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.
October
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, 314 N. Main St., 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.
317 Studio and Gallery: Loaded Brush Night
Oct. 27, 6-8:30 p.m. Go from beginner to artist in one night! Bring your own refreshments to this exciting workshop and learn how to paint with acrylic on canvas. Ages 21+. $30. 317 Studio and Gallery, 317 Market St., Rockford, (815) 315-7000, 317studiogallery.com.
317 Studio and Gallery: Build a Glass
Oct. 28, 5:30-7:30. Build a polymer clay fall leaves wine glass – the perfect glass to enjoy wine from on a cool fall evening. All materials will be provided. Ages 18+. $30. 317 Studio and Gallery, Rockford, (815) 315-7000, 317studiogallery.com.
Inside the Tune: Why Do Songs Have Bridges?
Oct. 29, 7 p.m. Dr. Bruno, an award-winning music critic, explores the history and role of “the bridge” as an element of song form, and how prevalence in genres from 1930s jazz and 1960s rock to recent chart hits distinguishes the American popular song from other musical forms. Tickets required, but free of charge. Fisher Chapel, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, Rockford.edu/artslectures/performingartsseason/.
The Rocky Horror Show
Oct. 29-31, 7:30 p.m. This humorous tribute to science fiction and horror films of the late 1940s through early 1970s is a classic. $20 adults/$15 students. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 South Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
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.
“Next To Normal”
Oct. 30-Nov. 1. “Next To Normal,” with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores how one suburban household copes with crises and mental illness. $12. Rockford University, Cheek Theater, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (309) 287-2660, ticketor.com/gatewayperformingartsstudio.
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.
The Rocky Horror Show
Oct. 30-31, 12 a.m. A Usual Suspects Production presents Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” live at Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main, St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpublibrary.org. Tickets available at rockyrockford.com.
317 Studio and Gallery: Palette Party
Oct. 31, 1-3:30 p.m. Calling all 12+ teens for a painting class. No experience necessary. $28. 317 Studio and Gallery, Rockford, (815) 315-7000, 317studiogallery.com.
November
Classic Film Series: Elizabeth Taylor
Nov. 4, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Watch “The Sandpiper” in which Taylor plays a free-spirited beatnik artist and single mother. $5. Lindo Theatre, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0025.
Movies on Main: “Labyrinth”
Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Movies on Main: biweekly viewings of cult classic films. Admission $5 or free with your RPL library card. The Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”
Nov. 6, 8 p.m. This smash hit Broadway musical is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes and dazzling production numbers, including “Be Our Guest.” Experience the romance and enchantment at Coronado Performing Arts Center, (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
Nov. 6-8, 13-15. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, invite a young couple over for a nightcap. When they arrive, the melting inhibitions, edgy banter and revealing of secrets begins. $15. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society: Social and Performance
Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m. coffee and conversation, 10 a.m. musical program. The Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society Socials are open to the public and admission is free. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
3 Redneck Tenors
Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. Direct from the stages of the Crystal Theater in Branson, Missouri, “America’s Got Talent” in Las Vegas, and with Larry the Cable Guy on his show “Only in America,” the 3 Redneck Tenors will take you on an unforgettable journey of music and comedy that will leave you expecting the unexpected. Monroe Arts Center, Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., monroeartscenter.com.
RSO: Mozart
Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the second in RSO’s Classic Series, featuring two outstanding string performers with Rockford ties performing Mozart Sinfonia Concertante. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Jazz at Emerson: H!p Pocket
Nov. 8, 3 p.m. Enjoy the swinging sounds of live jazz, relax with light refreshments, have fun with your friends and meet the artists after the concert. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
RSYO Chamber Orchestra Concert
Nov. 8, 3 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of one of Illinois’ leading youth orchestras. Comprised of advanced young musicians, hear the RSYO’s Honors Chamber Orchestra, Brass Choir, Sterling String Quartet and Woodwind Quartet perform standard symphonic and modern repertoire. $5. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Legacy Girls: Tribute to the Andrews Sisters
Nov. 9-10, 11:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m. The vocal trio, The Legacy Girls, will entertain you with three-part harmonies, costumes and synchronized dances that are true to the Andrews Sisters’ style. The Legacy Girls are dedicated to bringing the songs of the past back to life. $32. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, Rts. 178 &71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com.
