Holiday Happenings

Winter Farmers Market Apr 20, 9am-1pm Sat. A one-stop shop for holiday feasts and winter meals. Free admission. 217-528-1563. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St., 217-528-5100.

Books & Authors

Alchemist Review Launch Apr 18, 5pm Thu. Part of the Student Technology, Arts and Research Symposium.go.uis.edu/stars. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Spoken Word

Fiction Reading Apr 18, 6pm Thu. By Amina Gautier. Part of the Student Technology, Arts and Research Symposium.go.uis.edu/stars. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Theater & Comedy

Dead Man’s Cell Phone Apr 18-20, 7:30pm Thu-Sat. The odyssey of a woman forced to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world. $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 UIS faculty/staff, $8 students and $6 17 and under. UIS Studio Theatre, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-7529.

Justin Tuttle with Adam Tucker Apr 20, 7-8:30pm Sat. $12.50 prepaid or cash only at the door.mclimits.com. 217-899-7128. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.

Nathan Timmel Apr 19, 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. $15-$17. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

She Kills Monsters Apr 18-21, 7:30pm Thu- Sat, 2pm Sun. An ingenious comedy that slips between a Midwest high school and a Dungeons & Dragons quest. Written by Qui Nguyen. Directed by Dr. Nancy Taylor Porter. $10. ic.edu. 217-245- 3471. Illinois College Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center, Jacksonville, 217- 245-3000.

Music: General Events

Carillon Winter Concerts Apr 21, 24, 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.

The Mary Bryant Choir Apr 19, 11:30am-12:30pm Fri. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Dance

Dance for Hope Apr 19, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. West Coast Swing dance night 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, 217-522-9106.

Art & Architecture

Crepusculum Night Tour Apr 24, 7-9pm Wed. The lights will be dimmed and visitors provided with a lantern to explore the gallery. It will include a detailed talk about some of the artwork, poetry and music. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Jan Villarreal’s Oils on Canvas Apr 18-21, 24, 10am-3pm Wed-Sun. Oil on canvas work by Jan Villarreal is on display. Her subjects range from still lifes to landscapes and florals. 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.

Pathways to Watercolor Apr 18-19, 22-24, 9am-5pm Mon-Wed. Featuring paintings from Quincy natives Sandy Meyer and Robert Mejer, and Springfield resident Rod Buffington, who is also curating the show. 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 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.

Children’s Corner

Bee Event Apr 20, 10am Sat. The observation hive will be open. Learn about the important role bees play in the environment. Meet Arvin Pierce the beekeeper and taste some honey. kidzeum.org. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Kids Express 6-9-year-olds Apr 20, 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.

Pottery 10-12-year-olds Apr 20, 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.

Story Time Apr 18, 11am-12pm Thu. It has been proven that reading to children improves their vocabulary, focus and helps foster curiosity. 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.

Tiny Cheer Class Apr 20, 10-11:30am Sat. In this one-day class, children will be introduced to the basics of cheerleading including motions and jumps. Wear sock and tennis shoes, long hair in a ponytail and no jewelry. springfieldparks.org. Washington Park Preschool, 1400 Williams Blvd., 217-546- 3970.

Tots Variety 3-5-year-olds Apr 20, 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 3rd Thursday Program Apr 18, 7-8:30pm Thu. Vern LaGesse will discuss the challenges of restoring prairie, timbers and wetlands across central Illinois for various conservation groups. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544- 2473.

Bird Hikes Apr 20, 8-9:30am Sat. Join local birder Kevin Veara for our seasonal migratory bird hikes. This program is open to all skill levels. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Guided Nature Hike Apr 18, 6pm Thu. Led by Nick Klobuchar, the focus will be on early spring migrants. Dress for the weather. Boots are recommended. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Apr 23, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.

Retired State Employees Association Monthly Meeting Apr 24, 1:30pm Wed. Speaker will be Sen. Steve McClure, 50th District. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Apr 19, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-7646.

Straight from the Starter Series Apr 24, 11:30am-12:30pm Wed. This 9-week program gives entrepreneurs a framework for success and a plan for integrating entrepreneurship and business ownership into their lives. Registration. innovatespringfield.org. Innovate Springfield, 15 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-670-1770.

UIS Student Technology, Arts and Research Symposium Apr 18-19, 5-10pm Thu, 9am-2pm Fri. Students will showcase their research and creative activities through short talks, poster presentations, art exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances. David Gunkel is the keynote speaker. University of Illinois at Springfield, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Bulletin Board

APL Cat Adoptions Apr 21, 12-4pm Sun. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all age-appropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption. aplshelter.org. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 20, 11am Sat. Cats 11 am-4 pm. Dogs 12-3 pm. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all age-appropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption. aplshelter.org. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 20, 11am-3pm Sat. All animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have received all ageappropriate vaccinations by the time of adoption. apl-shelter.org. Friendly Chevrolet, 2540 Prairie Crossing Dr., 814-0065.

