You don’t have to travel far to find world-class musical and theatrical performances. Here’s a breakdown of just some of our region’s upcoming events and amazing venues.
World-renowned classical musicians. Hit shows straight from Broadway. Pop artists and country singers. International dancers. Live theater performed by touring professionals and veteran local acting troupes. Beloved children’s characters brought to life onstage.
All of this entertainment – and more – is available right here in our region, and without the hassle of crowded city streets, long lines, remote parking and a tiresome late-night trip home.
These proven venues attract top-notch performers and up-to-the-minute shows, season after season.
Here, Northwest Quarterly notes just a few of these places, along with their upcoming seasons. Check out our Arts & Entertainment calendar for full show descriptions, as well as a complete listing of more great shows at other fantastic venues.
Artists’ Ensemble Theater
Cheek Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Info: AE, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
This Equity theater was founded in 2004 by a group of local actors, committed to presenting ensemble-driven theater that challenges both actors and audiences. It performs five shows a season in the Clark Arts Center on the campus of Rockford College, with matinee and evening shows. Check website for days and times.
2012-21013 Season
Jeeves Takes a Bow
Sept. 7-23.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play
Nov. 30-Dec. 16.
Brooklyn Boy
March 1-30, 2013.
Meet Me in St. Louis
April 25-28. With the Rockford College Performing Arts Dept.
Mrs. Mannerly
May 10-26.
Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps
June 14-30. Bonus Co-Production
Beloit Civic Theatre
Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit Wis. (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.
Founded in 1932 as the Beloit Little Theatre Guild, by the next year, a membership of 1300 made it the largest community theater in Wisconsin. In 1948, the name was changed to Beloit Civic Theatre, and members remain committed to the providing area residents with top-notch live theater. Performances are held in the Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre in Beloit Memorial High School.
2012-2013 Season
Guys on Ice
Sept. 27-29, Oct. 4-6, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 29 & Oct. 6, 3 p.m.
A musical comedy set in an ice fishing shanty.
The Fox on the Fairway
Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 7-9, 2013, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 2 & 9, 3 p.m.
A madcap comedy about love and golf.
The Last Romance
April 25-27, May 2-4, 7:30 p.m.; Apr. 27 & May 4, 3 p.m.
A romantic comedy which says love can happen at any age.
Beloit Janesville Symphonoy (BJS)
444 E. Grand Ave., Ste. 100, Beloit, Wis., (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.
Begun in 1953 as the Beloit Civic Symphony, a 35-member community orchestra, it became the Beloit Janesville Symphony (BJS) in 1971. Since its founding, the BJS has developed into a nonprofit corporation with more than 80 professional musicians, led by Maestro Robert Tomaro.
2012-21013 Season
Festivale Latino with Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl
Oct. 28, 4 p.m. Eclipse Center, 1701 S. Riverside Dr.,, Beloit
Joe 2.0
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. Wilson Theater, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, Wis.
Home for the Holidays Spectacular
Dec. 2, 2 p.m. The Eclipse Center, Beloit
Woodwind Quintet
Jan. 19, 2013, 7:30 p.m. Janesville Women’s Club, 108 S. Jackson St., Janesville, Wis.
“A Little Night Music”
March 9, 7:30 p.m. The Janesville Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville, Wis.
Mozart’s Requiem; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7
April 20, 7:30 p.m. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis.
The Beloit Memorial High School Jazz Band
May 18, 7:30 p.m. La Casa Grande, 618 4th St., Beloit, Wis.
BMO Harris Bank Center
BMO Harris Bank Center (formerly MetroCentre), 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Since opening in 1981, the BMO Harris Bank Center has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Rockford by bringing diverse, high quality live entertainment and sporting events to the region.
2012-2013 Season
Brantley Gilbert
Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Batman Live
Nov. 30-Dec. 2, Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. noon, 4 & 8 p.m.; Sun. 1 & 5 p.m.
Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Live!
