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.
JUNE
Freeport Art Museum: Wish You Were Here Exhibition
Through Aug. 11, Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. In today’s world of ever-changing technology and social media, the art of postcard and letter writing has largely gone by the wayside. This artistic exhibition acknowledges these changes with a salute to postcards as an art and storytelling form. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.
Music on the Mall
Through Sept. 15, Fri. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy many local musicians performing their latest tunes. Hosted by Mary’s Market and located outside the cafe. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chair is encouraged. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events.
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Presents “LIGHT”
Through Nov. 5, Mon. 5-11 p.m., Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. The gardens and conservatory provide a stunning backdrop for eight light sculptures, including a monumental globe suspended inside the Conservatory and a playful homage to pink lawn flamingos. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
Starlight Presents “Beauty and the Beast”
June 7-10, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; July 5-9, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. This classic story follows Belle, a young woman in a provincial French town who becomes a captive of the Beast, who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockfordsymphony.com.
Dwight Yoakem
June 8, 8 p.m. Dwight Yoakem is a multiple Grammy Award winner, with five albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Back to the ’50s
June 8-July 23, see website for dates/times. Pay tribute to the most exciting musical decade, the one that brought us TV dinners, talk show legends and the birth of Rock-and-Roll. Fireside Dinner Theatre, Business Hwy. 26 South, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9595, firesidetheatre.com.
Concerts on the Square: The Jimmys
June 9, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy boogie-woogie jump blues, food, beverages and an evening of family fun. Bring a lawn chair. Historic Courthouse Square, Monroe, Wis., (608) 328-4023, mainstreetmonroe.org.
Rockford Art Museum: “Bittersweet Observations”
June 9-Oct. 1, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This whimsical feature exhibition explores the beauty and wonder, and sometimes darker side, of modern fairy tales. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Tom Mac Group
June 13, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG), 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Wilco
June 14, 7:30 p.m. This Chicago-based alternative rock band produces an eclectic indie rock sound. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Starlight Presents “Peter and the Starcatcher”
June 14-17, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m.; July 12-16, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. This Tony-winning production upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be Peter Pan. “Peter and the Starcatcher” playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty and love. Starlight Theater, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“Ah, Wilderness!”
June 15-24, Tue., Th., Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Wed. & Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Eugene O’Neill’s romantic coming-of-age comedy introduces the charming Miller family of seaside Connecticut. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Music on the Mall: After 5 Jazz
June 16, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy local musicians performing their latest tunes. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chair is encouraged. Edgebrook Shops, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events.
Concerts on the Creek: One Less Tenor
June 17, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Klehm Woodsong Concert: Corky Siegel
June 18, gate opens 4 p.m., concert 6 p.m. Blues harmonica master Corky Siegel will be joined by special guest jazz violinist Randy Sabien. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org.
Music Under the Stars
June 18 & 25, 7:30 p.m. Each performance by the Freeport Concert Band is hosted by a different guest conductor and highlights an assortment of guest instrumentalists and vocalists. Koenig Theater, Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, (815) 990-1739, freeportparkdistrict.org.
Rhythm & Blooms
June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Brothers Quinn start off this outdoor concert series in the lovely Gazebo Garden of the Rotary Botanical Gardens. Bring chairs or blanket. South Padre Seafood truck is on hand for food purchases. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
Music in the Park: Broadway in the Park
June 20, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band performs. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford. Info: (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Miles Nielsen
June 20, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Western-influenced Indie Rock and Classic ‘60s Soul. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
The Carol Burnett Show
June 21-23 & 27-29, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. buffet and performance. The White Pines Actors re-create classic skits and remind the audience of Burnett’s favorite guest stars and characters. White Pines Inn, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Starlight Theatre Presents “Sister Act”
June 21-24, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m.; July 19-23, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent. Starlight Theater, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
Music in the Park: Harlan Jefferson
June 22, 7 p.m. Jazz, Neo-Soul and Funk Band. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Music on the Mall: Jodi Beach Trio
June 23, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy local musicians performing their latest tunes. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chair is encouraged. Edgebrook Shops, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events.
Mighty Richland Players present “Harmony Romances”
June 23-25, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Enjoy dessert and an evening of comedy as the church ladies of Harmony do their best to overcome the pitfalls that present themselves on the way to a wedding between a woman and man who haven’t seen one another in years. Mighty Richland Players, IOOF/Masonic Hall, 203 W. High St., Orangeville, Ill., (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplaners.com.