Bingo Nights Apr 24, 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.

Handmade Trivia Apr 24, 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.

Indiana Amish Country Extended Trip Apr 24, Wed. centralILseniors.org. 217-503-4629. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

May Friendship Day Apr 23, 1pm Tue. Sponsored by the Church Women United of Springfield. Fresh Visions Community Church, 1551 J. David Jones Pkwy, 217-726- 5988.

Peoria Childrens Museum Apr 22, 7:30am Mon. Meet at the Nelson Center. Pack your own lunch. $40 residents and $50 non. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

Special Recreation Adventure Field Trip Camps Apr 22, 7:30am-5:30pm Mon. 217-503-4576. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525- 2589.

St. Louis Science Center Field Trip Apr 19, 22, 7:30am-5:30pm Fri and Mon. Meet at the Nelson Center. Pack your own lunch. $40 residents and $50 non. 217-503-4576. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525- 2589.

Food

Historic Marbold Farmstead Association Dinner Apr 20, 5:30pm Sat. Dinner along with silent and live auctions. Music by Wild Columbine. Tickets $30 in advance. 217-413-1820; 217- 341-0757. historic-marboldfarmstead.org. Indian Creek Farmstead and Pumpkin Patch, 19468 Curtis Black Top Road, Petersburg, 217-717-4401.

Politics

Governing Abroad: Coalition Politics and Foreign Policy in Europe Apr 23, 4-5pm Tue. Presented by Sibel Oktay, UIS associate professor of political science, who will discuss the results from her sabbatical research. Free. uis.edu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

The Middle East: Regional Disorder Apr 18, 7-9pm Thu. Discussion leader will be UIS emeritus professor of political science Stephen Schwark, PhD. Great Decisions 2019 Briefing Book is available for purchase at $25. Free. 793-0040. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

The United States and Mexico: Partnership Tested Apr 25, 7-9pm Thu. UIS professor of political science Adriana Crocker will lead the discussion. Great Decisions 2019 Briefing Book is available for purchase $25. Free. mywacci.org. 217-793-0040. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

History

Escape Room: Unlock Chatham’s History Apr 22-25, 27. Take a trip to 1920’s Chatham. You and some friends have misplaced train tickets that you need to get to the dance hall at Irwin’s Park. Solve the puzzles to find the tickets. Tweens+. Min. 2 people, max. 6 per session. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce, Chatham, 217-483-2713.

Lincoln’s Assassination at Ford's Theatre Apr 18, 7pm Thu. Tim Good discusses his research and book on a collection of accounts from a variety of theatergoers and play cast members at Ford’s Theater. Free. Books on the Square Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 217-965-5443.

Thank you Ms. Eva Apr 24, 6pm Wed. The launch of the celebratory state and national tour to commemorate the founder of the Lincoln Colored Old Folks and Orphans Home, Eva Carroll Monroe. Wear event shirts for a photo shoot. 503- 4129. routehistory.net. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Health

Glucose and Blood Pressure Screens Apr 24, 9:30-11:30am Wed. SIU Center for Family Medicine will perform the screenings. Free. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217- 528-4035.

Faith & Philosophy

Finding the Pathway to Unity Apr 19, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. 217- 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217- 544-9595.

Holy Thursday Worship Musical Apr 18, 6:30pm Thu. Special guest Miriam Montague. Free. Christian County Historical Museum, Near IL Routes 29 and 48 on Morrison Dr., Taylorville, 217-824-6922.

Releasing the Heart by Letting Go of Views Apr 18, Thu. A non-residential insight meditation retreat with Bridget Rolens. Registration through May 5. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523- 0901.

The Jewish Jesus Apr 21, 10:30-11:30am Sun. What light do scholars like Rev. John Shelby Spong and Dr. Amy-Jill Levine shed on Jesus’ native Jewish tradition and how it impacted his ministry and message? Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Way of the Cross Apr 19, 12-1:30pm Fri. A prayerful walk sponsored by Pax Christi Springfield, Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, Springfield Dominican Sisters and Church of the Brethren. Free. 217-652-3567. Supreme Court of Illinois Building, 200 E. Capitol,

Sports & Fitness

Couch to 5k or more Apr 18, 6-7pm Thu. Dip your toes into the world of running with the Springfield Road Runners Club. Free. st-johns.org/go217. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217- 544-1751.

Get Golf-Ready Apr 18, 23, Thu and Tue. A series of four 1-hour group golf lessons on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and taught by PGA and LPGA professionals. $90 adults, $75 juniors. Lincoln Greens Golf Course, 700 E. Lake Shore Dr., 786-4111.

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

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