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
“God of Carnage”
July 10-11 & 17-19, Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A playground altercation between 11-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents to resolve the matter. McHenry County College Black Box Theatre, Building E., 8900 U.S. Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8746, mchenry.edu.
Arlo Guthrie
July 12, 5 p.m. Son of legendary folk artist Woody, Arlo grew up surrounded by renowned folk musicians including Pete Seeger and Leadbelly. A natural-born storyteller, his early fame was based on his 1967 anti-establishment song, “Alice’s Restaurant.” Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
MBTL: John Pizzarelli Quartet
July 12, 4 p.m. Jazz guitarist, singer and bandleader joins his quartet for a performance of cool jazz, classic pop and swing tunes that echo the likes of Nat “King” Cole. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College of Aurora University (GWC), 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis. (262) 245-8501 musicbythelake.com.
Tim Meadows
July 12, 7 p.m. One of the longest-running cast members in the 37-year history of “Saturday Night Live.” Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Read to the Rhythm: The Barefoot Hawaiians
July 13, 6 p.m. Watch the dazzling Samoan Fire Knife dance, the thrilling visual Poi Balls dance from New Zealand and the famous Hula dance from Hawaii. Gail Borden Public Library (GBPL), 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Gary Hoey
July 16, 7:30 p.m. This world-renowned rock artist first got his big break in 1987 when Ozzy Osbourne showed up in Boston looking for a guitarist. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Whitesnake
July 17, 7 p.m. The legendary rock ’n roll band founded and formed by Deep Purple singer David Coverdale continues its “The Purple Tour,” which features their biggest hits as well as tunes from the new tribute album. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Elgin Summer Theatre: “Next to Normal”
July 17-19 & 24-26, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Immerse yourself in a story that explores how one household copes (or doesn’t) with crisis and mental illness. Strong language. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
MBTL: BoDeans
July 18, 7:30 p.m. Waukesha boys Sam Llanas and Kurt Neumann have forged a signature sound of heartfelt lyrics and ringing guitars, with hits like “Closer To Free” and “Good Things.” Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, musicbythelake.com.
Brass From The Past
July 18, 7 p.m. It’s a party with all your favorites: rock, R&B, Motown, funk, jazz and swing from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
“Rapunzel”
July 18, 3 p.m. Sing and dance along with this fun version of the classic tale. Recommended for grades PreK-3. A Chicago Kids Company Production. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Sons of the Never Wrong
July 18, 8 p.m. For 20 years, this folk group has been wowing fans with music, humor and outrageously fun live shows. Fermilab, Kirk and Batavia roads, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
30th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival
July 19, noon-6 p.m. Annual nonprofit event features folk singers, folk dancers, storytellers, workshops, children’s area, more. Historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock, (815) 479-9933, woodstockfolkmusic.com.
All About The Girls Fun-draiser
July 19, noon-4 p.m. A jazz champagne brunch, shopping and Fox Valley Rep’s musical production of “The Bikinis.” A portion of sales benefits Living Well Cancer Resource Center of Geneva. Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
Sounds of Summer: One Foot in the Groove
July 22, 8 p.m. This eight-piece, horn-driven rock band has been performing at Chicago Bulls games since February 2000. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, (847) 991-0333, palatineparks.org.
DSO: “Made in America”
July 23, 7:30 p.m. The DuPage Symphony Orchestra presents an entertaining evening under the stars. Central Park Band Shell, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
“Much Ado About Nothing”
July 24-Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Cut to just 90 minutes of fast-paced action, Shakespeare on Clark’s production of this classic is filled with love and compassion. Batavia Fine Arts Centre Courtyard, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
The Voices
July 25, 7 p.m. Rated the No. 1 Motown and R&B tribute group in the Midwest, this group dazzles audiences with their authentic renditions of voices, including The Temptations, Four Tops, Spinners, Stylistics, Barry White, more. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
MBTL: Doktor Kaboom!
