Two of Springfield’s most reliable venues for contemporary visual art presented openings of very different exhibitions this past Friday, Sept. 8. However, only one of the venues will still be standing next year at this time. DEMO Project – a small gallery space dedicated to contemporary art from across the country, located on the Springfield […]
Scott Faingold
Scott Faingold is a journalist, educator and musician. He has been director of student media at University of Illinois Springfield, founding editor of Activator magazine, a staff reporter for Illinois Times and co-host of Old School Bleep, a music-centered podcast.
Posted inNews
The new activists
All across the country, a new surge of grassroots activism is taking place, frequently spearheaded by citizens who had not necessarily been politically involved previously. Often growing out of social media contacts between likeminded people on politically oriented Facebook pages and Twitter feeds, these groups have sparked marches and rallies all over the country in […]
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Automatic voter registration bill becomes law
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 1933 into law this week. The new law seeks to reform voter registration practices, allowing eligible Illinois citizens to automatically register to vote during routine interactions with state agencies ranging from the secretary of state’s office to the Department of Natural Resources. The legislation passed the House 115-0 and […]
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Bomb threat at SHS
“It was probably some kid who saw what a beautiful day it was gonna be and wanted to be outside,” smiled Jenny Loftus, standing toward the end of a line stretching about a quarter of the way around the grounds of Springfield High School. Loftus’ daughter attends Springfield High School, where a bomb threat – […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Autumn sounds
Does anything go together better than crisp fall weather and live music? The days of sticky, sweaty outdoor festivals are in the past, replaced by cardigans, multicolored leaves and bands hitting the road one last time before the onset of harsh winter weather can make touring by van or bus hazardous, climate change notwithstanding. Leaders […]
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The art of fake news
For a few weeks earlier this summer, Chicago-based artist James Pepper Kelly became a temporary fixture at area coffee houses and bars, picking local denizens’ brains about their hopes, dreams, concerns and stories revolving around the city of Springfield. Kelly was one of the first artists to participate in the Springfield Art Association’s recently minted […]
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Darkness in the daytime
“For some people, it is a life-changing event,” said Dr. John C. Martin, associate professor of astronomy-physics at University of Illinois Springfield, regarding the upcoming solar eclipse at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21. “I’ve been warned that once you experience a totality you’re going to want to start traveling to see more, because […]
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Eclipse events
Danenberger Family Vineyards: “Soleil Noir – Solar Eclipse Bash” featuring six bands, food, souvenir wine glass and safety glasses. Begins 12 p.m., tickets available at dfv.yapsody.com/event/index/112861/soleil-noir-solar-eclipse-bash-dfv Carbondale-area events Moonstock Music FestivalWatch Ozzy Osbourne perform “Bark at the Moon” when he headlines this four-day music festival at Walker’s Bluff Vineyard in Carterville, Illinois, near Carbondale Solar Eclipse […]
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Vigil at city hall
On Sunday, Aug. 13, less than 24 hours after a “Unite the Right Rally” in Charlottesville, Virginia, exploded into violence resulting in one death and multiple injuries, more than 300 Springfield citizens gathered at the fountain outside of city hall for a vigil and rally to honor the casualties. The mood was somber but hopeful […]
Posted inMusic
Indie rock legends invade Bloomington
Next week, two of the music world’s longest-standing, most influential and consistently popular indie rock bands will be performing at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington on consecutive nights: Canadian art-pop super-group The New Pornographers on Wednesday, Aug.16, and Dayton, Ohio-based low-fi veterans Guided by Voices on Thursday, Aug. 17. Built to Spill. The Mountain Goats. […]
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Impasse impact
The Chicago Foundation for Women recently released a report entitled “Damage done: the impact of the Illinois budget stalemate on women and children.” The report states that “lasting damage to the social service infrastructure will make serving people, especially women and children, much harder in the years to come.” Citing a statewide backlog of bills […]
Posted inNews
A haven for neighborhood kids
During a recent visit by Jack, a therapy dog, to Northside Children’s Community Library, many of the kids were excited for a chance to interact with a canine friend. A few, however, were apprehensive. “One little girl who is about six, when she found out the dog was coming, said ‘I don’t like dogs, dogs […]
