Here we go on into September, looking for ways to shed these pandemic blues. If we keep working together to get through this for the good of all, there will soon be some light at the end of the tunnel and then, hopefully, we get out of the whole dang tunnel completely. For now, let’s […]
Newsletter – Event
Posted inMusic
Rogers & Nienhaus
You would be hard-pressed to find a more dynamic duo than these two fine gentlemen who come with a true blue rock ‘n’ roll pedigree, including time spent as real “Byrds” and with other luminaries of the rock world. But better than their distinguished careers, is listening to them live in person, whether you know […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Strong Finish Mends Broken Hearts
Lucy has certain ideas about love. Every boyfriend she’s had was going to be THE ONE! Her former partners used string to bind their relationship together. Lucy used logging chains. Her level of commitment has never matched that of anyone she’s been with, making heartbreak an inevitability. And to make matters worse, she keeps a […]
Posted inMusic
LoneHollow
A Nashville, Tennessee, duo composed of guitarist and singer-songwriter Damon Atkins, joined by singer and songwriter Rylie Bourne makes up the sounds of LoneHollow. Both songwriters are influenced by Americana and Appalachian sounds, Rylie from her time going to bluegrass festivals with her family in Illinois and Damon from hanging out making music with friends […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Field trips for the whole family
School may be virtual for many kids in Illinois this fall, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the excitement and fun of field trips. Perhaps now more than ever, parents are seeking new excuses to get the kids out of the house, while at the same time, finding creative ways to […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Art around town
With the coronavirus at the forefront of our minds and lives, art lovers of Springfield are still keen to experience what art offerings are available and to support the artists who make them happen. “Due to COVID, we are implementing protocols to keep everyone as safe as possible,” says Art Spectacular coordinator Connie Heskett, a […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
A look at Halloween’s merry spirits
The Merry Spirits of Halloween is the first documentary produced by Redroom Creative Media, an independent documentary film company that focuses on the legends and folklore attached to historical Illinois events. Directed and co-written by Chatham resident Joseph Tury, the Illinois-based project is a fun look at the celebration of Halloween through different viewpoints and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Portable feasts
What do you get when you put a Salade Niçoise between two pieces of crusty bread? You get a portable feast known as a Pan Bagnat. Pan Bagnat means “bathed bread” and, like the Salade Niçoise, it is a popular regional dish found around Nice in the French Riviera. Traditionally it was a carry-along meal […]
Posted inMusic
Record the record
Hello all you music friends and fans, to another column on mostly live music in the time of a global pandemic. Live performances on a medium-to-large scale continue to be on hold due to the precautions necessary to keep our citizenry safe. Smaller shows, online streams and recorded tunes seem to be our best bet […]
Posted inNews
Life on the Old Leland Farm
Once, large, beautiful homes stood all over Springfield and were occupied by citizens who owned key businesses and held important positions within the city. Unfortunately, many of the homes have been demolished. Yet some still stand, thanks to people who have preserved them. Daily, people pass by these grand buildings: the Brinkerhoff House (North Fifth, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
One and Only Ivan is Disney at its best
A technical marvel with enormous heart, Thea Sharrock’s adaptation of Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan is making its debut on Disney Plus, the Mouse House’s streaming juggernaut that will make their big-budget feature Mulan available to subscribers for a mere $30 on Sept. 4. Ivan is free to those who’ve already ponied up […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Eggplant, Sicilian-style
Caponata is one of my favorite ways to use the abundance of eggplant that comes out of my garden each year, and works especially well with the little Fairytale eggplants often seen at farmers markets. This tangy cooked salad is found throughout Sicily and much of Italy, with as many variations as there are grandmas. […]
