FAIRS & FESTIVALS

African-American Food and Vendor Day Feb 22, 10am-2pm Wed. Sample food, see the wares of entrepreneurs, hear saxophone and African-American poetry improvisations by Virgil Rhodes. Free. A. Lincoln Commons, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

SAHBA 2017 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.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Artful Readers Book Club Feb 22, 7-8:30pm Wed. Monthly book club offers casual, engaging literary discussion with fellow art and book lovers. Ages 21+. Free. Registration. springfi eldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Springfield Comic Book Convention Feb 18, 10am-4pm Sat. Large variety of comic books new and old plus toys and collectibles. Free. epguides.com/ comics. 309-657-1599. Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 529-6626. Third Thursday Reading Series Feb 16, 6-8pm Thu. A new monthly literary event. Featuring author John Paul Jaramillo, author of the awardwinning story collection The House of Order. Free. twelvewinters.com. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

THEATER & COMEDY

Comedian Mike Armstrong Feb 17-18, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 9:30pm Sat. Cop turned comedian. Seen on Comedy Central and heard on the “Bob and Tom Show.” $15. $17. donniebscomedyclub.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391- JOKE.

Comedian Tim Cavanagh Feb 17-18, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. High school teacher turned comedian. Has appeared on Comedy Central, ABC-TV, Showtime, WGN, Comcast and more. $15. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Into the Woods Jr. Feb 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. Louisbased 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 Sing Feb 18, 6pm Sat. Featuring The Redemptions and Wanda Mountain Boys. Love offering. shermannaz.com. Sherman Church of the Nazarene, 7085 Village Center Road, Sherman, 496-3255.

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.

Wanda Mountain Boys Feb 19, 8:30am Sun. Thayer United Methodist Church, 114 E. Main St., Thayer, 854-7055.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

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.

Contrasting Forms Exhibition Feb 16-Mar 2, 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. 523- 2631. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Craft & Draft Feb 21, 7-9pm Tue. Choose three items from craft buffet and create three small crafts. $20. Reservations, Rhiannon@ ourvibrantcommunity.com. 331- 2027. Boone’s Saloon, 301 W. Edwards St., 679-3752.

Craft Day Feb 18, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm. Horsefeathers, Birdsong Books and Vintage, and the Country Bumpkin host craft sessions, offered from 10am- 12pm and 1-3pm at each store. $20 per craft session; includes all materials. Reservations, elkharthistoricalsociety.org. 947- 2238. Elkhart. Open Studio Feb 20, 21, 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 and 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

Don’t Think Twice Screening Feb 19, 21, 1pm and 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue. Film seven 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.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

Hooray for Hockey Feb 20, 6-7pm Mon. Meet and greet with Jr. Blues players, meet the Jr. Blues mascot, play slap shot infl atable hockey. Hosted by Scheels Kids Klub. Free. experience.scheels.com. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

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.

Lego Contest Feb 18-19. Multiple sessions for kids age 5-12. Free, Lego kits provided. Registration required at BuilderEvents.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

Paw Patrol Meet and Greet Feb 18, 10am-2pm Sat. Meet Chase, Marshall and Skye of Paw Patrol and enjoy activities, crafts and photos. $10 per person. Reservations. williamsvillewhipl.wixsite.com. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Winter Overnight Feb 18, 6pm Sat. Annual overnight for kids age 9-12 featuring games of Predator/ Prey under the stars and a night hike along with pizza and s’mores. $50 members, $65 non. Registration, lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

NATURE

Illinois Bobcats: An Update Feb 16, 7-8:30pm Thu. Informational program presented by Illinois Humane and the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club. Free. 208-818- 4626. The Cardologist, 627 E. Adams St., 525-4121.

Learn About Turkey Vultures Feb 16, 6-7pm Thu. Jacques Nuzzo of the Illinois Raptor Center discusses and shows a live turkey vulture. Limited seating. $5. 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

Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Roundtable Feb 16, 7pm Thu. Speaker Doug King presents “History of the Museum.” Museum tour to follow presentation. Springfi eld and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 391-6323.

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.

Retired State Employees Association Feb 22, 1:30pm Wed. Monthly meeting. Speaker is Bernard Schoenburg, political writer for the State Journal-Register. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 793-3933.

Sangamon Valley Writers Guild Feb 18, 2pm Sat. Monthly meeting. Topics TBA. 529-1039. Home of Julia Gentile, 11984 Grosball Road, Petersburg, 816- 1874.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Feb 22, 11am-1pm Wed. Linda Sill presents quilting tips and a talk titled “Who is your best friend?”. $15. 303- 9768. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900.

Through the Prism of Fredrick Douglass Feb 21, 6pm Tue. A panel of thought leaders explore the Black Lives Matter Movement through the prism of Fredrick Douglass’ “West India Emancipation” speech of 1857. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

BULLETIN BOARD

APL Pet Adoption Feb 18. Cats available from 11am-4pm. Dogs available from 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544- 7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

APL Pet Adoption Feb 19. Cats available from 12- 4pm. Dogs available from 12- 3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

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.

FOOD

Chai (High) Tea Feb 19, 3-5pm Sun. Enjoy fresh scones, tea sandwiches, biscuits and pastries along with a Parade of Hats, raffl e and more. $25 advance, $30 at door, $12 for children under age 10. shalomspringfi eld.org. 787- 7223. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 525-1360.

Mostaccioli Dinner Feb 18, 11am-3pm Sat. $7. Dawson Firehouse.

Soul Food Festival Feb 19, 7pm Sun. An educational and entertaining evening of poetry, dance, singing, stepping and Soul Food. Free. uis.edu. Student Life Building, University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 206-6073.

HISTORY

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.

Courtship and Crumpets Feb 19, 2-4pm Sun. Enjoy tea and crumpets with the Edwards women as they discuss romantic relationships. $25. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Sangamon County Historical Society Feb 21, 5:30pm Tue. Program by Kathryn Harris on the Springfi eld Race Riots of 1908. A Black History Month event. Free. sangamonhistory.org. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass Feb 16-17, 9:30am-1:30pm. Patricia Davis and Robert Davis portray two heroes in the battle against slavery. Admission. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782- 5764.

Soup and Stories Feb 21, 11:45am-1pm Tue. Historic interpreter and reenactor Robert Davis delivers part of Frederick Douglass’s oration in memory of President Abraham Lincoln. $3; free to students with ID. Reservations. Menard Hall, 786-2241. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

AUDITIONS

Muni Audition Workshop Feb 18, 10am-1pm Sat. Hear from 2017 Muni season directors about their expectations, casting requirements, and planned rehearsal schedules. Experienced Muni performers and staff share tips and advice for auditions. Meet and greet with directors to follow. themuni.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

FAITH & PHILOSOPHY

The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person Feb 19, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Series explores the background and relevance of the Seven Principles. Presented by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc. org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

SPORTS & FITNESS

A Brave New World Feb 18, 7:05-10pm Sat. An action-packed night of professional wrestling. Hosted by Proving Ground Pro. Lawford Theater, 225 W. Main St., Havana, 309-543-2021.

Dodgeball Tournament Feb 20, 9am-1pm Mon. Three game guarantee with team prizes for fi rst and second place in each division. Ages 8-14. $15 per player; $90 per team of 6. goalsindoorsports.com. Goals Indoor Sports, 3604 North Peoria Road, 789-GOAL.

Jr. Blues at the Museum Feb 20, 11am-1pm Mon. Meet the Springfi eld Jr. Blues and get your favorite players autograph. PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

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

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