Calendar – April-May 2106

ART

The Matchbook Series: Miniature Paintings by Michael Dubina – through April 8
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1215 Kirkland Dr. Exhibition of small landscape paintings on the inside covers of matchbooks, each paired with a corresponding tribute quote, M-F 12-5pm, free, 217-424-6227.

Arts in Education Spring Show – March 31-April 7
Opening Reception – April 1
Madden Arts Center, 3rd floor, 125 N. Water St. Display of works by area junior and senior high school students. Opening reception 4/1, 5-7pm. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.

Caught in the Middle: William H. Thielen Exhibit – April 1-28
Opening Event – April 1
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Featuring Thielen’s black, white and bold colors in geometric shapes and designs. Opening event 4/1, family friendly art activities, Haiku competition, and music by Hannah Lieb on the 2nd floor, 5-7:30pm, free. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.

Decatur Airport Exhibit – April
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring the Quilters Guild’s works, airport lobby hours, free, 217-422-1509.

First Friday – April 1
Gallery 510 Exhibit – April
Gallery 510 Art & Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception featuring Jane Frey’s oil paintings, light refreshments, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours, Tu-Th 11am-5pm, F 11am-7pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.

First Friday Gallery Walk – April 1 & May 6
Downtown Decatur Art Galleries: Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St., Blue Connection, 117 N. Water St. & Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. Visit downtown’s art galleries featuring unique art, artist talks, live music, hors d’oeuvres and beverages, 5-7:30pm, free, 217-423-3189.

Library Exhibit – April
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring Jessica Disbrow’s watercolor paintings, library hours, free, 217-422-1509.

Rock Springs Exhibit – April
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring Denise Snyder’s pastel works in the North Gallery and Virginia Kickle’s wildlife photography in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.

Chicago Art Museum Trip – April 7
Depart Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Visit special exhibits, bring a sack dinner or purchase one there, sponsored by Rock Springs Nature Center, 2-10:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Senior BFA Exhibit – April 11-29
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1215 Kirkland Dr. Millikin University’s annual Bachelor of Fine Arts senior students’ art exhibition, M-F 12-5pm, free, 217-420-6639.

Decatur Airport Exhibit – May
Decatur Airport, Main Terminal, Lobby Gallery, 910 S. Airport Rd. Featuring Jim Hill’s photographs, airport lobby hours, free, 217-422-1509.

First Friday – May 1
Gallery 510 Exhibit – May
Gallery 510/NOVA Framing, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception featuring Rae Nell Spencer’s watercolors, light refreshments, 5-7:30pm, artist talk 6:30pm, free. General exhibit hours, Tu-Th 11am-5pm, F 11am-7pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.

Rock Springs Exhibit – May
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring nature photography by Chris and Alan Perry in the North Gallery and by Kattina Williams in the South Gallery, Nature Center open hours, free, 217-423-7708.

Annual Student Art Exhibition – May 2-13
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1215 Kirkland Dr., M-F 12-5pm, free, 217-420-6639.

Barn Colony Artists Annual Show – May 4-27
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St., M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.

LIVE MUSIC

Saturday Jazz at LSB
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., 3:30-5:30pm (unless otherwise noted), 217-429-7411.
4/2 – Diversity
4/9 – MU Latin Percussion
4/16 – Decatur Big Band
4/23 – MU Jazz I
4/30 – Four Other Brothers
5/7 – Boss Trio
5/14 – Jazz Bash VII, 2-6pm
5/21 – Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project
5/28 – Diversity

LSB Live Performances
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave., 217-429-7411
4/2 – Bric a Brac, 9pm-1am
4/8 – Billy Galt, 6-9pm
4/9 – Champaign Freight, 9pm-12am
4/22 – Luie Fits, 6-9pm
5/5-5/6 – Cinco de Mayo Country Show Weekend
5/7 – Oakwood Block Party, 5pm-12am
5/14 – Joey Tenuto Jr, 9pm-1am

The Arsenal Duo – April 3
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Pittsburgh musicians Nathan Carterette on piano and Edward Alan Moore on organ, a Sanctuary Concert Series performance, 4pm, 217-428-4336.

Millikin Jazz Bands – April 7
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. Concert featuring the Millikin University Jazz Bands with guitarist Dave Stryker, 7:30pm, free, 217-433-4240.

Jazz Concert – April 9
Decatur Club, 158 N. Prairie Ave. Jazz performed by musicians from Florida and St. Louis, presented by the Juvae Jazz Society, 2-5pm, $, 217-546-1363 or 217-877-4527.

