Holiday Happenings

Easter Basket Giveaway Event Mar 31, 10am-1pm Sat. Baskets include fruit juice, lemonade, spring water, milk, tea, soda, coffee and bath robes. Complimentary to those with proper ID. Freedom in Holiness Mission, 1430 Loveland Ave., 522- 2527.

Fairs & Festivals Family Ceilidh Apr 8, 2-6pm Sun. Highland dancing and pipes and drums at 3pm. Live music by Exorna at 4pm. Hosted by the St. Andrews Society of Central Illinois. $3 per person or $5 donation per family. TRN Club, 25 Lakewood Dr., Chatham, 483-9994.

Kids Jumping for Autism Festival Mar 31, 10am-5pm Sat. Bounce house festival featuring vendors, balloonmaking, face-painting, shaved ice, food and more. Admission: $5 per half hour or $10 all day. 731-3821. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Books & Authors Poets in the Parlor and Open Mic Apr 8, 2-4pm Sun. Reading by featured poet Traci Brimhall, author of Saudade, Lady of the Ruins and Rookery, plus an open mic session prior to the reading. Free. vachellindsay.com. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

Shelterbelt Reading Series: Chen Chen Apr 5, 7-8:30pm Thu. Reading by Chen Chen, author of When I Grow Up I Want to Be a List of Further Possibilities. Free. uis.edu. 206- 7460. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Theater & Comedy

Belly Laffs’ Comedy Showcase Mar 31, 8pm Sat. Featuring Buddah Eskew, Joe Lancey, Al Nimpson, Kathy Zeman, Tim Laffey and Ted Denson. Free. Guitars and Cadillacs Saloon, 2724 Peoria Road,

Comedian Alex Ortiz Mar 30-31, 9:30pm Fri-Sat, 7:30pm Sat. A relatable, high-energy comic. $14, $16. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391- JOKE.

Comedy Showcase and Roast of Superman Mar 31, 8-10:15pm Sat. Two shows for the price of one. Comedy showcase featuring central Illinois’ top comedians to be followed by a roast of Superman, played by Jeff Govednik. $5. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Couplings Apr 7-8, 2pm Sat-Sun. A two-act comedy produced by Ken Bradbury. my-showtickets.com. Salem on Seventh Theater, 119 S. Seventh St., Petersburg, 632- 7068.

Dare to Believe Apr 7, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Illusion spectacular by Jay Owenhouse, a legendary escape artists and one of the most-awarded illusionists in history. $29+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Dr. Gonzo: Dirty Jokes and Road Stories Apr 6-7, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Dr. Gonzo shares stories about the rock legends and celebrities he’s performed with across the years. For mature audiences only. $15. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

The Murder Room Apr 6-8, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A spoof of all crime thrillers, featuring good, clean fun, humor and physical comedy. theatre7.tix.com. Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur, 422- 7300.

Wild Bill! An Evening with James Butler Hickok Apr 7-8, 7pm Sat, 4pm Sun. Actor and writer Walt Willey’s tribute to fellow Illinoisan James Butler ‘Wild Bill’ Hickok. $24, $26. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Music: General Events Duo Tandem Apr 7, 8-10pm Sat. Concert by Duo Tandem, an instrumental guitar duo with an emphasis on storytelling through music. $15 adults, $10 students and seniors. 816-8832. Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Ave., 522-3965.

Ivan Parker and Josh Parker Concert Apr 7, 6-8pm Sat. $15 advance; $18 at door, free to ages 12 and under; $12 per person for groups of 10 of more. 482-5114. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 636-8463.

