The Guide: Central Illinois happenings

Items for The Guide should be submitted in writing to Polly Greer, A&E, newsroom, third floor, The State Journal-Register, by noon Monday for Thursday publication. These listings are for live entertainment only. Information for The Guide also can be e-mailed to polly.greer@sj-r.com.

JULY 24

"Alvin and the Chipmunks," 10 a.m., ShowPlace East 8, 2945 S. Dirksen Parkway, as part of Kerasotes Theatres Summer Movie Program for children and parents; free admission; doors open at 9 a.m.; advance tickets not available. 529-9448.

Ballroom Dance Classes, Nelson Center at Lincoln Park. Six-week session begins July 24. Basic ballroom, 6-7 p.m., east coast swing, 7:15-8:15 p.m. and ballroom I, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Sponsored by Springfield Park District and Ron and Paula's Ballroom Dancing. Registration: 753-0700, www.springfieldparks.org.

Closing reception for exhibit of paintings by Joshua Cox, 6-7:30 p.m., James S. Murray Gallery, Menard Hall, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road.

Cory Blissett & Friends, noon to 1 p.m., south side of Old Capitol Plaza; part of the Artist on the Plaza series, sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council and several local businesses. Free.

JULY 24-26

"The Elephant Man," Theatre in the Park, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg. 8 p.m. (with free preshow entertainment at 7 p.m.). Tickets: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 children under 12 and $9 for groups of 10 or more adults. 632-5440 or (800) 710-9290, www.theatreinthepark.net.

JULY 24-27

"The Civil War," Union Park, Sixth and Jefferson streets. Two-act show, 8 p.m. Pre-show entertainment 6:30 p.m. except July 24. July 25: 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band. July 26: Independent Silver Band. July 27: 10th Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band. $12 adults, $8 children (general admission). $8 adults, children 8 and younger free (lawn chair seating) or $5 adults, children 8 and younger free (blanket seating) sold the night of the show. 558-8934, www.abelincolnmuseum.org.

"Urinetown, the Musical," 8 p.m., by Over the Moon Productions, Rochester High School Fine Arts Auditorium, 1 Rocket Drive. $10. 498-7618, www.overthemoonproductions.org.

JULY 25

Central Illinois Singles/Couples Dance with Judy Kaye, 8-11 p.m., VFW Post 755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road. $8.

"Charlotte's Web," as part of Movie in the Park Summer series, dusk, Kiwanis Park on Stanton Avenue, free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. 544-1751 (in case of inclement weather).

Great River Road Opry, 148 Hillview Road, Winchester. Country music show with the Opry band and guest artist Robert Sampson at 7:30 p.m. Partial proceeds benefit Morgan County Crimestoppers. $8 adults, $3 children 12 and younger. 742-3415.

Hoosier Daddies, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. performance, Girard Festival Days, Girard.

Johnny Slu & Two Few, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Robbie's, 4 S. Old State Capitol Plaza; part of the Uptown Friday Night series, co-sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Free.

JULY 25, 26 Dak Rakow with Xavier Jackson, comedians, 8 p.m. July 25 and 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. July 26, Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut St., Mason City. Ages 18 and older with valid ID. $10. 483-5233, www.mclimits.com.

Kenny Smith, comedian, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. July 25; 8:30 p.m. July 26, Funny Bone Comedy Club, Break Time, 2937 West White Oaks Drive. Ages 21 and older (ages 17-20 with parent or guardian). $15, $13. 391-5653.

JULY 25-27 25th Illinois Square and Round Dance Convention, Laughlin Center of Lincoln Christian College, Lincoln. http://ilsquaredanceconvention.com.

Black Sheep Fest '08, 7 p.m. concert, Black Sheep Cafe, 1320 S. 11th St. 492-5150, www.myspace.com/blacksheepcafe.

JULY 26 Carlinville Christmas Market Dinner/Auction, 5:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, Carlinville. Theme: "Christmas at the Beach." Cocktail hour, dinner, souvenirs, silent and live auctions and entertainment by comedian Chris Barnes. $25 per person. Sponsored by the Carlinville Christmas Market Foundation. 854-6663, www.carlinvillechristmasmarket.com.

Cool Cruisers car show, Water Tower Park, New Berlin. Registration 10 a.m. to noon, judging noon to 3:30 p.m. $15 entry fee, dash plaque to first 100 registered, T-shirt to first 50 registered. Door prizes, 50/50 drawing, food. No loud stereos, burnouts or alcoholic beverages. Rain or shine. 652-7270, www.coolcruiserscarclub.com.

