Watch 62 of the best independent films from 11 countries and 16 states, as well as Illinois, during this three-day film festival held at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. About 30 filmmakers, along with some of their cast and crew, are expected to attend including some from Hollywood: writer/director/actor Michael Worth and Springfield native […]
IT Picks
Posted inArts & Culture
Top-notch visuals
For almost a quarter century the Springfield Art Association has hosted a fine art fair the third weekend in September on the Edwards Place Historic Home lawn. This year it promises to be just as enchanting as in previous years. Meet 75 artists from Illinois and the nation. See and buy their work. Listen to […]
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Susan’s story
Construction at the Dana-Thomas House continues, but the historic site’s Sumac Shop remains open. That is the site of a book signing by Roberta Volkmann, author of a new biography, Susan Lawrence: The Enigma in the Wright House. The book chronicles the complex and independent lifestyle of the fascinating woman who commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright […]
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Tasteful combo
This craft beer and oyster festival at The Inn at 835 features more than 50 local and nationally-recognized craft beer vendors such as Flossmoor Station Brewing Company sampling Rail Hopper IPA, Pullman Brown, Stationmaster Wheat; and Springfield’s Prairie Schooner Brew Club sampling Maple Wheat, Mt. Dew Brew, Pecan Brown and an Oyster Stout beer. Admission […]
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Moving to the music
Here’s a chance to see the dancing of the Springfield Ballet Company in a different light, or should we say sound, as they team up with the St. Louis rock band Downstate, instead of the orchestra, and move to the music of Dave Matthews Band, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Fleetwood Mac, Adele and more. You’ll […]
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Scottish tragedy
Shakespearean actor Rob Clare and television and off-Broadway actress Reiko Aylesworth return to the Theatre in the Park outdoor stage in a 90-minute adapted performance of MacBeth. Clare’s credits include the UK National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. Aylesworth stars in “24” and “Lost.” The show also includes Kevin Purcell […]
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Home run
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra hits a home run with a free baseball-themed concert on the Old State Capitol grounds Sept. 4. You’ll hear all the songs you love about America’s favorite pastime, including “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Yaniv Segal conducts. He is New York Chelsea Symphony founder and Michigan Pops Orchestra music director. […]
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Stories, song, supper
“Heroes of the Civil War” is the theme of this year’s Prairieland Chautauqua, a four-day fest of stories, songs and suppers under the big tent in Jacksonville Community Park. Organizers are bringing in talent from Illinois, New York and Ohio to portray famous men and women of the Civil War, and others who will discuss […]
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Great taste
The Ethnic Festival has a reputation as a place for fun and great food in central Illinois, with the chance to sample world culture. All Labor Day weekend taste the food, listen to the sounds and watch entertainment from other countries at the Ethnic Festival. Food from eleven different countries will make your palette water. […]
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Cooking up perfection
This two-day music and food fest in downtown Springfield is much anticipated. Highlighting a six-band lineup on the Media Stage is Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-a-whirl Band featuring Lou Ann Barton on Aug. 27 at 9 p.m. presented by Downtown Springfield, Inc., Miller Lite Live and Sangamon Valley Roots Revival. The Illinois Central Blues Club Challenge […]
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Gospel music
Gordon Productions brings another fine musical comedy to the Hoogland Center for the Arts for six performances. Set in a North Carolina church in 1938, the Sanders Family Singers will have you clapping, singing, laughing and cheering with their stories and traditional and bluegrass gospel music. Local talent includes: Tara Cowan, Kelsi Frost, Sherry Frachey, […]
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Fired up
The town of Lincoln gets fired up with color the weekend of Aug. 26-28. Join the art of hot air ballooning with launches, glows, demos and tethered balloon rides, all at the Logan County Airport. There’s also a carnival, beer and wine garden, entertainment and food court. Downtown get stoked about fine art at an […]