LLCC Choir Concert Apr 8, 4pm Sun. Part of the LLCC Recital Series. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

UIS Music Spring Showcase Apr 6, 7:30-9:30pm Fri. Featuring performances by the UIS Chorus, UIS Orchestra, UIS Band and winners of the UIS Soloist Competition. Free. uis. edu. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

Dance Dance for Hope Apr 6, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. Latin dance night every fi rst Friday of the month. danceforhope3111. com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Rockin’ Road to Dublin Mar 29, 7:30-9:30pm Thu. World-class performance combines the art of an Irish dance show, the power of a rock concert, all with the finish of a Broadway theatrical production. $27+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Art & Architecture

A Show of Observation Opening Reception Apr 6, 5-7:30pm Fri. Exhibition features cast bronze sculptures and bold paintings by Preston Jackson. Art talk at 6pm. On display through Apr 28. Free. Anne Lloyd Gallery of the Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-3189.

Art Exhibition Mar 29, Apr 1, 4-8, 11, 10- 3pm Wed-Sun. Artworks on display by Felicia Olin, Renee Baldwin-Sisk, Katherine Pippin Pauley, George King and Sheri Ramsey. wildharecafe-elk-il. com. Horsefeather’s Wild Hare Café, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.

Capital City Visitor’s Guide Cover Art Contest Reception Apr 6, 5-7pm Fri. Gallery show features the Lincoln-themed artwork submitted for the Illinois Times’ Capital City Visitor Guide cover art contest. On display Apr 5-7. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

First Friday Gallery Walk Apr 6, 5-7:30pm Fri. Featuring exhibitions, music and talks at the Madden Arts Center, Blue Connection and Gallery 510. Funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. 423-3189. Downtown Decatur, Decatur, 423-7000.

Gertrude Abercrombie: Portrait of the Artist Mar 29-Apr 11. An interactive installation inspired by Gertrude Abercrombie’s art and life. On display through Jun 10. $5 adults; free to members, youth, seniors, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Jan Sorenson Hill Art Exhibition Mar 29-Apr 11. Exhibition on display through end of April. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622.

Reflection Apr 6, 4:30-6:30pm Fri. Multimedia exhibition features the talents of 16 alumni of the LLCC art program, their continued connection to the college, and the faculty that inspired them. On display through May 18. llccfoundation.org. 786-2217. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Stillness Exhibition Mar 29-Apr 11. Exhibition celebrates the genre of still life as a refl ection of our modern life. On display through Jun 3. $5 adults, free admission to members, youth, seniors, military, veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Unsung Heroes Mar 29-31. Exhibition documents the stories of sacrifi ce and heroism of Anna Heistad, Minnie Vautrin and Thomas Jones through photographs and personal objects. On display through Jun 3. $5 adults 19-64; free to members, seniors, youth, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Film & Television ‘The War Room’ Discussion Apr 8, 6:30-9pm Sun. Discussion of The War Room, a 2015 book and movie about the power of prayer. Part of the “Christ in the Culture” series. Free. trinitylutheran.com. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787- 2323.

Mystery Movie Monday Apr 2, 7pm Mon. See one movie from a variety of genres on the fi rst Monday of every month, Jan-Apr. Post-fi lm discussion to follow. Five movies for $40. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800- 838-3006.

Children’s Corner

Civil War Tech Apr 4, 10am-12pm Wed. Hands-on activities allow children to explore the intersection of history and technology. April’s theme is “Logistics of War.” Reservations. PresidentLincoln. Illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 558-8844.

Creature Powers Apr 2-6, 8:30am-12:30pm Mon-Fri. Ages 6-10 explore some of the coolest creatures, ranging from ocean-dwellers to tree-dwellers. Registration. $100 residents, $110 non.springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Easter Craft Time Mar 29, 6:30-7:30pm Thu. Create a paper plate bunny basket, decoupage eggs, and make a baby chick craft to take home. Free. shermanlibrary.net. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496- 2496.