July 26 John Crisp's Chahrm the Band, 6-8 p.m., "Jazz in Bloom" fundraiser, Dana-Thomas House Courtyard, 301 E. Lawrence Ave. Sponsored by the Dana-Thomas House Foundation. Admission $50 per person, includes cocktail supper and silent auction. Reservations, 788-9452.

July 26

Lake Press Club SummerFest, 13 Club Area Drive. Food service begins at 4 p.m., White Lightnin' performance, 6 p.m. Free admission, food and drinks available for purchase. 529-1221.

July 26 Morgan Horse Demonstration, 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m., Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg. Free. 632-4000, www.lincolnsnewsalem.com.

July 26

New Salem Country Opry, 14305 State Highway 97, Petersburg, Stephanie Foster performance at 8 p.m., $7 adults and $3 children.

July 26

Princess Journey, Summer Showcase children's ballet performance by Springfield Youth Performance Group, 2 and 6:30 p.m., Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. $10 adults, $6 children 13 and younger. 523-2787, www.scfta.org.

July 26

Sweet Corn Festival and Arts in the Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Park, Rushville. Area artists and crafters will demonstrate and sell their art. People's Choice awards ($100 and $50). Booth fee is $25. Sponsored by the Rushville Chamber of Commerce and Schuyler Arts Council. 322-3708.

July 26 T.J. Johnson, 8 p.m. concert, Kentuckiana Kampground near Hopedale, $7 adults, $1 children. (309) 449-3274.

July 26, 27

Lincoln's famous speeches, 4 p.m., Old State Capitol State Historic Site Hall of Representatives, downtown Springfield. Free.

July 27

13th Annual Downed Rider benefit to financially assist motorcycle riders injured in accidents, sponsored by the Lincolnland Chapter of ABATE of Illinois, 1-6 p.m., Longbranch Tavern, 144 N. Main St., Athens. Live music 1-5:30 p.m., bike show, auction, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and food. 414-9521, hayshakr@hotmail.com.

July 27

Roxie Band, 5-8 p.m., Pla-Mor Dance Land, 1300 E. Third St., Pana, $8. 562-2422.

July 29

St. Andrew's Celtic Dancers, noon to 1 p.m., south side of Old Capitol Plaza; part of the Artist on the Plaza series, sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council and several local businesses. Free.

July 29 - Aug. 3

Logan County Fair, Lincoln. Daily activities include 4-H shows, a queen pageant, live entertainment, carnival, food, games and displays. 732-3311.

July 30, 31 "Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Who!" 10 a.m., ShowPlace East 8, 2945 S. Dirksen Parkway, as part of Kerasotes Theatres Summer Movie Program for children and parents; free admission; doors open at 9 a.m.; advance tickets not available. 529-9448.

COMING UP

July 31

New Frank Trompeter Quartet, 7:30 p.m., in the gazebo on the town square, Carlinville; part of the Summer Concert Series.

July 31

The Dharma Bums, noon to 1 p.m., south side of Old Capitol Plaza; part of the Artist on the Plaza series, sponsored by the Springfield Area Arts Council and several local businesses. Free.

Aug. 1 New Salem Country Opry, 7 p.m. performance at Mount Auburn Picnic in the Park.

Aug. 1 - 3

Decatur Celebration, downtown Decatur. Featuring 11 free stage shows, 120 arts and crafts vendors, 79 one-of-a-kind food items, street attractions and entertainment. 423-4222, www.decaturcelebration.com.

Aug. 1-3

Dorchester Homecoming festivities begin at 4 p.m. Aug. 1, 9 a.m. Aug. 2 and 10:30 a.m. Aug. 3. Parade at 6 p.m. Aug. 2. Other activities include a horseshoe tournament, food, coed kittenball tournament, bingo, garden tractor pull and washer tournament. Bands: Swamp Daddies, 8 p.m. to midnight, Aug. 1; Midnight Madness, 8 p.m. to midnight Aug. 2; Will Black Orchestra, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Joe Frew and the Brand New Bag, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 3. Drawing for prizes donated by area merchants. Tickets are three for $1. Sponsored by the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department. (618) 362-6298.

Aug. 1-3

"Les Miserables," Springfield High School, 101 S. Lewis St., 7 p.m. Aug. 1-2; 2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 3. A District 186 All-City junior-high and high-school production. $10 adults, $8 students, $6 children 12 and younger.

