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.
JULY
Laughter on the 23rd Floor
Through Aug. 16, see website for times. It’s 1953 and the comedy writers of NBC’s “The Max Prince Show” are dealing with network pressure, the Red Scare and a temperamental star, causing one-upmanship, mayhem and neuroses. Based on Neil Simon’s early work with Sid Caesar. Metropolis Performing Arts Center (Metropolis), 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Barefoot Hawaiians
July 11, 8 p.m. Polynesian-style performing troupe with dynamic dances, dramatic drumming, vibrant costumes and displays of the islands. Free. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, palatineparks.org.
Billy Croft & The Five Alarm
July 12, 7 p.m. Covering country rock heroes such as The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Urban, and more. Summer Breeze Concert Series. Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center Grounds, 101 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Josh Turner
July 12, 8 p.m. Josh Turner has sold more than 5 million albums and garnered four No. 1 hits (including three multi-week chart-toppers): “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance.” Info: oshows.com. Tickets: grandvictoriacasino.com. Event: Festival Park, 132 S. Grove, Elgin.
Little Red Riding Hood
July 14-19, see website for times. A musical version of the classic tale, recommended for grades PreK through 3rd. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Serendipity
July 16, 8 p.m. This young all-girl band performs rock, pop and originals. Free. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, Palatine, palatineparks.org.
The Flat Cats
July 19, 7 p.m. Hot swinging jazz and blues, contemporary classics, and timeless standards. Summer Breeze Concert Series. Municipal Center Grounds, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
29th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival
July 20, 12:30-6 p.m. Performers onstage include Amy Black, Andrew Calhoun, Harpeth Rising, the Honey Dewdrops, Christine Lavin & Don White, Megon McDonough, and Old Man Luedecke. Historic Woodstock Square, woodstockkfolkfestival.org.
Classical Blast
July 23, 8 p.m. From Bach to classic rock to metal to pop, these classically trained musicians play everything. Free. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, Palatine, palatineparks.org.
Harper Guitar Extravaganza
July 24, 8 p.m. Some of Harper College’s most talented and hardworking students perform classical guitar favorites. Free. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, Palatine, palatineparks.org.
Think Floyd
July 25, 6:30 p.m. Pink Floyd tribute band plays “Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety. Naper Nights. $15/$10 ages 4-12. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.museum.org.
Triadd
July 25, 8 p.m. Fun, high-energy classic rock favorites in an electro-acoustic format. Free. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, Palatine, palatineparks.org.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
July 25-Aug. 2, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. The bawdy story of a Roman slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. The first Broadway production with both words and music by Sondheim. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Geneva Arts Fair
July 26-27, all day event. Browse and shop at this outdoor gallery of juried fine art from 140 esteemed artists from around the country. South 3rd Street, Downtown Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.
Woodstock Mozart Festival: Concert I
July 26-27, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Istvan Jaray, conductor; Alexander Fiterstein, clarinet. Rossini: L’Italiana in Algeri Overture; Mozart: Clarinet Concerto, K. 622; Haydn: Symphony No.101, Clock. The first of three consecutive weekends of concerts. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Music By The Lake: Laurie Berkner Solo
July 27, 4 p.m. A natural for the Family & Children’s Concert, Berkner strikes a chord with ages 1-8 and their parents, in songs employing many different styles, rhythms and musical techniques. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College of Aurora University, 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis. (262) 245-8501 musicbythelake.com.
Meredith Andrews
July 30, 7:30 p.m. This Christian music singer/songwriter’s talents have earned her multiple Dove Awards, including “Worship Song of the Year” and “Worship Album of the Year.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Palatine Concert Band
July 30, 8 p.m. The 75-member ensemble will present selections ranging from classical to popular. Sounds of Summer concert series. Free. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, (847) 991-0333, palatineparks.org.
AUGUST
Eric Johnson
Aug. 1, 8 p.m. Legendary guitarist has played for Alien Love Child, Electromagnets. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
7th Heaven
Aug. 1, 8 p.m. This Chicago-based rock group plays original songs. Sounds of Summer series. Free. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, (847) 991-0333, palatineparks.org.
Weepin’ Willows
Aug. 2, 8 p.m. Chicago’s own Patsy Cline Cover Band. Fox Valley Repertory Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main Street St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, foxvalleyrep.org.
Woodstock Mozart Festival: Concert II
Aug. 2-3, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Istvan Jaray, conductor; Igor Lipinski, piano. Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture, Op. 26; Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20, K. 466; Mozart: Symphony No. 36, K. 425, Linz. Second of three consecutive weekends of concerts. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Southern Rock Reunion
Aug. 3, 8 p.m. Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchett, The Outlaws and Artimus Pyle Band (from Lynyrd Skynyrd). Info: oshows.com. Tickets: grandvictoriacasino.com. Event: Festival Park, Elgin.
