Holiday Happenings

A Leap Year Party Sat., Feb. 29, 3-9:30pm. An afternoon and evening of live music and dancing presented by the Juvae Jazz Society. A part of continuing efforts to keep all types of jazz music alive in central Illinois. $30 all day, $20 Big Little Trio only, $10 dance only. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, Decatur, 4191 US 36 West, 217-855-8495.

Theater & Comedy

Blithe Spirit Fri., Feb. 28, 8-10:30pm, Sat., Feb. 29, 8-10:30pm and Sun., March 1, 4-6:30pm. A successful novelist has unwittingly invited a real medium to conduct a séance and unleashes the spirit of his first wife on the house. $18 and $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

CCI does Long Form Sat., Feb. 29, 8pm. Capital City Improv is back with a brand new type of improvisational comedy - Long Form. Watch as they attempt to create an entire 20-minute play based on suggestions from the audience. $15. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Toastmasters Humorous and International Speech Contests Sat., Feb. 29, 12-2pm. Toastmaster members from Springfield, Effingham and Quincy compete in the annual area-level contests. Winners will advance to the division level. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-698-8767.

Spoken Word

Poetry Out Loud Mon., March 2, 10am. Award-winning teenagers from around Illinois will compete for a slot in the 2020 Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest in Washington, D.C. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Special Music Events

Brown Bag Concert Wed., March 4, 12:15-12:45pm. Organist Dale Rogers. Brown bag lunches available at the door for $5 or bring your own. Free. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311.

The Choir of Man Wed., March 4, 7:30pm. Hair-raising harmonies, high-energy dance and live percussion with foot-stomping choreography. A pre-show dinner is available. $24-$89. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Jazz Cafe Sat., March 7, 6pm. A performance by the UIS jazz ensemble. Free, but donations are welcome. UIS Studio Theatre, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-7529.

Museum After Hours: Game Night Fri., Feb. 28, 5:30-8:30pm. Live music, games of skill, board games of past and present, trivia and more. Food will be available for purchase. $15 nonmembers, $10 members. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.

Pleasure and Politics of Latino Popular Music Mon., March 2, 6-8pm. Through guided listening, Frances Aparicio, former director of the Latina and Latino Studies Program at Northwestern University, will discuss Latino music forms and how to become critical listeners of music. Free. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6245.

Russian Masterpieces Fri., March 6, 7:30pm. Featuring pianist Hana Lim. uispac.com. Free. UIS Studio Theatre, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-7529.

Dance

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.

Springfield International Folk Dance Mondays, 7-9pm. Learn to dance international folk dances (including early American). No partner or experience is necessary. Free. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Art & Architecture

“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.

“Art is Exceptional” opening reception Fri., Feb. 28, 5:30-7:30pm. Free and open to the public. M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth Street, 2175232631.

Art show opening Fri., Feb. 28, 6-8pm. Art opening and live music with Dennis Darling. Enjoy an evening of refreshments, art and music in Margaret Cain Hall. New art pieces will be on display. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 217-523-5897.

Arthive Spring Swarm 2020 Sat., March 7, 10am-5pm. Local artists, makers and crafters of fine art. Free. The State House Inn, 101 E. Adams St., 847-533-7829.

“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.

Digging into an Artist’s Archives Thu., March 5, 12-1pm. Ephemera From a Creative Life.Transcripts, documents, class notes and design work of William Dalziel, a WWII veteran who returned to art school after working as an illustrator following the war. Presented by curator Doug Stapleton. Part of the Tales from the Vault program. Free. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-558-6696.

Glass blown bowl workshop Thu., Feb. 27, 6-9pm. Create a glass blown bowl with assistance from our resident glassblower, Mario Clarke. Colors will vary. Maximum of six people. $55 nonmembers and $45 members. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 2175232631.

The POP! Art Show Sat., Feb. 29, 6-9pm. Fifteen local artists and live music. Free. Arlington’s, 210 Broadway, 217-494-7520.

Film & Television

Mystery Movie Monday First Monday of each month at 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 20th century to contemporary titles. $10. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.

Pain and Glory Sun., March 1, 1-3, 4-6pm and Tue., March 3, 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 can be purchased at the door. springfieldart.org. Adults $8, students with ID $4. AMC Classic Parkway Pointe 8, 3025 Lindbergh Avenue, 217-523-2631.

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.

Silent film Steamboat Bill Fri., Feb. 28, 6:30-8pm. Starring Buster Keaton. The evening begins with a lecture on the actor’s contribution to the genre. Music by organist Mark E. Gifford will accompany the film. Tickets are $10 at the door. Lovejoy Hall, Jacksonville, 520 West College, 707-349-7790.

Children’s Corner

Children’s Book Sale Sat., March 7, 10am-2pm. Plus young adult books and fiction hardcovers. In the Defrates Reading Room. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-753-4900.

Mother-Daughter Tea and Tour Sun., March 8, 1:30-4pm. Moms or other caring adults and their preteen daughters, nieces and granddaughters can enjoy a kid-friendly tour of the chapel. Fancy tea and homemade sweets served. Space is limited. Register early. Free admission. Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St., 217-787-0481.

