BOOKS & AUTHORS

Springfield Comic Book Convention Aug 16, 10am-4pm Sun. Large variety of new and old comic books plus toys and collectibles. Free. epguides.com/ comics. 309-657-1599. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 529-6626.

SPOKEN WORD

SPW Poetry/Open Mic Aug 19, 6-8pm Wed. 217-725-9058. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-528-1901.

THEATER & COMEDY

Distant Memories Aug 18, 25, 5:30-6:30pm Tue. Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave., 782-2717.

Good People Aug 20-23, 7:30-10pm Thu-Sat, 2-4:30pm Sun. Tony Award-winning dramatic comedy featuring talented, local actors. Tickets $10 at the door or by calling 491-3977. Playhouse on the Square, 68 E. Central Park, Jacksonville, 217-491-3977.

Jane Eyre: The Musical Aug 14-16, 20-22, 8pm Fri-Sun, 8pm Thu-Sat. Based off the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Musical book by John Caird. Free pre-show indoor theatre held 1 hour prior to each performance. Tickets $8-13. theatreinthepark.net. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 217-632-5440.

Theatre in the Park Performers Aug 18, 12-1pm Tue. Part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753-3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Streets at Adams.

West Side Story Aug 13-15, 20-22, 8pm Thu-Sat. Award-winning update of the classic, romantic tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” set in New York City. Tickets: $12-14 reserved, $6-10 lawn. themuni.org. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 793-MUNI.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

Ben Bedford Aug 20, 12-1pm Thu. Part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series.

Free. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Streets at Adams.

Fall Out Boy Aug 15, 7pm Sat. $40-62. agr.state. il.us. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Hank Williams Jr., .38 Special Aug 21, 7:30pm Fri. Part of Country Concert Blowout series. agr.state.il.us/ isf/grandstand. $25-47. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Justin Moore, Josh Thompson, Jon Pardi Aug 16, 7:30pm Sun. Part of Country Concert Blowout series. agr.state. il.us/isf. $21-46. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus Aug 17, 3:30pm Mon. landofl incolnchorus.org. Free. Illinois State Fair Lincoln Stage.

Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Raelynn Aug 18, 7:30pm Tue. Part of Country Concert Blowout series. agr.state.il.us/ isf/grandstand. $40-65. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Sammy Hagar and The Circle, Collective Soul Aug 14, 7:30pm Fri. agr. state.il.us/isf. $26-48. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

The Fray, Andy Grammer Aug 20, 8pm Thu. Rock-pop group The Fray and Top 10 pop star Andy Grammer. $15-37. agr.state.il.us/isf/grandstand. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Third Friday Gospel Sing Aug 21, 6:30pm Fri. Open mic event featuring area musicians. Light meal at 5:30pm. Free. First Baptist Church, 301 South Grand Ave. West, 523-7731.

Two By Two Aug 16, 6pm Sun. Part of the “Concerts in the Park” series hosted by Jacksonville Pilot Club. 370-0414. Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main, Jacksonville.

DANCE Illinois Chapter Po.L.K. of A. Dance Aug 16, 2-5:30pm Sun. Music by Dynamic Duo. Members $9, non $10. illinoischapterpolkofa. org. 217-726-0181. Riverton KC Hall, 401 S. Fourth St., Riverton.

St. Andrew’s Society Dancers Aug 13, 12-1pm Thu. Part of the Springfi eld Area Arts Council’s Artist on the Plaza summer performance series. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Streets at Adams.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Black Sheep Art Show Aug 15, 5-7pm Sat. Featuring Kamila Glowacki, Kristin Walker, Clare Frachey, Brett Freeman and more. Free. blacksheepspringfi eld.com. Black Sheep Cafe, 1320 S. Eleventh St., 847-428-0562.

Here and Not Here Reception Aug 14, 5:30pm Fri. Featuring contemporary artists Cody Arnall, Edward Kelley and Megan Stroech. Collaborative open reception with DEMO Project. Reception, drinks, appetizers in both locations. On display through Aug 29. Free. demoprojectspace.com. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Moments: Photographs by David Brodsky Aug 13-15, 17-22, 24-26, 11:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 6-8pm Sat. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793.

Playland by Doug Goessman Opening Reception Aug 14, 5-7:30pm Fri. Peoria artist uses mixed media to merge familiar iconic images with his own abstract style. Artist lecture 6pm. Live music. Additional activities. Exhibit on display through Aug 29. Free. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water, Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Washington Park Historic Photography Display Aug 13-Sept 3, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. Exhibit chronicles changes in Washington Park from its creation in 1902 to present. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

FILM & TELEVISION

Free Films: Route 66’s Best Aug 13, 6:30-8pm Thu. 217- 725-9058. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 217-522-4049.

The House I Live In Aug 16, 2pm Sun. A multifaceted look at America’s War on Drugs. Discussion to follow fi lm. Refreshments. Free. [email protected]. 217- 370-1035. The Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 520 West College Ave., Jacksonville.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Summer Passport Program Aug 13-16, 8:30am-5pm Thu- Sat, 12-5pm Sun. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386.

The Summertime Snow Party Aug 21-23, 5pm Fri; 9am,1:30pm Sat; 1pm Sun. Make snow cones, Frozeninspired activities, screening of the Disney fi lm, sing alongs, meet friends from Arendelle and more. Autism-friendly screening 9am Sat. $15. AtTheLegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

NATURE

Hummingbird Festival Aug 15, 8am-12pm Sat. Adopt banded hummingbirds, learn about hummingbird banding and migration from Sangamon River Audubon Society volunteers. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.

