Holiday Happenings

Easter Bunny Photo Experience Mar 24-25, Apr 1-5, 10am-8:30pm Sat-Wed. Kids visit Easter bunny, take souvenir photo and receive fun goodies. Sensory-friendly bunny experience available Mar 26 from 9:30-11am. simon.com. 217-787-0110. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 787-8560.

Books & Authors

America’s Entry into WWI Apr 4, 6:30-8:30pm Tue. Historian Mark DePue on the mix of forces that tipped American public opinion in favor of WWI. Reservations. presidentlincoln.illinois. gov. 217-558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Memorial’s Sharing Wishes Hospice Gala Apr 1, 6-10pm Sat. Dinner, music, inspiration and entertainment in support of the Sharing Wishes Fund, which helps make wishes come true for hospice patients and their families. $90. SharingWishesHospiceGala.com. 217- 788-4700. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.

Poets in the Parlor Apr 2, 2-3pm Sun. Amy Strauss Friedman reads from her recentlypublished chapbook, Gathered Bones are Known to Wander. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

Theater & Comedy

Bye Bye Birdie Mar 31, Apr 1, 7-9:30pm Fri-Sat. $8 adults, $6 seniors and students. 2175466363 x110. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546- 6363.

Comedian Mark Poolos Mar 24-25, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 9:30pm Sat. 217-391-5653. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Rob Haney Mar 24-25, 8-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Standup comedian turns the trivialities of everyday life into common humor. Seen on HBO’s “Comic Relief” and “The Showtime Comedy Club Network.” $12.50. mclimits.com. 217-482-5233. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian Steve Hurst Mar 31, Apr 1, 9:30pm Fri, 7:30pm Sat. Seen on late-night TV. $14, $16. donniebscomedyclub.com. 217-391- 5653. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Todd Yohn Apr 1, Mar 31, 8-9:30pm Sat-Fri. High-energy, non-stop comedian blends stand-up, improv and music. $15. mclimits.com. 217-482-5233. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Faerie Tale: A Royal Wedding Apr 1-2, 2pm Sat-Sun. Springfi eld Ballet Company’s new ballet set to the music of Felix Mendhelssohn and Pyotr Tchaikovsky. $18-30. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

Historical Fiction: A Comedy Mar 24-25, 7:30pm Fri-Sat. Play showcases the ups and downs that come with community theater. Show is set backstage at a local production of the life of Abraham Lincoln. $15. edwardsplace.org. 217-523-2631. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

King of the Cowboys Apr 2, 3pm Sun. A multimedia salute to iconic Western movie, music and TV star Roy Rogers by Riders in the Sky. $25-32. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Mulan Jr. Mar 23-26, 7-9pm Thu-Sat, 3-5pm Sun. Presented by AJHS. $6 adults, $4 students and seniors. Cantrall Intermediate School, 155 Claypool, Cantrall, Murder Mystery Dinner Mar 24-26, 6:30pm Fri-Sat, 1pm Sun. Theme is “Good Deeds, Deadly Deeds.”

Presented by the Springfi eld Theatre Centre. $30. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Oklahoma Mar 23-26, 7:30-10pm Thu- Sun. Presented by SHG. $10 adults, $8 students and seniors. shg.org. 217-787-1595. SHG Dominican Hall Theatre, 1200 W. Washington, The Wizard of Oz Mar 25-26, 7pm Fri, 7pm Sat, 2pm Sun. Presented by the Hoogland Kids, Teens and Juniors. hcfta.org. $10, $14, $16. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Music: General Events

Brit Floyd The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show Mar 26, 7:30pm Sun. Live concert experience widely regarded as the world’s greatest live tribute to Pink Floyd features sound, light show, video design. $30+. sangamonauditorium. org. 217-206-6160. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra: April in Paris Mar 31, 7:30-9pm Fri. Musical promenade features Chabrier’s “Habanera,” Faure’s “Pavane,” Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin” and more. $20 admission; $5 for students. ilsymphony.org. 217-206-6160. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Maria Horvath on Fortepiano Apr 5, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Part of the Brown Bag Concert Series. BYO lunch or purchase at door for $5. Free. lincolnschurch.org. 217-528-4311. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528- 4311.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Apr 4, 7:30pm Tue. Tony Awardwinning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacifi c offers a contemporary take on a classic tale. $62+. sangamonauditorium. org. 217-206-6160. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

The Balkan Trio Mar 29, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Part of the Brown Bag Concert Series. BYO lunch or purchase at door for $5. Free. lincolnschurch. org. 217-528-4311. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

UIS Music Spring Recital Mar 24, 7-8:30pm Fri. Featuring UIS Chorus, A Capella Group and Honorable Mention soloists from the UIS Music Soloist Competition. Free. uis.edu/ music. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 206-6073.

