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.
August
R4 Sculpture Show
Through 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, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg.
“The Chicken Ranch”
Through Aug. 29, see website for times. When a pious reporter exposes Miss Mona’s Chicken Ranch, a brothel with a long and colorful history, it puts the sheriff and the governor in a tough spot. White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Barb City Stompers
Aug. 31, 7 p.m. The group entertains in a jazzy style, a combination of hot-swing-traditional with a dash of New Orleans sass. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
“Annie”
Through 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. Fireside Theatre, 1131 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
“Steel Magnolias”
Through Sept. 1. See website for times. Six women of Chinquapin, La., show more steel than delicacy as they face life’s ups and downs together. Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.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. Starved Rock Lodge, Starved Rock State Park, IL Rts. 178 & 71, Utica, Ill., (800) 868-7625, starvedrocklodge.com.
Dazzling Dragonfly Exhibit
Through Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thirty large dragonfly silhouettes decorate the 20-acre gardens. To be sold at a live auction Sept. 19. Rotary Botanical Gardens (RBG), 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org
Music on the Mall
Through Sept. 13, most Fri. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Local musicians perform; 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.
RAM: Julie Heffernan & Shelly Mosman
Through Sept. 29, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The “Chance Encounters” exhibit features the artists’ paintings and photography to tell visual stories of female figures. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
FAM: Intricacies
Through Oct. 2, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. An exhibition of work by three artists who dedicate a great deal of time, effort and attention to detail through intricately beaded sculptures, scratchboard art and layered photographs. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.
FAM: Be Bold
Through Oct. 2, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon to 5 p.m. The annual show by members of the Momentum Art Guild, challenged to push their own boundaries in subject, media, scale or technique. FAM, Freeport, (815) 125-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.
Wright Museum of Art
Through Nov. 9, Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring three exhibits: The Yellow River of China, Painting Colonies from Old Lyme to Brown County and printmaker Bertha E. Jaques. Wright Museum of Art, Beloit College, 700 College St., Beloit, (608) 363-2702, beloit.edu.
“When I Go”
Aug. 23-25, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The story of a young woman who attempted to take her life and the family of a man who did; the resulting search for hope and meaning in the aftermath. Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 408 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.
River City Sound Women’s Chorus
Aug. 24, 7 p.m. The Sweet Adelines regional champions perform with exuberant a capella harmony. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
AJG: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens
Aug. 27, doors open 5 p.m., performance 5:45 p.m. 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
Aug. 27, food vendors begin 5:30 p.m., concert 6:30 p.m. A variety of entertainment, including country, blues, funk, reggae, top 40, classic rock and alt rock. Marvin Roth Community Pavilion, 51 S. Main St., Janesville, janesvillecvb.com.
Barb City Stompers
Aug. 31, 7 p.m. The group entertains in a jazzy style, a combination of hot-swing-traditional with a dash of New Orleans sass. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
September
FAM: Art in the Park
Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival includes fine art displays, performing arts, demonstrations of various art media, children’s hands-on activities, music and food concessions. The park features a working carousel, duck farm, canoes and paddleboats. Freeport Art Museum, Krape Park, 1799 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.
Kenny & Dolly in Harmony
Sept. 3-5, 1 p.m. Dave Karl and Wendy T return with a new show re-creating the songs and banter of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s “Real Love” tour. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
“August: Osage County”
Sept. 5-15, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In this comedy-drama, the Weston family is full of interesting characters: a vanished father, a pill-popping mother and three sisters harboring shady secrets. When their Oklahoman family reunites after dad disappears, truths and secrets come to light as the dark side of the family is exposed. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
AE: “The Fox on the Fairway”
Sept. 5-22, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. It’s time to shake things up at the 43rd annual golf tournament at the Quail Valley Golf Club. After five years of losing to a competing club, the executive director is going all in, betting his shirt and the deed to his wife’s antique shop, on winning. What could possibly go wrong? Artists’ Ensemble (AE), Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
Buddy Holly!
