Dive into a night of electrifying performances with Rockballet: Storytellers, featuring music by Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks. This is a high-energy fusion of classical dance and iconic rock music performed live by local group Downstate. Don’t miss this unique celebration of art and sound that brings together the energy of rock and the elegance […]
Arts & Culture
Posted inFilm
High and Low overstays its welcome, star power makes Murder Club
Lee, Washington tackle the great divide in Highest Using the Akira Kurosawa classic High and Low as a starting point, Spike Lee delivers a searing examination of the ever-expanding class divide in Highest 2 Lowest, his fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington. Like so many of the director’s films, he casts a wide net regarding the […]
Posted inPoetry
Revenge
We lived on the home farm when we were small My brother and I found a nearby ditch piled with trash and garbage. Daddy sent out a farm hand to clean it up. We watched while Ed shoveled the mess into the back of a pickup. “Aha!” he cried finding several empty envelopes. We drove […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
First Citizen program accepting nominations
The First Citizen award program is accepting nominations through Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced at a public event on Nov. 12. The award, which recognizes individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area, was created in 1963 by Springfield’s Copley-owned newspaper. The award had been associated with […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The power of community: United Way kicks off campaign with celebration, connection
In every strong community there is a force that binds people together, a shared belief that when we look out for one another, we all thrive. At United Way of Central Illinois, this belief is captured in our campaign theme: “The Power of Community.” United Way works year-round to invest in programs and partnerships that […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
A divine prescription from a king to a “king”
What do you tell a leader whose leadership actions have become abhorrent, not only in the sight of men, but particularly in the sight of God? What do you say when the impact of a leader’s decisions and actions have caused great distress and burdens to those whom he leads? When his decrees and legal […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The midnight sighing of the poor
Lately, the phrase I’ve chosen as the title of this column, “The midnight sighing of the poor,” has been running through my mind, especially when I hear of planned government cuts to programs designed to benefit those who are living at or below poverty level. This phrase is part of a longer Baha’i quote which […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Caught Stealing struggles to be funny, The Roses a look at love gone awry
Butler, cast fight to find humor in Caught Stealing If there was ever a “Your Mileage May Vary” movie, it’s Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing. While it’s being promoted as a dark comedy – and it is funny at times – the director leans into the violent nature of this chase film far too often. The […]
Posted inArts Features
Dreamgirls has lessons of love and show biz
If you’re a fan of “American Idol,” you’ve probably heard many young hopefuls audition for their chance at stardom with the number, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” One can assume these auditionees pick the song because they believe it will showcase their amazing singing ability. This often proves to be the case […]
Posted inIT Picks
Day of music, more planned on Adams Street
They say music soothes the soul. It also can boost the mood and well-being, according to health professionals. Need a dose of well-being this weekend? Then Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. is the place to be Saturday as it hosts the Healing Arts Festival. Several inspirational speakers, health experts and musical acts will present beginning at […]
Posted inPoetry
Violin Lessons
My sister Pat, a gifted Violinist gave lessons at her home, she also taught her daughters. My niece Jackie Jo says when her lesson time arrived she had to put on her hat and coat gather up her fiddle in its case along with her music, went outside and knocked at the front door, just […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Pushing back the tide
In 2019, six students and I spent a week at the South Texas Family Residential Center – a remote, for-profit private facility and the country’s largest immigrant detention center. We worked with women and children seeking asylum from unimaginable violence. We heard stories of rape, kidnapping and mutilation, including against children; gang extortion, brutal gender-based […]
