IT Picks | Thursday, September 6,2012

Dog gone good party

Pet owners and their four-legged friends, car enthusiasts and supporters of the Animal Protective League and Springfield Parks Foundation are in for a treat at Paws and Power, Sept. 9 at Southwind Par

IT Picks | Thursday, September 6,2012

Seafood and ale

By Anita Stienstra

The third annual Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival features local and nationally-recognized craft beer vendors, oysters, other seafood selections, and traditional “pub grub.” Held

IT Picks | Thursday, August 30,2012

Cultural experiences

By Anita Stienstra

A weekend of cultural experiences awaits you at the popular Ethnic Festival, held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Ethnic Village. Admission is free during the three days of exotic cuisine and invigo

IT Picks | Thursday, August 30,2012

Ladies of lore

By Anita Stienstra

Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 is the 14th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua at the Community Park in Jacksonville. This year’s theme is “Women Who Made History.” Under the big tent will be pre

IT Picks | Thursday, August 30,2012

Hail to the historic

By Anita Stienstra

South Town celebrates its historic existence as Springfield’s oldest district on September 1-2 with two days of food, blues, jazz and more. Saturday at 4 p.m. Dan Rivero Trio plays, Sunday from

IT Picks | Thursday, August 30,2012

Period play

By Anita Stienstra

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and be transported back in time during two matinees and an evening performance of the play Prairie Dreams: The Story of Clayville and Its People, written by Tara McClella

Fall Guide | Thursday, August 30,2012

Oddball Illinois

Ticket to fantastic and eccentric

By Anita Stienstra

Oddball Illinois: A Guide to 450 Really Strange Places, by Jerome Pohlen, is your ticket to the fantastic and eccentric in the land of Lincoln. The book offers interesting information about unusual pe

IT Picks | Thursday, August 23,2012

Quixotic musical

By Anita Stienstra

The musical Man of La Mancha opens with a gala performance on Friday, Aug. 24, followed by five performances at the Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS theater. A pre-show cocktail hour and post-show des

IT Picks | Thursday, August 23,2012

Fired up

By Anita Stienstra

Old Capitol Blues and BBQs returns to downtown Springfield, Aug. 24 and 25, with sizzling music and munchies. The BBQ competition is smokin’ with rib, pulled pork, brisket, open and dessert cate

IT Picks | Thursday, August 23,2012

Inspiring creativity

By Anita Stienstra

Local artists, poets and musicians are featured Wednesday, Aug. 29, during what should be an inspiring and entertaining evening of performances at Prairie Art Alliance Gallery II, south side of Old St