There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at what’s coming up this season at some of the many arts venues near you.
June
More Than a Hammer and Nails
Through June 28, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This solo exhibit by Madeline Glaspey features paintings inspired by photographs taken by her father over 50 years ago. A Beloit College sophomore at the time, he worked at a Head Start Center in Liberty, Miss., in 1966; the paintings capture this moment in time. Wright Museum of Art, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, (608) 363-2702, beloit.edu.
Franklin Boggs Exhibit
Through June 28, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. “The Art of Economics” features the work of Boggs, a longtime professor of art at Beloit College, who produced large-scale public WPA murals as well as smaller works. Wright Museum of Art, Beloit College, Beloit, (608) 363-2702, beloit.edu.
That’s What I Call Rock & Roll
Through July 14. See website for times. Back by popular demand, the show pays tribute to superstars such as The Beatles; Jefferson Airplane; Blood, Sweat and Tears; Janis Joplin; Prince; Led Zeppelin; and many more. Fireside Theatre, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
Concert in the Park
Through July 23, Tue. 7 p.m. Pack a picnic and chairs and put on your dancing shoes; enjoy an evening of music, yard games and family fun. Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Pl., Oregon, Ill., oregonpark.org.
Mini Masterpieces
Through Aug. 3, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Artists were challenged to create works no more than 6 inches square. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.
Music in the Park
Through Aug. 8, Tue. & Thu. 7 p.m. Enjoy a summer evening surrounded by majestic trees in the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. The season begins with the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8800, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
AJG: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens
Through Aug. 27, Tue. Doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. Join friends and family for an evening of live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Picnics allowed (no beverages); food and beverages available for purchase. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Music on the Marv
Through Aug. 27, Tue. Food vendors begin 5:30 p.m., concert 6:30 p.m. A variety of entertainment weekly, including country, blues, funk, reggae, top 40, classic rock and alt rock. Marvin Roth Community Pavilion, 51 S. Main St., Janesville, janesvillecvb.com.
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. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, IL Rts. 178 & 71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com.
Music on the Mall
Through Sept. 13, 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.
Dockside Live
Through Sept. 23, Mon. 6-9 p.m. Listen to live music by local and regional artists. Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427, psbrewingco.com.
Bodacious Music
Through Sept. 27, Fri. 6 p.m. Relax on the patio to live music with views of the Rock River. 119 N. Main St., Janesville, bodaciousshops.com.
Julie Heffernan & Shelly Mosman
Through Sept. 29, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The “Chance Encounters” exhibit paintings and photography tell visual stories that disrupt one-sided stories of female figures that still exist today. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Starlight Theatre: “West Side Story”
June 12-15 & July 17-21. See website for times. Bernstein and Sondheim’s classic musical set in New York City, as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Modern themes of hate and prejudice keep this “Romeo and Juliet” story relevant. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
Klehm Woodsong Concert: The Madtown Mannish Boys
June 16, 6-8 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m. The Madison-based band is steeped in Chicago-style blues, performing the music of Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Paul Butterfield, among others. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Summer Concerts at Jarrett
June 16 & 23 and July 7 & 21, 7 p.m. The season begins with entertainment by Dan Hagemann, an Illinois-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter who plays Americana and acoustic rock. Other performers include Patchouli, Blue Grass Reunion Band and Espinosa & Coffey. Jarrett Center, Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N. River Road, Byron, Ill., (815) 234-8535, byronforestpreserve.com.
