Get ready to cast your ballot for funny. March on down to the Hoogland Center for the Arts Nov. 3 for Second City for President. It has our vote, and we’re sure it will have yours, as Chicago’s legendary sketch comedy theater takes on the election. Laughter will erupt at the expense of both sides […]
Chicago
Posted inFood & Drink
Old mother in a barrel: vinegar
Every fall I remember what it was like to come as a child to this place that’s been my home for almost 30 years: the venerable Spaulding Orchard farmhouse. It’s the first home my husband and I bought, and probably our last. It wasn’t our first choice, but after being entwined in this place for […]
Posted inOpinion
Polls blind to state representatives’ shenanigans
I have two poll results to tell you about today. One is about an alleged criminal; the other is about a proven liar. Expelled state Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) is leading his only opponent by 38 points and is close to the 50 percent he’ll need to reclaim his seat. According to a poll of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rockin’ lineup
Step right up and witness five incredible rock bands permeating the Prairie Capital Convention Center stage on a Carnival of Madness tour. The lineup will blow your mind – nu metal greats Evanescence with the haunting, siren-like vocals of lead singer Amy Lee; Chevelle, the alternative hard rock Chicago trio that continues to capture the […]
Posted inOpinion
Kumbaya around the campfire
Jim Edgar is the closest thing the Illinois Republican Party has to a sage. His long career in elective office made him wise – wise enough anyway to retire from elective office – and he generously dispenses that wisdom from the mountaintop of the University of Illinois’ Institute for Government and Public Affairs. In June, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Renowned rockers
Legendary rock band Chicago plays in Springfield for one night on Wednesday, June 13 at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS. Sited as #13 on Billboard Magazine’s Top 100 artists of all time, Chicago has won a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards, a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street named after them, and so […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Word masters
Poetry and slam poetry lovers will not want to miss two significant visits this week by two important men in each genre. Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein (pictured right) reads at the Vachel Lindsay Home Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m. The Bradley University professor’s presentation is titled “Poetry’s Afterlife,” also the title of his […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Heavenly humor
Direct from a record-breaking 19-year run in Chicago, the hit comedy Late Nite Catechism will be presented at The Legacy Theatre the weekend of April 13 and 20. Written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan and starring Mary Zentmeyer of Chicago, the show appeals to audiences of any faith. Sister teaches an adult catechism class to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
World of kindness
It’s a party in benefit of the planet, and everyone’s invited. Henson Robinson Zoo welcomes you and your family, this Saturday, April 14, to join in fun activities that focus on recycling and responsible living. They’ll show you earth-friendly crafts, or more pointedly, how to turn trash into crafts. The zoo will also demonstrate how […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Slick show
Over 100 Springfield Figure Skating Club members perform three ice shows at the Nelson Center on two days, March 31 and April 1. The group will perform ice versions of “Annie,” “Chicago,” “The Greatest Star” from Funny Girl, and Phantom of the Opera. U.S. and International competitor Max Aaron is a guest skater. Spotlight on […]
Posted inNews
Will police torture set convicted rapist free?
No one disputes that Stanley Wrice was beaten by Chicago police to extract a confession. Now, the state Supreme Court will decide whether the beating and subsequent forced confession is grounds for a hearing that could ultimately result in Wrice being set free after serving nearly 30 years of a 100-year sentence. His supporters say […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Scottish tragedy
Shakespearean actor Rob Clare and television and off-Broadway actress Reiko Aylesworth return to the Theatre in the Park outdoor stage in a 90-minute adapted performance of MacBeth. Clare’s credits include the UK National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. Aylesworth stars in “24” and “Lost.” The show also includes Kevin Purcell […]