March 14, 2013, 3 & 6 p.m.
Harlem Globetrotters
Jan. 6, 2013, 2 p.m.
Comedian Brian Regan
April 27, 8 p.m. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center
Canterbury Concerts
canterburyconcerts.com, (312) 420-8715
Since 1984, this Dixon, Ill., group has been providing free concerts from world-class artists like the Shanghai String Quartet and jazz pianist Judy Carmichael, and giving local artists a venue through its own ensembles. Concerts are held in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 221 W. 3rd St., and in a private residence called Philander Hall, 308 Deer Chase.
2012-2013 Season
Music for Flute, Cello & Harp
Nov. 11, 4:30 p.m. St. Luke’s
Canterbury Singers Music Festival
Dec. 16, 4:30 p.m. St. Luke’s
Metropolis Wind Sextet
Jan. 13, 2013, 4:30 p.m. St. Luke’s
Violin, Cello & Piano
Feb. 24, 4:30 p.m. Philander Hall
Canterbury Singers Spring Gala
April 14, 4:30 p.m. St. Luke’s
Charlotte’s Web of Rockford
P.O. Box 765, Rockford, Ill., (815) 964-2238, charloteeswebofrockford.org.
For more than 40 years, this group has been providing the area with the best in regional, national and international artists, presenting folk, blues, Americana, world music, dance and theater productions. It became a nonprofit organization in 1989. Last year, after years of a nomadic existence and utilizing a variety of local venues, Charlotte’s Web found a permanent home when it partnered with Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center.
2012-2013 Season
Claude Bourbon, guitar/vocal
Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford
Anne Hills, singer/instrumentalist
Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Emerson House
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble
Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC), 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713
Small Potatoes
Jan. 12, 2013, 7:30 p.m. MPAC
Michael Johnson, guitar/vocal
Feb. 3, 2 p.m. MPAC
Emily Hurd, piano/vocal
Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. MPAC
Buddy Mondlock, guitar/vocal
March 8, 7:30 p.m. MPAC
ellen cherry, guitar/vocal
April 13, 7:30 p.m. MPAC
Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC)
314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this former vaudeville and movie palace has played host to world-class performers since it opened in 1927. It became the property of the City of Rockford in 1997 and underwent an extensive 18-month renovation in 1999. Today, this grand theater continues to provide high-quality entertainment to area residents by attracting world-class musicians, productions and performers, and is home to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.
2012-2013 Season
An Evening with Gordon Lightfoot
Sept. 21, 8 p.m.
RSO: Influence and Inspiration
Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Ron White
Oct. 5, 8 pm.
RSO: Classical Mystery Tour
Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.
RCCA: Ailey II
Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.
RCCA: Stephanie Blythe
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Straight No Chaser
Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.
RSO: “East Meets West”
Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof
Nov. 16, 8 p.m. Broadway at the Coronado
RSO: The Nutcracker
Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Dec. 2, 3 p.m. With Rockford Dance Company
Cirque Dreams “Holidaze”
Dec. 7, 8 p.m.
RSO: Holiday Pops!
Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 23, 3 p.m.
2013
Shrek the Musical
Jan. 12, 2013, 8 p.m. Broadway at the Coronado
RSO: “Arrival to the Modern Age”
Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Elvis Lives!
Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Broadway at the Coronado.
RSO: “Rhapsody and Reveries”
Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.
RCCA: The Chieftains
March 2, 7:30 p.m.
RSO: “Salute to the Big Bands!”
March 9, 7:30 p.m.
Dreamgirls
March 15, 8 p.m. Broadway at the Coronado.
RSO: Handel’s Messiah
March 23, 7:30 p.m.
RSO: Music of Revolution: Featuring Beethoven’s 5th
April 20, 7:30 p.m.
Joe Bonamassa
April 30, 8 p.m.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
May 2, 7:30 p.m.
