There’s so much to do in our neck of the Old Northwest Territory! Here are some fun events coming up this season.
June
Starlight Express
July 10-14, 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. in June. This musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1984 for his children, features toy railway trains, portrayed by actors on roller skates, who a race to become the “fastest engine in the world.” Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.
Watercolor Workshop with Ingrid Dohm
June 18, July 9, 16, Tues. 9-11 a.m. Professional watercolor artist Ingrid Dohm leads ahands-on workshop in painting florals. Ages 16+, $65/$70 non-residents. Registration req. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, Rockfordparkdistrict.org.
The Gin Game
June 12-27, Wed-Thu, seating 11:45; matinee dinner theater. Over a deck of cards, retirement home residents Weller Martin and Fonsia Dorsey exchange opinions of society, families and the indignities of growing old, in a delightful blend of poignancy and wildly comic turns. Pulitzer & Tony Award winner. White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., , whitepinesinn.com.
Little Shop of Horrors
June 13-July 14, check website for days/times. The hit musical with the carnivorous alien plant that inspired the hit movie with Rick Moranis and Steve Martin. The Fireside Dinner Theatre, Business Hwy. 26 South, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
AE: Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps
June 14-30, check website for days/times. Bonus Co-Production: Hitchcock meets hilarity in this Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning spy thriller packed with nonstop laughs and more than 150 characters – played by a talented cast of four which includes two AE performers. Cheek Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Info: AE, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
Dearly Beloved
June 14-30, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat; 2 p.m. Sun. The Futrell sisters in the fictional town of Fayro, Texas, from Christmas Belles, host a Southern wedding that goes hilariously off-course. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts
June 16, open 4 p.m., concert 6 p.m. Pop rock arrangements and sunny melodies tucked between a long lost country folk steel guitar floating through speakers around crashing drums, bouncing bass lines and smooth as butter keys. $10/$5 members/12 & under free. Woodsong Summer Series. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, Ill., (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Music Under the Stars
June 16-July 21, 7:30 Sun. The Freeport Concert Band performs outdoors on Sunday nights. Free. Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, (815) 235-1417.
Derek Luttrell
June 18, 6:30 p.m. This 22-year-old Rockford native’s songwriting is a mix of Johnny Cash and Randy Newman. Doors open at 5 p.m. Local food vendors; beer, wine, soda and bottled water for purchase. Part of Tuesday Evening in the Gardens, Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 997-1197, andersonjapanesegardens.org.
“A Grand Night for Broadway”
June 18, 7-9 p.m. Performed by the Rockford Concert Band, Bill Petersen, Conductor. Featuring Jim Martindale, trumpet and vocalist Jodi Beach. Free. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
June 19-22, July 24-28, 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. in June. In this Tony-Award winning musical comedy, the lesson learned (hilariously) is that winning isn’t everything and losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.
Tuesdays With Morrie
June 20-29, 7 p.m. Tue-Sat; 2 p.m. Wed, Sun. Mitch Albom’s popular non-fiction novel is now onstage, following a sportswriter’s weekly pilgrimage to visit his dying professor for one last class in the meaning of life. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, (815) 244-2035.
Mike Perry & the Long Beds
June 20, 6:30 p.m. Songs range from boot-stomping country to roughneck folk ballads and are populated by characters drawn straight from rural and small-town America. Led by author and humorist Mike Perry. Free. West side, Historic Courthouse Square, Monroe, Wis. Part of the Wisconsin Music Arts Festival (WMAF), (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Big Guitars from Memphis
June 20, 7-9 p.m. They aren’t really from Memphis, but their music sounds like it. Big Guitars From Memphis plays a driving blend of rockabilly, swing, and surf music. Along with playing all around the Chicago area, Big Guitars From Memphis also tours frequently in Europe, where the band has found many appreciative fans. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
WMAF: Livingston Taylor
June 21, 8 p.m. The brother of James has a string of Top 40 hits, but his varied repertoire encompasses a range of musical genres and include warm personal stories and anecdotes. Wisconsin Music Arts Festival (WMAF), Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St, Monroe, Wis. Info: (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
WMAF: Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles
June 22, 6:30 p.m. Using instruments from accordion to cello to ukulele, this fiery five-piece band combines mountain, bluegrass, gypsy, rag, polka, folk, punk and pop. Monroe High School, (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Hunter Fuerste & His American Vintage Orchestra
June 22, 8 p.m. The show features re-creations of original hits by Glenn Miller, the Dorseys, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Count Basie and many others. Fundraiser for The Galena Foundation. Turner Hall, 115 S. Bench St., Galena, Ill., (815) 777-1050, turnerhall.com.