ENVIRONMENT

Illinois State Fair Aug 13-23. So much to do we can’t list everything. Food, entertainment, midway, exhibits, more. agr.state.il.us/isf. Adults $7, $3 children and seniors. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

Capital City Toastmasters Aug 19, 26, 12-1pm Wed. Weekly meeting. Develop communication and leadership skills to foster greater selfconfi dence and personal growth.

Visitors welcome. 131-3356. toastmastersclubs.org. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Chatham Jaycees Meeting Aug 20, 8-9pm Thu. 217-414- 9637. VFW Post #4763, 501 W. Mulberry, Chatham, 217-483- 4613.

Domestic Servants in 19th Century Illinois Aug 13, 7pm Thu. Learn about hired girls, aka domestic servants, who were common in middle-class households in 19th century Illinois and handle period artifacts associated with domestic servants. Free. edwardsplace.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Heads Up Group Aug 16, 2-4pm Sun. Support group for those that have had a head injury. For more information contact Dave at SCIL, 523-2587 v/tty. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-523-0427.

NAMI Monthly Support Group Meeting Aug 19, 7pm Wed. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Springfi eld Monthly Support Group Meeting. For families, caregivers, friends and those with mental illness. 217- 341-3125. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Sertoma Club Aug 17, 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 Breakfast Optimist Club Aug 14, 21, 7am Fri, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors always welcome. guywire333@aol. com. 217-546-5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Stamp Collecting Club Aug 18, 7pm Tue. Meets third Monday of each month. 217- 546-5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W. Lawrence, 217-528- 7571.

Victim/Survivor Support Group Aug 20, 6-7pm Thu. Mothers Against Drunk Driving. MADD Illinois, 2070 W. Monroe St. #B, 523-6233.

BULLETIN BOARD

Air National Guard Mobile Experience Aug 13, 10am-8pm Thu. Simulated challenges replicate real-life experiences of Air Guard men and women. Free. GoANG.com. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

APL Pet Adoption Aug 16, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available. apl-shelter.org. 217- 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Aug 15, 10am-1pm Sat. Cats and dogs available 10am-1pm. apl-shelter.org. 217-544- 7387. Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Parkway, 217- 535-4540.

Kids Klub - Archery & Camo Party Aug 17, 6-7pm Mon. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

PFLAG Aug 17, 7-8:30pm Mon. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sangamon Valley Iris Society Meeting Aug 21, 7-9pm Fri. 217-556-7415. Rochester Community Room, 1 Community Dr., Rochester.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Aug 19, 11am-1pm Wed. “Sound of Music” luncheon. Debbie Eddy entertains with “magic” fl ute. Speaker Donna Fedor, Springfi eld realtor. $15. 217- 787-1870. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 217-523-7900.

Starting Your Business in Illinois Aug 19, 1:30-3:30pm Wed. Learn about preparing a business plan, business fi nancing, legal forms, registering a business name and taxes. Hosted by Illinois Small Business Development Center at LLCC. Free. Registration, 544-7232. Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason.

FOOD

Old Capitol Farmers Market Aug 15, 19, 22, 26, 8am- 12:30pm Wed and Sat. Cheese, produce, meats, art and more. Third Saturdays feature entertainment, cooking demos and more. Adams between Fifth and Second. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

HISTORY

Secret Spaces of Edwards Place Aug 15, 12-2pm Sat. An allaccess tour of historic Edwards Place, including the collections and storage areas. $15. edwardsplace.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

HEALTH

Depression/Bipolar Disorder Support Group Aug 18, 25, 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., 528-3407.

GROW in Illinois Mental Health Aug 13, 20, 6:30pm Thu. 12-step support program for emotional, mental health issues, coping or addictions. Thursdays. 816-1083. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Islam: Perception and Reality Aug 16, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Dr. Ali Nizamuddin, Associate Professor of Political Science at UIS, on the misperceptions people have about Islam and the media’s negative portrayal of Islam. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550. Jesus Christ: Survivalist Aug 14, 7:30-9pm Fri. Jesus cares about our physical body as well as our soul. Presentation followed by discussion. Free. 217-546- 9171. Springfi eld Bah’Ì Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Women’s Day Luncheon Aug 15, 11am Sat. Speaker Sister Valer Stoner, Fairview Heights, Ill., plus silent auction. $10 at door. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 217-544-8115.

SPORTS & FITNESS

Battle of the Hill Aug 15, 8am-5pm Sat. Central Illinois’ biggest fitness competition. Hosted by Capital City CrossFit and ML CrossFit. c3crossfi t.com. 217-726-3817. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Big Earl’s Extreme Race Aug 15, 8:30am-3:30pm Sat. 3-mile (or so) race with 15-plus challenging obstacles. Waves every 15 minuts from 8:30-11:30am. bigearlsextremerace.com. 217-254-9178. Effi ngham Performance Center, 1325 Outer Belt West, Effi ngham.

Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby Double Header Aug 15, 5-9pm Sat. Punisher’s Backlash vs. Illinois Valley Vixens at 5pm. Punisher All- Stars vs. Dark River Derby Coalition at 7. Punisher playground for kids. $10 advance, $15 door. $5 kids. Free under 5. punishersderby. com. Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plz, Decatur.

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

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