There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at what’s coming up this season in our many arts venues.
February
Solid Gold ’60s
Feb. 1-23, see website for days/times. Music and comedy from the era’s biggest names: Beatles, Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, the Rat Pack, Laugh-In; The Smothers Brothers, Sonny and Cher. Fireside Dinner Theatre, Business Hwy. 26 South, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
LGSO: Chamber Music Concert Series
Feb. 1, 3 p.m. Performances by The Anderson Trio and The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra (LGSO) Brass. Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 320 Broad St., Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 359-9072, lakegenevaorchestra.org.
RSO: Tragic Desire
Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Stephen Larson, conductor. Brahms: Tragic Overture; Berlioz: Three Pieces from The Damnation of Faust; Schumann: Manfred Overture; Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 in D minor. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Escanaba In Love
Feb. 1-2, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Set 40 years before Escanaba by Moonlight: Reben Soady meets and marries “Big Betty Ballou,” who joins the men as the first woman on their annual deer hunting trip. Byron Civic Theater, Byron Middle School, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, bctmagic.com.
The Web: Neil Jacobs
Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. The playbook of this master of the 12-string acoustic guitar covers Gypsy, folk, jazz, classical and modern fingerstyle. Part of the Music on Main Series. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-2238, mendelssohnpac.org.
Zac Brown Band
Feb. 7, 7 p.m. The CMA- and Grammy-Award winning band plays hits like “Chicken Fried,” “Highway 20 Ride.” BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Harvey
Feb. 7-16, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Elwood P. Dowd makes friends with a spirit taking the form of a human-sized rabbit named Harvey that only he sees. After his sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, a comedy of errors ensues. Main Street Players, Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, (800) 741-2963.
Sabrina Fair
Feb. 7-16, Fri-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.; Dinner both Saturdays. Janesville Little Theatre. This romantic comedy follows the daughter of a wealthy family’s chauffeur who returns from school in Paris transformed from a shy girl into a confident woman and is wooed by the playboy son who once ignored her. Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 408 S. Main St., Janesville, Wis., (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
The Foreigner
Feb. 7-23, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. An inspired comic romp, equal in inventive hilarity to the author’s classic comedy The Nerd, this play demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters must deal with a stranger who (they think) knows no English. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
Rock Valley Children’s Choir
Feb. 15, 6 p.m. “There’s Music in the Air” at this choir fundraising concert and dinner with performances by the Friends of the Rock Valley Children’s Choir. MPAC, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Fiddler on The Roof
Feb. 5-15, 8 p.m.; Feb. 8-9, 15, additional matinees 2 p.m. The Tony award-winning musical about tradition and change, based on the stories of Sholom Aleicham, with hits like “Matchmaker,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset.” Studio Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.
Tim Glander: Fantastic Mr. G!
Feb. 18, 11-11:45 a.m. This talented performer entertains all ages with his magic, balloon sculpting, storytelling and humor. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Band Perry
Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Fronted by Kimberly Perry and rounded out by her younger brothers Reid and Neil, the band has notched a string of hit singles, including “If I Die Young,” “You Lie,” “All Your Life.” BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Carrie Rodriguez
Feb. 21, 7 p.m. This Texas fiddler, singer, and songwriter has established an impressive roster of touring, recording, and co-writing affiliations. Severson Dells Forest Preserve, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
Avalon String Quartet
Feb. 21, 7 p.m. One of the country’s top string ensembles, now in residence at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. MPAC, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
Jabali African Acrobats
Feb. 22, 2-3 p.m. Direct from Mombassa, Kenya, their performance includes acrobats, contortions, tumbling, human pyramids, chair balancing, dance and comedy. Nordlof Center, Rockford, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
The Irish Rovers “Farewell to Rovin’ Tour”
Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. After nearly 50 years on the road delivering rollicking, rousing Irish music, the Rovers now begin their Farewell to Rovin’ tour. Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St., Monroe, monroeartscenter.org.