WMAF: The BoDeans
June 22, 8 p.m. Over the past 20 years, Waukesha boys Sam Llanas and Kurt Neumann have forged a signature sound of heartfelt lyrics, passionate harmonies and ringing guitars, with hits like “Closer To Free” and “Good Things.” Monroe High School, (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
15th Annual Field Arts Fair
June 23, 10 a.m. For the Fields Art Project, artists nationwide come to the Rock River Valley to live with farm families for nine days, drawing inspiration from the beautiful scenery. On the last day, they and local artists show and sell their paintings, photographs, pottery and sculptures. Mix Park, 701 S. 4th St., Oregon, Ill., fieldsproject.com.
Mariachi Ameca
June 23, 3 p.m. This multi-talented group plays a variety of traditional Mexican music including sones, boleros, popurris, polkas, rancheras, cumbias and more. Part of Live at Levings Series. Levings Park, 1400 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Mary J. Harris Swing Band
June 23, 7-9 p.m. High-energy musicians fronted by jazz vocalist Mary J Harris with tunes from the Swing Era. BYO lawn chairs/blankets. Free. Heritage Farm Stage, Byron, byronforestpreserve.com.
Joseph Messing & the Wise Men
June 25, 6:30 p.m. This Chicago American roots music band blends blues, folk and rock to create dynamic original songs. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens, Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
“Nothing but Gems and Favorites”
June 25, 7-9 p.m. Performed by the Rockford Concert Band, Diana Heddinger, Conductor. Featuring Jan Mitchell, French horn and vocalist Jenny Saltsgiver. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Les Miserables
June 26-29, July 31-Aug. 4, 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. in June. Set in 19th century Paris, the award-winning musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel uses the tale of Jean Valjean to examine broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.
Rhythm Rockets
June 27, 7-9 p.m. This group has been delivering their own brand of vintage style rhythm and blues since 1996,with a repertoire influenced by the sax-driven jump and rhythm and blues bands of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Alice Cooper & Marilyn Manson
June 28, 7 p.m. Masters of Madness Tour with these iconic rockers. Cooper is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; Manson has won two Billboard Video awards and been nominated for four Grammys. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Geoff Landon & The Wolfpack
June 28, 7 p.m. Known for powerful vocals, the band pays homage to today’s top musical acts and award-winning musicians. Summer Concert Series. $10/free for guests. Ski Chalet, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, Wis., (800) 558-3417, grandgeneva.com.
CW: Mike Mangione & The Union
June 29, 7 p.m. A touring group that combines a folk-rock sound with an orchestrated string section, soulful vocals, and literate sensibility. Part of MPAC’s Charlotte’s Web (CW) 15th Annual Sinnissippi Summer Series. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, (815) 964- 9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Here Come The Mummies
June 29, 8:30 p.m. This funk band also plays rock, jazz, R&B and soul with infectious humor and backed by the biggest, baddest horn section in the business. $15. Tickets: BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. Concert: Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford.
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band with Ann Hampton Callaway
June 29, 7:30 p.m. Kick-off concert for Music by the Lake (MBTL). Grammy-winner Gordon Goodwin and his l8-piece big band play classic and original jazz and swing pieces, accompanied by the vocals of Chicago native Ann Hampton Callaway. George Williams College (GWC), Ferro Pavilion, 350 Constance Blvd. Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
CW: Vishtèn
June 30, 2 p.m. This Acadian folk trio play traditional and contemporary music with a trademark blend of fiddle, guitar, accordion, harmonium, whistles, piano, bodhrán, jaw harp, moog, electric guitar and percussive dance. MPAC, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, charlotteswebofrockford.org.
