Holiday Happenings

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.

Lincoln’s Birthday 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.

Looking for Lincoln Wed., Feb. 12, 8:30am. Learn the little-known story of Julius Rosenwald. The home in which he lived across the street from the Lincoln home will be renamed in his honor. Remarks will be presented by Kathryn Harris, Mike Jackson, Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese, Nancy Sage and Dorothy Canter. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, 413 S. Eighth St., 217-391-3221.

Moments in Lincoln’s Life Mon., Feb. 10, 7pm. Tom Emery will discuss Lincoln’s presidential life, his early romances, his work as a surveyor and postmaster, fi rst political campaigns and some of his notable friendships. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Books & Authors

Sherlock Holmes Society Sat., Feb. 15, 9am. “The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax.” 217-546-8387. Ginna’s Cafe, 3801 S. MacArthur Blvd., 217-726-6330.

UIS Author Festival Tue., Feb. 18, 5-6:30pm. Rosina Neginsky, associate professor of art history, Megan Styles, assistant professor of environmental studies, and Sarah Webb, assistant professor of english. Author remarks, reception and book signing. Books will be available for purchase. UIS Brookens Library, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6605.

Theater & Comedy

Beyond The Beanstalk: You Don’t Know Jack Fri., Feb. 7-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.

Drew Hastings Fri., Feb. 14, 8-9:30pm. $23.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.

Johnny Kavanagh and Andy Hamilton Fri., Feb. 7, 8-9:30pm and Sat., Feb. 8, 7-8:30pm. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.

LOL UIS Comedy Series-Stewart Huff Sat., Feb. 15, 8-10pm. A storyteller at heart, Huff continues to amaze with his clever material and personal wit. $15 in advance; $20 day of show. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Fri., Feb. 7-Sat, Feb. 8, 8pm and Sun., Feb. 9, 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.

Waitress Fri., Feb. 14. Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. uispac.com. $24-$89. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Special Music Events

Harp and Soul Tue., Feb. 18, 12pm. Abigail Walsh, flute and Julia Jamieson, harp. UIS Music Program Brown Bag Recital Series. Free, but donations are welcome. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra - Love Notes Sat., Feb. 15, 7:30pm. With pianist Sandra Wright Shen. $21-$63. Students $6, ages 5 and under free. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

The Met: Live in HD 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.

Nathan Taylor Trio Thu., Feb. 13, 7-9pm. From classic roots songs and blues of the delta to early New Orleans jazz, this trio presents soulful spins on the old styles mixed with new music. Part of Music at the Museum. $15 adults, $12 museum members. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-558-6696.

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.

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.

Dance

Fabulous Fifties Sock Hop Fri., Feb. 14, 1-3pm. Join in for a special guest performance by Springfield Dance. Enjoy cherry Cokes, snacks and tons of fun. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 217-528-4035.

Art & Architecture

“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.

Canvas and Cocktails: Valentine’s Day Fri., Feb. 14, 7-9:30pm. Bring wine, cheeses and desserts to savor while making art. The theme will be famous artist couples. All art supplies will be provided. Ages 21+. $25 nonmembers, $15 members. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

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.

Glass enamel wine stopper Fri., Feb. 7, 6-9:30pm. During this one-nighter, students will enamel their own wine stopper. Must be 21 or older. $35 nonmembers and $25 members. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

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.

Valentine block printing Fri., Feb. 7, 6-9pm. Block print your own Valentine cards. Several cards can be printed from your design you carve out of a wood block. All materials provided by the SAA. Adults 21 or older. $30 nonmember, $20 member. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

What I Give My Daughters Sat., Feb. 15, 12-2pm. Join the Mocha Moms of Central Illinois for a dynamic conversation and art workshop with Dr. Kantara Souffrant on sharing words of wisdom with mothers and caregivers to inspire and uplift young girls. Free. Registration is required. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 309-431-1410.

Film & Television

The Birth of a Nation Wed., Feb. 19, 7:45pm. A film screening and discussion of the motion picture starring Nate Parker. Interactive and respectful discussion among the students and other attendees will follow. Free. UIS Studio Theatre, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6333.

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.

Honeyland Sun., Feb. 16, 1-3, 4-6pm and Tue., Feb. 18, 7-9pm. Part of the Molly Schlich Film Series brought to you by the Michael Victor II Art Library of the Springfield Art Association. Tickets available at the door. springfieldart.org. Adults $8, students with ID $4. AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Avenue, 217-523-2631.

Mrs. Hyde Thu., Feb. 6, 7pm. This loose adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale is set at a high school in a tough Paris suburb. The result is a mix of B-movie chills, dry humor and contemporary reality. Free. Illinois College, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3439.

Life is Beautiful Fri., Feb. 7, 7-9pm. A poignant, tear-jerker 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, 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.

Tazzeka Tue., Feb. 11, 7pm. Elias works at a tiny convenience store in a rural Moroccan village, while dreaming of working in Paris. All he needs to make his dream come true is to get himself to France, but when he gets there things are nothing like what he imagined. Free. Illinois College, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3439.

Children’s Corner

Doll-i-Day “Bee” Yourself Sun., Feb. 16, 1-4pm. Fun, food, games and a chance to win the American Girl 2020 Doll of the Year. Photo booth, hair station, nail-painting station, makeup station, raffles for other dolls, games, movies and crafts. Call for ticket info. $25. Hamilton’s, Jacksonville, 110 N. East St., 217-245-6000.

