Fairs & Festivals

Earth Awareness Fair Apr 27, 1-5pm Sat. Featuring food, music, workshops, animals, kids’ activities and over 40 exhibitors. Free. springfield.il.us. 217-789- 2255. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Books & Authors

Michael Bracey Exhibit and Book Signing

Apr 27, 5-7pm Sat. Meet and greet followed by a presentation. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391- 6323.

Spoken Word

Stink Bug Night May 1, 7-8:30pm Wed. NPR Illinois’ open-mic storytelling competition. The theme is life and death. Come and share your story, or just enjoy the show. Cash bar available. $10. nprillinois.org. 801- 810-9278. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Theater & Comedy

Blood Brothers Apr 26, May 3-5, 8pm Fri and Sat, 4pm Sun.. Regional premiere directed by Joe- Michael Jackson and John Paris. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Branson Bound Apr 26-28, 7-9pm Fri-Sun. A hilarious ride on an overnight bus to the senior citizen promised land of Branson, MO. Ken Bradbury began to write this play and it was finished by his friends after his death. $15. Lovejoy Hall, 520 West College, Jacksonville, 217-473-4735.

Five Presidents Apr 25-27, May 2-4, 7:30pm Thu-Sat. Five U. S. presidents in the same room at the same time for the funeral of Richard M. Nixon, April 27, 1994. By Rick Cleveland. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

John McClellan Apr 27, 7-8:30pm Sat. $12.50 prepaid or cash only at the door. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City, 217-482-5233.

Kenny Smith Apr 26, 7:30 and 9:30. $15- $17. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Til Death Do Us Part Apr 26-28, May 3-5, 6:30pm Fri-Sat, 4:30pm Sun. The murder mystery features a wedding theme (guests are encouraged to dress accordingly). Ages 21+ only. $40 members, $45 non. Edwards Place, Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Music: General Events

Carillon Winter Concerts Apr 28, 2pm Sun. 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.

Peter and the Wolf Apr 25, 10am Thu. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra, led by music director Ken Lam, will be joined by the Magic Circle Mime Company. $6. ilsymphony.org Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony Apr 28, 3pm Sun. Join music director David Platt and some of Springfield’s most talented young musicians. $10, students $5, and children 12 and younger free. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Spring Showcase Concert Apr 26, 7:30pm Fri. The UIS Orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Christopher Raymond, will lead the program with music from Strauss, David, Donizetti and Brahms. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

The Phil Collins Experience Apr 27, 8pm Sat. 100% of profi ts from t-shirt sales will be donated to Contact Ministries. $49.50+. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Tiny Desk Concert May 3, 7-10pm Fri. Hosted by NPR Illinois. Jeff Williams, The Deep Hollow, Dexter Anodyne, Kate Laine and Looming Ban. Food and beer trucks available for cash. Admission $10. nprillinois.org. 217-206-9847. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.

Dance

Prom It Forward Apr 28, 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

Art Auction and Cocktail Party Apr 27, 6-10pm Sat. Preview at 6pm followed by the auction at 7pm. $10 includes wine, hor d’oeuvres, coffee and dessert. 544-5040. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Crepusculum Apr 25-27, 30, May 1-2. Featuring M. E. Tumulty, Joe Ciaccio, and Leslie Stalter. Free. springfieldart.org. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

Illinois Artists Apr 29, 4:30-7pm Mon. NPR Illinois Public Radio Week hosts Preston Jackson and local artists Delinda Chapman and Marco Mulder. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801- 810-9278.

Jan Villarreal’s Oils on Canvas Apr 25-28, May 1-5. 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.

One Nighter: Collage Earrings and Brooches Apr 27, 6-8pm Sat. Make up to 5 sets of paper layered drop earrings with wrapped fabric with instructor Cookie Kienzler. Limited seating. $15 members, $25 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

One Nighter: Wheel Throwing Apr 27, May 4, 6-8pm Sat, 6-8pm Sat. Learn the basics of throwing pots on a wheel. Pieces will be glazed and fi red. Ages 21+. $20 members, $30 non. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523- 2631.

Pathways to Watercolor Apr 25-26, 9am-5pm Thu-Fri. 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.

UIS Student and Alumni Exhibits Apr 25, 5:30pm Thu. A reception for multiple exhibits by students and alumni. Free UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

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.

Film & Television

Movie Matinee for Adults: First Man Apr 27, 2pm Sat. The story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on the years 1961-1969. It will explore the sacrifices and costs, on Neil Armstrong and on the nation. Free. jaxpl.org. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243- 5435.

Children’s Corner

Bees, Butterflies and Blooms Exhibit Apr 27, 10am Sat. Featuring an animatronic monarch butterfly. Museum admission. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Kids Express 6-9-year-olds Apr 27, May 4, 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.

Plant Planning Apr 27, 10am Sat. Learn what plants are best for our pollinator friends, birds, butterflies and bees. kidzeum.org. Kidzeum of Health and Science Children’s Museum, 412 E. Adams St., 217-971-4435.

Pottery 10-12-year-olds Apr 27, May 4, 11am-12:30pm Sat, 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.

