Fairs & Festivals

African-American Food and Vendor Day Feb 27, 10am-2pm Wed. Free food samples, displays of wares and saxophone and African-American poetry improvisations by retired LLCC business law professor and jazz musician, Virgil Rhodes, J.D. llcc.edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200.

Books & Authors

UIS Author Festival. Feb 21, 4pm Thu. UIS authors Lan Dong, Kerry Poynter, Ali Nizamuddinand Peter Wenz. Reception and book signing follows. uis.edu. UIS Brookens Library, 1 University Plaza, 217- 206-6605.

Spoken Word

Trivia Night Feb 22, 7pm Fri. Games and cash prizes. Cash bar. $15 per person, $150 per table of 10. firefighterspostal.com. 217-525-6800. Firefighters-Postal Lake Club, 940 W. Lake Shore Dr., 217-622-0099.

Theater & Comedy

Comedian B T Feb 22-23, 8-9:30pm Fri, 7-8:30pm Sat. Prepay online or cash only at the door. . Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.

Doug Thompson Feb 22, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.. $16-18. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Menopause the Musical Feb 22-24, 7:30pm Fri, 2pm and 7:30pm Sat, 2pm and 7pm Sn. Menopause The Musical is a groundbreaking celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” Admission. 217- 422-7300. Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur, 217-422- 7300.

Summer of Love Feb 22, 7pm Thu, 8pm Fri and Sat, 2pm Sun.. Woven around a songbook of classic 60s hits by some of the most influential artists of the love generation. $25 in advance; $30 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

The Amazing Max Feb 23, 2pm Sat. The wackiest, most interactive, high-energy family magic show you can imagine. $20 advance; $25 day of show. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

The Vagina Monologues Feb 23-24, 7-9:30pm Sat-Sun. This play brings attention to violence against women and will make the audience both cry and laugh. 618-292-3660. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Music: General Events

2019 Songwriter Showcase Feb 23, 6pm Sat. An evening of heartfelt music and storytelling. Five musicians will be presenting their songs in an intimate setting and providing a look into the process of their craft and the life that happens behind them. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Playhouse on the Square, 68 N. Mauvaisterre St., Jacksonville, 217-491- 3977.

Carillon Winter Concerts Feb 24, 27, 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.

Dwight Yoakam Feb 21, 7:30-9:30pm Thu. Concert by 21-time nominated, multiple Grammy Award-winner Dwight Yoakam. $39+. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Gospel Concert Feb 23, 6-8pm Sat. Featuring Solid Rock, Because of Love, Mark and Pam Fisher, Glen Gobel and The Peeks. Open to the public. 217-673-4401. Woodson Baptist Church , 109 West St., Woodson.

Museum After Hours: Preview Night Feb 22, 5-8pm Fri. Take a sneak peek at three new art and history exhibitions. Music by Last Acre, food and fun. Tickets available online or at the door. $10 member, $15 non. illinoisstatemuseum.org 217-782-6044. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Music Under the Dome with Switchback Feb 24, 4-5pm Sun. Traditional Celtic music and original Americana songs. Free. jaxpubliclibrary. org. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Synergy Percussion Ensemble Feb 24, 4pm Sun. Free. Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217-424- 6211.

That's Amore! Feb 23, 7:30pm Sat. Listen to some of classical music’s greatest romantic hits performed by the Sangamon Valley Civic Orchestra. Rising operatic stars from central Illinois will also perform. $15; students $5 and free for ages 12 and under. svys. org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, Theatre 3, 420 S. 6th St., 523-2787.

Dance

Black History Month Ebony Dance Feb 23, 9-12am Sat. Cosponsored by the African- American History Month Committee and the Open Door Mentorship program. A part of LLCC’s African-American History Month series “Still: We Rise as the Journey Continues.” llcc.edu. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Dance for Hope Feb 22, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. All dance styles 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.

Prom It Forward Feb 24, 1-3pm Sun. This is a great way to help high school girls who may not be able to afford their dream dress purchase gently used formal dresses and accessories for their perfect prom night. springfieldymca.org. Downtown YMCA, 701 S. Fourth St., 217-544-9846.