Gross-ology Mar 30, 8:30am-4:30pm Fri. Ages 6-10 study stink-ology, sticky-ology and goo-ology to learn how gross is great for animal survival. Registration. $50 resident, $60 non. springfi eldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Recycled Play Day Family Event Apr 7, 11am-3pm Sat. Kick off Earth month with engaging activities centered on reducing, reusing and recycling. $5 adults; free to members, youth, seniors, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Zoo Vet Apr 2-6, 12:30-4:30pm Mon-Fri. Children ages 6-10 learn how to help care for zoo animals. BYO lunch. Registration. $100 residents, $110 non. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Nature

Spring Floral Show Mar 29-Apr 8, 12-4pm Mon-Fri, 12-5pm Sat-Sun. 45th annual show features Easter and Asiatic Lilies along with lush tropical foliage from the collections of the Garden. Free. springfi eldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

The Amazing Hummingbirds Apr 11, 6:30-8pm Wed. Sierra Club meeting features a slide show presentation on hummingbirds by Vernon Kleen of the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders. Free. 899-9996. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Environment Adams Wildlife Workday Apr 5, 10am-12pm Thu. Hosted by Friends of the Sangamon Valley. Work gloves and boots recommended; all other equipment provided. fosvdotorg. wordpress.com. 525-1410. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

The Comeback of Conservation in Illinois Apr 4, 7-8:30pm Wed. A Paul Mickey Learning Series presentation by Jared Duquette, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Lectures & Meetings

AARP Chapter 195 Apr 9, 11am Mon. Presentation by Laurie Karman of the Depression Glass Club at 1pm. Business meeting at 2pm. Lunch available for $6. 529- 9763. VFW Post #755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, 546- 9515.

BEST and Parent Transition Support Group Apr 11, 6-7:30pm Wed. A support group for young people with a disability and their parents. Topic is “What’s All the Fuss About Eating? A Feeding Workshop for Families.” Free. scil.org. The Early Learning Center, 2501 S. First St., 525- 3060.

Breakfast Optimist Club Mar 30, 7am Fri. Every Friday. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Capital Area Woodworkers Club Apr 2, 6:30-8pm Mon. Scheduled program titled “Cabinetry and Dining Room Chair Projects.” Free. cawspi. org. 416-1819. MCL Cafeteria, 2151 Wabash Ave., 787-8706.

Celebrate Recovery Mar 30, Apr 6, 6:30-8:30pm Fri. A Christ-centered recovery program for hurts, habits and hangups. livingfaithbaptist.org. Living Faith Baptist Church, 7575 W. Outer Road, Sherman, 496-2590.

Emotional Support Group Apr 9, 5-6pm Mon. Group meets every other Monday. Free. burstingbubbles.org. 335-2961. Memorial’s Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller, 545-6314.

North End Association Take Two Apr 9, 6-6:45pm Mon. Meet and discuss neighborhood concerns with Neighborhood Police Offi cer James Doss. 502-682-6165. Fulgenzi’s Pizza and Pasta, 1168 E. Sangamon Ave., 544-8520.

Paint it Brown: Women Artists, Space, and Self- Expression in Mexican Chicago Mar 29, 12-1pm Thu. Presentation titled “Paint it Brown: Women Artists, Space, and Self-Expression in Mexican Chicago” by Hinda Seif. Part of the Spring Semester 2018 Faculty Scholarship Series. Free. 206-8112. University of Illinois at Springfield, 206- 6073.

Rochester and The State Capitol Mar 29, 11:30am Thu. A “Lunch and Learn Series” presentation by Raymond and Pamela Bruzan, teachers, writers, environmentalists and community boosters from Rochester. $23 per person, includes hot buffet lunch. uis. edu. UIS Student Union, One William Maxwell Lane, 206- 6581.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Mar 31, Apr 2, 4, 9am Sat, 6pm Mon and Wed. Three meetings every week for those seeking freedom from unwanted and/or compulsive sexual activity. For more information, call Bill at 306-7335 or email springfi[email protected]. Confidentiality assured.

UIS Student Technology, Arts and Research Symposium Apr 5-6, 4-9pm Thu, 10:30am- 8pm Fri. Two-day event showcases student research, innovation and creative activities. Keynote speakers are Chen Chen and Dr. Rashawn Ray. Free. go.uis.edu. University of Illinois at Springfi eld, 206-6073.

