ART
RCC Exhibit – February
Richland Community College, Erlanson Gallery, 1 College Pk. Featuring the art works of Jan Kappes, M-F 10am-3pm, free, 217-875-7211.
Millikin University Exhibit – through February 25
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. Featuring Megan Wolfe’s ceramic sculptures, M-F 12-5pm, free, 217-424-6227.
Senior BFA Exhibitions – through February
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. Featuring a variety of works by Millikin University senior Bachelor of Fine Arts students, M-F 12-5pm, free, 217-424-6227.
Decatur Airport Exhibit – February
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring Doug Bergeron’s photographs, airport lobby hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Library Exhibit – February
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring the paintings of Leta Burch, library hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Rock Springs Exhibits – February
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. The Decatur Camera Club’s photographs in the North Gallery and items from the Macon County Conservation District’s collection in the South Gallery, Rock Springs business hours, free, 217-423-7708.
Revelations, Glen C. Davies Art Exhibit – February 4-27
Opening Reception – February 5
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Art inspired by Glen C. Davies’ experience as a banner painter for sideshows, magicians and circuses. Opening reception 2/5. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
First Friday Reception – February 5
Gallery 510 Exhibit – February
Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception for local painter Judy Kimmons during the Gallery Walk, refreshments, F 2/5, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit viewing throughout February, Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
Gallery Walks – February 5 & March 4
Anne Lloyd Gallery – 125 N. Water St., Blue Connection – 117 N. Water St., and Gallery 510 – 160 E. Main St. Visit three downtown Decatur art galleries featuring unique art, artist talks, live music, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, 5-7:30pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Millikin University Exhibit – February 29-April 8
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. The Matchbook Series: Miniature Paintings by Michael Dubina, M-F 12-5pm, free, 217-424-6227.
Decatur Airport Exhibit – March
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring Leta Burch’s paintings, airport lobby hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Library Exhibit – March
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Doug Bergeron’s photographs, library hours, free, 217-422-1509.
Rock Springs Exhibits – March
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Various works from Denise Snyder in the North Gallery and Virginia Kickle’s photographs in the South Gallery, Rock Springs business hours, free, 217-423-7708.
ADOPT-A-Pet Exhibit – March 2-10
Opening Reception – March 2
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Art exhibit opening reception for students grades K-12 who present pieces to help promote animal adoption, 3/2, 5-7:30, free, 217-422-1509. Show sponsored by the Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation, Northgate Pet Clinic and Gallery 510, general exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Earthen Art Exhibit – March 3-29
Opening Reception – March 4
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Figural sculptor Adam Long and fiber artist Karen Gubitz incorporate materials from nature to create their works. Opening reception 3/4. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
First Friday Reception – March 4
Gallery 510 Exhibit – March
Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception for local painter Pam Marty during the Gallery Walk, refreshments, F 3/4, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit viewing throughout March, Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
LIVE MUSIC
LSB Live Performances
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., 6-9pm (unless otherwise noted),
217-429-7411.
2/5 – Chris Bradley
2/12 – Billy Galt
2/13 – Bone Dogz, 9pm-1am
2/19 – Ashley Riley
2/26 – Plan B
3/4 – Chris Bradley
3/11 – Billy Galt
3/18 – Ashley Riley
3/25 – Plan B
Jazz & Blues at LSB
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., 3:30-5:30pm, 217-429-7411.
2/6 – Kevin Hart and the Vibe Tribe
2/13 – Diversity
2/20 – Decatur Big Band
2/27 – Boss Trio Jazz
3/5 – MU Jazz II and One Voice
3/26 – Dixie Dare Devils
41st Central Illinois Jazz Festival – February 5-7
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 4191 US Highway 36 West. Three-day jazz festival featuring world class musicians, multiple venues under one roof, hosted by the Juvae Jazz Society, F 4pm-12am, Sa 10am-2am, Su 10am-5pm, $, 217-454-2709 or 217-877-4527.
LOFT 125: Smooth Times Band – February 19
Madden Arts Center, 3rd Floor, 125 N. Water St. Jazz, blues and R&B in a lounge-style environment, BYOB (no beverages provided), Sloan’s Calzones chicken wings available for $, for ages 21 and older, 7-9pm, $, 217-423-3189.
Julia Kay Jamieson – February 21
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. The Sanctuary Concert Series presents Julia Kay Jamieson, principal harpist of the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, in concert on harp, 4pm, free, 217-428-4336.
Synergy – February 21
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Millikin University’s Percussion Ensemble performs, 4pm, free, 217-424-6318.
