Holiday Happenings

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sat., March 14. At the craic o’noon. Inflatables, bagpipes, Irish dancers and more. Downtown Springfield.

Theater & Comedy

Brew Ha Ha Fri., March 6, 8-10pm. Featuring Clay Foley, Sam Lyons and Rha-Be. Hosted by Larry Smith. Free. Buzz Bomb Brewing Co., 406 E. Adams St.

Buzz Sutherland March 6-7, 7:30, 9:30pm. Two shows each night. $16 and $18. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 217- 391-JOKE.

Comedian Brent Terhune Sat., March 14, 7-8:30, 9:30-11pm. Brent is a Bob & Tom Show writer and performer. $10, $15, $20. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, Decatur, 4191 US 36 West, 309-212-1103.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Sun., March 8, 4-5pm. Starring an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs and feathers. Based on the book by Mo Willems. $20 adult, $15 youth. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Mar. 13-15, 7pm Fri. and Sat., 2pm Sun. Told through song with the help of a narrator, Joseph is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and coat of many colors. The magical musical is full of catchy songs. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

The Little Mermaid March 13-14, 7-9:30pm and Sun., March 15, 2-2:30pm. Presented by Lutheran High School students. $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 217-546-6363.

Remembering Red: A Tribute To Red Skelton Fri., March 6, 7pm. Starring Brian Hoffman. This is the only tribute show endorsed by the Skelton Estate. Hoffman’s expert portrayal of Red Skelton will have you in stitches.

Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.

Ron White Thu., March 12, 7:30pm. Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White, who first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotchdrinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, has long since established himself as a star in his own right. $39- $95. 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.

Special Music Events

Brown Bag Concert Wed., March 11, 12:15-12:45pm. Duo Bulgarika, violinist and pianist. Brown bag lunches available at the door for $5 or bring your own. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217- 528-4311.

Brown Bag Concert Wed., March 18, 12:15-12:45pm. Pei-I Wang, piano, D. David Cook, clarinet and Alexandra Rodriquez, flute. Brown bag lunches available at the door for $5 or bring your own. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217- 528-4311.

Music at the Museum: Calle Sur Thu., March 12, 7-9pm. The Panamanian/Colombian duo performs a broad range of Latin musical traditions, from joropo and cumbia to samba and punto. Adults $15, museum members $12. illinoisstatemuseum.org. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386.

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

Josh Turner Fri., March 13, 8-10pm. One of country music’s most recognizable hit-makers. $38+. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.

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

Dance

Dance and a dance lesson Wednesdays, 7-10pm. Free lesson included with admission on Wednesdays. $5. Prairie Land Dance Club, Illiopolis, 650 Matilda St., 217-428-1560.

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” Thursdays-Saturdays, 12-7pm. 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.

“Art is Exceptional” Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5pm and Saturdays, 10am-3pm. Celebrating student artists with special needs.This show will feature the artwork of students from many District 186 schools. Curated by Elizabeth Marcy. Free. M.G. Nelson Family Gallery, 700 N. Fourth Street, 217-523-2631.

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, One 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.

“Go Figure!” reception Fri., March 13, 5-7pm. A national juried exhibition that showcases artwork in all media utilizing the human figure. The exhibition will run from March 13 through April 30 during regular gallery hours. Free. SAA Collective Gallery, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-544-2787.

“INK” Fri., March 6, 6-9pm and Sat., March 7, 6-9pm. A collaborative group exhibition with guest artists who specialize in ink, a henna artist offering designs, screen printing installation and performances both nights. Drinks, snacks and music. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.

Artist Lecture Tue., March 17, 12-1pm. UIS associate professor of visual arts Shane Harris will discuss his exhibit “Convergence.” Light refreshments will be served. Free. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 217-206- 6506.

Film & Television

Judy Sat., March 14, 2pm. Movie Matinee for Adults. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

Auditions

Auditions Sat., March 7 and Sat., March 14, 10am-12pm. Auditions for both experienced and inexperienced actors for the Edwards Place Murder Mystery. Learn about the characters online. edwardsplace. org. Free. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 2175232631.

