Fairs & Festivals

Ben Culli Hymn Festival Apr 22, 4-5:30pm Sun. Professional musicians in the community sing praise to God using hymns of the church. Hosted by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church. Free. gracelutheranspringfield.com. Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Ave., 522-3965.

Earth Awareness Fair Apr 21, 1-5pm Sat. Featuring 40+ exhibitors, live music, games, crafts, activities, workshops, food and more. Hosted by the City of Springfi eld. Free. springfield.il.us. 789-2255. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Books & Authors

Artful Readers Book Discussion Apr 25, 7-8:30pm Wed. Casual, engaging literary discussion with fellow art and book lovers ages 21+. Featuring a discussion of B.A. Shapiro’s The Muralist. Registration. Free. springfi eldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523- 2631.

Pondicherry Lodge Sherlock Holmes Society Apr 21, 9-11am Sat. Discussion of The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger. Free. sherlock.lolopop.org. 546-8387. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan Apr 19, 6-8pm Thu. Book signing and presentation by Del Quentin Wilber, author of Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan. $8 public, $5 members. Presidentlincoln.Illinois.Gov. 558-8844. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Shelterbelt Reading Series: Eloisa Amezcua Apr 19, 7-8:30pm Thu. Recipient of the 2017 Shelterbelt Poetry Prize and author of From the Inside Quietly. Free. uis.edu. 206-7460. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206- 6073.

Third Thursday Reading Series Apr 19, 6-8pm Thu. Celebrate the release of Ted Morrissey’s The Curvatures of Hurt audiobook, read by Jenny Bacon. Open mic session 6-7pm. Reading at 7pm. Free. twelvewinters.com. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Trivia Night Apr 20, 7-8:30pm Fri. In support of the UIS English Department. $10 public, $5 students; tables of 10. uis.edu. 206-7460. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Theater & Comedy Comedian Matt Holt Apr 20-21, 9:30pm Fri-Sat, 7:30pm Sat. A sharp, witty comedian. $14, $16. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Michael Brown Apr 20-21, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Comedy show features dead-on impressions, hilarious observations and down-home, Southern sensibility. $12.50. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Dixie’s Tupperware Party Apr 20-22, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sat-Sun. Off-Broadway play about an old-fashioned Tupperware party features funny tales, heartfelt stories, great giveaways and more. $28 advance seniors, $30 advance adults; $35 day of; $50 VIP.atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Footloose Apr 20-22, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford. $8 adults, $5 students and seniors. Springfield High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 525-3100.

Robin Hood Apr 20-22, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Presented by Springfield Theatre Centre. Directed by Kelly Bassett. $20 adults, $18 students and seniors. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Six Characters in Search of an Author Apr 19-21, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun. Play follows a group of theater artists as they rehearse a known play, only to be interrupted by six characters from another play, which its author never finished. $6-$14. uis.edu/theatre. UIS Studio Theatre, One University Plaza, 206-7529.

The Fabric of Friendship Apr 21, 6:30pm Sat. Play starring Pam Brown and Kathryn Harris tells the story about the friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

The Phantom of the Opera Apr 20-22, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Set at the Paris Opera House in 1881, French novelist Gaston Leroux’s classic tale chronicles a story of love and despair. $20-$26. kirklandfinearts.com. 420-6636. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 424-6318.

The Portuguese Rodeo Clown Company Apr 20-21, 8pm Fri-Sat. Five actors perform two hours of live improv comedy done with absolutely no script. $15. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Music: General Events

April Showers Bring Musical Flowers Apr 21, 2-5pm Sat. An afternoon of music and dancing by Hopkins and Miller with Sunset Stomp. Presented by the Juvae Jazz Society. $20 per person. juvaejazz.com. 855-8496. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 4191 US 36 West, Decatur.

Capital Area Concert Band Apr 24, 7-8pm Tue. Concert features music from Mozart to Claude T. Smith, plus selections from Chicago and Fiddler on the Roof. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Greg Tamblyn Concert Apr 20, 7-9pm Fri. Concert by Greg Tamblyn, a singer, songwriter, speaker and humorist for more than 20 years. $12 per person; $20 per couple. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.

Silver Screen Gala Apr 22, 5:30pm Sun. Featuring the Illinois Symphony Orchestra with Julie Staley and pianist Cory Brown, led by music director Ken Lam. Plus dinner, live and silent auctions and more. Reservations. ilsymphony.org. 522-2838. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.

Dance

Dance for Hope Apr 20, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. West coast swing dances every third Friday of the month. $8 per person. Free admission to one dance of your choosing during your birth month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

The Fabulous Hoedads Apr 19, 7-10pm Thu. $5. thefabuloushoedads.com. Decatur VFW Post 99, 3920 N. MLK Jr. Dr., Decatur, 358-9273.

Art & Architecture

20x16x20 Christy Solo Show Apr 19, 5:30-8:30pm Thu. New artworks from Christy Freeman Stark based on memories of Menard County. Free. christystudios.com. 773-235- 5600. Christy Studios, 2501 W. Wabash, 546-0953.

