I Love Springfield, Missouri!

Variety of Stunning Shows Coming Soon to The Gillioz

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:00:06 -0600

The Gillioz Theatre keeps bringin’ them in: top artists and acts that draw crowds to the historic theater in downtown Springfield.

Here’s a sample of upcoming events:

Feb. 27 - Peter Frampton

Feb. 28 - Rusko

March 4 - Steven Curtis Chapman

March 11 - Chevelle

March 20 - B.B. King

March 23 - Lisa Lampanelli

April 1 - SRO Lyric Theatre presents “Carmen”

April 7 - Leo Kottke acoustic guitar

April 15 - Blue October

April 19 - Ralphie May “Too Big to Ignore”

May 1 - Hellyeah and Clutch

May 4 - Switchfoot with special guests Company of Thieves

May 6 - Big Smith’s farewell concert

May 19 - Gabriel Iglesias: Stand Up Revolution

What will the Gillioz bring next? Keep an eye on this blog and visit www.Gillioz.org to find out!

Registration Begins March 1 for Adventure Race

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:00:05 -0600

The 13^th Annual Ozark Greenways Adventure Race returns to the Ozarks Saturday, May 12. This year’s multisport race is coming to our own backyard, headquartering out of Ozark Greenways’ Willard Trailhead on the Frisco Highline Trail.

The Adventure Race offers a short-course (3-4 hours) or a long course (6-10 hours) for two- or four-person teams competing together in mountain biking, running, canoeing, orienteering and more. The real adventure is in the itinerary and race distances, kept secret until the morning of the race.

The event is popular among regional “weekend warriors” and has attracted team members from 25 states, as far away as California, Montana, New Hampshire and Florida. It’s also the largest annual fundraiser for Springfield’s trail network.

Registration opens online March 1 and closes May 6. Registration fees are:

Long Course: $115/person March 1- April 19, $140/person April 20- May 6

Short Course: $60/person March 1- April 19, $85/person April 20- May 6

Volunteers are needed and spectators are encouraged. Race details, volunteer information, photos and videos are available at ozarkgreenways.org or greenwayrace.org.

Seuss Science Day Feb. 25 at Discovery Center

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:23:18 -0600

Ozarks Public Television and Mercy Children’s Hospital are excited to announce plans to celebrate Read Across America in southwest Missouri.

The feature event is the OPT/Mercy Children’s Hospital Read Across America Seuss Science Day at Discovery Center of Springfield on Saturday, February 25th with a visit from the Cat in the Hat himself!

On this special day, guests can take advantage of reduced admission of $5 per person. Visitors will have a chance to hear Dr. Seuss stories including Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, The Lorax and Oobleck. Guests can also take part in Seuss-themed activities that relate to each of the books.

The Cat in the Hat will greet guests and pose for photos. Activities are scheduled throughout the day from 9 am to 4 pm and the Discovery Center will be open during normal hours from 9 am to 6 pm.

Discovery Center of Springfield will have a variety of activities that relate to 4 of the Dr. Seuss books from 9 a.m. - 4p.m.

Cat in the Hat - Discovery Center will be demonstrating cloud making

Horton Hears a Who - Discovery Center will be demonstrating sound energy

The Lorax - Discovery Center will be demonstrating protecting our planet

Oobleck - Discovery Center will be making slime.

Springfield-Greene County Library District will be reading these books to the public throughout the day.

10 a.m. - Reading of Cat in the Hat
11 a.m. - Reading of Horton Hears a Who
2 p.m. - Reading of The Lorax
3 p.m. - Reading of Oobleck

More Read Across America events in the community can be found at www.optv.org.

About Ozarks Public Television

OPT is an affiliate of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and is dedicated to providing quality programs from national, regional and local sources. Each weekday, OPT provides 10 hours of educational children’s programming, viewed by over 50,000 kids each week. OPT spends over half a million dollars each year on children’s programming-more than a quarter of its annual operating budget.