Starlight Theatre: “The Addams Family”
June 19-22 & July 24-28. See website for times. The kooky and quirky family has its share of usual problems: not only has their dark, macabre 18-year old daughter fallen in love with a sweet, smart boy from a normal, respectable family, but she’s invited his family home for dinner. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
Art Garfunkel
June 20, 7:30 p.m. Iconic singer Garfunkel performs solo hits, Simon & Garfunkel songs, and excerpts from his recently published autobiography. Coronado Performing Arts Center (Coronado PAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
“Noises Off”
June 20-30, see website for times. This farce takes a look at a touring theatre troupe’s production of “Nothing On.” The audience goes behind the scenes in this play-within-a-play, to see flubbed lines and missed cues in rehearsal and mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
“Laughter on the 23rd Floor”
June 21-22 & 28-29, 7:30 p.m.; June 29, 2 p.m. Inspired by Neil Simon’s experience as a young staff writer on Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows,” his play gives an insider’s look at the comic drama created as the harried staff writing for a TV comedy scrambles to top each other with gags while competing for the attention of the star. Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.
A Creative Life
June 21-Aug. 16, Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Artist Sarah Aslakson came to Wisconsin from Brooklyn to attend college and never left. In addition to nature and color, her watercolors explore three new themes: time, animals and heavenly bodies. Monroe Arts Center (MAC), 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble
June 22, 7-9 p.m. The acoustic instrumental group from Madison plays American swing, jazz, Latin, Parisian waltz and European folk. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: Disney Fantasia Live
June 23, 4 p.m. Scenes from the original film as well as “Fantasia 2000” are accompanied by the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra, which plays musical selections from both films, including Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite.”, Music by the Lake, Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College of Aurora University (GWC), 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Live at Levings
June 23, July 7 & 21, and Aug. 4, 5-8 p.m. R & B, gospel, funk and jazz bands compete in a talent showcase for the grand prize on Aug. 4. Rockford Park District, Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford, (815) 621-4319, rockfordparkdistrict.com.
RAM: Art in Bloom
June 24, 6-8 p.m. Wine and hors d’oeuvres preview party; exhibit June 25-27, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Local designers interpret select works of art from the “Chance Encounter” exhibition through flowers and other organic materials. Demonstrations and programs. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Jeff Gordon
June 25, 1 p.m. Branson entertainer Gordon returns for a walk down memory lane featuring the best of classic country hits from Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins, George Strait, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks and more. White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Heart & Soul of Rock n’ Roll
June 26, 1 p.m. Jeff Gordon takes the stage to entertain with the top hits from Roy Orbison, Elvis, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Buddy Holly and others. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Music on the Rock: Steepwater Band
June 26, food and beverages 4:30 p.m., music 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Chicago band’s signature sound is a nod to early British blues, combined with a modern musical approach. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
Starlight Theatre: “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
June 26-29 & July 31-Aug. 4. See website for times. The timeless biblical story of Joseph, who is blessed with dreams that foretell the future. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph is challenged by a series of adventures. Genres in this musical range from country/western and calypso to pop and rock ‘n’ roll. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“The Mousetrap”
June 27-30 & July 5-7, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Agatha Christie’s famous play involves a group of strangers who are stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm. One of them is a murderer. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
“Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig”
June 27-28; July 23, 26 & 30; Aug. 2-3 & 13-16. See website for times. When the three little wolves go out into the world to build themselves a house, their dwellings are no match for the big bad pig, who has more up his sleeve than huffing and puffing. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Groove Hotel with Gina Meeks
June 29, 7-9 p.m. The group’s repertoire includes bossa nova, funk, rock, samba, gospel and Cuban. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: The Oak Ridge Boys
June 29, 7:30 p.m. The award-winning country group entertains with four-part harmonies and upbeat songs. Music by the Lake, Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Phantom Regiment Show of Shows
June 29, 7:30 p.m. Performances by some of the top drum and bugle corps from around the country. Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Dr., Rockford, (815) 275-1212, regiment.org.
Momentum Art Guild Show
June 29-July 28, Tue.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Art by members of the Momentum Art Guild of Freeport. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
July
BJSO: Salute to the Armed Forces
July 3, 6:30 p.m. An evening of music featuring the Masterworks Chorus. Location: Janesville Courthouse Park, 51 S. Main St., Janesville. Info: Beloit Janesville Symphony (BJSO), (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.
