Opening reception of the Laura and John Fraser Collection on Feb. 9, featuring a compilation of 122 contemporary pieces by an international roster of 57 artists, including several local and regional artists.

THROUGH FEB. 18

Sinnissippi Station Model Garden Railroad Exhibit, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St.,
Rockford,  9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily (closed Monday), $6 adults ($8 non resident), $5 youths ages 5-17, seniors and veterans. $2 children ages 2-4.  Visitors are transported to a magical miniature world as six G-scale trains and trolleys run down, around, and above the lush tropical setting of Nicholas Conservatory. Miniature Rockford landmarks and willow trestle bridges add to the enchanting ambiance.

THROUGH FEB. 24

Twelve Angry Men, presented By Usual Suspects , Nordlof Center 118 N. Main St., Rockford, 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, $18. Twelve jurors each reveal his or her own characters as various testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their eyes! Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the jurors become 12 angry men.

THROUGH FEB. 28

Exhibition – 1960s: The Generation of Love and War, Midway Village Museum,  6799 Guilford Rd., Rockford,10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, $7 adults, $5 children ages 3-17, free for children up to age 2 and museum members. The temporary exhibition invites visitors to take a journey back in time to examine some of the major topics and events that occurred during the 1960s and how it impacted the Rockford area. Information: (815) 397-9112.

Black History Month Sale and Display presented By Rockford Urban Ministries, JustGoods Fair Trade Store Gallery, 201 7th St., Rockford, free admission, Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Annual Black History Month Sale and Display of books, posters and art work associated with the struggle of African Americans. The sale proceeds help RUM support civil rights programs throughout the year.  Donations of books, posters, artwork and any political items are still welcome, call 815-964-7111 for more information.

THROUGH MAY 13

Special Exhibit: Curious George – Let’s Get Curious!, Discovery Center Museum,  711 N. Main St., Rockford, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, $1 members, $11 public. Based on the familiar characters in H.A. and Margret Rey’s classic stories, the Curious George exhibit inspires young children’s natural curiosity as they explore early science, math and engineering through hands-on interactive play. Exhibit signage is in both English and Spanish. Information: (815) 963-6769.

FEB. 8

Monkey Around Pajama Party,  Discovery Center Museum,  711 N. Main St., Rockford, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $1 members, $11 public. Throw on your PJs and visit Discovery Center for an evening of monkeying around! Enjoy sleepy time stories, sing songs, make crazy crafts, and enjoy a special bedtime snack. Meet Curious George and snap a photo with him! Registration required—register online by Wednesday, Feb. 7. Information: (815) 963-6769.

Yamato – The Drummers of Japan, Coronado Performing Arts Center,  314 N. Main St., Rockford, 7:30 p.m.  Yamato was founded in Japan’s Nara Prefecture in 1993. The troupe has given over 2,500 performances in 51 countries. Every year, Yamato tours the world, creating and presenting original Yamato compositions. Information: (815) 968-0595.

FEB. 9

AE Romance Theater, presented By Artists’ Ensemble Theater, Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, 7:30 p.m., free (pay what you can). Once upon a time a showgirl, on the run from the law, hides out in the cottage with seven unworldly professors. Join us for fun and romance in another of our very popular faux radio shows.

Denny Diamond – Acoustically!, Baci’s Kitchen, 2990 N. Perryville Rd.,  Ste. 1100, Rockford, 7 p.m., free admission. Diamond perfumes the works of Jim Croce, Glen Campbell, Dean Martin,
Ricky Nelson and more. Information:  (815) 893-9202.

Exhibition Opening – The Laura and John Fraser Collection, Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St.,  Rockford, 7-8 p.m., free admission. The collection is a compilation of 122 contemporary pieces by an international roster of 57 artists, including several local and regional artists. On view are paintings, prints, drawings, mixed media, sculptures, and ephemera. The exhibition remains on view through May 28. Information:  (815) 968-2787.

Night Hike, Severson Dells Nature Center,  8786 Montague Rd., Rockford, 6:30-8 p.m. Explore Severson Dells after dark. See what stars are shining and what animals are out during the early hours of the evening. Please come dressed for the weather. You may bring a small flashlight if you wish to, but we encourage you to use your night vision and let your eyes adjust to the dark. Information: (815) 335-2915.

Swedish Heritage Night at the IceHogs, presented By Erlander Home Museum and Swedish Historical, BMO Harris Bank Center,  300 Elm St., Rockford,  5:15 p.m. at Blue Flame Lounge, 7 p.m. game time, $15. The IceHogs will take on the Milwaukee Admirals in a game featuring five Swedes and one Norwegian player on the roster. $5 from each ticket goes to the Swedish Historical Society.

FEB. 10

Beethoven, Coronado Performing Arts Center,  314 N. Main St., Rockford,  7:30 p.m., $9-$65.  This concert features percussionist Simon Gomez. The concert includes Serge Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kije Suite, Jame’s MacMillan’s Veni, veni Emmanuel, Kamyar Mohajer’s Bliss, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F major.

The Detour Comedy Night, The Detour Bar & Grill,  1920 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, 8 p.m., free admission. Four comedians perform, including main Feature Brandon Kieffe, a Chicago based comedian that grew up in the deep woods of Georgia. Information: (779) 423-0179.

FEB. 11

African American Art Exhibit, Ethnic Heritage Museum,  1129 S. Main St., Rockford, 2-4 p.m., free admission to opening reception, donations welcome. A special exhibit examining various aspects of African American life in its newest exhibit, “African American Art,” showcasing local artists. Information: (815) 962-7402.

Chocolate Sundae Sunday, Discovery Center Museum,  711 N. Main St., Rockford, 2-4 p.m., $2 members, $3 public, museum admission extra. Assemble a sundae and raise your spoon while delighting in the tunes of Auburn’s Jazz Band. Then put your creative side to work and whip up a heart-felt card or craft at the Valentine creation station. Information: (815) 963-6769.

The “Grand” Groove Hotel in Concert, St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, 3 p.m., free. This special concert features an all-star lineup of talented jazz musicians, as the Groove Hotel becomes “Grand” when four additional guest musicians join the five person ensemble. Enjoy an afternoon of fantastic music with upbeat funky, Latin and swing style of jazz. Information: (815) 398-3557.

Twist, Tuck and Throw Dodgeball Tournament!, Triple Play – Kamp Sports,  8289 Burden Rd.,  Ste E, Machesney Park,  11:30 a.m., $50 per team. Dodgeball Tournament for high school players and older. Information: (815) 639-1347.

FEB. 13-18

Indoor Spring Auto Show, CherryVale Mall 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford, Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free admission. The show, which has been held for over 30 consecutive years, will feature 120-plus new cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans in all the new models and colors. Information: (815) 332-2451 ext. 261.

–Winnebago County Calendar of Events Feb. 7 – Feb. 13–