Aug. 1-3, 6-10 "The Music Man," Springfield Muni Opera outdoor theater, 815 East Lake Shore Drive. All shows at 8:30 p.m. are accompanied by full orchestra. $12 for reserved seats purchased at the Muni site; advance reserved seats available at the Sangamon Auditorium ticket office, by calling 793-6864 or online at www.sangamonauditorium.org, each with an additional $1.50 fee; general-admission seats are $8 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for children 12 and younger, and are available on show nights at the box office beginning at 7 p.m.; children are admitted free on Aug. 6; bus service is available Aug. 7 (call 529-5480), on which seniors are admitted for $6; general admission patrons should bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Aug. 2 Chicken Fry at the Anchor Boat Club, 407 East Lake Shore Drive. Dinners served 3-7 p.m., carryout available. Screamin' Vatos perform 4-11 p.m. 529-1174.

Aug. 2 Sacred Harp singers from Springfield, Jacksonville, Charleston and other points in downstate Illinois will hold a shape-note singing, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Second Berry-Lincoln Store at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg. Loaner books will be provided. 525-1420, ext. 519, pellertsen@sci.edu.

Aug. 2

Zoolympics, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 East Lake Shore Drive. Leap like a wallaby, waddle like a penguin at the zoo. $4 adults, $2.25 children 3-12. 753-6217.

Aug. 2, 3 Country Summer Sale Days, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, Nickorbobs Craft Mall, Interstate 55 and Illinois 104, Divernon, free. 628-9191.

Aug. 3 Sundays at City Park, concert series, 5-8 p.m., Spruce and West Central streets, downtown Nokomis. Entertainment, food, games, crafts for the whole family. Alcohol-free. Free admission. 563-2178.

Aug. 6 Illinois Central Jazz Train, as part of the Summer Serenades series, 7 p.m., Washington Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, free. Refreshments available. Lawn chairs suggested. Series of evening concerts sponsored by Ameren, the City of Springfield and Downtown Springfield Inc. 535-1111.

Aug. 6

Pied Piper Architectural Walking Tours, 5:30 p.m., location to be announced. Sponsored by Downtown Springfield Inc. Designer Anthony Rubano of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency will lead the tours. 544-1723.

Aug. 7-9 Divernon Homecoming, Carnival, food, car show, parade; horseshoe, hillbilly golf and washer tournaments, shows by River Ramblers, SuperMario Speedwagon, Hoosier Daddies. Times, event details: 789-9340.

Aug. 8 Amateur Senior Talent Contest. Ages 60 and older. Cash prizes. Pre-registration required. Sponsored by Illinois Department on Aging. Illinois State Fairgrounds, Illinois Building. (800) 252-8966.

Aug. 8, 9

Butler Homecoming, 4-7 p.m. Aug. 8, Best Fresh River Fish Fry; weekend tractor pulls, many classes, for all ages. Events, schedule: 532-9348.

Aug. 8-10 Two By Two, Theatre in the Park, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg. 8 p.m. (with free preshow entertainment at 7 p.m.). Tickets: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 children under 12 and $9 for groups of 10 or more adults. 632-5440 or (800) 710-9290, www.theatreinthepark.net.

Aug. 8-17 Illinois State Fair, Grandstand, Illinois State Fairgrounds. Featuring Fergie ($38, $34, $30), Aug. 8; "Weird Al" Yankovic ($20, $10), Aug. 9; Huey Lewis and the News ($30, $25, $20), Aug. 10; Illinois Symphony Orchestra (free), Aug. 11; Brooks & Dunn and ZZ Top ($38, $34, $30), Aug. 15; Natasha Bedingfield and Vanessa Hudgens ($25, $20), Aug. 16; Trace Adkins with Trent Tomlinson ($25, $20, $18), Aug. 17. 544-9400, www.ticketmaster.com, www.illinoisstatefair.info or the Grandstand at 782-1979.

Aug. 9

Debbie Ross Band, 8 p.m., Hoogland Center for the Arts (Theater 3), 420 S. Sixth St. $15. 523-2787, www.scfta.org.

Aug. 9

Hummingbird Festival, 9 a.m. to noon, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg. See hummingbirds up close, learn about their habits and requirements. Free admission; participants pay $5 to adopt and release a hummingbird. Illinois Audubon Society. 787-3515, www.illinoisaudubon.org.

