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.
January
FAM: Building Layers Exhibition
Through Jan. 14, Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. See an exhibition of encaustic paintings by four regional artists. Encaustic is a wax paint that dates back to the first century A.D., when it was widely used to paint portraits that were attached to entombed mummy cases. This medium is making a comeback with contemporary artists. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.
“Mama Mia!”
Through Feb. 26, Wed., Thu., Sat. & Sun. 10:30 a.m., Thu. & Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Featuring the music of ABBA, “Mama Mia!” tells the feel-good story of a mother, a daughter, a Greek island paradise and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, Wis., (920) 563-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
Jazz at Emerson
Jan. 8, 3 p.m. Savor the talent of Hononegah High School Jazz Choir with light refreshments to follow. Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience
Jan. 13, 7 p.m. Mark Rodgers, Curator of the DaVinci Machines and Michelangelo Exhibitions for North America, takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through the Italian Renaissance. This original theatre performance is a non-stop, multi-media event featuring movies, videos, 3-D animations and images of DaVinci and Michelangelo’s inventions, machines, sketches, codices, paintings and sculptures. Rockford Theatre at Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave., Rockford, (815) 291-0122, rockfordtheater.com.
Showcase of Talent
Jan. 13-14, 7:30 p.m. Watch a wealth of talented individuals and groups in an evening of family entertainment. With Big Radio’s own Dan Blum as Master of Ceremonies, “Showcase of Talent” presents a live radio variety show broadcast, complete with vocal and instrumental musical entertainment, jokes sprinkled throughout the show, a few surprises, an on-stage house band and an exciting cast finale. Monroe High School Performing Arts Center, 1600 26th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.com.
Zac Matthews Band
Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. In 2014 Zac Matthews was named Best New Male Act in Country Music in Nashville’s Country Showdown. He has recorded two Nashville-produced albums, performed three international tours, and played on stages such as The Ryman, CMA Fest 2014 & 2015, and The WildHorse Saloon in Nashville. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Encaustic Workshop for Artists
Jan. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Exhibiting artist Carol Hamilton presents a workshop in conjunction with the Museum’s “Building Layers” exhibition. Freeport Art Museum, Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.
Concerts on the Creek: Council Choraleers
Jan. 14, 7 p.m. The Council Choraleers and Dorothy Paige-Turner perform with the Joel Ross Trio. Refreshments and Mama Mia’s cuisine are available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra (TCCO)
Jan. 15, 2-4 p.m. Enjoy classical, contemporary and pop music. TCCO plays selections from Brahms, Bach and Beethoven as well as John Williams, Vaughn Williams and favorite Broadway show tunes. The musicians are from the Southern Wisconsin area and most are fulltime teachers in school systems, or have their own private studios and students. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Avalon String Quartet
Jan. 15, 3 p.m. The Avalon String Quartet returns to the Mendelssohn Stage for their sixth season featuring music composed for them by Matthew Quayle, in addition to Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” Beethoven and more. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy
Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. This show is an exotic encounter inspired by nature’s unpredictable creations, brought to life by an international cast of soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Coffee with the Curator
Jan. 20, 10-11 a.m. Rockford Art Museum’s Curator, Carrie Johnson, discusses the latest feature exhibition. Join the lively conversation while enjoying a cup of coffee. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Comedy Night!
Jan. 20-21 & 27-28, 7:30 p.m. Stand-up comedians perform their work. Monroe Theatre Guild, 910 16th Ave., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-1111, monroetheatre.com.
Godeans Concert
Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m. The GoDeans is a Janesville-based rock band. Most of the band members are doctors or have careers in healthcare with Dean Clinic or St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
The Three Violins of Rachel Barton Pine
Jan. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m., pre-concert lecture with Maestro Steven Larsen at 6:30 p.m. This classical concert features Rachel Barton Pine on the violin, viola d’amore and electric violin. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
LGSO Chamber Music
Jan. 22, 3 p.m. The talented Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra performs a chamber concert. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 700 N. Bloomfield Road, Lake Geneva, (262) 359-9072, lakegenevaorchestra.org.
