Books & Authors

The Power of Sacred Poetry May 2, 6:30pm Wed. Part of the 2018 Liturgical Arts Festival. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.

Uproot Fifth Issue Launch Party Apr 27, 7-9pm Fri. Celebrate the launch of the fi fth issue of Uproot, the UIS English Graduate Journal, with readings, art and refreshments. Free. uprootmag. wordpress.com. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801- 810-9278.

Theater & Comedy Belly Laffs Comedy Showcase Apr 28, 8pm Sat. Featuring Tim Laffey, Al Nimpson, Trevor Haworth, Ben Rogers, Trey Eilers and Jesse Tuttle. $5. Smurf’s Guitars and Cadillacs, 2724 N. Peoria Road, 891-0021.

Club LaCage Apr 28, 7pm Sat. A fun-fi lled evening of drag, music and comedy in support of the Springfi eld Phoenix Center. Recommended for mature audiences. $15 general admission; $25 VIP; $35 premium VIP. hcfta.org. 528- 5253. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Comedian Jeremy Nunes Apr 27, 7:30pm Fri. Young, up-andcoming comedian has been heard on XM radio. $14, $16. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian Mike Armstrong Apr 27-28, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Copturned-comedian Brian Armstrong. Has been heard on Comedy Central, TNN, NBC and “The Bob and Tom Show.” $15. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Gothic at Midnight - An Evening of Hilarity and Horror Apr 30, 7:30pm Mon. Show inspired by the old-time radio dramas of Orson Welles and Vincent Price. $28+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

The Best of The Second City Apr 27, 8pm Fri. Featuring the best sketches and songs from Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater, The Second City. $28-$32. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

The Curious Savage Apr 27-29, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. A warm and charming comedy proves that truth and kindness never go out of style. Presented by the Lanphier High School Drama Club. $7 in advance, $10 day of show. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838- 3006.

Music: General Events

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Apr 28, 7:30pm Sat. Season fi nale from the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Featuring Stephen Hough on piano. $20-$60. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206- 6160.

Jazz Night Apr 28, 6pm Sat. Featuring vocal and instrumental jazz musicians from sixth grade through high school. $20 for dinner, dessert and concert; $10 for dessert and concert; $5 concert only. 498-9761. Rochester Junior High School, Route 29, Rochester.

LLCC Student Honors Recital May 2, 7pm Wed. Part of the LLCC Recital Series. Free. Menard Hall, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Music and Comedy Concert Apr 29, 3pm Sun. Family friendly concert featuring a selection of humorous music by the UIS Orchestra, local actors, plus an audience music joke contest. 206-8583. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Nathan Carls and the upStandard Citizens Apr 28, 7pm Sat. Presenting great American standards of the 30s and 40s. $12. Salem on Seventh Theater, 119 S. Seventh St., Petersburg, 632-7068.

Organ Concert: New Pipes/ New Sounds May 1, 7:30pm Tue. Featuring organist Dan Miller. Part of the 2018 Liturgical Arts Festival. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 522-3342.

Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra and Chorus Apr 27, 7:30pm Fri. Directed by Matthew Sheppard. Part of the 2018 Liturgical Arts Festival. Our Savior’s Lutheran School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

Senior Program Apr 29, 3-5:30pm Sun. Tenth annual musical program for senior adults ages 55 or older and their guests. Featuring the Rochester High School Jazz Ensembles and the Rochester Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Hosted by the Rochester Music Department. Free. 494-9192. Rochester Junior High School, Route 29, Rochester.

Spring Youth Orchestras Concert Apr 28, 3-4:15pm Sat. Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony concert features the Starter Strings, Junior Strings, Preparatory Orchestra and Sinfonia Orchestra. $10 adults, $5 students, free to ages 12 and under. svys.org. 753-8000. Springfi eld High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 525-3100.

Dance

Chants and Dance: Sacred Sounds from Many Faiths May 2, 7:30pm Wed. Part of the 2018 Liturgical Arts Festival. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 522-4415.

Dance for Hope Apr 27, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. All styles of dance every fourth 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.

Salsa Nights Dance Apr 28, 9:30pm Sat. Featuring Latin music by DJ Carlos. $4 per person. Casa Real (West), 3100 W. White Oaks Dr.

Art & Architecture Beaux Arts Ball Apr 28, 7pm-12am Sat. Coronation ceremony for Queen Katherine Hackett, followed by live entertainment and dancing. Theme is “The Streets of Old San Juan.” $40 patron; $10 general admission. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 243-9390.

