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
AJG Tuesday Evening in the Gardens
Through Aug. 28, Tue. 5 p.m. gates open, 5:45 p.m. performance. Join friends and family for an evening of live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Picnics allowed (no beverages), and food and beverages available for purchase. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Ingrid Dohm Art Show
Through June 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy botanical-inspired art by Rockford artist Dohm. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
Rhyme & Rhythm
Through June 23, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Members of the Momentum Art Guild show new works of art inspired by a favorite piece of music or poetry. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.
Music on the Veranda
Through Labor Day, Sat.-Sun. 8-11 p.m. Wind down after the work week with some music, dinner and a gorgeous sunset over the Illinois River. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, Ill. Rts. 178 & 71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com.
Music on the Mall
Through Sept. 14, most Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Local musicians perform their latest tunes; hosted by Mary’s Market on the plaza outside the cafe. Seating is limited, so bring a chair. May be cancelled in inclement weather. Edgebrook Shops, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.
Charlie Parr
June 1, 8 p.m. In this part of the “Onstage: Americana Music Series,” the audience joins songwriter Parr onstage as he entertains with folk songs. Coronado Performing Arts Center (Coronado PAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Concerts on the Creek
June 2-Sept. 22, Sat. 7-9 p.m. Performances feature Jazz, Bluegrass, Dixieland, Folk, Gospel, Country, R&B, Celtic and more. Pizza, soda and snacks available. Concerts on the Creek, Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
“Shrek the Musical”
June 6-9 & July 11-15, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. The hit animated film comes to life onstage, featuring the tough cookie, the short villain, the forever-talking donkey, the hero ogre, the princess and a host of other fairy-tale misfits. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“Beauty and the Beast”
June 7-17, see website for times. The Beast is trapped under a spell and time is running out. When Belle seeks refuge in his castle on a stormy night, there is hope that she can end the curse and transform him into his former princely self. Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
“Lend Me a Tenor”
June 7-17, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A madcap comedy about the trouble that ensues when a famous opera singer is presumed dead and a substitute takes his place. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
“Hair”
June 7-30, Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m. The radical musical of the ’60s tackles issues still relevant today, with hits like “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine” and “Easy to be Hard.” [Usual]Suspects, Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
Stephen Stills & Judy Collins
June 8, 7:30. Celebrating the golden anniversary of their meeting, these icons of folk music perform onstage for the first time in their summer tour, with material from their rich catalogs and their album “Everybody Knows.” Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
ARTSY
June 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. An exhibit featuring creative vendors, live art demonstrations, music, children’s crafts and more. Edgebrook, Rockford, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.
RAM: Midwestern Biennial Show
June 9-Sept. 30, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 75th presentation of Rockford Art Museum’s juried exhibition showcasing multimedia work by contemporary artists across the Midwest. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Patchouli
June 10, 7 p.m. This indie husband and wife duo, comprised of Bruce Hecksel and Julie Patchouli, entertain with vocals and acoustic guitar in a jazz/flamenco style. Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
Music in the Park
June 12-Aug. 2, Tue.-Thu. 7 p.m. The outdoor series offers a variety of musical performers, including the Phantom Regiment, Back Country Roads, Rockford Concert Band and a Beatles tribute. Rockford Park District, Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
Story Time with Belle
June 13, noon-1 p.m. Enjoy a picnic lunch with your children, listening to a story and song from a fairy tale character. Reg. online. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Music on the Rock: Bun E. Carlos
June 13, 5:30 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. performance. Entertainment by the original drummer for Cheap Trick, and the Monday Night Band. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
Legends of Country
June 13, see website for times. Branson entertainer Jeff Gordon sings hits by Conway Twitty, George Strait, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and others. White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
“Jane Eyre”
June 13-16 & July 18-22, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. A musical adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s story of the orphaned girl living with a family who dislikes her. Hers is a timeless coming-of-age story of secrets and lies, regaining hope, independence and strength. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
The Golden Oldies Show
June 14, see website for times. It’s a blast from the past, as Jeff Gordon performs Elvis, Buddy Holly, Neil Diamond and a host of others. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Museum Mystery Dinner
June 15, 6-9:30 p.m. Join your friends at the Jarrett Prairie Center Museum for an evening of fun, with dinner and a show; cash bar. Byron Forest Preserve, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
Klehm Woodsong Concert: Josh Hoyer
June 17, 6 p.m. Featured on “The Voice,” John Hoyer & Soul Colossal combine soul, funk and R&B for a high-energy show. Bring a picnic dinner and beverage to enjoy on the lawn. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Dan Hagemann
June 17, 7 p.m. Illinois-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter Hagemann plays Americana and acoustic rock. Byron Forest Preserve, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
Freeport Concert Band
June 17-July 22, Sun. 7:30 p.m. Enjoy music under the stars at the Koenig Amphitheater. Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, (815) 990-1739, freeportparkdistrict.org.
