Fairs & Festivals

Kids Jumping for Autism Mar 30, 9am-5pm Sat. Jumping, obstacle course, door prizes and gifts. $10 per jumper. Adults free. 217- 331-3821. Illinois Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 S. Sangamon Ave., 217-782- 6661.

Prairie Days Apr 6-7, 10am-3pm Sat-Sun. Featuring period demonstrators, artisans, vendors, live music, tours of the historical buildings, butter churning, candle dipping, food, fun, games and more. Admission by donation. christiancountyhistorical.com. Christian County Historical Museum, Near IL Routes 29 and 48 on Morrison Dr., Taylorville, 217-824-6922.

Theater & Comedy

Alex Ortiz Mar 29, $17 VIP and $15 general seating. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Battle of the Sexes Mar 30, 8-10pm Sat. Capital City Improv night of comedy and competition. $15. 815- 566-0448. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Cats Mar 29-31. Directed by Morgan Kaplan and Zoey Zara. $10, students $8. Sacred Heart Griffi n Theater, 1200 W. Washington.

Friends! The Musical Parody Apr 5, 8-10pm Fri. An unauthorized off-Broadway musical parody based on the wildly popular television series. Recommended for mature audiences. $29-$69. UISpac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Hunchback of Notre Dame: A New Musical Apr 5-7, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun. Admission. springfi eldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

John Evans Mar 30, 7-8:45pm Sat. $12.50 cash only at the club or prepaid with credit card. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217- 482-5233.

Lewis Black: The Jokes on US Tour Mar 31, 7-9pm Sun. Fingerpointing funnyman Lewis Black spills the beans on everything from pop culture to politics to history and religion. $38+. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Life and Death in Two One- Acts Plays Mar 29-31, 8-10pm Fri-Sat, 2-4pm Sun. M. A. S. S. Media Productions examines life and death with a drama and a comedy. $20. 217-751-8911. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523- 2787.

Rainbow Fish Mar 30, 11am-1pm Sat. A delightful and touching musical about the value of sharing true friendship with others based on Marcus Pfister’s bestselling book. $20 adults, $15 youth. uispac.com. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

She Kills Monsters Mar 28-31, 7:30pm Thu-Sat, 2pm Sun. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Music: General Events

Brown Bag Concert Apr 3, 10, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. The Brown Bag Concert series features a variety of musical artists during Lent. The audience is invited bring their own lunch and enjoy the concerts or brown bag lunches maybe purchased at the door for $5. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

Carillon Winter Concerts Mar 31, Apr 3, 7, 10, 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.

Midday Music Mini Concert Apr 3, 12:15pm Wed. Featuring Silvan Negrutiu. Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St., Decatur, 217-423-3189.

Organist Lynda Hakken Mar 29, 7:30pm Fri. Fine Arts Series. $15. 217-245-3046. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-245-3000.

Pure Heart Apr 4, 12:20pm Thu. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Seraphim: First Friday Concert Apr 5, 7-8pm Fri. Both sacred and secular pieces will be featured. The First Friday Concert Series is presented by the Staab Family. Free. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 815 S. Sixth St., 217- 522-3342.

Starlight and Moonsongs Mar 31, 3pm Sun. Featuring soprano Diane Dietz and pianist Nichol DelGiorno. Free. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 S. Second St., 217-544-5135.

Sunshine 66: A Hotel Music Festival Apr 5-6. Headline bands Mr. Blotto, Chicago Farmers, the Station and Sunshine Daydream, plus 15 other bands and live artists. Admission. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 217-529-6626.

Symphony Suppers: Incredibly Inspiring Apr 6, 5-7pm Sat. Reservations by Apr. 2. $34 per person. ilsymphony.org. 800-401-7222. PAC Restaurant, University of Illinois Springfi eld, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6600.

Dance Dance for Hope Mar 29, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. West Coast dance night every fifth 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.

Sleeping Beauty Mar 30-31, 7:30pm Sat, 2pm Sun. Accompanied by members of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra. $35-$65. Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, 217-424-6318.

Art & Architecture Annual IPPS Member’s Exhibit Through March 30, the annual Illinois Prairie Pastel Society member’s exhibition. Free. illinoisprairiepastelsociety.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Crepusculum Mar 28-30. Featuring M. E. Tumulty, Joe Ciaccio, and Leslie Stalter. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Drawing from Photographs Workshop Mar 30, Apr 6, 1-4pm Sat. Basic techniques and observation of shape, form, shade and perspectives are taught. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

How to Make a Tapestry Apr 2, 1-4pm Tue. Learn basic tapestry making an abstract design. Then more traditional tapestry and making a small picture. Taught by Gillian Loftis. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Jan Villarreal’s Oils on Canvas Her subjects range from still lifes to landscapes and fl orals. Free. wildharecafe-elk-il.com. Horsefeather’s Wild Hare CafÈ, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.

