The New Herald News LLC. (2024)

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The 15th Annual History Comes Alive summer experience is kicking off in Springfield, Illinois! Starting Friday, May 31 through August 5, 2024 Abraham & Mary Lincoln lead a cast of characters on a trip back in time. Meet the Lincolns at historic sites throughout the city and learn about their lives in Springfield. From historic portrayals at locations such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln Herndon Law Office Visitors Center, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to a Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb with the 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated, visitors are invited to become a part of living history. Listen to Abraham deliver some of his most famous speeches at the Lincoln Depot, meet and greet both Mary Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant, and enjoy live music from the Municipal Band and an ice cream social at Edwards Place.What’s happening in 2024?"History Cooks: Food of Lincoln’s Springfield” Hosted at the Lincoln Home Historic Site, enjoy live cooking demonstrations by local chefs each week inspired by some of Springfield’s most famous "fooderies” over the past 100+ years. In partnership with Lincoln Land Community College’s Culinary School, recipes will be available after the demonstration so you can try our famous food at home– Fridays at Noon at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, beginning June 7.Summer Downtown Trolley Service - Experience the rich history of our downtown sites and attractions with our free historic site trolley service! Our hop-on, hop-off air-conditioned trolley is the perfect way to explore most of our major attractions. Available from 10am-4pm Wednesday-Saturday, board the trolley from any of our designated stops, hop off at the attractions you want to visit.Dana-Thomas House Events Celebrating 120 Years – An Evening of Art & Architecture is an evening guided tour experience and seasonal fun in the courtyard. Guests will also be able to view the Black Art and Culture Exhibit curated by Alyssa Farmer and Austin Wells. Reservations encouraged 5:30pm-7:30pm and Date Night at the Dana on Saturday evenings 5:30pm-7:15pm, step into the elegance of yesteryear for an exclusive event. Delectable bites and a signature "Dana” mocktail, all while being serenaded by esteemed local musician Ben Bedford. Reservations required. No Date Night on June 8.Bird Watching with Audubon - Join America’s premiere artist and ornithologist, John James Audubon, on a unique, bird watching adventure at the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary. Brian "Fox” Ellis portrays Audubon and will regale you with his in-depth observations of the species we happen to see along the trail. – Fridays at 8am at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary.Alive on the Plaza – Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2pm-4pm, join Abe and a host of characters on the Old State Capitol Plaza for captivating speech reenactments, vivid historical portrayals, engaging demonstrations and enchanting 19th-century musical performances. Flag Lowering Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb – New this year, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Tomb dedication, President Ullyses S. Grant reenactor will perform the Tomb Dedication speech at 6:30pm prior to 7:00pm flag lowering. Additionally, beginning at 6:00pm the Civil War Era Band will perform a concert. Additional weekly special events in 2024 can be found in the full program at: https://www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/assets/images/_smarty/HCA/2024/2024HCASchedule.pdf

CLINTON, IL – Join us in welcoming Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar, Connie Martin, as she tells the story of how her family survived the antebellum period through trials and tribulations and how they used quilts that contained hidden codes and secret messages to assist abolitionists and guide enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.Martin’s presentation, Pre-Civil War Quilts: Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad, will take place at the C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum’s carriage barn (219 E. Woodlawn in Clinton, Illinois) on Sunday, June 9, at 1:30pm. During her presentation, Martin will also share eighteen different quilt patterns in replica quilts and discussLizzie’s Story: A Slave Family’s Journey to Freedom,a book her mother Dr. Clarice Boswell wrote about their family.This presentation is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend this special event which is made possible through an Illinois Humanities Council grant to the DeWitt County Museum Association. No reservations are necessary. Additional parking is available in the lot across from the museum.For more information, please contact the C.H. Moore Homestead & DeWitt County Museum by calling 217-935-6066.Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and the Illinois General Assembly (through the Illinois Arts Council Agency), as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

