Chris Vallillo at the Dana-Thomas House in front of the statue Flower in a Crannied Wall. Central Illinois roots musician and songwriter Chris Vallillo found inspiration at the Dana-Thomas house this summer. While performing a series of shows at the Springfield state historic site as part of a new music program called Made for Music […]
Anita Stienstra
Posted inArts & Culture
Northend neighborhood
Seventeen historic homes make up this self-guided walking tour ranging from those completely renovated to those needing someone to make them beautiful again. Many of the houses are for sale. Enos Park neighborhood is located just north of downtown and houses on this tour are located between Third and Eighth streets. Tickets are available in […]
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Funny honeys
Oct. 3-5 and 10-12 are the performance dates of the comedy musical, Pete ’n’ Keely, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Pete ’n’ Keely is about a divorced couple who are forced back together to revive their failing singing careers. Filled with favorite musical standards plus several original tunes, this jukebox fantasy recalls the […]
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Remarkable rides
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival and Car Show returns to Springfield, Sept. 26-28. More than 80,000 folks are expected to filter downtown to see more than 1,000 cool cars and listen to some rockin’ live music. The festival kicks off Friday night at 6:15 p.m. as the Route 66 City Nights Cruise for Crime Stoppers, […]
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Strong roots
PHOTO BY SCOTT SIMONTACCHI Every once and a while a musician seemingly pops into the public’s view and immediately captures their hearts. Sarah Jarosz is that sort of musician. Looking younger than her 22 years, playing the mandolin as if she’s been doing it even longer, Jarosz is like everyone’s daughter or sister, sweet, but […]
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Hallowed halls
PHOTO COURTESY BOMKE’s PATCH Bomke’s Patch brings you something a little dark in a good way: a corn maze at night seeped in 80s music. The Patch offers four opportunities to walk the maze under the stars, Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 10-11. Inclement weather may cancel the event. Those under age 16 must be accompanied […]
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Remembering George Colin
Almost two years ago, George Colin was the reason for my visit to Salisbury, Illinois. I was collecting info to write an Illinois Times article about a new book featuring Vachel Lindsay’s poem “The Little Turtle.” Colin was the book’s illustrator. This was going to be an adventure. Artists are the water of the world. […]
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African rhythm
Kilimanjaro Rumble Here’s something a little different from the normal musical selections around town. Kilimanjaro Rumble, master drummers from Central African Republic, Liberia, Congo, Togo and Nigeria, will be drumming at Southwind Park under the arches on Saturday night Sept. 20. Enjoy the percussion sounds, dancing, light African refreshments and storytelling. Bring a chair or […]
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Intelligent design
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair For 25 years, Springfield Art Association has hosted its popular Edwards Place Fine Art Fair in the fall. In its 26th year, the weekend soirée features more than 80 artists and their work, Sept. 20-21. The fair will kick off with a rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” by a […]
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Pioneer past
Clayville Fall Festival Step into the past at the Clayville Fall Festival, Sept. 20-21. Families will have an entertaining and educational time at this old pioneer village that was once a stage coach stop for central Illinois. Kids can learn to make candles, churn butter and try their hand at tin punch art. Artisans will demonstrate […]
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Feet first
PHOTO BY CARYN BROOMBY Springfield Ballet Company presents a merging of ballet, modern jazz and other dance styles with classic rock from 1975-76 during Rockballet, Sept. 13-14, at Sangamon Auditorium UIS. Featuring live music by the eight-piece band Downstate, two productions showcase talent from the company and special guests. Guest choreographers include Hernan Justo and […]
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A la arte
PHOTO BY MICHELLE PAWLAK Two days of fine art, bell music and fun for kids takes place at Art Spectacular at Washington Park, Sept. 13-14. Founded by Rees Carillon Society Trustee Barb Walker, Art Spectacular is a professionally juried fine art and craft show featuring collector- and museum-quality works. The 50 participating artists are among […]
