The days of Abe
Experience the life and times of Abraham Lincoln at
the 10th Prairieland Chautauqua “The Age of Lincoln.” The
four-day bicentennial celebration will include everything from the music to
the food that pleased the palate of “Honest Abe.” Stories and
poetry about Lincoln’s life will retell the trials and victories
Lincoln faced as he changed history. The characters who colored his life
will come alive through portrayals of historic figures such as Peter
Cartwright, Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, Ulysses Grant and
more. Supper will be served each night at 6 p.m., then live music will be
performed by various artists. Negro spirituals, church hymns and folk songs
from Lincoln’s time, and The Decatur Pondell Trio will take the
audience back to the days of the Illinois prairie.
Fri.-Mon.Aug. 29-Sept. 1
10th Annual Prairieland Chautauqua
Jacksonville Community Park Big Tent
www.jacksonvilleil.org
Fri-Mon 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Around the world
Food, food, and more food from all over the world can
be found in one village this weekend at the annual Ethnic Festival. Your
taste buds will travel down home with soul food and all the way to the
Mediterranean with Greek and Italian dishes. Foods from countries such as
Germany, Mexico, China and India will add distinctive flavors and aromas to
the festive air. Traditional American food and elephant ears will also be
available. Entertainment will include performances by Prairie Rose, Bustin
Loose, Groove Daddies, Screaming Vatos and others.
Fri.-Sun.Aug. 29-31
Ethnic Festival
Ethnic Village
Illinois State Fairgrounds
www.agr.state.il.us
Fri 5-11 p.m., Sat-Sun Noon-11 p.m.
Jesse and Jordin
Jesse McCartney and “American Idol”
winner Jordin Sparks, two of today’s biggest stars, are set to light
up Springfield. The two platinum-status artists are co-headlining the tour
“Jesse and Jordin Live” and will be performing the hottest hits
from their recent albums. Since winning “American Idol” in
2007, Jordin Sparks has become a household name. She sang the National
Anthem at Super Bowl XLII, toured with Alicia Keys, and recorded “No
Air,” a No. 1 song with platinum R&B singer/songwriter Chris
Brown. Jesse McCartney went from acting to a platinum-status
singer/songwriter with hits like “It’s Over” and this
summer’s chart topper, “Leavin,” from his album
“Departure.” Don’t miss these two on their rise to the
top. Tickets available at Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com.
Thursday September 4
Jesse and Jordin Live
Prairie Capital Convention Center
Doors open 6 p.m. Concert starts 7 p.m.
$32 and $42
Dirt wheels
If Harleys and Yamahas get you fired up, then ride to
the Springfield Mile this Labor Day weekend. Motorcycle enthusiasts from
all over the country will watch and compete in the four-day flat track
motorcycle race. Riders will hit corners at 100-mph in boots and leather to
win it all. Amateur riders will compete in the Amateur Short Track, and
professionals in the Pro National Short Track and the Pro National Mile.
Racers are friendly and known to shake hands, sign autographs and party
with fans. Tickets can be purchased through the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers
Association at www.imda.com.
Fri.-Mon.Aug. 29-Sept. 1
The Springfield Mile
Illinois State Fairgrounds
www.illinoismda.com
Fri 5 p.m., Sat 7 p.m., Sun 1 p.m.,
Mon Noon
This article appears in Aug 21-27, 2008.