Crystal Lake Community Band
Aug. 5, 7 p.m. Part of Concerts in the Park summer series. Free. Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr., crystallakeparks.org.
Czech Youth Jazz Band
Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m. This talented group of musicians between the ages of 12 to 18 have toured the world playing jazz ranging from ragtime to jazz rock. Free. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Mr. Meyers
Aug. 8, 8 p.m. The tropical sounds of Soca and Calypso with the rhythms of Reggae & Ska along with Rock N Roll and R&B Classics. Sounds of Summer series. Free. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, (847) 991-0333, palatineparks.org.
Blast on the Beach
Aug. 9, 3 p.m. A family festival featuring Bad Medicine, a Bon Jovi tribute band; craft fair, fun fair for kids, treasure hunt and more. Concerts in the Park series. Free admission. Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr., crystallakeparks.org.
The Voices
Aug. 9, 7 p.m. The No. 1 Motown and R&B tribute group. Summer Breeze Series. Municipal Center Grounds, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
MBTL: The Beach Boys
Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m. The original boys of summer, with hits like “In My Room,” “Good Vibrations,” “Help Me Rhonda.” Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., musicbythelake.com.
Woodstock Mozart Festival: Concert III
Aug. 9, 8 p.m. Igor Gruppman, violinist and conductor; Vesna Gruppman, violin and viola. Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525; Vivaldi: The Four Seasons – Winter Op. 8, No. 4; Vivaldi: Concerto for Two violins in A Minor Op. 3, No. 8; Warlock: Capriol Suite for Strings; Piazzolla: Oblivion; Piazzolla: The Four Seasons. Last of three consecutive weekends of concerts. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Sesrosun Farms Summer Concert
Aug. 10, 3-5 p.m. Presented by WFMT Radio, featuring Joe Filisko and Eric Noden. Serosun Farms, 45W489 Berner Road, Hampshire. Learn more at serosunfarms.com, (847) 683-4796.
Bill O’Connell Chicago Skyliners
Aug. 12, 7 p.m. Playing Big Band hits. Part of Concerts in the Park summer series. Free. Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr., crystallakeparks.org.
2nd Annual Equus Film Festival
Aug. 14-17. The only Equestrian Film Festival in the world. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street, St. Charles, (630) 524-0088, festivalofthehorseanddrum.com.
Classical Blast
Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Classically trained musicians play classic rock, metal, and pop. Summer Breeze Series. Municipal Center Grounds, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
The Legacy Gals
Aug. 16, 8 p.m. Lace up your saddle shoes and pump up your ’do, come relive the musical legacies of the 1950’s & ’60s with The Legacy Girls’ strong vocals, quick wit and irresistible charm. Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, 630-584.6342, foxvalleyrep.org.
Slaughter
Aug. 16, 8 p.m. Death metal rockers with “Up All Night,” “Stick It To Ya’” and “Mad About You.” Guests Winger and Eleven Deep. Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, oshows.com.
RENT: The Musical
July 18-20, 25-27, Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Based on Puccini’s La Boheme, a modern-day story of love and loyalty in NYC’s East Village that uses pop, rock ‘n roll, R&B and salsa. Presented by Elgin Summer Theater. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Deep Purple and The Orchestra
Aug. 20, 8 p.m. Hear this pioneering heavy metal group perform hits like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star,” with original members of the Electric Light Orchestra. Info: oshows.com. Tickets: grandvictoriacasino.com. Event: Festival Park, Elgin.
American English
Aug. 22, 6:30 p.m. Considered by many to be the best Beatles tribute band today, with vintage costumes, authentic instruments and fun special effects. Naper Nights. $15/$10 ages 4-12. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.museum.org.
Jim Witter’s “Piano Men”
Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. These two superstars play hits like “Benny & the Jets,” “Candle in the Wind,” “My Life,” and “Uptown Girl.” Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., musicbythelake.com.
Happy Together Tour
Aug. 22, 8 p.m. Get out your love beads and tie-dyed scarves for this trip back in time. Hear Flo & Eddie, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Three Dog Night’s Chuck Negron, Mark Farner from Grand Funk Railroad, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Naper Nights
Aug. 23, 6 p.m. Tumbling Dice, a Rolling Stones tribute band; 8:15 p.m. 16 Candles, an ’80s cover band. $15/$10 ages 4-12. Naper Settlement, Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.museum.org.
Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Chicago
Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Frank Winkler, piano and conductor. Broadway favorites and light classics. Summer Breeze Series. Municipal Center Grounds, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.
Denny Diamond
Aug. 23, 8 p.m. A unique tribute to the music of Neil Diamond. Once you hear this family trio performing this one-of-a-kind tribute to Neil Diamond you’ll become an instant believer. Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, foxvalleyrep.org.