Switchback
Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack perform their unique American Roots-Celtic Soul music blend on mandolin, guitar and bass and amazing vocal harmonies. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
BJS: Silent Film Showcase
Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. The orchestra accompanies a classic silent film during Beloit Film Festival. Eclipse Center, 100 Eclipse Center, Beloit, Wis. Tickets: BJSO, (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.
American Aquarium
Feb. 26, 7 p.m. This band from Raleigh, N.C., plays good old Southern country rock & roll. Severson Dells, Winnebago, (815) 335-2915.
SVCCA: National Lutheran Choir
Feb. 27, 7 p.m. From Sauk Valley Community Concert Association. Based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, members of the 60-plus member choir come from a variety of college choirs. Historic Dixon Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave., Dixon, Ill. Tickets/info: svcca.org.
Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic
Feb. 27-March 2, see website for times. Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 shows come to life: Pinocchio, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Mulan, Toy Story and more. BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Heartbreak House
Feb. 27-March 2, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In the English countryside, guests gather for one of Hesione Hushabye’s infamous weekend parties where a young woman must decide whether to marry for love or money. Author George Bernard Shaw’s favorite play. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4032.
Mary Poppins
Feb. 27-April 20, see website for days/times. Direct from Broadway and the National Tour, The Fireside’s production features all the well-known popular songs, high-stepping dancing and magic and mirth. Fireside, Fort Atkinson, firesidetheatre.com.
The Web: Jayme Stone
Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. Touring with three other musicians, this award-winning banjoist plays music from Norway, Sweden, Bulgaria, Brazil, Italy, North America, even classical and original pieces. MPAC, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
March
Rabbit Hole
March 1, 6-8, 7:30 p.m. A graceful and reverent look at a family’s loss and their journey back from grief; 2007 Pulitzer winner for drama. Winneshiek Players, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.
One Less Tenor
March 7, 7:30 p.m. These two longtime performers in the Rockford metro area have both appeared as soloists with major orchestras and chorales in the area. MPAC, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
Little Red School House Revisited
March 7-9, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.; dessert shows 7:30 p.m. An original piece of 1900s Americana and the three Rs, geography, spelling bees, music appreciation and even recess. Mighty Richland Players, IOOF/Masonic Hall, 203 W. High St., Orangeville, Ill. (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplayers.com.
RSO: Songs of a Wayfarer
March 8, 7:30 p.m. Stephen Larson, conductor. Mahler: Songs of a Wayfarer (Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen), Gerard Sundberg, baritone; Sibelius: Pohjola’s Daughter; R. Strauss: Don Quixote, Mike Beert, cello, Ben Weber, viola. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Madison Youth Choir
March 9, 3 p.m. International choir, under the direction of Michael Ross, performs annually with the Madison Symphony Orchestra. MAC, Monroe, monroeartscenter.org.
Akhnaton
March 9-19, 8 p.m.; March 9-10, 19, also 2 p.m. First play by Agatha Christie, set in Ancient Egypt, follows the exploits of the Pharaoh Akhnaton, his wife, Nefertiti, and his successor, Tutankhaton. Studio Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160.
Tyler Perry’s Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned
March 12, 7:30 p.m. Anita Lincoln, a very successful modern-day single woman living in luxury, with a great job and lots of friends, is paying for little sister Mona’s wedding. But her friends wonder if the event isn’t bringing up unresolved issues for Anita. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
The Nightingale Trio with Ron Foran
March 13, 5:30 p.m. Music from the 1940s. Music on Main Series. Emerson House, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
Rock Valley Children’s Choir
March 14, 7 p.m. Annual “Singers Songbook” Concert. “Beautiful Dreamer” covers 150 years of Stephen Foster and 18th century songs benefiting the RVCC Scholarship Fund. MPAC, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra
March 14, 7:30 p.m. The Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra (MCO) performs Frederick’s Fables and The Happy Prince, scored for narrator and orchestra. MPAC, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
AE: The Shakespeare Conspiracy
March 14-30, see website for times. Uncover the greatest literary deception of all time. Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. Info: AE, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
A… My Name is Alice
March 14-22, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Winner of the Outer Critics’ Circle Award, Best Musical, this slick and lively revue offers a marvelous kaleidoscope of contemporary women singing the blues, playing jazz, dancing to show tunes—Sophisticated, bawdy, funny and insightful. Vince Carney Community Theatre (VCCT), Paddock Memorial Hall, Hickory Grove Complex, 1127 N. 7th St., Rochelle, Ill. (815) 764-2287, vcctrochelle.org.