SUMMER THEATER

Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield, halfway between Peoria and Bloomington on Interstate 74. Shows and dates: "It Runs in the Family," through July 27; "Smoke on the Mountain," July 31-Sept. 7. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner before performances from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; Sunday matinee with buffet from noon to 1 p.m., show at 1:30 p.m. (309) 965-2545, www.barn2.com.

Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. "Tick, Tick … Boom!," in association with ADHD Productions and Gordon Productions, 8 p.m. Aug. 15-16 and 22-23; 2 p.m. Aug. 17 and 24, all seats $15. 523-2787, www.scfta.org.

Illinois Shakespeare Festival, outdoor setting at Ewing Manor, Illinois State University, Normal. Mainstage productions are "The Taming of the Shrew," "Titus Andronicus" and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" in revolving repertory throughout the season at 8 p.m. through Aug. 10; prices range from $14 to $40, depending on seating. (309) 438-2535 (noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday) or www.thefestival.org.

Jacksonville Theatre Guild, Sophie Leschin Theatre at Jacksonville Community Park, 1201 S. Main St., Jacksonville. "Oklahoma!," 7:30 p.m. July 31-Aug. 2 and Aug. 7-9; 2 p.m. Aug. 3 and 10. $12 adults, $6 children 12 and under. 245-1402, www.jaxtg.com.

Lincoln Community Theatre, Johnston Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln College, 300 Keokuk St., Lincoln. "Cheaper by the Dozen," 7:30 p.m. July 25-26 and July 31-Aug. 2; 2 p.m. July 27 and Aug. 3. $10 adults, $7 students through eighth grade. 735-2614, www.lincolncommunitytheatre.com.

Little Theatre on the Square, 16 E. Harrison St., Sullivan. Shows and dates: "Gypsy," July 24-27 and July 29-Aug. 3; and "All Shook Up," Aug. 6-10 and 12-17. Children's show "Pinocchio," Aug. 8-9, 12, and 14-16. Tickets range from $26 to $28, according to performance date and time. Children's shows are $9. 728-7375 or (888) 261-9675, www.thelittletheatre.org.

Rochester High School Fine Arts Auditorium, 1 Rocket Drive. "Urinetown, the Musical," Over the Moon Productions, 8 p.m. July 24-27, $10. 498-7618, www.overthemoonproductions.org.

Springfield High School, 101 S. Lewis St. "Les Miserables," 7 p.m. Aug. 1-2; 2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 3. A District 186 All City junior-high and high-school production. $10 adults, $8 students, $6 children 12 and younger.

Springfield Muni Opera outdoor theater, 815 East Lake Shore Drive. "The Music Man," Aug. 1-3 and 6-10. All shows at 8:30 p.m. and accompanied by a full orchestra. $12 for reserved seats purchased at the Muni site; advance reserved seats available at the Sangamon Auditorium ticket office, by calling 793-6864 or online at www.sangamonauditorium.org, each with an additional $1.50 fee; general-admission seats are $8 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for children 12 and younger, and are available on show nights at the box office beginning at 7 p.m.; children admitted free on Wednesdays; bus service is available Thursday evenings (call 529-5480), on which seniors are admitted for $6; general admission patrons should bring lawn chairs or blankets.

St. Louis Muny, Forest Park, St. Louis. Shows and dates: "Miss Saigon," through July 27; "My One and Only," July 28-Aug. 3; and "Fiddler on the Roof," Aug. 4-10. All shows at 8:15 p.m. (314) 361-1900, www.muny.org.

Geriatric Theatre Troupe, featuring the senior division of Blackburn College's Summer Repertory Theatre will present "My Son Is Crazy - But Promising," on the college campus in Carlinville. Buffet dinner (6 p.m. at Demuzio Center) and play (7:30 p.m. at Bothwell Auditorium), Aug. 8-9; buffet lunch (12:30 p.m. at Demuzio Center) and matinee (2 p.m. at Bothwell Auditorium), Aug. 10. $20 per person. 854-3231, ext. 4359.

Summer Studio Theatre Company, Studio Theater, Krannert Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mainstage productions are "The Turn of the Screw," "The Last Five Years" and "Talley's Folley" in revolving repertory through July 26. All shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18 adults, $15 seniors and students Tuesday-Saturday and $15 adults, $12 seniors and students Sunday; all U of I students are admitted for $10 to all performances. 333-6280 or (800) 527-2849, www.krannertcenter.com.

