Chris Vallillo at the Dana-Thomas House in front of the statue Flower in a Crannied Wall. Central Illinois roots musician and songwriter Chris Vallillo found inspiration at the Dana-Thomas house this summer. While performing a series of shows at the Springfield state historic site as part of a new music program called Made for Music […]
Anita Stienstra
Posted inArts & Culture
Autumnal artisans aplenty
Indian Summer Festival from Lincoln Memorial Garden returns Oct. 11-12. This fun two-day event consists of family friendly activities with a seasonal flair. Kids will love the whimsical Fairy Garden, pumpkin painting, face painting, games and more. Adults will enjoy live music from six local bands and shopping from 40 craft vendors. Food offerings include […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Costumed crusaders
Star Wars Reads Day will return to Barnes & Noble on Saturday, Oct. 11. This family friendly event will offer Star Wars readings, light saber demonstrations, a treasure hunt, giveaways, crafts and treats all day. Noon will mark the arrival of the 501 Midwest Garrison and your opportunity to meet Boba Fett, a biker scout, […]
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Horrifying hearse
Along the river and through the woods, on a haunted hayride pulled by hearse you’ll go! The spookiest ride in town has returned to Riverside Park for its 15th year. The hayrides occur every Friday and Saturday nights through Oct. 25, weather permitting. This is an extremely popular attraction each year, so be sure to […]
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Canine costume contest
Springfield’s only Halloween party for dogs is Saturday, Oct. 4. Bring up to two of your canine companions, 6 months or older, to the Stuart Park Dog Run for a fun-filled afternoon of games and activities, a dog costume contest (with prizes), pet demonstrations, pet-friendly crafts, vendors, concessions and kids’ activities. Come early and stay […]
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Funny honeys
Oct. 3-5 and 10-12 are the performance dates of the comedy musical, Pete ’n’ Keely, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Pete ’n’ Keely is about a divorced couple who are forced back together to revive their failing singing careers. Filled with favorite musical standards plus several original tunes, this jukebox fantasy recalls the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Northend neighborhood
Seventeen historic homes make up this self-guided walking tour ranging from those completely renovated to those needing someone to make them beautiful again. Many of the houses are for sale. Enos Park neighborhood is located just north of downtown and houses on this tour are located between Third and Eighth streets. Tickets are available in […]
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Strong roots
PHOTO BY SCOTT SIMONTACCHI Every once and a while a musician seemingly pops into the public’s view and immediately captures their hearts. Sarah Jarosz is that sort of musician. Looking younger than her 22 years, playing the mandolin as if she’s been doing it even longer, Jarosz is like everyone’s daughter or sister, sweet, but […]
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Hallowed halls
PHOTO COURTESY BOMKE’s PATCH Bomke’s Patch brings you something a little dark in a good way: a corn maze at night seeped in 80s music. The Patch offers four opportunities to walk the maze under the stars, Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 10-11. Inclement weather may cancel the event. Those under age 16 must be accompanied […]
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Remarkable rides
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival and Car Show returns to Springfield, Sept. 26-28. More than 80,000 folks are expected to filter downtown to see more than 1,000 cool cars and listen to some rockin’ live music. The festival kicks off Friday night at 6:15 p.m. as the Route 66 City Nights Cruise for Crime Stoppers, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Remembering George Colin
Almost two years ago, George Colin was the reason for my visit to Salisbury, Illinois. I was collecting info to write an Illinois Times article about a new book featuring Vachel Lindsay’s poem “The Little Turtle.” Colin was the book’s illustrator. This was going to be an adventure. Artists are the water of the world. […]
