Holiday Happenings

Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration Feb 11, 12pm Sat. Crafts, games, scavenger hunt, apple pie with rum sauce and cookies, portrayals of Abraham Lincoln and Mentor Graham and more. Free. mtpulaskihistoriccourthouse.org. Mount Pulaski Courthouse, 113 S. Washington St., Mount Pulaski, 792-3919.

Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration Feb 13, 11am-1pm Mon. Presentations by Abraham Lincoln impersonator Fritz Klein and Kathryn Harris plus Lincoln trivia, refreshments and giveaways. A. Lincoln Commons, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Books & Authors

African-American Read In Feb 11, 12-2pm Sat. Tribute to African American and black authors. Supported by the James Weldon Johnson Study Guild. Open to all. Free. vandellabrown@aol.com. 785-9075. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1601 E. Laurel St., 528-6113.

Bringing Lincoln and his White House to Life Feb 12, 1:30pm Sun. Symposium featuring author Burt Solomon, The Murder of Willie Lincoln, and author James Conroy, Lincoln’s White House: An Inside History. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Dan Van Haften Feb 11-12, 10am-2pm Sat, 8am- 12pm Sun. Author Dan Van Haften signs copies of his newly released book, The Ultimate Guide to the Gettysburg Address. nps.gov/liho. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 391-3221.

Noah Andre Trudeau Feb 12, 12pm Sun. Author Noah Andre Trudeau presents and signs copies of his newly released book Lincoln’s Greatest Journey: Sixteen Days that Changed a Presidency. abrahamlincolnassociation. org. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

SPW Open Mic Feb 15, 6-8pm Wed. A Springfi eld Poets and Writers event. Hosted by Thea Chesley, third Wednesday of every month. Free. 544-3611. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 528-1901.

Third Thursday Reading Series Feb 16, 6-8pm Thu. A new monthly literary event. Featuring author John Paul Jaramillo, author of the award-winning story collection The House of Order. Free. twelvewinters.com. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Theater & Comedy Comedian Pete George Feb 10-11, 9:30pm Fri-Sat. 7:30pm Sat. Comedian infuses music into his act. Seen on late night TV as well as heard on XM radio. $15, $17. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391- JOKE.

Comedians Dennis Piper and Chris Siemer Feb 10-11, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Comedy featuring an optimistic personality with a cynical eye. $12.50. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedy Feb 9, 7pm Thu. Featuring local stand-up comedians. Limited seating. Free. BYOB. The Cardologist, 627 E. Adams St., 525- 4121.

Into the Woods Jr. Feb 10-12, 17-19, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Springfi eld Theatre Centre presents the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Admission. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Steel Magnolias Feb 17-19, 8pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun. Play follows six women who are interwoven via the small town gossip that follows shadows the cycles of birth, marriage and death. $16, $18. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523- 2787.

Music: General Events

Equinox Chamber Players Feb 17, 7:30-8:30pm Fri. St. Louis-based chamber music group has been heard nationally on PBS and NPR and was featured in Chamber Music magazine. ic.edu/fas. 243-5678. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245- 3000.

Gospel Concert Feb 11, 7pm Sat. Potluck at 5pm; open mic at 6pm; special guests Steve Hess and Southern Salvation at 7pm. Love offering. Black Oak Baptist Church, 4300 Upper Meredosia Road, Beardstown, 322-7143.

Mark Farner Feb 11, 8pm Sat. Acoustic concert by Mark Farner and Dusty Dannunzio showcases all Grand Funk Railroad’s hits and the stories behind them. $25+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra Feb 11, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Concert explores the stark contrast of war and peace. Featuring music by Gustav Holst, J.S. Bach and Georges Bizet. $10 adults, $5 students, free to ages 12 and under. svys.org. 753- 8000. Hoogland Center for the Arts, Theatre 3, 420 S. 6th St., 523-2787.

Singing Valentines Feb 14, 9am-8pm Tue. A tuxedoed quartet will surprise serenade your special someone with two songs accompanied by a greeting card, red rose and photo of the event. Reservations required. 953-0225. Various locations.