NEWBERLIN, IL – The Sangamon County Fair welcomes visitors beginning Wednesday,June 12, through Sunday, June 16, with great grandstand entertainment,family-friendly activities, carnival, delicious fair food, and local, livemusic. General admission is only $5. Children 4 and under are free.Highlights:· Wednesday, June 12: QueenPageant, sensory-friendly carnival hours· Thursday, June 13: PriscillaBlock with special guests Conner Smith and Marks Wills at the grandstand presentedby Brandt and 104.5 WFMB· Friday, June 14:Sangamon County Fair Rodeo presented by Schultz Collision, Lego competitionsponsored by Scouting America· Saturday, June 15: TalentShow, Demolition Derby presented by Sheppard Auto Sales and Salvage, Legocompetition sponsored by Scouting America· Sunday, June 16: LittleMiss Pageant, new this year– Father’s Day car show The fair is accepting entries for exhibits now! Departmentsrange from livestock to agricultural products, floriculture, textiles, fineart, culinary and hobbies, with many classes available in each department forchildren and adults. Paper entries must be postmarked by May 24 and onlineentries are due by midnight May 29.ConnorFamily Amusem*nts provides this year’s carnival midway attractions in onesession each day. All-day wristbands are $15 for unlimited rides.TheWarren Boynton State Bank Pavilion hosts a full lineup of local, live musicThursday through Saturday, including Lick Creek, Off the Wall, Gator Head,Unchained, The Shenanigans and Brushville. Pavilion entertainment is free withadmission to the fair. This year, pavilion patrons will have a selection ofCoors and Budweiser products.Allinformation about grandstand tickets, carnival hours and more is availableat sangcofair.com.TheSangamon County Fair, located in New Berlin, Illinois, is a nonprofitorganization operated by a volunteer board of directors, serving visitors fromSangamon County and beyond. The board strives to provide the highest qualityentertainment possible at an affordable price.

Featuringkids’ activities, fair food favorites, drawings, and moreSPRINGFIELD,IL– The Illinois Department of Agriculture’s (IDOA)Illinois Product Farmers Market will begin with "Opening Day” at the Market,Thursday, May 16 from 3:30 –7 p.m. at The Shed on the Illinois StateFairgrounds."Farmersmarkets have a special place in my heart, bringing together the community andexpanding access to fresh, nourishing local food and products,”saidLt. Governor Juliana Stratton."I am especially proud that this markethas been going strong for 17 years, and I appreciate the farmers, growers andvendors whose hard work and dedication make that longevity possible.”"The17th annual Illinois Product Farmers Market is a celebration of agriculture atthe local level and a fantastic opportunity to spotlight the small to mid-sizedbusinesses offering Illinois products,”said Jerry Costello II,Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "We are delighted tohost this event on the Illinois State Fairgrounds and invite the community tojoin us every Thursday now through September.”Enjoy classic fair foodcourtesy of Coleman’s Concessions, offering lemon shake-ups and iconic CozyDogs, while Johnnie O’s Mini Donuts serves up delicious mini donuts. Forheartier fare, DeliciousLee Dishes presents pony shoes and sandwiches, whileMichelle’s Minis and More offers thirst-quenching slushies. Hot Dog Pushercompletes the lineup with snow cones, brats, and hot dogs.IDOAadds to the festivities with an array of complimentary entertainment, includingTouch-A-Truck, free balloon animals and face painting, activities with MiniO’Beirne Crisis Nursery, Tie Dye crafting, market play, yard games, zoo animalsfrom Henson Robinson Zoo and the Springfield Park District, giveaways from theAbraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and live music by Not Petty.Every market attendeewill leave with a free Illinois Product reusable bag. Plus, the Illinois StateFair prize wheel offers the chance to win tickets to shows such as Fairytaleson Ice, Truck and Tractor Pulls, Illinois State Fair Rodeo, Demolition Derby,and Monsters of Destruction. Other prizes include a bottle of Illinois wine,Illinois Product Farmers Market Cash or an AARP Illinois Product Basketbrimming with goodies from market vendors.Scheduleof Events3:30p.m. Illinois Product Farmers Market OpensTouch-A-Truck:take an up-close look and learn about vehicles from our partners.BalloonArtist & Face Painting Begins4:00p.m. Prize Drawing*Kids’ Activities Begin4:30p.m. Prize Drawing*5:00 p.m. Prize Drawing*RibbonCutting5:30p.m. Live Music from Not PettyPrize Drawing*6:00p.m. Prize Drawing*6:30p.m. Prize Drawing*7:00p.m. Prize Drawing**Must be present to win.IDOAwill match every dollar spent in LINK at the Illinois Product Farmers Market.If marketgoers spend $25 in LINK, they will receive an additional $25 in LINKMatch to spend on fruits and vegetables.Marketgoers can find TheShed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds by entering the Main Gate and turningright on Illinois Avenue. Parking is located across the street.The2024 Illinois Product Farmers Market is sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growersand