Join the Henson Robinson Zoo as they unite with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums across the country in a global celebration of the world’s oceans. Unofficially celebrated every June 9, World Oceans Day hopes to remind and impress upon people how important oceans are to human life on earth. The 2011 and 2012 theme […]
Anita Stienstra
Posted inArts & Culture
Stream of consciousness
Directed by Steve Kaplan, a cast of local actors brings the first Muni production to the shores of Springfield for eight nights in The Muni’s open-air theater. The bluegrass and country-scored musical follows Huckleberry Finn and Jim on their adventure rafting down the mighty Mississippi. Big River won the 1985 Tony awards for Best Musical, […]
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Prophet of parody
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s traveling ministry, I mean tour, descends on Springfield June 5 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. One-of-the-funniest comedians alive today, Yankovic’s brilliant wackiness, killer accordion and band, and poignant and positively hilarious songs with make you disappear into a heaven of laughter for three hours. Beginning his comedic life via the Dr. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Talent and treasures
Forty local artisans will display and offer for sale their handmade fine crafts and art work, such as: photography, painted furniture, jewelry and ceramics at the fifth annual MBBA Artist Market, taking place the first two Saturdays in June on the north end of the Town and Country Shopping Center parking lot. Don’t miss the […]
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Four-decade magic
The 70s classic-rock band America plays at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS on Friday, June 3. Popular for their first #1 song, A Horse With No Name, the group rose to fame with a string of hits, such as, I Need You, Lonely People and Sister Golden Hair, racking up six certified gold and/or platinum albums and […]
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Tapped into technology
On this First Friday downtown, June 3, visit Gallery II for its opening of a new exhibit based on the Internet and hypercontemporary art. The name of the exhibit is an Internet term derived from missing the caps lock key when typing “omg” and instead hitting the “z” key. Four artists: Melanie Edmonson, Chris Martin, […]
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Flick fun
Here’s a club that might interest you. The Movie Geeks Club meets the last Tuesday of every month at Capital City Bar and Grill to screen a classic, independent or foreign film that you might not see at the theater. Each month members vote from a number of films on the one they want to […]
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Square roots
Jacksonville has a new square! Citizens and guests join together May 21-22 in a huge celebration to mark the restoration of the new downtown area. A parade begins at 10 a.m. and an opening ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. There’s so much to do you need to check out the website at www.jacksonvilleil.org/celebration. Highlights are […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Cultural cavalcade
On one of the most popular weekends in the capital city of Springfield, the Old State Capitol lawn and adjoining streets and sidewalks transform into an outdoor art gallery. With more than 150 exhibitors from around the country, including 30 new ones, you can view and buy anything and everything handmade from jewelry to lawn […]
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Park place
The Springfield Park District presents a free day of activities and recreation for families on Saturday, May 21, at beautiful Lincoln Park. Summer Jamboree includes face painting, zoo animals, exhibits, inflatable play area, zumba demonstrations, golf putting green, prizes, giveaways and more. Learn all about the district’s parks, golf courses, pools and programs, such as […]
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LGBTQ LOL
Sunday, May 22, Springfield Pride celebrates diversity on Capitol Avenue, between Fifth and Sixth streets. The lineup of music includes: Headliners Ella Riot (pictured), a Michigan band playing pop, funk, rock and techno; Ben Bedford; Josie Lowder; Springfield Men’s Chorus; American Idol contestant Christan Barnes and Carla Sloan. The shindig starts at noon with a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Bird friendly
Renowned Peoria Storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis portrays famous birdman John James Audubon telling stories at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. about his famous trek across Illinois 200 years ago. At 2:30 p.m. Mr. Audubon gives a tour of the new museum exhibition Changes. This Super Saturday Audubon program might be enjoyable for families with kids […]