New Royal Travelers
June 30, 3-7 p.m. Gospel Fest Musical Concert & Talent Show. This group has performed with artists such as Willie Neal Johnson and The Gospel Keynotes, The Canton Spirituals, the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Live at Levings, Levings Lake Park, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
July
jf gaziano & beatmerchants
July 2, 6:30 p.m. This popular local group plays blues, jazz and original compositions. Food & beverage vendors. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
Patriotic Concert
July 2, 7-9 p.m. Honoring our country, our veterans, and our greatest music. Performed by the Rockford Concert Band, Bill Petersen, Conductor. Featuring Adam Werntz, trombone and vocalist Courtney Albers. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
U.S. Navy Band Horizon
July 3, 7-8 p.m. This Midwest US Navy group, all on active duty, performs current Top 40, classic rock, Motown, country, funk and blues. Concerts in the Park series. Free. Flat Iron Park-Wrigley Drive Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 248-4414, lakegenevawi.com.
Pops on the Rock
July 4, 7 p.m. The Beloit Janesville Symphony performs a patriotic concert, followed by fireworks at dark. Food vendors available. BYO lawn chairs/blankets. Free. Riverside Park, 1160 Riverside Park, Beloit, Wis., (608) 365-4838, visitbeloit.com.
John Michael Coppola: “A Jersey Voice”
July 5, 7:30 p.m. Hear songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, even Frankie Valli sung by the Chicago star of The Jersey Boys. Part of the Galena Festival of the Performing Arts (GFPA). Turner Hall, Galena, (815) 777-4084, gfpa.org.
The Music Man
July 5-14, 7 p.m. Tue-Sat; 2 p.m. Wed, Sun. There’s trouble in River City, when Prof. Harold Hill, con man extraordinaire, falls for Marion the librarian while organizing the town’s youth into a marching band – without any instruments. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, (815) 244-2035.
GFPA: The Hollands!
July 6, 7:30 p.m. A full-time, internationally touring, organic folk revival family with a knack for engaging audiences and rousing a sing-along.. Grace Episcopal Church, 107 S. Prospect St., Galena, Ill., (815) 777-4084, gfpa.org
32nd Annual Nuts About Art
July 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Artisans display and sell original paintings, sculptures, clay pieces, jewelry and more during the Petunia Festival. John Dixon Park, 19 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, Ill., thenextpictureshow.com.
MBTL: Lee Greenwood, American Patriot
July 6, 7:30 p.m. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the most recognizable patriotic songs in America, the Grammy winning writer of “Proud to be an American” performs a special program of country songs and original compositions. GWC, Ferro Pavilion, Williams Bay, (262) 245-8501.
Freedom Baptist Church Choir
July 7, 3-7 p.m. An inspirational gospel music choir that is comprised of Christian singers and musicians under the leadership of Justin Djuane Francis and Boyce Hudson, Ministers of Music. Live at Levings. Levings Lake Park, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Little Big Band
July 7, 7-9 p.m. This award-winning Rockford group of musicians and vocalists plays big band, swing, jazz, Latin, funk & rock. Free. Heritage Farm Stage, Byron, byronforestpreserve.com.
Kelly Steward & the Restless Kind
July 9, 6:30 p.m. This popular local group . Food & beverage vendors. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
The Great American Songbook
July 9, 7-9 p.m. Selections ranging from Stephen Foster to Billy Joel, performed by the Rockford Concert Band, Bill Petersen, Conductor. Featuring Peter Driscoll, piano and vocals. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
“Simply Patsy”
July 10-11, Wed-Thu, seating 11:45; matinee dinner theater. Tribute artist Mary Pfeifer includes details of the singer Patsy Cline’s life and sings hits including “Crazy,” “Walking After Midnight.” White Pines Inn, Mt. Morris, whitepinesinn.com.
