“A lot of people tell me they’d like to get off the grid,” says Bob Croteau, renewable program coordinator for City Water, Light and Power. “That’s really one of the worst decisions you could make because it is extremely expensive to do so and it leaves you having to make serious lifestyle changes.” There are […]
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 inArts & Culture
DEMO Project Gallery hosts contemporary sculpture opening Friday
There certainly seems to be noDEMO Project, a new artist-run gallery emphasizing current and experimental trends in art, will debut with Betsy Odom: Bulldog, an exhibition of contemporary sculpture. An opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Friday, September 13, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Betsy Odom is a Chicago-based sculptor. She earned […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Between The Cracks: Hat Trick Band
Once again, Faingold at Large proudly presents Between the Cracks – the recurring feature designed to shine a light onto Springfield-area bands, and all in their own words, to boot. Join us, won’t you? There’s gold between them thar cracks! Today’s BTC flashlight shines on old school rock and rollers Hat Trick. Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hat-Trick-Springfield-IL/183408645052057 Personnel: […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Art Association class cuts straight to the reason you make art
Registration begins today for a unique class at the Springfield Art Association. “Most classes in small art communities focus on media and techniques,” explains Robert Mazrim, co-instructor of Studies in Observation and Representation along with Erin Svendsen. “You expect to be taught, within a certain medium, a series of techniques – how to hold a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This afternoon: Poet in the Parlor with Anita Stienstra
In just about two hours, Springfield poet Anita Stienstra will take on the role of “Poet in the Parlor” at the Vachel Lindsay Home (603 S. 5th St). Stienstra will be presenting a 45 minute program, which will include readings from her own work as well as Vachel Lindsay’s poetry. “I think I’m going to […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Variety is key in a season of exciting music
Autumn is traditionally a big season for live music, as touring artists make a last major push out onto the open road before winter’s icy finger makes it more or less impassable. The upcoming season is no exception, as a wide variety of renowned musicians – big names as well as up-and-comers in a variety […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Between The Cracks: End Times Trio tonight at The Pharmacy
Once again, Faingold at Large proudly presents “Between the Cracks” – the recurring feature designed to shine a light onto Springfield-area bands, and all in their own words, to boot. Join us, won’t you? There’s gold between them thar cracks! Today’s BTC flashlight shines on Springfield’s only apparent working free jazz ensemble, End Times Trio. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Evening: The Pharmacy’s Open Format Open Mic
As always, anything goes at The Pharmacy’s Open Format Open Mic. Bring a guitar and share a song or two. Try out that new poem, even thought the ink is still not dry in your Moleskine. Go public with that original knock-knock joke you’ve been annoying your friends and family with. Peel and eat an […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Between The Cracks: Soap Scum at Black Sheep Cafe (Wednesday)
Once again, Faingold at Large proudly presents “Between the Cracks” – the recurring feature designed to shine a light onto Springfield-area bands, and all in their own words, to boot. Join us, won’t you? There’s gold between them thar cracks! Today’s BTC flashlight shines on charmingly monikered native Springfield rockers Soap Scum. Website: http://blacksheepspringfield.com/bands/current-bands/soap-scum/ Personnel: […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Today: Musician, Heal Thyself!
Bruce Williams In just a few hours, the Second Annual Healing Arts Festival will kick off at the Douglas Park Band Shell (400 N MacArthur). Organized by Bruce Williams (NIL8, Tom Irwin and the Raouligans), the music begins at 5 PM with Tater Tot. At 6PM, Maryl Walters will speak on the subject of “prayer […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A View of the Fairgrounds (book excerpt)
Early in my Springfield-set novel Kennel Cough (Post-Traumatic Press, 1999), a fictional late-1980s rock band makes its first professional recording at a small studio located across the street from the Illinois State Fairgrounds in the dead of winter. In tribute to the opening weekend of the fair, below is an excerpt from that section of the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Cure for Blockbuster-itis
If you find yourself weary of all the go-to overhyped hits currently on local screens, cinematic alternatives are only as far away as a quick trip to Champaign. Through the coming weekend, the Art Theater Co-op (126 W. Church St. in Champaign) will be screening a variety of intriguing, non-standard fare, including documentaries about killer […]