The Hungry Games II Apr 26, 5:30pm Fri. Join the movement to create a generation of healthy kids. The evening will include dinner and an audienceengaged kids’ cooking contest.genHKids.org. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Tots Variety 3-5-year-olds Apr 27, May 4, 9-10am Sat, 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.

Science

Museum After Hours - Science Apr 26, 5-8pm Fri. Relive your childhood love of science with messy experiments, weird collections objects and science trivia. Ages 21+. $10 members, $15 non. 782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Nature Arbor Day Celebration Apr 26, 10-11am Fri. Two new trees will be planted. A boulder and plaque will also be dedicated to commemorate the 200 trees planted last October to celebrate the state of Illinois’ 200 years of statehood. Free. 563-940-5735. Centennial Park, Bunker Hill Road and Lenhart Road, 753-0700.

Bird Banding Apr 27, 12am Sat. LLCC professor Tony Rothering will lead a bird banding demonstration. $40 includes the meal, tax and tip and $10 for the program. Reservations. 217- 947-2238. Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 217-947-2100.

Bird Hikes Apr 27, May 4, 8-9:30am Sat, 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.

Plant Sale Apr 26, 9am-1pm Fri. Herbs and pollinators plants. Bring your clean quart and gallon pots for reuse or recycling. extension. illinois.edu. University of Illinois Extension, 700 S. Airport Dr., 782-4617.

Wildflower Hikes Apr 27-28, May 4-5, 2pm Sat- Sun. Go in search of woodland wildflowers with a garden naturalist. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Lectures & Meetings

Abraham Lincoln and African Americans Apr 25, 7-8pm Thu. Presented by Michael Burlingame, the Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies. Free. uis.edu. UIS Student Union, 1 William Maxwell Lane, 217-206-4782.

Adult Children of Alcoholics and other Dysfunctional Families Apr 30, May 7, 5:15pm Tue. Weekly meetings every Tuesday. New attendees welcome. wisetruth@yahoo.com. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.

Preview Day at UIS Apr 27, 10am-2pm Sat. Breakfast, campus tour and raffle. Meet faculty and find out about how UIS supports academic success and enriches student life. Tips on admissions testing and transferring credits. Free. uis.edu. University of Illinois at Springfield, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

Professional Preparation Workshop Series May 1, 8, 3:30pm Wed. This workshop series will teach you everything you need to know to successfully land a job. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 217-243-5435.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Apr 26, May 3, 7am Fri. Meets every Friday. Visitors are welcome. 217-546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546- 7646.

Springfield ICON Apr 29, 6:30-8:30pm Mon. Topics TBA. Free. springfieldicon.org. 217-528- 9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217-523-5212.

Unclaimed Property or I CASH May 2, 12:20pm Thu. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

What China Can Learn from Western Political Party Laws May 1, 7-8pm Wed. Presented by Junfeng Wang, UIS associate professor of public administration. Free. uis.edu. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), 1 University Plaza, 217-206- 6073.

Bulletin Board

2019 Habitat Homeowners Program Informational Sessions Apr 29, 5:30pm Mon. Learn about the program, how to qualify and how to apply. 2019 applications will be accepted through May 31. You must attend a session to apply to the program. Reservations. Free. habitatsangamon.com. 523- 2710. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2744 S. Sixth St., 787-7209.

2019 Lincoln Pilgrimage Apr 28, 11am Sun. Eagle Honor Guard wreath laying ceremonies at war memorials and laying of wreath at Lincoln’s Tomb. Program tribute to Lincoln including speaker. alincolnbsa.org. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., 217-789-2340.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 28, Sun. Cats 12-4 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. apl-shelter.org. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

APL Pet Adoptions Apr 27, 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. Artisan Stone, 2475 Peerless Mine Road, 697-8433.

Basics of Podcasting Workshop Apr 30, 12-1:30pm Tue. An introduction to the world of podcasting led by NPR reporters Brian Mackey and Rachel Otwell. $20. nprillinois.org. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785- 7960.

Citizens Club of Springfield Apr 26, 8am Fri. Policy breakfast, Springfield Tourism, with Scott Dahl, director of the Springfield Convention and Tourism Bureau. Coffee reception at 7:30. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Cricut Class Apr 27, 10:10am Sat. Learn how to make your own custom t-shirts, signs, and more. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 217-498-8454.

Family and Friends of Prisoners Support Group Apr 30, 6pm Tue. Meets the last Tuesday of each month. King of Kings Christian Assembly, 520 S. Livingston, 217-525-2337.

Gala Dinner with NPR’s Scott Simon Apr 30, 6:30pm Tue. Dinner featuring Scott Simon, tour of the museum and the traveling exhibition of photos tracing JFK’s life. $150. 217- 206-9847. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Legalization of Recreational Marijuana May 2, 5:30-7pm Thu. Moderated by NPR Illinois’ Sean Crawford, joined by reporter Jaclyn Driscoll and a panel of experts. Cash bar available. $5. nprillinois.org. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.

