Books & Authors

Poets in the Parlor: Poetry Collective Apr 9, 2-3pm Sat. Local spoken word poets present a collaborative reading under the direction of Kimberly Moore. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901. Theater & Comedy Club LaCage Apr 9, 7pm Sat. Drag show features Springfi eld’s greatest drag performers. Chaired by Deanna Knight. Hosted by Springfi eld Phoenix Center. $15, $25, $30. Tickets available at hcfta.org. springfi eldpride.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Comedian Dr. Gonzo Apr 8-9, 7:30pm, 9:30pm Fri-Sat. Heard on the “Bob and Tom Show,” seen on late-night TV and in comedy clubs around the country. $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. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

On Golden Pond Apr 8-10, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. 1979 play by Ernest Thompson about aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer who summer on a lake called Golden Pond. Presented by Springfield

Theatre Centre. $16, $18. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Standup Thursday Night Mar 31, 7:30pm Thu. See fresh talent and a different headliner every week. Tickets at door. 217-741-9955. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

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.

Music:

General Events

Cameron Carpenter Apr 8, 8pm Fri. First solo organist ever nominated for a Grammy Award for a solo album. Performs on his International Touring Organ, a monumental cross-genre digital organ built by Marshall & Ogletree. $30, $45. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

Cowboy Church Apr 10, 5-8pm Sun. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648.

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

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.

John Mellencamp Plain Spoken Tour Apr 10, 7:30pm Sun. John’s accolades include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy-award winner, The Woody Guthrie Award, Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and much more. $50+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

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.

Magnificent Masters Apr 9, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Selections from Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro Overture,” arias from Don Giovanni and “La Clemenza di Tito,” Mahler’s “Fourth Symphony”. $20, $40, $60. ilsymphony. org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

The Emerald Underground Apr 3, 4pm Sun. Part of Lincoln Land Community College Recital Series. theemeraldunderground.net. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

The Official Blues Brothers Revue Apr 8, 7:30pm Fri. Performers Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty backed by a powerhouse band play classic hits from the Blues Brothers catalog. Sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi. $20-35 adults, $5 students. bluesbrothersoffi cialsite.com. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424-6318.

Art & Architecture

A Time to Remember Exhibit Apr 2, 12-4pm Sat. Exhibit features world-class collection of watches and clocks compliments of Farrell Gay. Free. ileshouse. com. 217-652-7302. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492- 5929.

Alfred Krehbiel: A Retrospective Mar 31-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.

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.

Illinois Watches and Sangamo Clocks Apr 1, 6-8pm Fri. Preview of “A Time to Remember,” the new exhibit at the Museum of Springfi eld History. Guests of honor are Farrell and Ann Gay. $10 donation. ileshouse. com. 217-652-7302. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Images of Illinois Exhibit Mar 31-Apr 21, 10am-5pm Tue- Wed, 12-7pm Thu-Sat. View work of 2016 Images of Illinois photography contest entrants and winners. On display through Apr 21. Free. prairieart.org. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

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 31-Apr 21, 10am-5pm Tue-Wed, 12-7pm 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.

The Intersection of Art and Spirituality Apr 6, 7pm Wed. Gallery talk by artist Wendy Allen on how her spiritual path has informed her hand-sewn fabric collages, plus experiential teaching on mandalas and their use as a meditation tool. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810-9278.

Children’s Corner

Camp Ondessonk’s Saturday Spectacular Apr 9, 3:30-9pm Sat. One week of week of summer camp fun packed into one night. Games, food, tie-dye, “camp” activities, more. $30 includes t-shirt, food, games, prizes. ondessonk.com/ springfi eld-lodge-saturdayspectacular. St. Agnes School, 251 N. Amos Ave.

Trading Hands Kids Sale Apr 7-9, 9am-7pm Thu-Sat. Three-day consignment sale. Shop more than 38,000 gently used baby and childrens items. Free admission. tradinghands. net. 417-496-5837. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

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.

Expanding Your Horizons Conference Apr 9, 8am-12:45pm Sat. Hands-on lessons in math, science and technology for girls in 6th through 8th grades. Girls interact with successful women who are professionals in many careers traditionally held by men. Limited space. Registration, AAUWSpringfi eldIL. com. 217-652-4676. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

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.

Junior/Senior Naturalists Apr 9, 9am-4pm Sat. Junior Naturalists (ages 5-8) meet from 9am-12pm and Senior Naturalists (ages 9-12 years old) meet 1-4pm. Three sessions: $40 members, $45 non. Individual sessions $15 members, $18 non. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

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

Saturday Stories Apr 2, 9, 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 31, Apr 7, 10:30am Thu. For kids of all ages and their parents. Free. lincolnlibrary.info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Science

Friday Night Star Parties Apr 1, 8, 8-10pm Fri. Hosted by John Martin. Presentation and viewing of skies. Enter observatory from southeast corner, Brookens Library. Free. Weather questions, 206-8342 at 7pm or UIS Observatory on Twitter. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 206-6073.

