FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Cat Show Apr 23-24, 9am-3pm Sat-Sun. $5 adults, $4 seniors and children, free ages 3 and under. 217-370- 7871. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

ArtLiterations Apr 21, 5:30-7pm Thu. Featured author is haiku poet Randy Brooks. Featured artist is sculptor Wiley D. Jenkins. Jazz by Mark Russillo and The Pastrami Combo. Free. springfi eldart. org. Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

THEATER & COMEDY

Alice in Wonderland Apr 22-24, 29, May 1, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Admission. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Belly Laffs Comedy Apr 21, 7:30pm Thu. See the freshest talent and a different headliner every Thursday. $5. 217-741-9955. Capital City Bar & Grill, 3149 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-8580.

Distracted Apr 22-24, 28-30, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun. A hilarious, provocative, poignant look at a modern family, information overload and an epidemic dilemma. UIS Theatre’s spring production. $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 faculty/staff, $8 students. uis.edu/theatre. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 206- 6160.

Comedian Mike Armstrong Apr 22-23, 7:30am Fri-Sat. Everyone’s favorite former cop. Seen on Comedy Central, a regular on the “Bob and Tom Show.” $14, 16. donniebscomedyclub. com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

VOLTA: Four Seasons Apr 22, 6-7pm Fri. An exciting fusion of poetry, music and dance showcased in a series of Earth Day vignettes. Directed by Elizabeth Cheney and Aasne Vigesaa. Hosted by the Vachel Lindsay Association and the Springfi eld

Youth Performance Group Foundation. $5. brownpapertickets.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838- 3006.

MUSIC:

GENERAL EVENTS

Love Senior Prom Apr 25, 6:30pm Mon. Dance and concert performed by Lincoln Land Community College Big Band. Features Big Band standards such as “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” “Love,” “In the Mood” and more. Free to public. Central Baptist Church, 501 S. Fourth St., 523-3639.

Battle of the Bands Apr 22, 6-10pm Fri. Co-sponsored by the LLCC Student United Way and the Logger Activities Board. Free. A. Lincoln Commons, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786- 2200.

Disturbed, Nonpoint, Mindset Evolution Apr 26, 8pm Tue. Rock concert. $31.50. springfi eldpc3.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Gospel Concert with Gospel Strings Apr 23, 6-8pm Sat. Clementine Memorial Church, 2075 N. 11th St., 638-1648.

Guitar Concert by John Johns Apr 23, 8-9:30pm Sat. Chair of the Guitar and Harp Department at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. $15 adults, $10 students and seniors. 217-546- 2782. Grace Lutheran Church, 714 East Capitol Ave., 522-3965.

Harpist Chen Yu-Huang and Flutist Amy Pond Apr 24, 3pm Sun. Special concert features Harpist Chen Yu-Huang and Flutist Amy Pond of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. $10. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776.

DANCE

Bobby Remack Apr 22, 8-11pm Fri. Playing the Friday Night Dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

59th Annual Beaux Arts Ball Apr 23, 7:45pm Sat. Hosted by the Art Association of Jacksonville. Theme is “Glitz Glamour Gatsby” Coronation at 7:45pm, jazz-fi lled ‘Speakeasy’ party to follow. Black tie/1920s dress optional. $40 per person. jacksonvilleil.org. 217-243- 5678. JHS Bowl, West College Ave. at Church, Jacksonville, 243-9411.

Draw Near Art Show Apr 22-23, 6-9pm Fri-Sat. Twowoman show by Wendy Allen and Carol Bridges of sacred textile art plus audio/visual installation and ambient sound tracts by Timothy Donavan Russell. Free. 217-341-7133. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. 5th St., 801-810- 9278.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Tenth Anniversary Show Reception Apr 22, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Tenth anniversary show features artworks by 33 of nearly 50 Illinois Prairie Pastel Society members. Wine, soft drinks, hors d’oeuvres. On display April 15-23. Free. illinoisprairiepastelsociety.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Joyful Evolutions Exhibit Opening Apr 21, 12-7pm Thu. 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.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Armadillo Antics Apr 23, 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 Good Grief Camp Apr 24, 12-4pm Sun. Supportive, fun camp for children ages 6-12 who have lost a loved one. Sponsored by Staab Funeral Homes. $10, scholarships available. KidsGoodGriefCamp. com. 217-247-4421. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Kids in the Kitchen Apr 23, 2-4pm Sat. Kindergarten through 5th graders explore health and nutrition while engaging in fun cooking activities. Hosted by Junior League of Springfi eld. Free. kidsinthekitchenspringfi eld@ gmail.com. 217-544-5557. YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 544- 9846.

SCIENCE

Friday Night Star Parties Apr 22, 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

Elkhart Hill Wildflower Nature Walks Apr 23, 10am, 2pm Sat. Guided walks on Elkhart Hill. Hosted by Elkhart Historical Society. Leave message for reservations at 947-2238. Elkhart.

Spring Bird Hikes Apr 23, 8-9:30am Sat. Kevin Veara leads visitors throughout Garden in search of spring migratory birds. All skill levels welcome. All hikes begin at Nature Center. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

ENVIRONMENT Earth Day and Climate Rally Apr 21, 11:30am-12:30pm Thu. Free. ilenviro.org/registerenvironmental-lobby-day. 217- 544-5954. Illinois State Capitol, Capitol and Second St.

