Holiday Happenings
Mardi Gras Sat., Feb. 22, 6-11pm. Dancing, games, auctions and Cajun food. Table of 10 $400, couples $80 and singles $45. Includes dinner, beer and soda. Prairie View Reception Center, Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, 217-483-7999.
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. 14, 2pm, Sat., Feb. 15, 7pm and Sun., Feb. 16, 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. Drew recently completed his second term as mayor of Hillsboro, OH. $23.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, Mason City, 114 E. Chestnut St., 217-482-5233.
Jackie Fabulous Feb. 14-15, 7:30, 9:30pm. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217-391-JOKE.
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.
Sleeping Beauty Sat., Feb. 22, 1, 3, 6pm. The Springfield Youth Performance Group presents this hour-long story of Princess Aurora, who was cursed by an evil fairy to sleep for 100 years, only to be awakened by the kiss of a handsome prince. Adults $15, ages 12 and under $10. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 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.
Spoken Word
Poetry open mic Third Wednesday of every month, 6-8pm. Sign up to read some poetry, prose or non-fiction, or just relax and listen. A Springfield Poets & Writers event. Free. Robbie’s, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, 217-725-9058.
Poetry Out Loud Central Illinois Regional Contest Thu., Feb. 13, 4pm. Teenagers select, analyze and commit to memory classic and contemporary poems for recitation. Ten area schools, 22 teachers and 1,133 students are participating. Winners will advance to the state tournament and then to the national finals in Washington, D. C. Hoogland Center for the Arts, Theatre 3, 420 S. 6th St., 523-2787.
Spoken Word Showcase Sat., Feb. 15, 7-9pm. All donations benefit the Garvey- Tubman Cultural Arts & Research Center to help offset costs of the after-school programs and art camp. Some amazing local poets will be reading their work. $5 donation. Bar None, 245 S. Fifth St., 217-494-7520.
Toastmasters Speaker Showcase Fri., Feb. 14, 11:30am-12:30pm. Members compete to advance in annual inspirational and humorous speech contests. Toastmasters, a nonprofit educational program, promotes self-confidence and personal growth focusing on communication and leadership skills. Free. Springfield Urban League Workforce Empowerment Center, 600 S. Livingston St., 217-698-8767.
Special Music Events
Camerata Chamber Music I Tue., Feb. 25, 12pm. Performance by the UIS music scholarship recipients. UIS Music Program Brown Bag Recital Series. Free, but donations are welcome. UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., 217-206-4782.
Flute Festival Sat., Feb. 22, 7:30pm. Featuring UIS and Millikin University flute choirs and harpist Julia Jamieson. Free. UIS Studio Theatre, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-7529.
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.
Love Notes Sat., Feb. 15, 7:30pm. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and pianist Sandra Wright Shen. Followed by a post-concert reception hosted by the Illinois Symphony Guild of Springfield. $21-$63. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
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.
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular Fri., Feb. 21, 8-10pm. Paramount’s Laser Spectacular is the smash hit multimedia laser and light show, featuring the original master recordings of Pink Floyd. $25 advance, $30 day of show. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Dance
Dancing with the Stars Sat., Feb. 22, 5-10pm. An evening of fun with local celebrities, great food and drink, live music and an art-filled silent auction during a starstudded dance competition. $65+. springfieldart.org. Wyndham at Springfield City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 217-789-1530.
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.
Illinois Drill Team Association State Finals Fri., Feb. 14, 6pm and Sat., Feb. 15, 8am-8pm. Drill team competition state fi nals. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000.
Art & Architecture
Pop Up Art Show Tue., Feb. 25, 5-8pm. The work of Jon Griffin. Free admission. Abe’s Hideout, 2301 S. Dirksen Parkway, 217-679-2044.
“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.
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.
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.
Vivre riche Thu., Feb. 20, 7pm. This documentary raises questions about the European colonial legacy and the moral compass of a young generation with few opportunities as it follows young men in the Ivory Coast from the stripped-down rooms where they operate scams to their family homes to the nightclubs of Abidjan. 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.
Empower All Abilities Conference Sat., Feb. 22, 8am-12:30pm. Practical information about your child’s education. Physicians, psychologists, attorneys, advocates and other professionals will discuss mental health, behavior, transition to adulthood, special education, advocacy and more. Community resource fair with exhibitors. Childcare provided at no charge. Southeast High School, 2350 E. Ash St., 217-525-3060.
Kid’s Fun Fair Sat., Feb. 15, 9am-5pm. Carnival games, prizes, face painting and your favorite princesses, Paw Patrol and Sesame Street characters. Family admission is $15 online (eventbrite.com) or $20 at the door and includes up to two adults and five children. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217-585-2941.
Little Lincoln’s Fireside Tales Tue., Feb. 25, 10am. Children 5 and younger are invited to an exciting story time with the library’s education staff and special visitors. Free. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844.
Nature, Science & Environment
Beekeeper class Wed., Feb. 19, 6:30pm. An eight week class through April 8. Experienced beekeepers or those who want to learn. Advanced registration is required at 217-786-2432. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.
The Osprey Thu., Feb. 20, 6-7:30pm. Osprey are currently listed as endangered in Illinois. Matt Hayes will discuss osprey distribution and change in the state as well as the current introduction efforts occurring in central Illinois. Hosted by the Springfield Audubon Society. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-544-2473.
Pollinator-Plant Associations Thu., Feb. 13, 6:30-8pm. Angella Moorhouse will speak on Pollinator-Plant Associations for the Illinois Native Plant Society Central Chapter. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217-971-1615.
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.
Family and friends of prisoners support group Last Tuesday of every month, 6pm. King of Kings Christian Assembly, 520 S. Livingston, 217-525-2337.