MDSO Season Finale – April 16
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 Kirkland Dr. The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, joined by the Millikin Union of Choirs, with Janice Chandler-Eteme and Leon Williams,7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.

Youth Symphony Concert – April 17
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 Kirkland Dr. Decatur’s Youth Symphony performs, 2pm, 217-424-6318.

Millikin University Vocal Jazz Night – April 19
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St., 7:30pm, 217-424-6318.

Spring Jazz Band Concert – April 21
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main St. Millikin University Jazz Bands perform, 7:30pm, 217-424-6318.

Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble – April 22
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs with Millikin student solo competition winners, presented by the Millikin University School of Music, 7:30pm, 217-424-6318.

Masterworks – April 24
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 Kirkland Dr. Concert showcasing contemporary percussion chamber music performed by top collegiate ensembles from Millikin University, 7:30pm, free, 217-424-6318.

Millikin Children’s Choir – April 30
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Youth singers of all ages, 4pm, free, 217-428-4336.

Spring Choral Concert – May 1
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Millikin University choirs of the 2015-2016 academic year, 4pm, free, 217-428-4336 or 217-424-6318.

Opus 24 25th Anniversary Concert – May 15
Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. Concert celebrates 25 years of choral music, commissioned work by Randall Reyman of Millikin University, choir alumni perform, 2pm, $, 217-422-1422.

Millikin Jazz Bash 2016 – May 14
Lock Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland Ave. All Millikin University jazz groups perform, 2-6pm, no cover charge, 217-433-4240.

Cookin’ with the Chorale – May 28-29
Fairview Park, Pavilion #1. Bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoor concert “Made in America” by The Greater Decatur Chorale, presented by WAND-17 TV, 5pm, concert 6pm, free, 217-422-5911.

THEATER & DANCE

Avenue Q – The Musical – April 1-3 & 8-10
Richland Community College, Shilling Auditorium, 1 College Pk. Musical comedy, rated R, presented by Theatre 7, F’s & Sa’s 7:30pm, Su’s 2pm, $, www.theatre7.net or 217-423-3189.

The Last Smoker in America – April 1-3, 7-9, 15-17
Millikin University, Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, 1099 W. Wood St. The government has outlawed cigarettes, testing the sanity of one suburban family, rated R, Th’s, F’s, Sa’s 7:30pm, Su’s 2pm, www.pdtheatre.com, $, 217-424-6318.

The Official Blues Brothers Revue – April 8
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 Kirkland Dr. Duo sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi, backed by a powerhouse band with classic hits, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.

Willy Wonka, Jr. – April 8-10
Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan. Featuring STAR program students, show times vary, $, www.thelittletheatre.org or 217-728-7375.

Little Shop of Horrors – April 14-17
Millikin University, Shilling Hall, Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. Pop-rock musical based on the 1960s cult horror film, rated PG13, Th-Sa 7:30pm, Su 2pm, $, 217-424-6318.

Forever Plaid – April 15-17
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Musical presented by Decatur Underground Theater, sponsored by Cromwell Radio Group, F & Sa 7pm, Su 2pm, $, 217-422-6161.

Keepin’ It Reel – April 29-30
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Showcase of dance by the Decatur Park District’s dance students, F 7pm, Sa 11am & 6pm, $, 217-422-5911.

What I Didn’t Learn in College – April 29-30 & May 1, 6-8, 12-14
Millikin University, Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, 1099 W. Wood St. A shy guy moves into a group house with a bunch of beer guzzling, frat types, rated PG13, Th’s, F’s, Sa’s 7:30pm, Su’s 2pm, www.pdtheatre.com, $, 217-424-6318.

Blood Wedding – May 4-8
Millikin University, Shilling Hall, Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. A love triangle threatens the union of two barren families, rated PG13, W-Sa 7:30pm, Su 2pm, $, 217-424-6282.

Rhythmic Circus Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! – May 7
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1215 Kirkland Dr. A spectacle of genre-hopping music and hard-hitting percussive dance, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.

HISTORY & MUSEUMS

Beyond Illinois – April 2
Macon County History Museum, 5580 N. Fork Rd. Local sculptor John McClarey discusses Abraham Lincoln’s Prairie State years and displays a work-in-progress life-sized bust of Lincoln, 1:30pm, $, 217-422-4919.

Dulcimer Music – April 9, 23 & May 7, 21
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Performed by the Dulcimer Club, 10am-12pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Bluegrass Music Jams – April 10 & May 8
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Bluegrass played by area musicians, 1-4 pm free, 217-423-7708.

Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open House – April 24 & May 29
421 W. William St. Visit the historic Decatur landmark and beautifully restored Victorian home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, 2-4pm, $, 217-423-7708.

James Millikin Homestead Tours – April 24 & May 29
125 S. Pine St. Tour the beautiful historic Victorian mansion that belonged to one of Decatur’s leading citizens, circa 1875, 2-4pm, $, 217-428-0597.

Bethel School Open House – May 7
Friends Creek Conservation Area, 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco. Open house and tour of one of the area’s few remaining one-room country schools, 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Stories of Civil War Iron Clads – May 14
Macon County History Museum, 5580 N. Fork Rd. Don Chamberlain presents photos, information, and leads a discussion about historic naval battles, 1:30pm, $, 217-422-4919.

Cahokia Mounds Trip – May 21
Depart Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Explore the archaeological remnants of this ancient settlement, bring your own lunch, 10am-6pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Shape Note Singers – May 22
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. The Charleston-Mattoon Sacred Harp Singers perform, 2-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.

NATURE & GARDENS

State Bird Count – April 2
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn bird identification before hiking to identify birds to assist in the annual Illinois State Bird Count, 10am, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Water Celebration – April 2
University of Illinois Extension, 3351 N. Pres. Howard Brown Blvd. Increase your awareness of various water conservation issues, program includes lunch, 9am-3pm, $, 217-877-6064.

Family Hikes – April & May
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. (except where noted at Friends Creek Conservation Area – FCCA, 13723 Friends Creek Park Rd., Cisco), reservations required, 217-423-7708.
4/3 – Nature Photography, 2pm, free
4/22 – Frog Music, FCCA, 9-11pm, $
5/1 – Nature Photography, 2pm, free
5/14 – Bottling Plant, 10am-12pm, free
5/27 – Frog Music, 9-11pm, $

Sangamon River Cleanup – April 23
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Help make the Sangamon River a safer and more beautiful place, bags provided, free lunch for volunteers at the Festival of Spring, bring gloves, Registration 9:30-10am, Cleanup 10am-12pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Missouri Botanical Garden St. Louis – April 30
Depart Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Transportation to this gorgeous garden, admission and lunch on your own, 7am-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Into the Wild: Nature Scene Investigators – May 7
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover which animals have visited forest feeding sites, 10am, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Whoo Goes There? – May 15
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Identify owls by their calls and pull apart owl pellets to discover what they eat, for ages 5 and older, 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Waddling Wood Ducks – May 28
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn about wild wood ducks and how to protect their habitat, first 5 groups to register receive a wood duck nesting box, 10am, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Fairy Tale Ball – April 7-9
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Enjoy dancing, food, magical surprises and fun activities, children must be accompanied by an adult, 12-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-5437.

Dr. Carney’s Lego Castles – April 16
Macon County History Museum, 5580 N. Fork Rd. Program covers Dr. Carney’s 150+ Lego castles from around the world, 1:30pm, $, www.carneycastle.com or
217-422-4919.

Annual Kite Day – April 23
Sinawik Park, 1715 S. 32nd St. Fly your favorite kite, fun for all ages, professional flying demonstrations, sponsored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts, 1-3pm, free, 217-429-7750.

Lullaby Concert – May 3
Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin St. Music, stories and fun for families with very young children, presented by The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra’s Student String Ensemble and Baby Talk, wear your pajamas, 6pm, free, 217-475-2234.

Zippy Zoo Day with Mom – May 7
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Celebrate Mother’s Day with games, face painting and animal presentations, 1-4pm, moms and grandmas free with paying child, 217-421-7435.

Airport Fun Day – May 21
Decatur Airport, EAA Hangar #107, 910 S. Airport Rd. Climb aboard the Park District’s Striker emergency vehicle, pancake breakfast hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association, 8-11am, free, 217-428-2423.

Memorial Day at Scovill Zoo – May 30
Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd. Free admission and train rides for veterans with I.D., 9:30am-6pm, $ for non-Veterans, 217-421-7435.

SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS

Your Diet Your Decade – April 14 & May 19
University of Illinois Extension, 3351 N. Pres. Howard Brown Blvd. Make recipes, eat a meal and discuss food choices and nutrition, geared to specific age ranges, 5:30-7:30pm, $, reservations required, 217-877-6042.
4/14 – for adults in their 40s & 50s
5/19 – for adults 60 and older

Roller Derby – April 29
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Prairieland Punishers roller derby bouts, 5 & 7pm, $, www.punishersderby.com or 217-422-7300.