Moonlight Market May 1, 6-9pm Wed. Highlighting local artists, artisans, crafters and vendors from around the Springfield and central Illinois area. All vendors fees are donated to a selected charities. 217-522- 3123. Obed and Isaacs, 500 S. Sixth St., 217-670-0627.

NPR’s State Week May 2, 12-1pm Thu. A live recording of the public affairs program moderated by Sean Crawford with Charlie Wheeler and commenting by reports Brian Mackey and Daisey Contreras. $5. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785-7960.

SAHBA Trivia Night Apr 26, 7pm Fri. 50/50 raffl e and cash prices. $10. 217-698-4941. Springfield Columbus Home Association, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 787-2360.

Shred Event May 3, 11am-12pm Fri. Donations to benefit Senior Services of Central Illinois are appreciated, but not required. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217- 528-4035.

Springfield Jaycees Annual Lawn Mower Clinic Apr 27, 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, 699 W. Stanford Ave., 522-8528.

The 21st Live Apr 29, 11am-12pm Mon. Attend the live broadcasting of NPR’s The 21st and meet host Niala Boodhoo. $5. 217-206- 9847. Old State Capitol, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-785- 7960.

Food

Cinco de Mayo Party and 217 Nacho, Taco & Margarita Week Kick Off May 5, 12-5pm Sun. $5 margarita and nacho specials. Live music by NATU Band. Drawings for St. Louis Cardinals tickets and rounds of golf. 217foodweek.com. Long Bridge Golf Course, 1055 W. Camp Sangamo Rd., 217-744-8311.

217 Tacos, Nachos and Margaritas Week May 6-12. A celebration of tortillas and tequila. Margaritas available at locations that offer liquor service. Join Illinois Times in celebrating the best food and drinks in the area and try special, off-menu creations for just $5 at participating restaurants. illinoistimes.com, 217-753-2226.

2nd Annual Dining in the Dark Apr 25, 5:30pm Thu. Hosted by the Educational Center for the Visually Impaired. Kentucky Derby theme. The venue’s lighting will gradually grow dimmer throughout the meal to give patrons the experience of fading vision. $100. edcentervi.org. Christ the King Parish Center, 1930 Barberry Dr., 546- 3527.

Corks and Forks Apr 25, 6:30-9:30pm Thu. Taste wines and sample food from the area’s finest food establishments and caterers. Silent auction. $50 in advance, $55 at the door, $125 VIP preevent. decaturarts.org. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 4191 US 36 West, Decatur.

Illinois State Historical Society Annual Best of History Banquet Apr 26, 6pm Fri. Plus the annual meeting. $45 members, $55 non. 217-525-2781. historyillinois.org. Roots, 14305 State Highway Rt. 97, Petersburg, 217-710-1900.

Special Recreation Cooking Class Apr 25, 6-7pm Thu. Learn the basics of cooking. Ages 8+ $8 residents, $10 non. 217-503- 4576. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217- 585-2941.

Politics

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 available for purchase $25. 217-793- 0040. mywacci.org. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

History

Bound to the Western Waters: The Discovery of Lewis and Clark's Long-Lost Outpost of Ft. Kaskaskia May 1, 7pm Wed. Presented by Mark Wagner. Free. Illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Elijah Iles House 182nd Birthday Open House Apr 27, 12-4pm Sat. Season opening with cake and ice cream. Speaker will be Michael Burlingame, professor of Lincoln Studies at UIS. Free. 217-481-4397. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St., 217- 492-5929.

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.

Three-I Baseball and Forgotten Voices of Illinois Apr 30, 12pm Tue. Part of the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and Illinois State Historical Society’s 2019 Lunch and Learn Series. $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.

World War I Program May 2, 12-1pm Thu. With Chris McDonald, LLCC. Special attention will be paid to the war relics brought home by Springfield ambulance driver Kent Hagler. Free. 217-558- 6696. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Health Annual Autism Walk and Family Fun Day Apr 27, 10am-1pm Sat. Petting zoo, trackless train, balloon artists, 50/50 drawing, silent auction. Hope Pavilion at Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-788-2310.

Epilepsy: Know the Facts Apr 25, 12:20pm Thu. Presented by Kimberly Janssen, outreach coordinator of the Epilepsy Foundation Community. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Healthy Brain Aging Community Event May 7, 6-7:30pm Tue. Presented by Dr. Tom Ala and Mehul Trivedi, Ph.D. Alzheimer’s research updates, clinical trials, risk factors for dementia and strategies to prevent dementia. Free. 217-545-7204. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-788-3000.

Faith & Philosophy

Be Joyful Though You Have Considered All the Facts Apr 28, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Amy McEuen, Ph.D., will refl ect on our role in nature and nature’s role in our lives. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Finding the Pathway to Unity Apr 26, 7-8:30pm Fri. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. 217-546- 9171. Springfi eld Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-544- 9595.

Sports & Fitness

Get Golf-Ready Apr 25, 12am Thu. 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.

SCHEELS Run Bike Club Apr 25, May 2, 5:45-8pm Thu, 5:45-8pm Thu. All levels of riders and runners are welcome. All ages welcome. 17 or under must have a parent present. Free. Scheels, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726- 6330.