Normally, as autumn goes in the Midwest, things begin to cool off, but that isn’t so with live music. This fall has a number of options within an afternoon’s drive from Springfield, and there are even several all-new showcases for this season. Strap on a helmet; Illinois Times is about to blow your mind, musically […]
Special Issues
Posted inSpecial Issues
Autumn is showtime
As many Springfield residents look forward to the weather finally cooling down, fans of locally produced entertainment can’t wait for the theater season to heat up. It might seem counter-intuitive, but a depressed economy actually offers residents a few benefits this year as venues compete to lure budget-conscious audiences. Some area managers are lowering ticket […]
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2010 Fall Guide
Autumn is showtimeThe season’s guide to theater in Central Illinois Fun at fall festivals Visit Mt. Vernon for art and wine Surprising GreenvilleVisit the fun and quirky DeMoulin Museum Fall classical fareThe season offers plenty of fine listening in Central Illinois Rock fall aheadConcerts and music fests from Central Illinois to St. Louis Hundreds of […]
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Summer onstage brings classics and comedies
An abundance of exciting and fun theater takes place on area stages this summer. It is interesting to see how summer theater fare has changed in recent years. In years past, summer theater was all comedies and musicals. Those are still with us, but there is quite a list of new and little-known works, as […]
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Plan a summer getaway to the Gateway City
It’s known for its 630-foot arch that greets you upon entrance to its city, a site to behold. The “Gateway City” has much to offer. From festivals and fairs to amusement parks, concerts and museums, a trip to St. Louis is sure to keep you and your family busy during those dog days of summer. […]
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The summer of rock
We know you audiophiles are mourning. Ameren’s Summer Serenades fizzled out and the Washington Street Jazz Festival is no more, but fear not. There’s still a hundred ways to rock your eardrums this summer, and Illinois Times is here to help you sort through the options. This year’s SOHO Music Festival packs 24 bands in […]
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Bike and run for fitness and fun
There’s no better way to blow off steam and stay in shape than running or biking this fair city. And whether you need a little help working the winter kinks out of your joints, or you’re simply looking for a way to dissipate some of your boundless energy, Springfield’s biggest running and biking groups have […]
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Isaac Ellwood, Illinois king of the barbed wire
Most of us know the song “Don’t fence me in.” For those in the late 1800s who owned cattle, fencing them in was part of the ever shrinking range mentality and the “stay in your own pasture” one. One Illinois gentleman, Isaac Ellwood, made his fortune in barbed wire. Lucky for us, we can tour […]
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Explore central Illinois
The sun is shining, the sky is blue and it’s time for summer family fun. Pack for a picnic and head out in the car for a fun day under the Illinois sky. Let Illinois Times and a black ribbon of road be your guides. Historic Barns of McDonough County McDonough County, which centers on […]
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Raise a glass to nearby winemaking
More than 100 years ago, Illinois was the fourth largest wine-producing state in the nation. Now the Treasury Department holds Illinois responsible for just 72,000 of the more than 41 million gallons bottled in February of 2010. While other states may have surpassed ours, the industry in Illinois is actually a growing one. Thirteen years […]
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The summerlong guide
Old Capitol Farmers Market8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 30 The excuses not to eat fresh, healthier and local just got fewer in number. Old Capitol Farmers Market spreads its bountiful harvest on the streets of downtown Springfield farther than ever. Downtown Springfield Inc.’s market manager, Ann Frescura, announced that this […]
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The 10 top flicks of the season
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more than 80 different films will be released in North American movie theaters. Some will fly under the radar, with total budgets amounting to less than what’s spent on advertising for a studio blockbuster. Others will be so overhyped it will seem like they’ve been in theaters long before […]