Conductor Candidate/Young Artists Concerts – February 6 & March 5
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Finalists for Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra guest conduct the orchestra and Millikin student winners of concerto competition perform, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
2/6 – Concert #1
3/5 – Concert #2
Faculty Recital – February 28
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Millikin University Faculty Recital featuring Silvan Negrutiu on piano, 4pm, free, 217-424-6318.
Beehive – The 60s Musical – March 4-13
The Little Theatre On The Square, 16 E. Harrison, Sullivan. A musical tribute to the rockin’ women of the ’60s and ’70s, call for show times and tickets, $, 217-728-7375.
Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble – March 6
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs with the O’Fallon, Illinois, High School Wind Ensemble, presented by the Millikin University School of Music, 4pm, 217-424-6318.
Messiah – March 15
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. The Millikin University Choir presents a Lenten concert, 7pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Millikin Jazz Band I and Gary Smulyan – March 15
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. Millikin University’s Jazz Band performs with Gary Smulyan on baritone saxophone, 7:30pm, $, 217-433-4240.
St. Patrick’s Day Concert – March 17
Millikin University, Perkinson Music Center, Kaeuper Hall, 1184 W. Main St. Presented by Millikin Men, 6 & 7:30pm, free-will offering, 217-424-6318.
LOFT 125: Scherer & Co. Cabaret – March 18
Madden Arts Center, 3rd Floor, 125 N. Water St. Join Michael Scherer, Zach Garrett and Kristin Shafer Moore for an evening of songs and interactive surprises, BYOB (no beverages provided), for ages 21 and older, 7-9pm, $, 217-423-3189.
THEATER & DANCE
The Magic Pinafore – February 18-21
Millikin University, Shilling Hall, Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. Well-known musical numbers with updated texts from the great Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, Th-Sa 7:30pm, Su 2pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Celtic Nights – Spirit of Freedom – February 19
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1183 W. Main St. Direct from Ireland, the story of Irish independence and the Easter Rising of 1916 through music, song, dance and storytelling, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Cinderella – The Ballet – March 12
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1183 W. Main St. The Minnesota Ballet Company presents this favorite fairy tale, non-dancing roles of the King and Queen are filled by local celebrities, 2 & 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – March 18-20
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Actors in grades 1-12 present this popular tale, presented by Decatur Park District’s PERFORM!, F 7pm, Sa 2 & 7pm, Su 2pm, $, reserved seating, 217-422-5911.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
Dulcimer Music – February 13, 27 & March 12, 26
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Listen to volunteers play old time music, 10am-12pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Blue Grass Music Jams – February 14 & March 13
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Enjoy old time tunes played by area musicians, 1-4pm free, 217-423-7708.
The National Road through Central Illinois – February 21
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Speaker Don Chamberlain shares how this 600-mile road across six states impacted Illinois residents, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
The Kickapoo of Central Illinois – March 6
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Author Bill Kemp presents a program and shares rare photographs of the tribe that lived in Illinois from the 1700s to the 1830s, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open House – March 27
421 W. William St. Visit the historic Decatur landmark and beautifully restored Victorian home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, 2-4pm, $, members free, 217-429-9422.
NATURE & GARDENS
Woodpecker Wonderland – February 7
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Visit the Window on Wildlife, make a bird feeder, hear stories, enjoy a short hike, 1-3pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Chelsea Gardens in London – February 9
First Lutheran Church, 250 W. Decatur St. Program presented by the Garden Club of Decatur, 6pm, free, 217-422-4996.
Eagle Viewing Trip – February 13
Rock Springs Conservation Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Van trip with Jeff Tish to Pere Marquette State Park to view wild bald eagles along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, tour the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, bring a lunch or purchase one at the lodge, for ages 10 and older, 8am-5pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Snake & Turtle Show – February 13
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. See and feel snakes and turtles at the center and discuss what makes them special in nature, 1-2:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Great Backyard Bird Count – February 14
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Global bird counting event helps scientists track bird species and populations across the world, for experienced birders and beginners, dress for the weather, 1-3pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Water Gardening – February 16
First Lutheran Church, 250 W. Decatur St. Program on trials and tribulations of maintaining outdoor water features using native and decorative plants and animals, presented by the Garden Club of Decatur, meeting 12:30pm, program 1pm, desserts 2pm, free, 217-330-6614.
Hooting Owls – February 17 & 18
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover the world of owls and owlets, adult buddies must be present, dress for the weather, 2/17 for ages 1-5, 2/18 for ages 3-5, 9:30-10:30am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Family Games Days – February and March
Hickory Point Mall, south corridor, Dr. G’s BrainWorks store, Forsyth. Brain Guides set up family games and a chess set for the public to play, for all ages, Su’s 2-4pm, free, 217-330-8629.