Jeanine Coupe Ryding Exhibition Through May 13. Features a selection of relief prints, artist books and collages from the last 10 years by the Evanston artist. $5 adults ages 19-64. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217- 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782- 7386.

Life Drawing Workshop Mar 29, 6-9pm Fri. Learn more about experimental drawing with expressions and artistic ways to enjoy and observe human shapes (models with costumes) with music. $30 members, $40 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631.

Mixed Media Art Reception Mar 31, 2-4pm Sun. Katherine Pippin Pauley’s work has been featured in several magazines and books. Free. The Communities of Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence, 217-546-5622.

Notes to the Future Apr 6, 6-8pm Sat. Reception for artist Michael Houser. Light refreshments. Family friendly. Free. Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St., 523- 4415.

One Nighter: Mixed Media Abstract Paper Mar 30, 6-8pm Sat. Learn several techniques to create abstract paper works to be used for other mixed media projects, stationary or paintings. $15 members, $25 non. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

One-Nighter: Wheel Throwing Mar 29, 6:30-9pm Fri. Learn the basics of throwing pots on a wheel in our new ceramics studio. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Sing Muses Exhibition Through May 13. Featuring the work of artists Stanley Bly, Henry Darger, Glen C. Davies, Nicole Gordon, George Klauba, Shirley Mann, Nancy Plotkin, Filemon Santiago and Kevin Veara. Museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217- 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782- 7386.

We Are Illinoisans Through June 7. Highlights immigrants to Illinois from the 18th century to today through photos, objects, and life stories. Museum admission. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 217- 558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782- 7386.

Wright Angles/New Perspectives Apr 6, 1-3pm Sat. Photographic showcase. Free. dana-thomas.org. Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave., 217-782-6776.

Film & Television

Horn from the Heart Apr 5, 7-9pm Fri. A white, teenage harmonica player from Chicago’s south side, Paul learned from the original black masters performing nightly in his own back yard. Free. 217-206-4762. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Mystery Movie Monday Apr 8, 7pm Mon. A mystery film shown the fi rst Monday of the month, Jan-May. Films will span from the early days of the 20th century to contemporary titles. atthelegacy.com. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800- 838-3006.

The Guardians Apr 3, 7-8:30pm Wed. Shot over three years, this intimate documentary takes viewers on a cinematic journey through the butterfly dense mountaintops of Michoacan as the community works to build a sustainable path forward. Free. 217-558-6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. Children’s Corner

Story Time Mar 28, Apr 4. 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.

Animal Super Heroes Apr 1-5, 12:30-4:30pm Mon. Spiderman, Black Panther, Black Widow, Antman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. How do these superheros stack up against the zoo’s Animal Super Squad? Discover the cool adaptation “super powers” the animal use to battle predators and prey. $100 residents; $110 non. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Gross-ology Apr 1-5, 8:30am-12:30pm Mon. Ages 6-10 study stink-ology, sticky-ology and goo-ology to learn how gross is great for animal survival. Registration. $100 resident, $110 non. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Zoo Tot Class Mar 28, 30, 10-11am Thu, 3-4pm Sat. Each class includes stories, animal visits, cool crafts, games and more. Advance registration is required, and classes fill quickly. $9 residents, $11.50 non ($6 per each additional student). springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-585-1821.

Science

Special Recreation visits STL Science Center Apr 7, 10am-4pm Sun. 217-503- 4576. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217- 585-2941.

Nature

46th Annual Spring Floral Display Apr 6, 12-4pm Mon-Fri; 12- 5pm Sat-Sun. Easter lilies and lush tropical foliage fill the Exhibit Hall and Conservatory. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.

Young Explorers Club Mar 30, 11am Sat. 217-243- 8457. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Apr 2, 9, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@ yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.

Hope for Helpers Mar 30, 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.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Mar 29, Apr 5, 7am Fri, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Apr 1, 9am Mon. Monthly meeting. Presentation titled “Spring Floral Designs” presented by Eldon Habb. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 217-522-4415.

Bulletin Board

12th Annual Defenders of the Innocent Gala Mar 30, 6-9pm Sat. Sponsored by the Illinois Innocence Project. Live performance by the Exoneree Band. 217-414-9301. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.

April Legal Aid Apr 3, 9am-3pm Wed. Warren Benning of Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is accepting appointments to assist seniors with legal matters. Call 528-4035 or 529-8402 to schedule your appointment. centralilseniors.org. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St.

Bingo Nights Apr 3, 10, 5:30-6:30pm Wed. Min. of 10 people, max. of 30. 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.

EAS Rocks Gala Mar 30, 5:45pm Sat. For Elizabeth Ann Seton programs that support mothers and children. Entertainment by the Dandelion Pickers. $50. 757-6025. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry Dr., 546-3527.

Exodus to Shanghai Apr 3, 7pm Wed. With Steven Hochstadt. A part of the ECCE Speaker Series. Free. uis.edu. 217-206-8507. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Handmade Trivia Apr 3, 10, 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.

