Holiday Happenings
Academy of Lifelong Learning Winter Celebration Fri., Jan. 31, 11am-1pm. Open to the public. Registration required. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2432.
Black History Celebration Sat., Feb. 8, 10:30am-3pm. Master of Ceremony Justin Carter from WICS-TV, music provided by Debbie Ross, accompanied by Mark Gifford. Lunch served at 11am. Donations for luncheon welcome. Free. Jacksonville Community Park, Jacksonville, 1201 S. Main, 217-370-0948.
Theater & Comedy
Beyond The Beanstalk: You Don’t Know Jack Fri., Feb. 7, 7pm, Sat., Feb. 8, 7pm and Sun., Feb. 9, 2pm. The grandpa of a modern-day family tells his grandkids four stories of Jack, one from each stage in Jack’s life from a young teen to senior. These humorous, magical stories come alive with witches, kings, princes, princesses, flying ships and a lot of surprises. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues Fri., Jan. 31, 7pm and Sat., Feb. 1, 7pm. It’s been 20 years since this play shattered taboos, and today the stakes could not be higher. $10 in advance, $15 day of show. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Jeff Bailey with Howard Butler Fri., Jan. 31, 8-9:30pm and Sat., Feb. 1, 7-8:30pm. Jeff Bailey and Howard Butler are past winners of the Jukebox Comedy Club Comedy Competition. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.
Mark Sweeney Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 7:30 and 9:30pm. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Fri., Jan. 31 and Sat. Feb. 1, 8pm and Sun., Feb 2, 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
The central Illinois roots of Lloyd Loar Wed., Feb. 5, 7-8:30pm. Part of the Paul Mickey Learning Series. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-558-6696.
The Met: Live in HD Sat., Feb. 1, 11:55am, Wed., Feb. 5, 6:30pm and Sat., Feb. 8, 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.
Now that’s a good tune Tue., Feb. 11, 12pm. Sharon Graf on fiddle, Erich Schroeder on fiddle and banjo and Mark Mathewson on mandolin and guitar. UIS Music Program Brown Bag Recital Series. Free, but donations are welcome. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.
Dance
Winnie the Pooh Sat., Feb. 1, 1, 3:30 and 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. Pooh's 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
“Nothing by Chance” Through Feb. 23. Sixty years of printmaking by Richard Black. Free. David Bourland Gallery, 939 C Durkin Dr., 217-381-4735.
“ALIVE to Interpretation” Thursdays-Saturdays, 12-7pm and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 10am-5pm. Paintings by Rick Taylor, ceramic and wood workings by Roland Folse and paintings by Gene Tanta. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.
Locational Identity: Moving from Trauma to Freedom Mon., Feb. 10, 6-8pm. A panel discussion with artists Mark Blanchard, Cass Davis, kwabena foli and Kelly Kristin Jones who, through their artwork, engage with place in order to clarify personal and collective identity. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6245.
Film & Television
The Front Row Network Hosts the Oscars Sun., Feb. 9, 7pm. A special viewing of the 92nd Academy Awards. Dress to impress or come comfy. Featuring a selfie station, lightning-round trivia and prizes. Cash bar. $10.00. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
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.
Life is Beautiful Fri., Feb. 7, 7-9pm. A poignant, tearjerker comedy. Part of the NPR Illinois F & I Film Series. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-4762.
Ruben Brandt Collector Sun., Feb. 9, 1-3 and 4-6pm and Tue., Feb. 11, 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.
Children’s Corner
Fabulous Folktales Museum Play Date Tue., Feb. 11, 10-11am. Storyteller Mike Anderson will join us for this special Museum Play Date. You’ll hear traditional stories from around the world mixed with songs and activities. $5 adults ages 19-64. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.
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.
Mocha Moms, Inc. Tue., Feb. 4, 6-7:30pm. Discussion of topics related to motherhood and providing support to one another in the community. Children are welcome. Open to the public. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 309-431-1410.
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.