Harmonious Wail
March 15, 7:30 p.m. March 15, 7:30 p.m. This group blends American jazz, swing and gypsy on the mandolin, guitar and upright bass, with vocals. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
27th Wisconsin Regional Arts Program Exhibit
March 21-May 2, Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Competition open to all area non-professional artists over the age of 18 in all media. State Award Winners selected from all WRAP competitions. MAC, Monroe, monroeartscenter.org.
LGSO Gala: “City Lights”
March 22, 7 p.m. David Anderson, conductor. Medley from Chicago; St. Louis Blues; A Salute to the Big Apple; Haydn: London Symphony, No. 1; An American in Paris Suite; Strauss, Thunder and Lightning Polka; von Suppé, Morning, Noon, and Night in Vienna. Riviera Ballroom, 812 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 359-9072, lakegenevaorchestra.org.
Five to Go
March 20, 5:30 p.m. Jazz at Emerson. Local jazz quintet. Emerson House, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
Wild Hope: An Evening of Story and Song
March 22, 6 p.m. Join singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer and author/conservationist Scott Russell Sanders for a special evening of stories and songs about the natural world and the nature of hope. Reservations req. Part of the Spring Awakening. Pecatonica River Forest Preserve, 14260 Brick School Road, Pecatonica, seversondells.com.
Million Dollar Quartet
March 23, 7:30 p.m. The hit musical chronicling the legendary recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Broadway at the Coronado. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
March 27, 7:30 p.m. Led by Wynton Marsalis, 15 of the finest soloists, ensemble players and arrangers in jazz music today. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
The Trip to Bountiful
March 26-April 6, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Set in 1940s Houston, an aging widow strikes out on her own to revisit her hometown once more before she dies. Monroe Theatre Guild, 910 16th Ave., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-1111, monroetheatre.com.
RSO: Lights, Camera… The Oscars!
March 29, 7:30 p.m. The RSO is joined by Broadway singers Nat Chandler and Teri Dale Hansen to perform tunes from favorite films like Titanic, Rocky, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Gone with the Wind and more. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Justin Moore Off The Beaten Path Tour
March 29, 7:30 p.m. Also Starring Randy Houser, Josh Thompson. Hear “Point At You,” “Small Town USA,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
RCCA: Lysander Piano Trio
March 30, 7:30 p.m. This energetic, award-winning group has played its repertoire of classical chamber pieces for cello, violin and piano at such renowned venues as the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
April
The Web: Dorothy Paige Turner & Joel Ross Quartet
April 4, 7:30 p.m. These local favorites are five-time RAMI award winners in the Best Traditional Jazz category. MPAC, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
Dancing With the Janesville Stars
April 5, 7 p.m. Local couples perform a 90-second dance routine for an audience and guest judges for points, and collect sponsorship donations for bonus points to help them win the competition. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
Ruby Jubilee
April 5, 8 p.m. Rockford Dance Company’s 40th anniversary Ruby Jubilee Gala Dance Performance Extravaganza. Features April Daly, Yumelia Garcia, Brian Grant and Alex Lantz. Also available Ruby Jubilee VIP Package (reserved seating) Show, Dinner, Post-show reception. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
Dancing With the Stars
April 5, 7 p.m. Local Janesville stars will dance and compete performing a 90-second dance routine for the audience and guest judges. The couples will collect sponsorship donations to give them extra “bonus points” that will give them an edge over points the judges award. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
Ronny Cox Trio
April 10, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Ronny Cox is an artist who wears a variety of hats, from actor to musician, and his musical style is eclectic. $10. Pecatonica River Forest Preserve, seversondells.com.