Nature, Science & Environment

Controlled Burn Training Sat., Feb. 29, 1-4pm. Classroom session covers principles and practices, including weather conditions, safe practices, equipment and fire behavior. Field practice follows, weather permitting. Space is limited. Call to save a spot. 217-525-1410. Free. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, Loami, 9560 Withers Road.

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.

Maple Syrup Demonstrations Saturdays, Sundays, 1-2, 2:30-3:30pm. A Memorial Garden naturalist will demonstrate the entire syrup-making process from tree tapping to boiling the sap down to syrup. Dress for the weather as this program will include a trek to one of the garden’s sugar bushes. Free. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

The New Fire Thu., Feb. 27, 6-8pm. This film follows the young entrepreneurs building next generation nuclear reactors and the scientists fighting to spread the truth on what it will take to fight climate change. Part of the Clean Energy Film Series. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

Spotter Training Mon., March 2, 6:30pm. Covers severe weather hazards such as thunderstorms and tornadoes and includes the general structure and movement of severe thunderstorms, identification of important storm features and safety concerns. Ages 10+, however you must be at least 18 to sign up as a storm spotter. Free and open to the public. Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, 217-786-2200.

Lectures & Meetings

How to spot fake news Mon., March 2, 6-7:30pm. Learn about the different kinds of fake news, as well as tools to help you evaluate the media you consume. Lincoln Public Library, Lincoln, 725 Pekin St., 217-732-8878.

Lincoln Land Depression Era Glass and Pottery Club Mon., March 2, 6pm. The meeting topic is family heirlooms. Club members can bring an item passed on to them by family. Free and open to the public. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-793-2128.

Bulletin Board

APL pet adoptions Saturdays 11am-4pm and Sundays, 12-4pm. 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.

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.

Boy Scout Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Sun., March 8, 8am-1pm. Proceeds will benefit and improve local Scout campsites. $8.00. Kids 5 and under free. KC Hall 2200 S Meadowbrook Road, 217-322-7917.

Compassion and Choices Wed., March 4, 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.

Hopeful Futures Gala Sat., March 7, 6-9pm. Enjoy a performance by Hope’s youth, a guest speaker, inspirational stories of Hope, live auction and golden ticket drawing. Wyndham at Springfield City Centre, 700 E. Adams St., 217-525-9536.

Leaving a Narcissist Monthly support group meets the first Tuesday of each month. 6:30-7:30pm. Advanced Therapy Group, 2315 S. First St., 217-899-9873.

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

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Fridays, 4:30-7pm. Catfish, shrimp, tilapia, walleye, hot dogs and chicken nuggets with all the sides. Carryout available for a small additional charge. Knights of Columbus Hall Council 4175, 2801 West St., 217-528-5740.

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Sat., March 7, 7-11am. Oatmeal is also available. Take home a treat from the bake sale. Adults $7 and children age 12 and under $3. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 217-523-5212.

History

The Archaeology of Racial Hatred Wed., March 4, 7-8:30pm. Archaeologist Floyd Mansberger will offer an update of the Tenth Street archaeological investigations conducted on the remains of five houses that were burned during the city’s 1908 race riots. Part of the monthly Paul Mickey Learning Series. Free. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-558-6696.

Mysteries of the Past Tue., March 3, 11:30am-1:30pm. Katie Brethorst will discuss her experience excavating artifacts from the 1908 Springfield Race Riot and archaeologist and author William Iseminger will discuss the mysteries of Cahokia Mounds. $25 includes lunch. Register online or by phone. uis.edu. UIS Student Union, 1 William Maxwell Lane, 217-206-6058.

Politics

Women’s March sign-making party Thu., March 5, 6:30-8:30pm. Whether you’re a marcher or a supporter, help create signs for the March 8 march. Markers, stencils and poster board provided or bring your own. Plastic sign boards available for $2. Snacks and music. Schnucks Montvale Plaza, 2801 Chatham Rd.

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.

Death Café Tue., March 3, 10:30am, 7pm. Drink tea, eat cake and discuss death to increase awareness of death in order to help us make the most of our (finite) lives. Reservations are required. $10. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Health

Beyond Breath Sat., Feb. 29, 11am-12:30pm. Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience peace and calm. Learn about the energy booster that awakens and relaxes your mind that you can practice daily. Learn the benefits of guided meditation. Free. Trailhead Center for Yoga and Ayurveda, 301 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-720-5020.

Companions on the Journey Mon., March 2, 11:30am-1pm. Lunchtime conversations and relevant presentations for seniors. Ruth Ellen Davis will speak about conscious aging, which can be a time for spiritual, emotional and psychological growth in support of the final third of life. RSVP. chiaracenter.org. Cost is $12.00. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

First Responder Wellness Series Wednesdays, March 11-April 15, 10am. Designed for EMS, police, firefighters, dispatchers and military personnel. Learn skills needed for optimal performance. Practical tools including yoga for strength, flexibility and balance, and relaxation and breathing exercises to manage stress both on and off duty to improve work/life balance. Free. Trailhead Center and CrossFit Instinct, 301 S. Grand Ave. West. 217-971-0364.

Sports & Fitness

Ice Jamz Fri., Feb. 28, 7-9pm 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.