Make Space Workshops – February & March
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Perfect your fine motor skills at these imaginative events, bring a snack and your creativity, 12:30-3pm, $, registrations required, 217-423-5437.
2/10 – Loop-de-loop: Basics of sewing,
K-1st grades
2/10 – Backpack Improvements:
With littleBits, 2nd-6th grades
2/24 – Boom: Cannons and rockets,
K-1st grades
2/24 – Whirl: Aliens, UFOs and livable environments, 2nd-6th grades
3/9 – Rainbows: Rainbow paper,
K-1st grades
3/9 – Superheroes: Superheroes with recyclables and littleBits, 2nd-6th grades
3/30 – Carnival: Merry-go-round pinwheels, K-1st grades
3/30 – Carnival: Amusement Park Rides made with littleBits, 2nd-6th grades
Valentine Fun – February 12
Mt. Zion Library, 115 W. Main St., Mt. Zion. Valentine themed stories, crafts and treats, 1pm, free, registration required, 217-864-3622.
School’s Out Day Camp – February 15
Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC), 1295 W. Wood St. Play games, enjoy the rock wall and inflatables, for students ages 5-13, 10am-12pm, $, 217-429-3472.
Blushing Robins – March 8 & 10
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Welcome spring like robins do, adult buddies must be present, dress for the weather, 3/8 for ages 3-5, 3/10 for ages 1-5, 9:30-10:30am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Critter Egg Hunt – March 26
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Singing and dancing with Park District arts staff before the egg hunt, for children ages 10 and under, 1:30pm, egg hunt 2pm, $, 217-421-7435.
Quacking Ducks – March 29 & 31
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Role-play, stories and outdoor exploration of ducks, adult buddies must be present, dress for the weather, 3/29 for ages 1-5, 3/31 for ages 3-5, 9:30-10:30am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Backyard Beekeeping – February 27
Richland Community College, Shilling Center, 1 College Pk. Program to get you started raising bees, 10:15-11:15am, $, pre-registration encouraged, 217-877-6042.
Conservation Areas in Winter – February 27
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Staff drives guests to various Conservation District sites to explore nature, 2-4pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Gardening Insights – February 27
Richland Community College, Shilling Center, 1 College Pk. Gardening presentations and workshops, includes shopping opportunities and lunch, 8am-4pm, $, pre-registration encouraged, 217-877-6042.
Secrets of Growing Great Tomatoes – March 5
University of Illinois Extension, 3351 N. Pres. Howard Brown Blvd. Learn how to improve the tomatoes in your garden, 6-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-877-6042.
Spring into Spring – March 5
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Starter trays and seeds of green peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins and sweet corn will be provided, 10am, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Garden Warriors Competition – March 15
Scovill Banquet Center, 3903 W. Main St. Competition among three Garden Club members to complete a floral design, presented by the Garden Club of Decatur, meeting 11:30am, lunch 12pm, program 1pm, free, reservations required, 217-429-7828.
Frog Music Hike – March 18
Griswold Conservation Area, 9896 Meridian Rd., Blue Mound. Bring your flashlights to scope water habitats as you search for species by sight and sound, dress for the weather, 9-11pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Design a Seed Pod – March 20
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Create seed pods using air drying clay and native flower seeds, 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Small Space Gardening – March 23
University of Illinois Extension, 3351 N. Pres. Howard Brown Blvd. Information for growing productive vegetable gardens in limited spaces, build a self-watering planter, 6-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-877-6042.
Discover Allerton – March 26
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Ride to Robert Allerton Park in Monticello, wander and explore the gardens, hiking trails, acres of preserved wild habitats and the Visitor Center,10am-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS
Club Ice – February & early March
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Public ice skating, skates rental available, W’s 2-3pm, F’s 6-8pm, Sa’s 3:30-5:30pm, Su’s 1-3pm, also late skates 2/19, 2/26, 3/4 6-9pm & 2/20, 2/27, 3/5 7:30-9:30pm, $, 217-422-7300.
Cross Country Skiing & Snow Shoeing – February 6
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. An Into the Wild event with a skiing or snow shoeing lesson, then practice on the Rock Springs’ trails, 10am, free, at least 4 inches of snow and reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Your Diet Your Decade – Planning for a Strong and Healthy Future – March 24
University of Illinois Extension, 3351 N. Pres. Howard Brown Blvd. Make recipes, eat a meal and discuss food choices and nutrition, geared to persons in their 20s-30s, 5:30-7:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-877-6042.
