Visual Art | Thursday, July 12,2012

Art fun in the summertime

The Pharmacy ups the ante and throws a party

Since mounting its first group show on 11/11/11, upstart local art collective The Pharmacy has already become something of a Springfield institution. Along with providing work space for a variety of a

Music | Thursday, May 31,2012

Meet the maestro

The Illinois Symphony starts fresh with a new musical director

By Scott Faingold

“The power of music can unite a community,” says Alastair Willis, brand new music director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. “That’s what we all need to be striving towards.

News | Thursday, May 3,2012

Changes on the horizon for WUIS

Public radio affiliate switches weekday focus from music to news

By Scott Faingold

Change doesn’t have to be painful. At least that’s what WUIS general manager Bill Wheelhouse is hoping will be the case this summer, when the venerable radio station plans to shift from it

Performing Art | Thursday, April 12,2012

I bought a theater

Scott Richardson’s theatrical labor of love brings eclectic culture to Springfield

By Scott Faingold

“I would say buying real estate is an emotional decision,” says Scott Richardson. “It’s probably not the wisest move, but sometimes you follow the heart. So we bought a theater

Music | Thursday, March 29,2012

Confessions of a (minor) rock star

Mike Doughty performs at Legacy Theatre March 30

By Scott Faingold

Mike Doughty has been through the ringer. The former lead vocalist for sample-heavy ’90s alternative-rock mainstays Soul Coughing (“Super Bon Bon,” “Circles”) has put a l

Profile | Wednesday, January 18,2012

The ballad of Tom Irwin

A songwriter’s long, winding road from high school rocker to Sangamon Songs

By Scott Faingold

To call Tom Irwin a fixture on the Springfield music scene would be something of an understatement. Beginning in the mid-1970s as a bass player and eventual frontman for various local rock bands, stra

Visual Art | Thursday, December 22,2011

Upbeat arts in a down economy

From ceramics to hip-hop, dedication and enthusiasm trump economic adversity in Springfield

By Scott Faingold

“I’m glad they’re here, kicking the arts in the butt,” smiles Betsy Dollar, executive director of the Springfield Art Association. She is referring to the organizers and partic

News | Thursday, December 1,2011

Housing project cause for optimism and concern

Enos Park apartments will serve people with disabilities

By Scott Faingold

“Believe it or not, it was my sister who made the connection between me and SIU,” recalls Dulcinea Gillman. The former Springfield resident is now CEO of Critchfield Construction, an Elmhu

Visual Art | Thursday, November 17,2011

Crunch time for the Hoogland

Arts center takes on $1.2 million fundraising challenge

By Scott Faingold

“I had a person recently ask me what I do here,” recalls Fred Jarosz, executive director of the Hoogland Center for the Arts. “And I told them, ‘I’m the beggar. I’m

Visual Art | Thursday, November 10,2011

The Pharmacy offers a unique prescription for local art

Springfield collective debuts new work this Friday

By Scott Faingold

“We want this to be a nice opening like you’d find in New York or up in Chicago,” enthuses local artist Andrew Woolbright, describing the debut exhibit this Friday (11.11.11) of The