Moonlight and Magnolias
Jan. 26-28 & Feb. 2-4, 7:30 p.m. It’s 1939, and Hollywood is abuzz. Legendary producer David O. Selznick has just shut down production of “Gone with the Wind.” The screenplay, you see, just doesn’t work. So, while fending off the film’s stars, gossip columnists and his own father-in-law, Selznick recruits famed screenwriter Ben Hecht and formidable director Victor Fleming to fashion a screenplay that will become the blueprint for one of the most beloved films of all time. Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.
Rockford University Orchesis Dance Concert
Jan. 26-28, 7:30 p.m. See the dancers of Rockford University under the direction of Assistant Professor of Dance Amy Wright. Rockford University, Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4000, Rockford.edu.
Seasons of the Sugar River
Jan. 27-March 24, Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through the artistic expression of local and regional artists, the fourth annual juried exhibit, presented by the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association, fosters awareness, sense of place and stewardship of our watershed community. Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.com.
Still Life: An Evolving Image
Jan. 27-March 24, gallery open Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See the exhibit by Sally Hutchison. Monroe Arts Center, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.com.
Adult Crafting
Jan. 27, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Create, think and grow by using your imagination to make something unique in this crafting session. Rockford Public Library, Rock River Branch, 3128 11th St., Rockford, (815) 963-5617, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Luther College Nordic Choir Midwest Tour
Jan. 27, 4 p.m. Luther College Nordic Choir, under the direction of guest conductor Jeffrey Douma, performs selections from “Jubilate Deo” by Benjamin Britten, “The Road Home” by the late Stephen Paulus and “Always Singing” by Dale Warland, as well as hymn arrangements, spirituals and the traditional Nordic Choir closing piece, “O Lord God” by Pavel Chesnokov. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St., Rockford, (800)-4-LUTHER, luther.edu.
Charlotte’s Web: Steve Ditzell
Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. Rockford resident Steve Ditzell – formerly with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor and Fenton Robinson – performs acoustic country blues on six- and nine-string guitars, finger picking and slide style. A blues guitarist with an inborn knack for timing and phrasing, Ditzell has performed consistently since 1976. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Anansi (RDC’s New Children’s Ballet)
Jan. 27-28. Experience ballet with narration in this Rockford Dance Company production created for child audiences. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-3341, rockforddancecompany.com.
“The Haunting of Hill House”
Jan. 27-29, Feb. 3-5, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. “The Haunting of Hill House” revolves around a small group of psychically receptive people who have been brought together in Hill House, a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion known to be evil and uninhabitable. Led by the learned Dr. Montague, who is conducting research in the supernatural, the visitors have come to probe the secrets of the old house and draw forth its mysterious powers. Byron Civic Theatre, 850 N. Colfax St., Byron, Ill., (815) 312-3000, byroncivictheatre.com.
Folk at 408
Jan. 28, 7 p.m. Wisconsin’s singer/songwriter community, including Whitney Mann, Corey Mathew Hart, Hayward Williams, Paul Otteson, Simon Balto, Listening Party and Seasaw perform to raise money for the “Arts for Everyone” scholarship program. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Music on Main: Rockford Wind Quintet
Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m. Savor an intimate concert with Rockford Wind Quintet and enjoy light refreshments afterwards. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
February
FAM: Regional Juried Exhibition
Through Feb. 18, Tu.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. This annual juried exhibition features recent work by contemporary artists from the tri-state region of Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Created to encourage the creation of new work, the show includes more than 400 submissions in a wide variety of media. Freeport Art Museum, Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.
Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream
Feb. 2-5, Th. & Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. noon & 4 p.m. Join hosts Mickey and Minnie as they share the heroic stories of favorite Disney princesses. Dance and sing along as the princesses inspire you to dream big. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (855) 985-4357, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Redekopp & Edwards, Duo Pianists
Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. Mark Edwards maintains a studio as an independent teacher of piano, organ and harpsichord. Karin Redekopp Edwards is professor of piano at Wheaton College. Critics and audiences throughout the world have praised the performances of the duo-piano team. Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
“Never Too Late”
Feb. 3-13, Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This Broadway hit is about a married man in his fifties who suddenly learns he’s becoming a father again. His last child, a girl, was born 24 years ago. He and finds the prospect of another unthinkable. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Ron White
Feb. 4, 7 p.m. Ron “Tater Salad” White, best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon, makes his return to Rockford with his new stand-up show. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
The Drifters
Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. The Drifters, one of rock and roll’s founding vocal groups, is once again touring the U.S. Through a historical journey, which included no less than five legendary lead singers, the group’s ongoing story has covered the entire spectrum of rock and roll. Young Auditorium, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-2222, uww.edu/youngauditorium.
