected technology. sustainablespringfi
eld.org. 217- 652-7489. Driftwood, 11 Old Capitol Plaza West, 217-572-
1906.
Lectures & Meetings
A Christian Response to Violence Apr
11, 9am-3pm Sat. Worship and discussion of violence in public and
private settings hosted by Laurel Peacemakers. Free, open to public.
Register by April 6, igrc-reg.brtapp.com/violence or
787-6867. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 South Grand Ave. W.,
217-525-1866.
Alzheimer’s Assocation Education Event Apr 14,
5:30-6pm Tue. Hear from people who have Alzheimer’s and fi nd out how to
recognize the signs in yourself and others. Dinner at 6pm, program at
7pm. Free. Register at alz.org/illinois. 217-726-5184. Refl ections
Memory Care, 401 N. Park Ave., Chatham, 217-407-4250.
Capital Area Woodworkers Club Meeting Apr
6, 6:30-8pm Mon. Scheduled program: “Wooden Folding Chair Design.”
Dinner/ social hour, 5:30-6:30pm. Regular monthly meeting, visitors
welcome. Free. 217- 553-0097. MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave.,
217-787-8706.
Catholic War Veterans Meeting Apr 9, 7-9pm Thu. Meeting on the second Thursday of the month. Free. 217-891-8719. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 217-523-7523.
Chatham Jaycees Meeting Apr 2, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414- 9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 217-483- 4613.
Power in Your Purpose Apr 8, 6-8pm Wed. Speakers
and information for women who are interested in starting their own
business. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900. Sertoma Club Apr
6, 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 Civic Garden Club Meeting Apr 6,
9-11:30am Mon. “Freshen Up Your Landscape with the Latest Trends” by
Mark McWilliams, owner and operator of Coppertree Outfoor Lifestyles.
Free, open to public. 217-971- 6888. Westminster Presbyterian Church,
533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.
The Rotary Club of Springfield Apr 6, 5:30-7pm Mon. Presentation
by Vicki Megginson on Roger Ebert, late fi lm critic. Prospective
members welcome as guests. Complimentary for prospective Rotarians.
217-793- 1710. Maldaner’s, 222 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4313.
WE-CI Monthly Meeting Apr
8, 11:30am-1pm Wed. Topic: “Team Building & Motivating Your Staff.”
Speaker is Maureen Bluhm, general manager of White Oaks Mall. $15
members, $10 guests, $20 walk-ins. Reservations by April 3 at [email protected]. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793. Womens Overseas Service League Apr 14, 12:30-1:30pm Tue. 217- 891-8719. American Legion Post 32, 1120 Sangamon Ave., 217- 522-3110.
Bulletin Board
An Evening with Forrest Wood Apr
11, 5-10pm Sat. Buffet dinner featuring speaker Forrest Wood, founder
of Ranger Boats. Presented by the Jacksonville Rotary Club Foundation.
jacksonvillerotary.org. Tickets, $40, 245-1137. 217-243-5678.
Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville.
APL New Volunteer Orientation Apr
2, 7, 9, 7:30pm Tue, Thur. Informational session for those interested
in volunteering with APL. Must be 16 or accompanied by parent or
guardian. Space is limited, preregistration required. [email protected] 217- 544-7387. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road.
Cat and Kitten Adoption Apr
4, 10am-3pm Sat. Cats and kittens available for adoption from Forever
Home Feline Ranch. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Drive,
Rochester, 498-8454.
Illinois Innocence Project Defenders Event Apr
8, 5:30pm Wed. Celebrate recent Illinois exonerees Christopher
Abernathy and Angel Gonzalez and new eyewitness identifi cation reforms
signed into law in 2014. Special guests Jennifer Thompson and Ronald
Cotton. Reservations, $100. uis. edu/innocentproject. 217-206- 6569.
Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217- 753-0702.
