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 […]
Washington Park
Posted inArts & Culture
Carols of the bells
This week, the 54th Annual International Carillon Festival plays host to 11 carillon concerts across five days by the world’s leading carillonneurs. All concerts are free of charge and will occur rain or shine. Individuals and families are encouraged to pack lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners, and enjoy the late spring evenings outside in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Grinning gourds
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns for its 10th year Oct. 17-18. Inspired by a similar festival for professional artists in Providence, Rhode Island, the Springfield celebration will feature at least 2,014 pumpkins, hand-carved by local residents of all skill levels during the Carve for the Carillon event held the previous weekend. Pumpkins will be […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A la arte
PHOTO BY MICHELLE PAWLAK Two days of fine art, bell music and fun for kids takes place at Art Spectacular at Washington Park, Sept. 13-14. Founded by Rees Carillon Society Trustee Barb Walker, Art Spectacular is a professionally juried fine art and craft show featuring collector- and museum-quality works. The 50 participating artists are among […]
Posted inArts & Culture
First-class bells
PHOTO BY ANITA STIENSTRA The International Carillon Festival returns to Washington Park June 4-8. Touted as one of the world’s most important and prestigious carillon events, this year’s carillonneurs are Robin Austin (USA), Geert D’hollander (Belgium), Frans Haagan (The Netherlands), Claire Halpert (USA), Caleb Malamed (USA), Eddy Marien (Belgium), James Rogers (USA) and students Annie […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Look on the bright side
Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular will dazzle you with 2,013 glowing carved pumpkin faces lighting up Washington Park near the Carillon and Botanical Garden. Friday and Saturday nights, Oct. 18-19, rain or shine, walk through the grounds and see the amazing display. Chaditos, Dew’s Chili, Pease’s Candy and other food vendors will be on site, too. Don’t want […]
Posted inMusic
Amazed all over town
I can’t help but be amazed at the incredible variety and substance of shows this week in a host of various venues. Along with the entertainment values acknowledged, many of the upcoming events contain a good deal of educational and even, spiritual, overtones and underpinnings. The Celtic influence reigns supreme this weekend with the World […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Big bells
Pack your chair or blanket and head to Washington Park for some fabulous sounds ringing out for six nights at the International Carillon Festival. Rain or shine, six of the world’s top carillonneurs from The Netherlands and United States will present concerts nightly. A large screen at the base of the carillon will show concert […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Sweet carillon
There’s never been a better time to visit Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park. Enjoy free 30-minute weekly concerts four days a week with two performances on Sundays. The park district’s carillonneur, Robin Austin, will play a variety of classical, folk and popular songs. Also, carillon tours resumed the first of May. Offered every […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Chiming in
Join the 31st Annual Caroling around the Carillon at Washington Park this Sunday, Dec. 14, starting at 4:30 p.m. The Park District’s new carillonneur, Robin Austin, will be playing the carillon, Damien Kaplan and members of the Springfield High School Choir will be singing holiday carols, and hot cocoa and cookies will be served around […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Majestic metal
The Sangamon Brass Quintet has an upcoming performance on Aug. 24 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Washington Park gazebo. Bring your chairs and enjoy classical and contemporary music in a casual outdoor setting. Members are Byrd Davis on trumpet, Aaron Duncan on trumpet, Jan Dungey on French horn, Matt Traeger on trombone, and Stuart Farris […]
Posted inNews
Storm over sewers
While relaxing in Florida on a Wednesday in May, Ruth Yu received one of those phone calls – the kind with the potential to destroy even a perfect vacation. On the other end of the line was her dog walker who explained that her Woodland Avenue home had seen serious flooding after a major rain […]
