Fairs & Festivals

Annual Holistic Fair Apr 7-8, 10am-5pm Sat- Sun. Featuring the Midwest’s most talented holistic healers, body workers, psychics and local artists. $3 in advance; $5 at door; free to ages 13 and under. midwestholisticfest.com. 698-2776. Illinois State Fairgrounds Illinois Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

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.

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 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 artist 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.

Just Jokin’ J’Ville: The Remix Apr 7, 8-10pm Sat. Featuring comedians Amy Watson, Jeff Tolbert, Josh Freeman, Jon Maddy, JohnnyPants McCarthy, Clay Foley, Gary Reinhardt and Al Nimpson. For mature audiences. $10. American Legion Post 279, 903 W. Superior, Jacksonville, 243-5145.

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 one-person 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 first Friday of the month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

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.

Ambience Exhibition Apr 5-7, 10-11. Exhibition features the work of John Hayes, David Brodsky and Gary Beaumont, plus new work by more than 85 exhibiting SAA artists. On display through May 3. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Art Exhibition Apr 5-8, 11. 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 Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.

Canvas + Cocktails: Book Binding Apr 6, 7-9:30pm Fri. Create your own journal by learning the art of codex book binding. BYO wine, cheese and desserts to savor. Ages 21+. $15 SAA members, $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Capital City Visitor’s Guide Cover Art Contest Reception Apr 6, 5-7pm Fri. Gallery show features the Lincolnthemed artwork submitted for the Illinois Times’ Capital City Visitor’s Guide cover art contest. On display Apr 5-7. Springfield 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 Apr 5-11. 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 Apr 5-30. Reception on Apr 15, 2-4pm. Exhibition on display through Apr 30. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622. Reflection Exhibition 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 Apr 7-11. Exhibition celebrates the genre of still life as a reflection of our modern life. $5 adults; free admission to members, youth, seniors, military, veterans. On display through Jun 3. 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. trinity-lutheran. com. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

Children’s Corner Creature Powers Apr 5-6, 8:30am-12:30pm Thu-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.

Muppet Babies: Themed Disney Junior Play Date Apr 7, 10am-12pm Sat. Featuring activities such as color bingo, craft projects and more. For children of all ages. Free. simon.com. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 787-8560.

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 5-6, 12:30-4:30pm Thu-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 Apr 5-8, 12-4pm Thu-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. springfieldparks.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.

Cowspiracy - The Sustainability Secret Apr 10, 6:30-8pm Tue. Environmental documentary discusses major negative consequences of raising animals for food. Sponsored by the Springfield Vegetarian Association. Free. 546- 9171. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

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.

Building High School Leaders Apr 8, 1:30-3:30pm Sun. Educational session for students in grades 9-12. Program is part of Illinois College’s True Blue Institute and features Hoan Do, who appeared on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. $20; includes drinks, snacks and t-shirt. ic.edu. 245-3094. Illinois College Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Celebrate Recovery 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.

Helping Children and Families Recover from Trauma Apr 11, 5:30pm Wed. Presentation by author Julian Ford, who is also a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. An ECCE Speaker Series presentation. Free. uis. edu. 206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

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

Sex Addicts Anonymous Apr 7, 9 and 11, 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 [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 Springfield, 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 filters, change spark plugs, sharpen blades and change oil. SpringfieldJaycees.net. O’Reilly Auto Parts North, 1321 N. Dirksen Pkwy, 522-8430.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 8. Cats available 12- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 7. Cats available 11am- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petco, 2721 S. Veterans Parkway, 793-7387.

Dr. King’s Written Word Apr 7, 10, 10am Sat, 6pm Tue. Featuring discussions of and readings of Dr. King’s most poignant writings. Sponsored by I-Magic Nation and the African American History Museum. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 544-8115.

Human Rights Day Program Apr 5, 5:30pm Thu. Featured speaker Larry Golden of the Innocence Project. Sponsored by Church Women United in Springfield. Cotton Hill United Methodist Church, 5931 N. Cotton Hill Road, 529-2736.

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

Retirement Peace University Apr 7-8, 10am-4pm Sat, 1-4pm Sun. Interactive twoday workshop for those in or near retirement. Program takes participants through more than 40 critical financial and health decisions. retirementpeace. org. 498-7700. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

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

Trivia Night Apr 7, 7pm Sat. Food and refreshments available. BYO snacks. In support of Riverton High School’s After Prom Program. $10 per person; 10 people per table max. 836-6945. Riverton Knights of Columbus, 335 S. Fourth St., Riverton, 629-9018.

History Home Tours Apr 7, 11, 12-4pm Sat and Wed. 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.

Faith & Philosophy Interfaith Devotional Service Apr 8, 4:30-6pm Sun. Spirituality and the environment. Discussion. Free. 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Religion Renewed Apr 6, 7-8:30pm Fri. Various topics on spiritual subjects. Discussion. Public invited. 546-9171. Springfield 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 Springfield Christian Assembly, 1674 Lick Creek Lane, Chatham, 529-2625.

Sports & Fitness

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon Apr 7, 7:30am-12pm Sat. Premiere Midwest half marathon takes runners 13.1 miles past Springfield’s major Lincoln sites, such as his home and tomb. Registration. srrc. net. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

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

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