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.

Theater & Comedy

Blithe Spirit Fri., Feb 21 and Sat., Feb 22, 8pm. Sun., Feb 23, 4pm. A successful novelist has unwittingly invited a real medium to conduct a séance and unleashes the spirit of his first wife on the house. Impeccably clever, this film is ripe with wit and charm. $18 and $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Blue Man Group Speechless Tour Wed., Feb. 26, 7:30pm. The worldrenowned bald and blue trio embarks on a new journey of discovery, the result of over 27 years spent observing humanity. Ticket $24-$125. uispac.com. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Hypnotist Doug Thompson Feb. 21-22, 7:30, 9:30pm. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217- 391-JOKE.

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.

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.

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.

Virtuoso organist Stephen Tharp Fri., Feb. 21, 7:30pm. Tharp has become a consummate musician, renowned for his insightful and exciting performances. $15. Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217- 245-3000.

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 star-studded dance competition. $65+. springfieldart.org. Wyndham at Springfield City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 217-789-1530.

Romeo and Juliet Feb. 28-29, 7pm and Sun., March 1, 2pm. The Springfield Ballet Company makes their debut ballet performance as they present Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers for the first time in more than a decade. $25 or $30 day of show. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Art & Architecture

Call to Entry Art Show Opening Reception Fri., Feb. 21, 5:30-7:30pm. Celebrate with wine and hors d’oeuvres and enjoy local art. Five award winners will be announced. Free. Chatham Area Public Library, Chatham, 600 E. Spruce, 217- 483-2713.

“ALIVE to Interpretation” Closing Reception Sat., Feb. 29, 5-7pm. Get a last look at the work of artists Gene Tanta, Rick Taylor and Roland Folse. Michael LaFrance’s photography will be displayed. Listen to poetry readings and enjoy complimentary wine and soft drinks. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544- 2787.

“Convergence” Mondays-Thursdays, 11am-6pm. Through April 9. Shane Harris combines various technologies such as 3D printing, vacuum forming and mold making, along with mixed media. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6506.

One-Nighter: Copper cabrochon ring Fri., Feb. 21, 6-8pm. All materials provided by the SAA. Adults 21 or older. $30 nonmembers and $20 members. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.

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.

Film & Television

The Image Book Tue., Feb. 25, 7pm. Jean- Luc Godard’s breathtaking associations between images from classic films and news footage create a vision of a world in crisis and a meditation on cinema’s relationship to history. Free. Illinois College, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245- 3439.

The Raven Thu., Feb. 27, 7pm. One of the most influential films in the history of French cinema, The Raven describes the breakdown of civic order in a small town when a rash of poison pen letters spreads suspicion among the residents. The film was made under the German occupation. Free. Illinois College, Jacksonville, 1101 W. College Ave., 217-245-3000.

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.

Woman at War Sun., Feb. 23, 1-3, 4-6pm and Tue., Feb. 25, 7-9pm. Part of the Molly Schlich Film Series brought to you by the Michael Victor II Art Library of the Springfield Art Association. Single tickets can be purchased at the door or season passes are available. springfieldart.org. Adults $8, students with ID $4. AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Avenue, 217-523-2631.

Children’s Corner

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.

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.

Toddler Tuesday First Tuesday of every month, 10-10:45am. Enjoy free familyfriendly entertainment, special events and more. Free. White Oaks Mall, 2501 Wabash Ave., 217-787-0110.

Nature, Science & Environment

Garden Treasures to be Found Mon., March 2, 9am. Presented by Marc Camp of Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Hosted by the Springfield Civic Garden Club. Open to the public. scgc-il.org. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., 217- 522-4415.

The Impacts of Climate Change on Open Spaces Tue., Feb. 25, 7-8pm. Lindsay Keeney and Eliot Clay of the Illinois Environmental Council will discuss the impacts of climate change on open spaces including how our existing world can help put us on a path towards a healthier environment. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

Maple Syrup Demonstrations Saturdays, Sundays, 1-2, 2:30- 3:30pm. Through March 15. A Memorial Garden naturalist will demonstrate the entire syrupmaking process from tree tapping to boiling the sap down to syrup. Dress for the weather. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

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.

Trees and Ecosystem Services Wed., Feb. 26, 5:30-7pm. Presented by Amy McEuen, associate professor of biology at UIS on behalf of the Springfield Urban Forestry Commission. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-544-6084.

Lectures & Meetings

Adult children of alcoholics and other dysfunctional families 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.

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 and Fri., Feb. 28, 11am-3pm. All available animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and will have received all ageappropriate 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.

The Boat Show Fri., Feb. 28, 2-9pm, Sat., Feb. 29, 10am-7pm and Sun., March 1, 10am-5pm. Aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, ski boats, pontoons, runabouts, wakeboard boats and personal watercraft. Concessions, beer and wine available. Admission is $5, children 12 and under are free. Free parking. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-341-1730.

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.

Helping Hands Food Pantry open house Sun., Feb. 23, 1-3pm. The food pantry has moved to a new location. Stop in to see the new, larger facility. Free. Helping Hands Food Pantry, Pleasant Plains, 100 W. Main St., 217 415-2976.

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.

Springfield Comic Book Convention Sun., Feb. 23, 10am-4pm. A huge variety of comic books new and old as well as toys and related collectibles for sale. Free. Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center, 625 E. Saint Joseph St., 309- 657-1599.

Springfield Home Expo Fri., Feb. 21, 2pm, Sat., Feb. 22, 9am and Sun., Feb. 23, 10am. Check out the latest trends in the home building and remodeling industry. Find local businesses and their products and services. Admission is $6 at the door, children 12 and younger are free. Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800- 745-3000.

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.

Policy Breakfast: Young, Black and Successful in Springfield Fri., Feb. 28, 7:30am. An interactive panel discussion will explore the experience of black millennials in Springfield. With Tiffany Mathis, Larry Luster and Erica Austin and moderator Dominic Watson. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Food & Drink

Lake Council Chili Challenge Sun., Feb. 23, 12pm. Cooking begins 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.

History

Black History Bowl Sat., Feb. 22, 1-4pm. Watch area high schools 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.

Fighting Iron on Western Waters Thu., Feb. 20, 7pm. Presented by Kevin Brown at the monthly meeting of Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Round Table. Schnucks Montvale, 2801 Chatham Road, 217-698-2980.

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.

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.

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.

Faith & Philosophy

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 age 7 and younger. Call or email to register. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., 217-793-3933.

Health

Hands Only CPR Training Wed., Feb. 26, 9-11am. Hands only CPR training, free blood pressure screenings and heart health education. Recommended for bystanders untrained in CPR. It is also recommended for situations when the rescuer is unable or unwilling to provide mouth-to-mouth ventilations. Helping Hands of Springfield, 1023 E. Washington St., 217-522- 0048.

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

Ice Jamz Fri., Feb. 28 and Sat., Feb. 29, 7-9pm. Skating, light show, music, games, giveaways and more. Make it a family night, date night or a night out with friends. All ages are welcome. Ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission $9. Skate rental $2. Skateland South, 1500 Recreation Dr., 546-4543.

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.

Springfield Jr. Blues Fri., Feb. 21, 7pm, Sat., Feb. 22, 6pm and Sun., Feb. 23, 4pm. The Jr. Blues take on the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Adults $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Ages 12 and under $5. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.