Stride pianist and jazz enthusiast Judy Carmichael

This weekend, we welcome stride pianist Judy Carmichael, whose public radio program, Jazz Inspired, brings jazz front-and-center as an inspiration to artists of all stripes.

Interestingly, Judy has family ties to Springfield.  Her paternal grandfather, Albert Edward Hohenstein, was from Springfield.  He offered all of his grandchildren $50 for the first one who learned his favorite rag, “Maple Leaf Rag.”  Judy learned it and got the prize.  Obviously a very critical piece to young Judy’s development as a stride pianist!

Stride pianist Judy Carmichael

Since 1980, Carmichael has released a number of solo recordings — often playing music from the American songbook with compositions by Hoagy Carmichael, Fats Waller, Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Her album "Two Handed Stride" received a Grammy Award nomination.

Following Friday's concert in the UIS Studio Theatre, the audience is invited to a dessert reception hosted by Carmichael's aunt, Jo Alessandrini, and Jo's husband Guerry Suggs.  For more information and tickets, visit our website.

This weekend: Foreigner and B.B. King!

It's gonna be a great weekend at Sangamon Auditorium!  First, join us for Foreigner on Friday night at 8 p.m.  The 1970s and 80s hitmaker rock act will be joined on stage by the Glenwood High School jazz choir Fusion for the classic hit, "I Wanna Know What Love Is."

Also join us Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. for bluesman B.B. King's return engagement at Sangamon Auditorium.  The living legend is undoubtedly one that falls into the "must-see" live category.  

For tickets, visit the Sangamon Auditorium site or call 217.206.6160.

Yeah, it's kind of a good weekend to live in central Illinois.

UIS Family Series starts this weekend!

This Sunday we'll have our first event on the 2013-2014 UIS Family Series.  This year's series is perfect for families with young elementary school students - say, those in grades 1-3 - and the series prices are so affordable, it really makes sense to invest in a subscription.

Kids' subscriptions are only $33 for the three-event series.  Adult subscriptions are only $45.  PLUS...for each subscription you purchase, you'll get a $5 Scheel's gift card.  It's a great deal!

This Sunday, we welcome Michael Cooper with Masked Marvels & Wondertales at 3 p.m.  Cooper is a visual artist, mime, and storyteller who will inspire kids and adults alike to create fascinating stories and objects.  His performance is a series of short scenes and stories using a variety of the masks, costumes, and objects he has created.  No one piece is like another, and I'm sure each child and adult will have his or her own special favorite!

For tickets, visit our website.  To purchase a Family Series subscription, call the Ticket Office at 217.206.6160.

Thank you, Springfield voters!

We are delighted that Sangamon Auditorium was named best live music venue in the Illinois Times' annual Best of Springfield announcement this morning.  2013 has already been a great year for live music at the Auditorium, with everything from The Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Beatles tribute RAIN to the 1980's rock musical Rock of Ages and last week's audience favorite, ZZ Top.  In addition to the amplified music, we are proud of the 2013 acoustic performances of acclaimed men's vocal ensemble Chanticleer and of course numerous Springfield performances by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.  Thank you for your votes, and we hope you will join us for a few more great musical performances in 2013, including Foreigner on November 15 and Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on December 16.

Last day to vote for a choir to sing on stage with FOREIGNER!

At the FOREIGNER concert on November 15, one high school choir will have the opportunity to sing on stage with the Top 40 band!  Choirs submitted videos to WNNS to vie for the opportunity.  Visit the contest page to listen to the videos and vote for your favorite choir.

Then come see FOREIGNER on November 15 and watch the winning choir take the stage for "I Wanna Know What Love Is" with the band.  The band will also donate $500 to the winning choir's music program.  What a great opportunity for local students!

Did you see Iris DeMent on Prairie Home Companion this weekend?

Did you catch Iris DeMent on Prairie Home Companion this weekend?  Catch her live this Friday at 8 p.m. on our Kitchen Sink Series.  For tickets and more information, visit our website.  What a great artist for seeing up-close-and-personal on our eclectic Studio Theatre series!

Partners in Education workshop time!

Sangamon Auditorium has just entered the fourth year of partnership with Springfield Public Schools through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Partners in Education program.  Through this program, we offer professional development opportunities to K-12 teachers in the arts and arts-integration topics.  Yesterday's workshop, "Reading Art Across the Curriculum," offered teachers the opportunity to develop techniques to increase their students' ability to observe, think, and ask questions about art.

Teaching artist Jamin Carter with students from Laketown Elementary

Prior to the teacher's workshop, Memphis-based teaching artist Jamin Carter taught students at Laketown Elementary in Springfield while Laketown's art specialist, Kristen Sowinski, observed his techniques.  We find these kind of teaching demonstrations to be a valuable addition to the experience for those who are able to observe.

We are so grateful to all the teachers who have attended workshops over the years and incorporated content into their teaching.  For more information about the program, please visit our website.