SVCCA: The Abrams Brothers
April 10, 7 p.m. These fourth-generation musicians are the youngest Canadians to appear at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The trio fuses bluegrass with country and folk rock, creating original songs and putting its bluegrass stamp on a variety of music, even Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida.” Centennial Auditorium, Sterling High School, 1608 4th Ave, Sterling, Ill. Tickets/info: svcca.org.
HAIR
April 11, 8 p.m. The radical musical of the ’60s tackles issues still relevant today, with hits like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine,” “Easy to be Hard.” CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
“Music Makes the World Go Round”
April 12, 2 p.m. JPAC and Culver’s Family Series presentation perfect for families with young children. Culver Family Series. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
Two on Tap: A Tribute to Song and Dance
April 12, 7:30 p.m. Broadway’s Melissa Giatano and Ron DeStefano engage audiences with their gorgeous renditions of classic Broadway songs such as “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby” and “I Got Rhythm,” and the classic precision of tap choreography. MAC, Monroe, monroeartscenter.org.
BJS: American Voices
April 13, 3 p.m. Robert Tomaro, conductor; Rock Valley College Concert Choir, Paul Laprade, director.
Bernstein: Selections from Mass; Copland: Promise of Living; Bernstein: Chichester Psalm. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
The Pines, with Barbara Jean
April 13, 4 p.m. The Pines sound wavers on the edge of traditional acoustic/roots music, but embraces the nuances of today’s indie-rock and blues music. Barbara Jean is a singer/songwriter/violinist. Severson Dells, Winnebago, seversondells.com.
Tuesdays With Morrie
April 13-16, 21-23, Th-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Stage One: Mitch Albom’s popular non-fiction novel dramatized for the stage. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
Brasil Guitar Duo
April 14, 7:30 p.m. Appearing frequently in diverse non-traditional spaces, these guitarists brings a broad repertoire of classical tunes from Bach, Scarlatti & Debussy as well as traditional music of their native land such as choro, samba, maxixe and baião. MPAC, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
Walkin’ the Line
April 15-17, see website for times. Dinner theater. First-class authentic tribute to Johnny Cash by Bennie Wheels, who has an uncanny likeness to Cash in every way, even his normal speaking voice. White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., whitepinesinn.com.
Midwest Dueling Pianos
April 22-25, see website for days/times. Dinner theater. Witty, very talented musicians play your requests without ever looking at a sheet of music. Singing, cheering, side-splitting laughing guaranteed. $6 per ticket upcharge. White Pines, Mt. Morris, whitepinesinn.com.
Fiddler on the Roof
April 23-May 8, see website for days/times. The Tony award-winning musical about tradition and change, based on the stories of Sholom Aleicham, with hits like “Matchmaker,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset.” Fireside, Ft. Atkinson, firesidetheatre.com.
The Web: Danny Schmidt
April 25, 7:30 p.m. With lyrical depth drawing comparisons to Leonard Cohen, Townes Van Zandt and Dave Carter, this Chicago-area singer/songwriter manages to conjure magic from the mundane. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-2238, mendelssohnpac.org.
Jamie-Sue Seal & John Latini
April 25, 7:30 p.m. This pair of music industry veterans perform original “Hillbilly Endorsed and Hippie Approved Music” in an engaging back-and-forth synergy combined with wit and showmanship. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
Wait Until Dark
April 25-27, May 2-4, Fri-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Janesville Little Theatre. The classic thriller about a blind woman who must defend herself from murderous thugs, that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. JPAC, Janesville, janesvillepac.org.
Love, Death and the Prom
April 25-May 4, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Annual high school production. A series of mini-plays concerned with lives of people in high school., culminating at the prom. Pec Playhouse, Pecatonica, pecplayhouse.org.
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
April 25-May 4, Fri-Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. Lovingly ripped off from the hit film “Monty Python & the Holy Grail,” this outrageously funny show won a Tony Award in 2005 for Best New Musical. Byron Civic Theater, Byron Middle School, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, bctmagic.com.