Kiwanis Trivia Mania Apr 10, 6-10pm Fri. Doors at 6pm, trivia at 7pm. $10 per person, 10 per table. 217-243- 5678. Bogart’s, 2142 Old State Road, Jacksonville, 217-245- 5757.
Let Freedom Ring March and Rally Apr
9, 2:15-3:15pm Thu. March from Lincoln Home to Old State Capitol to
refl ect on the connections between the Civil War and the Civil Rights
Movement. Free, open to public. 217-801-2698. Lincoln Home National
Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 217-391-3221. Memorial Hospice Gala Apr
11, 6:30pm Sat. Gala to benefi t the Sharing Wishes Fund which helps
fulfi ll the wishes of hospice patients. Dinner, music, auctions and
entertainment. $85 per person, tickets on sale Mar. 2. 217-788-4700.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 217-529-7777.
Student Technology, Arts & Research Symposium (STARS) Apr
2-3, 5-10pm Thur, 8am- 10pm Fri. UIS undergraduate and graduate
students present research and creative endeavours via talks,
presentations, art exhibitions, music performances and more. All events
are free and open to public. University of Illinois at Springfi eld,
217-206- 6073.
Food
Coffee Cupping and Seminar Apr
4, 1-2pm Sat. Learn about coffee growing to harvesting, through
selection, grading, roasting and more. Free to public. Edgar’s Coffee
House, 87 W. Plummer, Chatham, 217- 391-7628.
History
59th Annual Lincoln Tomb Ceremony Apr
11, 10am Sat. Event honoring the 150th anniversary of President Abraham
Lincoln’s death. Hosted by SUVCW and MOLLUS. Lincoln Tomb State
Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave., 782-2717. Pursuit to Appomattox Apr
9, 6:30pm Thu. Presentation by historian Mark DePue on Lee’s fi nal
attempt to escape the Union army and his decision to surrender. Abraham
Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Inside Job: Deconstructing 19th Century Interiors Apr 9, 7-8pm Thu. Dan Cooper shares fascinating insight into the way people furnished their houses in the 19th century, plus a sneak peek at the
new restoration of Edwards Place. $5 donation suggested. Springfi eld
Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Health
Celebrate the Heart of a Woman Apr
14, 6-8pm Tue. Event empowers women of all ages to take a proactive
approach toward heart health. Presentations, breakout sessions and more.
Free. Register, 788-3333. 217-757-7849. Springfi eld YMCA Gus &
Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 217-679-1625.
Depression/Bipolar Disorder Support Group Apr
7, 14, 6:30-8pm Tue. Support for those affected by a mood disorder,
including friends and family. Free. 217-761-4710. First Christian
Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 217-528-3407.
GROW in Illinois Mental Health Apr
2, 9, 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. Happiness and Humor for Coping with Stress Apr
2, 5:30-6:30pm Thu. Presentation by Kathleen Passanisi, National
Speakers Association Hall of Fame presenter specializing in therapeutic
humor. Space is limited, register at siumed. edu/cancer. Simmons Cancer
Institute, 315 W. Carpenter, 217- 545-0798.
Faith & Philosophy
Easter and Passover Apr 5, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presented by Sabbatical Preacher Paul Oakley. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.
Easter Play Apr
5, 11am-1pm Sun. Original play entitled “Were You There?” about the
life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Union Baptist Church, 1405
E. Monroe St., 217-544-8115. Final Destination, Where is Yours? Apr
5, 9am-1pm Sun. A special Easter dramatization on the later life of
Jesus on earth. Free to public. Abundant Faith Christian Center, 2525
Taylor Ave., 217- 585-4000.
Sports & Fitness
16th Annual Jacksonville Rotary Club Bass Tournament Apr
12, 6am-3pm Sun. 217- 243-5678. Lake Jacksonville, 3 miles south of
Jacksonville and 30 miles west of Springfi eld just off I-72,
Jacksonville, 217-479- 4644.
More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.
Searchable by date, venue, genre, name and more.