JPAC: Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
July 10-13, 7:30 p.m., July 13-14, 2 p.m. Andrew Lloyd Weber’s a musical retelling of the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers, mixing pop, rock, country, musical comedy. Spotlight on Kids presentation. Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis., (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
GFPA: River City Trio
July 11, noon-12:30 p.m. This flute and strings ensemble brings classical music to life with truly unique tonality. Galena Public Library, 601 S. Bench St., Galena, gfpa.org.
Stann Champion’s Roots Rock Society
July 11, 7-9 p.m. The band’s one-of-a-kind sound combines the rhythms of the African diaspora, such as reggae, calypso, compa and zouk, with lyrics that reflect family, culture, heritage, and community. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
The Eddie Butts Band
July 12, 7 p.m. This Wisconsin group has opened for Chaka Kahn, Peabo Bryson, the Neville Brothers, Santana, others. $10/free for guests. Summer Concert Series. Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, grandgeneva.com.
GFPA: Juliani Ensemble
July 12, 7:30 p.m. Chamber music ensemble of world-class musicians. Grace Episcopal Church, Galena, (815) 777-4084, gfpa.org.
GFPA: Night at the Opera: Megan Gloss & Friends
July 13, 7:30-9 p.m. Some of the finest moments from the operatic stage, from some of the brightest emerging young artists from across the Midwest. Grace Episcopal Church, Galena, gfpa.org.
Randy Sabien & Fiddlehead Band
July 13, 7 p.m. This self-taught musician and composer combines classical technique and folk energy in a program that’s still strictly jazz. Part of MPAC’s Charlotte’s Web 15th Annual Sinnissippi Summer Series. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, (815) 964- 9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
MBTL: Gala of Stars –The Reunion
July 13, 7:30 p.m. Distinguished alumni performing “top hits” from popular operas, operettas and musicals presented since 2002, accompanied by the Festival Orchestra and Chorus. GWC, Ferro Pavilion, Williams Bay, (262) 245-8501.
La Renta de Tierra Caliente
July 14, 3 p.m. This popular Chicago-based group plays quebradita, tierra caliente, and other contemporary dance music. Amigos Divertidos will present fun-filled games and other interactive children’s activities at this event. Part of Domingo en el Parque. Levings Lake Park, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Deals Gone Bad
July 14, open 4 p.m. , concert 6 p.m. This Chicago group appeals to fans of both soul and Jamaican music, a combination of soul rave-up and island dance party. Woodsong Summer Season, Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, klehm.org.
Phantom Regiment “Tour Of Champions”
July 14, 7:30 p.m. Seating 6 p.m. Seven of the world’s top drum & bugle corps compete. NIU Huskie Stadium, 1245 Stadium Dr., DeKalb, Ill. Info.tickets: (815) 226-2835, regiment.org.
Friends and Family
July 16, 7-9 p.m. Rockford Concert Band, Tom Huber, Conductor. Guest Arnie Rosen, tuba & vocals; Ken Jarczyk, alto sax; Ryan Jensen vocals. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Empty Pockets
July 16, 6:30 p.m. Live entertainment, food & beverage vendors. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
Xanadu
July 17-21, 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. in June. Roller disco and the gods from Mt. Olympus mix, as head muse Clio tries to inspire frustrated artist Sonny while jealous sister muses conspire for them to fall in love and break Zeus’s rule. Funny roller-skating musical adventure based on the 1980 film. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.
Starlite Radio
July 18, 7-9 p.m. With its playful mix of folk, rock, and pop, this local group has loyal fan base aacross the Midwest. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Unnecessary Farce
July 18-27, 7 p.m. Tue-Sat; 2 p.m. Two undercover cops wait in a cheap motel to catch an embezzling mayor in the room next door. Confusion over who’s in which room, who has the money and who hired a bagpipe-playing Scottish hit man. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, (815) 244-2035.