Donny & Marie
Aug. 27-31, see website for times. Chronicling five decades in 90 minutes, the brother-sister duo perform some of their top hits, including “Puppy Love,” “Paper Roses,” and selections from their duet album. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind
Aug. 28-30, 8 p.m. A wild ride consisting of 30 experimental two-minute plays about tragedy, comedy, relationships or politics, over the course of an hour. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Summer Children’s Art Show
Aug. 29, 6 p.m. Artwork in a variety of media by students ages 6 through 18. Refreshments, free caricatures, balloon animals. Raffle of custom, handcrafted, European doll furniture and accessories. Proceeds fund scholarship. Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art, 316 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 381-4840
Brighton Beach Memoirs
Aug. 29-Oct. 19, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Call for Thursday dates. Coming-of-age comedy of life in 1937, based on Neil Simon’s memoirs of growing up in Brooklyn. Fox Valley Repertory, Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, foxvalleyrep.org.
Johnny Rivers
Aug. 30, 8 p.m. Hear this rising star of the ’60s, with hits including “Secret Agent Man,” “Memphis,” “Mountain of Love,” “Maybelline,” more. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival
Aug. 31, 10 a.m. Eight stages of continuous concerts, workshops, storytelling and dance. $20/$15 teens, seniors/under 12 free. Free parking; three blocks from METRA. Island Park, 1 E. State St., Geneva, foxvalleyfolk.com.
SEPTEMBER
Liz Story
Sept. 5, 8 p.m. With 12 albums and multiple Grammy nominations to her credit, this jazz piano legend fuses her classical Julliard background with a wide range of styles including jazz, folk and pop in original compositions. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Shrek the Musical
Sept. 5-14, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The hit animated film live onstage, featuring the tough cookie, the short villain, the forever-talking donkey, the hero ogre, the princess and a host of other fairytale misfits. Presented by The Children’s Theatre of Elgin. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Big Brother & the Holding Company
Sept. 6, 8 p.m. Original members of the band that made Janis Joplin famous, performing hits like “Down on Me,” “Hall of the Mountain King.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Cats
Sept. 10-Oct. 12, Wed.-Sun, see website for times. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash Broadway hit about the Jellicle cats, with “Memory” and all of the songs. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.
Charlie’s Center for the Arts
Sept. 11-14, events daily. All of the arts, all over St. Charles. The entire city will be transformed into an Arts Center featuring a major art show, music, live theater. stcharlesartscouncil.org Multiple venues in St. Charles, (630) 443-3794.
Lita Ford
Sept. 12, 8 p.m. Lita Ford with Vixen, Bloody Mary. Ultimate ’80s rocker, with hits “Kiss Me Deadly” and more. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Lou Gramm of Foreigner
Sept. 13, 8 p.m. “Kiss You All Over,” “She’s A Miracle.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
The Association
Sept. 12, 8 p.m. This 1960s pop band, known for its spot-on harmonies, scored a string of chart-topping hits, including “Cherish,” “Windy,” “Never my Love.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe
Sept. 12-24, see website for times. The ultimate self-help comedy performed by award-nominated actress Amanda Flahive. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, wsrep.org.
The Baby Boomer Show
Sept. 13, 7 p.m. Comedians Jan McInnis and Kent Rader cover topics from work to dieting and aging. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
ESO: Andrew Grams
Sept. 13-14, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m.. Elgin Symphony Orchestra opens its 2014-15 seaon with Andrew Grams at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. For tickets, call (847) 888-4000.
The Second City 55th Anniversary Tour
Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs
Sept. 13-20, see website for times. America’s most mysterious technology icon examined in this hilarious tale of pride, beauty, lust and industrial design. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, wsrep.org.
Dial M for Murder
Sept. 18-Oct. 19, Fri.-Sun., see website for times. A taut stage thriller. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.
Here Come the Mummies
Sept. 19, 8 p.m. Funk R&B best known for their performances in full mummy bandages. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
Sept. 20, 8 p.m. Guests, The Brooklyn Bridge. Re-live the magic with “A Beautiful Morning,” “How Can I Be Sure,” and “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Faces of Elvis
Sept. 26, 2014 – Sept. 26, 20148 p.m. With Sean Klush and Cody Slaughter. Tickets can also be ordered on line. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
6th Annual Elgin Short Film Festival
Sept. 27, 7 p.m. View 20 juried films, none longer than 20 minutes; winners chosen by panel of judges and audience votes. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.
Mike Super
September 27, 7 p.m. $35 $18 for ages 18 and under Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Seventies Night
Sept. 27, 8 p.m. Ambrosia (“Biggest Part of Me”); Orleans (“You are the Woman”); Firefall (“Dance With Me”). Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.