EXPOSITIONS
Home, Lawn & Garden Show – March 12-13
Decatur Civic Center, #1 Gary Anderson Plaza. Local businesses and experts display, demonstrate and explain their products and services, combined this year with Mt. Zion Home Builders, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 11am-4pm, 217-422-7300.
Lady Palooza – March 31
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Village Pkwy, Mt. Zion. Shop for different gifts, products and services, raffle tickets sold to benefit The United Way, sponsored by Neuhoff Media, 4-7pm, free admission, 217-423-9744.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Truth About Love – Launch Party – January 28
Paco’s Sol Bistro, 237 N. Main St. Book signing party for local author Terri Fisher’s first novel in a series called The Whole Truth, books available for purchase and signing, 5:30-8:30pm, free, to RSVP, 217-521-6297.
Saturday Scrappin’ Scrapbooking – February 13 & March 26
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Pk. Blvd., Mt. Zion. Bring your own scrapbooking supplies, lunch and dinner, snacks and drinks provided, 10am-10pm, $, 217-864-5424.
Adult Bingo – February 17 & March 16
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Pk. Blvd., Mt. Zion. Bingo with prizes and treats, 10-11am, free, 217-864-5424.
Downtown Mardi Gras – February 20
Nine downtown Decatur restaurants open their doors to celebrate Mardi Gras in style with plenty of beads, signature drinks and menu specialties. The fun starts at 5:00 at Bizou, Coney McKane’s, Doherty’s, Gin Mill, Lincoln Lounge, Paco’s, Robbie’s, Sloan’s and TapRoot.
2016 Environmental Film Series – February 27 & March 12, 19
Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Decatur, 3773 N. MacArthur Rd. Showcasing contemporary documentaries about environmental issues, discussions led by local experts, for ages 10 and older, 7pm, free, 217-521-9702.
2/27 – The Whale
3/12 – Divide in Concord
3/19 – Ingredients
Canning and Freezing: New and Old Methods That Really Work – March 8
First Lutheran Church, 250 W. Decatur St. Program presented by the Garden Club of Decatur, 6pm, free, 217-422-4996.
Home, Lawn & Garden Expo – March 12 & 13
Decatur Civic Center. The Metro Decatur Homebuilder’s Association exhibits the newest technology, building materials and design trends for remodeling and new construction. Talk to the experts. For more information call 217-429-0774 or go to metrodecaturhomebuilders.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 12
Downtown Decatur parade route. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with marching bands, leprechauns and lots of green, 11am, free, 217-853-6361.
Maple Syrup Programs – March 19
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Sample and discover how maple syrup is produced, hourly from 8am-12pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
CHARITY DATEBOOK
Dueling Pianos Dinner – February 13
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Village Pkwy, Mt. Zion. Valentine’s Dinner and fundraiser featuring Midwest Dueling Pianos with silent auction and 50/50 raffle, proceeds benefit the Fletcher Park Splash Pad, doors open 6:30pm, dinner 7pm, music 8pm, $, reservations required by 2/10, www.mtzconventioncenter.com or 217-864-5424.
Kids Club – February 13 & March 12
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Pk. Blvd., Mt. Zion. Live entertainment, old time movies, classic cartoons, prizes and concessions, with Doodles the Dragon, Granny Giggles and the Gary Strong Marionette Show, proceeds benefit the Fletcher Park Splash Pad, doors open 1:30pm, show 2pm, $, 217-864-5424.
Second Saturday Used Book Sale – February 13 & March 12
Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St. Friends of the Library monthly sale of used books, CDs, DVDs and special items, free refreshments, all proceeds benefit literacy programing at the Decatur Public Library, 9:30am-12:30pm, free admission, 217-424-2099 ext. 133.
Heroes Ball – March 5
Country Club of Decatur. Enjoy a night in the “Big Easy” with a taste of Cajun cuisine and the blues sounds of Davinia & the Vagabonds as the American Red Cross celebrates local heroes. Proceeds fund vital programs and services. $125 per person. Black tie optional. RSVP by Feb. 26 to 217-450-7423.
Bowl for Kids’ Sake – March 18-20
Pla-Mor Lanes, 2121 N. 22nd St. Register to participate in this charity event to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Macon County with bowling, food and soft drinks, funds raised help provide services for Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Central Illinois, F & Sa 5:30-7:30 & 8-10pm, Su 1:30-3:30pm, $ to participate, registration required, 217-428-4240.
For information on how to include your fund-raising event in the Charity Datebook, contact Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter by email: ArtsEdit@aol.com or call 217-423-0422.