Vintners Association, Illinois State Fair, AARP Illinois, Lincoln LandCommunity College, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Springfield Clinic,Central Illinois Bake House, LINKUp Illinois, and Chiro One Wellness Centers.Attendeescan expect a welcoming and family-friendly environment packed with diversevendors, a rotating selection of food trucks, cooking demonstrations, andcomplimentary live entertainment. Returning this year are weekly rafflesoffering $10 in "Market Cash” and an AARP Illinois Product Basket.TheIllinois Product Farmers Market will be held every Thursday starting May 16ththrough September 26th excluding July 1st, August 1st, and the twoThursdays during the Illinois State Fair. The Illinois Product Fall Market willbe held on Saturday, October 12th.Allproducts sold at the Illinois Product Farmers Market are processed, produced,or packaged in the state of Illinois. Space is still available if you areinterested in participating as a vendor at the 2024 market. For applications,please contact[emailprotected].Follow Illinois Product on Facebook and Instagram and visitwww.illinoisproductfarmersmarket.comformore information.

Smithsonian traveling exhibition opens May 17SPRINGFIELD, IL –A major new exhibit opening May 17 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum illuminates an often-overlooked protest against poverty and economic inequality that redefined social justice and activism in America.In the 1960s, as the United States emerged as a global model of wealth and democracy, an estimated 25 million Americans lived in poverty. "Solidarity Now! 1968 Poor People’s Campaign" tells the story of thousands of people who built and inhabited a 15-acre "city of hope” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for nearly six weeks to call attention to the crippling effects of poverty in America.As a multiethnic movement that included African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, Puerto Ricans, Asians and poor whites from Appalachia and rural communities, the protest attracted demonstrators nationwide. The campaign leaders presented demands to Congress, including demands for jobs, living wages and access to land, capital and health care. It was the first large-scale, nationally organized demonstration after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr.The protest site was called Resurrection City and included planned space for housing, a cultural center, city hall, a theater stage, essential services, and facilities for food and dining, sanitation, communications, education, medical and dental care, and childcare.The "Solidarity Now” exhibition features a 3D map of Resurrection City, photographs, oral histories with campaign participants and organizers, and an array of protest signs, political buttons and audio field recordings collected during the campaign."We are proud to bring this important national tour to Illinois for the first time,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. "Part of our mission is to inspire civic engagement and we look forward to seeing how this exhibit sparks conversations about human rights and economic equality.”The exhibition opens May 17 and runs through August 18 in the museum’s Illinois Gallery and is free with regular museum admission."Solidarity Now! 1968 Poor People’s Campaign" is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.The exhibition is supported by the CVS Health Foundation, a private foundation created by CVS Health to help people live healthier lives.About SITES and Smithsonian AffiliationsThe Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and Smithsonian Affiliations are critical national outreach units at the Smithsonian Institution. For more than 70 years, SITES has been connecting Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history. Smithsonian Affiliations establishes and maintains the Smithsonian’s long-term partnerships with museums, educational organizations, and cultural institutions in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Panama. Together, SITES and Affiliations share the Smithsonian's vast resources with millions of people outside Washington, D.C. Visitsites.si.eduandaffiliations.si.edufor more information.About the National Museum of African American History and CultureSince opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., has welcomed more than 7 million visitors. The nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. For more information about the museum, visitnmaahc.si.eduand follow @NMAAHC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.About the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and MuseumThe mission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and sharing with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.We pursue this mission througha combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship built on the bedrock of the ALPLM’s unparalleled collection of historical materials – roughly 13 million items from all eras of Illinois history.For more information, visitwww.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. You can follow the ALPLM onFacebook,TwitterandInstagram.