Nature 43rd Annual Spring Floral Display Mar 31, Apr 1-3, 12-4pm Thu- Fri. 12-5pm Sat-Sun. Easter lilies, lush tropical foliage on display through April 3. Hosted by Springfi eld Park District. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Bluebird Program Apr 13, 6:30pm Wed. John Rogers presents on the Eastern Bluebird, other birds that nest in bluebird boxes, nest box management and more. springfi eldaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Wildflower Nature Walks Apr 9, 10am, 2pm Sat. Guided walks on Elkhart Hill. Hosted by Elkhart Historical Society. Leave message for reservations at 947-2238. Elkhart.

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. springfi eldaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473. Lectures & Meetings

Adding Shrubs and Plants to Your Landcape Apr 4, 9am Mon. Springfi eld Civic Garden Club monthly meeting. Program by by Mark Moscardelli, Pleasant Nursery. Free. scgc-il.org. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.

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. 217-243-5678. Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen and Community Center, 105 E. Dunlap St., Jacksonville, 479-0270.

Breakfast Optimist Club Apr 1, 8, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 217-546- 5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Capital Area Woodworkers Club Meeting Apr 4, 6:30-8pm Mon. Torsion Box Construction in Furniture Design Presented by Clay Crocker. Free. cawspi.org. 217- 553-0097. MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave., 787-8706.

Capital City Toastmasters Apr 6, 13, 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.

Human Trafficking in the Springfield Area Apr 7, 5:30pm Thu. Discussion as part of the 2016 Human Rights Celebration sponsored by Church Women United. 217-629- 8881. Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., 525-1866.

Paul Beaver Dinner Lecture Apr 1, 5:30pm Fri. Dinner lecture by Illinois College professor Paul Beaver. Topic: “William Scully’s Prairie and the People Who Farmed It.” Information, reservations at elkharthistoricalsociety.org. Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.

Project Rachel Apr 5, 7pm Tue. Safe, supportive, confi dential gathering of post-abortive women. More information, 698-4456. Springfi eld Right To Life Center, 323 E. Monroe St., 523-2700.

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 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.

Bulletin Board

APL New Volunteer Orientation Apr 9, 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]. Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387.

APL Upscale Collectible Sale Apr 9, 8-11am Sat. Upscale Collectible Sale, 1650 Wabash, Suites B, C & D, 544-7387.

Avenue Association Meeting Apr 7, 6:30-7:30pm Thu. Monthly meeting. All welcome. Free. avenueassociation.com. Goodenow (Former Lincoln Library), 719 N. Grand Ave. E., 638-1938.

Get it Wright Trivia Night Apr 2, 7pm Sat. Ages 18 and up. Beverages, snacks available for purchase. $10 per person. Advance reservations, danathomas.org. 217-971-3371. Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Dr., 546- 4431.

Memorial’s Hospice Gala Apr 9, 6pm Sat. Evening of dinner, music, auctions and entertainment. Keynote speaker is Don Yaeger. $85 per person. Tickets available through Apr 4. memorialmedical.com/ Memorial-Medical-Center- Foundation. 217-788-4700. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.

Spring Lawn and Garden Sale Apr 9-10, 8am-5pm Sat, 8am- 4pm Sun. Free. 217-474-5735. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Toxic Charity Conference Apr 8-9, 11-5:30pm Fri, 8am- 1pm Sat. Two-day conference led by Bob Lupton, author of Toxic Charity and Charity Detox. Learn how to think about charity from a whole new perspective. $10 per day, $20 both days. 217-553-4629. South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur, 525-0304.

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. springfi eldartsco.org. 217-753- 3519. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787. History

Speeches of Frederick Douglass Apr 3, 3-4pm Sun. Event commemorates important speeches delivered by Frederick Douglass in the capital city in 1866. Sponsored by IHPA and others. Refreshments. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Faith & Philosophy

ALUUC presents John Shelby Spong Apr 9, 10am-12pm Sat. Wellknown author and lecturer Rev. John Shelby Spong. $10 advance, $15 at door. aluuc. org. 217-801-2698. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

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. Sports & Fitness

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Apr 2, 8am Sat. Premiere Midwest half marathon takes runners 13.1 miles past Springfi eld’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.

CCHC 5th Annual 5K Apr 9, 9am-1pm Sat. $25 adults, $10 kids 3-12, free to kids under 3. More information, centralcounties.org 217- 788-2310. Washington Park Playground, 1021 South Grand Ave., 753-6225.

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.

Springfield Jr. Blues Mar 31-Apr 2, 7:05-9:30pm Thu-Sat. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

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

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