Fairs & Festivals

Winter Wine Festival Feb 24, 7-10pm Fri. Hosted by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. $20 adv, $25 day of. illinoISwine.com. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.

Books & Authors

Donuts and Drama Feb 25, 8-10am Sat. Author Kathleen H. Wheeler signs copies of her family saga novel titled Brought To Our Senses. Free. BroughtToOurSenses.com. Mel- O-Cream Donuts, 1953 W. Monroe St., 546-4651.

Publishing, Writing and Editing in 2017 Mar 1, 7pm Wed. KMA Sullivan and Justin Phillip Reed read from their new books of poetry and discuss literary citizenship and publishing in the 21st century. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Spoken Word

Black History Event Feb 25, 9-11am Sat. Presented by New Life Worship Center. Enjoy dancing, singing, poetry, black history skits and more during breakfast ($10), lunch ($10) or dinner ($12). Eastside Community and Development Center, 1530 S. Pope Ave., 870-932-0505.

Poetry Out Loud Regional Contest Feb 23, 4-6pm Thu. Student fi nalists from central Illinois high schools recite memorized works of poetry. Winners advance to state competition. springfi eldartsco.org. 753-3519. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Theater & Comedy

Comedian Christine Stedman Feb 24-25, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Christine Stedman is one funny mother. Has been seen on Nick at Nite’s “Funniest Mom in America.” $12.50. mclimits. com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian Rob Little Feb 24-25, 9:30pm Fri-Sat, 7:30pm Sat. $16, $18. donniebscomedyclub. com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Little Red Riding Hood Feb 25, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm Sat. Presented by the Springfi eld Youth Performance Group. Pre-show parties begin in lobby 30 minutes before each show. $15 adults; $10 children 13 and under. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Steel Magnolias Feb 24-26, 8pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun. Play follows six women who are interwoven via the small town gossip that 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

EAS Rocks Gala Feb 25, 5:45-11pm Sat. Live entertainment by Take 10, hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and more. Event supports the Elizabeth Ann Seton Program which helps mothers and children in central Illinois. $50. ElizabethAnnSetonProgram.org. 757- 6025. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry Dr., 546-3527.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Feb 24, 7:30pm Fri. “Beautiful Beethoven” concert featuring conductor Ken Lam and violinist Simone Lamsma. $20, $40, $60. sangamonauditorium. org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Let It Be Feb 26, 7pm Sun. A reprise of the Beatles’ past from Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road. $31-51. springfi eldpc3.com. Prairie Capital Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745- 3000.

Dance

Black History Month Ebony Dance Feb 25, 9pm-12am Sat. Co-sponsored by LLCC’s African-American History Month Committee and the Open Door Mentorship program. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786- 2200.

Dance Marathon Feb 24, 4pm-12am Fri. In support of Children’s Miracle Network. Participate as an individual or as part of a team. $5 registration, $20 fundraising requirement. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr., 206-6073.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Feb 26, 7pm Sun. World’s foremost all-male comic ballet company. Males in traditionally female roles perform the full range of ballet and modern dance repertoire. $40+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Lincoln Library Building Birthday Party Feb 24, 4-6pm Fri. 70s-themed Disco party features dancing and a birthday cake reception. 70s disco-style attire encouraged. A family-friendly event. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Salsa Nights Dance Feb 25, 9pm-12:45am Sat. Omar’s Latin Fusion Restaraunt, 6901 Preston Dr., 415-5568.

Art & Architecture

Contrasting Forms Exhibition Feb 23-25, 28, Mar 1-2, 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.

Katherine Pippin Pauley Reception Feb 26, 2:30pm Sun. Opening reception for award-winning local artist Katherine Pippin Pauley. Exhibition features mixed media that tells a story, has different levels of meaning and exhibits a sense of humor. On display through Feb 28. 483-4471. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546- 5622.

Life Mapping Feb 26, 3-5:30pm Sun. Create a visual mapping experience using artistic, meditation and organizational skills. Hosted by Our Vibrant Community. $35. [email protected]. 331-2027. Schnucks, 2801 Chatham Road, 698-2980.

Manierre Dawson: A Journey to Abstraction Feb 23-28, 9am-4:30pm Mon- Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Sixteen original oil paintings by artistic pioneer Manierre Dawson. dev7.illinoisstatemuseum. org. 524-5744. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Open Studio Feb 27-28, 6:30-9:30pm Mon- Tue. 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.

The Chuck Thurow Gift Feb 23-28, 9am-4:30pm Mon- Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun. Exhibition features more than 100 contemporary artworks donated to the ISM in 2016 by Chicago collector and arts advocate Chuck Thurow. Admission. dev7.illinoisstatemuseum. org. 524-5744. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Through a Jewish Lens Opening Reception Feb 27, 5:30-7:30pm Mon. Photography exhibition featuring David Brodsky, Edward Haber, Howard Hammel, Steve Rambach and Melvin Taff. On display through Mar 6. Free. shalomspringfi eld.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Film & Television

Eight Days a Week Screening Feb 26, 28, 1pm and 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue. Film eight 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

Springfield Area Rube Goldberg Competition Feb 25, 9am-3pm Sat. View outlandish machines created by area fi fth graders from 14 participating classrooms. Free to public. Student Union, Menard Hall. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Nature

Introduction to Beekeeping Feb 23, 6-9pm Thu. Explore the fascinating world of honey bees and the steps to becoming a beekeeper. $35. web.extension. illinois.edu. University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Dr., 782-4617.