JPAC: Juggling Comedy with Jason Huneke
July 20, 11 a.m. A headliner on Carnival Cruise Lines, Huneke has performed his family-friendly, G-rated show in cities across the country. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
Chastity Brown; Barbara Jean
July 20, open 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. Brown has been called “a banjo-playing soul singer”; Barbara Jean’s arrangements include sparse banjo and fiddle. $15. Music at the Dells. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Lake Lawn Arts Festival
July 20-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. New juried fine art fair with oil/watercolor; wood sculpture & furniture; clay/pottery; photography; more. Lake Lawn Resort, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, Wis. Info: Geneva Lakes Art Association, genevalakeart.org.
MBTL: Laurie Berkner
July 21, 4-5:30 p.m. A natural for the Family & Children’s Concert, she strikes a chord with ages 1-8 and their parents, in songs employing different styles, rhythms and musical techniques. GWC, Ferro Pavilion, Williams Bay, (262) 245-8501.
St. Paul Church of God in Christ Choir
July 21, 3-7 p.m. A historically talented local group that was home to famed vocalist Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child. Gospel Fest Musical Concert & Talent Show. Levings Lake Park, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Patchouli: New American Folk
July 21, 7-9 p.m. Songwriter Julie Patchouli and guitarist Bruce Hecksel blend folk, pop, flamenco and jazz with world beat rhythms. Free. Heritage Farm Stage, Byron, byronforestpreserve.com.
Lucrezio
July 23, 6:30 p.m. With Jennifer Lucrezio’s vocals and piano and Jordan Bumgarner guitar, this Chicago-based group plays original alternative acoustic compositions. Food & beverage vendors. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
A Night at the Movies
July 23, 7-9 p.m. Performed by the Rockford Concert Band, Bill Petersen, Conductor. Featuring Lynne Olson, alto sax and vocalist Quynetta Sanders. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
The Blooze Brothers
July 25, 7-9 p.m. This high-powered, choreographed, 12-piece show band covers music from the ‘40s to top 10, swing, Motown, soul, R & B, classic rock, original music from the band, and of course the music and crazy antics of the famous original Blues Brothers. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Run for Your Wife
July 25-Sept. 1, check website for days/times. Unassuming cab driver (and bigamist) John Smith is mugged one day and a helpful policeman takes him home – to the wrong home. Fireside, Fort Atkinson, firesidetheatre.com.
Sultans of String
July 27, 7 p.m. Spanish Flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms, and French Manouche Gypsy-jazz, celebrating musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity. Part of MPAC’s Charlotte’s Web 15th Annual Sinnissippi Summer Series. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, (815) 964- 9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
MBTL: Teatro!
July 27, 7:30 p.m. A mix of classical musical theatre and a pop concert, from these four handsome, fun loving, singers include “Music of the Night,” “Memory,” “Luck Be a Lady,” and more. GWC, Ferro Pavilion, Williams Bay, (262) 245-8501.
Banda San Guillermo
July 28, 3 p.m. This 19-piece group plays traditional brass-based banda style music. Also hear RAMI winning group Galaxia play popular Latin dance rhythms. Part of Domingo en el Parque. Levings Lake Park, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Modern Jazz Collective
July 30, 7-9 p.m. Contemporary jazz, featuring local composers Jodi Beach, Frank Calvagna, Jim McDowell, Bob Rub and Robert Werntz, backed up by local jazz quartet The Groove Hotel and featuring some of the stateline-area’s best talent. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Antony and the Tramps
July 30, 6:30 p.m. This Chicago group’s music swings from gentle sunshine ditties to wild soaring epics, to dirty garage floor American gypsy. Food & beverage vendors. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
Juggler Jason Kollum
July 31, 1:30 p.m. Balls, clubs, spinning balls, giant beanbag chairs, flaming torches, and much more will all be sent flying into the air, all leading up to the big balancing and juggling fin. Imagination Station series. Preshow activities at 1 p.m. Rain site: Eisenhower Middle School. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
August
Wiley & the Hairy Man
Aug. 1-3, 7 p.m.; Aug. 3-4, 1 p.m. A tale for the entire family of a boy living in a swamp who must face worst fears and how he eventually overcome them. Monroe Theatre Guild, 910 16th Ave., Monroe, Wis., 608-325-1111, monroetheatre.com.