Young Eyes, Kirk Donley, Stereo Static, Immanuel Ahiable Apr 1, 7pm Sat. The Radon Lounge, Dance Kevin Turner Mar 31, 8-11pm Fri. Playing the Friday Night Dance. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-9515.

Salsa Nights Dance Mar 25, 9pm-12:45am Sat. Wear all black to note the end of the winter blues or wear all white to embrace the onset of spring. $4. Omar’s Latin Fusion Restaraunt, 6901 Preston Dr., 415-5568.

Art & Architecture

BIOREGION Exhibit Opening Mar 24-25, 6-9pm Fri-Sat. Member artists exhibit artwork showcasing the natural phenomena of our local environment. Free. thepharmacygallery.com. 801- 810-9278. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Nature and Wildlife Photography Show Mar 23-24, 27-31, Apr 3-5, 9am- 5pm Thu-Fri, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Mon-Wed. Show titled “Welcome to the Garden.” On display through Apr 30. Free. wavetailart.com. 217-720-8654. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622.

Pharmacy Gallery’s Open Studio Mar 28-27, 6:30-9:30pm Tue-Mon. 801-810-9278. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

PLAY Exhibition Lantern Walk Mar 30, 7:30-9pm Thu. Gallery director Corrin McWhirter leads a gallery tour featuring in-depth discussion of some of the pieces on display. Hear music and poetry inspired by the artworks. Free. springfi eldart.org. 217-544-2787. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Portals into Springfield Mar 23, 7-8pm Thu. Local artist William Crook, Jr. discusses his print series “Portals of Springfi eld,” depicting entry points into the city. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Shifting Sands Part II Mar 23-24, 27-31, 9am-5pm Thu-Fri, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. Exhibition features photographs of 40 Springfi eld historic buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Hosted by the Sangamon Valley Collection of the Lincoln Library. Free. springfi eldart.org. 217-523- 2631. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Sip and Craft Mar 24, 6-8pm Fri. Make a personalized sign. Hosted by Kathi, Kelly and Me. kathikellyandme.com. 217-632- 6003. West of Wise Winery, 14096 State Highway 97, Petersburg, 632-6003.

The Chuck Thurow Gift Mar 23-31, 9am-4:30pm Thu-Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun, 9am-4:30pm Mon-Fri. Exhibition features more than 100 contemporary artworks given to the ISM by Chicago collector and arts advocate Chuck Thurow. On display through May 7. Admission. 217-524-5744. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Children’s Corner

Baby and Child Gear Sale Apr 1, 9am-12pm Sat. Hosted by Springfi eld Parents of Twins Club. $2 admission; free with ad or fl yer. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Civil War Tech Apr 1, 10-11am Sat. Theme is “Strategy at Vicksburg”. Learn about tactics both sides used to control Vicksburg during the Civil War. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois. gov. 217-558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Junior Naturalists Apr 1, 9am-12pm Sat. Ages 5-8 discover the beauty of spring via hands-on activities, games and outdoor investigation. All three sessions: $40 members, $45 non. Individual sessions: $15 members, $18 non. Registration, lincolnmemorialgarden.org. 217- 529-1111. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Kids Good Grief Camp Apr 2, 12-4pm Sun. Supportive, fun camp for children ages 6-12 who have lost a loved one. $10; scholarships available. KidsGoodGriefCamp.com. 217-247-4421. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Science

Friday Night Star Parties Mar 24, 31, 8-10pm Fri, 8-10pm Fri. Presentation and viewing of skies hosted by John Martin. Free. Weather questions, 206- 8342 at 7pm or UIS Observatory on Twitter. 217-206-8342. UIS Brookens Library, One University Plaza, 206-6633.

Nature Gardening Galore Mar 28, 5-6:30pm Tue. Presentations by Pam Catalani on “Straw Bale Gardening” and Karen Grant on “Container Gardening.” Free. pspld.com. 217-626-1553. Prairie Skies Public Library District, Pleasant Plains Branch, 555 Buckeye Road, Pleasant Plains, 626-1553.

Tabletop Terrariums Apr 1, 10am-12pm Sat. Experts lead participants through making their own terrariums. Pricing based on terrarium size. Register by Mar 31. 309-243-7761. Green View Companies, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.

Lectures & Meetings

Financial Peace University Mar 26, Apr 2, 12:30-2:30pm 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/1031707. 217-521-3276. Riverside Baptist Church, 1250 W. Mound Road, Decatur, 875-7272.

GriefShare Mar 29, Apr 5, 6:30pm Wed, 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.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Apr 5, 6pm Wed. Support group for those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and neuromuscular disorders. passavanthospital.com. Passavant Area Hospital, 1600 W. Walnut St., Jacksonville, 245-9541.

