Holiday Happenings

Academy of Lifelong Learning Winter Celebration Fri., Jan. 31, 11am-1pm. Open to the public. Registration required.llcc.edu. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2432.

Fairs & Festivals

Pongal Celebration Sat., Jan. 25, 6-9pm. There are almost 200 Telugu speaking families in central Illinois. Experience the area’s cultural diversity and the Telugu culture, food and events. IRC Center, 2940 N. Peoria Road, 248-854-7290.

Books & Authors

Half-price book sale Fri., Jan. 24, 4-7pm and Sat., Jan. 25, 9am-3pm. Hosted by the Central Illinois Reading Council. Open to the public. Teachers are asked to bring their tax ID number. Capital Area Career Center, 2201 Toronto Road, 529-5431 x164.

Theater & Comedy

Belly Laffs Fri., Jan. 24, 7-10pm. Up to six comics present a fast-paced, highenergy show. $5. Dew Chilli Parlor Pub and Grill, 301 N. Grand Ave. W., 217-670-2530.

Claude Stuart Jan. 24-25, 7:30 and 9:30pm. $16 and $18. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.

Darci Lynne Farmer Sat., Jan. 25, 7pm. The singer/ventriloquist's show is backed by a live band. $29.75.Sangamon Auditorium, 1 University Plaza.uis.edu. 217-206-6160.

Frozen Jr. Fri., Jan. 24, 7pm, Sat., Jan. 25, 2 and 7pm and Sun., Jan. 26, 2pm. This enchanting modern classic from Disney, based on the 2018 Broadway musical, brings Elsa, Anna and the magical land of Arendelle to life. $15 adults, $14 seniors 60+ and students. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Fridays, Saturdays, 8pm and Sundays, 4pm. Three men summarize the canon through football plays, rap songs and outrageously condensed, comedy mash-up titles. $18-$20. Springfield Theatre Centre, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Special Music Events

Cathy Bolton in Concert Sat., Jan. 25, 4:30-6pm and Sun., Jan. 26, 10am. Singer, musician, songwriter and international recording artist. Love offerings accepted. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.

The Central Illinois Roots of Lloyd Loar Wed., Feb. 5, 7-8:30pm. The mandolin orchestra was popular at the turn of the 20th century. This presentation and demonstration follow its rise and fall—and rise again—in popularity. Part of the Paul Mickey Learning Series. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-558-6696.

Magnificent Mozart Fri., Jan. 24, 7:30pm. Hosted by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Tickets $20, students ages 6-26 $6 with ID and ages 5 and under are free. Senior and group discounts available. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

The Met: Live in HD Sat., Feb. 1, 11:55am and Wed., Feb. 5, 6:30pm. A stylish new production of George Gershwin’s all-American classic, Porgy and Bess. Adults $22, seniors age 60 and older $20 and children age 12 and under $18. AMC Classic Springfield 12, 3141 Mercantile Drive.

Rock and Rolled Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-4:30pm and Sundays, 12-4:30pm. A celebration of music that has defi ned the culture combined with timeless geological specimens embodying the structure of the earth from our permanent collection. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Windy City Dueling Pianos Murder Mystery Fri., Jan. 24, 6-10pm. Songs and music are the clues in this who-done-it mystery. Tickets must be purchased in advance in person or by calling. $40.00. Hill Prairie Winery, Oakford, 23753 Lounsberry Road, 217-635-9900.

Dance

Winnie the Pooh Sat., Feb. 1, 1, 3:30 & 6:30pm. Join Springfield Dance Theatre on a magical journey through the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh and all his friends in this enchanting children’s ballet. Poohs Hero Party is held before each performance. $15 in advance, $20 day of show. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Art & Architecture

Art showcase Sat., Jan. 25, 7-10pm. Three artists, known for a variety of media, will be showcasing some of their work. Live music by Gracia. Free. Dew Chilli Parlor Pub and Grill, 301 N. Grand Ave. W., 217-670-2530.

