Calendar – February / March 2017
ART
Peace, Love, Posters – through February 24
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. Exhibition viewing M-F 12-5pm when school is in session, free, 217-424-6227.
Library Exhibit – February
Decatur Public Library, Art Gallery, 130 N. Franklin St. Featuring varied works of the Barn Colony artists, 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 the Decatur Audubon photographers’ works in the South Gallery, Rock Springs business hours, free, 217-423-7708.
First Friday Gallery Walks – February 3 & March 3
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.
First Friday Reception – February 3
Gallery 510 Exhibit – February
Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception for artist Nicole Christison during the Gallery Walk, refreshments, F 2/3, 5-7:30pm, free. General exhibit viewing throughout February, Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
Stories Within a Story Exhibit – February 3-27
Opening Reception – February 3
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Celebrate the relationships between caregivers and children served by Baby Talk through portraits by local photographer Kathy Locke. Opening reception 2/3, 5-7:30pm. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
Perkinson Exhibit – February 27-March 31
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. Millikin University’s art faculty biennial show featuring works in a variety of mediums and styles, M-F 12-5pm, free, 217-424-6227.
Rock Springs Exhibits – March
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Featuring wildlife and night photography by Sharon Blazer in the North Gallery and various works by Colin Bishop and Mikayla Mendenhall in the South Gallery, Rock Springs business hours, free, 217-423-7708.
First Friday Reception – March 3
Gallery 510 Exhibit – March
Gallery 510, 160 E. Main St. First Friday opening reception for artist Michael Delaney during the Gallery Walk, refreshments, F 3/3, 5-7:30pm, free. General exhibit viewing throughout March, Tu-F 11am-5pm, Sa 11am-3pm, free, 217-422-1509.
The Legacy of Glenn Bradshaw Exhibit – March 3-28
Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Watercolor paintings by Glenn Bradshaw, M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.
CONCERTS & LIVE MUSIC
Masterworks III – February 4
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra presents A Voyage of Discovery: Space and Fast Machines, which includes Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine, Milhaud Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra with Jeremy Brunk percussion soloist, Hovhaness Meditations on Orpheus and Holst The Planets, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
42nd Central Illinois Jazz Festival – February 10-12
Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, 4191 US Highway 36 West. Three-day jazz festival featuring world class musicians playing many styles of jazz, multiple venues with music under one roof, family friendly, hosted by the Juvae Jazz Society, F 4pm-12am, Sa 10am-2am, Su 10am-5pm, $, reservations suggested but not required, www.juvaejazz.com , 217-546-6091, 217-454-2709 or 217-877-4527.
What’s Going On – The Marvin Gaye Experience – February 11
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Soul man Brian Owens’ tribute to Marvin Gaye, including music that spans the legendary artist’s career, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Blues Jam – February 15
Pop’s Place, 4335 W. Main St. Blues musicians and vocalists are welcome to jam with Noah Williams, 7pm, free, 217-855-4262.
Groove for Thought – February 18
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Groove for Thought performs classic tunes in a unique jazz style, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Maggie Rose with The Morrison Brothers Band – February 18
Lincoln Square Theatre, 141 N. Main St. Pop/Country singer Maggie Rose is one of CMT’s top artists to watch in 2017. Presented by Brown Beans Consulting. Tickets: Lincolnsquaretheatre.com
Synergy – February 19
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Percussion Ensemble Masterworks showcases contemporary percussion chamber music, presented by the Millikin University School of Music, 4pm, 217-424-6318.
Masterworks IV – March 4
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. The Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra presents Young Artists and Shotakovich Symphony No. 15, featuring the Millikin young artists winners, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
Millikin Wind Ensemble – March 5
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs The Music of Staff Sergeant, arranger Scott Nimmer, presented by the Millikin University School of Music, 4pm, 217-424-6318.
Irish/Celtic Salute – March 9
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Millikin men perform, presented by the Millikin University School of Music, 6 & 7:30pm, 217-424-6318.
Delbert McClinton – March 11
Lincoln Square Theatre, 141 N. Main St. A three-time Grammy award winner, Delbert McClinton and Self-Made Men will perform songs from their newest album Prick of the Litter, a soulful blend of blues, jazz, country and rock. Tickets $40/advance, $45 at the door. Lincolnsquaretheatre.com
Women of Ireland – March 11
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Irish and Celtic music, song and dance, showcasing the next generation of Ireland’s leading female performers, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
The Willis Clan – March 25
Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. A family of musicians, dancers, athletes, writers and artists merge their Irish roots with a range of music and dance genres, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.
