Rock Springs Exhibit – through February
Rock Springs Nature Center, North Wing Gallery, 3939 Nearing Ln. The Decatur Camera Club displays photography of flowers, animals, and scenic views of Central Illinois, Rock Springs business hours, free, 423-7708.

Earth from Space – through March 4
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. From the Smithsonian Institute, large reproductions of images captured by high-tech satellites, M-F 8am-5pm, Sa 9am-4:30pm, Su 1pm-4:30pm, free, 423-7708.

Decatur Airport Exhibit – February
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring the photography of Barbara Harp, Airport Lobby hours, free, 422-1509.

Gallery 510 Exhibit – February
First Friday – February 3
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. Featuring Ann Pranschke's photographs with First Friday exhibit opening reception 2/3, 5:30-7:30pm, refreshments, free. General exhibit viewing T-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 422-1509.

Library Exhibit – February
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring the works of Elizabeth Lindsey, library hours, free, 422-1509.

After 5 Live – February 3
Blue Connection, 117 N. Water St. Featuring Spotlight Visual Artists' works from the Millikin University faculty with live music by the Eidolan Quintet, complimentary refreshments provided by Lock, Stock and Barrel, 5-7:30pm, free, 428-0112.

Arts Council Exhibit – February 3-27
Reception – February 3
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. The Human Experience exhibit features woodcuts, etchings, and monoprints by artist Joe Taylor, with artist's reception 2/3, 5-7:30pm. General exhibit viewing M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 423-3189.

Decatur Airport Exhibit – March
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Exhibition by the Decatur Quilter's Guild, Airport Lobby hours, free, 422-1509.

Gallery 510 Exhibit – March
First Friday – March 2
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. Featuring the abstract works of Grace Snively with First Friday exhibit opening reception 3/2, 5:30-7:30pm, refreshments, free. General exhibit viewing T-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 422-1509.

Rock Springs Exhibit – March & April
Rock Springs Nature Center, Exhibit Hall, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring detailed images of plants and animals, Rock Springs business hours, free, 423-7708.

Rock Springs Exhibit – March thru May
Rock Springs Nature Center, Exhibit Hall, 3939 Nearing Ln. Exhibit spotlights the simple beauty of our natural world, Rock Springs business hours, free, 423-7708.

After 5 Live – March 2
Blue Connection, 117 N. Water St. Featuring Spotlight Visual Artist Anna Niebrugge's paintings during the Downtown Gallery Walk, complimentary refreshments and live music provided by Lock, Stock and Barrel, 5-8pm, free, 428-0112.

Arts Council Exhibit – March 2-29
Reception – March 2
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Feel Good exhibit features colorful abstract mixed media paintings by artist Katie Hinton, during the First Friday Gallery Walk, with artist's reception 3/2, 5-8pm. General exhibit viewing M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 423-3189.

First Friday Gallery Walk – March 2
Anne Lloyd Gallery, Gallery 510, Blue Connection, Theatre 7 Lobby, in downtown Decatur, Water and Main Streets. Visit 4 galleries featuring great art, live music, hors d'oeuvres, and artist talks, 5-8pm free, 423-3189.

White House Gardens Exhibit – March 10
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Reproductions of archival materials and historic and contemporary photographs that focus on the presidents and their families, White House gardeners, special gardens, the grounds' magnificent trees, and planting plans, library hours, free, 424-2900 x.7.

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blues & jazz

37th Central Illinois Jazz Festival – February 3-5
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 4191 US Highway 36 West. Three-day jazz festival featuring bands and guest artists from across the country, hosted by the Juvae Jazz Society, casual dress, F 5pm-12am, Sa 10am-2am, Su 10am-5pm, $, 454-2709.

Saturday Jazz at LSB
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., 4-6pm, no cover charge, 429-7411.
2/4 - Craig Russo's Latin Jazz
2/11 - Millikin University Vocal Jazz
2/18 - Decatur Big Band
2/25 - Jim Walker
3/3 - Millikin University Jazz Band II
3/10 - Diversity
3/24 - Decatur Big Band
3/31 - Millikin University Jazz Band I

Monday Night Jazz at LSB – February 6, 13, 20 & March 5
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., 6-8pm, 429-7411.