RSO: Star Spangled Spectacular
July 3, 8 p.m. The annual patriotic pops concert features a celebration of America’s independence with a family evening of food, music and fireworks. Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO), Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockfordsymphony.com.
Story & Stroll
July 3 & Aug. 7, 10-11 a.m. May check in at 9:30 a.m. Perfect for children ages 2-6 and a parent or caregiver. Enjoy a story and a stroll through the garden. Rain or shine. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.
BJSO: Pops on the Rock
July 4, 7:30 p.m. Fireworks following the concert, weather permitting. Location: Beloit Riverside Park, Beloit. Info: BJSO, (608) 313-1200, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.
“Into the Woods”
July 5-14. See website for times. The Stephen Sondheim classic where the Brothers Grimm meet Broadway, in a fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Denny Diamond
July 6, 7 p.m. Diamond’s baritone pipes have an amazing resemblance to Neil Diamond; family fun with music and comedy. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: Dennis DeYoung and Music of Styx
July 6, 7:30 p.m. The founding member and lead singer of Styx and his six-piece band showcase the band’s greatest hits, such as “Lady,” “Babe” and “Come Sail Away.” Music by the Lake, Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
R4 Sculpture Show
July 6-Aug. 25, Tue.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Created by Chicago Sculpture International, the exhibit features sculptures created from recycled and reclaimed materials set among the tropical plants. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
Music on the Rock: Ivy Ford Band
July 10, food and beverages 4:30 p.m., music 5:30-8:30 p.m. Waukegan-born and raised, the 26-year old artist has come on to the Chicago blues and live music scene. Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
“Mamma Mia!”
July 18-Aug. 4. See website for times. This hit musical uses the greatest songs of ABBA to tell the story of marriage, family and finding where you belong. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
AJG: Groovin’ in the Garden
July 12 & Aug. 9, 10 a.m. Bring a blanket or chair and have fun with your children or grandchildren. Featuring Mr. G, Tim Kubart and Jim Gill. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.
Rock-Paper-Scissors
July 11, 1 p.m. The trio captures the fun music from the past with three-part harmonies; featuring music of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley and others. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Jodi Beach
July 13, 7 p.m. Beach and her trio play timeless vocal jazz. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: An Evening with Judy Collins
July 13, 7:30 p.m. The iconic singer-songwriter interprets folk standards and original compositions. Music by the Lake, Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Concert in the Park
July 14, 6:30-8 p.m. Entertainment by The Reeds and Waddy. Food and beverages available for purchase. Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 547-3115, poplargrovewingsandwheels.com.
Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson
July 16, 7 p.m. The duo delivers lots of heavy metal in their “Twins of Evil” Tour. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
Music on the Rock: Kevin “BF” Burt
July 17, food and beverages 4:30 p.m., music 5:30-8:30 p.m. Burt has been entertaining audiences with his soul-inspired blues for over 25 years. Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
Starlight Theatre: “West Side Story”
July 17-21. See website for times. Bernstein and Sondheim’s classic musical set in New York City, as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College (RVC), 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“Annie”
July 18-Sept. 1. See website for times. Cute little girls, comic villains, gangsters, presidents and billionaires come together in one of Broadway’s most popular musicals. Will hope triumph in a time of economic and political upheaval as little orphan Annie tries to find a true home? Fireside, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
July 19-Aug. 4, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. When three generations come together to celebrate a birthday and discuss a will on a simmering Southern night, the tensions in a house filled with uncertainty and secrets threaten to boil over. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
SongSisters
July 20, 7 p.m. The trio entertains with rich harmonies and banter. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Culture Crawl: After Hours
July 20, 7:15 p.m. Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts headline entertainment for those 21 and over; food and beverage vendors. Bring blanket or lawn chairs. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.