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
Aug. 1-11, 7 p.m. Tue-Sat; 2 p.m. Wed, Sun. Based on the hit film Monty Python & the Holy Grail, this outrageously funny show won a Tony Award in 2005 for Best New Musical. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, (815) 244-2035.
The South of Disorder Band
Aug. 2, 7 p.m. A suburban Chicago cover band of Jimmy Buffet hits. $10/free for guests. Summer Concert Series. Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, Wis., grandgeneva.com.
57th Annual Tallman Arts Festival
Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Work by juried artists in a wide range of media, live music, food vendors. Proceeds benefit Rock County Historical Society. Lincoln Tallman House, 440 N. Jackson St., Janesville (608) 756-4509, tallmanfestival.org.
Bluegrass Reunion Band
Aug. 4, 7-9 p.m. Old-fashioned bluegrass and gospel played by this five-piece band. Free. Heritage Farm Stage, Byron, byronforestpreserve.com.
MBTL: The Canadian Brass
Aug. 4, 4-5:30 p.m. The quintet that made brass playing popular, with crowd-pleasing arrangements, virtuoso playing, spontaneity and fun. GWC, Ferro Pavilion, Williams Bay, (26) 245-8501.
Rock Valley Summer Festival Orchestra
Aug. 6, 7-9 p.m. Local musicians led by conductor Michael Beert, play a wide range of light classical music. Cello solo, Kristiana McCombs. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Ed Anderson
Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m. This musician from Bloomington, Ill., plays gritty old school rock-n-roll . Food & beverages for sale. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
MBTL: The Doobie Brothers
Aug. 10, 7:30-9 p.m. Pritzker Spotlight Concert. Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston and John McFee, founding and veteran members of the legendary band, perform hits and new songs. GWC, Ferro Pavilion, Williams Bay, (262) 245-8501.
33rd Annual Art in the Park
Aug. 10-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. to 4 p.m. A juried show with works from more than 80 national artists; silent auction; entertainment; food; children’s activity tent. Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 249-7988, genevalakeart.org.
8th Annual Market House Square Arts Festival
Aug. 10-11, 10 a.m. Local/regional artists display original paintings, woodwork, jewelry, pottery, baskets, more. Live music; food & beverage vendors. Outdoors, Old Market House Square, 123 N. Commerce St., Galena, (815) 777-1448, hellogalena.org.
Common Ground
Aug. 11, open 4 p.m., concert 6 p.m. Funky dance band covering hits from artists like Adele, Santana, Bill Withers, Bob Marley, Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder and Maroon 5. Woodsong Summer Season, Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, klehm.org.
Tristan Bushman
Aug. 11, 7-9 p.m. This 15-year-old Ashton teen has been performing solo and with his group UncleBroDaddies since age 12. Free. Heritage Farm Stage, Byron, byronforestpreserve.com.
Starlight Radio
Aug.13, 6:30 p.m. Local group with a mix of folk, rock, and pop. Food & beverage vendors. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
Rockford Dance Company: “Summer Breeze”
Aug. 13, 7-9 p.m. A new repertoire of ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Rain date Aug. 14. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Moonlight Jazz Orchestra
Aug. 15, 7-9 p.m. A favorite that performs everything from classic Big Band and swing to rock-n-roll and contemporary. Sinnissippi Band Shell, Rockford, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
’S Wonderful: A New Gershwin Musical
Aug. 15-25, 7 p.m. Tue-Sat; 2 p.m. Wed, Sun. Musical revue of young love inspired by songs like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You” – 42 in all. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, (815) 244-2035.
Jodi Beach
Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m. Hear songs from this popular local vocalist who performs professionally. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
The Groove Hotel
Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m. Live music from this popular group.Part of Tuesday Evenings in the Garden. Food & beverage vendors. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 997-1197.
The Henningsens
Aug. 31 Gates open at 4 p.m. This father-daughter-son trio sing selections from its just-released first album, American Beautiful. $15 Tickets: BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com. Concert: Davis Park, Rockford.