Friday Night Latin Jazz at LSB – February 10
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., 5:30-7:30pm, 429-7411.

Hot 8 Brass Band – February 11
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. New Orleans street music, 7:30pm, $, 424-6318.

Blues Jams / Open Mic – February 12, 26 & March 11
Blues jams for anyone who plays, sings, or just enjoys the music, presented by Decatur Blues Society, 3-6pm, free, 855-4262.
2/12 – Timbuktu Saloon, 5843 E US Route 36, with host Joe Asselin.
2/26 – The Elbow Room, 3775 N. Woodford, with host Apple Jack
3/11 – Paco's Sol Bistro, 237 N. Main St., with host Billy Galt

KirkOut: Latin Jazz – February 14
Katz on Merchant, 112 N. Merchant St. Featuring the Millikin University World Percussion Ensemble Latin Jazz Project with Salsa Dancing, 7-10pm, 424-6318.

KirkOut: Jazz – March 18
Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Millikin University's Faculty Jazz, 2pm, free, 424-2900 x 7.

Millikin Jazz Band – March 24
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. Featuring trumpeter legend Bobby Shew with the award-winning Millikin Jazz band in concert, 7:30pm, $, 433-4240.

St. Louis Stompers Classic Jazz Band – March 24
Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Featuring a world class band, food available for purchase, 5-8pm, $, 546-1363 or 877-4527.

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concerts

Young Artists Concert – February 4
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Featuring winners of Millikin's Concerto/Aria competition joined by the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, 7:30pm, $, 424-6318.

Synergy – February 19
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Percussion Ensemble concert presented by the Millikin University School of Music, 4pm, $, 424-6318.

MDSO Concert – March 3
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra with Robert Belinic on guitar and the Millikin Union of Choirs singing from the balcony, 7:30pm, $, 424-6318.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble and University Concert Band – March 4
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Concert presented by the Millikin University School of Music, 2pm, free, 424-6318.

Slide Ireland – March 10
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. An energetic band that produces electrifying sound in traditional Irish music, 7:30pm, $, 424-6318.

Millikin and Illinois Wesleyan Universities Wind Ensembles – March 30
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Concert presented by the Millikin University School of Music 7:30pm, free, 424-6318.

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live theatre

Comedy Club – February & March
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, Sports Zone, 4191 U. S. Rt. 36 West. Two different comedy acts each Wednesday night, 8:30-10pm, cover $, 422-8800.

Chicago the Musical – February 10-19
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan, IL. Set in Prohibition-era Chicago where two accused murderesses find themselves on death row together and fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows, $, 728-7375.

KirkOut – February 12
Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Musical Theatre Presents, 2pm, free, 424-2900 x.7.

Orpheus in the Underworld – February 16-19
Millikin University, Shilling Hall, Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. Jaques Offenbach's lampoon of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Euridice, presented by Millikin University's Department of Theatre and Dance, Th-Sa 7:30pm, Su 2pm, $, 424-6318.

A Midsummer Night's Dream – February 17-19 & 24-26
Richland Community College, Shilling Auditorium, 1 College Park. Presented by Richland Community College's Discovery Theatre featuring 12-18 year-old students who are participating in a hands-on theatre laboratory experience, F's & Sa's 7:30pm, Su's 3pm, $, 875-7211 x.6888.

The 39 Steps – March 9-11, 16-18
Richland Community College, Shilling Auditorium, 1 College Park. Hitchcock meets hilarious where four actors play over 140 characters in this fast-paced comedy, presented by Theatre 7, F & Sa's 7:30pm, Su's 2pm, $, 423-3189.