Sept. 5-Oct. 27. See website for times. The story of Buddy Holly through his short but spectacular career, featuring classics such as “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day” and “Everyday.” Fireside, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
Arch Smith & John Lindhorst
Sept. 7, 7 p.m. An evening of magic and music with illusionist Smith and ukulele artist Lindhorst. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
The High Kings
Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. On their “Decade World Tour,” an encore performance by the quartet that celebrates Ireland’s folk heritage, singing new and favorite folk songs and playing 13 instruments among them. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Beattie Is…Arts Festival
Sept. 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. This family-friendly festival features a high-quality art market, art demonstrations, live music, specialty food vendors, and a make-and-take creative area. City Market Pavilion, East State and Water streets, Rockford, (815) 963-6765, beattieis.com.
Sail On: Beach Boys Tribute
Sept. 8, 4 p.m. Celebrating the songs of America’s band. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
The Club Mario Show
Sept. 11, 1 p.m. The one-man show by Mario Rosales features the biggest hits of the ’40s through the ’90s, from Sinatra to classic country and Neil Diamond to Motown. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
“Newsies”
Sept. 12-22, see website for times. Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, the musical story of Jack Kelly, the charismatic leader of a band of newsboys who strike against publishers when they raise prices at the expense of the “newsies.” Timber Lake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, Ill., (815) 244-2035, timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Greenwich Village Art Fair
Sept. 14-15, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. The annual event features up to 150 artists, live music, vendors, children’s art activities, food and drink; held rain or shine. Rockford Art Museum (RAM), 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
David Newman
Sept. 15, 2 p.m. Pianist Newman’s performance includes Beethoven’s “Sonata in D Major, Op. 28” (Pastoral) and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Monroe Arts Center (MAC), 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Derek Byrne & Paddygrass
Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. An evening of Irish, bluegrass and gospel music. Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-2222, uww.edu.
Ashu
Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. The artist has developed a career as the first and only full-time concert saxophone soloist, communicating with audiences through his charismatic and emotive performance style. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Broadway Revue
Sept. 20-22, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Celebrating Broadway from the 1940s to present, with a lot of music and dance. Mighty Richland Players, 203 W. High St., Orangeville, Ill., (815) 819-1310, mightyrichlandplayers.org.
“Arsenic & Old Lace”
Sept. 20-Oct. 6, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. In this classic comedy, when Mortimer Brewster visits his sweet spinster aunts to announce his engagement, he inadvertently discovers family secrets buried in their boarding house. Pec Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter has 13 albums and seven No. 1 hits. Monroe Arts Center (MAC), 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Hiplet Ballerinas
Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m. Hiplet fuses classical pointe technique with African, Latin, hip-hop and urban dance styles. Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472- 2222, uww.edu.
BCT: “The Musical of Musicals”
Sept. 26-Oct. 5, Thur.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. June is an ingenue who can’t pay the rent and is threatened by her evil landlord. Will the handsome leading man come to the rescue? In this satire of musical theatre, one story becomes five mini-musicals, each written in a distinctive style. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit Memorial High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 362-1595, beloitcivictheatre.org.
Heart by Heart
Sept. 27, 8 p.m. Featuring original Heart bassist Steve Fossen and drummer Michael Derosier playing classic hits such as “Barracuda,” “Straight On,” and “Crazy On You.” Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
RSO: “The Pines of Rome”
Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. Featuring Bach’s “Allegro di molto” from “Gaelic Symphony,” Shostakovich’s “Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat,” Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien” and Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome.” Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO, Coronado Performing Arts Center (Coronado PAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, rockfordsymphony.com.
Joel Baer Trio
Sept. 29, 3 p.m. A Rockford native and active drummer in the Chicago area, Baer has played internationally with some of the biggest names in Chicago blues and jazz. MPAC, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
October
Salute to the Statler Brothers
Oct. 1-2, see website for times. The River City Boys, an Americana-country group out of Nashville, play favorites such as “Flowers on the Wall,” “Do You Remember These” and “Do You Know You Are My Sunshine.” White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
BSJO: Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony
Oct. 3, 7 p.m.; Oct. 6, 2 p.m. Pay what you can night at the dress rehearsal. Oct. 3 performance at Beloit College Eaton Chapel, College and Chapin Streets, Beloit, (608) 363-2755. Oct. 6 performance at Janesville Performing Arts Center (JPAC), Janesville, (608) 758-0297. Tickets/Info: beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.