Ambience Exhibition Apr 19-21, 24-25. Exhibition features the work of John Hayes, David Brodsky and Gary Beaumont, plus new work by more than 85 exhibiting SAA artists. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787.

Art Exhibition Apr 19-22, 25. 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.

Craft Show and Flea Market Apr 21, 9am-3pm Sat. Sponsored by Women of the Moose. Free. 245-6417. Jacksonville Moose Lodge, Jacksonville.

Gertrude Abercrombie: Portrait of the Artist Apr 19-25. 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 19-25. Exhibition on display through end of April. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622.

Pastel Perspectives Reception Apr 20, 5:30-7:30pm Fri. Exhibition features artworks by members of the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society. Awards presented by visiting artist Maria Baguetta. On display through Apr 21. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Sandy Meyer Exhibition Apr 20-25. Exhibition by watercolorist Sandy Meyer. On display through Apr 29. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Stillness Exhibition Apr 19-25. 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.

Unsung Heroes Exhibition Apr 19-25. Exhibition celebrates Anna Heistad, Minnie Vautrin and Thomas Jones: Ordinary people who did extraordinary things in service of their fellow man. On display through Jun 3. $5 adults; free to members, seniors, youth and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Film & Television Your Name Apr 19, 6-9pm Thu. Showing of the fi nal fi lm of the “Through a Different Lens: Cultural Perspectives through Film” film series. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Children’s Corner

Fairy Tale Ball Apr 19-21, 6-8pm Thu-Sat. Three-night event featuring regal food, magical surprises, and dancing with your favorite fairy tale characters. Preregistration required. $16 public; $10 members. Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 South Country Club Road, 423-KIDS.

Parents’ Night Out Apr 20, 6-9pm Fri. Kids enjoy a night of “Minute to Win It” games, rides, food, activities and more. Registration. springfieldparks.org. 585-2941. Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 700 E. Lake Shore Dr, 786-4111.

Project HOWL: Monkeying Around Apr 21, 1-3pm Sat. Ages 10- 12 learn about animals and their ecosystems and help enrich the lives of animals on zoo grounds. Registration. $13 residents and members, $15 non. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Nature Bird Hike Apr 21, 8-9:15am Sat. Seasonal migratory bird hikes led by Kevin Veara. Open to all skill levels. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. 836-5400. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Illinois Grassland Birds Apr 19, 7-8:30pm Thu. Presentation titled “The Ups and Downs of Illinois’ Grassland Birds” by Illinois Audubon Society Executive Director Jim Herkert. Free. illinoisaudubon.org. 670- 7707. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Monarchs and Milkweed Apr 21, 1-2pm Sat. Presentation by Brenda Larison followed by a walk to Ostermeier Prairie Center and search for milkweeds and other pollinator-friendly plants. Free. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Orchid Basics and Repotting Workshop Apr 21, 9am-12pm Sat. Open-house style event where attendees learn about how to care for orchids, diseases and pests common with orchids, and basic orchid growing tips. BYO orchids for repotting at a nominal cost. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 546-4116.

Railsplitter Alpaca Show Apr 21, 8:30am-5pm Sat. Event offers opportunities to talk to breeders, meet their alpacas, see alpacas on display, and shop from vendors, farm displays and more. Free. IAOBA.com. 309-275-0853. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Wildflower Walks Apr 21, 10am and 4pm Sat. Experience the beauty and variety of the ephemeral spring wildfl owers on Elkhart Hill. Guided by Dr. Pam Moriearty and/or Gillete Ransom. Hosted by the Elkhart Historical Society. By reservation only. $10. elkharthistoricalsociety.org. 947-2238. Elkhart.

Environment Adams Wildlife Workday Apr 19, 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.

Lectures & Meetings Adult Children of Alcoholics Apr 24, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Celebrate Recovery Apr 20, 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.

Central Illinois Mine Subsidence Presentation Apr 25, 6-8pm Wed. Presentations by Dave Tucker, Dr. Jerry Marino and Brent Guttmann. Sponsored by the Illinois Coal Museum at Gillespie. Free. meacorporation.com. 314-833-3189. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Emotional Support Group Apr 23, 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.

Issue Discussion Series: Open Government Apr 19, 5-7pm Thu. Discussion on open government and what rules and regulations are in place in Illinois. Hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Springfield Area. Free. 847- 651-5939. First Congregational Church, 2100 Bates Ave., 546-7170.

Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage Review Apr 25, 6-7pm Wed. Learn about your Medicare options, including important information and when to apply. Free. 502-2203. Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin

St., Decatur, 424-2900. Mikhail Vrubel and Symbolism in Literary Works Apr 24, 7:30-8:30pm Tue. Presentation by Rosina Neginsky, UIS associate professor of liberal and integrative studies. Part of the Spring Semester 2018 Faculty Scholarship Series. Free. 206-8112. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Round Table Apr 19, 7pm Thu. Presentation by Civil War historian Rich Keppner titled “Quincyans and their connection to the Civil War.” Free. Schnucks, 2801 Chatham Road, 698-2980.

