HOMESheila Walk2022-01-15T10:29:31-06:00

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SAAC is dedicated to developing and sustaining arts and culture initiatives in Springfield and surrounding communities, something we’ve been doing since 1976. Our mission is to enrich the community by promoting all art forms and providing creative opportunities to participate in and enjoy the arts.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Stone Cold Blues Band
January 21 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Virgil Rhodes with Jazz by Footprints
January 28 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

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Our work is supported by the contributions of community members like you.

Click the button to the right for a list of membership benefits and more ways to give!

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At Friday Night Jazz this week, let the music of t

At Friday Night Jazz this week, let the music of the JOSE GOBBO QUARTET warm your winter evening.

Friday, January 14, 2022

5:30-7:30 P.M.

Boone's on Edwards Street in downtown Springfield

No cover charge and free parking

Food and beverage available

Accessible

To begin the new year, OCEAN STATE will play good

To begin the new year, OCEAN STATE will play good music at Boone's on Friday, January 7, 2022, from 5:30 to 7:30.
It's part of our Friday Night Jazz series, and you're most welcome to join us. There is no cover charge.
Parking is pretty easy; food and beverage available for purchase.
And, as always, the venue is accessible.
We'll see you there!

The Springfield Area Arts Council announces cancel

The Springfield Area Arts Council announces cancellation of most 2021 First Night® Springfield performances and activities set for this Friday due to a surge in coronavirus infections throughout Illinois.

“The weight of wisdom from many corners brought the Arts Council board to this decision,” said Sheila Walk, executive director of the Arts Council. “This record-setting rise in cases statewide drives us to protect our performing artists and all our potential attendees in and around Springfield.”

All afternoon and evening events at both the Hoogland Center for the Arts and the nearby First Presbyterian Church will not take place, and there is no virtual or online version.

“We care about art. We care about our community. Although this year’s 35th annual celebration of the arts is COVID-cancelled, please join us in looking forward to First Night Springfield 35.0 on December 31, 2022,” said Walk while thanking all who have contributed to the now-scratched event.

Friday Night Jazz, this week featuring Stone Cold Blues Band, will continue as planned from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm at Boone’s at 301 East Edwards Street. Following pandemic protocols is encouraged.

Hoogland Center for the Arts will contact current First Night ticket holders to refund all charges. For details, contact the Springfield Area Arts Council at 217-753-3519.

On Friday night, will you be with us at First Nigh

On Friday night, will you be with us at First Night Springfield? We hope so! It's an unique way to bring in the new year while celebrating our local arts community.

This year, we're bringing you something new through our partnerships with Abraham Lincoln Association and First Presbyterian Church.

At 6:00, an original play written by local author Robert Davis - to mark WATCH NIGHT - recalling the vigil leading to January 1, 1863, when Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed southern Blacks held in slave bondage

At 7:00, a first-of-its-kind organ concert by professional musician PAULA ROMANAUX - featuring music by modern Black composers

Both these performances are free, and they will be held in the church.

Visit our website (link in bio) for more information about all our First Night events.

Yes, there is a FIREWORKS show on New Year's Eve!

Yes, there is a FIREWORKS show on New Year's Eve! 🎆

It will begin at 11:15, and it's free - thanks to a partnership with the City of Springfield. The best viewing spot is the intersection of Fourth Street and Capitol Avenue.

Let's mark the dawn of a new year by watching safely together. 🎇

Link in bio for more information

This year's First Night Springfield is dedicated t

This year's First Night Springfield is dedicated to two people long-associated with this local celebration of the arts.

Springfield Police Sergeant Robert “Bob” Dilley worked First Night for years and after his retirement volunteered to staff the event’s operations center in the Arts Council office.

Carl “Boom Boom” Steinmacher was lead pyro-technician of all but one of Springfield’s 34 First Nights.

Both these fine people are missed. Your attendance will honor them.

December 31, 2021 7:00-11:00pm Hoogland Center for the Arts $20, adults; $5, youth

Fireworks at Fourth and Capitol at 11:15pm Free

Link in bio for tickets and more information

Among the groups performing for First Night Spring

Among the groups performing for First Night Springfield is EXPRESS YOUR SEOUL, a fine group of dancers based at Lincoln Land Community College. They were part of our summer Artist on the Plaza series, and they have been rehearsing at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Come see them live at HCftA on New Year's Eve!

Link in bio for more info

🎆 December 31st marks the 35th year the Springf

🎆 December 31st marks the 35th year the Springfield Area Arts Council will host First Night© Springfield, a local celebration of the arts enjoyed by tens of thousands since 1987.

This year's schedule:

-Children’s craft activities from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Free.

-At First Presbyterian Church, Abraham Lincoln Association will present a Watch Night play at 6:00 P.M., and Paula Romanaux will perform an organ concert at 7:00 P.M. Free.

-At Boone’s, Stone Cold Band will play jazz from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. No cover charge.

-Hoogland Center from 7:00 to 11:00 P.M.
Capital City Improv, Land of Lincoln Chorus, Sound Celebration Chorus, Springfield International Folk Dancers, Springfield Muni, Springfield Theater Center –Others are pending.
Arena Food Service will sell light refreshments.
Sangamon Watercolor Society will exhibit artwork in the HCftA gallery.
Admission: $20, adults; $5, youth – through www.hcfta.org.

-Fireworks at 11:15, free, at Fourth and Capitol.

As always, completely accessible and alcohol-free and family-friendly.

Visit our website (link in bio) for more info and links.

I hope this Thanksgiving Day provided you with rea

I hope this Thanksgiving Day provided you with reasons to be grateful and with some good memories.

Do you have plans for tomorrow night? How about coming to Friday Night Jazz at Boone's from 5:30 to 7:30 to hear good music from the FRANK TROMPETER QUARTET?

As usual, there's no cover charge and food/beverage will be available for purchase.

#springfieldil #livemusic #fridaynightjazz

"What if, today, we were grateful for everything?"

"What if, today, we were grateful for everything?" —Charlie Brown

We are so grateful for our community and we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂

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