The Chosen Ones Feb 12, 6pm Sun. Love offering. thechosenones.org. 525-1978. Edinburg Baptist Church, 416 Ricks St., 623-4437.

The Five Irish Tenors Feb 16, 7:30pm Thu. “Voices of Ireland” concert features beloved Irish songs such as “Toora Loora Looral,” “My Wild Irish Rose,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and more. $35+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

What’s Going On: The Marvin Gaye Experience Feb 11, 7:30pm Sat. Millikin alumnus Brian Owens’ tribute to the legendary Motown artist. $20-35 adults; $5 school-age children. millikin.edu. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424-6318.

Dance

Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Feb 10, 5:30pm Fri. Cocktails, prime-rib or vegetarian dinner, live entertainment by FunDMC, live auction, dancing and more. Sponsored by Jacksonville Rotary Club. $35 per person; $250 per table of 8. Reservations, jacksonvillerotary. org. Hamilton’s, 110 N. East St., Jacksonville. 678-2720.

Art & Architecture

Art Together - Paint Minecraft Feb 11, 10-11:30am Sat. $25 for adult and child, $15 for extra child. Includes aprons, supplies, glow-in-the-dark paint and cookie. Registration, Rhiannon@ ourvibrantcommunity.com. 331- 2027. Twisted Deli, 330 S. Grand Ave., 679-4896.

Brown Bag Lecture Feb 17, 12pm Fri. Lincoln Land Community College librarian Ryan Roberts on the school’s collection of original handmade artists’ books. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Contextual Discrepancy Feb 10, 6-8:30pm Fri. Exhibition by Knoxville-based artist Emily Ward Bivens uses recorded video, live-feed video, and delayed image and sound to reintroduce longforgotten utilitarian objects.

On display through Mar 3. demoprojectspace.com. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 523- 2631.

Contrasting Forms Exhibition Feb 9-11, 14-15, 16-18, 21-22, 10am-5pm Tue-Wed,12-7pm Thu-Sat. Exhibition features the work of painter Dan Grossmann, sculptor Wiley D. Jenkins and pastelist Tracey Maras. On display though Mar 2. Free. springfi eldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544- 2787.

Dancing with the Starz Feb 11, 5:30-11:30pm Sat. Local celebrities, food and drink, live music, and an art-fi lled silent auction during a starstudded dance competition. $65 per person; $600 per table. springfi eldart.org. 544-2787. Wyndham at City Centre, 700 E. Adams, 789-1530.

Kids Night Out Feb 10-11, 5:30-9pm Fri, 12-8pm Sat. Exhibition features Pharmacy artists work alongside the YMCA kids’ monster work that inspired it. Free. thepharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. fi fth St., 801-810-9278.

Marking Place Feb 10, 6-8:30pm Fri. Exhibition by Frances Lightbound considers authority and ambiguity in relation to symbols marking urban spaces and structures. On display through Mar 3. demoprojectspace.com. DEMO Project, 732 N. Fourth St., 523- 2631.

Open Studio Feb 13-14, 6:30-9:30pm. Open studio fi gure drawing session for artists of all skill levels. $10 Pharmacy members; $15 non. thepharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801- 810-9278.

Tapa Bark Cloth Canvas and Cocktails Feb 17, 7-9:30pm Fri. Use the fi ber from a mulberry branch to create art. BYO wine, cheese and dessert to savor in studio. $10 SAA members; $20 non. Registration. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Film & Television

Army of Shadows Showing Feb 14, 7pm Tue. Film three of six in the Tournees Film Festival, which features French fi lms. Free. ic.edu. Illinois College Icebox Theatre, Kirby Learning Center, Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Dheepan Screening Feb 12, 14, 1pm and 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue. Film six of eight in the Molly Schlich Independent and International Film Series. $8 adults, $4 students with ID. springfi eldart.org. 523-2631. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Boulevard, 888-262-4386.

Short Films Feb 9, 6:30-8pm Thu. View award-winners and favorites from past Route 66 Film Festivals. Free. Food available for purchase. route66fi lmfestival.net. 544-3611. Z Bistro, 220 S. Sixth St., 522-4049.

