Granddaughter of legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired The Sound of Music, von Trapp’s online biography states it best. “No one leaves an Elisabeth von Trapp performance unchanged…audiences of all ages are drawn by the promise of her famous name…awed by the beauty of her voice and musical arrangements…their hearts touched forever […]
IT Picks
Posted inArts & Culture
Spooky tours
Springfield Art Association opens the Edwards Place Home’s stately doors Thursday evening to offer nighttime guided tours to families. The old mansion’s 15 rooms full of Victorian furniture and history come to life with friendly ghosts and other surprises. Tours begin each half hour. The SAA has an artsy photo booth and children’s activities planned […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Wild and wacky
This rock musical about a Transylvanian transvestite and a naive couple ensnared in his erotically evil web bore the cult classic movie. Some of the same interactive features scintillate this stage production. The Rocky Horror Show-themed costumes are encouraged. Though outside props are prohibited to protect the theater, prop bags will be available for $5. […]
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A ton of lanterns
Experience the glowing artistry of 2,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack-o-lanterns featuring the carving talents of area residents, artists and District 186 students. The hollow pumpkin lanterns decorate the carillon and botanical garden areas Friday and Saturday night, hosted by the Springfield Park District, Rees Carillon Society and Rees Memorial Carillon. Food vendors will be available. Free […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Glowing characters
Electroluminescent crayon-like creatures light up the stage in a blackout setting. Described as children’s ballet or opera, this theater experience crosses dance, song and light show with a sort-of-full-body puppetry. The story begins with Professor Henslow, a famous scientist with magic powers who brings to life his newest creation and dinosaur friend, Darwin.The tale tells […]
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Tale telling
This weekend’s coming up stories and tales. Saturday at the Old State Capitol, storytellers include Anne Shimojima of Morton, who delights youth and adult audiences of all sizes with her graceful and spirited tellings of folktales from her Asian heritage and around the world; Linda Gorham, who inspires audiences by using movement, humor and sometimes […]
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Family party
The Springfield YMCA offers free, fun activities and entertainment to the community Friday evening. Don’t miss the carnival games, DJ, prizes, face painting, giveaways, family swim, hotdogs, nachos, popcorn and more. Concessions are available for a small fee. St. John’s Children’s Hospital sponsors this family festival. YMCA Fall Family Festival Friday, Oct. 165:30-8:30pm YMCA701 S. […]
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Great gourds
Here’s a festival that grows bigger each year. Girard harvested 400 pumpkins for this Saturday’s fest held on the town square. Go on a hay or pony ride, enter the pumpkin painting or carving contest, smash a car, see the winning pet or child costume and so much more. The air/human/mechanical powered pumpkin chunkin contest […]
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Fall revelry
Welcome autumn this weekend at Lincoln Memorial Garden’s Indian Summer Festival. The ambience starts as you tuck your car between two trees in the woods. Then stroll out of the forest into the clearing where musicians, food, craft vendors and activities galore immerse you in the sights, sounds and smells of harvest time. The kids […]
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Pumpkin play
Illinois is the pumpkin capital of the world. Come and learn about it. Is it a fruit or a vegetable? Are pumpkins always orange? What can you do with a pumpkin besides eat it? Recommended for ages 4-8, this Saturday program features ongoing activities that take 30 to 45 minutes to complete and feature take-home […]
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Independent living
Two Springfield women star in this touching and informative documentary airing Friday on public television station WILL-TV. The show takes a rare look at the unusual relationship between Diana Braun, who has Down syndrome, and Kathy Conour, who had cerebral palsy and died Sept. 19. Some would call these two women profoundly disabled, but they […]
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Fossil bonanza
Shark Attack, featuring shark fossils, is the 2009 theme of Springfield’s Lincoln Orbit Earth Science Society’s rock, gem, fossil and mineral show this weekend. Expert, collector and lapidary exhibitions, demonstrations and activities span the Illinois Building. This is a fun and informative family-oriented exposition. LOESS Rock, Gem & Fossil Show Saturday, October 310am-6pmSunday, October 410am-5pmIllinois […]