COMEDY & THEATER
Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike – February 17-19, 24-26
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. The 2013 Tony award winner for Best Play, presented by Theatre 7, F’s & Sa’s 7:30pm, Su’s 2pm, $, mail@theatre7.net
PERFORM! Guys and Dolls – March 17-19
Decatur Civic Center Theatre, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Popular musical performed by two casts of actors from first through twelfth grades, presented by the Decatur Park District, F & Sa 7pm, Sa & Su 2pm, $, 217-429-5911.
Mauritius – March 23-26
Millikin University, Shilling Hall, Albert Taylor Theatre, 1184 W. Main St. After their mother’s death, two estranged half-sisters discover a book of rare stamps — and a seemingly simple sale turns dangerous, presented by the Department of Theatre & Dance, Th, F, Sa 7:30pm, Sa & Su 2pm, $, 217-424-6318.
HISTORY & MUSEUMS
Dulcimer Music – February 11, 25 & March 11, 25
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 12 & March 12
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Enjoy old time tunes played by area musicians, 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Decatur’s Lincoln Statues – February 19
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Hear the stories behind Decatur’s Lincoln statues and their sculptors, 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
18th Century French Settlement in Illinois – March 26
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Guest speaker Bonnie Vega discusses the impact of early French settlers on Illinois, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.
Governor Richard Oglesby Mansion Open House – March 26
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
Conservation Success Stories – February 4
Rock Springs Conservation Area, 3939 Nearing Ln. Learn about animals that have rebounded from near extinction and hear recovery stories, 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Conservation Areas in Winter – February 5
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Take a drive to conservation district sites with Nature Center staff to look for wildlife and hear about natural restoration work, 2-4pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Eagle Viewing – February 11
Departs from Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Van trip to Pere Marquette State Park to view bald eagles, tour the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, lunch at the lodge, 8am-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Eagle Viewing – February 25
Departs from Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Trip to Starved Rock State Park to watch eagles along the Illinois River, visit the Lock and Dam Museum, bring a lunch or purchase one from the Starved Rock Restaurant, 8am-4pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Stargazing 101 – March 16
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Participants receive a star finder to help guide them through the night sky, brief PowerPoint program followed by outdoor stargazing, for ages 10 and older, 6:30-7:30pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Family Hikes – February & March
Fort Daniel Conservation Area (FDCA), 4975 Fort Daniel Rd., Sand Creek Conservation Area (SCCA), 4314 Franklin St., free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
3/18 – Birds of a Feather, FDCA, 10am
3/25 – Season’s Changes, SCCA, 2pm
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
School’s Out Day Camp – February 20
Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC), 1295 W. Wood St. Play games, enjoy the rock wall and inflatables, for students ages 5-14, 6:30am-6pm, $, 217-429-3472.
Pokemon Go Family Event – March 10
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Play Pokemon Go, trade cards, create Pikachus, make art, play games, buy handmade Pokemon crafts, videos and Pokemon-themed foods, activities for all ages including teens and adults, ages 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult, 5-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-3189.
Heroes in Training – March 11
Children’s Museum of Illinois, 55 S. Country Club Rd. Superhero family fun exploring the worlds of super animals, meet our community heroes, superhero outfits encouraged, 6-8pm, $, reservations required, 217-423-5437.
Spirits of the Prairie Series – March 11
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Swing on a vine, play prairie games and balance on a slack line or indo board, 2pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS
Club Ice – through March 3
Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. Public ice skating, skate rental available, F’s 7:30-10:30pm, Sa’s 3:30-5:30pm, Su’s 1-3pm, $, 217-422-7300.
FESTIVALS & EXPOSITIONS
Home, Lawn & Garden Show – March 11-12
Decatur Civic Center, #1 Gary Anderson Plaza. Local businesses and experts display, demonstrate and explain products and services for homeowners, Sa 9am-6pm, Su 11am-4pm, 217-422-7300.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Chamber Business Breakfasts – February 1 & March 1
Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Breakfast and networking opportunities with more than 100 business professionals, sponsored by Caterpillar and Team Soy, doors open 6:30am, breakfast and program 7am, $, 217-422-2200.