Art & Architecture

Inhabited Feb 21-23, 26-27, 12-7pm Thu-Sat, 10am-5pm Tue- 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.

Jeanine Coupe Ryding Exhibition Feb 23-27, 9am-4:30pm Sat, 12-4:30pm Sun, 9am-4:30pm Mon-Wed. The exhibition will feature 25 large scale prints, 5 artist books and 8 collages from the last 10 years. $5 adults 19-64. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Oil Painting with Jason Wolters Feb 26, 5:30-7:30pm Tue. For high school and adult learners of all levels. Class limited to 8 students. $40 members, $45 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

One Nighter: Ceramic Endangered Species Feb 23, 6-8pm Sat. Learn some basics of hand building and create about 1 piece. Pieces will be glazed and fired. Ages 12 to adult are welcome. Limited to 10 seats. $20 member, $30 non. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

One Nighters: Collage Earrings Feb 22, 6-8pm Fri. Create up to 5 sets of paper-layered drop earrings with instructor Cookie Kienzler. Limited seating available. $15 members; $25 non. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Pottery with Kirby Drennan Feb 21, 7-9pm Thu. Explore hand-building, use of the wheel, glazing and firing. Class limited to 8 students. $55 members, $60 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Scholastic Art Exhibition Feb 21, 9am-5pm Thu. . Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631.

Sing Muses Exhibition Feb 23, Sun. 12-4:30pm.. This exhibition looks at artwork from the museum’s permanent collection that narrates a story for us. Artists include Stanley Bly, Henry Darger, Glen C. Davies, Nicole Gordon, George Klauba, Shirley Mann, Nancy Plotkin, Filemon Santiago and Kevin Veara. $5 adults 19- 64. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

We are Illinoisans Exhibition Feb 23-27, Sunday 12- 4:30pm. An exhibition highlighting immigrants to Illinois from the 18th century to today through photos, objects and life stories. $5 adults 19-64. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217-782-7152. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Film & Television

Crazy Rich Asians Feb 26, 6:30pm Tue. Native New Yorker Rachel Chu accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Free. jaxpubliclibrary.org. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Red Carpet Party Celebrating the Oscars Feb 24, 5-10pm Sun. The Central Illinois Film Commission’s annual Red Carpet Party in celebration of the 91st Academy Awards. $25. centralillinoisfilmcommission.com. 217-899-5676. Piper Glen Golf Club, 7112 Piper Glen Dr., 483-6537.

The Square Feb 24, 26, 1pm and 4pm Sun, 7pm Tue. The seventh film in the Molly Schlich Independent and International Film Series. $8 adults, $4 students with ID. springfieldart.org. 217-523- 2631. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Blvd., 888-262- 4386.

Children’s Corner

Story Time Feb 21, 11am-12pm Thu. Join us for a short story time in the Little Free Lincoln Library. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971- 4435.

Kids Express 6-9-year-olds Feb 23, 10-11am Sat. Variations of painting and drawing will be explored as will using several techniques to create ceramic pieces. $35 members, $40 non.strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

LEGO Building Contest Feb 23-24, 1-1:30pm Sat, 11-11:30am Sun. At the 2019 Home Expo. Lego kits provided. Prizes awarded. Ages 5-12. springfieldareahba.com. 217- 698-4941. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.

Pottery 10-12-year-olds Feb 23, 11am-12:30pm Sat. Basic techniques of handbuilding with clay and use of the wheel, plus advanced instructions for continuing students. $35 members, $40 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Rapunzel Feb 23, 1pm, 3pm and 6pm Sat. Join the Springfield Youth Performance Group for this children’s ballet. Children are also invited to join the free Royal Pre-show Party which begins 45 minutes before each performance. $10/$15. hcfta. org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217- 523-2787.

Tots Variety 3-5-year-olds Feb 23, 9-10am Sat. Young artists will explore hand building with clay, painting and drawing. $35 members, $40 non. strawnartgallery.org. David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-9390.

Nature

Illinois Raptor Center Feb 23, 1pm Sat. Located in Decatur, the IRC specializes in hawks, falcons, owls and eagles, and rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife native to Illinois. $30 per person includes transportation from Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, refreshments and a donation to the IRC. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Springfield Audubon Society 3rd Thursday Feb 21, 7-8:30pm Thu. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473.