Portfolio Day @ RAM
Nov. 9, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. This annual arts college fair is the only program of its kind in the Rockford region. High school students and college undergraduates can connect with admissions representatives from schools across the Midwest. Free. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Festival of Praise Tour
Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Award-winning gospel greats Fred Hammond and Donnie McClurkin unite on stage for the Festival of Praise Tour, an evening of soul-stirring music, featuring Hammond, McClurkin, Kim Burrell, Jessica Reedy, Zacardi Cortez and Marcus Wiley. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Babes In Toyland
Nov. 13-15 & 20-22. The villainous Barnaby has fallen in love with sweet Mistress Mary Quite Contrary, but Mary already has her heart set on marrying Barnaby’s nephew Alan. If he can’t buy her love, then he’ll force her to marry him. Adults $14/seniors $12/students $5. Main Street Players, Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, (800) 741-2963, mainstreetplayers-ofboonecounty.com.
Twentieth Century
Nov. 13-22. Witness one of the all time great screwball comedies of the 1930s in a new stage adaption. Broadway impresario Oscar Jaffe has only the time aboard a luxury train to New York to sign a Hollywood diva, Lily Garland, to a contract. Problem is, she’s his ex. $15 adults/$9 students. Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Maddox Theater, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4000, artistensemble.org.
Music in the Back Door Lounge
Nov. 13, 20 & 27 8 p.m.-11 p.m. There’s no better way to relax on a Friday night than with great live music in the Back Door Lounge. Talented, local performers bring a variety of rock and country favorites each week from 8-11 p.m. with no cover charge. Come early for dinner, or warm up with a coffee drink. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, Rts. 178 &71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com.
KSO: Music Through the Ages
Nov. 14, 11:00 a.m. Enjoy many excerpts of music from artists such as Bach, Mozart, Brahms and Prokofiev. $5. NIU Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, kishorchestra.org.
No Boundaries: Arts Day for People with Disabilities
Nov. 14, noon-4 p.m. This afternoon of activities for all ages and abilities is presented by Rockford Art Museum in collaboration with Rockford Park District Arts for All, Rockford Dance Company, Discovery Center Museum and more. Free. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Avalon String Quartet: “Celebrating Russian Composers”
Nov. 15, 3 p.m. Described by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites you – ears, mind and spirit – into its music,” Avalon String Quartet’s live performances are frequently featured on Chicago’s WFMT-FM. $25 adult/$6 student. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
The Damen Trio
Nov. 15, 2 p.m. Marimbist, percussionist, drummer and Monro resident, Matthew Peters, performs with celloist Alyson Berger and flutist Trevor Watkin to mesmerize with a program of both classical and jazz works. Monroe Arts Center, Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., monroeartscenter.com.
Music on Main: Jacques Saint-Cyr
Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m. Experience beautiful music, mingle with artists, enjoy a glass of wine and light refreshments and have fun with your friends. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Rockford Certified Open Mic & Slam
Nov. 17, 6 p.m. Enjoy this interactive event in which the audience will hear and judge some of the best poetry in Rockford. The night will begin with open mic time and some improv poetry exercises before the poetry slam. Free. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Artist Lecture: Phyllis Bramson
Nov. 19, 7-8 p.m. Learn more about exhibiting artists Phyllis Bramson and her prolific body of work in this engaging talk with the artist herself. Free. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
“Miracle on 34th Street”
Nov. 20-Dec. 6. When Kris Kringle, a Macy’s employee, refers parents to other stores to find toys, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing for being seen as “deluded and dangerous” by a Macy’s vocational counselor. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pectonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
RCCA Julian Bliss Septet: Benny Goodman Tribute
Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. Recreating the exciting sound of swing from the 1930s and 40s, this septet stays true to the authentic feel but with a modern twist. Julian and pianist Neal Thorton talk the audience through the music, sharing humorous stories about Goodman’s life. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 847-6314, rccaconcerts.org.
Comedy on Main: Doug T Hypnosis Show
Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of laughs with nationally acclaimed comedians and superb “up-and-comers.” $10. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Charlotte’s Web – Neil Jacobs
Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Neil Jacobs will perform 12-string guitar, featuring music inspired by his world travels. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Divapalooza
Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Watch this edgy trio nail everything from jazz, rhythm and blues, musical theatre and folk to rock and roll, country and more. $24 adults/$14 students. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Cheap Trick
Nov. 21, 8 p.m. With more than 5,000 performances and 20 million records sold, this band from Rockford is frequently credited as being among the most influential in rock. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
New Odyssey
Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Gary Todd, Michael Jay and Gary Polkow are a musical team whose eclectic backgrounds and individual virtuosity converge for an unbelievable stage show featuring outstanding arrangements of favorite songs in almost every style and genre, all performed on 30 different instruments. Monroe Arts Center, Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., monroeartscenter.com.
