MARCH 24

Scripturalization: A Theory of the Politics of Language, Rockford University, Fisher Memorial Chapel, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, 4 p.m., free. Dr. Vincent Wimbush, Ph. D. is an internationally recognized scholar of religion, intellectual leader, and academic gadfly, with more than thirty years of advanced graduate-level teaching and research experience. He is the author/editor of more than 12 books and numerous articles and essays. His general teaching and research interests focus on the trans-disciplinary and comparative study of “scriptures” as sharp wedge for critical research and theorizing in the politics of language, social formation, consciousness, and orientation. Information: (815) 226-4100, 3mail: boxoffice@rockford.edu and www.rockford.edu/artslectures/forum.

MARCH 25

Guitar Legend Coco Montoya, Nordlof Center, J.R. Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, 8 p.m., $15 in advance, $20 at door. Information: (815) 218-6359, email: joeygiii@att.net or visit crossroadsbluessociety.blogspot.com.

MARCH 26

Rockford Meltfest, Prairie Street Brewhouse to Riverview Ice House, 200 Prairie St., Rockford, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Join in the celebration of the melting away of winter and the melting together of the community in this third annual fun family festival. Activities include live music, market vendors, 5K run/walk, kids fun run, bike ride, visiting mascots, ice skating, trolley rides and Princess and Hero performances. Information: email info@meltfest.com or visit meltfest.com.

Cottontail Trail and Flapjacks on the Farm, Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Rd., Rockford. Cottontail Trail 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Flapjacks on the Farm 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (pre-registration advised). Bring the family to Rockford Park District’s Lockwood Park to enjoy outdoor fun and the coming of spring at two popular events. In addition to some paid activities, there will be a variety of free activities, including an egg hunt all day for kids ages 2-7. Flapjacks on the Farm is offered in seven hourly seatings, which require pre-registration and a fee. These events are open to the public, and are two of the many low-fee and free family friendly activities offered by the Rockford Park District. Information: (815) 987-8809 or visit rockfordparkdistrict.org/lockwood.

Barry Manilow, One Last Time, BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, 7:30 p.m., Tickets: $19.75-169.75. Manilow has re-launched his multiple-city tour, with his band of 13 musicians and singers, After performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 through 2011, Manilow has limited his concert appearances. Information: (815) 968-5222 or visit www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

MARCH 28

Puscifer: Money $hot Round 2 Tour, Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, 8 p.m., $37.50-$53. Maynard James Keenan said of the live performance, “This show is so much more than just a band regurgitating songs. This is a multi-media performance unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed. Information: (815) 968-0595 or visit coronadopac.org.

MARCH 29

Shakespeare’s Sonnets lunchtime lecture Rockford University, Rare Books Room,  5050 E. State St., Rockford, noon, free. Dr. William Gahan, assistant professor of English at Rockford University, will be conducting a series of lectures surrounding the many elements to Shakespeare’s famous sonnets. Information: (815) 964-9713 email info@mendelssohnpac.org
or visit www.mendelssohnpac.org.