IT Picks

Here’s a holiday treat for central Illinoisans. Over the Moon Productions gives two free performances of the award-winning comedy Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol written by Tom Mula in the form of a radio show. An enchanting production for the entire family, this show’s main character is Scrooge’s business partner, Jacob Marley. The storyline focuses on […]

Downtown Springfield, Inc., presents five nights in December where they bring out the festivities and entertainment and unroll the streets from 5 to 8 p.m. During these special open hours at many businesses downtown, you can not only get shopping and dining bargains, but can hear local musicians, visit the Santa House, ride in a […]

Visit the Illinois Executive Mansion from Nov. 30 through Jan. 8 to see the governor’s home decorated for the holidays. The decorations have a distinctly historic taste this year thanks to staff and volunteers from Springfield area museums and historic sites. In addition, Buckley Growers Illinois brings their greenhouse-grown poinsettias to the mansion. An open […]

You can help our local crisis nursery, which opens its doors to parents at risk for abuse or who are in crisis and need emergency childcare, by placing a donation under the decorated Beanie Baby Bears tree in the lobby at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. As a gift back to you, the nursery invites […]

All area youth, 18 and under, are invited to hear Christian rap/hip-hop singer George Moss of Michigan who performs a free show sponsored by the Fusion Student Ministry at First United Methodist Church. Moss and his band play several of their recent hits including “Go Hard or Go Home” and “Whoa,” played on both Christian […]

Looking for something to do over Thanksgiving week? Memorial Medical Center and Foundation offers a sneak peek at Christmas that is sure to push you into the holiday mood at its Festival of Trees. In addition to gorgeous designer-decorated trees, there are wreaths, gingerbread houses, festive foods, choirs, musicians, Madrigal singers, visits with Santa, kiddie […]

Internationally acclaimed pianist Norman Belmelmans takes to the Rammelkamp Chapel stage Nov. 20 as part of the Fine Arts Series at Illinois College. Playing for the public since the age of seven, Belmelmans studied under international luminaries: Jean Houpt, Stefan Bardas, Richard Cass, Patrizia Benkman and Ozan Marsch. In addition to recitals around the world, […]

This jazz, tap and hip hop rendition of the classic ballet is performed by DCDS In Motion, a group of dancers from Dance Creations Dance Studio owned by Janet Cripe, who directs the performance. The mission of the group is to perform, expand their talents and participate in community projects to help others. All proceeds […]

The UIS Bedrock 66 Series presents a live bonus show with Massachusetts folk-pop singer-songwriter, Ellis Paul. Touted as authentic in voice and style, Paul’s songs have appeared in hit movies and TV soundtracks, and between 1993-2004, he won an unprecedented 13 Boston Music Awards. Ellis PaulFriday, Nov. 12, 8pmHoogland Center for the Arts420 S. Sixth […]

The University of Illinois at Springfield passes another milestone as a new school spirit song has been commissioned and will be presented for the first time by the UIS Concert Band with the composer, Dr. William Davis, in attendance. The Chamber Orchestra also performs, a slide show of the campus’ past will be shown, and […]

This is one of those shows you won’t want to miss. Winner of eight Tony awards including best musical, everyone raves about the music and storyline. Follow the characters on a discovery of their sexuality during the 1800s in Germany. Parental discretion is advised due to brief partial nudity, sexual situations and strong language. Spring […]

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra heats up Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, with a concert of “Fiery Fun,” featuring Latin American and dance music and two electrifying guest musicians. American guitarist Jason Vieaux is touted as one of “the leading guitarists of his generation,” by Absolute Sound and one of the “stars of the guitar world” by the […]