Writing Freedom: Abolitionist Women Writers Before the U.S. Civil War Mar 29, 7:30-8:30pm Thu. Presentation titled “Writing Freedom: Abolitionist Women Writers Before the U.S. Civil War” by Holly Kent. Book signing to follow. Part of the Spring Semester 2018 Faculty Scholarship Series. Free. 206- 8112. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Bulletin Board Annual Lawnmower Clinic Apr 7, 9am-1pm Sat. Hosted by the Springfield Jaycees. Not intended for riding lawnmowers. $60, includes inspection to check fi lters, change spark plugs, sharpen blades and change oil. Springfi eldJaycees. net. O’Reilly Auto Parts North, 1321 N. Dirksen Pkwy, 522- 8430.

Illinois Capital Innovation Competition Awards Apr 6, 5-8pm Fri. Celebrate leading-edge advances in research, technology, business and community. Hosted by UIS, Innovate Springfi eld and the SIU School of Medicine. illinoisinnovationawards.com. UIS Student Union, One William Maxwell Lane, 206-6581.

Mensa’s Membership Qualification Test Mar 31, 10am-12:30pm Sat. Test into Mensa, the high IQ society which offers a forum for intellectual exchange among its members. Ages 14+ only. $60. us.mensa.org. 341-1326. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Trivia Night Apr 4, 11, 7:30pm Wed. By Team Trivia. Free. playteamtrivia.com. Coz’s Pizza and Pub, 4441 Ash Grove Dr., 726-7700.

History

Home Tours Apr 7, 11, 12-4pm Wed and Sat. Free. ileshouse.org. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 492-5929.

Weapons of the Civil War Apr 11, 12:30-1:30pm Wed. Moderated by Dr. Greg Kane, 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558-6696. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785- 0037.

Health

Healing Yoga for Grieving Hearts Mar 29, 7-8:15pm Thu. An alllevel practice focusing on poses that relax the body plus guided meditation to ease the mind. $50 per four-week session. ahhyoga.net. Ahh Yoga, 1051 Wabash Ave, 725-2373.

Stop the Bleed Mar 31, 9-11:30am or 12:30-3pm Sat. Learn how to handle life-threatening bleeding incidents. Hosted by Memorial Medical Center Emergency Department and the Southern Illinois Trauma Center. For ages 18+. Registration. Free. MemorialMedical.com. Memorial’s Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller, 545-6314.

Faith & Philosophy

Jesus: The Human vs the Christology Apr 1, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Journey of the Cross Mar 29-30, 5-8pm Thu, 12-3pm Fri. An interactive, contemplative walk-through of Christ’s last hours. Free. 618- 201-8639. Elliott Avenue Baptist Church, 501 W. Elliott Ave., 528-2983.

Religion Renewed

Mar 30, 7-8:30pm Fri. Discussion of various topics on spiritual subjects. Free. 546- 9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Skills For Life High School Girls Retreat Apr 6, 5pm Fri. Workshopdriven event for high school girls covers topics of spiritual life, practical life and social life. $35. lscacamp.org. Lake Springfi eld Christian Assembly, 1674 Lick Creek Lane, Chatham, 529-2625.

Way of the Cross Mar 30, 12-1:30pm Fri. 1.5- hour prayerful walk remembers Jesus’ passion and its connection with the sufferings of injustice experienced in God’s people in our world today. Sponsored by Pax Christi Springfield, Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, Springfield Dominican Sisters and Church of the Brethren. 652-3567. Supreme Court of Illinois Building, 200 E. Capitol.

Sports & Fitness

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Apr 7, 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. srrc.net. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Hope’s Night at the Rink Mar 30, 6pm Fri. Watch the Jr. Blues hockey game with some of the kids from Hope. Hors d’oeuvres provided. $10 per person. 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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