WASHINGTON, IL – Five Points Fridays, a series of free outdoor live music events, will present its inaugural show on May 17 with a performance by The Holdouts. This event will have numerous local food trucks as well as kid’s activities.The May 17 event starts at 5pm and The Holdouts take the stage at 6 pm. The event will be held in the Five Points Washington outdoor patio and parking area, located on the south end of the facility. Food trucks and a cash bar will be available for the duration of the event. Bring your kids along to see Rocko the Painted Snake and to play on the bounce house/slide from Pump up the Fun. There will also be a giant balloon giveaway and LED foam luminous sticks will be given to the first 60 kids.The Holdouts are a duo of Midwest music makers who march to the beat of their own drums. Made up by vocalists and songwriters Dane Carrell and Steve Hapke, these veterans of the Peoria Music Scene have shared the stage with some of the area’s hardest hitting musicians and show no signs of slowing down. With influences ranging from Johnny Cash and Tom Petty to Zach Bryan and Alice In Chains, The Holdouts constantly and consistently keep the crowds entertained with a wide variety of music, both covers and originals. With a style, sound, and swagger all their own; The Holdouts own and command whatever stage they step on.The event is open and free to the public; tickets are not required. For planning purposes, attendees are encouraged to indicate they will attend in the Facebook event listing on the Five Points Washington Facebook page. Limited seating and tables will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs."What began as a small event on the Five Points outdoor patio in 2020 has grown in size and now expands into the south end parking area”, said Five Points Washington Marketing Manager, Christine Foehrkolb. "Five Points Fridays has evolved into an event where our community gathers to support local musicians, enjoy local fare from the best food trucks in Central Illinois, and where your whole family can enjoy a Friday night together-outdoors.”The series is made possible by sponsorships from: MTCO Communications; Washington Community Bank, and Uftring Automotive.Five Points Washington opened in 2007 and is a self-sustaining, not-for-profit complex that uses fitness center user fees, rental revenue, and event admission sales to finance day-to-day operations. In addition to its new outdoor event space, the facility houses a 1,020-seat performing arts center, event/banquet/meeting rooms, a fitness center/gym and an aquatics center.The next event in the Five Points Fridays series is scheduled for June 7 featuring Black Velvet. To see a full list of events, visit the Live at Five Points Facebook page or FivePointsWashington.org. For more information, call (309) 444-8222.