Children’s Corner

Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School Feb 17, 7pm Fri. Musical based on the books by Barbara Park. Junie B. Jones offers tips and tricks for surviving and thriving at school. Tickets. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Nature

Annual Orchid Show Feb 11-12, 12-4pm. Experienced growers on hand to answer questions. Orchids and supplies for sale. Sale ends one hour early on Sunday. Free admission. prairiestateorchids. org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Lincoln Land Bee Keepers Feb 9, 7-8:30pm Thu. Monthly meetings feature discussion and demonstrations. Open to anyone interested in learning more about beekeeping. Free. lincolnlandbeekeepers.com. 638- 0871. Sangamon County Farm Bureau Building, 2631 Beechler Ct., 753-5200.

New Holland Prairie Patch Feb 9, 6:30-8pm Thu. Jim Struebing shares his experiences and insights on his ongoing prairie reconstruction efforts. Free. ill-inps.org. 971-1615. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Environment

Midwestern Milkweeds Feb 17, 7pm Fri. Program by Dr. Greg Spyreas, plant ecologist and botanist for the Illinois Natural History Survey. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Lectures & Meetings

AARP Chapter 195 Feb 13, 1pm Mon. Speaker Jim Price, education offi cer of the Springfi eld Fire Department, at 1pm. Business meeting from 2-3pm. Purchase lunch for $6. 529-9763. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Breakfast Optimist Club Feb 10, 17, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Central Illinois Numismatic Association Feb 9, 7pm Thu. Monthly meeting. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 528-5740.

Financial Peace University Feb 12, 12:30-2:30pm Sun. Dave Ramsey and team walk you through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and more. $100, includes all materials and lifetime FPU membership. Registration, fpu. com/1031707. 521-3276. Riverside Baptist Church, 1250 W. Mound Road, Decatur, 875-7272.

GriefShare Feb 15, 6:30pm Wed. 14-week program built around video seminars, a support group and a workbook. Registration. 414- 0126. griefshare.org. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

ISM Brown Bag Lecture Series Feb 15, 12-1pm Wed. Richard Leary, ISM Geology Curator Emeritus, on the issues facing animals in southern Africa. Free. dev7.illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782-0061. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

League of Women Voters Springfield Feb 15, 5:30-7pm Wed. Bimonthly general meeting; visitors welcome. INCIL, Myers Building, Fifth Floor, Room 501, 1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza.

NAMI Springfield Feb 15, 7pm Wed. Meetings fi rst Saturday (1pm) and third Wednesday (7pm) of the month. For families, caregivers, friends and those with mental illness. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Ninth Annual Lincoln Lecture Feb 13, 9am Mon. Program features a panel of Lincoln experts including Alan Lowe, Kathryn Harris and Samuel Wheeler with moderator John Squibb. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Feb 15, 7-8:30pm Wed. Program is “The Archaeology of Racial Hatred: Springfi eld, Illinois” presented by Floyd Mansberger, Fever River Research. Free. dev7. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782- 0061. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Recovery Retreat Feb 17, 6:30pm Fri. Identify the most common process addictions, discuss how they impact lives and recovery and explore ways to address them. $110 commuter; $199 overnight. chiaracenter. org. Chiara Center, 4875 LaVerna Road, 523-0901.

SAHBA Home Expo Feb 17-19, 3-8pm Fri, 9am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. Learn about the latest trends in home building and remodeling from more than 120 local vendors. $6 admission, free to ages 12 and under. BuilderEvents.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Single and Parenting Feb 16, 6-8:30pm Thu. 13- week program teaches practical strategies regarding parenting, fi nancial management, relationship issues, emotional guidance and more. Free; light meal and childcare provided at no cost. singleandparenting.org. 685- 8099. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

Bulletin Board

Be My Meowentine Feb 10, 6-8:30pm Fri. Yoga practice open to all levels. Postsession cat cuddling and social hour. $25. yoga4cats.com. Decatur Area Arts Council, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.

Career Connections Expo Feb 16, 11:30am-2:30pm Thu. Make professional connections, fi nd jobs and internships, and explore career paths. Featuring 100+ employers. uis.edu/career. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr., 206- 6073.