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
2728 Asbury Road, Ste. 900, Dubuque, Iowa, (563) 557-1677, dubuquesymphony.org.
Formed in 1957 under the auspices of the University of Dubuque (UD). In 1963, UD gave up governing rights and the name was changed to Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. It has grown in size and prestige over the years, conducted since 2000 by Maestro William Intriligator, only the third music director and conductor in DSO history. It performs at Five Flags Center, 405 Main St., Dubuque.
2012-2013 Season
Show Stopping Favorites
Oct. 6-7, Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
American Classics
Nov. 10-11, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
Holiday Pops Family Concert
Dec. 1, 1 p.m.
Holiday Pops Celebration
Dec. 1-2, Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 2 p.m. With the Dubuque Chorale, members of Dubuque’s Heartland Ballet and guest mezzo-soprano Mary Kate Bristow.
All-Beethoven
Feb. 16-17, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
A Chain of Jewels
March 16-17, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Corey Mackey, clarinet.
Russia’s Greatest!
April 13-14, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Eugene Alcalay, piano.
Five Flags Center
405 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa, (563) 589-4254, fiveflagscenter.org
Named for the five national flags that have flown over Dubuque since 1673, this beautiful, renovated 1910 historical theater is home to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Fly-By-Night Productions Theatre Company, Broadway shows and high school productions. This multipurpose facility also hosts community events and serves as home court for two professional teams.
2012-2013 Season
Sesame Street Live: “Can’t Stop Singing”
Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 21, 4 & 7:30 p.m.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Jim McDonough: Holiday Grande 2012
Dec 8, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Harlem Globetrotters
Dec. 30, 2 p.m.
Fly-By-Night Productions: Largo Desolato
Jan. 25-27, Feb. 1-3, 2013, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
Dubuque Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show
March 30-31, TBA
El Ka Hir Circus
April 11-12, TBA. Five Flags Center Arena
Fly-By-Night Productions: Matt & Ben
May 31-June 2, 7-9, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
Freeport Community Concert Assn.
(815) 232-4214
For more than 80 years, this group has brought quality entertainment to Freeport, attracted talented performers in different genres, from big band to symphony orchestra, from classical to jazz soloists. All concerts in the Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, Ill. Tckets: (815) 232-4214 or purchase them at the door.
2012-2013 Season
Jeanne-Minette Cilliers
Sept. 2, 3 p.m.
Christopher Atzinger
Oct. 27, 3 p.m.
The Dickens Carolers
Dec. 3, p.m.
Intersection Trio
March 18, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Bottom Line Duo
April 6, 3 p.m.
Heather Wittels
TBA.
Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC)
408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis. (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Originally the theater and music wing of a school more than 70 years old when renovated, JPAC now serves as a centralized home for the arts in Janesville. It also serves as a rental facility for nonprofit arts organizations to use when producing and presenting their unique art.
2012-2013 Season
Bower City Theatre: Next to Normal
Sept. 14-15, 21-22, 7:30 p.m.
JPAC: John Oates: Stories Behind the Songs
Sept. 29, 8 p.m.; Sept. 30, 2 p.m.
Janesville Little Theatre: Escanaba in da Moonlight
Oct. 4-6, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 7, 2 p.m.
Stage One, Inc.: How I Learned to Drive
Oct. 11-13, 19-20, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 14, 21, 2 p.m.
Docs Who Rock
Oct. 26, 7 p.m. United Way Blackhawk Region
“Mamma Mia: Come Sing With Us!”
Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Costume Party, 7:30 p.m. Movie and singalong. Janesville Presents!
Janesville Art League: Holiday Art Show
Nov. 2, 5-8 p.m.; Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
Eric Himy
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. Janesville Presents!
JPAC: Badger Chordhawks: Salute to America in Song
Nov. 10, 2 & 7 p.m.
JPAC: Hugo
Nov. 18, 3 p.m. Family Movie Night.
Bower City Theatre: The Sound of Music
Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 7-8, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2 & 9, 2 p.m.
