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.
August
Dave Timmcke & Friends
Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series. Free. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.
“Swonderful!”
Aug. 19-20, 25-27, seating at 11:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; Sun. 3:30 p.m. Join Frank Roberts and his ensemble for a musical tribute to George and Ira Gershwin. Features such songs as Embraceable You, Someone to Watch Over Me and Swonderful!. White Pines, Mt. Morris, (815) 946-3817.
Spencer Tracy Film Festival
Aug. 21-23. Four classic Spencer Tracy films will be shown over a three-day period: “San Francisco,” “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde,” “Without Love” and “Father of the Bride.” Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, Ill., stephcohs.org.
“Toy Story 3”
Aug. 21, dusk. Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends are back as they try to reunite with Andy. Free. Friday Night Flix, Davis Park, Rockford, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Bill Engvall
Aug. 21, 8 p.m. This comedian will perform and film his new special at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Saturday Spectacular: Here We Go to School!
Aug. 22, 11-11:45 a.m. In lieu of going back to school, listen to adventures of starting school with a new teacher and classmates, sing and make a craft. Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Mike Williamson
Aug. 22, 7-9 p.m. Food and soft beverages for sale. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.
Japanese Summer Festival
Aug. 22-23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cultural performances, exhibits, traditional demonstrations, Taiko drummers, more. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Nicholas David
Aug. 25, 5 p.m. Tuesday Evening in the Gardens Concert Series. Singer/songwriter music. 2012 finalist on NBC’s The Voice. $5 adults; $3 teens; members/12 and under free. Food, beer & wine, beverages for sale. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Vibes (Anthony J. Houston)
Aug. 26, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series. Free. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.
The Mascot Theory
Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m. Alt-Folk, Americana music. Historic Monroe Square, 1016 16th Ave., Monroe, Wis. downtownmonroe.org.
2015 Mosaic World Film Festival
Aug. 28-30. Over 80 films will be screened. The Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com.
BACT Concert for Conservation
Aug. 29, 3-7 p.m. Pack a picnic and grab your blankets and lawn chairs to experience this unique outdoor concert fundraiser that will bring you back to the lazy summer days of the groovy mid-1960s. Held at a private estate. Tickets/Info: (847) 387-3149, bactrust.org.
The Groove Hotel
Aug. 29, 7-9 p.m. Uptempo funky and soulful jazz. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.
Crossroads Blues Festival
Aug. 29, noon-9 p.m. The talent includes Mike Wheeler Band, Albert Castiglia, Terry Quiett Band and Stormcellar. $5. JustGoods Listening Room, 201 7th St., Rockford, justgoods/info/events.
SEPTEMBER
Jodi Beach
Sept. 2, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series. Free. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.
Firelight Dimmers
Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. Unique lounge styling. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.
Mike Epps
Sept. 5, 8 p.m. Stand-up Comedian, actor, film producer, writer and rapper will perform at BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., (815) 968-5222.
8th Annual Art in the Park
Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fine art displays, performing arts, demonstrations of various art media, children’s hands-on activities. Food vendors on site. Krape Park: 1799 South Park Blvd., Freeport, Ill., (815) 235-9755, artintheparkfreeport.com.
Tom Mac Group
Sept. 9, 5-7 p.m. Tunes on the Terrace series. Free. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.
Ken Stein Jazz Quartet & Cipriano String Quartet
Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. Local jazz musician, professor and woodwind clinician Ken Stein performs with his jazz quartet along with the Cipriano classical string quartet. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssophnpac.org.
Martina McBride & Loretta Lynn
Sept. 11, 8 p.m. Country music stars. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
“Jeeves at Sea”
Sept. 11-27. Bertie Wooster and Jeeves set sail for the jolly old Riviera. All is smooth sailing until Bertie’s talent for trouble leads to stormy seas with mischievous Lady Stella, dithery Miss Pilbeam and the twins, Percival and Alfred Crumpworth. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
Folk and Blues Festival 2015
Sept. 11-13, 8 p.m. Live music on Pearson’s Lawn. Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, beloit.edu.
RSO’s Symphony Saturday
Sept. 12, 10-11 a.m. This family-friendly program introduces children and their parents to the woodwind, percussion, brass and string section of an orchestra. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Kelly Steward
Sept. 12, 7-9 p.m. Original acoustic rock and folk artist-songwriter. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.
Mosaic Chamber Players
Sept. 13, 2 p.m. Enjoy music from a group dedicated to bringing chamber music to communities. $10 adult/$5 18-under/members free. Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Jazz at Emerson: The Groove Hotel
Sept. 13, 3 p.m. The Rockford-based quintet plays original plays original compositions and a wide range of jazz classics ranging from Irving Berlin’s “Putting on the Ritz” to John Scofield’s “Do Like Eddie.” Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-2238, mendelssohnpac.org.
Grand Detour 67th Art Festival
Sept. 13. Art exhibits enhanced by picturesque gardens and music throughout the day. The Next Picture Show, 113 W. 1st St., Dixon, Ill., (815) 285-4924, www.thenextpictureshow.com.
Roast the Maestro
Sept. 18, 6 p.m. The evening will feature a number of friends, colleagues and a few surprise guests who will “roast” Steve Larsen in honor of his 25th year with the RSO. $50. Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
“The Crucible” (Drama)
Sept. 18-Oct 4, Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Written by Aurthur Miller, “The Crucible” was the winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical”
Sept. 18-20, 25-27. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Elle Woods has the perfect life until her guy dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Elle is determined to get him back, and gets into Harvard Law herself. $20 adults/$15 students. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
67th Greenwich Village Art Fair
Sept. 19-20, Sat. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Up to 155 juried artists, live music by local musicians, a gourmet marketplace, children’s art activities, food and drink. $5/12-under free. Proceeds support Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Emily Hurd
Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m. Genre-bending singer-songwriter. Concerts on the Creek series. Free. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, ext. 103, springcreekucc.org.
