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.
SEPTEMBER
Good People
Through Oct. 4, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. A down-on-her-luck woman in urban Boston tries to reunite with an old high school fling who is now a doctor. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Poco with Firefall
Sept. 25, 8 p.m. Firefall’s roots can be directly traced to The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield. Poco is a southern California country rock band. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.
Leo Kottke
Sept. 25-26, 8 p.m. This extraordinary acoustic guitarist, widely known for his innovative finger-picking style, draws on influences from blues, jazz and folk music. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
10,000 Maniacs
Sept. 26, 8 p.m. This quintet’s pop-conscious, literate and lush aesthetic helped reshape FM radio with hits such as “Hey Jack Kerouac,” “Like The Weather” and “These Are The Days.” Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
Seventh Annual Elgin Short Film Festival
Sept. 26, 7 p.m. See 20 juried films, no longer than 20 minutes; winners chosen by judges and audience votes. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Ronnie Milsap
Sept. 27, 5 p.m. He became country music’s first successful blind singer, and one of the most successful and versatile country “crossover” singers of his time. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
OCTOBER
Here Come The Mummies
Oct. 2, 8 p.m. This group’s showmanship, deep-pocket grooves and penchant for double entendre will melt your heart and your face alike. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
ESO: Lynn Harrell Plays Tchaikovsky
Oct. 3-4, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the symphony’s opening weekend with one of America’s most celebrated soloists, cellist Lynn Harrell, alongside ESO Music Director Andrew Grams. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, Tickets: ESO (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Neil Sedaka
Oct. 4, 5 p.m. Neil Sedaka’s impressive 50-year career ranges from being one of the first teen pop sensations of the ‘50s to a relevant songwriter for himself and other artists in the ‘60s and a superstar in the ‘70s. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
The 2015 Bordoni Music Student Concert Rocking For A Cure
Oct. 7, 6 p.m. A family-friendly evening of ‘80s sing-along anthems featuring guitar students from Bordoni Music backed by a full live band. Supports JDRF.org and a Bordoni Music student with T1D. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
“Gypsy”
Oct. 9-Nov. 1, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Boasting one show-stopping song after another, this classic musical is inspired by the memoirs of legendary burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Los Lonely Boys
Oct. 10, 8 p.m. This American Chicano rock power trio from San Angelo, Texas, plays a style of music they call “Texican Rock n’ Roll,” combining elements of rock and roll, Texas blues, brown-eyed soul, country and Tejano. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
DSO: Two Times Tchaikovsky
Oct. 10, Sat. 8 p.m. Concert Artists Guild winner and violinist Alexi Kenney opens the DuPage Symphony Orchestra season with Tchaikovsky’s exhilarating “Violin Concerto in D Major.” Wentz Concrt Hall, North Central College (NCC), 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: ESO: Around the World with Percussion
Oct. 11, 2 p.m. The ESO Percussion Ensemble spins the globe and visits countries around the world. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and 2012 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee continues her unique series of intimate acoustic performances. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Leon Russell
Oct. 16, 8 p.m. This musician and songwriter has recorded as a session musician and sideman while maintaining a solo career in music. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
ESO: Out-of-this-World Sci-Fi Movie Classics
Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Hear themes from your favorite sci-fi classics. Prairie Center, Schaumburg. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
The Time Jumpers, featuring Vince Gill, Kenny Sears and Ranger Doug Green
Oct. 17, 8 p.m. The Time Jumpers began as a garage practice session; the group started playing occasional gigs in the Nashville area until they were offered a regular slot playing at the Station Inn. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Aurora University Music Faculty Showcase: American Portraits
Oct. 18, 4 p.m. Aurora University music faculty members perform works by American composers, including Charles Ives, Ricky Ian Gordon and Aaron Copeland. The Beasley Campus Center, George Williams College of Aurora University (GWC), 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis., gwc.aurora.edu/sundaysat4.