’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Dec. 11, 10 a.m. Grades K-5. Janesville Presents!
JPAC: Songs With All the Trimmings: Ken Lonnquist
Dec. 15, 11 a.m.
JPAC: New Odyssey
Dec. 16, 3 p.m.
Stage One, Inc.: Town Hall Christmas
Dec. 22, 2 & 7:30 p.m. Part of the Culver’s Family Series.
Bower City Theatre: Jekyll & Hyde
Jan. 25- 26, Feb. 1-2, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 27, 2 p.m.
“Close to You: Music of the Carpenters”
Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. Janesville Presents!
Student Talent Showcase
Feb. 10, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Excellence in Education Foundation.
Janesville Area Creativity Awards
Feb. 16, 6 p.m. United Arts Alliance
Janesville Little Theatre: Death of a Salesman
Feb. 21-23, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
JPAC: School House Rock
Feb. 28-March 1, 9:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Reserved for School Groups. March 2, 2 & 7:30 p.m., $10 Adults, $5 Students, 3 and Under Free; March 3, 2 p.m. Spotlight on Kids.
JPAC: Lavinia Goodell Play Reading
March 8, 6 p.m. Free.
River Cities Jazz
March 9, 7:30 p.m. Janesville Presents!
JPAC: Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
March 10, 2 p.m.
Stage One, Inc.: The Glass Menagerie
March 14-16, 22-23, 7:30 p.m.; March 17 & 24, 2 p.m.
Bower City Theatre: Spring Awakening
April 4-6, 7:30 p.m.
UAA Hall of Fame
April 7, United Arts Alliance
My Heart in a Suitcase
April 10, 10 a.m. Grades 4-8. Janesville Presents!
JPAC: DuPue De Hoyos
April 13, 7:30 p.m.
JPAC: “Thorton Wilder: A Life”
April 18, 6 p.m. Part of The Big Read.
BJS: Mozart’s Requiem & Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7
April 20, 7:30 p.m.
“Dancing With the Stars”
April 27, 7 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Center of Rock County
Janesville Little Theatre: Sleuth
May 2-4, 7:30 p.m.; May 5, 2 p.m.
JPAC: Dance Recitals
May 17, 7 p.m., May 18, 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. 5678 Dance Studio
JPAC: Ballet Production
June 14, 7 p.m. Dance Attitudes.
JPAC: Artistry in Motion
June 15, 2 & 7 p.m. Dance Attitudes.
Janesville Little Theatre: Social Security
June 20-22, 7:30 p.m.; June 23, 2 p.m. Dinner option June 21.
JPAC: Cats
July 10-13, 7:30 p.m.; July 14, 2 p.m. Spotlight on Kids.
JPAC: Juggling Comedy with Jason Huneke
July 20, 11 a.m.
Janesville Presents!
JPAC, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis. (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org/jpac/resident-groups/janesville-presents/
This group was founded in 1937, under the name Janesville Civic Music Association, with the mission to “provide a variety of musical and other performing arts by professional artists for a family audience to inspire artistic growth.” In 1982, it was incorporated as the Janesville Concert Association. In 2004, to coincide with the opening of the new Janesville Performing Arts Center, the name was changed to Janesville Presents! All performances are held at JPAC.
2012-2013 Season
“Mamma Mia: Come Sing With Us!”
Oct. 27, costume party 7 p.m., movie 7:30 p.m.
Eric Himy
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.
’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Dec. 11, 10 a.m. Appropriate for Grades K-5
“Close to You: Music of the Carpenters”
Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.
River Cities Jazz
March 9, 7:30 p.m.
My Heart in a Suitcase
April 10, 10 a.m.
Main Street Players of Boone County
Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, Ill., (800) 741-2963, mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com
Organized in May 1994 as a not-for-profit amateur community theater group, the goal of this organization is to provide opportunities for area residents o to participate in and enjoy quality amateur theater in all its facets.