Community Yoga – May 1
Nelson Park, Pavilion #1, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Enjoy yoga in the great outdoors, limited number of mats available, 10-11:30am, free, 217-422-5911.

MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Contest – May 7
Rotary Park, Field #2, 2450 Bus. US 51 South. Kids ages 7-14 show off their baseball and softball skills, participants may advance to the team championships at Busch Stadium, register at the DISC, 1295 W. Wood St. by 5/1 or register at the contest 9:30am, contest 10am-2pm, free, 217-429-3472.

MidState Cup Tournament – May 13-15
Decatur Soccer Complex, 1 Educational Park Dr. Premier youth soccer teams from across the Midwest, presented by ADM and Midwest Fiber, times TBA, free for spectators, www.midstatesoccer.com or 217-429-3472.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day – May 25
Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC), 1295 W. Wood St. Health promotion event for older adults with giveaways, exercise activities, fitness demonstrations and DMH Health screenings, 8-11am, free, 217-429-3472.

EXPOSITIONS, FESTIVALS, FOOD & FAIRS

Quilting Around the World – April 1-2
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. The Decatur Quilters Guild 36th annual fest featuring quilt displays, textile vendors, lecture by quilt artist and author Suzanne Marshall, and silent auction with proceeds benefitting the Northeast Community Fund, F 10am-5pm, Sa 10am-4pm, $, 217-454-4159.

Chamber of Commerce Business Expo Events – May 4-5
Decatur Civic Center, Arena, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Networking event and trade show for business owners and entrepreneurs, $ (unless otherwise noted), 217-422-2200.
5/4 – VIP Expo Preview Party, ages 21+, 5-7pm, reservations required
5/5 – Business Expo, 9am-2pm, free
5/5 – State of the City Breakfast, 6:30am
5/5 – Taste of Decatur,11:30am-1:30pm

Career Fair – April 7
Richland Community College, 1 College Pk. Dress professionally, bring resumes and prepare to interview with local companies, 11am-3pm, free, 217-875-7211 ext. 305.

Pride of the Prairie Marble Show – April 7-9
Country Inn & Suites, 5150 Hickory Point Frontage Rd. The 27th annual show with collectable marbles, room trading, buying and selling, free marble identification and appraisals, 9am-1pm, show display Sa 9am-1pm, free admission, 217-872-2402 or 217-422-8454.

Mini Maker Faire® – April 9
University of Illinois Extension, 3351 N. Pres. Howard Brown Blvd. Day of exploring and sharing of talents and ideas with others interested in the do-it-yourself movement, 10am-3pm, $, 217-877-6042.

Decatur Train Fair – April 16-17
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Presented by the Mt. Zion and Southern Model Railroad Club, 11am-4pm, $, 217-422-7300.

Gem & Mineral Show – April 16-17
Progress City, Lester Building, 1 Educational Pk. Merchants showcase jewelry, rough gems, finished gemstones and more, includes demonstrations and a Kids Corner fossil dig, Sa 9am-6pm, Su 10am-4pm, $, 309-830-6516.

Festival of Spring – April 23
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Family activities including wagon rides, food, face painting, crafts, and more, co-sponsored by the Decatur Audubon Society, 12-4pm, free admission, 217-423-7708.

Ladies Night Out – April 29
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary Anderson Plaza. Shop, wine taste and sample products from local businesses, 5-9pm, free, www.decaturciviccenter.org or 217-422-7300.

Finder’s Market – May 20 – 21
Progress City. More than 80 premium Pickers and craftsmen display antiques, vintage, salvage and handmade pieces for sale. Live music, food & giveaways. $. Fri 3-7 pm. Sat 9 am-3 pm.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Chamber Business Breakfast – April 6
Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Enjoy breakfast and guest speaker Randall S. Blankenhorn, Illinois Secretary of Transportation, doors open 6:30am, program 7-8am, $, reservations required, 217-422-2200.

A Night of Poetry – April 11
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Readings by featured poets, original songs by a local musician and open mic session, light refreshments, presented by Decatur Area Arts Council in conjunction with Millikin Bronze Man Books, 6:30-8:30pm, free, 423-3189.

Startup Weekend Decatur – April 22 – 24
Millikin University ADM Scovill Hall
Your chance to be part of this international movement to learn entrepreneurial tools, skills, and practices. Apply the process to a business you own, a project you run, an opportunity you see, or a dream you have. 217-424-6398.

Memorial Day Parade and Celebration – May 26
Downtown Decatur. Events to honor our veterans, sponsored by Ameren Illinois,
J L Hubbard Insurance and Bonds, and Neuhoff Media, parade 11am, celebration 12pm, free.