PHOTO BY DONNA LOUNSBERRY Springfield Ballet Company presents its 39th annual Nutcracker at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, Dec. 14 and 15. Set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, the dance follows Clara and her Nutcracker from a lavish Christmas party to a fierce battle with the evil Mouse King, then to a magical journey through the Land of […]
Sangamon Auditorium
Posted inMusic
Hodgepodge of happenings
With a whirlwind of wonderful whatevers available to while away the hours this week in the entertainment section of our lives, here are a few tidbits and takes on the goings-on. In the “unbelievable events” category, how is it that two of my favorites in the music business are playing in Springfield on the same […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Party musical
Theater lovers with a taste for rock ’n’ rock will get elated over a five-time Tony-nominated musical Rock of Ages, performed one night at Sangamon Auditorium. The show features a slew of fantastic 80s tunes such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “We Built This City,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Here I Go Again,” “Can’t Fight this […]
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Enchanting ensemble
Celtic Woman comes to Sangamon Auditorium, UIS on Sunday, April 21, for an afternoon show at 3 p.m. A sensational musical treat, the popular all-female adult contemporary singing group from Dublin, Ireland, will perform traditional Irish tunes, inspirational songs and pop classics. You’ll hear fan favorites such as “You Raise Me Up” and “Orinoco Flow.” […]
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Vibrant virtuosos
Boundary breaking violinist Nicolas Kendall of Time for Three, ensemble-in-residence with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, plays with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, April 13 at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS. With theatrical lighting, the concert begins with the world premiere of “The Arc Inspired,” written by composer Steve Hackman. Also on tap, Sibelius’ “Violin Concerto” and Strauss’ “Death […]
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Powerful pair
You’re in for a powerful treat, as singer, songwriter and guitar players Janis Ian and Livingston Taylor play at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, Saturday, March 6. Best known for her hit song, “At Seventeen,” Ian is one of folk music’s living legends. Her words resonate with truth, wisdom and beauty, whether in lyric or prose as […]
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Sweet-sounding trio
The sweet-sounding trio, The Good Lovelies, will treat you to a concert March 9 at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, as they make their way home to Canada. The touring three-part harmonies of Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore never sounded so good and current and fresh. A pleasing mixture of Americana, folk, bluegrass with a hint of […]
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Grand guitarist
Guitar great Eric Johnson takes the stage at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS for one night Saturday, March 2. Johnson has a Grammy Award and five nominations, one platinum album, a slew of Top 10 hits such as “Cliffs Of Dover” and praise from critics. Included in Eric Johnson’s accolades is a place in Guitar Player’ Gallery […]
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Fab foursome
Direct from Broadway, Rain, the internationally-acclaimed Beatles concert, returns by popular demand. As “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles” as touted by the Associated Press, Rain performs the full range of The Beatles’ discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs that The Beatles themselves recorded in the studio but never […]
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Giant glee
The funny, award-stacked Shrek the Musical singly stomps into Sangamon Auditorium, UIS for one performance, Feb. 14. Don’t miss everyone’s favorite loveable ogres, Shrek and Fiona (Perry Sook and Whitney Winfield), Shrek’s wisecracking donkey (Jeremy Gaston) and villain Lord Farquaad (Christian Marriner). A preshow meet-and-greet with Fiona is also available. Phone the ticket office for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Bluesmen bash
Blues at the Crossroads returns to Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, Feb. 2, to honor two of the greatest musicians in blues music, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Both considered father of modern Chicago blues, the pair, who were also good friends, were key influences in the careers of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, John Mayall and Eric […]
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Super strings
The category-shattering string trio, Time for Three, plays at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS on Saturday, Jan. 19. Members Zachary De Pue, violin; Nicolas Kendall, violin; and Ranaan Meyer, double bass, carry a passion for improvisation, composing and arranging, all prime elements of the ensemble’s playing with a reputation for limitless enthusiasm and no musical boundaries. For […]