Brown Bag Lecture: Odd Nerdrum Apr 27, 12pm Fri. Local artist Sheri Ramsey discusses controversial Norwegian painter Odd Nerdrum. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Cosmos Exhibit Apr 27-28, 12-6pm Fri-Sat. Visual arts exhibition featuring various interpretations by artist members on that theme from cosmopolitan to fanciful, from inner space to outer space. Free. pharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 711 S. Fifth St., 801-810-9278.

Jan Sorenson Hill Art Exhibition Apr 26-30. Exhibition on display through end of April. Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 546-5622.

Liturgical and Sacred Art Exhibit Opening Reception Apr 28, 4:30pm Sat. Part of the 2018 Liturgical Arts Festival. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Paint Your Pet Apr 28, 5:30-8:30pm Sat. In support of Illinois Humane. $50 adults; $35 ages 18 and under. christystudios.com. 773-235- 5600. Christy Studios, 2501 W. Wabash, 546-0953.

Sacred Spaces: Exploring Sacred Architecture Apr 30, 7:30pm Mon. Part of the 2018 Liturgical Arts Festival. Temple B’rith Sholom, 1004 S. Fourth St., 525-1360.

Moonlight Market May 2, 6-9pm Wed. Event features central Illinois artists and artisans on the fi rst and third Wednesday of each month. Free. 522-3123. Obed & Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St., 670-0627.

Film & Television

Cendrillon Apr 28, 12:55pm Sat. Massenet’s sumptuous take on the Cinderella story comes to the Met, with Joyce DiDonato starring in the title role. Tickets. metopera.org. AMC Showplace Springfi eld 12, 3141 Mercantile Dr., 793-6440.

Gook Apr 27, 7-9pm Fri. Showing of the 2017 fi lm titled Gook by Justin Chong. Free. uis.edu. 206- 4762. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Children’s Corner

Aaron’s Sunday Fun Day Apr 29, 12-5pm Sun. Family event that includes children’s activities, such as arts and crafts, face painting, basketball and other games. Free. caringbridge.org. 484-8442. Firefi ghters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 622- 0099.

Family Fun Day Apr 29, 1-4pm Sun. Featuring inflatables, snow cones, popcorn, corn dogs and more. Free. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546- 7646.

Safe Family Saturday Apr 28, 10am-2pm Sat. Featuring hands-on activities, interactive games, and more than a dozen vendors showcasing healthy living and kids’ safety. Hosted by the Springfield YMCA in partnership with Scheels. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur, 726-6330.

Nature Bird Hike Apr 28, 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.

Bird Walks Apr 28, 6am and 4pm Sat. With ornithologists Rhetta Jack, Lara Borgerson and Joe Funk. Hosted by the Elkhart Historical Society. By reservation only. $10. elkharthistoricalsociety.org. 947- 2238. Elkhart.

Herb Plant Sale and Plastic Pot Recycling Apr 27-28, 9am-1pm Fri-Sat. Sale features a variety of herbs along with garden gloves, soil knives, craft and bake sales, plus more. Plants priced $3-$7. Free admission. web.extension. illinois.edu. University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Dr., 782-4617.

Native Plant Sale Apr 28, 9am-2pm Sat. Featuring more than 200 species of native Illinois plants, many grown and donated by INPS members. Hosted by the Illinois Native Plant Society Central Chapter. ill-inps.org. 243- 6055. Illinois State Fairgrounds Commodities Pavilion, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 782-6661.

Wildflower Walks Apr 28, 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 26, Thu, 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 May 1, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 544-9049.

Celebrate Recovery Apr 27, 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.

From Prairie to Sustainable U May 2, 11:30am-1:30pm Wed. A “Lunch and Learn Series” presentation by Tom Wood, archivist, University of Illinois Springfield. $23 per person, includes hot buffet lunch. uis.edu. 206-6058. UIS Student Union, One William Maxwell Lane, 206- 6581.

Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage Review Apr 30, 6-7pm Mon. 502-2203. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Springfield ICON Apr 30, 6:30pm Mon. Monthly meeting. Topics TBA. Free. springfieldicon.org. 528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523-5212.

Three Poets from Central Illinois Apr 26, 6:30pm Thu. Presentation on Carl Sandburg, Vachel Lindsay and Edgar Lee Masters by Professor Charles Schweighauser. pspld.com. Prairie Skies Public Library District - Ashland, 125 W. Editor St., Ashland, 476-3417.

Your Free Google Business Listing Workshop Apr 30, 11am-12:30pm Mon. Hosted by the Springfi eld SCORE Chapter. Complimentary light lunch included. Free. sba.gov. 793-5020. Small Business Administration, 3330 Ginger Creek Dr., Suite B-East, 793- 5020.