Native Prairie Planting Apr 21, 9-11am Thu. Meet in front of A. Lincoln Commons and help plant the campus prairie. Free. llcc.edu/greencenter. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Nature Book Club Apr 21, 10:30-11:30am Thu. Discussion of Beyond the Hundredth Meridian by Wallace Stegner. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. 217-529-1111. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

LECTURES & MEETINGS

From Awareness to Action Apr 27, 12-1pm Wed. Learn about child abuse and how our community can mobilize and help prevent child abuse and neglect through the Safe Families for Children program. Free. centralsouthernil.safefamilies.org. 217-801-8225. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Immigrant Nation Apr 22, 4pm Fri. Story of Elvira Arellano, fi gurehead for the immigration reform movement, and her one-year asylum in a church sanctuary to avoid deportation in 2006-2007. Free. 217-206-6245. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Money Management Essentials Series Apr 26, 5:30-7:30pm Tue. Presentation is “It’s A Wrap” A recap of the seminars/ workshops previously discussed as part of seminar. Free dinner and childcare provided. RSVP, PastorSilasJohnson@yahoo. com. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 2208 Kansas St., 544- 1424.

Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Roundtable Apr 21, 7pm Thu. Featured speaker Erika Holst on “Courtships and Weddings.” Stephen Foster and weddingmarch selections to be played by Rick Murphy on the restored Lincoln-era piano. Free. 217- 546-8065. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Our Turn to Lead: Paving the Way for A Resilient, Secure and Sustainable Future Apr 27, 7:30pm Wed. Presentation by Roger-Mark De Souza, director of population, environmental security and resilience for the Wilson Center. Free. uis.edu/speakerseries. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Retired State Employees Association Meeting Apr 27, 1:30-2:30pm Wed. Speaker Randy Witter, president of Cook-Witter, Inc. RSEA4U. org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 793- 3933.

Springfield ICON Monthly Meeting Apr 25, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. Speakers: Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin and Director of Community Relations for the Springfi eld Sliders Jim Kent. Springfi eldICON.org. 217- 528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Springfield Social Club Apr 27, 5:30-8:30pm Wed. Sponsored charity is Springfi eld Art Association. Requested donations are used books, magazines and/or new or used art supplies. The Corner Pub and Grill, 3271 W. Iles Ave., 546-3600.

BULLETIN BOARD

Ani-MALL Pet Expo and Mega Adoption Apr 23, 10am-2pm Sat. Pet-related vendors; pet adoptions; “paws on” activities; demonstrations by local trainers, law enforcement, more. Wellbehaved pets on leashes welcome. $3 adults, kids 12 and under free. 217-629-7077. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047. Bark For Life Apr 23, 10am-2pm Sat. Family friendly event features noncompetitive dog walk, food, vendors, games, coloring contest, dog/owner lookalike contest, more. $25 individual, $35 individual and one dog, $45 individual and two dogs. relayforlife.org/barksangamonil. 217-971-0061. Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Power Brunch 2016 Apr 23, 9:45am-1pm Sat. Three-hour power brunch offers mentoring to career-driven young professionals. Hosted by Springfi eld Black Chamber of Commerce, Springfi eld’s Young & Powerful, Young Springfi eld Professional Network and Lincoln Land Community College’s Student Life offi ce. Free with RSVP. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Pillsbury Plant Informational Meeting Apr 26, 6:30-8pm Tue. A community update on the Pillsbury Plant. Hosted by the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

POLITICS

Hot Topics in Civil Liberties - Legislative Update Apr 21, 5-7pm Thu. Learn about the latest legislative news affecting civil liberties issues in the State of Illinois. Hosted by the Springfi eld Chapter of the ACLU. Free, ACLU donations accepted. 217-652-2639. Maldaner’s, 222 S. Sixth St., 522-4313.

HISTORY Boy Scouts Weekend Apr 23-24, 9am-4pm Sat-Sun. Scouts walk 20+ miles from New Salem into Springfi eld on the route similar to what Abraham Lincoln would have walked. Sunday ceremony at Lincoln Tomb. lincolnsnewsalem. com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY Come, Creative Spirit: the Arts & Spirituality Apr 24, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Rev. Martin Woulfe on the role of the Arts in religious traditions and the events planned as part of the Festival. Free. aluuc. org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

SPORTS & FITNESS Abe’s Mini Triathlon Apr 23, 12pm. Perfect for new triathletes. 100-yard indoor heated pool swim, 5-mile bike, 1-mile run. Registration, abestriseries.com. 217-341- 1309. Porta High School, 17651 Bluejay Road, Petersburg, 632- 3219.

CFF Great Strides Apr 24, 11am Sun. Walk with family and friends to support the search for a cure for cystic fi brosis. Check in 11am; walk at noon. No fee. greatstrides.cff. org. 314-733-1241. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.

Helping Hands 5K Run/Walk Apr 23, 2pm Sat. 5K run/ walk hosted by a group of UIS students on behalf of Helping Hands of Springfi eld. $31. Registration. jhall29@uis.edu Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 544-1751.

Junaia P. Carter 5K Apr 23, 8:30am Sat. $20 preregistration, $25 day before and day of event. getmeregistered. com/jpc5k. Washington Park Pavilion, 1400 Williams Blvd, 544-1751.

Pioneer Sprint Triathlon Apr 23, 1pm. 300-yard indoor heated pool swim, 13-mile bike and 3.1-mile run through pioneer cemetery. abestriseries. com. 217-341-1309. Porta High School, 17651 Bluejay Road, Petersburg, 632-3219.

SBC Cycling Challenge #1 Apr 24, 9am Sun. Ride 25 miles to Riverton, 50 miles to Illiopolis or 100 miles to Decatur and back. Free. spfl dcycling. org. 217-624-2016. Rochester Community Park, Rochester.

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

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