Movies on Main
Feb. 5, 4 & 6 p.m. View “The BFG” at 4 p.m. and “The Jungle Book” at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Nordlof Center, Rockford, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
AE: Romance Theater
Feb. 10-11, Fri. & Sat. 7:30-9 p.m. Immerse yourself in a play about classic romance, recreated as a vintage radio broadcast. The actors are literally switching hats at the microphone as they become new characters, while live sound effects intensify the action. Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, Cheek Theatre, Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
I Love the ‘90’s
Feb. 10, 7 p.m. Iconic artists of the ‘90s unite, including Salt-N-Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Tone Loc, Young MC and Rob Base. BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Charlotte’s Web: Ellis
Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. A gifted songwriter and performer, Ellis is known for her stirring lyrics, openhearted performances and contagious laughter. She got her start at coffee shops and now tours the folk circuit with nine albums to her credit. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
The Five Irish Tenors
Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Following in the footsteps of the great Irish Tenor John McCormack, in a sensational program, “The Five Irish Tenors” fuses Irish wit and boisterous charm, with lyricism, dramatic flair and operatic style to bring you a unique Irish tenor concert experience. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Spotlight Youth Theater: “Seussical the Musical”
Feb. 10-12, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 and 6 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Journey back to your childhood and the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with entertaining challenges. Hononegah Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St., Rockton, Ill., (847) 516-2298, spotlight.org.
“Lend Me a Tenor”
Feb. 10-12 & 17-19. It’s September 1934. Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world famous Tito Morelli II Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as Othello. The star arrives late, and a hilarious series of mishaps occurs. Main Street Players, Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. 1st St., Belvidere, (800) 741-2963, mainstreetplayersofboonecounty.com.
Loren and Mark
Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb share a unique musical chemistry and stage presence seldom found between musicians. Influenced by Americana, jazz, popular and classical music, their diverse repertoire consists of stunning guitar instrumentals as well as vocal duets. Monroe Arts Center, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.com.
Jazz at Emerson: The Encore Trio
Feb. 12, 3 p.m. Savor an intimate concert by The Encore Trio, followed by light refreshments. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
“Pete the Cat”
Feb. 12, 3 p.m. When Pete the Cat gets caught rocking out after bedtime, the cat-catcher sends him to live with the Biddle family to learn his manners – and boy are they square. But for the groovy blue cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up, so the minute Pete walks in the door, he gets the whole family rocking. Young Auditorium, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-2222, uww.edu/youngauditorium.
“42nd Street”
Feb. 16, 7 p.m., dining option 5:30 p.m. This quintessential backstage musical comedy classic is the song and dance fable of Broadway, with an American Dream story that includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and of course, “42nd Street.” Young Auditorium, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-2222, uww.edu/youngauditorium.
Travis Tritt
Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Performing some of his biggest hits, including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s a Great Day to be Alive” and “Best of Intentions,” the Grand Ole Opry member brings his award-winning songs to life during this up-close and personal event punctuated by personal stories and anecdotes about his life and musical influences. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, Coronadopac.org.
“The Graduate”
Feb. 17-March 5, Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This is the first play adaption of the classic novel and cult film. Benjamin Braddock has just finished college and, back at his parents’ house, he’s trying to avoid the one question everyone keeps asking: What does he want to do with his life? An unexpected diversion crops up when he is seduced by Mrs. Robinson, a bored housewife and friend of his parents. But what begins as a fun tryst turns complicated when Benjamin falls for her daughter, Elaine. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
Resurrection: Journey Tribute
Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. The gold standard by which all Journey tributes are measured, Resurrection – A Journey Tribute, faithfully recreates the experience of a 1980’s Journey concert. This dynamic and compelling band features some of Nashville’s hottest musicians, many whom have performed, written, or recorded with the biggest names in the music industry – including Journey and Steve Perry. Janesville Performing Arts Center, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
“Love Letters”
Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. This two-person play is told in correspondence over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. Monroe Arts Center, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.com.