July 26, 4 p.m. Part Mr. Rogers and part Mr. Wizard, this fun-loving scientist explores scientific principles and methods in a way that makes math and science fun and approachable for audiences of all ages. Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, musicbythelake.com.
Tony Orlando
July 26, 5 p.m. One of America’s most endearing and enduring stars, Tony recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his recording of “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Woodstock Mozart Festival
July 25-26, Aug. 1-2 & 8-9, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Performances over three weekends, featuring international artists and conductors in orchestral and chamber works of Mozart and other composers. Aug. 1-2 concerts held at Sanfilippo Place de la Musique, Barrington. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Graham Nash
July 28, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of this British singer-songwriter known for his light tenor voice and songwriting contributions with the British pop group The Hollies and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Sounds of Summer: 7th Heaven
July 31, 8 p.m. This group has charted No. 1 hits on the Midwest Billboard Charts three times in the past three years. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, Palatine, palatineparks.org.
AUGUST
MBTL: Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA
Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. What’s considered one of the world’s most popular and best-selling tributes to this 1970s Swedish import takes the stage with as much flair as the original. Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, musicbythelake.com.
Glencoe Festival of Art
Aug. 1-2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring more than 110 juried artists’ exhibits, including interactive art demonstrations, booth demos, live music and children’s activities. Green Bay Road and Park Avenue, Glencoe, amdurproductions.com.
South Elgin World of Faeries Festival
Aug. 1-2, Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Entertainment, gardens, tea parties, workshops, more. Vasa Park, 35W217 IL Rt. 31, South Elgin, theworldoffaeries.com.
Art and Soul on the Fox
Aug. 1-2. A mecca of mixed media fine art vendors, local entertainment, children’s activites, more. DuPage Court, South Grove Avenue and South Spring Street, Elgin, elginartandsoul.com.
The Shamrock Ragsters
Aug. 2, 2 p.m. Enjoy the fun and energy created by this quartet of top musicians from the Chicagoland area who sing and play a mix of traditional Irish/Celtic, bluegrass and Dixieland jazz. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Potts & Pans Steelband
Aug. 4, 7 p.m. The Potts & Pans trio will take you to the Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago to talk about and demonstrate the steelpan (also commonly called the steel drum). GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Vanilla Fudge & Nazareth
Aug. 7, 8 p.m. Beginning in 1967, Vanilla Fudge rocked the world with a new sound, influencing a generation of musicians and creating a legion of loyal fans. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.
Blast on the Beach
Aug. 8, 3-9 p.m. Event includes a performance by Modern Day Romeos, fun fair, craft fair, BMO Harris Bank treasure hunt, food, beer, wine, more. Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr., Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.
Art at the Glen Town Center
Aug. 8-9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Featuring works by more than 185 juried artists, including interactive art demonstrations, live music and children’s activities. The Glen Town Center, 1800 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, (847) 926-4300, amdurproductions.com.
Rope Warrior
Aug. 10. The Rope Warrior will dazzle you with rope jumping, dance, aerobics, martial arts and rhythmic gymnastics. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Donny & Marie
Aug. 12-14, 16, Wed.-Thu. 1:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. With more than 90 years in showbiz between them, these famous Osmond siblings deliver chart-toppers like “Puppy Love,” “Paper Roses,” more. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
“Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?”
Aug. 13-23, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This coming-of-age story involves the 1950s Catholic education of eight Chicago children. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
Sounds of Summer: Lance Lipinsky & the Lovers
Aug. 14, 8 p.m. Entertainer and songwriter Lance Lipinsky, from the Chicago production of Million Dollar Quartet, delivers an explosive show-stopping piano performance of original music influenced by the 1950s and 60s. Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, Palatine, palatineparks.org.
Art in Your Eye
Aug. 14-16, Fri. 5-10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The show features artists from a variety of mediums, including watercolor, oil, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, woodworking and fiber. 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia, artinyoureye.com.