Once On This Island – March 9-11
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Actors in grades 1-12 present the poignant story and catchy Caribbean flavored score, presented by Decatur Park District's PERFORM!, F 7pm, Sa 2 & 7pm, Su 2pm, $, tickets required, 422-5911.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – March 21-25
Millikin University, Shilling Hall, Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. Six youngsters compete in a spelling bee and learn that life's small, private victories are the most enduring, presented by Millikin University's Department of Theatre and Dance, W-Sa 7:30pm, Su 2pm, $, 424-6318.

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literary & learning

Dulcimer Music – February 4, 18 & March 3, 17, 31
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Listen to volunteers play old time music or bring your dulcimer and join in, 10am, free, 423-7708.

Blue Grass Music Jams – February 12 & March 11
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Enjoy old time tunes played by area musicians, 1-4pm free, 423-7708.

Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open House – March 25
421 W. William St. Visit the historic Decatur landmark and beautifully restored Victorian home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, 2-4pm, $, 429-9422.

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science & nature

Family Hikes – February & March
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln., free, 423-7708.
2/5 – Super Bowl Shuffle, 1pm
2/19 – Owl Prowl, 6:30pm
3/4 – Migration Discovery @ Rodney T. Miller Wetland, 2pm
3/10 – Evening Star Walk, 6:30pm
3/11 – Spring Forward, 2pm
3/18 – Nature Play the Pine Forest Way, 1:30pm
3/25 – Early Bloomers, 2pm

Rainforest Romp – February 25
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Warm up inside the nature center with the movie Planet Earth-Jungles, snack provided, 2pm, $, 423-7708.

Environmental Film Series – March 3, 17, 31
Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Decatur, 3773 N. MacArthur Rd. Screening of contemporary environmental documentaries with discussions following the movies, 7pm, free, $ for concessions, 521-9702.
3/3 – Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home
3/17 – Blue Gold: World Water Wars
3/31 – PLANEAT

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events for children

A Knight to Remember – February 16
Children's Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Come dressed in your armor for a knight filled with dragons, jousting, sheep tossing, Medieval taste treats, and activities galore, 6-8pm, $, 423-5437.

Rube Goldberg Competition – February 25
Children's Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Annual display day for area fifth graders who have created a Òrube,Ó 10am-5pm, $, 423-5437.

Peter and the Wolf – March 24
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. A one-hour concert for families with children of primary school age, presented by the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, 2pm, $, 424-6318.

Breakfast and Egg Hunt with Quacker Jack – March 31
Children's Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Visit with the six-foot mascot, have breakfast, make a special craft, and hunt for eggs, 8:30am, $, 423-5437.

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sports, health & fitness

Cross Country Ski Workshop – February
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing, bring your own skis, boots and poles, or rent some from the Center, at least 4 inches of snow and reservations required, Sa's & Su's, 4pm, $, 423-7708.

Ice Skating – February-March 11
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Ice skating sessions available for all ages and abilities, all weekend dates through March 11, call for times, $, 422-7300.

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expositions

Decatur Home Show - February 18 - 19
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. For over 50 years, the "Home Show" has been your source for what's new on the home front. Booths display design ideas and contractors are on hand to provide advice on your next project. Sat from 10am-6pm and Sun from 11am-4pm. Presented by the Metro Decatur Homebuilders Association.

Bridal Expo and Fashion Show – February 25
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1410 Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion, IL. Mt. Zion's first bridal expo, 10am-5pm, bridal fashion show 2pm, free, 864-5424.

Home, Lawn & Garden Show – March 16-18
Decatur Civic Center, #1 Gary Anderson Plaza. Local businesses and experts showcase their products and services, F 5-8pm, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 11am-4pm, $, 422-7300.

Quilt Fest – March 30-31
31st annual fest with over 250 quilted items on display, raffle quilt, mini-classes, free demonstrations, door prizes, $, 422-7300.

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Valentine Dinner/Dance – February 4
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1410 Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion, IL. A night of dinner, drinks, and dancing, door prizes and games, 6-11pm, $, 864-5424.