Nature, Science & Environment
Prairie State Orchid Society Show and Sale Sat., Feb. 8, 11am-4pm. Orchids and growing supplies, raffle prizes. Repotting of orchids 11am-3:30pm. Experienced growers will be on hand to answer questions. Free. Washington Park Botanical Garden Exhibit Hall, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-960-5421.
Lectures & Meetings
Adult Children of Alcoholics and Other Dysfunctional Families Tuesday Tuesdays, 5:15pm. Newcomers are welcome. Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St., 217-544-9049.
Measles: An International Perspective Tue., Feb. 4, 5:30pm. Doctors Marcela Rodriguez, Sana Waqar and Vidhya Prakash will review the epidemiology of measles -- the scientific study of the disease and how it is found, spread and controlled in groups of people in the U.S. and globally. Free. Dinner requires reservations. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club Fridays, 7am. Visitors are welcome. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 217-546-5021.
Bulletin Board
Basic Windows 10 computer class Wed., Feb. 5, 7pm and Wed., Feb. 12, 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, 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.
Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program Thu., Jan. 30, 12pm. Dreaming of owning your own home? Attend an information session to learn if the Habitat for Humanity program is right for you. Advance reservations are required. habitatsangamon.com. Habitat for Humanity Office, 2744 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2710.
Leaving a Narcissist Monthly support group meets the first Tuesday of each month 6:30-7:30pm. 217-899-9873. Advanced Therapy Group, 2315 S. First St.
Light the Way Celebration Sat., Feb. 8, 6-10pm. Girls on the Run transforms girls’ lives by teaching life skills and helping them develop healthy relationships. Join us as we celebrate serving our 10,000th girl in 2020. Help us raise critical scholarship funds for our spring season. $60 for one ticket, $100 for two tickets. Ace Sign Co., 2540 S. First St., 217-726-9808.
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. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St., 217-801-6557.
Springfield Watch and 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. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.
Young at Heart Second Tuesday of every month, 9:30-11:30am. Senior and retirees are invited to join us for our monthly fellowship. Free blood pressure checks, a program presentation, a short devotion, followed by a free lunch. Free. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.
Youth Charity Horse Show Trivia Night Sat., Feb. 8, 6-10pm. To reserve your table call or send a text to 217-248-9789. $10.00. Sherman Athletic Club, Sherman, 420 Crossing Dr.
History
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 better utilizing library resources. Free. Reservations required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Lincoln’s assassination and its consequences Thu., Feb. 6, 5:30pm. In the aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination, abolitionist Frederick Douglas gave a series of speeches in Illinois asking timely questions about the direction the nation will take into the Reconstruction Period. With historical reenactor Bob Davis. Free. Reservations required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Lincoln’s Birthday and Unveiling of Art Contest Wed., Feb. 12, 9am-5pm. Family fun and a free admission day. Visits from President and Mrs. Lincoln, musical performances throughout the day and arts and crafts activities. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
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., 217-558-8844.
Moments in Lincoln’s Life Mon., Feb. 10, 7pm. Tom Emery will discuss Lincoln’s presidential life, including his early romances, his work as a surveyor and postmaster, first political campaigns and some of his notable friendships. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.
Faith & Philosophy
Finding the Pathway to Unity Fri., Jan. 31, 6:30-8pm. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.
Finding your nontraditional 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.
Health
All About Heart Health Sun., Feb. 9, 1pm. Tammy Lackland from Molina Healthcare will discuss the seven simple steps to maintaining a healthy heart. A question and answer session will follow. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.
Freedom from smoking class Tuesdays, 5-6:30pm. Set a quit date, create a personalized plan to prepare for quitting and build strategies for managing stressors during and after your quit. Meets weekly through Feb. 25. $30. Financial assistance is available. memorialmedical.com. 217-788-3559. $30. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-788-3559.
Sports & Fitness
Indoor winter archery Sundays, 2-4pm. All ages are welcome. One room for adults and two children’s rooms based on experience. Free. Athens Christian Church, Athens, 1411 E. Route 29, 217-636-8463.
Stroller Strides Classes Mon., Feb. 3, 9am. A fullbody, functional workout that you can do with your child in tow. The class is free for new participants. Register at 217-341-2878. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 217-544-1751.
More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com
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