Why They Call Me Chef – February 8
Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. Millikin University’s Executive Chef Brian Pehr explains the journey and role of a professionally trained chef, light refreshments served, 6:30-7:30pm, free, reservations preferred, 217-423-3189.
Adult Bingo – February 15 & March 15
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Pk. Blvd., Mt. Zion. Bingo games with prizes and treats, 10-11am, free, 217-864-5424.
Mardi Gras Madness – February 17
Mt. Zion District Library, 115 W. Main St., Mt. Zion. Stories, snacks and crafts, register at the Mt. Zion Village Hall or at the Mt. Zion Library, 1pm, free, 217-864-3622.
Downtown Mardi Gras – February 18
Downtown Decatur. Twelve local restaurants celebrate with specialty drinks and menus, entertainment and beads…lots of beads! The party starts at 5:00 pm. 217-423-0448.
Spring Craft Show – March 3-4
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt. Zion Pkwy., Mt. Zion. More than 70 crafters, concessions by the Kitchen of Doris Yoder, F 7-9pm, Sa 9am-3pm, free admission, 217-864-5424.
Maple Syrup Programs – March 4
Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Sample and discover how maple syrup is produced by tapping a tree, collecting sap and boiling it down over an open fire, hourly from 10am-1pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.
Chamber Restaurant Week – March 20-26
At participating Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce restaurants. Local restaurants highlight their customer service and menus, times vary, $, 217-422-2200.
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.
Charity Datebook
Mark your calendars for these fundraising events benefiting local charities.
For the Love of It Cabaret – February 4
The Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Seventh annual cabaret with an interactive format, funds raised benefit cancer research, cocktails 5:30pm, dinner 6pm, show 7pm, followed by an after party, 5:30-9pm, $, 217-429-4200 or 217-521-1479.
Tony Lucca Benefit Concert – February 4
Lock, Stock & Barrel, 129 S. Oakland. He got his start on the Mickey Mouse Club and finished 3rd on Season Two of The Voice. Now a touring singer/songwriter, Tony Lucca performs in Decatur to raise money for the Northeast Community Fund. 7:00-10:00 pm. Tickets $20. 217-429-5846.
Midwest Dueling Pianos – February 11
Mt. Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mt. Zion Pkwy.,Mt. Zion. Valentine’s dinner followed by the Midwest Dueling Pianos show, proceeds benefit the Splash Pad at Fletcher Park, doors open 6:30pm, dinner 7pm, music 8pm, $, reservations required, 217-864-5424.
Second Saturday Used Book Sales – February 11 & March 11
Decatur Public Library, Book Sale Room, 2nd floor, 130 N. Franklin St. Friends of the Library monthly sale of used books, CDs, DVDs and special items, all proceeds benefit literacy promoting programs at the Decatur Public Library, 9:30am-12:30pm, free admission, 217-424-2900 ext. 133.
Kid’s Club – February 14 & March 11
Fletcher Park Recreation Center, 323 Fletcher Park Blvd., Mt. Zion. Concessions, old time movies, classic cartoons, prizes, live entertainment by Doodles the Dragon, Granny Giggles and the Gary Strong Marionettes Show, proceeds benefit the Fletcher Park Splash Pad, doors open 1:30pm, show 2pm, $, 217-864-5424.
Focus on Feathers -Tales from the Field – February 18
Decatur Area Arts Council, 3rd Floor, 125 N. Water St. An adult evening of storytelling and photography by Illinois Raptor Center directors and volunteers, dinner, dessert and drink included with ticket, proceeds benefit the care of orphaned and injured native Illinois wildlife, dress to impress, 7-10:30pm, $, reservations required, www.illinoisraptorcenter.org or 217-963-6909.
Mystery Night – February 24
Paco’s Sol Bistro, 237 N. Main St. Fundraiser for the Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies for Dove, Inc.’s BABES Program, ticket includes a chance to win one of the mystery prizes, soft drinks and a la carte menu items, must be 21 and older to attend, 5-7pm, $, 217-428-6616.
Decatur Polar Plunge – March 4
Beach House, 2301 E. Lakeshore Dr. Participants raise money to benefit Special Olympics Illinois athletes in exchange for jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Decatur, plungers receive a sweatshirt, entrance into the Post-Plunge Party, and chances to win prizes, costumes encouraged, no wet suits allowed, 12-4pm, $ to participate, www.soill.org or 217-355-1750.
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.