THEATER | Outdoor performances If you visit or work downtown, here’s a free noon hour program you should catch at some point during your daily
dallying or labor. The Springfield Arts Council hosts several musical,
theatrical and performance artists on the Old State Capitol Plaza at various
dates during the summer time. Tuesday, the cast of the MUNI’s Oliver performs. The MUNI community theatre is another delightful and easily
accessible Springfield outdoor venue you won’t want to miss. Visit www.themuni.org for their summer schedule. Oliver runs June 5-14.
Artist on the Plaza
Tuesday, June 9
12-1pm
Old State Capitol Plaza
Downtown
753-3519
springfieldartsco.org
Free
MUSIC | Songs under the stars Theatre in the Park hosts the Songwriter’s Circle at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site this weekend. This concert highlights Petersburg
artists and their talents. Singer/songwriter Paul Ingle brings a mixed bag of
music to his presentation. Jill Manning, a singer/songwriter/guitarist from
Petersburg has more than 200 original compositions and appeared at the Blue
Bird Cafe in Nashville several times. Also taking the stage is the father and daughter team, Jaigh and Josie, who
live in Petersburg. Josie Lowder studies music full time under her father Jaigh’s instruction. Her unique ability to combine diva-esque power with soft melodic
serenades soothes the listeners’ soul, while audiences enjoy Jaigh Lowder’s mastery of the acoustic guitar. Saturday’s pre-show includes Dennis Darling and Sentimental Journey.
Songwriter’s Circle
June 5-6
8pm
Outdoor theater
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
theatreinthepark.net
632-5440
$20.51
HISTORY | Analyzing the past Historian and freelance writer Jason Emerson presents The Madness of Mary Todd Lincoln during the Emmet F. Pearson Memorial Medical History Lecture at Southern
Illinois University School of Medicine. Emerson discusses his book about
recently discovered letters pertaining to Mary Todd Lincoln’s life and insanity case. Some of the letters were written by Lincoln to her
son, Robert, from the insane asylum. Emerson’s work is the first examination of Lincoln’s mental illness based on the lost letters and the first new interpretation of
the insanity case in 20 years. The lecture is free and open to the public.
The Madness
of Mary Todd
Wednesday, June 10
6-8pm
South Auditorium
(second floor)
SIU School of Medicine
801 N. Rutledge
545-4261
Free
GOLF | Hot links Except for the occasional exhibition match, catching a glimpse of pro athletes
in Springfield is kind of like a recording a double eagle in golf — it’s extremely rare. That’s what puts the State Farm LPGA Classic at Panther Creek Country Club well above
par among other local entertainment options. The best in women’s golf return to Springfield for the 34th annual Classic on Thursday, June 4.
Players tee off around 7:15 a.m. Any day tickets can be purchased by calling
787-5742 for $20 (kids under 15 get in free with a paying adult). On Friday,
June 5, spectators wearing red can park for free and all fans can get a free
health screening from the American Heart Association. Kids can frolic in the
Free Family Zone north of the clubhouse on Saturday. The tournament field
features 19-year-old phenom Michelle Wie (pictured), last year’s winner Ji Young Oh, and some of this year’s top money winners Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, In-Kyung Kim, Brittany
Lincicome, Suzann Pettersen, Jiyai Shin, Angela Stanford, and Yani Tseng.
State Farm LPGA Classic
Thursday, June 4th – Sunday, June 7
Panther Creek Country Club
787-5742
Adults $20;
kids under 15 free
BAND SPOTLIGHT | 56 Hope Road This is one high-flying, world-traveling, monster-grooving, fun-rocking band
that just gets better and better as they continue living the dream of making
music as a way of life. Since beginning the adventure in 1999 they’ve released four full-length CDs while performing all over the country from
local joints to big-time festivals. Group members drummer Greg Fundis,
vocalist/guitarist Dave Hamilton, upright bassist Chad Sanders, saxophonist
Casey Fitzpatrick, along with honorary Roaders, vocalist Anne Katzfey and
percussionist Matt Katzfey, have, as the Web site says, “bonded like a family” giving the band a comfortable and creative space to work a special blend of
music magic. 2009 summer highlights include the Alpine Valley VIP Lounge June
21 for the Phish Reunion tour and July 19 for Dave Matthews Band, then a 56
Hope Road 10-Year Anniversary Spectacular at the Double Door in Chicago on
August 14 followed by an all-ages show at the Bud tent during the Illinois
State Fair on August 15.
56 Hope Road
Friday, June 5
Studio A, Alice 97.7 FM, 4 pm
SOHO Music Fest, 9 pm
Bar None, 11pm w/Brainchild
www.56hoperd.com
www.myspace.com/56hoperoad
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2009.