The racial injustice of sundown towns Tue., Feb. 18, 5:30-6:30pm. Chicago-based reporter Logan Jaffee will discus her findings about Union county’s contemporary Anna, Ill. Sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society and Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-525-1961.
Retired State Employees Association Wed., Feb. 26, 1:30pm. Craig A. Backs, M.D., executive medical director, will discuss achieving healthier lifestyles. 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
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.
Bridge design contest Fri., Feb. 21, 6pm. See a display of model bridges designed and built by area high school students. The contest included researching engineering principles, exercising physical skills, teamwork and ingenuity. Sponsored by the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.
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., 217-528-4035.
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.
Investing in the Future Tue., Feb. 25, 12pm and Wed., Feb. 26, 12pm. We plan for everything else, why is it difficult to plan and discuss our wishes for the end of our life? We will discuss the value in pre-planning for the end of life and reducing the burden on our loved ones. Light refreshments will be served. Free. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
LLCC Campus Visit Day – Spring Edition Mon., Feb. 17, 10am-12pm, 5pm. For prospective students and their families. llcc.edu. Free. 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.
A Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign Wed., Feb. 19, 11am-12:45pm. Scheduled speakers are a representative from the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and local realtor Donna Fedor. Includes a chefprepared meal and inspirational and enlightening programs. Open to all. $15.00. Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., 217-303-9768.
Starting your business in Illinois Tue., Feb. 18, 9-11am. Starting and owning a business can be exciting. Things to consider are location, size, number of employees and ownership structure. Open to the public. Free. Capital City Training Center, 130 W. Mason St., 782-1086.
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
Lake Council Chili Challenge Sun., Feb. 23, 12pm. Cooking beings at 12pm, tasting begins at 2pm and votes are counted at 4pm. $3 for three votes. Springfield Elks Lodge #158, 409 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-0158.
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. Shop the vendors from the outdoor Old Capitol Farmers Market inside. 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
Black History Bowl Sat., Feb. 22, 1-4pm. Watch area high school teams compete for the Bowl trophy. Springfield and Central Illinois African-American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
College Students and Reparations Mon., Feb. 24, 6-8pm. Mélisande Short-Colomb was recently informed that her ancestors were two of 272 enslaved people owned by the Jesuits of Georgetown U. and sold in 1838 to keep the university afloat. Enrolling at Georgetown, she joined students in documenting the university’s slavery history. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6245.
Harriet Tubman, conductor on the underground railroad Mon., Feb. 17, 6-7pm. Kathryn Harris will portray Harriet Tubman, abolitionist, humanitarian and civil rights activist who guided slaves to freedom via the underground railroad before the Civil War. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217-483-2713.
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.
Path to Freedom Wed., Feb. 26, 5:30pm. Owen Muelder of Knox College’s Galesburg Colony Underground Railroad Freedom Station will discuss how the abolitionist movement helped the underground railroad to become the first socially integrated movement in American history. Free. Reservations required. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 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.
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally Wed., Feb. 19, 6:30pm. Architect and structural engineer Stephen Kelley has taken a lead role in preserving heritage sites around the world. He will draw on his experiences from those efforts and examine the implications for historic preservation in central Illinois. Free. 217-791-1385.
The Violinist of Rockychester Mon., Feb. 24, 6pm. Local historians Ray and Pam Bruzan share highlights of the intriguing life of violin virtuoso Louis Persinger, born in Rochester in 1887. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.
Woodlawn Farm Museum open house Sat., Feb. 22, 10am-3pm. Learn the role Woodlawn Farm played in the underground railroad movement in the mid-1800s including the pioneers who settled the farm and their efforts to assist slaves in gaining their freedom. Adults $4, students $3. Woodlawn Farm, Jacksonville, Old Route 36, three miles east of Jacksonville. 217-473-1303.
Politics
Cori Bush, “I am the people I serve” Thu., Feb. 20, 6-8pm. In 2018, an unprecedented election took place. Never had an election year seen so many incumbents challenged from within their own parties by candidates running for office from diverse backgrounds. Cori Bush was one of those inspiring candidates. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6245.
The History of Race in a Midwestern Town: Black and White in Jacksonville Thu., Feb. 13, 7pm. Professor emeritus Steve Hochstadt will explore Jacksonville’s mixed history of race relations through the stories of a series of incidents in the city’s history. Illinois College, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3000.
Faith & Philosophy
Always in my Heart Fri., Feb. 14, 11:30am-1pm. You are invited to share a lunch buffet, music by Ed Clark and fellowship with others who are learning to redefine the meaning of Valentine’s Day after losing the special person with whom they once celebrated. Hosted by the Butler Family of Organizations. Prairie View Reception Center, Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, 217-483-7999.
Cancer Companions Ministry team Bible study group sessions meet the first and third Monday of each month through June 15. For those in treatment, post-treatment or caregivers. Child care available for ages 7 and younger. Call to register. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.
Finding the Pathway to Unity Fri., Feb. 14, 6:30-8pm. Presentation and discussion. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9171.
Health
Managing Your Migraines Tue., Feb. 18, 6pm. Learn how nutrition and chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Free. Springfield Clinic 1st, 900 N. First St., 217-391-3459.
Mental training and weight loss Tue., Feb. 25, 6-7:30pm. Learn how thoughts and emotions affect weight loss or gain. Free. Pure Synergy, 2201 W. White Oaks Dr., 217-679-3156.
Spirituality in Recovery Retreat: Embrace the Spirit of Recovery Feb. 21-23. Through the course of this weekend, participants come to realize that their disease as a means to healing, restoration and wellness. $110 or $199 with overnight accommodation. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.
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.