Eleanor Spiess-Ferris: Daphne’s Sister Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-4:30pm and Sundays, 12-4:30pm. Paintings and drawings trace the development of the artist’s distinctive figures across her career. Curated by Doug Stapleton. Museum admission. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

“Facing Homelessness” Exhibition Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5pm. The SAA, in cooperation with Helping Hands Shelter, is proud to host this moving exhibition, which will be on display through January 24. This portrait exhibition documents the stories, trials and innovations for survival of homeless men of Springfield. Free. M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth Street, 217-523-2631.

Film & Television

Capernaum Sun., Jan. 26, 1-3 and 4-6pm and Tue., Jan. 28, 7-9pm. A part of the Molly Schlich Film Series sponsored by the Michael Victor II Art Library at the Springfield Art Association. Adults $8, students with ID $4. AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Avenue, 217-523-2631.

Maiden Sun., Feb. 2, 1-3 and 4-6pm and Tue., Feb. 4, 7-9pm. A part of the Molly Schlich Film Series sponsored by the Michael Victor II Art Library at the Springfield Art Association. Adults $8, students with ID $4. AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Avenue, 217-523-2631.

Mystery Movie Monday First Monday of every month, 7pm. You won’t know the title of the film is until the red velvet curtain opens on the grand screen. All genres except horror. Films will span from the early days of the 20th century to contemporary titles. $10. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Children’s Corner

Junior Collector’s Day Sat., Feb. 1, 1-3pm. Collectors and museums have long been partners in telling stories through objects. See the collections of local children and teens on display and hear the story behind each treasure. $5 adults ages 19-64. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.

Night at the Museum Overnight Register by Monday, Jan. 27 for this rare opportunity to visit the museum after dark on Fri., Feb. 7, 6:30 pm - Sat., Feb. 8, 8 am. This fun-filled nocturnal adventure is open to families and groups with children ages 7-12. Take part in science and art activities, explore the museum and end the night sleeping with the exhibits. $70 non-members, $50 members. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.

Sensory-friendly storytime Sun., Jan. 26, 10:30am. Reduced lighting and sound levels. Hand-on material. All ages are welcome. Register to attend. Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 3111 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-546-9440.

Starry Night Super Saturday Sat., Feb. 1, 11am-3pm. The moon and stars are iconic of the night sky. Not only do they provide light to break the darkness, they are also used to tell stories and navigate the unknown. Learn to read the night sky with crafts, games and activities. $5 adults ages 19-64. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.

Lectures & Meetings

Family and friends of prisoners support group Last Tuesday of every month, 6pm. King of Kings Christian Assembly, 520 S. Livingston, 217-525-2337.

Judging information online Sat., Jan. 25, 2pm. This program will look at some of the questions you should ask yourself whenever you view a website or article online. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Retired State Employees Association Wed., Jan. 29, 1:30pm. David Frazier will speak regarding Facing the Unknown - Hearing Health. Meetings are held monthly. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.

Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Fridays, 7am. Visitors are welcome. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-5021.

Bulletin Board

1000 Women Strong Thu., Jan. 23, 5:30pm. Habitat Sangamon Halfway Rally. Celebrate fund raising accomplishments and get fired up to finish strong. Enjoy some social time together. Bring friends and family that might enjoy getting involved. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2744 S. Sixth St., 787-7209.

APL pet adoptions Sat. and Sun., Jan. 25 and 26.12-4pm. All animals for adoption will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and will have received all age appropriate vaccinations by the time of their adoption. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Basic Windows 10 computer class Wed., Feb. 5, 7pm. Learn all the basics of using a computer with a focus on Windows 10. It is recommended that you attend all 3 classes. Register at the Jacksonville Public Library or by phone. Classes are held at the Jacksonville campus of LLCC. Free. Lincoln Land Community College - Jacksonville, 32 N. Central Park Plaza, 217-243-5435.

