Books & Authors

"Cotton, Violins & Shots in the Night: A Timeline Visit to Rochester, Illinois" Jan 29, 7pm Tue. A presentation by authors Ray and Pam Bruzan. Pawnee Public Library, 613 Douglas Ave., Pawnee, 625-7716.

Theater & Comedy

Kellye Howard Jan 26, 8:30-10pm Sat. C-U Comedy Club (Inside Soma), 320 N. Neil St., Champaign, 217-202-6023.

James and the Giant Peach Jan 25, Fri 7pm; Sat 2 and 7pm; Sun 2pm. This musical for the whole family features a wickedly tuneful score by the team of Pasek and Paul and a curiously quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald.

Directed by Shawn Smith and Matthew Vala, this production features the Hoogland Kids, Teens, & Juniors. $12-$28. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.

James Yon Jan 25, 7:30pm Fri. James Yon has been described as being like a Paula Dean biscuit - all warm and wonderful and your face lights up when you see him. $17-15. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

RENT 20th Anniversary Tour Jan 30, 7:30-9:30pm Wed. Pulitzer Prize and Tony Awardwinning rock musical follows a year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. $29+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Music: General Events

Carillon Winter Concerts Jan 27, 30, 2pm Sun, 12pm Wed. Carillonneur Carlo van Ulft will be playing classical, folk and popular music. Free and all ages are welcome. carillon-rees.org. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-3853.

Hollow Ends, Dandelion Pickers, Andrew Ryan, Phoenix Rise Jan 26, 7pm Sat. Four bands and art on display and for sale from Christy! Studios. $5 cover includes coffee, pinball and arcades. theRadonLounge. com. The Radon Lounge.

Justin Moore with Riley Green Jan 25, 7:30pm Fri. Justin Moore with special guest Riley Green live at the BOS Center. Tickets are $27.75- $47.75 and are available at the BOS Center box office, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza.

"Nordic Nights" Jan 26, 7:30-9:30pm Sat. Featuring Grieg’s mythical “Peer Gynt Suite,” Nielsen’s “Clarinet Concerto” with Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s assistant principal clarinetist John Bruce Yeh and the “Fifth Symphony of Sibelius.” $21-$63; $6 students age 6-26; age 5 and below are free with a paying adult. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6160.

Symphony Suppers: Nordic Nights Jan 26, 5-7pm Sat. Reservations by Jan. 22. $34 per person. ilsymphony.org. 800-401-7222. PAC Restaurant, University of Illinois Springfield, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6600.

The Christian Gospel Singers Jan 30, 10am Wed. Every Wednesday. All are welcome. 217-303-2422. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Dance Dance for Hope Jan 25, 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, 217- 522-9106.

Obama 10th Anniversary Inaugural Ball Jan 26, 7-11pm Sat. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum presents the 10th Anniversary Ball celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American president of the United States. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, music by Soul Experience, formal attire. $50 in advance only. Tickets are limited. spiaahm.org 217-391- 6323. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Art & Architecture Collage Bangles Jan 25, 6-8pm Fri. Wrap wood bangles with fabric cloth. Up to 3 bangles. Limited seating. $15 members; $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Inhabited Exhibition Jan 24-26, 29-30, 12-7pm Thu- Sat, 10am-5pm Tue, 10-5pm Wed. Featuring Skyler McGee, Rick Larimore and Kate Worman- Becker. The gallery will also have work by over 85 exhibition artists and new work will be featured in the BACKdoor gallery. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544- 2787.

Pastels by Mary Corrigan Stjern Reception Jan 27, 2-4pm Sun. Original paintings created with pastel on UART sanded paper. Free. The Communities of Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 217-546-5622.

Pleasure Comes in Halves Exhibit Reception Jan 24, 5:30-8pm Thu. The mixed media exhibit of Milwaukee artist Thaddeus Kellstadt will run through Feb. 14. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

Wheel Throwing Jan 26, 6-8pm Sat. Up to four pieces thrown with B-mix clay, fired and dip glazed. 10 seats available. $20 members; $30 non. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544- 2787.