About Mercy Children’s Hospital

Mercy Children’s Hospital provides children with world-class care in a setting that puts them at ease - with the personal attention only neighbors can provide. Mercy offers the region’s most comprehensive collection of pediatric sub-specialists, including doctors who treat rare illnesses and injuries, with more pediatric specialists than any other provider in the region. The level III NICU is a blessing for newborns with special needs, and their parents. Kids diagnosed with cancer benefit from the status as a St. Jude Domestic Affiliate site, which allows them to be enrolled in the renowned hospital’s world-famous clinical research trials.

Get Your Tix for Steven Curtis Chapman Concert

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:25:00 -0600

Tickets are on sale for the Steven Curtis Chapman concert at 7 p.m. March 4 at the Gillioz Theatre in Springfield. The “Songs & Stories” tour also includes performances by Andrew Peterson and Josh Wilson.

After performing in front of sold out crowds across the country, the Show HOPE sponsored tour continues to be in high demand and as a result Chapman has continued with a spring leg of the intimate tour.

During this unique writer’s night, Chapman performs songs from his latest album re:creation and more, including his most recent No. 1 and just 2012 GRAMMY nominated hit ”Do Everything.” Chapman also opens up about the stories that inspired him to write the songs that have impacted lives around the world.

Additionally, Chapman, Peterson and Wilson showcase their diverse musical talents by playing an extensive variety of instruments (over 47 on stage) making it a night of nonstop musicianship and entertainment.

Fans are also invited to a special pre-show event, “Soundcheck and Stories.” Two hours prior to each show, Chapman connects with his fans in a personal Q&A, performs an exclusive acoustic song or two, and gives each fan a collector’s edition autographed poster.

For more date and ticket information about Steven Curtis Chapman and the upcoming “Songs & Stories” tour, visit http://stevencurtischapman.com/.

To purchase tickets for the show in Springfield, call 417-863-9491 or click here.

About Steven Curtis Chapman:

Steven Curtis Chapman has sold over ten million records including two RIAA certified platinum albums and eight RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his five GRAMMY awards, Chapman has won an American Music Award, has recorded 46 No. 1 US radio hits and been awarded 56 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date. Since his recording career began in 1987, Chapman has recorded seventeen projects with Sparrow Records. He has performed at the White House and has appeared on multiple national programs via CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CMT, FOX News, the Hallmark Channel and E!, including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Fox & Friends, Huckabee, CBS Sunday Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and more. Chapman and his wife Mary Beth created Show HOPE in 2001 after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to more than 2,700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.

About Andrew Peterson:

Andrew Peterson is a man of many talents with a successful recording and songwriting career, as well asbeing an award-winning author and the host of a highly popular creative community known as the Rabbit Room (www.RabbitRoom.com). Peterson’s current project Counting Stars debuted at #1 on iTunes, and #6 on Billboard. His single “Dancing in the Minefields” reached the Top 10 on the Christian AC chart, while the video for the song has received well over 500,000 views online. Peterson won the 2010 Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction for book two in the four-part Wingfeather Saga series, while book three, The Monster In The Hollows, released in May and is already being hailed as a classic. In September, Peterson will host Hutchmoot, the second annual Rabbit Room conference for lovers of art, songs, and stories-an event that sold out in six hours! In December, he will embark on his 12th annual Christmas tour, Behold the Lamb of God, which is an annual sell-out at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. For more information on Peterson please visit www.Andrew-Peterson.com.

About Josh Wilson:

Singer/songwriter Josh Wilson grew up the son of a preacher in Lubbock, Texas. He signed to Sparrow Records in 2006 and released his major label debut, “Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup” in 2008. The album was met with critical acclaim, hailed by Christian Retailing as “the future of Christian pop” and named among the Top Ten Best Albums of 2008 by GospelMusicChannel.com. Since then he has released numerous No. 1 hits including “Savior Please” and the powerful track “Before the Morning,” which recently landed the No. 4 spot on Billboard’s Year-End Christian Songs chart, while also releasing a sophomore album, “Life Is Not A Snapshot” and a compilation self-titled record. This year he released his third studio album “See You,” which was praised by critics across the board. Wilson also attracted national media attention with a breakout viral video when he had travelers at the Newark airport breakout in “Hey Jude” during a 6-hour security lockdown. For more information on Josh Wilson, visit www.joshwilsonmusic.com

Taekwondo Tourney in Springfield Feb. 25

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:49:00 -0600

The American Taekwondo Association will have its first Region 115 tournament of the year on Feb. 25 at the Expo Center in Springfield.