Rhythm & Blooms
June 19, July 17 & Aug. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. “The Groove Hotel” start off this outdoor concert series in the lovely Gazebo Garden of the Rotary Botanical Gardens. Bring chairs or blanket. Food and beverages available. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
Summer Solstice Showcase
June 20, 6-9 p.m. Local artists reveal new artwork they’ve created, inspired by art from the Tallman collection. Live auction, cocktails and appetizers by local chefs. Rock County Historical Society, 426 N. Jackson St., (608) 756-4509, ext. 300, Janesville, rchs.org.
Music on the Rock: The Howlin’ Brothers
June 20, 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by the Nashville-based old-time country blues string band. Burpee Museum, Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
Tunes on the Terrace: Swingbilly RFD
June 20, 6-8 p.m. The soul-warming sounds of Rust Belt Honky Tonk and Western Swing. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”
June 20-23 & July 25-29, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. This musical comedy features two sophisticated, suave swindlers who decide the Riviera isn’t big enough for both of them; the first to extract $50,000 from a rich young heiress wins and the other must leave town. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“Born Yesterday”
June 21-30, see website for times. In Garson Kanin’s comedy, brassy blond Billie Dawn hits Washington, D.C., with her unscrupulous millionaire sugar daddy Harry Brock; unfortunately for Brock, as Billie undergoes social polishing under a tutor, she emerges as an intelligent woman with a strong sense of right and wrong. Timber Lake Playhouse, Timber Lake Road, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
“Clue the Musical”
June 22-23, 29-30, 7:30 p.m.; June 30, 2 p.m. In this family musical, the world’s best-known suspects come to life and the audience helps solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room and with what weapon? Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.
“Of Mice and Men”
June 22-July 8, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The John Steinbeck classic about two drifters, George and his friend Lennie, a man-child and gentle giant, who work on a ranch until an accidental death changes everything. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
The Whitewater Classic
June 23, 7 p.m. This drum and bugle corps competition features groups from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Massachusetts. Perkins Stadium, 907 S. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, Wis., (317) 275-1212, dci.org.
“1964”…the Tribute
June 23, 7:30 p.m. Travel back to the ’60s for a Beatles concert, re-created with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles and onstage banter. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
MBTL: Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra
June 24, 4 p.m. The orchestra kicks off its 18th season with an afternoon of movie music for the whole family, including scores from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Forrest Gump,” “Superman,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Gladiator” and “Frozen.” Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College of Aurora University, 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501 musicbythelake.com.
Burn N’ Bush
June 24, 7 p.m. Rod Burnette and Dave Bushman play a variety of rock, country and oldies. Byron Forest Preserve, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
Music at the Dells: Seth Glier
June 24, 7-9 p.m. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Glier entertains on the guitar and piano with melodic contemporary pop influenced by roots and blues. Severson Dells Nature Center, 8502 Montague Road, Winnebago, Ill., (815) 335-2915, seversondells.com.
RAM: Art in Bloom
June 25, 6-8 p.m. Wine and hors d’oeuvres preview party; exhibit June 26-29, Tue. & Thu. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Wed. 3-8 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Select works of art from the Rockford Midwestern Biennial are creatively interpreted through flowers and other organic material; demonstrations and programs throughout the event. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
RAM: Fashion in Bloom Tea
June 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Midday fusion of floral and fashion design complementing the Art in Bloom exhibit. Res. req. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Music on the Rock: Jimmy Thackery
June 27, 5:30 p.m. Relax with dinner and drinks along the riverbanks with this driving force in blues. Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
Tunes on the Terrace: Long Shot
June 27, 6-8 p.m. These Rockford-based singer/songwriters blend indie rock, acoustic blues and outlaw country. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
“Anything Goes”
June 27-30 & Aug. 1-5, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Come aboard the S.S. American for an age-old tale of boy meets girl with plenty of Cole Porter music and laughs. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
Kenny G
June 29, 8 p.m. Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G combines elements of R&B, pop and Latin music, performing contemporary jazz during a career spanning almost three decades. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
July
“A Second Helping”
Through July 15, see website for times. The world is changing in 1969 and the ladies are dealing with changes of their own in this sequel to “The Church Basement Ladies.” Fireside Dinner Theatre (Fireside), Business Hwy. 26 South, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
RSO: Independence Day Spectacular
July 3, 8 p.m. Celebrate our country’s independence with a concert of patriotic favorites, a tribute to our veterans, lively tunes and fireworks. Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO), Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockfordsyphony.com.