Family Night Dinner & Movie: “Free Birds”
Nov. 24, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy pizza, a movie and a Thanksgiving craft. Registration required. The Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Youth Choir Concert
Nov. 24, 7 p.m. Watch JPAC’s Youth Choir sing, act, dance and perform classical choral numbers. $4. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 27-29 & Dec. 4-6. Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy old man, is visited by the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. $12 adults/$10 seniors/$6 students. Byron Civic Theater, Byron Middle School, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, bctmagic.com.
December
Sunday in the Park with George
Dec. 2-12. One of the most acclaimed musicals of our time, “A Christmas Carol,” this story merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art. Rock Valley College Studio Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
Classic Film Series: Elizabeth Taylor
Dec. 2, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. Showing of “A Little Night Music.” Married for eleven months to Ann, his still virgin 17-year-old wife, Fredrik becomes restless and goes to see his old flame, actress Desiree. Wishing to settle down, Desiree sets her sights on Fredrik, despite his marriage and her own relationship with the married County Carl-Magnus. $5. Lindo Theater, 115 S. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 233-0025.
Movies on Main: “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Dec. 3, 7 p.m. Movies on Main: Biweekly views of cult classic films. Admission $5 or free with your RPL library card. The Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 3-6 & 11-13. As miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge falls asleep in his dreary home on Christmas Eve, three ghosts appear, each revealing to Scrooge the wrong doings of his life and what will happen if he continues in his evil ways. He is racked with fear and remorse and sets out on Christmas Day to bless all those whom he has neglected and abused. $15 adults/$8 students. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Saving Grace
Dec. 4-6, 11-12. Grace is a warmhearted girl and her boss, Walter, hopes their working relationship will blossom into romance. Their first date goes awry when Alex, the telephone repairman, arrives. Grace mistakes him for a burglar and tries to convert him from his life of crime. Enter her strait-laced sister Harriet, and Grace has to pretend that Alex is her husband. Complications and misunderstandings abound in this fast-moving farce. Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.
Holiday Art Show and Sale
Dec. 4, 4-8 p.m. Start the holidays at the Janesville Art League’s Annual Art Show and Sale Reception. The exhibit highlights members’ work in various media: water color, oils, acrylics, pastels, photography, etc. Free. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Winter Concert
Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Rockford University’s winter concert. Free, at-will donation at the door. Maddox Theater, Rockford University, Rockford, (815) 226-4000, rockford.edu.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre”
Dec. 6, 2 p.m. This 1940s “live broadcast” of Frank Capra’s beloved film will tak you back to the golden age of radio. The fresh adapation of the film is set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre. Monroe Arts Center, Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., monroeartscenter.com.
Music in the Back Door Lounge
Dec. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 8-11 p.m. There’s no better way to relax on a Friday night than with great live music in the Back Door Lounge. Talented, local performers bring a variety of rock and country favorites each week from 8-11 p.m. with no cover charge. Come early for dinner or warm up with a coffee drink. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, Rts. 178 &71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com.
“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 5-6. Rockford Dance Company performs this holiday ballet classic with RSO at Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), Rockford, (815) 968-0595, rockforddancecompany.com.
Visual Arts Faculty Exhibit
Nov. 5-Dec. 8. Featuring works by Bob Apolloni, Sam Tucibat, Reed Bakken and Jim Planting. Highland Gallery, Ferguson Fine Arts Center, Highland Community College, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, (815) 599-3718.
Evergreen Ball XXVII
Dec. 5, 6 p.m. This elegant fundraising event features fine dining from Chef Paul Sletten of Abreo, live music by High Society Orchestra and entertainment by RYSO Strings. Proceeds support RAM throughout the year. $200, corporate tables available. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Cork + Canvas (Ages 21+)
Dec. 10, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy this “sip and paint” class at RAM. Everything is provided for a creative evening, including step-by-step instructions, a canvas, paint, paintbrushes and wine. $40. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Holiday Pops Concert: Winter Wonderland
Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Let the KSO warm your heart with music of the holiday season. NIU Boutell Concert Hall, DeKalb, (815) 756-3728, kishorchestra.org.
