HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Easter Egg Hunt Mar 26, 11am-1pm Sat. Easter egg hunt, games, photos with the Easter bunny, storytelling for children ages 3 through grade 5, complimentary lunch. Free. cottonhillumc.org. Cotton Hill United Methodist Church, 5931 N. Cotton Hill Road, 529-2736.

Easter Extravaganza Mar 26, 2-4pm Sat. 10,000 Easter eggs, bounce houses and Easterthemed games. Free. springfieldfi rst. org. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

THEATER & COMEDY

Comedian Christine Stedman Mar 25-26, 8:30-10pm Fri, 8-9:30pm Sat. Top 5 fi nalist on Nick at Nite’s “Search For The Funniest Mom in America” reality show, heard on Sirus’ “Blue Collar Comedy Radio and on the “Bob and Tom Show.” $12.50 cash at club or prepay online. mclimits.com Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian James Irvin Berry

Mar 25-26, 7:30pm, 9:30pm Fri- Sat. Seen on BET, “Last Comic Standing” and more. $13, $15. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Mark Sweeney Apr 1-2, 7:30pm, 9:30pm Fri-Sat. Seen on Showtime, HBO and NBC. $13, $15. donniebscomdyclub. com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Vachel Lindsay: Peddler of Dreams Apr 2, 2-3pm Sat. Chicago troubadour Steve Duchrow performs Peddler of Dreams, an original work adapted from Vachel Lindsay’s writings. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Larry Livermore Book Signing Mar 24, 7pm Thu. Larry Livermore, co-founder of Lookout records, does a book signing and Q+A session in association with his new book, How To Ru(i)n A Record Label: The Story of Lookout Records. Free. blacksheepspringfield.com. Dumb Records,1107 South Grand Ave., 691- 8991.

MUSIC: GENERAL EVENTS

Frank Ward Apr 2, 7:30pm Sat. Versatile singer and sought-after performer who has appeared in professional productions as such as La Boheme, The Marriage of Figaro, Showboat and Mikado. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Ginny Owens Mar 25, 7pm Fri. $10-15. maranathaassembly.org. Maranatha Assembly of God, 555 W. Imboden Dr., Decatur, 423-2452.

Solid Rock Mar 26, 6-8pm Sat. Gospel Concert. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648.

ISO’s Around the Town Concert Series Apr 4, 12pm Mon. Hour-long concert featuring Illinois Symphony Orchestra String Quartet. Free. ilsymphony.org. 217-522-2838. Temple Israel, 1140 Governor St., 546-2841.

Lexi Elisha Apr 3, 10am Sun. Christian pop singer in concert. Has opened for Lecrae and Josh Wilson. 217-825-3817. First Christian Church of Petersburg, 210 S. 8th St., Petersburg, 632-2533.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Alfred Krehbiel: A Retrospective Mar 24-Apr 9, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat. Retrospective of Alfred Krehbiel, known for his Neo- Classical style murals in the Illinois Supreme Court building. On display through Apr 9. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Black Sheep Art Show Mar 26, 5-7pm Sat. Hosted by Clare Frachey. Free. blacksheepspringfield.com. Black Sheep Cafe, 1320 S. 11th St.

Caught in the Middle Opening Reception Apr 1, 5-7:30pm Fri. Artist William H. Thielen, who employs the language of abstraction in his oversized works constructed of wooden shapes. On display through Apr 28. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.

Christine Samoore Reception Apr 1, 5-8pm Fri. Art reception featuring new works by Christine Samoore. Free. Goldleaf Gallery, 225 E. State St., Jacksonville, 370-7135.

Illinois Times 2016 Capital City Visitor’s Guide Cover Art Contest Gallery Event Apr 1, 5-8pm Fri. View work of 2016 Visitor’s Guide cover art contest entrants and winners. On display through Apr 21. Free. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801- 810-9278.

Images of Illinois Reception Mar 31, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. View work of 2016 Images of Illinois photography contest entrants and winners. Awards presentation, drinks, hors d’oeuvres. On display through Apr 21. Free. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Joyful Evolutions Exhibit Mar 24-Apr 21, 10am-5pm Tue-Wed, 12-7 Thu-Sat. Paintings by Midge Langfelder, jewelry by Beverly Brekke- Bailey and paintings by Jim Edwards. On display through Apr 21. Free. prairieart.org. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Let’s Get Charmed & Meet the Artists Apr 1, 5-8pm Fri. Meet yard and garden artists Sue Houston, Joseph Coplen, Mecky Lang. Wine, snacks, more. studioon6thart.com. Studio on 6th, 215 S. Sixth St., 522-8006.

Rebirth Mar 25-26, 12-6pm Fri- Sat. The fifteenth exhibit from The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space. Free. thepharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810-9278.

