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
Concerts in the Square
Through July, Wed. 7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the summertime tradition of city band concerts and ice cream socials on the Square. Woodstock Square, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockil.gov.
Summer Concert Series
Through Aug. 21, Tue. 7 p.m. Bands include The Millennials, Back Country Roads and The Blooze Brothers. Deicke Park, 11419 Ill. Rt. 47 or Town Square, Huntley, (847) 515-5200, huntley.il.us.
Capitol Steps
July 6, 8 p.m. The Capitol Steps have been entertaining coast-to-coast with their original bipartisan political lampooning and musical comedy act for more than 30 years. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
WSRep: Ring of Fire: Music of Johnny Cash
July 6-Aug. 12, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. A musical tribute dramatizing his memorable life and career, told by a cast of singers and musicians performing more than two dozen hits, including “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Shakespeare in the Park
July 7, 6 p.m. Enjoy a picnic and an evening of al fresco theater as the Midsummer Theater Troupe
brings laughter and culture while performing works of Shakespeare. Island Park, 2 E. State St., Geneva, (630) 232-4542, genevachamber.com.
Mirror of Mathis
July 7, 7 p.m. Sit back and relax to the rich voice of David Robbins as he performs the smooth tunes made famous by Johnny Mathis. Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
Summer Breeze: Heartache Tonight
July 7, 7 p.m. Entertainment by Eagles tribute band. Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center Grounds, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Tickets: Prairie Center for the Arts, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
Music by the Lake (MBTL): Bruce Hornsby
July 7, 7:30 p.m. Accompanied by The Noisemakers band, pianist and singer/songwriter Bruce Hornsby taps into many musical genres such as pop, jazz, bluegrass and soul. Ferro Pavilion, George Williams College of Aurora University (GWC), 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501 musicbythelake.com.
Liverpool Legends
July 7, 8 p.m. “The Complete Beatles Experience!” are four musicians and actors chosen by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.
RiverPark Summer Concerts
July 8-29, Sun. 6 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair and relax on the terrace or inside the stone amphitheater along the Fox River. Performances by guitarist Lee Murdock, the Illinois Brass Band, Steel Crazy Steel Band and vocalist Deborah Powel singing jazz, gospel and R & B. RiverPark, N. River Lane and Peyton St., Geneva, (630) 262-7494, geneva.il.us. (Geneva United Methodist Church in case of rain.)
Dave Mason & Steve Cropper
July 11, 7:30 p.m. Playing together for the first time, these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers present a rock and soul revue. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Concert in Lincoln Park: Brass from the Past
July 12, 7 p.m. Relive your favorites from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s with this band made up of a 6-piece horn section, 4-piece rhythm section and 3 powerful singers. Lincoln Park, Main Street between 4th and 5th Streets, St. Charles, (630) 513-4329, stcparks.org.
Killer Queen
July 12, 7:30 p.m. The longest established group paying tribute to Freddie Mercury. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
“It Shoulda Been You”
July 12-22, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Broadway’s musical farce features blushing brides, nervous grooms, overbearing moms, unexpected guests and an unforgettable wedding day for all. Stage Coach Players, First Lutheran Church of DeKalb, 324 N. 3rd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
“Beehive, the ’60s Musical”
July 12-Aug. 25, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. Rock to the songs of legendary performers of the 1960s, such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, The Shirelles, Diana Ross, Lesley Gore, The Supremes and Connie Francis. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Big Suit
July 13, 8 p.m. Nine musicians perform the music of Talking Heads, including “Burning Down the House” and “Take Me to the River.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
“The Music Man”
July 13-15, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Fast-talking Harold Hill causes quite a stir in River City, Iowa, when he comes to town promising to organize a boys’ band. Will Marian, the librarian, bring him back from the brink of his con? Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.