The Dickens Carollers
Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. From Woodstock, this talented ensemble of vocalists will transport the audience back to “Merry Olde England” with favorite songs and stories of the Christmas season. Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St., Monroe, Wis., monroeartscenter.org.
Capps, Privakov, Gorokholinksy and Lavrova: “Romantic Revolutions: Music of Brahms, Franck, Fauve and More!”
Dec. 13, 2 p.m. This special performance by a cellist, clarinetist and two pianists will be the culmination of a week-long residence and recording session at the Monroe Arts Center. Monroe Arts Center, Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., monroeartscenter.com.
RSYO Winter Concert
Dec. 13, 3 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of one of Illinois’ leading youth orchestras. Honoegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., Rockton, Ill., (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Tinsel & Twang – A Merry-Cana Christmas
Dec. 13-15. Make it a country Christmas this year and enjoy spirited renditions of cherished holiday classics with just the right touch of Nashville and Branson twang. Sing along or just sit back and listen to hot picking and heartfelt singing from Christmas standards and seasonal music with a country flair. $32. Evening shows include wine tasting, dinner and a show for $37. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, Rts. 178 &71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com.
Rockford Certified Open Mic & Slam
Dec. 15, 6 p.m. Enjoy this interactive event in which the audience will hear and judge some of the best poetry in Rockford. The night will begin with open mic time and some improv poetry exercises before the poetry slam. Free. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Holiday Pops
Dec. 19-20, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with Rockford’s biggest holiday tradition. The Mendelssohn Chorale joins the RSO to bring you the best music of the season, from popular to traditional and sentimental to serious. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Christmas with Bower City Theatre
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy your favorite holiday songs sung by your favorite singers in the area and spread some holiday cheer. $15. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Family Night Dinner & Movie: “The Muppets Christmas Carol”
Dec. 21, 5 p.m. Enjoy pizza, a movie and a craft. The Muppets tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve. Registration required. The Nordlof Center, Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Harlem Globetrotters
Dec. 27, noon. Celebrating 90 years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions of people worldwide, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
January
Music in the Back Door Lounge
Jan. 1, 8-11 p.m. There’s no better way to relax on a Friday night. Talented, local performers bring a variety of rock and country favorites each week from 8-11 p.m. with no cover charge. Come early for dinner, or warm up with a coffee drink. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, Rts. 178 &71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com.
Arthur D. Montzka Young Artists Concerto Competition
Jan. 9, 10 a.m. This annual event will present Illinois musicians playing portions of concertos in a competition to determine which one or two will win a monetary prize and perform a solo concerto accompanied by the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra. NIU Boutell Concert Hall, DeKalb, (815) 756-3728, kishorchestra.org.
Jazz at Emerson: Patte Armato Lund
Jan. 10, 3 p.m. Enjoy the swinging sounds of live jazz, relax with light refreshments, have fun with your friends and meet the artist, Patte Armato Lund, after the concert. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Jan. 10, 7 p.m. One of the most enduring shows of all time, this irresistible family musical is a reimaging of the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. Directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
RSO: SoundBites
Jan. 15, noon. Join Music Direcotr Steven Larsen for an informal and enlightening discussion with the guest artists appearing with the RSO on the Classic Series concert. The conversations usually last approximately 60 minutes, but participants may come and go as they please. Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockord, (815) 965-0049. rockfordsymphony.com.
RSO: Chamber Orchestra Concert
Jan. 15 & 17. The RSO is playing pieces selected for a smaller orchestra with a romantic and contemporary mood and a lively nod to Shakespeare. Presented in alternative locations and concert times. Fri: Westmister Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, Rockford. Sun: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford. (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Music on Main: Songs of Shakespeare’s Era
Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m. Experience beautiful music, mingle with the performance artists, enjoy a glass of wine and light refreshments, and have fun with your friends at this brief and intimate after-work concert with classically inspired performances. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
“Menopause the Musical”
Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more. This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles. Part of Broadway at the Coronado, presented by Savant. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
The Orchesis Student Dance Company Concert
Jan. 28-30, 7:30 p.m. Witness a dance production by the current students of the dance program under the direction of Assistant Professor of Dance Amy Wright. Tickets are $12 adults/$9 students and seniors. Maddox Theatre, Rockford University, Rockford, (815) 226-4000,
rockford.edu.