2012-2013 Season
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 9-11, 16-18, Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
Arsenic and Old Lace
Feb. 8-10, 15-17, 2013, Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
May 10-12, 17-19, Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
MPAC (nee Mendelssohn Club) is the oldest continuous music organization in the country, begun by Mrs. Chandler (Blanche Ellis) Starr of Rockford in 1884. Starr was the first board president for the National Federation of Musical Clubs, formed in 1893 to bring fine music to communities across the country. It’s now in its 127th year.
Performances are also held at Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, and Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 N. Court St., Rockford.
2012-2013 Season
20th Century Duo Flute
Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. Emerson House
Dan Pincus & Jim McElhaney
Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. Emerson House
Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra: “Stained Glass Concerto”
Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. Court Street United Methodist Church
Young Musicians Recital: “Autumn Masquerade”
Nov. 3, 1:30 p.m. MPAC
Student Outreach: Rock Valley College Jazz Ensemble
Nov. 9, 10 a.m. Court Street United Methodist Church
David Lisker, violin
Nov. 11, 2 p.m. Court Street United Methodist Church
Harlan Jefferson
Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. Emerson House
Jodi Beach and Jim McDowell
Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m. Emerson House
Avalon String Quartet: “Mozart, Garrup and Brahms”
Nov. 16, 7 p.m. MPAC
Bonus Concert: “Sounds of Winter”
Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. Court Street United Methodist Church
Mary J. Harris Trio
Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m. Emerson House
Mathieu Dufour, flute
Jan. 13, 2013, 2 p.m. Court Street United Methodist Church
Michael Platt
Jan. 14, 5:30 p.m. Emerson House
Monroe Arts Center (MAC)
113 11th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
This historic Gothic-style structure was dedicated in 1887 as the First Methodist Episcopal Church. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and purchased by the newly-formed, nonprofit group Monroe Arts Center. Today, it serves the area as a venue for local and professional performances and art exhibits, fulfilling the group’s mission to “nurture an appreciation of the arts.” Performances are split between MAC and Monroe High School, 1600 26th St.
2012-2013 Season
Sarah Plum and Mei-Hsuan Huang
Sept. 23, 2 p.m. MAC
Da Yoopers
Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. Monroe High School
Christopher Atzinger
Oct. 28, 2 p.m. MAC
Katie Armiger & Band
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. MAC
Pro Arte Quartet
Nov. 11, 2 p.m. MAC
The Good Lovelies
Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. MAC
Gloria, The Christmas Angel
Dec. 6-7, 7:30 p.m. MAC
Tracy Bristow Holiday Concert
Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Reception at 6 p.m. Free. MAC
A Christmas Carol Radio Show Broadcast
Dec. 24-25, TBA. MAC
Bottom Line Duo
April 5, 2013, 7:30 p.m. MAC
Green County Harmony Chorus
April 6, 7:30 p.m. Monroe High School
“Just Imagine: A Tribute to John Lennon”
April 12, 7:30 p.m. Monroe High School
Bel Canto Singers Spring Concert
April 21, 3 p.m. MAC
Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets: Always in Style
May 18, 7:30 p.m. MAC
Livingston Taylor
June 21, 8 p.m. Monroe High School
Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles
June 22, 6:30 p.m. Monroe High School
The BoDeans
June 22, 8 p.m. Monroe High School
Rockford Community Concert Assn. (RCCA)
Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-9863, rccaconcerts.net.
Formed in 1936 by members of Mendelssohn Club and called the Rockford Community Concert Association, this group was part of a nationwide movement begun in 1930 by the president of CBS – Columbia Artists Management Inc. (CAMI) – to help smaller cities and towns book top acts, and keep fine music alive during the Great Depression. Its slogan: “A Carnegie Hall in Every Town.” In 1942, the venue was moved across the street, from the Shrine Temple to the Coronado Theatre, where it remains. In 2003, the group ended its association with CAMI and changed its name. RCCA presents a mix of classical and semi-classical music and dance.