More than 900 competitors are expected to participate in the Downtown Springfield Regional Tournament that includes a full-day lineup of competition. For a complete schedule, visit http://prosserata.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Schedule.pdf.

Senior Master Mark Prosser of Prosser’s ATA Black Belt Academy based in Rolla and Fort Leonard Wood is hosting the event.

Admission for spectators is $5 and free for ages 5 and younger.

The American Taekwondo Association is the premier North American organization dedicated to the martial arts discipline of taekwondo, and is the founding organization of other international affiliates that include the World Traditional Taekwondo Union and the Songahm Taekwondo Federation. Counting both the U.S. and worldwide, the organizations have more than 1,500 independently owned and operated licensed schools and clubs, and nearly 1 million members. For more information, visit www.ataonline.com.

For more information about this and other sports events in Springfield, contact the Springfield Sports Commission at 881-7201 and visit www.SpringfieldMoSports.org.

32nd Annual Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:37:41 -0600

Registration is now open to participate in the 32nd Annual Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s parade will be held on St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17th. Parade judges will vote on the “best of” in several categories and award prizes to the top entries.

Greene County Commissioner Roseann Bentley will preside over the parade as the 2012 Grand Marshal.

The day’s festivities will also include the 2nd Annual Irish Pet Contest.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celebration Events Schedule

12:00 - Food booths & vendors open at the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Plaza on Commercial Street. Parade floats, groups and other participants begin forming a line at Benton Avenue & Commercial Street.
12:30 - Irish Pet Contest takes place at Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Plaza on Commercial Street.
2:00 - Parade begins with Grand Marshal
4:00 - Parade disbands downtown at South Avenue and Elm St.
4:30 - Celebration continues with the Awards Ceremony at Patton Alley Pub, 313 South Patton Alley

Registration is easy and free! Visit www.springfieldstpatsparade.org to sign up to participate in the parade or the Irish Pet Contest.

Titanic Museum Hosts 100th Anniversary Event April 14

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:39:28 -0600

The Titanic Museum Attractions are hosting “A Night to Remember: An Original Musical Tribute to Titanic,” on Saturday, April 14, the 100th anniversary of the night the ship struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage.

The only place in the United States where guests can attend a formal tribute is at one of the Titanic Museum Attractions. Musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants of Titanic’s passengers and crew will highlight the production honoring the 2,208 people aboard the ship.

The musical tribute will begin at noon (Central) on April 14 at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, and at 8:30 p.m. (Eastern) the same day at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Tickets for the unique historical tribute are available beginning Monday, February 20, by calling 800-381-7670.

Bonus: Ticket holders will receive limited edition memorials dedicated to the ship’s history, including a DVD containing video tributes of the personal stories of selected passengers and crew.

Sixth Annual Trading Hands Kids Sale

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:30:12 -0600

The first sign of spring in our area isn’t tulips, robins or the start of baseball. It’s that favorite seasonal tradition: The Trading Hands Kids Sale, scheduled at 9am March 22-24 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex in Springfield MO.

There is no admission charge for the sale and there is ample free parking. Parents and grandparents know how difficult it is to find quality children’s items at reasonable prices. Seasonal children’s consignment sales like Trading Hands Kids Sale, are a growing trend throughout the country.

With 37,500 square feet of shopping space, shoppers will find new and gently used infant-teen clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby equipment, and much more from more than 300 families. Trading Hands Kids Sale sells only gently used items at a fraction of the retail cost, without sacrificing quality.

This is not just any consignment sale because quality is the key for the Trading Hands sale. Every item is closely inspected before being approved for sale. This guarantees the best shopping experience.