Klehm Woodsong Concert: The Groove Hotel
July 21, 6 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m. Enjoy a picnic dinner to the sounds of swing, bossa nova, funk, rock, samba and gospel. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
Voices in my Head
July 23-25, 1 p.m. Three-time Las Vegas entertainer of the year Stephen Sorrentino performs improv and impersonations of 180 voices; songs from Motown, Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons, The Doors, Joe Cocker, Elton John, Tom Jones, Sonny and Cher and many more. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Starlight Theatre: “The Addams Family”
July 24-28. See website for times. The kooky and quirky family has its share of usual problems: not only has their dark, macabre 18-year old daughter fallen in love with a sweet, smart boy from a normal, respectable family, but she’s invited his family home for dinner. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
Music on the Rock: Ghost Town Blues Band
July 24, food and beverages 4:30 p.m., music 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Ghost Town Blues Band combines horns, harmonies and homegrown instruments. Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org.
Tom Segura
July 25, 7:30 p.m. Actor/comedian/writer Segura weaves comedy into his storytelling and anecdotes. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Patte Armato Lund
July 27, 7 p.m. Lund offers a mix of pop, jazz, standards and comedy. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
MBTL: The Music of ABBA
July 28, 4 p.m. The 12-piece band performs ABBA’s hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo” and “Take a Chance on Me.” Music by the Lake, Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Starlight Theatre: “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
July 31-Aug. 4. See website for times. The timeless biblical story of Joseph, who is blessed with dreams that foretell the future. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph is challenged by a series of adventures. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
August
“Noises Off”
Aug. 1-11, see website for times. The audience goes behind the scenes in this play-within-a-play, to see flubbed lines and missed cues in rehearsal and mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Stage Coach Players Theatre, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Paper Airplane
Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Rockford’s Noel and Amy Nickel perform songs from the ’60s to today. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
The New Odyssey Guy
Aug. 7, 1 p.m. Gary Todd, one of the founding members of Chicago’s New Odyssey, puts on a high-energy show using 10 instruments. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Mike Williamson & Patte Armato Lund
Aug. 8, 1 p.m. The duo returns for a concert of classic pop, Broadway tunes and a salute to Sonny & Cher, the Captain & Tennille, Johnny Cash & June Carter, Frank & Nancy Sinatra, and Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Starlight Theatre: “Madagascar”
Aug. 8-10, Thu.-Fri. 11 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and the plotting penguins for a musical adventure. Starlight Theatre, RVC, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.
“Man of La Mancha”
Aug. 8-18. See website for times. In the musical adaptation of the classic Cervantes novel, an aged nobleman believes he is a knight, out to battle for good and the love of a fair maiden. Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Mark Dvorak
Aug. 10, 7 p.m. Entertainment by Chicago’s master folk artist, storyteller and songwriter. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Art in the Park
Aug. 10-11, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. The 39th annual show includes more than 80 artists exhibiting a variety of media, including clay, pottery, fiber, glass, printmaking, jewelry, oil and acrylic painting, photography and more. Create a make-and-take in the kids’ activities area. Lake Geneva Arts Foundation, Flat Iron Park, between Wrigley Dr. and Center St., Lake Geneva.
Sting Ray Anthony
Aug. 14-15, 1 p.m. Branson entertainer Anthony performs the hits of Chuck Berry, Bobby Darren, Rick Nelson, Del Shannon and others. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
“Urinetown (the Musical)”
Aug. 16-31, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. When a town that has suffered from drought for 20 years faces a new fee hike for water usage, the poor and downtrodden rise up against the monopoly corporation controlling things. [usual]Suspects, Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford. Info: rockfordpubliclibrary.org.
The Lone Canary
Aug. 17, 7 p.m. Folk/Americana duo and Rockford natives Jesse Fox and Heather Camacho. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Klehm Woodsong Concert: Ernie Hendrickson
Aug. 18, 6 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m. In his music, Wisconsin native Hendrickson brings Midwestern openness to the Nashville experience. Klehm Arboretum, Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.
