We are lazy. Loathe to get out of our cars, we use the drive-thru – it is too much work to write “through” – when we want a hamburger. Cheese comes already grated. Remote controls are no longer enough. When we want to change the channel or the volume, or even order a pizza, we […]
Summerguide
Posted inSpecial Issues
Springfield’s Boys of Summer
With championship aspirations, the Springfield Sliders begin their 2017 season on the road against the Lafayette Aviators on May 30. The Sliders are a collegiate summer league baseball team from the Prospect League, an organization of 10 teams showcasing college players from all over the country. The Sliders, who play their home games at Lanphier […]
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Arsenic and old musicals
Popular musicals abound around central Illinois this summer. Whether you’re into dancing paper boys or have a soft spot for recalcitrant beasts, pack your bug spray and your rosé. New Salem’s Theatre in the ParkAladdin Jr. June 2-4, 9-10. Based on the Disney film of the same name, for children. State Fair June 23-25, 29-30, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Sounds of summer
There are too many exciting concerts scheduled to hit central Illinois stages in the coming months to fit in this humble space. From big festivals to tiny venues and from classic rock to boot-scootin’ country to snotty punk stalwarts and hip-hop heroes (not to mention at least one apparently immortal jazz crooner) here’s an overview […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Summerguide calendar
May Jacksonville Farmers MarketMay 19-Oct 27, 7am-12pm Tue-Thu. Every Tue-Thu through October. jaxfresh.org. Lincoln Square, Jacksonville. Thursday StoriesMay 19-Aug 25, 10:30am Every Thursday. For kids of all ages and their parents. Free. lincolnlibrary.info. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900. Illinois Products Farmers MarketMay 19-Aug 25, 4-7pm Every Thursday. Shopping, health and wellness information, special […]
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Reading, writing and baseball
Rod Buffington, trip coordinator for Rotary Family Day at the Ball Park, is third from left. Pictured with him are Hector Luna, Richard Robinson and Fredbird. PHOTO BY JIM HERREN PHOTOGRAPHY Soon area baseball fans will head south for local Rotary clubs’ 14th annual literacy fundraiser baseball games in beautiful Busch Stadium. Springfield-based watercolor quilt […]
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Bursting with Pride
Photo BY BRUCE RUSHTON Celebrate “the gayest day in central Illinois” by attending the sixth annual Springfield PrideFest on Saturday, May 21, from noon to 10 p.m., on Capitol Avenue between Fourth and Sixth streets. The free street festival contains something for everyone including a ribbon cutting ceremony, live music by some of Springfield’s most-loved […]
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SOHO Music Festival
Photo COURTESY SOHO MUSIC FESTIVAL What started as a community outreach project in 2005 has grown to include a two-day outdoor street festival which features live music, vendors, food and kids’ activities plus a 10K walk/run and a PDGA-certified disc golf tournament. The 11th annual SOHO Music Festival will occur June 3-4 while the 10K […]
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International Carillon Festival
This summer, attend a different kind of music festival, one without the high ticket prices, long lines, dirty facilities and drunks. Substitute the serenity of Washington Park, the company of friends and family, and five nights of al fresco music performed by five of the world’s most talented carillonneurs. By definition, a carillon is a […]
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Levitt AMP Jacksonville Music Series
Remember last year when we asked you to vote for Jacksonville in the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Award contest? Your votes paid off, as the city of Jacksonville was selected as one out of 15 finalists for a $25,000 grant to produce a free and family-friendly concert series in a neglected public space. All […]
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Bring on the bacon
On July 22 and 23, Downtown Springfield, Inc. and Isringhausen Imports plus other festival sponsors will transform downtown Springfield into a bacon-lovers paradise for the second year in a row during DSI’s Bacon Throwdown II. While the possibility of future food “Throwdown” events is strong, this is likely to be the last bacon-themed Throwdown, so […]
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Insane Inflatable 5K
This summer, get pumped for a wacky obstacle course unlike anything central Illinois has seen before. The Insane Inflatable 5K bounces into Centennial Park on Saturday, Aug. 6. Race waves begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue every 15 minutes through 11:30 a.m. The traveling race will land in 115 cities during its 2016 tour, 40 […]