2012-2013 Season
Jon Nakamatsu, Pianist
Sept. 13, 7:30 pm
Ailey II
Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Stephanie Blythe, mezzo soprano
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.
The Chieftains
March 2, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
May 2, 7:30 p.m.
Rockford Dance Company
Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com
Since its inception in 1973, this group has been committed to the individual student’s growth as dancer and artist, while instilling qualities essential to a successful life: discipline, responsibility and teamwork. It’s located at Riverfront Museum Park, with five state-of-the-art studios. Students perform four times each year.
2012-2013 Season
“Fall For Dance”
Sept. 21-23, 7 p.m. Kresge Hall, Riverfront Museum Park
The Nutcracker
Dec. 1-2, Sat. 7 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Coronado Performing Arts Center
“Wolf Tales”
Jan. 26, 2013, 7 p.m. Kresge Hall, Riverfront Museum Park
“Bold Moves”
April 13, 7 p.m. Coronado Performing Arts Center
Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO)
711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com
This award-winning community-based orchestra kicked off its 78th continuous season on Sept. 22. The orchestra began unofficially in 1934, was incorporated in 1943, and has grown and evolved to its current stature under the guidance of only four musical directors. For the past 19 years, the director has been Steven Larsen, who not only creates the program of 20-plus RSO performances each season, but also conducts. All performances at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.
2012-2013 Season
“Influence and Inspiration”
Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. Alon Goldstein, piano.
Classical Mystery Tour
Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. Guests Classical Mystery Tour, Beatles tribute band.
East Meets West
Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Rachel Barton Pine, violin.
The Nutcracker with the Rockford Dance Company
Dec. 1, 7 p.m.; Dec. 2, 3 p.m.
Holiday Pops
Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 23, 3 p.m. With the Mendelssohn Chorale and the B103 Choir Competition winner.
Arrival to the Modern Age
Jan. 19, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Rhapsody and Reveries
Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Salute to the Big Bands!
March 9, 7:30 p.m., Guest appearance from Emily Bear.
Handel’s Messiah
March 23, 7:30 p.m. Featuring The Mendelssohn Chorale.
Music of Revolution: Featuring Beethoven’s 5th
April 20, 7:30 p.m. Gernot Winischhofer, violin, Meehae
Ryo, cello.
Sauk Valley Community Concert Assn
svcca.org.
Serving the Dixon/Sterling area. This group is dedicated to bringing the finest professional music to the Sauk Valley at a very reasonable price. It presents a variety of artists and music styles four or more times each year in Dixon and Sterling. Concert admission is by membership only, and includes reciprocal concert admission in Ottawa and Freeport. Visit the website for information.
2012-2013 Season
Home Free Vocal Band
Oct. 8, 7 p.m. Sterling High School, 1608 4th Ave., Sterling, Ill.
The Hunts
Nov. 15, 7 p.m. Historic Dixon Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave., Dixon, Ill.
Sirens of the ’60s
March 19, 2013, 7 p.m. Historic Dixon Theatre
Barbary Coast Dixieland Band
April 28, 7 p.m. Sterling High School
Studio Theatre Productions
Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, Ill., (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu
One of two theaters on the campus of Rock Valley College, Studio Theatre offers a venue for students to hone their skills with a diverse season of live theater in an intimate setting.
2012-2013 Season
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sept. 26-Oct. 6, 8 p.m.; Sept. 29-30, Oct. 6, additional matinees, 2 p.m.
Rocky Horror Show
Oct. 18-20, 8 p.m. & midnight.
Christmas with the Conroys
Dec. 5-15, 8 p.m.; Dec. 8-9, 15, additional matinees, 2 p.m.
Avenue Q (rated R)
Feb. 6-16, 2013, 8 p.m.; Feb. 9-10, 16, 2 p.m.
Fiddlers Three
March 20-30, 8 p.m.; March 23-24, 30, 2 p.m.