Environment

Chainsaw Workshop Feb 23, 10am-3pm Sat. Workshop is for building your skills or to volunteer with Friends of the Sangamon Valley workdays. Advanced registration required. 525-1410. fosvdotorg.wordpress.com. 217-525-1410. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473.

Lectures & Meetings

As Goes Journalism, So Goes the Community Feb 26, 5:30pm Tue. Research shows that fewer journalists means less accountability of public officials. What’s the impact on you and the community? AWC Springfield and NPR Illinois invite you to join the conversation on these vital issues with a panel of local journalists. $5. Register at nprillinois.org. The Incubator, 11 West Old State Capitol Plaza, (217) 670-0360.

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Feb 26, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.

GriefShare Grief Recovery Group Feb 27, 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 Feb 23, 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.

Retired State Employees Association Feb 27, 1:30pm Wed. Featuring a speaker from the Citizen’s Utility Board. The Board was created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1983, to represent the interests of residential utility customers in Illinois. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-416- 8676.

Springfield ICON Feb 25, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. Topics TBA. Free. springfieldicon.org. 217-528- 9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217-523-5212.

Bulletin Board

13th Annual Springfield Area Fifth Grade Rube Goldberg Competition Feb 23, 9am-3pm Sat. A Rube Goldberg device, such as the board game “Mousetrap,” is an elaborate apparatus designed to complete a certain task through a number of complex steps. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

2019 James W. Moore Lecture - Ben Cameron Feb 21, 7pm Thu. Free and open to the public. Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217-424-6211.

2019 SAHBA Home Expo Feb 22-24, 2-8pm Fri, 9am- 6pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Presented by the Springfield Area Home Builders Association. Bring in a canned good for $1 off admission. 12 under free. builderevents.com. 217-698-4941. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

APL Pet Adoptions Feb 23 and 24 11am-4pm Sat; 12-4pm Sun. All animals presented by APL for have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all vaccinations by the time of their adoption. aplshelter.org. 217-544-7387. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Bingo Nights Feb 27, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Min. of 10 people, max. of 30 people. Free event for people of all abilities ages 8+. springfieldparks.org 217- 503-4576. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Black History Month Fashion Show Feb 21, 11:30am-12:30pm Thu. A fashion show featuring African-inspired designs. Brown bag session. Free. Illinois Department of Transportation, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Board Game Night Feb 21, 7-9pm Thu. Free. buzzbombbrewingco.com. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St., 217-679-4157.

Cyber Conflict and Geopolitics Feb 26, 7:30pm Tue. Led by Illinois College Professor Winston Wells, this is a part of an 8-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.

Empower All Abilities Conference Feb 23, 8am-12:30pm Sat. Featuring Shawn Anthony Robinson, Ph.D. For families, community members and special education professionals. Speakers, breakout sessions, practical information and community resource fair with exhibitors. Childcare provided at no charge. 525-3060. spsi186.org. Southeast High School, 2350 E. Ash St., 217-525- 3130.

GriefShare Feb 21, 6:30-8pm Thu. Pastor Nicole Cox of First United Methodist Church will lead this 11-week program to help walk you through one of the most difficult of life’s experiences. Free. 217-528-6461. Staab Funeral Home - Sherman, 2626 East Andrew Road, Sherman, 217-528-6461.

Handmade Trivia Feb 27, 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.

Jacksonville College and Community Career Fair Feb 27, 10am-1pm Wed. Students and community members are invited to attend the fair which will connect participants with full-time and part-time job and internship opportunities. 217-245- 3041. ic.edu. Illinois College Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

The Boat Show Feb 22, Sat. 10am-7pm and Sun 10am-5pm.. Vendors and food. $5, children under 12 are free. Free parking. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725- 8047.

The Plight of the Rohingya Refugees of Myanmar Feb 26, 7pm Tue. The UIS ECCE Speaker Series will explore the plight of the Rohingya Refugees of Myanmar during a lecture by Azeem Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Policy in Washington. Free. uis.edu UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

UIS Alumni Gala Feb 22, 6pm Fri. A festive celebration of excellence and distinguished service. UIS Student Union, 1 William Maxwell Lane, 217-206-4782.