Summer Breeze: Soul 2 the Bone
July 14, 7 p.m. This high-energy group sings Motown, R & B, Disco, Pop, Jazz and the Blues. Atcher Center Grounds, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
MBTL: Wynonna & The Big Noise
July 14, 7:30 p.m. One of the biggest names in country music, Wynonna Judd, performs with her band, led by husband/drummer/producer Cactus Moser. Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues
July 14, 8 p.m. Award-winning composer Siegel brings blues, folk and classical fans together for an original genre of music. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Vince Neil
July 14, 8 p.m. The lead singer of Mötley Crüe sings hits such as “Wild Side,” “Shout at the Devil” and “Home Sweet Home.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Woodstock Folk Festival
July 15, noon-6 p.m. Folk singers, dancers, story tellers, workshops and a children’s area. Lifetime achievement award presented to Corky Siegel, a celebrated harmonica player, blues pianist and composer/singer. Woodstock Square, Woodstock, (815) 479-9933, woodstockfolkmusic.com.
Miles over Mountains
July 18, 7:30 p.m. This progressive bluegrass band based in McHenry performs original material and refreshed cover songs in their own style. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Concert in Lincoln Park: Rockstar Rodeo
July 19, 7 p.m. This rock-n-country band combines the best from Texas, Nashville, the South and the Midwest to craft its sound. Lincoln Park, St. Charles, (630) 513-4329, stcparks.org.
Naper Nights
July 20-21, 6-10 p.m. Fri., The Fortunate Sons use original vintage instruments and costumes to pay tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Then, Turn the Page re-creates the hits of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Sat., Simply Elton with the Brown Dirt Cowboys and Natural Wonder, a tribute to Stevie Wonder. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.museum.org.
“Mary Poppins Jr.”
July 20-22, Fri. 2 & 7 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Jane and Michael Banks are in for a treat as their new nanny takes them on magical adventures and the whole family benefits from her tutelage. Woodstock Children’s Summer Theatre, Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Summer Breeze: The Windbreakers
July 21, 7 p.m. Celebrating yacht rock with the smooth sounds from the late ’70s and early ’80s. Atcher Center Grounds, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
DSO: The Great Outdoors
July 21, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the majesty of nature with “The Blue Danube,” “The Moldau,” Grand Canyon Suite,” “Oklahoma,” “Rodeo” and more. DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Naperville Community Concert Center, 55 Concert Lane, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
MBTL: Nathan Gunn
July 21, 7:30 p.m. Grammy Award-winning baritone Gunn and the Chicago Philharmonic entertain with an evening of love songs. Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Time Traveller
July 21, 8 p.m. Experience the sound of the Moody Blues in this rock and orchestral presentation. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
BJ Thomas
July 22, 5 p.m. Thomas performs signature hits such as “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and “Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Concert in Lincoln Park: 7th Heaven
July 26, 7 p.m. Expect high-quality renditions of Def Leppard, The Beatles, Bon Jovi, Journey, U2 and more. Lincoln Park, St. Charles, (630) 513-4329, stcparks.org.
Spring Awakening
July 27-Aug. 5, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 drama, scandalous in its day for addressing sex, violence and suicide, this production’s 19th-century story, dialogue and costumes blend perfectly with the alternative pop music score by singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik. Elgin Community College, SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
4th Fridays at The Starline Factory
July 27, Aug. 24, 6 p.m. This monthly art exhibit is an open-themed, juried fine art show that covers all mediums. The Starline Factory, 306 W. Front St., Harvard, (815) 943-4805, starlinefactory.com.
Ted Nugent
July 27-28, 8 p.m. Rock to songs like “Cat Scratch Fever” and “Motor City Madhouse.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Geneva Arts Fair
July 28-29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 140 artists show work in a variety of media, including glass, textiles, painting and sculpture. Location: Downtown Geneva. Info: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.
Williams Bay Fine Art & Craft Fest
July 28-29, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. This juried show attracts fine artists and crafters from the Midwest and beyond. Edgewater Park, 15 E. Geneva St., Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 275-
2750, williamsbay.org.
