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The circle of life at the Muni

The Muni closes out its summer season with its first-ever junior production – an enchanting popular story that’s sure to inspire as well as entertain. With music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King, Jr. is packed with memorable tunes, carefully crafted and colorful costumes, and a talented cast of kids. Based […]

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Nominations open for the 2026 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts

The Springfield Area Arts Council, in partnership with the city of Springfield, is accepting nominations for the 23rd Mayor’s Awards for the Arts. Starting Aug. 1, community members are invited to nominate an individual, organization or business whose outstanding contributions have strengthened and enriched the arts throughout Sangamon and Menard counties, the Arts Council’s service […]

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$26 Grandstand tickets for select shows

The Illinois State Fair is celebrating 217 Concert Week with a special ticket promotion. From Aug. 3 through Aug. 9, fairgoers can purchase $26 tickets for three Grandstand concerts. This promotion is available online through Ticketmaster or in person at the Illinois State Fair Box Office and applies to select seating areas while supplies last.  […]

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A flurry of magic

Transitioning an epic Disney blockbuster set in a frozen winter to an outdoor stage during a muggy, Midwest summer is no easy task— making this stunning directorial debut by Alyssa and DJ Shultz all the more impressive. Frozen at the Muni is big, beautiful and packed full of fun surprises and talented performers who bring […]

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“Coming Home”

“I have been doing this work as an outcropping of the spiritual journey that I’ve been on for many moons,” said artist Wendy Allen of “Coming Home,” her upcoming pop-up exhibit in downtown Springfield this Saturday, Aug. 1, sponsored by Downtown Springfield, Inc. An accomplished multi-media artist based in Springfield for many years, Allen has […]

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Julio Barrenzuela interview

Julio Barrenzuela joins The Mosaic Project to explore how Latin music and dance can become powerful tools for connection, healing and self-discovery. Drawing from his experiences as a Navy veteran, educator and motivational speaker, he shares how culture has the power to build stronger communities. It’s a conversation about identity, belonging and the rhythms that bring people […]

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Odyssey an ambitious, grand film; Invite looks at domestic discord

Nolan’s realistic approach grounds epic Odyssey If nothing else, Christopher Nolan must be commended for his ambition in adapting Homer’s The Odyssey.  No half measures are taken in this $250 million production and if the filmmaker’s reach exceeds his grasp, it certainly isn’t for lack of imagination or effort. By its very nature, this unwieldy, […]

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Live from Springfield

Entertainment offerings in the 217 just got an injection of original sketch comedy. A new, local ensemble called the Capital City Comix debuted its show “Friday Night Live” on July 10 to a sold-out crowd. It’s billed as “SNL, but local, louder, and way weirder,” and while it might not be as groundbreaking as SNL, […]

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Jack Hart interview

Jack Hart, founder of ILSportsWire and one of this year’s Springfield Business Journal Forty Under 40 honorees, shares with The Mosaic Project how he’s changing local sports coverage by giving overlooked schools, communities, and student athletes a platform. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, purpose driven leadership, and the power of telling stories that often go unheard. […]

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