IT Picks | Thursday, November 8,2012

American-roots masters

If you hanker for bluegrass music, the Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass Festival is where you’ll want to be the weekend of Nov. 9-11. Award-winning artists from across the nation perform six c

IT Picks | Thursday, November 8,2012

Guitar genius

By Anita Stienstra

Guitar guru Stanley Jordan performs Nov. 9 at the Studio Theatre as part of the Kitchen Sink Series at the University of Illinois Springfield. The Chicago native and jazz fusion guitarist began s

IT Picks | Thursday, November 8,2012

Marvelously mischievous

By Anita Stienstra

Springfield Theatre Centre presents its rendition of M*A*S*H at the Hoogland Center for the Arts Nov. 9-11 and 16-18. Produced by Jim Leach and directed by Kelly E. Bassett, the crazy comedy brings yo

IT Picks | Thursday, November 8,2012

Country gold

By Anita Stienstra

Country music superstar Alan Jackson takes the Prairie Capital Convention Center stage this Saturday, Nov. 10. Admired for decades for his classic country sound and hunk-of-burning-lovely looks, Jacks

IT Picks | Thursday, November 1,2012

Humor licentiously

By Anita Stienstra

Dynamic Patterns Theatre presents three performances at the Hoogland Center for the Arts of the comedy Last of the Red Hot Lovers by Neil Simon. Middle-aged Barney Cashman has a wife, three kids, a Bu

IT Picks | Thursday, November 1,2012

Poetic party

By Anita Stienstra

The public is invited to hear award-winning poets Allison Joseph and Jon Tribble at Quiddity’s fifth anniversary celebration. Held Nov. 7 in the historic Brinkerhoff Home on the campus of B

IT Picks | Thursday, November 1,2012

Vote for funny

By Anita Stienstra

Get ready to cast your ballot for funny. March on down to the Hoogland Center for the Arts Nov. 3 for Second City for President. It has our vote, and we’re sure it will have yours, as Chicago&rs

IT Picks | Thursday, November 1,2012

Fantastic flicks

By Anita Stienstra

The Route 66 International Film Festival presents some of the best independent films from around the world. Submissions are reeled in from every continent except Antarctica and many are nominated for

IT Picks | Thursday, October 25,2012

Comedy of heir-ors

By Anita Stienstra

Tartuffe opens at University of Illinois Springfield Studio Theater Oct. 26 igniting the 2012-2013 season for the UIS theater department. Six performances showcase this comedy by Moliere, twice banned

IT Picks | Thursday, October 25,2012

Awe-inspiring tribute

By Anita Stienstra

Organ music and electronic lighting that are dramatic, evocative and perhaps a little eerie, accompanied by expressive dance, work together to commemorate All Saints’ Day. Award-winning organist