Women’s Vision Board Party Mar 26, 2-4pm Sat. Reflect on and discuss your goals in a group setting and create a vision board of your ideal self. $35. inspirespringfield.com. Inspire, 221 S. 6th St., 836- 3247.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Carnival Rides Mar 30, 12:30-3pm Wed. A “Make Space” workshop. K through 1st graders create a perfect pinwheel. 2nd through 6th graders create their own amusement park rides using everyday items and littleBits. $15, $12 museum members. Registration, CMofIL.org/events. Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Road, 423-KIDS.

Civil War Tech - Join the Artillery Corps Apr 2, 10-11am Sat. Ages 8-12 learn the steps and science behind Civil War muskets and cannons. Free. Reservations required. presidentlincoln. illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Hog Wild Apr 2, 1-3pm Sat. A Zooper Edventures program for ages 5-6. Theme-related games, crafts, zoo discovery walk and fun learning. $11 residents, $13.50 non. hensonrobinsonzoo.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Kids’ Night Out Mar 26, 6:30-9:30pm Sat. Kids gym, swim, play games and make friends. $7 members, $10 public. springfieldymca. org. Springfield YMCA Gus & Flora Kerasotes Branch, 4550 West Iles Ave., 679-1625.

Lap Sit Stories Mar 28, Apr 4, 11am Mon. For babies 0-18 months and their parents. Free. lincolnlibrary. info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Saturday Stories Mar 26, Apr 2, 11am Sat. Every Saturday. For kids of all ages and their parents. Free. lincolnlibrary.info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Springfield Parents of Twins Club Sale Apr 2, 8:30am-12pm Sat. $2 admission. 217-971-3838. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Tad Lincoln’s Birthday Apr 4, 10am-2pm Mon. Make a spyglass to look out for enemy troops, build a fort and create a craft to take home. Free with museum admission. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. 217-558-8914. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Thursday Stories Mar 24, 31, 10:30am Thu. For kids of all ages and their parents. Free. lincolnlibrary. info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Young Songwriters Mar 24-25, 9:30-11am Thu-Fri. Learn about what it takes to write a song, including rhythm, melody and lyrics. Attendees will compose and record a song through interactive games and activities. Registration, $25 members, $35 non, includes materials. Register, CMofIL.org. Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Road, 423-KIDS.

NATURE

43rd Annual Spring Floral Display Mar 24-Apr 3, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. Easter lilies, lush tropical foliage on display through April 3. Hosted by Springfield Park District. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Spring and Summer Bird Feeding Program Apr 3, 1-3pm Sun. Wade Kammin of Wild Birds Unlimited on hummingbird and oriole feeding, plus other noteworthy spring and summer birds. springfieldaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

2016 Share the LOVE Apr 2, 10am-1pm Sat. Firstcome, fi rst-served basis for individuals in need of free clothing, cleaning supplies, shoes, food, hygiene items, bedding, etc. jacksonvilleil.org. Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen and Community Center, 105 E. Dunlap St., Jacksonville, 479- 0270.

A Call to Action: Local Media’s Role in Shaping Public Policy Mar 24, 4pm Thu. Mitch Pugh argues the importance of local media in social change, using examples from The Post and Courier’s Pulitzer Prize-winning series about domestic violence. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206- 6073.

The Past as Prologue: Climate Mar 30, 11:30am-1:30pm Wed. Gillen D’Arcy Wood on the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, the largest volcanic eruption in history and the effect its eruption had on the climate. $23 includes buffet lunch, program. Register, uis. edu/advancement/alumni. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Breakfast Optimist Club Mar 25, Apr 1, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 217- 546-5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Capital City Toastmasters Mar 30, Apr 6, 12-1pm Wed. Weekly meeting. Develop communication and leadership skills to foster greater selfconfi dence. Visitors welcome. 131-3356.toastmastersclubs. org. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway.

From Capital Scholar to Capitol Hill: My Education in Violence Against Women Legislation Apr 6, 6pm Wed. Kyle Simpson, UIS Class of 2007, on his role working on legislation to address and reduce violence against women and end college sexual violence. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

GriefShare Mar 29, 6:30-8:30pm Tue. 13- week program utilizes video seminar series, workbook and sharing time as participants work through their stages of grief. Register, 899-9418 or [email protected]. griefshare.org. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

ISIL Linked Operatives in the United States and Their Implications Mar 30, 7:30pm Wed. Presentation by Dean Alexander, expert on terrorism and security and author of The Islamic State: Combating the Caliphate Without Borders. Sponsored by WACCI. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Personal Assistant Employers Group Mar 29, 3-4:30pm Tue. Support group for those with a disability that hire personal assistants. Free. More information, 523-2587. scil. org. Springfield Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

Sertoma Club Apr 4, 12pm Mon. Noon, fi rst and third Monday of every month. More information, 546- 2782. 217-494-2099. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, 2309 S. MacArthur Blvd., 698-6033.