Single and Parenting Mar 23, 30, 6-8:30pm Thu, 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. 217-685-8099. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

The Bears and the ‘Gettes Mar 29, 11:30am-1:30pm Wed. Mark Sorensen on “How the Decatur Starchmen Became the Chicago Bears” and Beth Langen on the history of Illinois women as voters and their infl uence on history. $23 per person. A UIS Lunch and Learn event. Reservations. uis.edu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Bulletin Board Building Our Children’s Futures Mar 23-24, 12am Thu-Fri. Conference on the effects of poverty on child well-being in Illinois. $300. Registration. blogs. uis.edu/ChildreninPoverty. 217- 206-6079. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

City of Springfield Birthday Party Apr 1, 12-4pm Sat. Celebration of the 176th birthday of the City of Springfi eld and the 195th birthday of Iles opening his general store in Springfi eld. Featuring cake, ice cream, drinks. Free. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492- 5929.

Game Night Mar 29, Apr 5, 5:30-6:30pm Wed, 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. 217-585-2941. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 753-0702.

Illinois Women’s Health Conference Mar 23, 7:30am Thu. For those those interested in women’s issues and health professionals interested in educating themselves about diseases and the effects on women’s health. Registration. ipha.com. 217-522- 5687. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center, 701 E. Adams, 544-8800.

Retire State Employees Association Mar 29, 1:30pm Wed. Speaker is Dan Long, executive director of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. Monthly meetings held last Wednesday of the month. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 793-3933.

Short Stacks for a Tall Cause Mar 25, 8-10am Sat. In support of Alzheimer’s Assosciation. $5. alz.org. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill, 3335 Veterans Pkwy., 698- 0550.

SSCI Day Trip Apr 4, 4pm Tue. An SSCI-hosted day trip to the 7:15pm Cubs vs Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. $100 includes ticket, transportation and Cards Cash. ssoci.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason, 528-4035.

Food Chilli Supper Apr 4, 4am-7pm Tue. $8 adults, $4 children. Chatham Central Lodge #523, 112 W. Chestnut St., Chatham, . SUMC Spring Chicken Dinner Apr 1, 4pm-7am Sat. 217-496- 2338. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2338, Ext 5.

Winter Farmers Market Mar 25, 9am-1pm Sat. New seasonal farmers market features 15 local vendors selling a wide variety of products. ilstewards.org. 217-528-1563. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St, 528- 0457.

Winter Farmers Market Mar 25, 9-1am Sat. Fresh produce and local protein. Held the fourth Saturday of the month from Jan-Apr. Free. ilstewards.org. 217-528-1563. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St, 528- 0457.

Politics

Legislative Reception and Action Day Apr 5, 5:30-7:30pm Wed. Join members of IPHA, IAPHA, NIPHC and SIPHC and talk to Illinois legislators and staff about public health issues. Free. Registration required. ipha.com. 217-522- 5687. Sangamo Club, 227 E. Adams St., 544-1793.

History

Immigrants and Refugees Apr 4, 7:30pm Tue. Program is “Immigrants and Refugees: A Dilemma for US Leaders and Society” by Pamela Constable, deputy editor for the Washington Post. Free. uis.edu/speakerseries. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

US Grant at Fort Donelson Mar 25, 2pm Sat. Free. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Health

DBSA Central Illinois Support Group Mar 28, Apr 4, 6:30-8pm Tue, 6:30-8pm Tue. 217-816-8523. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Faith & Philosophy

Affirming the Rights of Conscience Mar 26, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. aluuc.org. 217-585- 9550. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Hallelujah Day

Mar 26, 11am-4pm Sun. Music, dance and speakers. Morning speaker is Ronte Harris. Afternoon guests are Pastor Roy Newman and the Fresh Visions Community Church Family. Meal served between services. Second Timothy Baptist Church, 1122 E. Pine St., 522-2616.

Raising Awareness of Bias and Rising Up Apr 2, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Speaker Kelly Wickham Hurst, executive director of Being Black at School. Free. aluuc. org. 217-585-9550. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Apr 1, 7:30am-12pm Sat. Premiere Midwest half marathon takes runners 13.1 miles past

Springfi eld’s major Lincoln sites such as his home and tomb. Registration. runabe.srrc.net. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Cubs vs Cardinals: The Rivalry Mar 24, 9am-5pm Fri. An interactive look at the historic baseball rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. On display through Dec 31. presidentlincoln.illinois. gov. 217-558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Springfield Jr. Blues Mar 24-25, 28, 7:05pm Fri, 6:05pm Sat, 7:05pm Tue. Hockey team pushes for the NAHL playoffs. $12 adults, $8 ages 3-12, free to ages 2 and under. jrblues.com. 217-525-2589. 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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