“The Full Monty”
July 5-15, see website for times. Unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. Will they go through with it? Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Phantom Regiment Show of Shows
July 6, 7:30 p.m. Experience the art of musical pageantry featuring some of the best drum and bugle corps in the world. Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr., Rockford, (815) 261-1956, regiment.org.
The Smith Trilogy
July 6-Aug. 25, Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Showcasing the works of three generations of artists, with three unique styles of art expression. Duane Smith’s work focuses on the Illinois landscape, his daughter Paula specializes in creating sculptures of reclaimed treasures, and grandson Peter’s work brings awareness of how art can serve as an avenue for self-expression and communication for artists with autism. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.
Art in the Park
July 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 50 artists display original, handcrafted paintings, graphics, sculpture, jewelry, photography, drawings and artisan crafts. The Next Picture Show, John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, Ill., thenextpictureshow.com.
MBTL: Bruce Hornsby
July 7, 7:30 p.m. Accompanied by The Noisemakers band, pianist and singer/songwriter Bruce Hornsby taps into many musical genres such as pop, jazz, bluegrass and soul. Music by the Lake, Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Music on the Rock: Kevin Gordon
July 11, 5:30 p.m. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Gordon draws from experiences growing up in Louisiana. He’s been recorded by Keith Richards and Levon Helm, among others. Burpee Museum, Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
Tunes on the Terrace: Jodi Beach
July 11, 6-8 p.m. Returning singer/pianist Beach is a storyteller, weaving themes presented in song. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
“Shrek the Musical”
July 11-15, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. The animated film comes to life onstage, featuring the tough cookie, the short villain, the forever-talking donkey, the hero ogre, the princess and a host of other fairy-tale misfits. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“Nunsense”
July 12-14, 7 p.m. The Little Sisters of Hoboken discover their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and to pay for the burials, they decide to put on a variety show. Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling, Ill., (815) 626-4278, woodlawnartsacademy.com.
“It Shoulda Been You”
July 12-22, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Broadway’s musical farce features blushing brides, nervous grooms, overbearing moms, unexpected guests and an unforgettable wedding day for all. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)”
July 13-21, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A fast-paced play that parodies the 37 plays of William Shakespeare in 97 minutes, performed by only three actors. Vince Carney Community Theatre (VCCT), Paddock Memorial Hall, Hickory Grove Complex, 1127 N. 7th St., Rochelle, Ill., (815) 764-2287, vcctrochelle.org.
MBTL: Wynonna & The Big Noise
July 14, 7:30 p.m. One of the biggest names in country music, Wynonna Judd, performs with her band, led by husband/drummer/producer Cactus Moser. Music by the Lake, Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Klehm Woodsong Concert: Danielle Juhre
July 15, 6-8 p.m. Powerhouse soul vocalist Juhre is an award-winning soul and pop artist from Chicago who released her first highly acclaimed single, “Does She Know?” while attending Berklee College of Music. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Tunes on the Terrace: Steve McClanahan
July 18, 6-8 p.m. A solo acoustic guitarist and singer from the Rockford area, McClanahan performs a variety of pop and rock cover songs. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
Music on the Rock: Sam Llanas
July 18, 6:30 p.m. This iconic American singer, acoustic guitarist and songwriter is best known for his unique and distinctively soulful voice. Burpee Museum, Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
“Jane Eyre”
July 18-22, Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. A musical adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s story of the orphaned young girl living with a family who dislikes her. Hers is a timeless coming-of-age love story of secrets and lies, regaining hope, independence and strength. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”
July 19-28, see website for times. A comedic take on the classic “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” where five intrepid investigators, portraying more than 40 characters, wend their way through a web of clues, disguises and deceit. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
“Tender the Rocks”
July 21, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. View contemplative and visionary paintings and photographs by Elisa Ahmer in conjunction with the “Nicholas at Night” monthly series. Paint rocks and build a cairn. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, elisaahmerstudio.com, nicholasconservatory.com.