Weekly culinary demonstrationsSPRINGFIELD, IL –Lincoln Land Community College Community Education is again partnering with the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureauthis summer to present "History Cooks,” a series of free cooking and baking demonstrations of dishes based on iconic Springfield restaurants and foods.All programs, with the exception of May 18, will be on Fridays at noon at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Attendees will receive a souvenir recipe card so they can re-create the dishes at home.The lineup includes:May 18, 10 a.m., Downtown Springfield Farmers Market: "Downtown Springfield Market in the 1800s” – Chef Channing Fullaway, LLCC Community Education culinary coordinator.June 7:"Sangamo Club” – Chef David Radwine, former general manager and executive chef at the Sangamo Club, which had more than 130 years of tradition and fine dining in downtown Springfield.June 14:"The Bunns and the Peases” – Bob Bunn will share the story of two heritage brands now under one roof in Springfield, and attendees will have the opportunity to sample chocolates prepared by Chocolatier Ashley McShane.June 21:"Susan Lawrence Dana and Her House” – Chef Michael Higgins and Kaitlin Pottier will discuss how Maldaner’s Restaurant served as the caterer at some of Susan’s parties.June 28:"Baur’s Restaurant” – Chef Richard Long, executive chef at Baur’s for many years. July 5:"Macarons and Sweets” – Chef Stephanie Warren, LLCC adjunct culinary instructor.July 12:"Charlie Parker’s Diner” – Mike Murphy, former owner of Charlie Parker’s Diner, will demonstrate his award-winning English muffin horseshoe.July 19: "The Horseshoe” – Chef Augie Mrozowski will prepare a classic Springfield horseshoe. Augie’s father is credited as being one of the originators of the horseshoe at the Leland Hotel.July 26:"Clay’s Popeye’s Barbeque” – Demetria Clay will discuss their part in a Springfield tradition since 1961, and Chef Marcus Homes will demo a favorite.Aug. 2:"Mel-O-Cream” – Chief Operating Officer Chad Larson will share the history of this iconic Springfield establishment, and attendees will have the opportunity to decorate donuts.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Following the momentum from his U.S. Spring Tour and the ninth annual voyage of hisKEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEAcruise,Joe Bonamassahas announced hisU.S. Fall 2024 Tour, promising an extraordinary series of performances that underscore his unparalleled prowess and contribution to the blues-rock genre. Recognized globally as one of the most talented guitarists of his era and dubbed "the world's biggest blues guitarist” byGuitar World Magazine, Bonamassa continues to redefine blues-rock, bringing it into the mainstream with electrifying live shows that captivate music aficionados across the world. The tour is set to showcase an array of new songs alongside fan-favorite hits, performed with the support of a legendary backing band.Kicking off onMonday, October 28thinSanta Barbara, CA, Bonamassa’s U.S. Fall 2024 Tour will see the guitar virtuoso performing at prestigious venues across the country, includingThe Linda Ronstadt Music HallinTucson, AZonFriday, November 1st, the Cheyenne Civic CenterinCheyenne, WYonSunday, November 17th,a special two-night run at theState TheatreinMinneapolis, MN on Friday, November 22nd-Saturday, November 23rd,UIS Performing Arts CenterinSpringfield, ILonNovember 26th,before concluding at theDes Moines Civic CenterinDes Moines, IAonSaturday, November 30th. This tour not only highlights Joe’s dynamic live performance skills but also his continuous ambition to surpass his already lofty artistic achievements, having amassed27 #1 Billboard Blues Albums- more than any other artist in history.A special Fan Pre-Sale opens tomorrow,Tuesday,April 9that10am,FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center pre-sales beginWednesday, April 10th. All remaining tickets will go on sale to the public onFriday, April 12that 10 a.m. at UISpac.com. Tickets are $49-$199.For more information, visithttps://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/."Words themselves are simply inadequate to fully describe the guitar wizardry of Joe Bonamassa. ‘Amazing,’ ‘astounding,’ ‘unbelievable,’ ‘mind-blowing,’ ‘unequalled,’ ‘superlative.’ Yes, they all work, but are still insufficient to convey the experience of witnessing Joe Bonamassa live,” describesAmericana Highways.As Bonamassa gears up for this highly anticipated tour, he also continues to make waves with the upcoming release of his new album,Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra. This monumental project celebrates his historic performance at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, offering fans a blend of Bonamassa’s signature guitar brilliance with the majesty of a full orchestra. The latest single from this album, "The Last Matador Of Bayonne,” has already garnered acclaim for its emotional depth and narrative, reinforcing Joe's status as a master storyteller through music.Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestrais a testament to Bonamassa’s storied career, illustrating his virtuosic blend of blues and rock elevated by orchestral arrangements from some of Hollywood's finest. This release follows the album’s lead single, a riveting rendition of "Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” and continues to draw fans deeper into Joe’s musical journey. With arrangements by the legendaryDavid Campbell, Trevor RabinandJeff Bovaand featuring musicians likeRashawn Ross(Dave Matthews Band), the album captures the essence of Bonamassa’s talent and the power of live music. Pre-Order Joe’s new live albumHERE.Bonamassa is captivating audiences across Europe this month with a series of performances, paving the way for his eagerly awaited "Blues Deluxe Tour" in the U.S. this summer. BeginningAugust 2ndinAlbuquerque, NM, and culminating in an unforgettable two-night performance inHampton Beach, NH, onAugust 30th and 31st, the tour celebrates Bonamassa's seminal albumsBlues Deluxeand its chart-topping successor,Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. This 21-city tour will showcase an electrifying mix of Bonamassa's classics and deep tracks live for the first time, alongside a band of world-class musicians. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visitwww.jbonamassa.com.Bonamassa's impact on the blues-rock genre is immeasurable.Guitarist Magazinehas hailed him as "the king of modern blues," a testament to his skill, influence, and role in bringing blues-rock to the forefront of the music scene. With a career spanning over three decades, Bonamassa has consistently captivated audiences around the globe with his dynamic live performances and musical ingenuity.EU SPRING 2024 TOURApril 9 - Koln, DE - Lanxess ArenaApril 11 - Paris, FR - Palais Des SportApril 12 - Amsterdam, NL - AFAS LiveApril 13 - Muenster, DE - Messe Und Congress CenterApril 15 - Leipzig, DE - Arena LeipzigApril 17 - Katowice, PL - SpodekApril 18 - Berlin, DE – Mercedes Benz ArenaApril 19 - Vienna, AT – StadthalleU.S. SUMMER 2024 - BLUES DELUXE TOURJuly 17 - Selbyville, DE - Freeman Arts Pavilion*July 18 - Patchogue, NY - Great South Bay Music Festival*July 19 - Bangor, ME - Maine Savings Amphitheater*August 2 - Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Resort & CasinoAugust 4 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks AmphitheatreAugust 6 - Omaha, NE - Orpheum TheaterAugust 8 - Topeka, KS - Topeka Performing Arts CenterAugust 9 - Durant, OK - Choctaw Grand TheaterAugust 10 - Jackson, MS - Thalia Mara HallAugust 12 - Birmingham, AL - BJCC Concert HallAugust 14 - Charleston, SC - North Charleston Performing Arts CenterAugust 16 - Evansville, IN - Old National Events PlazaAugust 17 - Indianapolis, IN - Murat Theatre at Old National CentreAugust 18 - Nashville, TN - Ryman AuditoriumAugust 20 - Kettering, OH - Fraze PavilionAugust 21 - Hershey, PA - Hershey TheatreAugust 23 - Port Chester, NY - The Capitol TheatreAugust 24 - Port Chester, NY - The Capitol TheatreAugust 25 - Rochester, NY - West Herr Auditorium TheatreAugust 27 - Albany, NY - Palace TheatreAugust 29 - Hyannis, MA - Cape Cod Melody TentAugust 30 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino BallroomAugust 31 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom*Not part of the Blues Deluxe TourU.S. Fall 2024 Tour Dates:October 28 - Santa Barbara, CA - The Granada TheatreOctober 30 - Rancho Mirage, CA - The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho MirageNovember 1 - Tucson, AZ - The Linda Ronstadt Music HallNovember 2 - Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Financial TheatreNovember 3 - Long Beach, CA - Terrace TheaterNovember 5 - San Diego, CA - San Diego Civic TheatreNovember 7 - San Jose, CA - San Jose CivicNovember 8 - Sacramento, CA - SAFE Credit Union Convention CenterNovember 9 - Reno, NV - Grand TheatreNovember 12 - Portland, OR - Keller AuditoriumNovember 13 - Boise, ID - Morrison CenterNovember 16 - Salt Lake City, UT - Eccles TheaterNovember 17 - Cheyenne, WY - Cheyenne Civic CenterNovember 19 - Park City, KS - Hartman ArenaNovember 20 - Springfield, MO - Juanita K. Hammons HallNovember 22 - Minneapolis, MN - State TheatreNovember 23 - Minneapolis, MN - State TheatreNovember 26 - Springfield, IL - UIS Performing Arts CenterNovember 27 - Appleton, WI - Fox Cities Performing Arts CenterNovember 29 - Davenport, IA - Adler TheatreNovember 30 - Des Moines, IA - Des Moines Civic Center

CARBONDALE, IL —Saluki Con, a two-day comic con style event filled with guest stars, gaming, virtual reality, workshops, contests and much more returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale April 6-7. Saluki Con 2024 is also the second Eclipse Con as it’s part of SIU’s four-dayCrossroads Eclipse Festival, April 5-8."We have an awesome, diverse lineup of celebrity and regional guests, a full gaming schedule, an incredible assortment of demos and tryouts, a cosplay contest and workshops, virtual reality, anime, esports, scores of vendors of all kinds and so much more,” said Nathan Bonner, Saluki Con/Eclipse Con co-chair and SIU Student Affairs marketing associate. "There will also be a Family Zone, with a full range of kid-friendly games. There is literally something for everyone!”Get your tickets nowThe popular comics/science-fiction/fantasy/pop culture convention runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the SIU Student Center. Festivities kick off with a gaming event from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 5, for SIU students and people who purchase event tickets in advance.Tickets are on sale now atsalukicon.siu.edu.The cost is $20 for a weekend pass or $15 for one day for adults. The price is $10 for a weekend pass or $5 for one-day tickets for children 13 and younger, high school or community college students. Handling fees apply. SIU students (with ID) and children ages 5 and younger (if accompanied by a ticketed adult) get in free.Celebrities fill lineupAn all-star array of celebrity guests will appear, including Trevor Von Eeden, Don Payne, Alex Zahara, Laura Benedict, Brad Moore, Sean Dulaney, Zac Atkinson, Brian K. Morris, Camron Johnson, Jason Nugent and Mandi Johnson.At 16, the youngest artist ever hired by DC, Von Eeden was also the company’s first Black artist and co-creator of its first original Black superhero to have his own title. Well-known for his work on The Batman Annual No. 8, THRILLER, The Green Arrow miniseries during the 1980s, Black Canary in the 1990s and his final job, LOTDK Nos. 149-153, created after 9/11, Von Eeden went on to create his own graphic novel "The Original Johnson” in 2009 to critical acclaim.After retiring from a career as a professional volleyball player, Payne joined his brother Josh in Australia where he began an acting career, and they created short films together. He’s since lived in various locales while earning numerous roles in "Stargate SG-1” and "Stargate Atlantis” as well as appearing in "Mulligans,” "Watchmen,” "Divine: The Series,” "All Yours” with Nicollette Sheridan, "A Time to Dance” with Jennie Garth, a recurring role on "Good Witch” and in "Corrective Measures.”A graduate of the University of British Columbia’s theatre and film department, Zahara’s acting career dates back more than a quarter of a century and includes over 150 credits including "Stargate SG-1,” "The Man in the High Castle,” "Riverdale,” "Once Upon a Time,” "Hell on Wheels” as well as the film "HORNS” with Daniel Radcliffe, "The Assignment” and "Brain on Fire” with Sigourney Weaver and "The 9th Life of Louis Drax” starring Jamie Dornan. He’s also voiced numerous animated characters including Red Skull in Marvel’s Lego Adventures and more than 30 other anime shows.An Edgar- and International Thriller Writers