Comedy on Main
Feb. 18, 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of laughs with nationally acclaimed comedians and superb “up-and-comers.” The intimate environment brings an upfront experience for every spectator. Janesville Performing Art Center, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
“42nd Street”
Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. This quintessential backstage musical comedy classic is the song and dance fable of Broadway, with an American Dream story that includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and of course, “42nd Street.” Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Gabriel Iglesias: Fluffymania Tour
Feb. 24, 8 p.m. Gabriel’s stand-up comedy is a mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that bring his personal experiences to life. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, conronadopac.org.
Beloit International Film Festival
Feb. 24-March 5, times vary. Beloit International Film Festival has become a 10-day tribute to the power of film. Enjoy more than 120 carefully curated international documentaries, shorts and narrative features, and meet the artists who created them. Downtown Beloit, (608) 312-4256, beloitfilmfest.org.
Brahms & Schumann Classical Concert
Feb. 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Internationally renowned violinist Ilya Kaler joins his award-winning son Daniel on stage for a Brahms duet. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Arthur D. Montzka Memorial Concert
Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., pre-concert lecture 6:30. The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra performs Symphonic Suite from “On the Waterfront,” by Lenard Bernstein, and “Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90” (“Italian”), by Felix Mendelssohn. The Concerto Competition winner also performs. NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 756-3728, kishorchestra.org.
Kathy Mattea: Accoustic Living Room
Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. The unmistakable voice of Grammy Award winner Kathy Mattea explores music’s most basic human essence through timeless melodies and uplifting narratives. As a singer, musician, songwriter, public speaker, and activist, Kathy’s music and message have taken her to venues across America and overseas, and from festivals to concert halls. Young Auditorium, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-2222, uww.edu/youngauditorium.
Vienna Boys Choir
Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. Boys have been singing at Vienna’s Imperial Chapel since 1296. Since then, the Vienna Boys Choir has undertaken approximately 1,000 tours in 97 different countries and the boys have sung more than 27,000 concerts. Edgerton Performing Arts Center, 200 Elm High Drive, Edgerton, Wis., (608) 561-6093, Edgerton.k12.wi.us.
Rockford Wind Ensemble Concert
Feb. 26, 3 p.m. Rockford Wind Ensemble performs historically significant works, outstanding soloists and popular favorites. Nordlof Center, J.R. Sullivan Theater, Rockford, (815) 227-8550, rockfordwindensemble.org.
March
An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra
March 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth joins the RSO for an unforgettable evening. Known for her roles in “Pushing Daisies,” “Glee,” “The West Wing” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” she may be most remembered by Broadway lovers for her origination of the role of Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked.” Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, coronadopac.org.
The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine
March 2, 7:30 p.m. Formed by the Council of Ministers of Ukraine in November of 1918, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is considered to be one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe. Presented by Rockford Coronado Concert Association. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”
March 2-April 16. Luncheon matinee Wed., Th., Sat. & Sun. 10:30 a.m., dinner theatre Th. & Sat. 5 p.m., additional performance Sun. 2:30 p.m. Enjoy the most revered love story the world has known and sprinkle it with a dose of Disney magic, and what you’ve got is a sparkling, hilarious, touching, dazzling and endearing musical. Fireside Dinner Theatre, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
John Measner Magic Show
March 4, 2 p.m. A man of talent, wit and charm, John Measner thrills audiences with everything from card-and-coin magic to illusions such as Houdini’s famous Metamorphosis. He is a classically trained magician and skilled manipulator. Janesville Performing Art Center, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Get the Led Out
March 5, 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Dubbed by the media as “The American Led Zeppelin,” Get The Led Out offers a strong focus on Zeppelin’s early years. They touch on the deeper cuts that were seldom, if ever heard in concert and recreate songs in all their depth and glory. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Avalon String Quartet
March 5, 3 p.m. The Avalon String Quartet returns to the Mendelssohn Stage for their sixth season featuring music composed for them by Matthew Quayle, in addition to Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” Beethoven and more. Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
“Route 66”
March 4, 7:30 p.m. It’s a rip-roaring, pedal-to-the-metal road trip down memory lane featuring hits such as “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady From Pasadena,” and, of course, “Route 66.” Four snappy, young pump jockeys take the audience to various stops along the historic road where a menagerie of characters sing and dance to timeless tunes. It’s a road trip of a lifetime with solid harmonies, dazzling quick-changes, flashy dance numbers, an on-stage band and hilarious comedy. “Get your kicks…on Route 66.” Monroe Arts Center, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.com.