Compassion and Choices Wed., Feb. 5, 7-8:30pm. A monthly meeting to offer support for our losses and to promote education on the topic of Death with Dignity. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-679-7211.

Free computer classes Wednesdays, 10-11, 11:15am- 12:15pm and 2-3pm. Computer basics, online safety, social media, cloud storage and more. Afternoon classes at 2pm are held at the Springfield Urban League, 100 N. 11th St. Register by calling 217-789-0400. Goodwill Administrative Offices, 1220 Outer Park Drive.

Leaving a Narcissist Monthly support group meets the first Tuesday of each month. 217-899-9873. Advanced Therapy Group, 2315 S. First St.

Meow Mobile cat adoption Sat., Feb. 1, 11am-2pm. The Meow Mobile will have Sangamon County Animal Control cats available for adoption. Come meet your new furry forever friend. Free. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St., 217-801-6557.

Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale Sat., Feb. 1, 11am-2pm. Buy, sell or simply look and learn about mechanical clocks and watches. Free. Casey’s Pub, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road, 309-340-5676.

Wednesday Night Connection Wednesdays, 5:45-7:30pm. Free blood pressure screenings, supper and studies and classes for all ages with nurseries provided. Open gym for students (grades 7-12) from 7:30-8:00 p.m. donation for meal. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.

Food & Drink

Seasons of Change on Henry’s Farm Sat., Jan. 25, 5:30pm. Follow the lives of Henry and Hiroko Brockman, who have run an organic vegetable farm in central Illinois for 25 years. The event includes discussion with the film’s producer and director. Slow Food members $5, nonmembers $10 and students are free. UIS Brooken Auditorium, 1 University Plaza. 217-553-9246.

History

Annual tour guide training Sat., Jan. 25, 10am. This training covers the basics of Edwards Place for those wishing to help with events and programs. RSVP by January 24. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

How to use the library workshop Tue., Feb. 4, 5:30pm. Learn the types of resources available and what to expect during a research visit. Scholars, researchers and amateur historians will find the information useful for utilizing library resources. Free. Reservations required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-588-8844.

Misinterpreting Mary tour Wednesdays, 10-11am and 1-2pm. Our newest guided tour will take guests through the museum to learn more about Mary Lincoln’s life before, during and after Abraham Lincoln. Included with museum admission. Sign up in person the day of the tour. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-588-8844.

Politics

Janus v. AFSCME Tue., Feb. 4, 7-9pm. Local resident Mark Janus will discuss how his belief that he should not be forced to pay union dues in a public sector job led him to the nation’s Supreme Court. Janus is now a fellow with the Liberty Justice Center. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6245.

Policy Breakfast: What’s in store for 2020? Fri., Jan. 24, 7:30am. A timely and informative session on the future of the greater Springfield area. The meeting is open to the public at no cost. Enjoy good coffee, excellent networking and a superb program. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Faith & Philosophy

Finding your non-traditional interfaith identity Thu., Jan. 30, 7-9pm. In order to develop and sustain a collegial and productive work environment, it is important to understand your own faith-based beliefs, and to be aware and understanding of the faith-based beliefs of your peers in the field in which you work. Free. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-6245.

Forever in Our Hearts Fri., Jan. 24, 10:30am. Remembrance ceremony. Feel free to bring photos or items of your loved ones to share on the Remembrance Table. Refreshments available after the ceremony. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Talk about the Baha’i Faith Fri., Jan. 24, 6:30-8pm. Dr. Marufi from Turkey will give a presentation and lead the discussion, followed by light refreshments and fellowship. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.

Sports & Fitness

Celebrate National Skate Day

Sat., Jan. 25, 11:30am-1:30pm. Enjoy free time on the ice with your friends and family. Wear warm and comfortable clothing. Register by Jan. 23. Only 100 spots available. Register at springfieldparksfun.org, activity #140417. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.

The City Basketball Tournament Thu., Jan. 23. Sat., Jan. 25, 6pm. $6. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.