Morry Sochat & The Special 20’s
Aug. 15, 7 p.m. Influenced by the best in blues history, this group brings a fresh new sound to the Chicago blues scene. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
The Special Consensus
Aug. 22, 7 p.m. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, this sensational four-person acoustic bluegrass band brings a repertoire of bluegrass covers, original compositions and covers in the bluegrass format. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
Art, Antique & Collectibles Auction
Aug. 29, 6 p.m. The Friends Of The Opera House are pleased to present their third annual event. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
BACT Concert for Conservation
Aug. 29, 3-7 p.m. Pack a picnic and grab your blankets and lawn chairs to experience this unique outdoor concert fundraiser that will bring you back to the lazy summer days of the groovy mid-1960s. Held at a private estate. Tickets/Info: (847) 387-3149, bactrust.org.
Heartache Tonight, Tribute to the Eagles
Aug. 29, 8 p.m. Come live “Life in the Fast Lane” as this tribute band brings together music from all eras and incarnations of this huge rock powerhouse. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
The Symphonic Pops Orchestra Of Chicago
Aug. 29, 7 p.m. For more than 20 years, the Symphonic Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Frank Winkler, has featured exceptional vocalists and a top-notch 35-piece ensemble. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.
SEPTEMBER
Hope Through Dance
Sept. 5, 8 p.m. A festival bringing together performance companies and dancers to fundraise for the Laura Twirls Suicide Awareness Foundation. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival
Sept. 6-7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Eight stages of entertainment and an old-time community barn dance. Island Park, Geneva, (630) 897-3655, foxvalleyfolk.com
Belinda Carlisle
Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. Belinda gained worldwide fame as the lead vocalist of The Go-Go’s, one of the most successful all-female bands. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
“The Graduate”
Sept. 10-20, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The story made famous by Mike Nichols’ motion picture comes to life in this comedic live adaption. 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
The Stylistics
Sept. 11, 8 p.m. One of the best-known Philadelphia soul groups of the 1970s. Arcada, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, oshows.com.
Wishbone Ash
Sept. 11, 8 p.m. On its “Road Warriors Tour,” this group presents classics spanning their 46-year career. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Rauetoberfest
Sept. 11-12, 4 p.m. A traditional German celebration with authentic German fare, beer and ales, and hours of Oktoberfest-style entertainment. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“Good People”
Sept. 11-Oct. 4. A down-on-her-luck woman in urban Boston tries to reunite with an old high school fling who is now living the kind of life she wishes for. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Riders in the Sky
Sept. 12, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. For over 35 years, this group has carried on the work of the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the genre. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival
Sept. 12-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Festival features more than 130 juried artists. Main Street and Burlington Avenue, downtown Downers Grove, (847) 926-4300, amdurproductions.com.
Burton Cummings of The Guess Who
Sept. 18, 8 p.m. A rare artist who has transcended time, genres and generations with a body of work that continues to resonate with fans. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
Michael Perry
Sept. 18, 8 p.m. Join author, humorist, musician and radio host Michael Perry for a freewheeling evening of “behind-the-pages” stories. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
The Jayhawks
Sept. 19, 8 p.m. Over the course of two decades, nine albums, countless memorable live shows and personal drama, The Jayhawks soared to heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans and peers. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
The Fat Babies
Sept. 19, 8 p.m. The Fat Babies are a seven-piece jazz band interpreting classic styles of the 1920s and ‘30s. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
West End Art Festival
Sept. 19-20, Fri. 6-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy juried, culinary and performance art. Across from the Stone Avenue Station on Burlington Avenue at Brainard, La Grange. (708) 522-6467, lgba.com.
Nothing Up My Sleeve 2.0
Sept. 20, 3 p.m. Family-friendly magic acts including Dennis DeBondt, Greg Hubbard, and Trent James. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.