Mary Jo Bang, poet and English professor at Washington University in St. Louis, will speak in Brookens Auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield. Bang has authored six books of poems, including Elegy (2007) that received the National Book Critics Circle Award. Also speaking at the UIS Student Arts and Research Symposium is Dr. Ryan Ewing, […]
St. Louis
Posted inOpinion
The trustee fight fumes onward
A recent meeting between Metro East legislators and Gov. Quinn’s staff turned heated at times, and as a result nothing was accomplished in the standoff over Quinn’s appointments to the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees. The governor’s three appointments to SIU’s board were unanimously rejected by the Senate in late February – the first […]
Posted inMusic
The sounds of spring
Oh, I can close my eyes and hear those wonderful sounds of music played out-of-doors as the weather breaks and spring returns to take us into summer. I hear rock bands outside in beer gardens, festivals on the streets of Springfield echoing all day and late into the night, groups of all flavors playing in […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Motown’s green makeover
There have been thousands and thousands of words written and spoken about Detroit’s auto bailout. On Jan. 15, the fifth annual Slow Food Springfield Film Festival will feature Urban Roots a documentary about a different kind of bailout Detroit has been undergoing for the past few years – a green bailout. Detroit’s green makeover is […]
Posted inMusic
Hip-hop heroes
I must admit to being rather ignorant of rap and hip-hop music styles. I’ve heard certain artists and felt the influence of the genre in contemporary music, but overall I’ve not listened deep into the catalogue of this fairly new variety of music. All through the history of popular music the improvisation and musicality of […]
Posted inMusic
Dizolver
The music tandem team of Mark Packenham (bass, backing vocals) and Zac Broaddus (lead guitar, backing vocals) began working together in 2000, spanning a myriad of bands in their journey through the Springfield rock music scene. Pat Pierceall (drums, backing vocals) joined the guys in 2006 in an original group called Digdowndeep, and with a […]
Posted inNews
Canoe dig it
Dean Campbell of Springfield says ideas are cheap. Putting them into action is what matters. On Sept. 1, the 78-year-old former teacher will launch a 1,200-pound dugout canoe that he fashioned out of a single gigantic log. The canoe will start on the Illinois River at Beardstown and travel 125 miles down the Illinois and […]
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 inArts & Culture
Full-court press
The 19th Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 16-17 features a slam dunk contest and the Gus Macker Tourney, with 120 teams registered to play games starting at 8:30 a.m. The weekend kicks off with Movie in the Park on Friday, June 15, at dusk with a viewing of Puss ‘n Boots. A Saturday parade from King Drive […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Colorful cavalcade
This is your day to come out and show your respect and support with other tolerant and loving folks at Springfield PrideFest, May 19, downtown Springfield. Organized by The Phoenix Center, the party takes place on Capitol Avenue between Fourth and Sixth. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community celebration promises to make you laugh […]