RSO: Love of Homeland
April 26, 7:30 p.m. Stephen Larson, conductor; Mendelssohn Chorale. Dvorák: My Homeland; Smetana: Vltava (The Moldau); Dohnányi: American Rhapsody; Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky. CPAC, Rockford. Tickets: (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Bel Canto Singers: Annual Spring Concert
April 27, 3 p.m. Under the direction of Allen Redford, this local group is known for its excellent interpretations of choral works, from baroque and short classical to spirituals and show tunes, contemporary works. MAC, Monroe, monroeartscenter.org.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Crooner
April 30-May 1, see website for times. Dinner theater. Quentin Flagg singing hits from all eras, including Bobby Darin, Elvis, John Mellencamp, Sinatra, more. White Pines, Mt. Morris, whitepinesinn.com.
May
Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown
May 1-4, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Both touching and hilarious, it’s a story about women and the men who pursue them… finding them, losing them, needing them and rejecting them. At the center is Pepa, whose friends and lovers are blazing a trail through 1980s Madrid. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, (815) 226-4032.
Celtic Woman
May 1, 7 p.m. The all-new stage production by this global music phenomenon celebrates Ireland and the Emerald Isles’ spellbinding Celtic heritage through an extraordinary presentation of traditional Irish anthems, pop standards and original music. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
LGSO: Chamber Music Concert Series
May 3, 3 p.m. Performers/program TBA. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1229 Park Row, Lake Geneva, Wis., (262) 359-9072, lakegenevaorchestra.org.
RCCA: Moscow Festival Ballet
May 4, 3 p.m. This highly regarded company, founded in 1989 by Sergei Radchenko principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, performs Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
West Side Story
May 8, 7:30 p.m. A dance-driven modern telling of Romeo & Juliet, with hits like “Tonight,” “America,” “Somewhere (There’s a Place for Us)” and “I Feel Pretty.” CPAC, Rockford, coronadopac.org.
Lend Me a Tenor
May 9-10, 15-17, 7:30 p.m. A madcap comedy about the trouble that ensues when a famous opera singer is presumed dead and a substitute takes his place. Winneshiek Playhouse, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.
Bus Stop
May 9-16, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A group of people stranded at a Topeka bus stop during a snowstorm include a rodeo star, the dancer he’s kidnapped to be his bride, and a drunken professor who spouts Shakespeare as he tries to sweep the cafe’s young waitress off of her feet, in this comedy-drama. Main Street Players, Belvidere, (800) 741-2963.
AE: God of Carnage
May 9-25, see website for times. Four civilized adults meet for a calm, rational discussion. Hell breaks loose in this comedy. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Maddox Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
The Badger Chordhawks Chorus Concert
May 10, 2 & 7 p.m. Part of the Rock Valley Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, this group provides wholesome, family-orientated entertainment with enthusiastic showmanship. JPAC, Janesville, (608) 758-0297.
New American Songbook
May 14-15, see website for times. Songs written from 1950 through the 1980s and performed by Rockford’s own Mike Williamson and Patte Armato Lund. White Pines, Mt. Morris, whitepinesinn.com.
The Jodi Beach Trio
May 15, 5:30 p.m. This popular local group is renowned for pleasing audiences across the country with performances of unique and original arrangements of well-loved jazz classics highlighted with the finest contemporary works. MPAC, Jazz at Emerson, Emerson House, Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
LGSO: Mendelssohn & Shostakovich
May 17, 7:30 p.m. David Anderson, conductor; Ari Vilhjalmsson of Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, violin. Mendelssohn, Violin Concerto; Shostakovich, Symphony No. 5. Calvary Community Church, Hwy. 50, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 359-9072, lakegenevaorchestra.org.
Salsabrosa
May 17, 7:30 p.m. One of the premier Salsa acts in the Midwest effortlessly blends R & B and jazz influences with salsa, bachata, cha cha cha and merengue to showcase Latin music and dance. MAC, Monroe, monroeartscenter.org.