Bulletin Board

An Evening with Our Stars Apr 28, 5pm Sat. Live music, dinner, plus silent and live auctions. In support of Brother James Court. $100. President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center, 701 E. Adams, 544-8800.

Annual Bike Blessing Apr 28, 1-5:30pm Sat. Bike blessings with Pastor Bigfoot plus complimentary lunch, live music by Sundown Band and more. Event founded and organized by Ron and Lois Thornton. Sponsored by Salt Creek Chapter of ABATE of Illinois and others. Lincoln VFW Post 1756, 915 Fifth St., Lincoln.

Annual Lawnmower Clinic Apr 28, 9am-1pm Sat. Hosted by the Springfi eld 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, 699 W. Stanford Ave., 522-8528.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 28. Cats available 11am- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 29. Cats available 12-4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. aplshelter.org. 544-7387. Petsmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 698- 3091.

Glo-Bingo Apr 27, 7pm Fri. Sponsored by HONVEE Inc. in support of Homeless and Needy Female Veterans. Ages 21+ only. $20 advance; $25 at door. eventbrite.com. 971-4179. Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, 483- 7999.

Is Your Wireless Safe? May 1, 6-7pm Tue. LLCC instructors share tips on how to protect home wireless systems and discuss safety when using public Wi-Fi. Free. llcc.edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Money Smart Week Event Apr 28, 10am-12pm Sat. Learn ways to spot investment fraud and protect your savings. Sponsored by Heart of Illinois Investment Clubs. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753- 4900.

Toastmasters Speech and Evaluation Contests Apr 28, 12-1:30pm Sat. Contestants representing 20 Toastmasters clubs present short speeches in a chance to compete at the District 8 Spring Conference in Earth City, MO. Free. Our Savior’s Church and School, 2645 Old Jacksonville Road, 546-4531.

Trivia Night Apr 28, 5:15-9:30pm Sat. Supports Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control. $100 per table of 10. Dove Conference Center, Prairie Heart Institute, 619 E. Mason St., 544-6464, ext. 44619.

Food Springfield Winter Farmers Market Apr 28, 9am-12pm Sat. Seasonal farmers market features 16 local vendors selling a wide variety of fresh and/or locally grown products. ilstewards.org. 528- 1563. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St., 528-0457.

History

Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Celebration Apr 28, 6:30-9pm Sat. Featuring a birthday celebration program, meet-and-greets with Abraham Lincoln, special guests, and more. $30 per person, free to ages 12 and under. lflhc.org. 558-2109. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

Boy Scout Weekend Apr 28-29, 9am-4pm Sat-Sun. Scouts walk 20+ miles from New Salem to Springfi eld on a route similar to what Abraham Lincoln would have walked. Sunday ceremony at Lincoln’s Tomb. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg, 632-4000.

Paul Mickey Learning Series May 2, 7-8:30pm Wed. Presentation titled “Courting Controversy: In Search of Central Illinois’ Contentious Monuments and Memorials.” Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Auditions Alice in Wonderland Auditions Apr 29, 4pm Sun. Registration from 4-4:30pm. Dance auditions from 5-6pm. Parts available for boys and girls ages 7-13 who are currently enrolled in ballet classes at any dance studio. Performance is Jun 9. Hosted by the Springfield Youth Performance Group. 553-4475. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Health

DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Apr 28, 10am-2pm Sat. No questions asked. Hosted by Prevention First, the Springfi eld Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Free. prevention.org. Prevention First, 2800 Montvale Dr., 726-7390.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body May 2, 6-7:30pm Wed. Presentation by Michelle Ramlow from the Alzheimer’s Association. Free. chathamlib. org. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 483-2713.

Faith & Philosophy Religion Renewed Apr 27, 7-8:30pm Fri. Discussion of various topics concerning spiritual subjects. Free. 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Theological Reflections on ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Apr 29, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Truth for Every Man Apr 27-28, 6-8pm Fri, 9am-5pm Sat. Keynote speaker Dr. Bruce Ware. Registration. truth4men.org. 529-1876. Southern View Chapel, 4500 S. Second St., 529-1876.

Sports & Fitness Aikido May 1, 7:30-8:30pm Tue. Traditional Japanese martial art helps improve confidences, fitness levels and self- and situational awareness. Free. springfieldaikido.com. Sunil Suthar’s Championship Martial Arts, 550 W. North St., Unit 2, 494-0570.

Overcome Obstacles with MRI Apr 27, 6am-2pm Fri. Featuring an obstacle course, doughnuts, coffee, boxed lunches and more. Hosted by MRI. Attendees must fundraise at least $25 to compete. maconresources.org. 875-8850. Decatur Central Park, Decatur.