Theatre in the Park, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg. Shows and dates: "The Elephant Man," July 24-26; "Two By Two," Aug. 8-10 and 14-17; and "Anne of Green Gables," Aug. 22-24 and 28-30. All shows begin at 8 p.m. (with free pre-show entertainment at 7 p.m.). $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 children under 12 and $9 groups of 10 or more adults. 632-5440 or (800) 710-9290, www.theatreinthepark.net.

Union Park, Sixth and Jefferson streets. "The Civil War," two-act show, 8 p.m. July 24-27. Pre-show entertainment at 6:45 p.m. except July 24. July 25: 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band. July 26: Independent Silver Band. July 27: 10th Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band. $12 adults, $8 children (general admission). $8 adults, children 8 and younger free (lawn chair seating) or $5 adults, children 8 and younger free (blanket seating) sold the night of the show. 558-8934, www.abelincolnmuseum.org.

Western Illinois University, Hainline Theatre, Macomb. "The Rocky Horror Show," 7:30 p.m. July 24-26. $20 adults; $15 seniors and children 12 and younger. (309) 298-2900, www.wiu.edu/summermusictheatre.

ONGOING

An exhibit of artwork by children and adults with disabilities from United Cerebral Palsy Land of Lincoln will be on display at RMD Gallery & Framing Studio, 210 S. Sixth St., as part of the Art Stars: Life Without Limits program. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Through July 25.

Paintings by Joshua Cox will be on display at James S. Murray Gallery, Menard Hall, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Through July 25.

"The Grammar of Landscape: Photographic Visions of Illinois" Exhibit, Illinois State Museum second floor, 502 S. Spring St. Maps of the terrain of Illinois through the eyes of 10 photographers: David Avison, Barbara Crane, Michelle Keim, Gary Kolb, Jin Lee, Michael McGuire, Rhondal McKinney, Art Sinsbaugh, Bill Sosin and Bob Thall and performance artist Joan Dickinson. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Through July 27.

Multimedia Exhibit, Blue Door Gallery, 627 E. Adams St. Featuring works by 60 artists, including jewelry, paintings, wood, florals, fiber art, etched glass and more. Now showing family album collages, cards and Springfield plaques and Lincoln items by Katherine Pippin Pauley and handmade designer purses by Kay Nellessen. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Through July 30.

Bob Steffan Summer Film Fest, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday, Thorne Deuel Auditorium, Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St. The weekly educational program for children includes a 30- to 40-minute nature film and cartoon finale. Free. Through July 30.

"Pop Art and Americana" Exhibit, Trout Lily Cafe, 218 S. Sixth St. By Chris Call. Hours: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Through July 31.

Art Exhibit, Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence Ave. Featuring mixed-media works by Gary Groves, Turnstone Artworks. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Through Aug. 1.

Springfield Municipal Band, concerts 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through Aug. 7 (weather permitting), Douglas Park bandshell, 400 N. MacArthur Blvd. Free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

"The Gettysburg Address" Exhibit, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Treasures Gallery, 112 N. Sixth St. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Through Aug. 20.

Student Art Show, Becker Gallery in Becker Library, Springfield College/Benedictine University, 1500 N. Sixth St. Featuring works by Sarah Arnish, Chad Beck, Jennifer Carr, Gina Collebrusco, Jennifer Cosby, Jessica Grove, Grant Houlihan, Toby Hurtubise, Angelica Nudo, Nicholas Pulliam, Megan Rakers and Brooke Williams. Graphics work by Thomas Christell also will be on display. Through Aug. 20.

"Memories" Exhibit, Hoogland Center for the Arts (H.D. Smith Art Gallery), 420 S. Sixth St. By Prairie Art Alliance, featuring metal works by Darren Miller and acrylic, pastel and pulp painting by Pam Miller. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Through Aug. 22.

Flag Lowering and Retreat Ceremony, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Lincoln's Tomb, Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Ave. Performed by the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated will feature an authentic Civil War-uniformed demonstration, flag-lowering ceremony. Free. Through Aug. 26.

Artwork Exhibit, third-floor boardroom of the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. Featuring works by Linda Jones and Jan Sorenson. Hosted by the Sangamon Watercolor Society. Hours: During regular hours. Through Aug. 31.

