Northwest Illinois Film Festival Lineup for “Shorts‑A‑Palooza 2026”

  The Northwest Illinois Film Office is proud to announce the return of its signature event, the Sixth Annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival:  “Shorts‑A‑Palooza 2026.”  The event is Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Morrison Tech, 701 Portland Avenue, Morrison, Illinois 61270.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with screenings beginning at

Plot and Characters Preview of “Hadestown: Teen Edition”

  Morrison, IL, High School Theater Department will produce “Hadestown:  Teen Edition,” on Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3, 2026, in the auditorium, 643 Genesee Avenue.  Tickets are available online or in person.  Scan the QR code. Follow us on:  Facebook (MHS Theater); Instagram (mhstheater6); TikTok (mhs.theater2). The musical

Timber Lake Playhouse Spring Special Events

  Before launching into its 65th Anniversary Season this summer, Timber Lake Playhouse will welcome audiences back to the Theatre in the Woods this spring, with three special, one-night events–featuring music, comedy, and magic.  Tickets for all spring events and the 2026 season are available now.  For more information or

MHS Theater Fundraiser at McDonald’s March 25

  Support School District #6 performing arts in Morrison, IL, with your food purchase, during the McDonald’s “Good Neighbor Night” fundraiser, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. A portion of dine-in and drive-through purchases made at McDonald’s, 604 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. will benefit Morrison High

May 1-3 “Hadestown” Productions at Morrison High School

  Editor’s note:  I attended a performance of “Hadestown” while vacationing in New York City, NY, last December.  It was a wondrous, high-energy, rhythmic, series of Greek mythology musical moments!  I was reminded of the MHS production of “Grease” and MMTA’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”  I urge drama/music

It’s Your Jr. Lakers Time to Shine! at Timber Lake

  Parents, sign up your Rising Star now to be a part of our Jr. Lakers production of “LEGALLY BLONDE JR.!” at Timber Lake Playhouse.  Ages eight years through High School are encouraged to enroll in the musical cast. AUDITION NOTICE Want to be considered for a Principal role?  Submit

March 22 “The Folksongs of Woody Guthrie”

  The Whiteside Forum will host Bucky Halker and his presentation of “This Land is Your Land:  The Folksongs of Woody Guthrie,” on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.  Clark “Bucky” Halker is an American academic, music historian, labor activist, singer, and songwriter who specializes in American folk music. 

March 1 Family Symphony Concert in Camanche, IA

  Under Music Director and Conductor Silas Huff, Clinton Symphony Orchestra’s annual Family Concert will be performed at 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2026, at the Camanche High School Theater.  The location is 937 9th Avenue, Camanche, IA.  Adult tickets are $20 available at the door.  Students are admitted

Yamaha Baby Grand Piano Needs a Home

  Andrea Freeman wrote, “I am looking for a loving new home for my late husband’s Yamaha Baby Grand Piano.  If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact me:  andreafreeman90@hotmail.com.

Tim Schlegel Named Winner of NFHS Citation Award

  Thirteen leaders in High School activity programs across the Country have been selected to receive NFHS Citations, including long-time, Sterling High School Theatre Educator Tim Schlegel. “Being recognized at both the State and National level is truly an honor,” said Schlegel.  “However, the strength of the Sterling Theatre program

2026 Windmill Cultural Center Programs

  Editor’s note: Click to read about the upcoming first program. 2026 programs at Fulton’s Windmill Cultural Center will be sponsored by de Immigrant Volunteer Millers, with a grant from D. S. Flikkema Foundation.  Events are held at the Windmill Cultural Center at 111 Tenth Avenue, in Fulton, IL.  Resolve

Millers Host First Program January 27

  Editor’s note: Click here to see the year’s program list. Volunteer Millers at Fulton’s Windmill Area will host Marcy Lawrence and Beth Lancaster, who traveled together to Iceland for a festive Christmas trip.  Friends for 30 years, the pair journeyed to Iceland in 2024, to view the holiday decorations

Old-Time Acoustic Jam, Sunday, January 25

  Area musicians and instrumental music lovers are cordially invited to attend the first 2026 Open, Acoustic Old-Time Jam on Sunday, January 28.  The venue is Lyndon Area Historical Society, (former Congregation Church), 405 4th Street, Lyndon, IL, 61261. Mark your calendar:  future Old-Time Jams will be held on the

Symphony Chamber Music Concert Today

    Four music ensembles from the Clinton Symphony Orchestra will perform at 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, January 11, 2026, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 439 Third Avenue South, in Clinton, IA.  It is the fourth concert in the Symphony’s 72nd season.  Detailed information for the music to be performed

Happy Science Fiction Day, January 2

  The Editor lists a few examples of favorite Science Fiction she enjoyed:  The X-Files (still watching reruns); anything written by Isaac Azimov; Avatar; Jurassic Park; E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial; Star Wars. National Science Fiction Day is unofficially celebrated by many science fiction fans in the United States, on January 2.  The