David Victor
Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. Formerly of Boston, Victor and his band re-create songs of Boston and Styx, such as “More than a Feeling,” “Come Sail Away” and “Lady.” MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Fall ArtScene
Oct. 4-5, Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 4-9 p.m. Showcasing original works of art at 40 locations across Rockford. Enjoy works in varied media of watercolor, acrylic, wood, sculpture, pottery, furniture, jewelry, photography and multimedia. Various locations, Rockford. Info: Rockford Area Arts Council, (815) 997-5888, fallartscene.com.
Vince Chiarelli Band
Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Traditional Italian music with a modern twist; unique arrangements of classic favorites, intertwined with ballads, bossa nova and flamenco rhythms. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Rockford Wind Quintet
Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m. The quintet performs a wide range of works from Baroque to contemporary. MPAC, Emerson House, 420 N. Main St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Rhapsodie Quartet
Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. A string quartet that brings together some of the brightest stars of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472-2222, uww.edu.
“Little Shop of Horrors”
Oct. 10-20, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Meek floral assistant Seymour Kelborn stumbles across a new breed of singing carnivorous plant he names Audrey II, after his coworker crush. Little does he know the plant is intent on global domination. Stage Coach Players, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
RAM: Bold Abstractions
Oct. 11-Jan. 26, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The exhibition features paintings from the Thoma collection, exploring new forms of abstract painting from the 1960s. RAM, Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.
KSO: Love is in the Air
Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Talk by the music director at 6:30 p.m. An evening of lovely music. Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra (KSO), NIU Boutell Concert Hall, 550 Lucinda Ave., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 756-3728, kishorchestra.org.
4 Icons
Oct. 13, 3-5 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of the legendary music of Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, John Denver and Roy Orbison. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Shaun Boothe’s Story
Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. One in a series of unauthorized biographies capturing the legacy of an influential figure in a documentary-style music video. Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472- 2222, uww.edu.
Quentin Flagg
Oct. 16-17, see website for times. Rock ‘n’ roll crooner Flagg entertains with music from Bobby Darin, Elvis, Sinatra, Neil Diamond and others. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
Arlo Guthrie
Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Folk music icon Guthrie performs his “Alice’s Restaurant Back by Popular Demand,” 52 years after the song came out. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Weep & Willow
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. The duo of Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward layers rich harmonies with honest lyrics, resulting in songs that are heartfelt and memorable. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Get the Led Out
Oct. 19, 8 p.m. Tap into the energy of this tribute concert, focusing on the early years and a special acoustic set with Zeppelin favorites. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
South Chicago Dance Theatre
Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. The performing artists explore the themes of comedy, loss, beauty and memory through elements of contemporary dance and theatre. Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472- 2222, uww.edu.
What’s Funny After 50?
Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. When comedian Dan St. Paul discovered his body changing after he turned 50, he decided to invite others to find the humor in it as well. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Disney on Ice Presents: Dream Big
Oct. 25-27, Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.; Sun. 1 & 5 p.m. Join Moana on a voyage to restore the stolen heart of Re Fiti, then go on a quest with Rapunzel to see the floating lights; travel to Arendelle with Anna and company to save a kingdom, and discover the strength and bravery of Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Cinderella. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.
“On Golden Pond”
Oct. 25-Nov. 3, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Cantankerous retiree Norman Thayer and his conciliatory wife, Ethel, spend summers at their New England vacation home on the shores of idyllic Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter visits in an attempt to repair the long-strained relationship with her aging father. Janesville Little Theatre, 906 W. Racine St., Janesville, (608) 756-4172, janesvilletheatre.org.
RSO: The Last Night of the Proms
Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. Orchestra favorites, popular sing-alongs, sentimental tunes, including “Sweet Caroline,” “Sound of Music,” “William Tell Overture,” and “Rock Around the Clock.” Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Swan Lake
Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. The Russian Ballet Theatre’s new production of Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Enhake
Oct. 27, 2 p.m. The quartet (clarinet, violin, cello and piano) performs works from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras as well as contemporary masterworks. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Rockford Wind Ensemble
Oct. 27, 3 p.m. Enjoy historically significant works, outstanding soloists, world premieres, popular favorites and concert band standards. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 227-8550, rockfordwindensemble.org.