World Music Festival
Sept. 23, 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Live performances. Free (ticket req.). Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, 903 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wis. (262) 472-2222, www.uww.edu.
I Love Gospel Music Convention (ILGMC)
Sept. 25-Sept. 27, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Attend a celebration of all gospel genres: urban, traditional, contemporary and more. Free. Clock Tower Resort, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 670-1278, facebook.com/ILGMCRFD.
Charlotte’s Web: Corky Siegel & Chamber Blues
Sept. 25, 7:30. Internationally acclaimed blues harmonica master Corky Siegel will bring together classical and blues into what the Chicago Tribune calls “a match made in heaven.” $35/$6 students. Mendelsohn Performing Arts Center, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, mendelssohnpac.org.
OCTOBER
Scarecrow Harvest Festival
Oct. 3, 12-5 p.m. Create-your-own scarecrow, square dance in a historic barn, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, participate in crafts and games. Live entertainment by Pint Size Polka. Food available for purchase. $7 adult; $5 child; members free. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, Ill. (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.
RSO: Tchaikovsky and Brahms
Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. The RSO begins the season with the inspiring music of the masters including a salute to Shakespeare, a classic performance by pianist David Syme and a performance of the passionate last symphony of Brahms. Coronado Performing Arts Center, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Avalon String Quartet: “Celebrating Russian Composers”
Oct. 4, 3 p.m. Avalon is the quartet-in-residence at Northern Illinois University School of Music, and is described by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites your ears, mind and spirit into its music.” $20 adult/$6 student. Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. The MSO returns to Whitewater to showcase a variety of musical favorites from the American stage and screen. Tickets $19.75 and up. Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, 903 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wis. (262) 472-2222, www.uww.edu.
Randy Sabien and the Fiddlehead Band
Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. A bluesy, rockin’, swingin’, funky jazz violinist with a band featuring three violins. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
KSO: Voilà Viola
Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6, Der Schwanendreher, The Enigma Variations. NIU Boutell Concert Hall, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb, (815) 756-3728, kishorchestra.org.
Jazz At Emerson: SwingShift
Oct. 11, 3 p.m. Enjoy jazz music and refreshments. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Let’s Make a Deal Live!
Oct. 12, 8 p.m. Based on the hit CBS TV show, an interactive on-stage experience gives audience members the chance to make deals for big cash and prizes just like on TV. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Women’s Art Board Luncheon: Barbara Rinella
Oct. 14, 11 a.m. This popular fundraising luncheon features an entertaining performance by Barbara Rinella who brings to life personas from current bestselling books. Silent auction, raffle, gift shop. $45. Proceeds support Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Comedy on Main: Mark Poolos
Oct. 16, 8-9:30 p.m. Enjoy a night of laughs with nationally acclaimed comedians and superb “up-and-comers.” $10. Janesville Performing Arts Center, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Juggling Funny Stories
Oct. 17, 3:30 p.m. Nationally-known family entertainer Chris Fascione brings children’s stories to life with his high-spirited and innovative performances. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Giordano Dance Company
Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. America’s original jazz dance company will perform a wide-range of dance styles from its critically-acclaimed repertoire. Coronado Performing Arts Center, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Music on Main: Mark Baldin, Trumpet
Oct. 19, 5:30 p.m. Experience beautiful music, mingle with the artists, enjoy a glass of wine and light refreshments and have fun with your friends. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-2238, mendelssohnpac.org.
The Illusionist – Live from Broadway
Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m. This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Witness a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. Coronado Performing Arts Center, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
“The Rocky Horror Show”
Oct. 22-24, 29-31, 7:30-10 p.m. A humourous tribute to the science fiction and horror movies of the late 1940s to early ’70s, this musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist unveiling his new creation, a muscle man named Rocky Horror. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Russian Grand Ballet Presents “Swan Lake”
Oct. 23, 7 p.m. This full-length classic production features Russia’s brightest ballet stars. Coronado Performing Arts Center, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Awadagin Pratt
Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. This internationally acclaimed pianist will perform. $25 adult/$6 student. Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
RSO: Cirque de la Symphonie
Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. The RSO Pops Season begins with this exciting production of amazing acrobats, aerial flyers, dancers and jugglers beautifully choreographed to classical masterpieces and popular contemporary music performed by the RSO. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Nancy Kerrigan’s Halloween on Ice
Oct. 25, 5 p.m. One of the longest running shows in all of figure skating, a new story with a star studded cast of Olympic, World and U.S. National medalists will help celebrate Halloween. BMO Harris Bank Center, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
KSO: Halloween Concert
Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Free music concert with trick-or-treating in the building a half-hour before the 5:30 p.m. show. NIU Boutell Concert Hall, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb, (815) 756-3728, kishorchestra.org.
“Two of Us”
Oct. 30, 8 p.m.-midnight. This acoustic music duo will bring their unique blend of rock, pop and singer-songwriter gems. Verdi Club, 782 N. Madison St., Rockford, (815) 968-8110, theverdiclub.com.
Rockford Dance Company: “Dracula”
Oct. 30-31. Based on the classic tale, Dracula tells a story of love, loss and revenge. The Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com.