Fabulous Folktales Museum Play Date Tue., Feb. 11, 10-11am. Storyteller Mike Anderson will join in for this special Museum Play Date. 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.

Sensory-friendly roller skating Sat., Feb. 8, 4:30-6:30pm. For children with autism and their families. Members of Mid-state Mayhem will be present to help kids skate. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 217-585-1421.

Nature, Science & Environment

Prairie State Orchid Society Show and Sale Sat., Feb. 8, 11am-4pm. Orchids and growing supplies, raffle prizes. Re-potting 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., upstairs, 217-544-9049.

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

The Dynamics of Code Switching Wed., Feb. 12, 11:45am. Soup & Stories “Do I Talk Too Loud?” Presented by Justin Rose, director of diversity and inclusion at UIS. $3 for public. Students with ID are free. Call to register. Robert H. Stephens Room, Menard Hall. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2241.

Bulletin Board

APL Pet Adoptions Sat., Feb. 8, 11am-3pm and Sun., Feb. 9, 11am-3pm. All animals for adoption will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and will have received all age appropriate vaccinations by the time of their adoption. Petco, 2721 S. Veterans Pkwy., 793-7387.

APL pet adoptions Saturdays, Sundays, 11am-4pm. All available animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and will have received all age-appropriate vaccinations by the time of their adoption. Adoptions can also take place at the shelter, 1001 Taintor Rd., from 12-5pm, Mon.- Fri. PetSmart, 3183 S. Veterans Pkwy, 217-698-3091.

Career Connections Expo Thu., Feb. 6, 11:30am-2:30pm. Free. UIS Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr., 217-206-6508.

Census and the City Wed., Feb. 19, 12:15-1pm. Representatives from the City of Springfield discuss the upcoming 2020 census. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 2175284035.

Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program Thu., Feb. 13, 6pm. 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.

Healthcare’s Hidden Figures Fri., Feb. 7, 5-7pm. A dynamic panel of women with diverse backgrounds in healthcare will discuss the challenges and triumphs they have faced as women of color in the healthcare field. Attendees will have opportunities to ask questions and network with panelists. Free. UIS Diversity Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6333.

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.

LLCC Campus Visit Day – Spring Edition Mon., Feb. 17, 10am-12pm, 5pm. For prospective students and their families. llcc.edu. Free. LLCC, A. Lincoln Commons, 5250 Shepherd Rd, 217-786-2577.

PFLAG Regular Meeting Mon., Feb. 17, 7-8:15pm. PFLAG offers a safe space for LGBTQA persons and their family and friends to come together and share their experiences and give support. aluuc.org. Free. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 217-585-9550.

Pre-1850 census U.S. genealogical records Thu., Feb. 6, 2-3:30pm. Amy Johnson Crow will discuss records to use for U.S. genealogical research that predate the 1850 census. Part of the monthly Genealogy Webinar and Discussion Series. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.

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.

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. Prizes, including best themed table. Not all trivia will be related to horses. $10.00. Sherman Athletic Club, Sherman, 420 Crossing Dr., 217-248-9789.

Food & Drink

Valentine’s Day Cooking Class Fri., Feb. 14, 6pm. An intimate cooking class with local chef Denise Perry of Copper Pot Cooking Studio.The meal will be created from 19th century recipes adapted to the modern kitchen. Registration required. $120 per couple, $60 per person. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

Winter Indoor Farmers Market Sat., Feb. 15, 9am-12pm. Find local meats, fresh produce, baked goods, Illinois wine and artisan creations. Street parking is free. Anvil and Forge Brewing and Distilling Company, 619 E Washington St, 217-494-6200.

History

A Lifeline of Letters Wed., Feb. 19, 12-1pm. Illinois Civil War Soldiers Write Home. Mark Flotow will discuss some basics about Civil War era correspondence. Free. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-558-6696.

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.

Misinterpreting Mary tour Wednesdays, 10-11am, 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.

Tales from the Vault - Love and Romance Thu., Feb. 13, 12pm. Saucy poetry and love letters from the 1850s, diary entries of lonely Civil War-era singles, machinemade Victorian Valentine’s Day cards and vinegar Valentine’s from the Roaring ’20s. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.

Faith & Philosophy

Finding the Pathway to Unity Fri., Feb. 7, 6:30-8pm. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.

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.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Most Commonly Asked Questions Wed., Feb. 12, 6-7:30pm. Dr. Pamela Campbell will answer some of the most common questions about the increase in autism diagnoses, the causes of autism and its treatment options including medical, non-medical and alternatives. Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments. Free. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217-588-6254.

Be Healthy, Be Fit, Be Red Sat., Feb. 8, 1-3pm. Celebrate heart month with activities for all ages, health tips and survivor recognition. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Introduction to yoga Wed., Feb. 12, 6:30pm. Certified yoga instructor Justina Schacht will give a brief discussion of yoga poses, breathwork and meditation and their benefits. The discussion will be followed by a beginner’s yoga practice. Free. Trailhead Center for Yoga and Ayurveda, 301 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-899-1970.

State of the Heart Celebration Sat., Feb. 8, 6:30pm. Prairie Heart Foundation is commemorating 40 years of service to patients and their families. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served and The Deep Hollow will provide live music. prairieheart.com. 217-544-6464. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.

Why eat a whole food plantbased diet? Tue., Feb. 11, 6:30-8pm. Sponsored by the Springfield Vegetarian Association. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-546-9171.

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.

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

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