John Crist: Immature Thoughts Tour
Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Comedian Crist is known for his viral videos like “Millennial International,” “Road Rage in the Church Parking Lot” and “Every Parent at Disney.” Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
KSO: Halloween Concert
Oct. 29, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Music with a Halloween theme, appropriate for children and adults. Trick-or-treating at 5 p.m. KSO, Boutell Concert Hall, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 756-3728, kishorchestra.org.
Piano Man
Oct. 29-30, see website for times. Mike Sigman brings the music of Elton John and Billy Joel to life in this tribute performance. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
ABBA Salute
Oct. 31, see website for times. A Las Vegas-type show that re-creates the experience and music of an ABBA concert. White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
“A Christmas Story”
Oct. 31-Dec. 22, see website for times. Based on the classic 1983 movie, the funny story of Ralphie’s quest to make sure he gets the only thing he wants for Christmas. Fireside, Fort Atkinson, Wis., (800) 477-9505, firesidetheatre.com.
November
A Shining Night of Barber
Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. A collaboration of regional musicians performing compositions by American composer Samuel Barber, from his “Adagio for Strings” to his witty 9-minute opera “A Hand of Bridge.” MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
Pam Tillis Acoustic Trio
Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Country music star Tillis plays her biggest hits, including “Maybe it was Memphis,” “Spilled Perfume” and “Mi Vida Loca.” Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472- 2222, uww.edu.
Mike Williamson
Nov. 3, 3-5 p.m. A frequent performer at the Butterfly Club and the Stockholm Inn, Williamson entertains with songs from his repertoire, including his new CD, “Now You’re Here.” Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
Broadway: “Once”
Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Once” tells the tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
“1984”
Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. George Orwell’s science fiction classic, where Big Brother is watching everything and everyone. Aquila Theatre Company, Young Auditorium, UW-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wis., (262) 472- 2222, uww.edu.
Andrew & His Sisters
Nov. 6-7, see website for times. Enjoy a 1940s-era show with Andrews Sisters-style tunes and choreography; featuring favorites such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “In the Mood” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.” White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
TobyMac
Nov. 8, 7 p.m. The seven-time Grammy winner’s “I Just Need U” has gone gold as he brings his “Hits Deep Tour” to town. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Wiscons-in-Song
Nov. 9, 11 a.m. Family concert featuring Ken Lonnquist and Doug Brown, who celebrate all things Wisconsin, including its folklore, natural places, the Packers and cheese. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Chip Messiner Tribute Show
Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Back for his fourth appearance, Messiner’s vocals are a remarkable match for the legendary John Denver. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, Rockford, (815) 877-2576, springcreekucc.org.
BJSO: Faure Requiem
Nov 10, 2 p.m. Featuring Beloit College Choirs and Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra. Beloit College Eaton Chapel, Beloit, (608) 363-2755, beloitjanesvillesymphony.org.
The Piano Guys
Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Entertaining with an original blend of classical music with pop, the Piano Guys have performed on The Tonight Show and the Today Show. Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.
Wisconsin Brass Quintet
Nov. 17, 2 p.m. The acclaimed quintet has maintained a position at the forefront of brass chamber music since the group’s founding in 1972. MAC, Monroe, Wis., (608) 325-5700, monroeartscenter.org.
Anton Hatwich Trio
Nov. 17, 3 p.m. A Chicago-based group specializing in jazz and improvised music, playing compositions inspired by Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Sun Ra and Steve Lacy. MPAC, Starr Center, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.
The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel
Nov. 20-21, see website for times. Enjoy an evening of the iconic music of the famous duo, including “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Sound of Silence” and “Scarborough Fair.” White Pines, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 946-3817, whitepinesinn.com.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!”
Nov. 22-Dec. 8, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is challenged with casting the Herdman kids, leading to mayhem and fun. Pec Playhouse Theatre, Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.
Broadway: “The Jersey Boys”
Nov. 23, 8 p.m. The story of how four blue-collar kids formed The Four Seasons and became one of the greatest successes in pop music history; with hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Coronado PAC, Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.