"The Many Faces of Abe: The Jim and Carole Shay Collection" Exhibit, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St. Featuring more than 100 fine art and advertising images of Abraham Lincoln. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Special hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 during the Edwards Place Fine Arts Fair. Through Sept. 21.

Athens Farmers Market, Salzenstein Park on Jefferson Street. Featuring local produce, flowers and hand-crafted items from 8-11 a.m. the second and fourth Saturdays through Sept. 27.

Nokomis Farmers Market, 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Route 16 Grain Cooperative, 310 E. State St. Through September 27.

"Ponca Chiefs Portraits" Exhibit, Dickson Mounds Branch of the Illinois State Museum, between Lewistown and Havana off Illinois 78 and 97. Featuring 10 portraits by Janice Rockwell of Macomb. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Through Sept. 28.

"Springfield as Urban Frontier 1818-1836" Exhibit, Farrell and Ann Gay Museum of Springfield History, lower level of the Elijah Iles House, Seventh and Cook streets. Items include a letter, from Oct. 21, 1823, that records a conversation between two of Springfield's earliest citizens, Elijah Iles and Daniel Pope Cook. The exhibit also features tools and typical domestic items from the early 1800s. Hours: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. Through Oct. 1.

Farmers Market on the Square, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, downtown Taylorville. Featuring seasonal produce and more. Through October 25.

Jacksonville Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Central Park Plaza. Featuring seasonal produce and home-baked goods. Through Oct. 29.

Old Capitol Farmers Market, Adams Street between Third and Fifth streets, downtown Springfield. Featuring produce, baked goods and more from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 29.

Illinois Products Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. Thursdays (no market on Aug. 7 or 14), Illinois State Fairgrounds Commodities Pavilion. Through Oct. 30.

"Packaging Presidents" Exhibit, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Illinois Gallery, 112 N. Sixth St. Features more than 350 original presidential campaign artifacts from the early 1800s to the present. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Through Nov. 4.

"19th Century Portraits" Exhibit, Old State Capitol State Historic Site, downtown Springfield Featuring two original 19th century portraits of Abraham Lincoln by Alban Jasper Conant and Edward Dalton Marchant. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Through Dec. 31.

"Gifts to the Collections" Exhibit, Illinois State Museum lower level gallery, 502 S. Spring St. Featuring objects gifted to the museum's art, anthropology and natural history collections. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Through Feb. 1.

"Cultural Stories Exhibit," Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum, Trutter Center, Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road. Featuring art and artifacts from Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, Nicaragua and Papua New Guinea, and jewelry from around the world. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.

Downtown Springfield's Artists Co-op, Studio on Sixth, 215 S. Sixth St. Featuring the works of more than 60 local artists, including jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and painted and jeweled clothing. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Springfield & Central Illinois Film Commission, Kicks Family Entertainment Center, 2744 S. Sixth St. People are invited to learn more about movie making, acting and designing sets. Members welcome. Third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. www.springfieldfilmcommission.com.

Springfield Area Pastelists Exhibit, Bluestem Bake Shop, 107 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart. Pastel paintings by nearly 20 area artists on display. Works celebrating the re-emergence of the tall-grass prairie are featured with other pastoral and nature themes. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Sue Thompson Gallery, Sue Thompson Gallery, 1305 Wabash Ave., Suite H. Prairie Gypsy jewelry and handmade gifts by Springfield artisans. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Great River Road Opry, 148 Hillview Road, Winchester. Country music show with the Opry band and guest artist at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month. $8 adults, $3 children 12 and younger. 742-3415.

International Folk Dance Classes, 7-9 p.m. Mondays, Hoogland Center for the Arts (third floor), 420 S. Sixth St., presented by Springfield International Folk Dancers. 652-8085.

Java Night, music by local acoustic artists first Friday of the month, Cafe Moxo, 411 E. Adams St., free. 788-8084.

Land of Lincoln Barbershop Chorus, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. Men of all ages who like to sing are welcome. 415-2112.

Peoples Coffeehouse, 9-11:30 p.m. every Friday, Peoples Church, 1109 E. Ash St. Featuring Live Poets Society moonlight open microphone night for poetry, acoustic music and spoken word. Free. 523-5433.

Rees Memorial Carillon Concerts, noon and 3 p.m. Sundays, Washington Park, Fayette Avenue and Chatham Road, free.

Sound Celebration Chapter with Springfield's Sweet Adelines Chorus, 7-10 p.m. Mondays, Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. Women of all ages who like to sing are welcome.