Food 217 Burger Week Feb 25, 12pm Mon. 217 Burger Week, featuring $5 specialty burgers, returns February 25-March 3. The first 200 217 Burger Week Passport entries received with at least three participating locations stamped will receive a 217 Food Week T-shirt from Miles T-Shirts. 217foodweek.com. 217-753-2226.

Politics Citizens Club Policy Breakfast Feb 22, 8-9am Fri. “A Conversation with Candidates for Mayor of Springfield” with Jim Langfelder and Frank Edwards. Coffee reception at 7:30. hcfta.org Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Springfield Mayoral Candidates Forum Feb 25, 6-7:30pm Mon. The public is invited to the Springfield Mayoral Candidates Forum, hosted by the Faith Coaliton for the Common Good. Audience will be able to submit questions to be asked of the candidates. Free. faithcoalitionil.org. 217-626-1004. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

History Lincoln on the Circuit and Mary Lincoln in the White House Feb 26, 12pm Tue. With retired attorney, author and Lincoln historian, Guy Fraker and immediate past president of the Abraham Lincoln Association and former director library services at the ALPL, Kathryn Harris. $23 includes hot lunch, $60 for series subscription. Registration required one week prior. 217/206-6058. historyillinois.org. UIS Student Union, 1 William Maxwell Lane, 217- 206-4782.

Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Roundtable Feb 21, 7pm Thu. Teresa Parth will present “Feudin’ and Fightin’ in the Civil War: A Civil War Tour of Southern Missouri and Northwest Arkansas.” Free and the public is invited. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965- 5443.

Without Us? Feb 25, 9-11am Mon. Showcasing extraordinary and noteworthy inventions of African-Americans in the A. Lincoln Commons. llcc. edu. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Woodlawn Farm Museum Open House Feb 23, 10am-4pm Sat. Learn the role Woodlawn Farm played in the Underground Railroad movement in the 1800s, the pioneers who settled the farm and their efforts to assist slaves gain their freedom. Adults $4, students $3. jacksonvilleil.org. Woodlawn Farm, Old Route 36, three miles east of Jacksonville.217-243-5678.

Health Doctor-Patient Relationship Feb 27, 12:20pm Wed. Dr. Eli Goodman, Director of Advanced Healthcare Services, will discuss doctor-patient relationships. centralilseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217- 528-4035.

February Glucose and Blood Pressure Screens Feb 27, 9:30-11:30am Wed. SIU Center for Family Medicine will perform blood pressure and glucose screenings. Free. centralilseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Know the Ten Signs - Alzheimer’s Disease Feb 21, 12:20pm Thu. Join Senior Services of Central Illinois and the Alzheimer’s Association in learning about the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. centralILseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Faith & Philosophy I See You Feb 24, 10:30-11:30am Sun. What can we learn from a spiritual practice of learning to truly see each other, and how can we affirm our commitment to seeing people of color in particular? Presented by George Grimm-Howell, UU Seminarian. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585- 9550.

Sports & Fitness

Annual Sportsman’s Dinner Feb 23, 6-8pm Sat. Speaker Jeff Danker and giveaways. Limited number of tickets. $25; table for 8 at the front $250. Register online. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636- 8463.

Indoor Archery Ministry Feb 25, 6-8pm Mon. Shoot for fun or for competition. Three-D targets with ASA scoring. All ages are welcome. athenschristian.net. Athens Christian Church, 1411 E. Route 29, Athens, 217-636- 8463.

Jr. Blues game with special recreation Feb 22, 6:30-9:15pm Fri. Minimum of 5 people and maximum of 15 people. For people of all abilities, ages 8+. $10 resident, $15 nonresident. springfieldparks.org. 217-503-4576. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525- 2589.

Try Hockey for Free Feb 23, 1-2pm Sat. Cosponsored by the Springfield Park District and Springfield Youth Hockey Assn. Previous skating or hockey experience is not needed. Ages 3 to 12. Free. springfieldparks.org. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.