Anyone who has gently used children’s items may be a consignor - and there are perks besides earning money. Consignors set their own prices, shop before the public, and receive up to 75 percent of their total sales. Those interested in consigning items should visit the sale web site, www.tradinghands.net, to register and print their tags for their items.

For information or to volunteer at the Trading Hands Kids Sale Event, contact Julie Rhoads at 417-496-5837 or visit www.TradingHands.net.

Springfield Cardinals Urge You to Help Overflow the "O"

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:50:00 -0600

The Springfield Cardinals would like to wish the best of luck to Drury University and Operation: Overflow the “O” as the Panthers attempt to set an all-time attendance record for basketball at the O’Reilly Family Event Center Saturday.

Drury will be hosting a number of events on campus beginning at 11:30 a,m. as the Drury Alumni take on the Greek All-Stars followed by a tailgate on the plaza at 1 p.m.

At 3 p.m. the Drury Men’s basketball team hosts the Rockhurst University Hawks followed by the women’s game at 5pm.

For special $5 tickets for Saturday’s Operation: Overflow the “O,” send email to overflowtheo@gmail.com. And for more details about the Panthers quest to pack O’Reilly, visit www.drurypanthers.com.

Feed Your Face: Farmers Gastropub Named "Best of British"

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:05 -0600

The U.K.’s famed The Telegraph newspaper hosts an annual competition for the “Best of British” throughout the world. The awards are designed to find and reward the best of the U.K., wherever it is.

In the 2012 competition, Farmers Gastropub was named best restaurant. There are a total of seven categories awarded. Of the 2012 winners, only three were in the United States. Other winners hailed from Abu Dhabi, Canada, China, and Dubai in categories such as best shop and best sporting club.

“We were delighted to hear of the award,” says Famers Gastropub owner Bill Griffiths. “It’s truly an honor to be recognized in a worldwide competition for the great food and atmosphere we take pride in offering to the Ozarks.”

Griffiths and his wife, Christin Fugitt-Griffiths, opened Farmers Gastropub in 2009. The restaurant was created as an expression of their love of fine food and care for the Springfield community. Believing that the fresher the food, the better it tastes, Farmers Gastropub has maintained that commitment to fine cuisine from local farmers ever since. Griffiths hails from the U.K., and the couple moved here from the U.K. in 2004 to return to Fugitt-Griffiths’ roots.

Farmers Gastropub is Springfield’s only British-style community pub, and features local, sustainable, farm-to-table fare. It’s located downtown in the historic Wilhoit Plaza, next door to the Moxie, just off of Jefferson. The pub is open for lunch Monday-Saturday, dinner six days a week, and features a fabulous Sunday brunch.

To learn more about Farmers Gastropub, visit www.farmersgastropub.com. Owners Bill Griffiths and Christina Fugitt-Griffiths are available for interviews, which can be arranged by calling 417-860-3391.

To learn more about the Best of British competition and 2012 winners, visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatlife/9053953/Best-of-British-competition-the-winners.html.

A Truly Unique Valentine's Day Dinner... Nakato's Lobster Roll

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:07:00 -0600

Still looking for a unique Valentine’s Day dinner option? Guest blogger Elise Eimer has a great suggestion for you! Nakato Japanese Steakhouse has assembled a unique sushi roll that will make for a great story:

“For sushi fans, one suggestion that isn’t even on the menu yet, is the brand new Lobster Roll. Tail and all, it definitely is a sight to see along with it being mouth-wateringly delicious. The calamari tempura is a very popular appetizer for you and your date to enjoy while you wait for the chef to start his show. The special drink for the night will be the Chocolate Strawberry frozen drink.”

Nakato Japanese Steakhouse is still taking reservations (call 417-881-7171) and will also leave room for walk-ins. If you would like to make it a quick night and just order sushi and appetizers, the famous floating boat sushi bar will be, like every night: first come, first served.

Are you a Springfield business with a Valentine’s Day special? Let us know about it! Email us at sdixon@springfieldmo.org or mention us on twitter (@SpringfieldCVB).