Award-nominated author, Benedict has numerous mystery and suspense novels to her credit, including "The Stranger Inside” and the Bliss House gothic novels and stories. Her most recent book, "When I Make Love to the Bug Man: Collected Stories,” compiles some of her short works of fiction. Her stories have been published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Strand Magazine, Mystery Tribune and in many anthologies.A USA Today bestselling author, Nugent is the author of science fiction and fantasy short stories and novels, including the "Curse of the Drakku” fantasy series, "The Forgotten Chronicles: The Complete Trilogy” and many others.Psychedelic surrealist painter, draftsman, comic book creator, thinker, artist and illustrator Moore has used complex imagery, color and subject matter to set himself apart from the mainstream and carve out a niche in the universe of death metal art. He has been published worldwide more than 600 times, been invited to exhibit at H.R. Giger’s Switzerland castle and his album cover for Worm’s "Foreverglade” was voted No. 11 among the top metal album covers for 2021.The works of writer, broadcaster and artist Delaney have appeared in books from Amryl Press, Digital Webbing, Markosia, Pro Se and Arcana Press as well as his BIMOR imprint. His 400 Court Street podcast resulted in a series of books on the history of professional wrestling in Evansville, Indiana, as well as a true crime title set in Nashville, Tennessee.With more than 20 years of experience as a colorist in the comic industry, comic creator, cartoonist and designer, Atkinson has numerous titles to his credit. His work can be seen in Shazam, Marvel Action Spider-Man, Bruce Lee, Justice Society, Young Justice, Transformers, Armory Wars, Farscape and more.Award-winning author, editor, publisher and YouTuber, Morris has work that can be found in publications including Stormgate Press, Atomic Press, Stone Door Studios, Pro Se Press, Flinch Books, Crazy 8 Books, Becky Books, BEN Books, Hogan’s Alley, TwoMorrows Publishing, GDC Publishing, Lion’s Share Press and his Rising Tide Publications and Freelance Words. His genres are diverse, including action/adventure, contemporary fantasy, horror, humor, Westerns, nonfiction, new pulp and romance, and some of his recent works include "Spurs and Six-Shooters,” "The New Adventures of Captain Hawklin,” and "The Terrors.”You’ll find the work of creator, artist and writer Johnson in comics, books and trading cards from companies and licensed properties including Marvel, Spider-Man, Upper Deck, Star Wars, Topps, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dynamite, Thundercats, Warner Brothers, IDW, Middle-Earth (the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies), Space Jam, Assassin’s Creed, Legends Publish and others. He also created the best-selling independent graphic novel/comic books series Bonecheck, Freezer Burn and Meduson.Fun and games for allThe gaming schedule includes "play to win,” where participants can check out a game, play and be entered in a drawing to win that game. A unique Dungeons and Dragons tournament, a Catan Tournament, a chess event and various other activities are planned. An esports tournament is slated for Saturday in SIU’s custom Esports Arena, and Bowling & Billiards will offer cosmic bowling. Both are located on the first floor of the center.The popular cosplay costume contest is set for 2 p.m. Sunday with four categories.SIU’s medieval combat club will hold a combat demonstration on Saturday, and there will be virtual reality and various other demonstrations throughout the weekend as well. Anime Kai, the university’s anime student organization, will host a public screening of anime movies and television episodes. Visitors can check out the latest technology, scientific discoveries and artistic techniques through hands-on workshops, panel discussions and demonstrations.Participants will also want to check out La Petite Papillon Maid Café on Saturday, where one admission ticket gets them a chance to enjoy a performance by the maids, games, snacks and drinks and lots of fun.Find more information, including the complete schedule of events and ticket sales, on theSaluki Conwebsite. FollowSaluki Con on Facebook, email[emailprotected]or call 618-453-5714 to learn more.