Calendar – August / September 2016

ART

Decatur Airport Exhibit – August
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery. Featuring Sharon Zimmerman’s works, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509.

Gallery Opening Reception – August 12
Gallery 510 Exhibit – August
Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. Opening reception 8/12 featuring Sue Goodpaster’s watercolor and acrylic paintings, refreshments, 5-7:30pm, free. General exhibit hours Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.

Library Exhibit – August
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring the works of Jim Hill, library open hours, free, 217-422-1509.

Rock Springs Exhibits – August
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring Sue Watts’ watercolors in the North Gallery and David Staff’s photographs in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.

Reflections: Bert Hoddinott, Jr. Exhibit – August 3-29
Opening Reception – August 12
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Exhibit of Bert Hoddinott, Jr.’s paintings, sponsored by The Avery Foundation. Opening reception 8/12 with hors d’oeuvres and beverages, 5-7:30pm, free. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm & Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.

Gallery Walks – August 12 & September 2
3 Downtown Art Galleries: Madden Arts Center’s Anne Lloyd Gallery and Blue Connection Gallery, 125 N. Water St. and Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. Walk around the block for a variety of art experiences, artist talks, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, 5-7:30pm, free, 217-423-3189.

Spelling the Wind by Craig Dongoski – August 26-October 7
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. A multimedia project that explores the boundaries between the aural and the visual arts, supported by a grant from the Hardy Foundation, M-F 12-5pm when school is in session, free, 217-424-6227.

Decatur Airport Exhibit – September
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery. Featuring Sue Goodpaster’s watercolor and acrylic paintings, airport lobby open hours, free, 217-422-1509.

Library Exhibit – September
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring the works of William Fletcher, library open hours, free, 217-422-1509.

First Friday – September 2
Gallery 510 Exhibit – September
Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception featuring the works of Carol Kessler, refreshments, 5-7:30pm, free. General exhibit hours Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.

Other Worldly: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Art Exhibit – September 2-28
Opening Reception – September 2
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Enter make-believe worlds created by sci-fi and fantasy artists, sponsored by Busey. Opening reception and featured artists’ demonstrations, costume contest and art making 9/2 with hors d’oeuvres and beverages, free, 5-7:30pm. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm & Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.

Arts in Central Park – September 17-18
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. 54th annual juried fine arts fair featuring various media works of over 70 artists from six states, live musical entertainment, kids art activities, face painting, caricature artist, Sa 10am-5pm, Su 10am-4pm, free admission, 217-423-3189.

LIVE MUSIC

Decatur Municipal Band Concerts – August
Family-friendly summer band concerts, some seating available or bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, free, 217-422-9168.
8/1, 8, 15, 22 – Downtown Decatur, Central Park, 7pm
8/6 – Downtown Decatur, Central Park, Decatur Celebration, 12pm
8/17 – Hickory Point Golf Course, 7pm

Dulcimer Music – August 13, 27 & September 10, 24
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Listen to the Nature Center volunteers play old time music, 10am-12pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Bluegrass Music Jams – August 14 & September 11
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Enjoy old time tunes played by area musicians, 1-4pm free, 217-423-7708.

Blues in Central Park – August 18
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. Chicago blues artist Joanna Connor performs during the 16th year of free outdoor blues concerts presented by Decatur Magazine, bring a lawn chair for blues, BBQ and beer, food and beverage vendors open 6pm, free concert 7-10pm, for more information click here.

Shape Note Singing – August 28
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. The Charleston-Mattoon Sacred Harp Singers demonstrate shape note singing, 2-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Labor Day Pops Concert – September 5
Nelson Park, Lakeside Amphitheatre, 200 Nelson Blvd. Celebrate summer’s end with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s 20th annual family concert on the lake, boaters welcome to listen from the water, 6pm, free, 217-424-6318.

Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash: A Night to Remember – September 10
Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Pays tribute to and celebrates the legendary Sun Records recording artists Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis & Johnny Cash – the show energizes and exudes pure 1950s rock and roll. 7:30 PM Tickets: $35 – $30 – $25/School Age $5. Call 217-424-6318 or millikin.edu/kirkland

A Night of Blues and Brews – September 16
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion. Blues music by Hurricane Ruth, sponsored by Skeff Distributing and the Mt.. Zion Convention Center, doors open 7pm, blues 8-11pm, $, 217-864-5424.

Season Opener Concert – September 24
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s 2016-2017 season opener with Masterworks I and internationally acclaimed pianist Mikhail Yanovitsky performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.

THEATER, COMEDY & DANCE

Summer Mainstage Shows
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan. Dates and show times vary, $, tickets required, 217-728-7375.
7/27-8/7 – Sister Act
8/10-8/28 – Shear Madness

The Secret to My Unsuccess Comedy Tour – September 10
Decatur Civic Center Theater, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Tour show featuring Earl David Reed, who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, HBO, Showtime, FOX’s Comic Strip Live and more, great non-offensive fun, doors open 7pm, show 8pm, $, 217-422-6161 or 217-422-7300.

Alice in Wonderland – September 22 – 24
Decatur Civic Center Theatre. A Mid-Summer Moon theatre production. Friday, 7:00pm, Sat, 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sun, 2:00pm. Tickets: Adults – $10.00 Children (12 and under) – $8.00. Call 217-422-7300.

Headshot – September 29 – October 2
Albert Taylor Theatre. A surrealistic audition has a group of actors wondering what the invisible yet omnipotent directors might be seeking and what may be required of them. The fierce competition among them, however, makes the goal of winning take precedence over all else. Shows at 7:30 pm and 2:00 pm. Tickets $12 -$14, 217-424-6318.

HISTORY & MUSEUMS

Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open House – August & September
421 W. William St. Visit the historic Decatur landmark and beautifully restored Victorian home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, every W & Sa in August and 8/28 & 9/25, 2-4pm, $, 217-423-7708.

Homestead Prairie Farm Open House – August & September
Rock Springs Conservation Area, Homestead Prairie Farm, 3939 Nearing Ln. Tour the 1860’s Trobaugh-Good house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sa’s & Su’s 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.

50th Anniversary Slideshow – August 4
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Staff tour of the Macon County Conservation District’s last 50 years through old slides and favorite stories, 6-7pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Bethel School Open House – August 6 & September 3
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Argenta. Tour one of Macon County’s last one-room schoolhouses, circa 1890, 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.

From Horses to Hybrids: Farming in 20th Century Illinois – August 21
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Author and Eastern Illinois University History Professor Dr. Deb Reid explores the factors that transformed Illinois farming in the 1900s, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Native American Adventure – August 27
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Explore Native American cultures through stories and games, create a dream catcher to take home, 10am, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

James Millikin Homestead Open House – August 28 & September 25
125 S. Pine St. Visit the historic Victorian mansion that belonged to one of Decatur’s leading citizens, circa 1875, last Sunday of the month or groups by reservation any day, 2-4pm, $, 217-422-9003.

Prairie Celebration – September 10-11
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Demonstrations of skills, crafts, and techniques of trappers and traders during the 1700 and 1800s, wagon rides, games, items for sale and food available for $, Sa 11am-5pm, Su 12-4pm, free admission, 217-423-7708.

Native American Stories and Games – September 24
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Listen to Native American stories before participating in traditional hunting preparation games, ages 6 and older, 10am, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

NATURE & GARDENS

Frog and Toad Shows – August 11
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn about several species of live amphibians, 5:30-7pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

The Next 50 Years – August 18
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. An open discussion about the future of the Conservation District, 6-7pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Bees and Beekeeping, Then and Now – September 4
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Presentation covers basic bee biology, a brief history of beekeeping and issues facing modern beekeepers, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Monarch Madness – September 18
Rock Springs Conservation District, 3939 Nearing Ln. Family event to learn about, catch, tag and release monarch butterflies, sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and the Macon Country Conservation District, 2-4pm, free, 217-877-6042.