Single and Parenting Mar 26, Apr 2, 6:30-8:30pm Sat. Single parents discover practical strategies in the areas of parenting, fi nancial management. relationship issues, emotional guidance, and more to make positive changes in their families. $20. singleandparenting. org. 217-685-8099. Trinity Lutheran Grade School, 515 S. MacArthur Blvd., 787-2323.

Springfield ICON Monthly Meeting Mar 28, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. Topics: Neighborhood safety and crime. SpringfieldICON. org. 217-528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

BULLETIN BOARD

APL New Volunteer Orientation Mar 26, 11am-12pm Sat. Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cleaning, animal socialization, pet therapy, education, adoption events, fundraising, more. Must be at least 16 with parent or guardian. Registration, [email protected]. apl-shelter.org. 217-544-7387. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.

APL New Volunteer Orientation Mar 30, 6-7pm Wed. Volunteer opportunities include dog walking, cleaning, animal socialization, pet therapy, education, adoption events, fundraising, more. Must be at least 16 with parent or guardian. Registration, [email protected]. aplshelter.org. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.

APL Pet Adoptions Mar 26, 11am-3pm Sat. Cats and dogs available. apl-shelter. org. 217-544-7387. Lowes, 2560 N. Dirksen Pkwy, 535- 4540.

APL Pet Adoptions Mar 27, 11am-3pm Sun. Cats available. apl-shelter.org. 217- 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

Meow Mobile Cat Adoption Mar 26, 11am-3pm Sat. Adoptable cats from Sangamon County Animal Control. Free. Petco, 2721 S. Veterans Parkway, 793-7387.

Prairie Traveling Vintage Show Mar 26, 10am-3pm Sat. Featuring vintage jewelry, linens, books and one-of-akind fi nds. 217-585-0719.

Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.

Springfield Social Club Mar 30, 5:30-8:30pm Wed. Sponsored charity is Cystic Fibrosis. Requested donations are bottled water or granola bars. The Offi ce Sports Bar and Grill, 1919 W. Iles Ave., 546-0580.

Trivia Night Apr 2, 7-10pm Sat. Support SAAC as it begins its 40th year of enriching the community through the arts. $15 per person, $100 per table of 8-10. springfieldartsco.org. 217- 753-3519. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Ceremony Mar 29, 9-10am Tue. Ceremony at Mall area recognizes and thanks Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifi ces. Free. vietnamwar50th.com. Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, 492-4070.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

Good Friday Way of the Cross Mar 25, 12-1:30pm Fri. Twohour prayerful walk remembers Jesus’ passion and connection with the sufferings of injustice experienced in God’s people in our world today. 217-787- 0481. Supreme Court Building, 200 E. Capitol Ave., 652-3567.

Life Before & After Exoneration: The Impact of Wrongful Conviction on the Innocent Apr 3, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Illinois Innocence Project’s latest exoneree, Teshome Campbell, and founding directior Larry Golden. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

The Life & Morals of Jesus of Nazareth Mar 27, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presention by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

SPORTS & FITNESS

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Apr 2, 8am Sat. Premiere Midwest half marathon takes runners 13.1 miles past Springfield’s major Lincoln sites, such as his home and tomb. $45-55. runabe.srrc.net. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Springfield Jr. Blues Apr 1, 7:05-9:30pm Fri. Springfield Jr. Blues take on the Janesville Jets. College Night. Admission. jrblues.com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Springfield Jr. Blues Apr 2, 7:05-9:30pm Sat. Springfield Jr. Blues take on the Janesville Jets. Fan appreciation night. Admission. jrblues.com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Springfield Jr. Blues Mar 31, 7:05-9:30pm Thu. Springfield Jr. Blues take on the Janesville Jets. jrblues.com. Jump Rope for Heart Night. Admission. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

MMRD/CCH Fresh Meat Program Mar 29, 7-9:15pm Tue. New male and female skaters practice with Mayhem and Hooligan skaters every Tuesday, allowing them to learn roller derby’s sport, culture and community. $5 admission, $5 gear rental. midstatemayhemrollerderby. com. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 546-4543.

Pinfall Wrestling Association Mar 26, 6:30pm Sat. Gold Rush. Live pro wrestling from the Pinfall Wrestling Association. Bell time 7pm. Lanphier High School, 1300 N. 11th St., 525-3080.

Run, Walk, Bike, Skate Club Mar 31, 5:45-6:45pm Thu. All levels of riders, walkers, runners, skaters welcome. Free. scheels.com/events. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

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

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