Children’s Corner

All About Pets! Museum Play Date Tue., March 10, 10-11am. Explore different kinds of pets through songs, activities and stories. The Animal Protective League will be bring a couple of pets to visit and will teach the visitors about animals and how to care for them. $5 adults ages 19-64. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.

Babes in the Woods Tue., March 10, 11am-12pm. An adult-paced hike designed for parents who carry their children. Not recommended for young children who walk. Registration is not required. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 217-529-1111.

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. Frozen 2 Fri., March 13, 6-9pm. Showings in two separate areas will provide both a sensory-friendly environment and also an environment that does not have sensory-friendly adjustments. Popcorn and water will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring blankets and chairs. Erin’s Pavilion, Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., 217- 585-2941.

Let’s Vote! Super Saturday Sat., March 7, 11am-3pm. This event celebrates the 100 years of women’s suffrage and encourages children to think about the causes they care about. Visitors can make a sash for their favorite cause, make a takeaction button and learn more about the women who fought for the right to vote. $5 adults ages 19-64. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-6044.

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

Brown Bag Program: Teaching the Climate Crisis

Wed., March 18, 12-1pm. Dr. Lynn Fisher will consider the lessons learned in her years of teaching a general education course that draws on prehistoric case studies to explore the history and diversity of humanland relationships. Free. Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 217-785-0037.

Can gardening stop a mass extinction? Thu., March 12, 6:30-8pm. Professor Amy McEuen presenting for the Central Chapter of the Illinois Native Plant Society. Free. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 217- 544-2473.

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.

Sisters to the Land Sat., March 14, 1-4pm. Young adult and adult participants will reflect on the gift of Earth, participate in woodworking and planting and learn about and enjoy healthy snacks. Presented by the Dominican Sisters. Preregistration is required at springfieldop.org/csw. Suggested donation of $5. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217- 787-6927.

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.

Lincoln Land ABATE Meets at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month. Learn about protecting and preserving motorcycling rights in Illinois. Free and open to the public. VFW 10302 Northenders, 2349 Stockyard Road, 217-622-9275.

Public Health Issues Thu., March 5, 7:30pm. Public health in sub-Saharan Africa is the topic of the monthly meeting of the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois. Dr. Victoria Bam of Ghana is the speaker. Open to the public. www.mywacci.org. UIS Brookens Auditorium, 1 University Plaza, 217-206-6073.

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

The history of indigo Sat., March 7, 1:30-3pm. Margo Krager will present “4000 Years of Indigos: From Egyptian Mummies to American Cowboys.” Hosted by the Ann Rutledge Quilt Guild and New Salem Lincoln League. Free. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.

Zonta Club of Springfield Wed., March 11, 5:30pm. Zonta Club is an international women’s service organization. Tara McClellan McAndrew will be the speaker for the evening. Dinner will begin at 6pm. Illini Country Club, 1601 S. Illini Road, 217- 319-9668.

Bulletin Board

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

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.

Illinois Horse Fair March 6-8, 9am-7pm. The allbreed fair and industry trade show features vendors, riding clinics, competition, breed and sport demos, Stallions on Parade, educational seminars, evening entertainment and a queen pageant. 217-494-1215. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.

Illinois Products Expo Sat., March 7, 8am and Sun., March 8, 8am. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-725-8047.

PFLAG Regular Meeting Mon., March 16, 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.

Pillsbury Mills neighborhood cleanup Sat., March 7, 9am-12pm. Krispy Kreme donuts and Custom Cup coffee will be provided. Work includes removing garbage, collecting yard waste and trimming vegetation. Wear heavy shoes and gloves. Some tools will be provided. With the Pillsbury Mills Neighborhood Association and the city’s Dept. of Public Works. 0. Pillsbury Mills Plant, 1525 East Phillips, 217-899- 2749.

Trivia Night Sat., March 7, 6pm. Door prizes, silent auction and basket raffle. Sandwiches, chips and dessert will be available for purchase. $10 per person/10 people per table. Reservations 629-9018. Riverton Knights of Columbus, Riverton, 335 S. Fourth St., 629- 9018.

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.