ValenDine – February 11
Hickory Point Banquet Facility, 727 W. Weaver Rd. Dinner and dancing, hosted by Decatur Park District and featuring the Sande Hackel Orchestra, 5-6pm cocktails, 6-7pm dinner, 7-10pm dancing, $, dress clothing, reservations required, 422-5911.

Day of Dance – February 25
Decatur Club Ballroom. Enjoy dancing on a wood floor to 50’s and 60’s swing music with Kidd Kadillac & the Continentals, health screenings and door prizes. $15/person, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. Red attire encouraged. Presented by Decatur Memorial Hospital and Spirit of Women. Call 876-2850 to register.

St. Patrick's Day Parade – March 17
Downtown Decatur parade route. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with marching bands, leprechauns, and lots of green, 10am, free, 853-6361.

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Mark your calendar for these charity events

Hearts Around the World – February 4
Café DMH, Decatur Memorial Hospital, 2300 N. Edward St. An evening of Middle Eastern cuisine, culture, and fund raising to benefit the DMH Heart & Lung Institute, 6pm, $, reservations required, 876-2105.

Second Saturday Book Sale – February 11 & March 10
Decatur Public Library, 2nd Floor, 130 N. Franklin St. Sale of used books, paperbacks, CDs, books on tape, proceeds benefit Friends of the Library, 9:30am-12:30pm, 424-2900.

25th Annual Easter Seals Bowl-A-Thon – February 12
Spare Time Lanes. Teams of four are invited to bowl at 10am or 1pm and collect pledges to raise funds for programs that benefit people with disabilities. Cost is $12.50 per person and includes shoe rental, door prize entry and anniversary cake. Collect $25 in pledges and get a free t-shirt. To register, call 429-1052 ext. 110.

Casas for CASA Playhouse Raffle – March-April
Hickory Point Mall, Forsyth, IL. Raffle tickets for sale for 2 life-size playhouses decorated for a child, playhouses on display at the mall beginning April 1, proceeds benefit Macon County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children in Macon County), houses displayed during mall hours, call for tickets, 428-8424.

Dueling Downtown – March 3
Masonic Temple Auditorium. 2 Pianos, 1 Stage, 3 Hours of Laughs!
Enjoy dinner by Texas Roadhouse, adult beverages, and an interactive, hilarious dueling pianos show by 176 Keys. All proceeds to benefit the Children’s Museum of Illinois. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $45 in Advance or $50 at door. (Must be 21 to attend.) For tickets, call 423-KIDS.

Bowl for Kids' Sake – March 16-18
Pla-Mor Lanes, 2121 N. 22nd St. Register to bowl in a charity event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Macon County, $ to participate, register at 428-4240.

Culinary Arts Institute Scholarship Dinner – March 24
Richland Community College, Shilling Center, 1 College Pk. It's Only Rock and Roll, But We Like It is the theme for the 4th annual dinner featuring classic rock music from the past and cuisine from tomorrow's brightest culinary stars, celebrating Richland's 40th anniversary and raising funds for the William Eichenauer Culinary Arts Scholarship Fund for students enrolled in the institute, sponsored by the Richland Community College Foundation, 6:30, $, 875-7200 ext. 350.

Kids Rock – March 24
Macon Resources, 2121 Hubbard Ave. A kid-centered event with face painting, activities, prizes, and a family concert by Little Miss Ann from Chicago, proceeds benefit Macon Resources' Bright Start and Kid's Connection, programs for children and families in Macon County, 9:30am-12pm, 10:30am concert, $, advance ticket purchase preferred, 875-1910.

Martinis for Cats – March 30
Decatur Area Arts Council, 125 N. Water St. An evening for pet lovers with food, drink, and silent auction, funds raised benefit Homeward Bound Pet Shelter, a no-kill pet facility and job training program for people with disabilities, must be 21 or older to attend, 5-7pm, $, 875-1910 x.880 or 876-1266.

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For information on how to include your fund-raising event in the Charity Datebook,
contact Cultural Arts Editor Terrie Potter by email: potter@decaturmagazine.com or call 217-423-0422.