One Man Breaking Bad
Oct. 18, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, hilariously accurate renditions of the iconic characters from the TV hit “Breaking Bad,” including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Kansas
Oct. 22-23, Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m. This 1970s rock band became popular with hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Duo Del Sol
Oct. 23, 8 p.m. With masterful skill and unstoppable intensity, this group creates a rich musical landscape featuring a fusion of styles including Latin, jazz, classical and traditional folk. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Oct. 24, 8 p.m. One hundred and 25 years after his debut, Sherlock Holmes remains the definitive and most famous detective in world literature. The Aquila Theatre brings its energetic and physical style to this new adaptation. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov.
An Evening with John Astin
Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Better known as Gomez Addams from television’s “The Addams Family,” this famous actor performs excerpts from works by Edgar Allan Poe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Shakespeare and others. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Fox Valley Orchestra
Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. Featuring concertmaster Casey McGrath with performances of Tchaikovsky’s “Concerto for Violin in D major” and Symphony No. 4 in F minor. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Pasquale Esposito
Oct. 24, 8 p.m. The Italian tenor makes his local debut. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Mickey Gilley
Oct. 25, 5 p.m. This American pop-friendly country singer and musician will perform hits from his more than 30-year musical career. The show is full of stories, music and tender moments. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Under the Streetlamp
Oct. 25, 3 p.m. Former castmates from Chicago’s very own “Jersey Boys” Michael Ingersoll, Christopher Kale Jones and Shonn Wiley return to Aurora with newcomer and Broadway star Brandon Wardell. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Technicolor Life
Oct. 26, 7 p.m. With the help of her new imaginary friends – Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” – Maxine sets out to solve everyone’s problems. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Winery Dogs
Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. Vocalist and guitarist Richie Kotzen made his mark with Poison and Mr. Big; bassist Billy Sheehan has been rocking for decades with Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and others; drummer Mike Portnoy was the co-founder of progressive metal superstars Dream Theater. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Blood, Sweat & Tears with Bo Bice
Oct. 30, 8 p.m. It’s been more than four decades since drummer/producer Bobby Colomby and friends assembled the first group to successfully blend rock and jazz into a genre-crossing sound and style. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000,
oshows.com.
Jay Leno
Oct. 30, 8 p.m. Comedy and talk-show legend Jay Leno is headed to Aurora for one night only, and he’s bringing Paramount audiences along for one of the funniest nights of the season. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl
Oct. 31, 7 p.m. The Ballet Folklorico celebrates the traditional Mexican folklorico with colorful costumes, wonderful music and electrifying, elegant and beautiful choreography. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
DSO: Halloween Concert
Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. A DSO first, with all of the trappings – orchestra members in costume, storytelling and some of the most famous Halloween music of all time. Wentz Concert Hall at NCC, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
ESO: Musical Chills & Thrills
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Hair-raising stories and soul-haunting sounds abound at this frighteningly funny concert. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO: (847) 888-4000.
NOVEMBER
Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live!
Nov. 1, 3 p.m. From lions to lemurs, gorillas to geckos and everything in between, everyone’s favorite animal expert has brought the wonder of the animal kingdom to multiple generations. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Tanya Tucker
Nov. 1, 5 p.m. American female country music artist who had her first hit, “Delta Dawn,” in 1972 at the age of 13. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Kim Russo: The Happy Medium
Nov. 6, 8 p.m. You probably know her as Kim Russo, The Happy Medium, and she’s got a rare talent: she can communicate with spirits. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Sheena Easton
Nov. 6, 8 p.m. She’s sold more than 20 million records worldwide, received two Grammys and was the first and only artist to have top-five records on five major Billboard charts. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”
Nov. 6-8, 13-15, 21-22. Two showbiz buddies put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn and find their perfect mates in the bargain. TownSquare Players, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, tspinc.org.