Human Rights Celebration Apr 4, 5:30pm Thu. Hosted by the Church Women United of Springfield. St. John AME Church, 1529 E. Capitol Ave., 533-3969.

Job Fair Apr 9, 4-7pm Tue. An opportunity for employers to seek out quality candidates for openings in their businesses or organizations. Open to job seekers of all ages. Free to attend. gscc.org. Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.

Mensa’s Membership Qualification Test Mar 30, 10:30am-12:30pm Sat. Mensa is offering the membership qualification test. Please bring a pencil and a photo ID. Ages 14+. Parents must accompany minors. Preregistration. $60. us.mensa.org. 217-341-1326. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217- 753-4900.

Springfield Jaycees Annual Lawn Mower Clinic Mar 30, 9am-12pm Sat. $60 includes inspection to check filters, change spark plugs, sharpen blades and change oil as necessary (filters replaced at an additional cost). Push mowers only. O’Reilly Auto Parts North, 1321 N. Dirksen Pkwy, 522-8430.

SSCI Boots and Bow Ties Mar 29, 6pm Fri. Senior Services of Central Illinois’ annual fundraiser. Music by Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. $10 entertainment only; $25 includes meal. centralilseniors.org. 217- 528-4035. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 316 W. Birch St., New Berlin, 488-2685.

Teen Job Fair Apr 5, 6pm Fri. Job seekers can get help filling out job applications and may receive on the spot interviews. The event features many local employers and youth service organizations. Free food and beverages. bgccil.org. Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, 300 S. 15th St., 544-0548.

Trivia Night to Benefit Orphans of Eswatini, Africa Mar 28, 6:30-9:30pm Thu. Teams of 6 or sign up individually. Limited space. $15 per person; $80 per team. 765-532-2586. Arlington’s Restaurant, 210 S. Broadway, 217-679-6235.

Food Fried Chicken Dinner Apr 6, 4-7pm Sat. Dine in or drive through.Tickets at the door or call the church office. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 217- 496-2338.

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Mar 30-31, 8am-12pm Sat-Sun. Pancakes and sausage served with 100% real maple syrup.$8 adults, $5 children under 12. Free for under children under 3. Reservations. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

The Ritz Strong and Proud Mar 30, 5:30pm Sat. A casually elegant affair. A three course dinner, cash bar and a night of dancing. CORAL’s annual community service awards. $50. Crowne Plaza Springfi eld, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-529-7777.

Politics Refugees and Global Migration Apr 4, 7pm Thu. Frank and Linda Kopecky will lead the discussion. Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois. Free. 217-787-5729. mywacii.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

The Rise of Populism in Europe Mar 28, 7pm Thu. Sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois. LLCC professor, Chris McDonald will lead the discussion. Free. 793-0040. mywacii.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217- 528-4311.

History African-Americans in Early Illinois Apr 2, 7pm Tue. Slaves, indentured servants and free black leaders in our free state, 1818-1860, presented by Kathryn Harris and Tara McClellan McAndrew. Free. Registration. 786-2432. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786- 2200.

Mr. Lincoln Apr 7, 3pm Sun. Starring John O’Connor, it takes the audience from Lincoln’s earliest days through to his death in 1865 and reverberates with the power of Lincoln’s words but also radiates the warmth of his wit. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

When Local Histories Tell National Stories Apr 9, 6:30pm Tue. History professor Jenny Barker-Devine will discuss the work of archivists, librarians and historians to recover the voices of 19th century women and share her work to situate the stories of local women in broader national networks of the 19th century. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Health The Joy of Movement: Dance for Parkinson’s Apr 9, 1:30pm Tue and Thu; 10am Wed. A 12-week dance class series for people with Parkinson disease. All ability levels are welcome. No partner is required. Free, but registration is required. No new registrants will be accepted after the first two weeks of class. 217-494-4961. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

UIS Health and Wellness Fair Apr 10, 11am-2pm Wed. Featuring complimentary health screenings, samples and prizes. Free. 217-206-7103. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr., 217-206- 6073.

Faith & Philosophy

Homelessness in Springfield Mar 31, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Erica Smith, executive director of Helping Hands. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Lenten Dinner and Devotions Apr 3, 10, 6pm Wed, 6pm Wed. Grace Lutheran Church, 714 E. Capitol Ave., 217-522-3965.

New Currents Within Liberal Religion Apr 7, 10:30-11:30am Sun. What are some of the recent innovations within liberal religious theology, worship and practice? Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

What Do Baha’is Believe? Mar 29, 7-8:30pm Fri. Main Baha’i Faith beliefs presented and discussed. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. 217-546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544-9595.

Sports & Fitness

Jr. Blues game with special recreation Mar 29, 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.

Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon - 55th Anniversary Apr 6, 7:30am Sat. The course will take you past Lincoln’s home, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Lincoln’s tomb and the Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. Starts and finishes at the Old State Capitol. Registration required. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.