Food & Drink

Annual Chicken Noodle Dinner Sun., March 15, 11am-4pm. Dine in or carry out. 50/50 drawing and gift basket raffle. Adults $10 and children $5 at the door. Springfield Masonic Center, 1020 Rickard Road, 217-585-1747.

How-to’s of a whole food plantbased diet Tue., March 10, 6:30pm. Mike Thomas, lifestyle pharmacist and health coach from Springfield, gives tips on recipes, menu planning, etc. Sponsored by the Springfield Vegetarian Association. Free. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 217-546- 9171.

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.

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

History

Celebrating Remarkable Women Sat., March 14, 10-11:30am. Boys and girls will meet actors representing remarkable women of the past and present to learn more about their accomplishments and analyze original records created by or about women. Free. Register online in advance. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 2175588844.

The Life of Albert Cashier Thu., March 12, 12pm. Learn about Cashier’s time in the army and how his gender identity impacted his life following the war. Suggested reading is “They Fought Like Demons” by Deanne Blanton and Lauren M. Cook. Illinois History Forum. Free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. Sixth St., 217-558- 8844.

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., 217- 698-2980.

2020 Women’s March Sun., March 8, 3pm. Meet at the Lincoln statue. Hear powerful, inspirational speakers along with talented musicians, then march to the Old State Capitol. Celebrate democracy and get geared up for the 2020 elections. Illinois State Capitol, Capitol and Second St.

Faith & Philosophy

Ah Day of Quiet Tue., March 10, 9am. The day includes a delicious lunch. Massages and appointments with spiritual directors are also available and should be requested at the time of registration. $20. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523-0901.

Celebrating Women Sun., March 8, 4:30-6:30pm. Speaker Sharon Snyder of the Springfield Jewish Community will discuss the Interfaith Women’s Group. Light refreshments and fellowship follow. Free. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 217-546-9191.

Conscious Aging Groups First Thursday of every month, 2-4pm. Explore stereotypes about aging, develop self-compassion, discover and reflect on what gives meaning to your life and reduce isolation by understanding our shared humanity in the aging process. $160.00. Chiara Center, 4875 Laverna Road, 217-523- 0901.

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

Health

Aging Mastery Program Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30pm. Make and maintain small but impactful changes in your health behaviors and financial well-being, get real incentives and rewards for taking small steps that can improve your well-being and meet new friends, provide support and encouragement to your peers, and become more involved in your community. $65 with a $60 refund upon 80% completion. Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217- 528-4035.

Beyond Breath Sat., March 7, 3-4:30pm, Sun., March 8, 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.

Enos Park gardens planning meeting Sat., March 14, 10-11:30am. A visioneering meet-up for those interested in planning social events, ordering seeds and discussing garden improvements. Be a part of the vibrant Enos Park community whether you live here or not. Free. Kumler United Methodist Church, 600 N. Fifth St., 708-580-8432.

First Responder Wellness Series Wednesdays, 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.

Should I go to the ER for this? Sun., March 8, 1pm. Too often people visit the emergency room when it is not the best choice. Tammy Lackland of Molina Healthcare will offer tips to help you know what the most appropriate care may be for your situation. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217-243-5435.

St. Patrick’s Day Feast Tue., March 17, 12:15-1pm. Enjoy an Irish feast prepared by Daily Bread. Musical entertainment by Buckhart Road. Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., 2175284035.

Stop the Bleed Fri., March 13, 6pm. An injury can cause a person to bleed to death in less than five minutes. Learn how to save yourself or someone else in this free workshop. No medical background is required and all ages are welcome.

Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., 217- 788-3000.

Ten weeks to better mobility- A free community class Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 10-May 14, 1-1:45pm. A chair yoga series. Advanced registration is required. Call 217-341-7616 to register. This program is expected to fill up quickly, so register early. Free. Trailhead Center for Yoga and Ayurveda, 301 S. Grand Ave. West, 217-899-1970.

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.

Springfield Jr. Blues Fri., March 13, 7pm and Sat., March 14, 6pm. The Jr. Blues take on the Janesville Jets. Adults $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Ages 12 and under $5. Nelson Center, 1601 N. Fifth St., 217-525-2589.