Eddie Money
Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Enjoy hits from the platinum albums of this American rock guitarist, saxophonist and singer-songwriter. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Frank Caliendo
Nov. 7, 8 p.m. From his countless appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman” to his hilarious segments on Fox NFL Sunday and his 11-year tenure on “MADtv,” this Chicago native is a comedic genius. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Sock Hop with The Bronx Wanderers
Nov. 7, 8 p.m. The Bronx Wanderers recreate the magic of rock ‘n roll and build an energetic bond with their audience, guaranteeing an evening of toe-tapping, hand-clapping and dancing in the aisles. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Artists Lounge Live: Erich Bergen
Nov. 8, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. This star’s scintillating evening features songs and behind-the-scenes stories from his dazzling career and original music from his two EP releases. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Peter & Paul
Nov. 8, 3 p.m. A night of gorgeous harmonies, positive messages and hits like “Puff, The Magic Dragon,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane” that transcend generational boundaries, inspiring millions of Americans over the past five decades. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Vicki Lawrence
Nov. 8, 5 p.m. The multi-talented entertainer is mostly known for her acting and comedic talents, but she also earned a gold record for the 1973 hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Josh Turner
Nov. 12, 8 p.m. The CMA and Grammy award nominee rocks the stage with No. 1 country songs like “Your Man,” “All Over Me” and “Time is Love,” along with other hits from his five albums. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
The Subdudes
Nov. 12, 9 p.m. The New Orleans-formed group is a living encapsulation of American music, a vibrant cauldron of sounds that stir together meaty grooves and jazzy dynamics, soulful R&B swagger, easy vocal harmonies, cheeky rock ‘n’ roll attitude and folksy social consciousness. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Terry Fator
Nov. 13, 8 p.m. After he won season two of “America’s Got Talent,” Terry Fator’s career in singing, dancing, comedy and mind-blowing ventriloquism skyrocketed. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.
Black Violet, Act III, Fifth House Ensemble
Nov. 14, 8 p.m. This group has taken traditional thematic programming outside the box by forming a graphic novel trilogy on the last outbreak of the plague in London. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov.
Jeff Tracta Live
Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. One of the most sought-after impressionists in the world performs some of his 100 spot-on impressions in tribute to a half-century of music, comedy and pop culture. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930,
bataviafineartscentre.org.
Johnny Rivers
Nov. 14, 8 p.m. During the 1960s, his funky go-go rock gave him a steady stream of Top 10 records before he abruptly switched gears and began cutting ballads. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Nov. 14, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. This world-renowned group takes your favorite songs of the season and beefs them up with their signature New Age style that’s been dubbed “18th century Classical Rock.” Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666,
paramountarts.com.
Sunday Afternoon Concert: The EStrella Piano Duo
Nov. 15, 2 p.m. A program of original compositions and transcribed masterpieces from three centuries. Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411,
gailborden.info.
Bagpipe Rock with The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Nov. 18, 8 p.m. Bagpipes with attitude. Drums with a Scottish accent. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings
Nov. 20-Dec. 27, Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The legendary Plaids, an all-male vocal quartet, spread yuletide joy with the greatest holiday hits of the ages. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Lucy’s Comedy Cafe
Nov. 20, 8:30 p.m. This hilarious series has featured a plethora of comic gems, including Dwayne Kennedy, Rocky LaPorte, Patti Vasquez and more. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Defending the Caveman
Nov. 20-21. A hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Christopher Cross
Nov. 21, 8 p.m. He made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
Jimmy Nick
Nov. 21, 8 p.m. An old-fashioned, guitar-slinging blues prodigy who was developing his chops in famous Chicago clubs when he was only 16. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212,
rauecenter.org
ESO: French Connection Isabella Lippi
Nov. 21-22, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. The dark and velvety sounds of violinist Isabella Lippi takes the stage. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000,
hemmens.org.
Cantus: “Voices of Christmas”
Nov. 22, 4 p.m. This vocal chamber ensemble engages its audiences with its programmatic versatility, artistic variety and charismatic personality. The Beasley Campus Center, George Williams College of Aurora University (GWC), Williams Bay, Wis., gwc.aurora.edu/sundaysat4.
America
Nov. 28, 8 p.m. Celebrate the 45th anniversary of this perennial classic-rock favorite. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, oshows.com.
ESO: The Magical Music of Disney
Nov. 28, 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Your favorite Disney films and music come alive onstage. Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000,
hemmens.org.
Plaid Tidings
Nov. 28-Jan. 3, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Frankie, Sparky, Jinx and Smudge mysteriously return to Earth to weave musical magic into the hearts of everyone. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212,
rauecenter.org.
DECEMBER
The One and Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Dec. 1, 3 & 7 p.m. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Sara Evans
Dec. 4, 8 p.m. Evans has crafted a compelling body of work filled with the kind of slice-of-life vignettes that fans expect from the award-winning vocalist. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.