Maple Syrup Time Demonstrations Feb 25-26, 1-2pm Sat-Sun. Naturalists lead groups to tap trees, collect fl owing sap, and cook it down into pure maple syrup. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Severe Weather Storm Spotting Seminar Feb 27, 6:30pm Mon. Learn about the formation and tracking of tornadoes and become an offi cial storm spotter. Hosted by the National Weather Service. Free. 786- 4923. Student Union Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Lectures & Meetings

Breakfast Optimist Club Feb 24, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 546-5021. Atonement Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546- 7646.

Capital Area Woodworkers Club Meeting Mar 1, 6:30-8pm Wed. Scheduled program: Wood Carving presented by Jack Tefft. Free. cawspi.org. 553-0097. MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave., 787-8706.

Church Women United Feb 28, 9:30am Tue. Dr. Augusto Elias presents a talk on Memorial Medical Center and its stroke team. Open to all women with or without church affi liation. 629-8881. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Establishing Springfield and the Horseshoe Feb 23, 11:30am-1:30pm Thu. Linda Garvert presents the people, places and events which established Springfi eld. $23 per person. A UIS Lunch and Learn event. Reservations. uis.edu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Financial Peace University Feb 26, Sun, 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. 521-3276. Riverside Baptist Church, 1250 W. Mound Road, Decatur, 875-7272.

GriefShare Mar 1, 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.

Lincoln’s Legacy Feb 23, 1:30-2:30pm Thu. By Dr. Dan Guillory, Professor Emeritus at Millikin University. Presentation features large format vintage photographs and actual quotations from Lincoln plus Q-and-A session and book signing. Primrose Retirement Community of Decatur, 1145 W. Arbor Dr., Decatur, 619-0290.

Single and Parenting Feb 23, 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.

Springfield ICON Feb 27, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. Monthly meeting. Speakers will be Ward 6 Candidates Kristin DiCenso and Martin Fruchtl. springfi eldicon.org. 528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Bulletin Board

APL Pet Adoption Feb 25. 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 26. Cats available from 12- 4pm. Dogs available from 12- 3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

Game Night Mar 1, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Drop-off event designed to help develop independence. Featuring group games for ages 5-99 that involve some physical activity. Free. springfi eldparks. org. 585-2941. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Mardi Gras Trivia Night Feb 24, 5:30-9pm Fri. Hosted by Friends of Sangamon County Animal. $10 per person; $100 for a 10-member team. friendsofac.org. 415-5524. Firefi ghters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622- 0099.

Toastmasters Speech and Evaluation Contest Feb 25, 1-3pm Sat. Toastmasters Area 1 and 10 International Speech and Evaluation Contest. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Winter Celebration: Mardi Gras Feb 28, 10am-1pm Tue. Live music by Riverboat 5+1, potluck and other activities for seniors. Hosted by the Lincoln Land Community College Academy of Lifelong Learning. Free. llcc.edu/academylifelong-learning. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Food Winter Farmers Market Feb 25, 9am-1pm Sat. New seasonal farmers market features 15 local vendors selling a wide variety of products. ilstewards.org. 528-1563. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St., 528-0457.

History

Iles Project Performance Day Feb 24, 10am-2pm Fri. Learn about Illinois history from Iles Elementary School fi fth graders. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Re-enacting: A Personal Perspective Feb 28, 7-8pm Tue. Presentation by by Jonathan E. Reyman. Free. 114thillinois. yolasite.com. 546-4645. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass Feb 24, 28, 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.

Auditions

Sangamon Youth Performance Group Auditions Feb 26, 4-6pm Sun. Dance auditions for SYPG’s upcoming production of Hansel and Gretel. Open to children age 4-13. Registration from 4-4:30pm; auditions 5-6pm. sypg.org. Springfi eld Dance, 5531 International Parkway.

Health

DBSA Central Illinois Support Group Feb 28, 6:30-8pm Tue. 816- 8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Faith & Philosophy

Ashes to Go Mar 1, 7-9am Wed. Drivethrough blessings and imposition of ashes. Free. hopeforspringfi eld.org. 546- 5941. Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave., 546-6951.

Justice, Equity and Compassion Feb 26, 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

Cloud Tectonics Feb 25, By José Rivera. Admission. 245-3471. Illinois College, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Live Pro Wrestling Feb 25, 7pm Sat. Hosted by the Pinfall Wrestling Association. $6, $10. Lanphier High School, 1300 N. 11th St., 525-3080.

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

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