Film & Television

11th Annual Slow Food Springfield Film Festival Jan 26, 5-9pm Sat. Slow Food Springfield, Ill. Dept. of Natural Resources and the Old State Capitol Foundation are partnering to present screening of the film A Break from the Herd. 217-341-0398. Foundation Hall at the Old State Capitol (Level 2), 1 Southwest Old State Capitol Plaza, 785-9363.

Foxtrot Screening Jan 27, 29, 1and 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue. The third film of the Molly Schlich Independent & International Film Series. A $50/$45 pass can be purchased for the entire series on the SAA’s website, springfieldart.org. 217- 523-2631. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Blvd., 888-262-4386.

Movie Matinee for Adults: BlacKkKlansman Jan 26, 2pm Sat. The true story of a black detective who sets out to infiltrate the Colorado chapter of the Ku Klux Klan with the help of his Jewish colleague. In the midst of the 1970s civil rights movement, they risk their lives to obtain insider information on the violent organization. 18 and over. jaxpl.org. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Children’s Corner

Baby Lap Sit Jan 24, 10:10-10:30am Thu. Songs, simple stories, movements and play. No registration is required and drop-ins are welcome. 0-18 mo. rochesterlibrary.org. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 217-498-8454.

Morning Story Time Jan 30, 10:10-11:15am Wed. We will be listening to stories, singing songs, making simple crafts and have sensory play. No registration is required and drop-ins are welcome. Ages 2-5. rochesterlibrary.org Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 217-498-8454.

Toddler Time Jan 28, 10:10-10:30am Mon. Storytime for tots. Siblings are welcome. No registration is required and drop-ins are welcome. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 217- 498-8454.

Nature

Nature Hike and Potluck Jan 27, 1-3pm Sun. Springfield Audubon Society will host a guided nature hike followed by their annual meeting and a potluck. Open to the public, dress for the weather and bring a dish to share. Free. springfieldaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Jan 29, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.

Breakfast Optimist Club Jan 25, 7am Fri. Every Friday. Visitors welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Community CPR Class Jan 30, 6pm Wed. Tailored towards civilians. $20 includes materials. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 217- 622-0099.

Financial Peace University Jan 30, 6:30-7:30pm Wed. Nine-week class curated by Dave Ramsey walks participants through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and much more. Cost of materials and resources.fpu.com. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Group Jan 30, 6:30-8pm Wed. A 13- week, Christ-centered, biblically based support group seminar for those who have lost a spouse, child, family member or friend through death. Registration. Donation of cost of book. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636-8463.

Hope for Helpers Jan 26, 12-1pm Sat. A peer support group for social workers, therapists, counselors and other helping professionals. Prevention First, Inc., 2800 Montvale Dr., 217- 793-7353.

LOESS Monthly Meeting Jan 28, 6:30-8pm Mon. Central Illinois astronomy educator, Dr. Carl Wenning, will present "Fire and Ice:The Pending Collapse of Earth’s Magnetic Field." Free admission and parking.loess.org. 217-414-0033. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217- 782-7386.

N'tosake Jan 24, 6pm Thu. Women’s leadership team meetings held on the fourth Thursday of every month. Hosted by Faith Coalition for the Common Good. faithcoalition-il.org. 217-717- 1525. Calvary Baptist Church, 2208 E. Kansas St., 217-544- 1424.

The Future of Capital Township Jan 25, 7:30am Fri. Sangamon County Board chairman, Andy Van Meter, and Mayor Jim Langfelder will speak on Capital Township. Moderated by Dr. Kent Redfield. 217-725-1869. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.