Education Career Day Feb 13, 9am-12pm Mon. Compare programs, obtain in-depth information, and ask questions of representatives from seven institutions of higher education. 786-2414. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Karaoke and Voter Registration Day Feb 10, 11am-1pm Fri. An LLCC Black History Month event. Co-sponsored by the African-American History Month Committee and the LLCC Black Student Union. Free. A. Lincoln Commons, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration Feb 12, 9am-5pm Sun. Historic characters, musicians, children’s crafts, games and more. Free admission. PresidentLincoln. illinois.gov. 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Love Your Pet Luminary Event Feb 12, 5:30-6:30pm Sun. Recognition service commemorates deceased pets and honors those still with us with a luminaria display. 370-2977. Jacksonville PetSafe Dog Park, 894 E. Vandalia, Jacksonville, 245-4178.

Spread the Love Pet Adoption Feb 11, 10am-2:30pm Sat. Adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. Hosted by Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control. Free admission. friendsofac. org. 899-0275. Petco, 2721 S. Veterans Parkway, 793-7387.

Food

Planning Successful Vegetarian Meals Feb 14, 6:30-8pm Tue. Video presentation by Mary McDougall explains how to prepare good tasting, nutritious, low-cost meals. Sponsored by the Springfi eld Vegetarian Association. Free. 546-9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Symposium Banquet Feb 12, 6pm Sun. Speaker is Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. Reception at 6pm; dinner at 7pm. $85. Reservations. abrahamlincolnassociation. org. 866-865-8500. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center, 701 E. Adams, 544-8800.

Valentine’s Day Jazz Dinner Feb 14, 5-9pm Tue. 501-4258. Hand of Fate Brewing Company, 107 E. Douglas St., Petersburg, 691-1098.

Politics

Naturalization Ceremony Feb 10, 2-3pm Fri. New United States citizens take oaths of allegiance. Free. uscis.gov/ us-citizenship. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Planned Parenthood Rally Feb 11, 1-2pm Sat. Rally for those who stand with Planned Parenthood. Positive messages only. Organized by Action for a Better Tomorrow and Women Rising. Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

History

Abraham Lincoln Birthday Dance Feb 12, 1-4pm Sun. Enjoy the music and dance of Lincoln’s era. Hosted by The Springfi eld International Folk Dancers. Period attire welcome but not required. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

African American History Museum Event Feb 16, 5-8pm Thu. Opportunity to view museum exhibitions and talk to museum exhibitors, members and volunteers. Free. spiaahm.org. Springfi eld and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 391-6323.

ALA Symposium Keynote Speaker Feb 11, 6-8pm Sat. Speaker Daniel Crofts, professor emeritus of history at The College of New Jersey, on his new book Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery: The Other Thirteenth Amendment and the Struggle to Save the Union. Free. abrahamlincolnassociation. org. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

American Legion Lincoln Pilgrimage Feb 12, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Wreath-laying ceremonies sponsored by American Legion #32. Longest continuouslyrunning celebration of Lincoln’s Birthday in the United States. springfi eldamericanlegion.com. 523-3415. Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site, 1500 Monument Ave., 782-2717.

Black Male Collegiate Society Induction Ceremony Feb 10, 5:30pm Fri. Celebrate with and hear from Black Male Collegiate Society members on their respective journeys from maleness to manhood. A Black History Month event. uis.edu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Civil War Saturday: Victorian Valentine Feb 11, 10am-4pm Sat. Springfi eld Soldier’s Aid Society volunteers share information and stories about womens’ lives during the Civil War era. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Looking for Lincoln Lectures Feb 12, 8:30am Sun. Annual George L. Painter lecture series presents stories that focus on the central Illinois communities that Lincoln impacted or that impacted Lincoln. nps.gov. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 391-3221.

Faith & Philosophy

Labyrinth Walk Feb 17, 7-9pm Fri. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

Un-Valentines Day Game Feb 14, 6:05-9:05pm Tue. Springfi eld Jr. Blues vs Janesville Jets hockey. Advance: $8 adults, $5 ages 12 and under. jrblues. com. 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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