Comedy on Main
March 10, 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of laughs with nationally acclaimed comedians and superb “up-and-comers.” The intimate environment brings an upfront experience for every spectator. Janesville Performing Art Center, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Concerts on the Creek: Tinadora’s Celtic Frolic
March 11, 7 p.m. See a performance from Trinador’s Celtic Frolic, featuring Jannie Nelson and Ron Holm. Refreshments and Mama Mia’s cuisine are available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Rockford Symphony Orchestra Appalachian Spring Concert
March 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Multiple Grammy Award winner Howard Levy is an acknowledged master of the diatonic harmonica, innovative composer and recording artist. See him perform with Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
BJSO: March Madness
March 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestra performs “March Madness with the Rock Goddess of Electric Violin.” Eaton Chapel, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, (608) 365-4838, Beloit.edu.
Jazz at Emerson: Frank Calvagna
March 12, 3 p.m. Savor the talent of Frank Calvagna with light refreshments to follow. Emerson House, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Miranda Lambert: Highway Vagabond Tour
March 18, 7 p.m. Country music star Miranda Lambert brings her tour to Rockford, along with “garage country” singer Aubrie Sellers and 2016 CMA Vocal Group of the Year nominee, Old Dominion. BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
“Never Too Old”
March 18 & 19, 25 & 26, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. “Never Too Old; How Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Turned Into Vitamins, Viagra, and the Church Choir,” is an original play by Janesville’s Dan Fredricks. A popular ’60s garage band on the verge of success breaks up and falls into obscurity. What happened to the hottest party band of the ’60s, and where are they now? Kim Hess, a young reporter, aims to find out as she learns about the lives of fives guys who rediscover their love of music, each other, and the realization that you’re never too old to rock ‘n’ roll. Janesville Performing Arts Center, Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
Madison Youth Choirs
March 19, 2 p.m. The Madison Youth Choirs, under the direction of Michael Ross, perform their new spring program. The choir has an international reputation and performs annually with the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Monroe Arts Center, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.com.
LGSO Chamber Concert
March 19, 3 p.m. The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra performs a chamber concert. Holy Communion Episcopal Church, 320 Broad St., Lake Geneva, (262) 359-9072, lakegenevaorchestra.org.
Decades Rewind
March 24, 7:30 p.m. This theatrical music journey rewinds through 30 years of the greatest music of our times. An eight-piece band and six brilliant vocalists, surrounded by concert stage lighting and poignant videography of American culture, undergo period-specific costume changes to bring the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s to life. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (941) 677-8895, coronadopac.org.
Quince Contemporary Vocal Ensemble
March 24, 7:30 p.m. With the precision and flexibility of modern chamber musicians, Quince Contemporary Vocal Ensemble specializes in experimental repertoire that is changing the paradigm of contemporary vocal music. Quince continually pushes the boundaries of traditional vocal ensemble literature and thrives on unique musical challenges and genre-bending contemporary repertoire. Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
World Music Showcase
March 29, 7:30 p.m. Tarek Abdallah, a composer, oud player and musicologist from Alexandria, in Egypt, draws his inspiration from the “Nahda” era – the golden age of the Egyptian oud solo (1910-1930). The oud is both ancestor and contemporary of the guitar, lute and bouzouki, and in Tarek’s playing, you will hear echoes of flamenco, rembetica and blues music. Young Auditorium, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-2222, uww.edu.
Tony Award-Winning Play: “Red”
March 31, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Artists’ Ensemble, in special partnership with Rockford Art Museum, present a memorable one-night-only performance of the Tony Award-winning play, “Red,” by John Logan. In the play, it’s 1958 and painter Mark Rothko (Vrtol) has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art. As he and his assistant work feverishly on a series of murals for the exclusive Four Seasons restaurant, questions arise; “What’s art? And who gets to decide anyway?”. Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. Rockford Art Museum, Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.