Big Gay Art Show fundraiser kicks off Wednesday
URBANA — Buy 2D and 3D art and jewelry by Urbana-area queer artists and support two east central Illinois LGBTQ+ organizations at the 2nd annual Big Gay Art Show that starts Wednesday at Art Coop Inc. Art from queer artists will be on display starting at 10 a.m. and will stay up through July 28. Proceeds from sales will benefit Uniting Pride of Champaign County, the area’s LGBTQ+ youth support group and organizer of its annual Pride event, and the Greater Community AIDS Project of Central Illinois. Participating artists will also be honored at a reception July 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. Art Coop, Inc. is located at 150 Lincoln Square.
AgeLinc murder mystery fundraiser seeks sign-ups
SPRINGFIELD — Join a murder mystery play and dinner while helping to raise money for older community members, through the Summer Murder on the Midway Fundraiser Aug. 1. The Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland (AgeLinc) is putting out a call for teams of eight, and individuals seeking teams, to sign up. Tickets are $30 for individuals and $50 for pairs, with proceeds going to help older adults with emergency needs like housing and utility costs, prescriptions and groceries. The night features not only the murder mystery, but also a carnival-themed dinner and other entertainment. Sign up here to join the fun, or call AgeLinc at (217) 787-9234. The murder mystery evening is 6 to 10 p.m. at Pole Barn Chic, 4491 Old Chatham Rd.
Rehearsals start Friday for B-N PrideFest Choir
BLOOMINGTON — Rehearsals start Sunday for the B-N PrideFest Choir, open to queer folks and allies age 13 and older. The group is forming for the third year in a row and performs annually at Bloomington-Normal PrideFest July 25. Rehearsals are 11 a.m. to noon Sunday and July 11 and 18 at Community Players Theatre, 201 Robinhood Ln. A dress rehearsal is also scheduled for July 24 at 6 p.m. at The Bistro, 316 N. Main St. The choir is led by Alison Sorensen, an actress with the theater. You can register for the choir here. Please note: singers under 18 need parental consent.
