You don’t talk about blues bands in central Illinois without first mentioning Black Magic Johnson. The sizzling quartet, fronted by drummer Reggie Britton who sings lead vocals and plays harmonica, has been hanging around town in some form or other for about six years. Specializing in Delta and Chicago-style electric bar blues, the rest of […]
IT PICKS
Posted inArts & Culture
Animal attraction
{image-6167}Members of more than 45 Illinois park districts entertain fairgoers at sites throughout the fairgrounds and host activities in Conservation World. Decatur Park District’s Scovill Zoo, Glenview Park District’s The Grove Zoo and Springfield Park District’s Henson Robinson Zoo kick up the dust in Conversation World from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other attractions include […]
Posted inArts & Culture
World wonders
If you attend the fair, make it a point to visit Ethnic Village. While you munch on tasty food from around the world, this weekend you will also see some great acts on the Ethnic Village Stage. Terran’s Greek Band plays 12-1 p.m. on Friday before African American Ensemble takes the stage at 2 p.m. […]
Posted inMusic
Walter Trout
Walter Trout may not be a household name, unless your household revels in the history of rock blues from the mid-to-late 20th century. In that case you’d know Trout as an exceptional blues guitarist who spent time working and playing with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Canned Heat and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers before setting […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Marvelous mags
Calling all comic book fans. The Springfield Comic Book Convention zooms into town Sunday. Do you still need Incredible Hulk 181? Looking for a new book just out or a related collectible such as an X-men T-shirt? Do you need a few bucks and are willing to part with that old Spiderman comic book? Don’t […]
Posted inMusic
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet began with Suzie Stephens’ desire for a live band at her birthday party. For Suzie it just so happened she wanted to be the singer in the band so she started her own and played the party. That was a few years back and personnel has changed some with the current lineup listing Stephens […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Dollars, quarters and cents
Springfield writer Bud Bartlett, author of the 2009 book Dollars, talks about the dollar coin and bill with Illinois quarter designer Thom Cicchelli, who shares his experiences with coin design following Bartlett’s presentation. Doors open 9:30 a.m. for free coffee and rolls. Tours of the poet’s home follow. This program coincides with the U.S. Mint’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Top tunes
Southern rock legend Lynyrd Skynyrd opens the Grandstand on Friday night with special guest Bo Bice, who isn’t the only American Idol to shake the stage. Pop sensation Kelly Clarkson hits the arena with her huge pipes on Saturday night with guest Eric Hutchinson. Country acts Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson and Chuck Wicks perform on […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Choice days
Each day of the fair is tagged with a theme. Here are a couple you might want to attend. Veterans Day, Sunday, August 16, allows veterans and their families free admission to the grounds. A veteran’s parade and activities are highlights of the day. Futures for Kids Day takes place Friday, August 21. Many of […]
Posted inOpinion
KITTY KORRAL
Happy is the home with at least one cat, or in this case — dozens and dozens of cats. The Forever Home Feline Ranch, a new central Illinois nonprofit organization, wants to provide a no-kill, no-cage sanctuary for all homeless, feral and special needs cats. At least 60,000 cats were euthanized in Illinois in 2008 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
People’s Poetry
politicopoem #7 what, no wailin’for the bailin’of ex-gov palin? the battle’s o’er?there ain’t no more?she’s gone home sore? she’s on the rocks?don’t bet your soxain’t she the fox! © Jacqueline Jackson 2009
Posted inSpecial Issues
Summer Picks
Capital City Bicentennial CelebrationJuly 3-4 What happens when Abraham Lincoln meets the 21st century? The Capital City Bicentennial Celebration. The inaugural event fuses the Springfield Jaycees Capital City Celebration, Taste of Downtown and the Secretary of State’s Ice Cream Social in a two-day festival that also continues the celebration of Lincoln’s 200th birthday. The 16th […]