“The Dixie Swim Club”
June 23-July 2, see website for times. The story of five unforgettable women – a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever. Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org
Concerts on the Creek: Song Sisters
June 24, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
The Whitewater Classic
June 24, 7 p.m. A drum and bugle corps competition sanctioned by Drum Corps International, features groups from four states: Crossmen, Texas; Blue Stars, Wisconsin; The Cavaliers, Illinois; Colt Cadets, Iowa; Colts, Iowa; Kilties, Wisconsin; Madison Scouts, Wisconsin; Pioneer, Wisconsin; Perkins Stadium, 910 W. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, Wis., (317) 275-1212, madisonscoutslive.com.
Music by the Lake (MBTL): An American Celebration
June 25, 4 p.m. The Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra returns for its 17th season with patriotic tunes and the songs of composers such as Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, John Williams and Duke Ellington. Presented by Music by the Lake. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College, 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Art in Bloom
June 26, Wine & Hors d’oeuvres Preview Party 6-8 p.m. Exhibit June 27-29, daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Rockford Art Museum is in full bloom as works of art from the RAM Collection are creatively interpreted through flowers and other organic material. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordaratmuseum.org.
Music in the Park: Patriotic Concert
June 27, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford. Info: (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Bottle Rockets
June 20, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. This St. Louis-based group fuses rootsy underground rock with country style. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Starlight Theatre Presents “Godspell”
June 28-July 1, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat, 2 & 8 p.m.; July 26-30, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life unfolds. Starlight Theatre, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“Evita”
June 29-July 9, Th.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Wed. & Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Eva Peron’s legendary rise to power is told in this dynamic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Music on the Mall: The Surf Band
June 30, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy local musicians performing their latest tunes. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chair is encouraged. Edgebrook Shops, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events.
JULY
Concerts on the Creek: Sweet Adelines
July 1, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
RSO: Independence Day Spectacular
July 4, 8 p.m. Celebrate our country’s independence with a concert of patriotic favorites, a tribute to our veterans, lively, summertime tunes and fireworks. Sponsored by ComEd. Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO), Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockfordsymphony.com.
Music in the Park: Jodi Beach
July 6, 7 p.m. Tunes by this Rockford favorite range from romantic ballads to upbeat swing. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Music on the Mall: Firelight Dimmers
June 16, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy local musicians performing their latest tunes. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chair is encouraged. Edgebrook Shops, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events.
Friday Night Flix: “Sing”
July 7, 7 p.m. Friday Night Flix features free, large-screen movies the entire family can enjoy. Moviegoers can bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park and purchase food, soda, beer and wine from on-site vendors. Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, facebook.com/FridayNightFlix.
Concerts on the Creek: Tom Mac Group
July 8, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: America
July 8, 7:30 p.m. Debuting in 1971, this group from London produced a string of rockers, medleys and soul-bearing ballads that still grace the airwaves. Presented by Music by the Lake. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Brit Floyd-Immersion World Tour
July 9, 7:30 p.m. Brit Floyd is a tribute band from Liverpool whose live shows emulate the sound and excitement of Pink Floyd’s live shows. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Tom Chapin
July 11, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Folk singer. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Music in the Park: Music Around the World
July 11, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band performs. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Music in the Park: Miles Nielsen
July 13, 7 p.m. Western-influenced Indie Rock and Classic ‘60s Soul. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford. Info: (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Concerts on the Creek: Jodi Beach
July 15, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Music in the Park: Reflections in Sound
July 18, 7 p.m. Rockford Concert Band, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford. Info: (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Robbie Fulks
July 18, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Wilmette, Ill., artist whose sound is alternative country. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
George Lopez
July 21, 7 p.m. George Lopez’s multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, standup comedy and late-night television. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Scapino!
July 13-22, see website for times. Set in a dockside cafe in 1970s Naples, this comedy features Scapino, “a rapscallion, fast-talking, quick-thinking scamp,” who concocts a complex plot to help two pairs of lovers fight against parental opposition that, it turns out, may not actually exist. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Pec Playhouse Theater: “Bye Bye Birdie”
July 14-30, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. It’s the late 1950s and teenagers from across the United States are going crazy for the handsome rock star Conrad Birdie. Meanwhile, his manager, Albert Peterson, is going into debt and has staked his financial future on Conrad’s success. Pec Playhouse Theater, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
MBTL: Preservation Hall Jazz Band
July 16, 4 p.m. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been promoting traditional New Orleans jazz since 1961. Presented by Music by the Lake. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Klehm Woodsong Concert: Groove Hotel
July 16, gate opens 4 p.m., concert 6 p.m. Picnic to the sounds of this Rockford-based band as they play a mix of original music in a contemporary style of upbeat funky, Latin and swing style of jazz. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org.