Violent Video Games Jan 28, 6pm Mon." Violent Video Games – The Myths, The Research and The Red Dead Redemption" a presentation by Stetson University professor Christopher Ferguson. A part of the ECCE Speaker Series. Free. uis.edu 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Volunteer and Docent Training Jan 26, 11am-3pm Sat. The morning session will cover the basics of Edwards Place. Afternoon session for those interested in becoming docents or tour guides. edwardsplace.org. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Bulletin Board APL Pet Adoptions Jan 26-27, 11am-4pm Sat, 12-4pm Sun. Cats available 11- 4pm. Dogs available 12-3pm. apl-shelter.org. 217-544-7387. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Bingo Nights Jan 30, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Minimum of 10 people, Maximum of 30 people. Free event for people of all abilities from ages 8+. Free. springfieldparks.org 217-503- 4576. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217- 585-2941.

Board Game Night Jan 24, 7-9pm Thu. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St., 217-679-4157.

Bye, Bye Bicentennial Museum After Hours Jan 25, 5-8pm Fri. Featuring live music by Jazz by Footprints with Virgil Rhodes plus food and fun. $10 members, $15 non. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217-782- 6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Friends of Chatham Library Winter Book and Bake Sale Jan 26, 9am-3pm Sat. Features hard cover and paperback books for readers of all ages, plus tasty bakery items. Free. chathamlib.org Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217- 483-2713.

Glo Bingo Jan 25, 7:30pm Fri. Doors open at 6pm. Cash bar. Pizza and snacks available for purchase. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Includes 6 cards for 10 games, glo hat and glo dabber. glo-bingo.com Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 217-622-0099.

Handmade Trivia Jan 30, 7-9pm Wed. Donna Smargiassi will be doling out seven rounds featuring five questions per round. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St., 217-679-4157.

Legal Aid for Seniors Jan 24, 9am-3pm Thu. Warren Benning of Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is accepting appointments for February 6 to assist seniors with legal matters. Contact Warren directly or Barb Hipsher at 528- 4035 to schedule an appointment. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St.

Personal Emergency Preparedness Jan 28, 6:30-9:30pm Mon. Sponsored by LLCC Community Education, the National Weather Service-Lincoln, and Central Illinois SKYWARN, this workshop will cover several key topics in disaster preparedness for individuals and families. Free. All ages, but under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration. 217-786-4918. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Queen of Hearts Fundraiser Jan 25, 6-9pm Fri. Springfield Elks Lodge #158, 409 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-0158.

The Middle East: Regional Disorder Jan 29, 7:30pm Tue. Led by Illinois College Professor Winston Wells, this is a part of an eight week discussion series that addresses critical global issues. The 2019 Briefing Book that is used for the discussions is available for $32. The event is nationally sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association. Free. ic.edu. 217-245-3089. Illinois College Baxter Hall, Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Trivia Night Jan 26, 7-10pm Sat. In support of the Christian County Historical Society and Museum. Reservations. $10 per person. 217-824-6922. American Legion Hall, 110 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, 217-287-1212.

History Bicentennial and Beyond! The Illinois Legacy Collection Jan 24-30, 9am-4:30pm Thu-Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun, 9am-4:30pm Mon-Wed. Exhibition features rare and rarely-seen artifacts from the museum’s 13.5 millionobject Illinois Legacy Collection to highlight the dynamic story of Illinois. Through Feb. 3. $5 adults ages 19-64. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Civil War Widows and Orphans Jan 28, 6-7pm Mon. interpreter Rosemary Connolly portrays a Civil War widow dealing with the loss of her husband. Free. chathamlib.org. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217- 483-2713.

Faith & Philosophy

Finding the Pathway to Unity Jan 25, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. 217-546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Sports & Fitness

Chair Yoga Jan 30, 5:30pm Wed. Especially benefi cial to those who work in offices, those with knee issues or other injuries or have limited mobility. Stretch, breathe and relax. $10. rochesterlibrary.org. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 217- 498-8454.

Jr. Blues game with special recreation Jan 25, 6:30-9:15pm Fri. Minimum of 5 people and maximum of 15 people. For people of all abilities, ages 8+. $10 resident, $15 non-resident. springfieldparks.org. 217-503- 4576. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.