MBTL: Ralph’s World
July 29, 4 p.m. Experience the creative mind of indie rocker, songwriter and children’s author Ralph Covert as he entertains families with a live children’s show full of fun songs. Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
WSRep Lab Series: Snowfall
July 30, 7 p.m. When artist Li and her architect boyfriend become snowbound in their home, only one thing could make it worse: his ex and her new husband show up and get stuck there as well. Discussion follows the reading. Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
August
Concert in the Park: Diva
Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Performers pay tribute to women of pop. Crystal Lake Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.
Concert in Lincoln Park: Recycle the Day
Aug. 2, 7 p.m. A high-energy band that plays songs from Motown to today’s Top 40 hits. Lincoln Park, St. Charles, (630) 513-4329, stcparks.org.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Aug. 4, gates open 5:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. Thorogood entertains with rock hits like “Bad to the Bone,” “Who Do You Love?” and “I Drink Alone.” Special guest Foghat performs hits including “Slow Ride.” RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, riveredgeaurora.com.
Art & Soul on the Fox
Aug. 4-5, Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. The Fox Valley’s largest gathering of artists and artisans, with more than 70 booths offering sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, canvas and fiber art as well as children’s activities and musical entertainment. Various locations, downtown Elgin, (847) 695-7540, elginartandsoul.com.
Midwest Mozart Festival
Aug. 5, 11 a.m.; Aug. 12, noon. The 32nd annual festival features Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter” and many other works of the great composer. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
Gladys Knight & The O’Jays
Aug. 8, gates open 5:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. Iconic performers with careers spanning decades bring well-known hits such as “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Love Train.” RiverEdge Park, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, riveredgeaurora.com.
Concert in the Park: Rhythm Rockets
Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m. The band entertains with jazz and rhythm and blues. Crystal Lake Main Beach, Crystal Lake, (815) 459-0680, crystallakeparks.org.
Concert in Lincoln Park: Serendipity
Aug. 9, 7 p.m. These young women play current and time-tested tunes with a pop musical kick. Lincoln Park, St. Charles, (630) 513-4329, stcparks.org.
“Sister Act”
Aug. 10-19, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. When lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a crime, she is relocated to a convent for her protection and upends the quiet lives of the resident sisters. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
OneRepublic
Aug. 11, gates open 6 p.m., show 8 p.m. Known for anthems such as “Counting Stars,” the band is fresh off an international tour. RiverEdge Park, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, riveredgeaurora.com.
Summer Breeze: The Four C Notes
Aug. 11, 7 p.m. The Midwest tribute group re-creates the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Atcher Center Grounds, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
MBTL: Three Dog Night
Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. With a legacy spanning close to five decades, the iconic band performs classic hits and new music. Hits include “Joy to the World,” “One” and “Black and White.” Ferro Pavilion, GWC, Williams Bay, Wis., (262) 245-8501, musicbythelake.com.
Dueling Pianos
Aug. 16 & Sept. 6, 8 p.m. This high-energy, all-request sing-along show is appropriate for all ages. This duo plays anything from Lennon to Legend, Beach Boys to Beastie Boys. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Happy Together
Aug. 17, 8 p.m. Relive the music of the ’60s and ’70s with The Turtles, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Association, Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere & The Raiders, and The Cowsills. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Lucy’s Comedy
Aug. 17 & Sept. 7, 8:30 p.m. This hilarious series has featured regional and national comedians including Dwayne Kennedy, Patti Vasquez and Mike Preston. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Summer Breeze: Spoken Four
Aug. 18, 7 p.m. This group covers pop and rock’s greatest hits, from the Jackson 5 to Maroon 5. Atcher Center Grounds, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
Heidi Kettenring
Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. Chicago native Kettenring, known for her performances in “Wicked” and “Beauty and the Beast,” sings a century’s worth of timeless hits. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.