“Bleacher Bums”
July 21-29, Fri-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A motley crew of die-hard Cubs fans root from the bleachers in this “nine inning comedy.” Vince Carney Community Theatre, Paddock Memorial Hall, Hickory Grove Complex, 1127 N. 7th St., Rochelle, Ill., (815) 764-2287, vcctrochelle.org.
MBTL: The Tenors
July 22, 7:30 p.m. With their blend of classical music and contemporary pop, The Tenors have performed for world leaders, including the past four U.S. presidents and Queen Elizabeth, and have shared the stage with Paul McCartney, Elton John and Andrea Bocelli. Presented by Music by the Lake. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Concerts on the Creek: Dave Rudolf
July 22, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Antony & the Tramps
July 25, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Main artist Antony & the Tramps. Opening act Patchouli. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
“Carousel”
July 27-Aug. 6, Tue., Th.-Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Wed. & Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical tells the powerful story of Julie, an innocent young millworker, and Billy, the swaggering carousel barker she falls in love with. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
“Church Basement Ladies”
July 27-Sept. 10, see website for times. This new musical comedy features the dedicated church kitchen ladies as they face the challenges of preparing for a Lutefisk Dinner, an Easter Fundraiser, a funeral and a wedding, while keeping the pastor on a steady course. The Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505.
Music on the Mall: Groove Hotel
July 28, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy local musicians performing their latest tunes. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chair is encouraged. Edgebrook Shops, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events.
“The Last Five Years”
July 28-30, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30 p.m. Jason Robert Brown’s Drama Desk winner is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their 20s who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. Janesville Armory, 10 S. High St., Janesville, (608) 741-7400, janesvillearmory.com
Concerts on the Creek: Patte Lund
July 29, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: The Berenstain Bears
July 30, 4 p.m. This show takes family audiences on an adventure, expressed through song and dance, to learn important life lessons. Presented by Music by the Lake. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com
AUGUST
Music in the Park: Dvorak, Rossini, Vivaldi
Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Rock Valley Summer Festival Orchestr., Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Michael McDermott
Aug. 1, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Folk rock. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Friday Night Flix: “Finding Dory”
Aug. 4, 7 p.m. Friday Night Flix features free, large-screen movies the entire family can enjoy. Moviegoers can bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park and purchase food, soda, beer and wine from on-site vendors. Davis Park, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, facebook.com/FridayNightFlix.
Concerts on the Creek: Groove Hotel
Aug. 5, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: Lyle Lovett
Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m. This singer’s Texas-based music fuses elements of Americana, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues. Presented by Music by the Lake. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Tallman Arts Festival
Aug. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet the artists and see their beautiful wares, ranging from fine art to jewelry, plus much more. An array of food vendors and live music round out the day. Rock County Historical Society, 426 N. Jackson St., Janesville, (608) 756-4509, ext. 302.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: The Black Lillies
Aug. 8, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Americana band. Opening act: The Coteries. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
“Little Shop of Horrors”
Aug. 10-20, Tue., Th.-Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Wed. & Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Seymour Krelborn, a lovesick florist’s clerk, names a new breed of plant “Audrey II,” after his beloved, ditzy coworker. After discovering the plant’s out-of-this-world origins and appetite, Seymour must choose between love, fame and saving the world. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Neil Simon’s “California Suite”
Aug. 10-20, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Simon’s comedy follows the misadventures of different groups of guests staying in a suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Stage Coach Players Theatre, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Music on the Mall: Eddie B Jazz
Aug. 11, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy local musicians performing their latest tunes. Seating is limited, so bringing your own chair is encouraged. Edgebrook Shops, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com/events.
Concerts on the Creek: Mark Dvorak
Aug. 12, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: Chicago Philharmonic
Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m. Guest pianist Joseph Joubert and Broadway voices perform Gershwin and Irving Berlin favorites, including “The Man I Love,” “American in Paris,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Summertime” and many more. Presented by Music by the Lake. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
AJG Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens: Harlan Jefferson
Aug. 15, Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Jazz, Neo-Soul and Funk Band. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Concerts on the Creek: Justin Gates and Daniel Souvigny
Aug. 19, 7-9 p.m. Pizza from Mamma Mia’s, canned soda, bottled water and popcorn available. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Klehm Woodsong Concert: Trinadora Rocks
Aug. 20, gate opens 4 p.m., concert 6 p.m. Keyboardist Jannie Nelson and guitarist Ron Holm lead the band through a lively repertoire that includes original, standards and vintage songs ranging from country to jazz to Celtic. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org.