The Illinois Symphony returns to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 28 with its latest concert, “Incredibly Italian.” The program features works by Mendelssohn, Mozart and Schumann, three composers who weren’t exactly Italian but drew inspiration from the bel paese.

While many birds have flown South for the winter, a new photography exhibit at Normal Public Library gives Twin City residents a chance to enjoy nature — out of the bitter cold.

Community Players Theatre is gearing up to announce their 100th season in January. But with Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” the nearly century old organization is still experiencing firsts.

The Bloomington Public Library lost its dedicated gallery space during a 2006 renovation, but BPL officials didn't want to wait for the long-anticipated expansion to share visual art. Danell Dvorak is among the first local artists to show their work at BPL. Through Dec. 31, her “Mostly Monochrome” exhibit is hung near the CD/DVD section, and around the circulation desk on the library’s first floor.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra returns to the stage this week for the in-person “Holiday Pops in the Heartland” concert in partnership with other Twin City arts organizations.

Punk rock and Elizabethan poetry might not seem like a natural combination. But Illinois Wesleyan University makes it work in a new production of the musical, "Head Over Heels," streaming Friday through Sunday.

The Sunnyside Community Garden and Food Forest has grew over 1,000 pounds of produce and partnered with multiple food banks and community non-profits to provide healthy local, sustainable, affordable food sources for West Bloomington residents.

Works by local painter Douglas C. Johnson are on display at Heartland Community College until Dec. 15. And on Tuesday, the Joe McCauley Gallery at Heartland will host an artist reception as Johnson’s exhibit highlighting central Illinois landscapes enters its final weeks.

It’s been 13,140,000 minutes, give or take, since “Rent” first premiered on Broadway in 1996, and hit songs like “Seasons of Love” and “La Vie Boheme” changed the musical theater landscape in immeasurable ways. Now, Jonathan Larson’s enduring rock musical is traveling the country on a farewell tour, stopping at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 21 for one night only.

Heartland Theatre closes its latest production this weekend, a rendition of Jennifer Blackmer’s 2014 play, “Human Terrain,” based on the real Human Terrain System.

The Festival of Trees returns to the Interstate Center beginning Thursday, Nov. 18, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 21, with the giant silent auction that supports families and children in need.

The tale of Buddy the Elf is a holiday classic for many, and just in time for the holiday season the Community Players Theatre in Bloomington are bringing the holiday cheer to the stage.