Springfield Ballet Announces Spring 2012 Productions

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:05 -0600

Springfield Ballet recently announced its spring 2012 productions:

March 16 & 17: The Sleeping Beauty, Act III, and Lullabies

March 17: Mother Goose, a Children’s Series Production

The Sleeping Beauty, Act III, and Lullabies will feature returning professionals from Missouri Contemporary Ballet performing the roles of Aurora, Prince Desire, and the male Bluebird. The main-stage production will also feature Tossing and Turning, a modern piece by Carla Williams and an original ballet choreographed by Ashley Paige Romines.

The delightful Children’s Series production, Mother Goose, is performed for children, by children.

Sky Gallery at SGF Features Juried Show

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0600

The Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC) Juried Members Show at Sky Gallery at Springfield-Branson National Airport will be on display through March 12, 2012.

Over 45 works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, collage, photography, clay, and stone were selected for the exhibition, with all work available for purchase. A portion of all sales will benefit the non-profit Arts Council.

The featured SRAC artists who were selected to exhibit several works of art are Kate Baird, Elizabeth Chapman, Stephanie Cramer, Alicia Farris, Mary Hamilton, James Heck, Carla Stine, Jane Troup and Sharon Warren.

Additional SRAC artists who have individual pieces represented in the show include Kat Allie, Brian Condon, Teresa Dilsaver, Amber Dougan, Dee Giles, Deby Gilley, Becky Golubski, Jane Huggins, Ann Meese, Susan Neese, Hue Parnell, Marla Parnell, Janelle Patterson, John Payne, Teri Pearman, Karen Schneider, Kathleen Self, Paula St. James and Linda Teeter.

Artwork for the exhibition was selected by members of the SRAC visual arts committee from the SRAC Artist Registry, an online digital portfolio displaying work by member artists. The Artist Registry is a resource for people who would like to purchase original art. Galleries and other professionals have inquired about artwork being available for exhibitions in their businesses.

Sky Gallery is a network of display areas within the reception area of the airport including the freestanding ArtPort designed and built by Drury Architecture students and faculty.The Gallery, which is located in the lobby of the airport terminal, is open 24 hours a day. Visitors can park free in the short-term lot for 30 minutes.

For images of the exhibit at Sky Gallery visit flyspringfield.com/art.htm.

To learn more about the SRAC and the Artist Registry please contact the SRAC at 417-862-2787(ARTS) or visit SpringfieldArts.org.

The SRAC, incorporated in 1978, connects people and the arts. It supports some of the most prominent visual, performing, literary and film/media arts organizations within 27 counties, the largest outreach of any in the state of Missouri. The current mission of the SRAC is to transform lives and enrich our Community through the Arts. The SRAC also manages The Creamery Arts Center, which houses the offices of the SRAC, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Ballet, Springfield Regional Opera, Springfield Community Center and Care to Learn, as well as a board room, classrooms, instrument storage, arts library, exhibition hall, film editing bays and shared costume and set design shops managed by the Springfield Little Theatre.

SRO Lyric Theatre Shows set for Feb. 17 and 19

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:05 -0600

SRO Lyric Theatre kicks off the second half of its 2011-2012 season with an evening of one acts at the Gillioz Theatre, the regional premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tell Me On A Sunday and the return of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s Trial by Jury; February 17 at 7:30pm & February 19 at 2:00pm, directed by Derek Munson and conducted by Amy Muchnick.

In the first act, New York and Hollywood take center stage with the regional premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tell Me On A Sunday (Act I of the Tony-award winning musical Song and Dance). This one woman tour de force won Bernadette Peters a Tony in 1986, continuing on to numerous tours and a West End revival in 2003, starring British sensation Denise Van Outen. Emma, a young British hat designer, moves to New York City in search of adventure, romance, and above all, love. Her story is captured through introspective musical monologues, including the beautiful “Unexpected Song” and title song “Tell Me On A Sunday”, as well as letters home to her Mum in England. Jessica Palmer stars as the captivating Emma, with only her suitcase full of hats and Webber’s treasured music to keep her company on the Gillioz stage.