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Theatre for Young Audiences
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, dates and show times vary, $, tickets required, 217-728-7375.
7/29-8/6 – James and the Giant Peach

80th Annual Lantern Parade & Summer Bash – August 3
Fairview Park, Pavilion #1, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Enjoy the Greater Decatur Youth Band, jump rope team demonstrations, Yellow Hat reunion, fun activities and lantern parade, 5-9pm, free, 217-422-5911.

Movie in the Park: Zootopia – August 12
Nelson Park by Overlook Adventure Mini Golf, 200 Nelson Blvd. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks, movie starts at dusk, free, www.decatur-parks.org for weather updates, 217-421-6648.

Family Campout – August 19
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Campout at Rock Springs with hot dogs, drinks, s’mores and campfire provided, play games, take a night hike, bring a tent or use Rock Springs’, must have at least one adult per tent, F 7pm-Sa 10am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Astronomy Jamboree – August 20
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13723 Friends Creek Park Rd., Argenta. Roast marshmallow and gaze at constellations, presentation on outer space missions by guest speaker Bryan Maple, bring a picnic supper, crafts for children, 7-9pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Baby TALK’s Rock the Park Music Festival – August 27
Downtown Decatur, Central Park. Singing and dancing to kid friendly tunes, arts and crafts booths, local merchandise, food and drink vendors, presented by Dale’s Southlake Pharmacy and Corley Family Dental, sponsored in part by the Decatur Area Arts Council, 11am-2pm, free, 217-475-2234.

Grease Fest 2016 – August 27
Fletcher Park, 400 S. Henderson St., Mt. Zion. Family back to school bash with cheerleaders, band, bonfire, ’50s style concessions and more, poodle skirts and leather jackets encouraged, sponsored by Mt. Zion School Organizations and Hickory Point Bank, gates open 6pm, movie, “Grease” shown at dusk, $, 217-864-5424.

Zoo Grandparent’s Day – September 11
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Family-friendly activities with cake walks, games and more, 1-4pm, $, grandparents free with paying child, 217-421-7435.

SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS

Tuesday Night Park Runs – through August 2
Fairview Park, Pavilion #1, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. Weekly family event includes half-mile Tot Trot, one-mile fun run or various distance runs, for all ages and skill levels, prizes, presented by Staley Credit Union, Tu’s, registration 5:30pm, runs 6pm, $, 217-429-3472.

18th Annual USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic – July 31-August 7
Fairview Park, Tennis Complex, 1640 W. Monument Hill Dr. The world’s top tennis players from more than 20 countries compete for ATP World Ranking Points and $25,000 prize money, Jr. Pro-Am 7/31, Adult Pro-Am 8/1, Kids’ Day 8/4, 10am-7pm (match times vary), free admission, 217-421-7432.

Family Golf Pro Tips Night – August 4
Hickory Point Golf Course, 727 W. Weaver Rd. Join golf professionals for tips on the driving range and putting green, for all skill levels, unlimited range balls, 6-7pm, $, 217-421-7444.

Obesity Prevention Coalition Family Fun Run/Walk – August 6
Intersection of E. Main St. and US Rt. 51. A 1-mile fun run/walk for all ages, proceeds benefit the Obesity Prevention Coalition for healthy living activities held in Macon County and the OPC Grant Program, registration 9-9:30am, run/walk 9:45 am, $, 217-423-6988 ext. 1102.

Community Yoga – August 7 & September 4
Nelson Park, Pavilion #1, 200 Nelson Blvd. Enjoy yoga outdoors, 10-11:30am, free, 217-422-5911.

3D Animal Archery – August 13
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Rotate through life-like 3D targets, basic instruction included, equipment provided or bring your own, for ages 10 and older, 5-7pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Vintage Baseball – August 13
Rock Springs Conservation Area, TrobaughField, 3939 Nearing Ln. The Rock Springs Ground Squirrels challenge the St. Louis Brown Stockings during a home baseball match using authentic 1858 rules and vintage uniforms, 12pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Swing Night – September 9
Nelson Park, Pavilion #1, 200 Nelson Blvd. Swing into fall at the Decatur Park District’s Swing Night, free dance instruction 6-6:45pm, dance 7-9pm, free, 217-422-5911.

