Winnebago County Calendar of Events March 7 – March 13

The Rockford Art Museum hosts the 77th Young Artist Show: High School Division through March 31.

THROUGH MARCH 11

In Full Bloom: The Orchid Exhibit, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens,  1354 N. 2nd St., 9 a.m.05 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, $6 resident adults, $8 non-residents adults, lower entry fee for seniors, students. It may be the depths of winter, but the facility is teeming with color with hundreds of tropical orchids creatively displayed in the warm tropical exhibition area.

THROUGH MARCH 31

77th Young Artist Show: High School Division, Rockford Art Museum,  711 N. Main St., Rockford, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $7 adults, $3 sudents/seniors, free for members.  Teachers at 18 schools within 50 miles of Rockford Art Museum submitted more than 1,000 pieces for consideration by this year’s jurors, who chose 149 pieces representing 113 students from 15 area schools. On view are paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photography, digital and mixed media and more. Jurors Juan Fernandez and Stuart W. Henn did not know the artist’s name, grade level, or school affiliation when selections were made for inclusion in the exhibition and for awards

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. Information: (815) 963-6769.

Lunch & Learn: Food as Medicine, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., Rockford, noon-1 p.m., $15 per person, $10 members.  Food is medicine, and what we eat affects us mentally and physically. This presentation will discuss some of the drawbacks of the Standard American Diet, and how it may contribute to chronic disease. We will also discuss food cravings, inflammatory vs . anti-inflammatory foods, and recommendations for a whole food diet for optimal health. Information: (815) 877-0118.

MARCH 8-10

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, presented by Creative And Performing Arts Academy at Auburn High School, 5110 Auburn St., Rockford, 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, $5. The show may not be suitable for younger audiences. Tickets are available online at www.auburncapa.seatyourself.biz and at the door. Information: (815) 914-8963.

MARCH 8

I Love My Hijab!, Presented By Womanspace, 3333 Maria Linden Dr., Rockford, 6-8 p.m., $15 per person, $10 members. All the women around the world who wear a hijab have made a conscious decision to be more obedient to their Lord. They know their true value and choose to present themselves as smart, modest, and strong members of the community. This is a good opportunity to soak your feet in the pond of a Muslimah and learn about the hijab – the wisdom and virtue behind it. Each participant will receive a hijab to keep. Information: (815) 877-0118.

Nik’s Barrel Spirits Tasting, Valli Produce 5880 E. State St., Rockford,  6-8 p.m., $20 per person. Taste rare bourbons, fine wines, and craft beers. Appetizers, door prizes, 10% discount on select bottles, and an auction. Purchase tickets for a chance to buy a 23 year old bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbon. Proceeds benefit Nik’s Wish, The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation [501(c)(3) charity], enriching the lives of young adults fighting cancer. Information: (815) 397-0000.

The Staatskapelle Weimar Orchestra, Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, 7:30 p.m. Established in 1491, the Staatskapelle Weimar is one of the oldest, most illustrious orchestras in the world. Its history is closely associated with some of the world’s best-known musicians and works including Johan Hummel, Franz Liszt, Richard Strauss and many others. This orchestra has never previously toured in North America. Information: (815) 968-0595.

MARCH 8-18

Best of Enemies, presented By Artists’ Ensemble Theater, Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, Cheek Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays 7:30 p.m.,  Saturdays 4 p.m. and 7:30pm, Sundays 2 p.m. Single tickets: $30, $28 seniors (62+), $10 Students, Thursday tickets $19. Based on the bestselling book by Osha Gray Davidson, Best of Enemies is the inspiring true story of a most unlikely friendship. Meet Ann, an African-American civil rights activist, and C.P., the Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan. They are forced to work together by the federal government to achieve integration in their small North Carolina town fifteen years after Brown v. Board of Education. Information: (815) 394-5004

MARCH 9

Night Hike: Woodcock Walk, Severson Dells Nature Center,  8786 Montague Rd., Rockford, 6:30-8 p.m. See what stars are shining and what animals are out during the early hours of the evening. Please come dressed for the weather, as we plan to be out for an hour and a half or so. If you would like to bring a small flashlight you are welcome to, but we encourage you to let your eyes adjust and enjoy being out in the dark. Information:  (815) 335-2915.

Rockford RV, Camping & Travel Show, presented By Landro Productions, Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center,  8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, 2-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Information: (815) 997-1744 .

MARCH 10

Country Legends, presented By Rockford Symphony Orchestra, 314 N. Main St., Rockford,7:30 p.m., $9-$65. Music by famed singers/songwriters like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and Faith Hill. Starring two recording artists from Nashville, this show will leave your heart pumping, and your country soul content. Information: (815) 965-0049.

Ag All Around Us, Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $8, free for museum members. Roll up your sleeves and get down on the farm! Ask a farmer, peek at live barnyard babies, explore plants and soil, and play with your food. National Agriculture Week is off and running at Discovery Center with cute crafts, earth-loving activities and eye-opening information. Included with Museum admission. Information: (815) 963-6769.

MARCH 11

Sound Immersion, Namaste Studios,  223 E. State St., Rockford, $12. With five Crystal and 14 Tibetan Singing Bowls, you will be immersed in sound. Singing bowls are used to create a soothing atmosphere where meditation becomes effortless. Bring a mat or blanket and come to the studio and let yourself relax and release. Information: (815) 398-8021.

MARCH 13

NLI’s 60th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, presented By Natural Land Institute, Giovanni’s Restaurant & Conference Center, 610 N. Bell School Rd., Rockford, 5:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m., $60 includes one-year membership, $45 NLI members. Alan J. Branhagen, Director of Operations at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, will be the guest speaker. He will sign copies of his most recent book, Native Plants of the Midwest, which will be available to purchase at the Dinner. Information: (815) 964-6666 .

 

–Winnebago County Calendar of Events March 7 – March 13–