In the second act, the battle for love continues as the New York streets dissolve into a bizarre and lively London court room that is erupting with fiery wit and humor. Trial by Jury, Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic send-up of the legal system run amok, hasn’t been seen in Springfield for over 40 years. A “breach of promise to marry” is brought to court by the Plaintiff in this comic gem. Trial was Gilbert and Sullivan’s first big hit on the London stage. Long time SRO performer Eric Spyres leads the corrupted court as the wild and wily Learned Judge while Stephen Bomgardner, Counsel for the Plaintiff, has it out with Sean Spyres, the Defendant, a gentleman who wishes to marry two women. The Plaintiff, played by Traci Pritchard, finds herself in the middle of a nuptial nightmare, one she hopes will end with a ring on her finger.

For Tickets call the Gillioz Theatre at 417-863-9491; www.gillioz.org. Tickets start at $12. For more information call SRO at 417-863-1960 or visit www.srolyrictheatre.org.

Tickets on Sale for March 11 Chevelle Performance

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:05 -0600

Tickets are on sale for Chevelle with Middle Class Rut and Janus at the Gillioz Theatre March 11.

Most artists with over 12 years in the music industry lose their initial fire, but Chevelle’s burns brighter than ever. The underdog spirit has characterized the Chicago alternative hard rock trio since its independent debut, 1999’s Point #1. Shortly after bursting onto the scene, the group made its major label breakthrough on the platinum-selling Wonder What’s Next in 2002. The album spawned chart-topping hits “Send the Pain Below” and “The Red,” leading to high-profile tours like OZZfest.

Meanwhile, their next effort, 2004’s This Type of Thinking Could Do Us In, exceeded gold status and the follow-up Vena Sera bolstered their prominence even further. Most recently, the band scored its highest entry into the Billboard Top 200 with Sci-Fi Crimes in 2009 debuting at #6. “We play music because it’s what we love,” states Sam Loeffler (Drums). “It’s been that way since the beginning. We’re going to continue to ride this wave and see where it goes.”

Middle Class Rut’s music artfully toes the line between heavy and melodic, showcasing the band’s skill for raw, energized rock and roll that is equally complex and immediate. Their album, No Name No Color is enormous and rowdy, propelled by the duo’s ability to make heavy music tasteful and accessible. The record sounds the product of far more people than the two who made it.

Janus uses a broad range of dynamics and instruments not often used in the rock world (strings, timpani, a full choir, air raid sirens and a glockenspiel) to produce a sound of melodic, ethereal backdrops contrasted with aggressive, heavy, rhythms from the bass, guitars, and drums.

Call 417-863-9491 for ticket information or purchase here.

DPZ Offers Unique Valentine's Day Gifts

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:05 -0600

Dickerson Park Zoo wants to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with the annual Valentine ADOPT packages featuring zoo animals with a special message for your sweetie.

Give your valentine a “Bear Hug” or a “Peck on the Beak.” Or, tell him or her “You’re a Fox!” Valentine packages are available to order for your loved ones, or as a gift to yourself, through Friday, Feb. 10.

Your gift of the $50 ADOPT package includes

* a cuddly 12” plush animal,

* a personalized ADOPT certificate for the gift recipient,

* a 4”x6” color photo of Dickerson Park Zoo’s animal,

* a fact sheet about the species,

* a recognition plaque on the ADOPT Parents board for one year,

* two one-day passes to Dickerson Park Zoo,

* and a subscription to WildTimes magazine for one year.

Along with your gift package, your ADOPTion will help provide care for the animals and raise awareness of the challenges that exist for wildlife. Order your ADOPT package today by calling the zoo office, 417-833-1570, or visiting the zoo’s website.

Tickets on Sale Feb. 10 for James Taylor at JQH

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:48:44 -0600

James Taylor and his band are coming to JQH Arena on July 17 for one intimate and memorable night! Tickets go on sale Friday, February 10 at 10 am at Missouristatetix.com.

Tickets make great Valentine’s gifts!