Fido Scurry – September 24
Fairview Park, Pavilion #1, 1455 W. Fairview Park Dr. 5K or 1-mile run or walk, with or without a pet partner, dogs must be on a leash, proceeds benefit the Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation and the Decatur Park District’s Fido Fields, Registration 8am, Run/Walk 9am, $, 217-423-7387.

FESTIVALS, FOOD & FAIRS

Decatur Celebration – August 5-7
Family Night at the Carnival – August 4
Downtown Decatur, 22 blocks. Illinois’ largest free family street festival featuring show stages with national headliners and emerging music artists, carnival, 3 blocks of arts and crafts vendors, more than 60 unique food items, street attractions, Family Night at the Carnival 8/4 4-11pm, Razzle-Dazzle Goodtimes Parade Sa 10am, festival hours F 5-11pm, Sa 11am-11pm, Su 11am-9:30pm, free admission, www.decaturcelebration.com or 217-423-4222.

Mt. Zion Business Connections Open House – September 14
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion. Tour the Mt. Zion Convention Center and take a shuttle to Fletcher Park to sample caterers’ cuisine, 11:30am-2pm, free, 217-864-5424.

Full Throttle Friday 2016 – September 16
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion. An evening of bikes, brews and food, sponsored by Cromwell Radio Group-The FOX 106.7, Coziahr Harley Davidson, Miller Brewing and the Mt. Zion Convention Center, 6-6:45, free, 217-864-5424.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Seniorama – September 9
Decatur Civic Center, Hickory Point Bank Arena, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Exhibitors showcase services and products for seniors and caregivers, 9am-1:30pm, free, 217-422-6161 or 217-422-7300.

Farmers Market – through October 29
Central Park, Downtown Decatur. Illinois’ oldest farmers market with fresh produce grown by local farmers, Sa’s 8am-12pm, $ to purchase goods, 217-428-3380 or 217-520-5098.

Saturday Produce Market – through September 24
Richland Community College, under the wind turbine, 1 College Park. Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers for sale, grown by students and local farmers, managed by Richland Student Farms, Sa’s 8am-12pm, $ to purchase goods, 217-875-7211.

Chamber Business Breakfast – August 3 & September 7
Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Join community leaders and area business professionals for breakfast and networking, sponsored by the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, 7-8am, $, reservations preferred, 217-422-2200.

Paint, Stain and Varnish Collections – August 3, 24 & September 14, 28
Macon County Environmental Management, 1750 N. 21st St. Bring old and discarded latex or oil based paints, stains and varnishes for proper disposal, residential items only, 8/3, 9/14, 9/28 12:30-5:30pm, 8/24 3-7pm, free, 217-425-4505.

Poetry on the Prairie – August 7
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Listen to poems or bring a favorite poem by an Illinois poet to recite on stage, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Welcome Dr. Sergey Bogza – August 8
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Welcome reception for Dr. Sergey Bogza, new Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra music director and conductor, sponsored by the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, 5:30-7pm, Dr. Bogza presentation 6pm, free, 217-423-3189.

Adult Bingo – August 17 & September 21
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Pk. Blvd., Mt. Zion, 10-11am, free, 217-864-5424.

2016 Annual Chamber Awards Luncheon – August 18
Heartland Community Church, Grand Palace, 3253 N. Brush College Rd. Recognition of local businesses that have made a significant community impact, sponsored by the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, 12-1:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-422-2200.

Neuhoff Media Wedding Extravaganza – September 18
Hickory Point Mall, Sears’ previous store location, Forsyth. Limos, DJs, caterers, photographers, hair and makeup stylists and more, 12-4pm, free, 217-423-9744.

Scrap and Crop – September 24
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Pk. Blvd., Mt. Zion. Bring your scrapbooking supplies, lunch, dinner, and snacks, also bring extra scrapbooking supplies to sell, 10am-10pm, $, registration required 7 days prior, 217-864-5424.

For information on how to include your event on the calendar, contact Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter by email: ArtsEdit@aol.com or call 217-423-0422.