(Dec 29, 2006) The Jack Benny Center for the Arts begins an eight-week session of private music instruction for youth & adults the week of Jan 29 . Lessons offered are: piano, woodwinds, brass, violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar, group guitar, and voice. Times, dates, and fees are arranged individually through the center (847) 360-4740.

(Dec 26, 2006) The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire announces its 2007 season of musicals! As always, the selection offers something for every taste... featured are: Grease, Shenandoah, Married Alive!, The Producers, and Little Women. Dinner theatre options are available Wednesday and Thursday evenings. More info HERE.

(Nov 15, 2006) The Round Lake Area Library introduces the "Sunday Sampler" Arts & Entertainment Series. The first offering is Sun Nov 19 at 2:00 PM at the Library, and features the elite choral ensembles (Jazz & Chamber Choirs) from Lakes Community High School.

(Nov 04, 2006) GreatWorks Theatre, a touring company based in Libertyville, is accepting headshot and resume submissions for their  2006/7 season. GreatWorks uses a color-blind casting policy for all non-ethnic specific roles. All roles are paid, with very competitive performance salaries. For more information about GreatWorks, click HERE.

(Oct 31, 2006) The annual U.S. Open Brass Band Championship is scheduled to take place on Sat Nov 4 , at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL. This unique competition brings together eight of the best brass bands in the country, and is open to the public. For a list of this year's bands, click HERE.

(October 28, 2006) Make plans now to attend the Illinois Music Educator's Association (IMEA) 59th Annual Statewide Conference Jan 24-27 2007 in Peoria IL. There will be over 125 sessions, and a Music Education/Industry Exhibition with 200+ booths; the Exhibition and concerts will be open to the public. 12-page program HERE (.pdf format).

(October 20, 2006) The 16th Annual "Rising Stars" concert series at Ravinia begins on Fri Oct 20 . This series allows young, internationally-recognized talent a chance to perform in a professional setting before appreciative audiences. The autumn portion occurs on five consecutive Friday evenings, beginning with violinist Asmira Woodward-Page.

(October 13, 2006) Maynard Ferguson Memorial Concert. Trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson, who was scheduled to make a concert appearance at the College of Lake County (CLC) on Sat Oct 29 , died in California on Aug. 23. Members of the his band will perform the concert, celebrating the music which brought him to prominence. More

(October 02, 2006) Chicago-area theatres are having trouble finding Music Directors ! Theatres are searching for individuals with diverse skill sets. Every theatre's need is different, but if you have training or experience conducting, accompanying, choral directing, choreography, etc... they're looking for you!   More (article) at PerformInk.com

(September 30, 2006) The 5th Annual Oktoberfest to benefit the Arts is presented by The Friends of the Jack Benny Center. Sat Oct 7th , 6-10PM at Bowen Park, 39 Jack Benny Drive in Waukegan. Featuring a Silent Auction  and Live Music. Bavarian Attire Welcomed! Tickets: $10 adv /$12 at the door. For more info, call (847) 360-4740

(September 27, 2006) The Lyric Opera of Chicago may return to radio, thanks to a new musicians' contract with provisions regarding broadcast media rights. Live broadcasts could begin as soon as this November on the WFMT radio network (98.7 FM). Read the entire article: LINK

(September 24, 2006) Governor Rod Blagojevich and the Illinois Arts Council invite you to celebrate Illinois Arts Week 2006, to take place Oct 8–14 , 2006. The theme "The Arts Are All Around Us" captures an important message – that the arts are present every day, in some way, in our lives. Celebrate the arts in a special way. More...

(September 05, 2006) The Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park has moved to an interim performance space, the city-owned Karger Center (approx 2 blocks from their previous venue). The troupe is expecting to reside there for the next two years, while negotiating with the city for a permanent space. More info: Press Release

(August 26, 2006) The James Glacking Young Musicians Competition is open to any vocalist, string or wind instrument performer in grades 9-12 who resides in Lake Co. or northern Cook Co. First Place winner receives a cash prize of $300 and an opportunity to perform as soloist with the North Suburban Symphony with an additional $200.   More...

(August 19, 2006) Bel Canto Studios hosts open auditions on Sun Aug 27 from 1-6 p.m. for three new studio companies: Sapphire Project (eclectic vocals), Greasepaint & Spotlights (musical theatre troupe), and Barrington Players (short theatrical pieces & improv). Call (847) 382-2560 for details and to schedule an audition time.

(August 01, 2006) The Monday evening Carillon Concert Series continues through Aug 28th at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Tours begin at 5:30PM, concerts begin at 7PM. The concerts are free, as is admission to the garden (a parking fee may apply). Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn by McGinley Pavilion while listening.