James Taylor’s music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal forms. He is a master at describing specific, even autobiographical situations in a way that resonates with people everywhere. As a recording and touring artist, Taylor has set a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. His warm baritone is among the most recognized voices in popular music and his distinctive style of guitar-playing has been enormously influential. He has sold more than fifty million albums throughout his career and has earned forty gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards. His songs have had a profound influence on songwriters and music lovers from all walks of life: “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “Something in the Way She Moves,” “Mexico,” “Shower the People,” “Your Smiling Face,” “Carolina In My Mind,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” “You Can Close Your Eyes,” “Walking Man,” “Never Die Young,” “Shed a Little Light,” “Copperline,” and many more.

In a career marked by artistic triumphs, this past year for Taylor has been notable for both creative virtuosity and recognition of exceptional achievement. In March 2011, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House. Taylor was also honored with a Carnegie Hall Perspectives series, which consisted of four concert evenings presented by Carnegie Hall and featuring Taylor and personally selected musical guests.

Come spend an unforgettable night with America’s iconic singer-songwriter James Taylor!

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 10 a.m. at Missouristatetix.com. Charge by phone: 836-7678, 888-476-7849.

Ticket Prices: $79.50 and $49.50 plus handling fees.

Great Seats for Great Causes - A special selection of VIP Charity Seats is also available for these shows to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and other national and local charities through Tickets-for-Charity®! To learn more, please visit www.ticketsforcharity.com.

Feed Your Face: The Tower Club

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:05 -0600

By Dana Maugans, CVB Sales Director

When searching for a good place to have business meetings combined with lunch, remember The Tower Club.

I had a meeting with ten people last week and was able to use the Sunset Room at the Tower Club on the 21^st Floor. The view from high above in Springfield’s tallest building is always lovely as it changes with each season. The Tower Club view is especially important when showcasing Springfield to event planners as it provides an inexpensive aerial view of downtown, the Expo Center, Hammons Field, MSU, Drury, OTC and more.

White table cloths, china and first-class service are valuable when wanting to impress your guests.

The daily specials are delicious but the cashew chicken salad offers that unique flavor of the ever-so-popular cashew chicken. The cashews on the salad are plentiful too.

Just as I finished my meal the server offers carrot cake which is pure heaven. But the best part of having a meal at The Tower Club is enjoying the Douwe Egberts brand coffee. Now if I just purchase the coffee for home my mornings would be even better.

Free Family Fun Day at Discovery Center Feb. 11

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:05 -0600

What: Free Family Fun Day at Discovery Center

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012

Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Discovery Center of Springfield, 438 E. St. Louis St.

Cost: Free Admission

Event Description: Visit the variety of booths throughout the Center to learn about summer programs, camps, and educational activities for your children, plus enjoy all the Discovery Center exhibits for FREE.

ZOO-per Bowl Feb. 5 at DPZ

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:00:06 -0600

Before you settle in to watch the New York Giants face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI , watch the animals at Dickerson Park Zoo have their own football fun and support a good cause during the first ZOO-per Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, watch the animals at Dickerson Park Zoo go wild with football toys and football-themed enrichment items while helping fight hunger in the Ozarks with an Ozarks Food Harvest food drive.

Dickerson Park Zoo will offer half-priced admission for all children and adults who bring in a non-perishable food item to donate during the ZOO-per Bowl. (Each person receiving the discount must have one food item to donate. Limit one half-price discount per person.)

Suggested donations include

* Macaroni and cheese boxed meals

* Canned meats (tuna, chicken, Spam)

* Peanut butter

* Baby food and formula

* Paper products (plates, napkins and cups)

For a complete list of Ozarks Food Harvest’s most needed food items visit
http://ozarksfoodharvest.org/MostNeededItems.pdf.

Dickerson Park Zoo is open daily during the winter from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting. The zoo is closed if there is ice or snow on the walkways. Regular zoo admission is $8 for adults and teenagers, $5 for children ages 3-12 and $5 for seniors age 60 and older. Children age 2 and
younger and Friends of the Zoo members are admitted free. For additional information about zoo events, contact the zoo at 417-864-1800 or visit www.dickersonparkzoo.org.