Retired State Employees Association Apr 25, 1:30pm Wed. Monthly meetings held last Wednesday of each month. Presentation by Illinois State Historian Sam Wheeler on “Illinois Bicentennial and Activities.” St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 793-3933.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Apr 21, 23 and 25, 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]. Confi dentiality assured.

Bulletin Board Annual Lawnmower Clinic Apr 21, 9am-1pm Sat. Hosted by the Springfi eld Jaycees. Not intended for riding lawnmowers. $60, includes inspection to check fi lters, change spark plugs, sharpen blades and change oil. SpringfieldJaycees.net. O’Reilly Auto Parts West Jefferson, 1501 W. Jefferson, 793-1872.

Annual SCCC Table Setting Luncheon Apr 20, 7:30-8:30am. View a display of arts and crafts created by Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club members. $10 luncheon. 494-2939. Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, 2626 S. Pasfield St.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 21, 11am-2pm Sat. Cats and dogs available. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Artisan Stone, 2475 Peerless Mine Road, 697-8433.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 22. Cats available 11am-4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. aplshelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

Church Women United of Springfield Apr 24, 9:30am Tue. Presentation by Theresa Faith Cummings on the civil rights movement. Board meeting followed by tour of museum at 10:45am. Refreshments included. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 391-6323.

Clean-Up Day Apr 21, 9am-3pm Sat. Help with inside and outside cleaning of the buildings and grounds. christiancountyhistorical.com. Christian County Historical Museum, Near IL Routes 29 and 48 on Morrison Dr., Taylorville, 824-6922.

Cool Cruisers Cruise In Apr 22, 1-4pm Sun. Featuring a car cruise in, music, door prizes, cash drawings, 50/50 drawings, plus complimentary hot dogs, chips and soda for participants. 891-4910. Auto Zone, 2860 S. Sixth, 544-5004.

DANK Springfield Event Apr 22, 2-5pm Sun. Hosted by DANK Springfield, Illinois Chapter. $15 advance; $20 at door. 744-0607. The Corkscrew, 2613 Chatham Road, 698-1112.

Dining in the Dark Apr 20, 6pm Fri. Featuring keynote speakers, entertainment by Phil Steinberg, good food, and lights that dim gradually as the event continues. Hosted by The Brandt-Thomas Educational Center in support of central Illinois individuals who are blind or visually impaired. $100 per person. 303-9062. Illini Country Club, 1601 S. Illini Road, 546-4614.

Retirement Peace University Apr 21-22, 9am-3pm Sat, 1-4pm Sun. Interactive twoday workshop for those in or near retirement. Program takes participants through more than 40 critical fi nancial and health decisions. retirementpeace.org. 789-7700. Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 W. Chestnut St., Chatham, 483-2132.

Spring Book Roundup Apr 21, 10:30am-2:30pm Sat. Bring in used books, albums, CDs and DVDs. Free. 691-7622. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Tribute to Dr. King Apr 19, 6pm Thu. Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King featuring a tribute to his legacy of non-violent advocacy and activism. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 391-6323.

Food

Bourbon Tasting Apr 20, 7:30pm Fri. Explore rarebarrel select examples from the regionally contiguous and storied Wild Turkey and Four Roses distilleries. $25 non-members, $30 members. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

History

Non-Violence Advocacy and Activism Apr 19, 6-8pm Thu. Workshop/ discussion led by retired US Marshal Robert Moore. Keynote speaker is Dr. Christi Griffi n, author and director of the Ethics Project and National Youth Conference organizers of St. Louis. spiaahm.org. 391-6323. African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 877-757-2246.

Underground Railroad Spring Bus Tour Apr 22, 1-5pm Sun. Tour the nine Underground Railroad sites in Jacksonville. Tour led by Storyteller Tour Guides. Reservations required. $20 adults, $10 ages 10 and under. 479-4144. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Auditions Follies Open Vocal Auditions Apr 24-25, 6:30-8:30pm Tue- Wed. Open auditions for male and female vocalists ages 18 and up. Callbacks will be May 1-2. Performances will be Jul 29-30. theatre7.net. Theatre 7, 131 N. Water St., Decatur, 423-2107.

Faith & Philosophy

Earth Day Service Apr 22, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Vern LaGesse, Friends of Sangamon Valley. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Sports & Fitness

Springfield Jr. Blues Hockey Apr 20-21, 5:30-9:30pm Fri-Sat. Playoff game number three vs the Janesville Jets. $5. jrblues.com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Apr 21, 9:30am-12pm Sat. Participating men are asked to walk a mile in women’s high heel shoes to show their support in ending sexual violence and raising awareness in the community. After-party to follow. Open to all. $35 fundraising minimum. prairiecasa.org. Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault, 3 W Old State Capitol Plaza, 744-2560.

Walk for Parkinson’s Apr 21, 9am Sat. Walk one-mile in awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. move4pdspringfield.wixsite.com. Hope Pavilion — Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 788-2310.

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

Searchable by date, venue, genre, name and more.