(Mar 04, 2008) Presenting nine performances this year, the Zion Passion Play has become one of the foremost Passion plays in America. A cast and crew of more than 200, with a live orchestra, will present a dramatic reenactment of the life of Jesus Christ. The weekend performances (Mar 14 - Mar 30) sell out quickly; held at the Christian Arts Auditorium of Christ Community Church in Zion. Tickets: $14.50; $7.50 students/military. For more info, call (847) 746-2221, view the Brochure [.pdf/Adobe] or visit the Zion Passion Play website.

(Feb 27, 2008) The Citadel Theatre production of 'Til the Fat Lady Sings opens Friday, Feb 29th and runs thru March 16th at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. This sharp, satiric comedy that finds wit and humor in family traditions is written by Scott McPherson, award winning author of Marvin's Room. Friday and Saturday performances are held at 8PM, Sundays at 2PM. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Citadel website or call the Box Office at (847) 735-8554.

(Feb 25, 2008) WALLS, "a sci-fi series for the stage" will hold auditions for characters between ages 15-21 on Saturday Mar 01 from 12-4PM, with a Reading of Episodes One and Two on Sunday Mar 16 at 2PM. Both events will be at the Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee. Written by local Playwright Madelyn Sergel, the series also features non-speaking roles for athletes, skateboarders, and those into martial arts/stage combat. For further info about the audition/series, click HERE. The Reading is free and open to the public.

(Feb 18, 2008) The Lake Forest area hosts two outstanding classical a cappella concerts on Sunday Feb 24. The first, at 3PM in the Lily Reid Memorial Chapel at Lake Forest College, presents Bella Voce performing works from the 17th through 20th centuries from Germany, Britain, and Norway. The second, at 4PM in the Church of the Holy Spirit, presents Affabre Concinui (aka: The Polish Chamber Ensemble) which performs chamber music vocally [MP3]. Visit our online Events Calendar, or the links above, to get more info.

(Feb 12, 2008) The first meeting of the Lake County IL Opera Meetup Group will take place at noon on Saturday Feb 16 at the Regal Cinemas Lincolnshire 20 theatre. The theatre will feature a High-Definition Videocast of Puccini's Manon Lescaut, performed by the Metropolitan Opera in New York. For more information about the group and other upcoming "opera-tunities" in Lake County, click HERE or call 847-744-0890.

(Feb 06, 2008) The FullScore Chamber Orchestra announces its next concert of the season for Saturday, Feb 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Missionary Church in Zion, Illinois . This concert, entitled "Winter Classics", features composers from three major chapters of classic music history – Baroque, Romantic, and 20th Century. The program features works by Arcangelo Corelli , Ferdinand David, and Igor Stravinsky. Suggested donation at the door is $5; there is handicap access and ample parking. Call (847) 746-3472 for more information.

(Feb 02, 2008) Experience an afternoon of of angelic music from Libertyville-area churches at the 7th Annual "Choir of Angels" Concert at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Sunday Feb 10, begining at 2:30 p.m. Proceeds to benefit the two primary C.O.O.L. Outreach Programs: Food Pantry and Transitional Housing. Please bring non-persihable food for admission. For more info, call C.O.O.L. at (847) 662-1340 or the church at (847) 367-4060.

(Jan 31, 2008) "A Midwinter's Night Dream" is the theme of the Midwest Young Artists (MYA) annual Benefit. This extraordinary evening of dining and dancing, featuring award winning Chamber Music Ensembles, Vocalists, and swing tunes performed by MYA's Big Band, will be held Saturday Feb 09 in the Michigan Shores Club, beginning at 6:30 p.m. MYA, based in Highwood IL, is the largest, most comprehensive youth ensemble music program in the Midwest. Tickets are still available ONLINE or call the MYA Office at (847) 926-9898.

(Jan 27, 2008) The "Rising Stars" Concert Series at Ravinia resumes Friday Feb 08 with the Antares Quartet. Held Friday evenings at 8PM in Bennett-Gordon Hall at the Ravinia Festival Grounds, the series offers performances by young, gifted musicians at the beginning of their careers. Upcoming concerts in the series include Violinist Chloë Hanslip (Feb 22) and Pianist Jade Simmons (Feb 29). Reserved seating: $20. Box Office (847) 266-5100.

(Jan 19, 2008) A spectacular celebration of sacred music is coming to Barrington next weekend. The Second Annual Festival of Sacred Music (aka: "Barrington Area Choral Festival") will be held at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) Sunday, Jan 27th, at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Choirs and soloists from eight Barrington-area churches will participate. For more info, call the church at (847) 836-5540.

(Jan 17, 2008) Celebrating over 10 years of performing diverse and challenging music in intimate venues throughout the area, the Pilgrim Players present "Romantic Treasures", a chamber music concert, at the Highland Park Community House on Sunday Jan 27 at 3PM. The program offers works by Beaser, Santorsola, and Mendelssohn, and features several guest musicians. For ticket prices and additional info, click HERE.

(Jan 08, 2008) "Amahl and the Night Visitors", Gian-Carlo Menotti's most-performed opera, will be performed on Sunday Jan 13 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville beginning at 2:30pm. This 40-minute one-act work tells the Epiphany story of the Three Magi who stop by the hut of a mother and her son, Amahl, while on their way to Bethlehem. Admission is free. For more info, call Randy Casey at (847) 367-2535.

(Jan 05, 2008) The Lake Forest Symphony presents its January Concert at 8pm on Friday and Saturday Jan 11 & 12. Performed at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake, and conducted by Maestro Alan Heatherington, the concert features works by Bach, Schuman, and Rachmaninoff. There will also be a pre-concert lecture by Jim Kendros at 7pm. For more information, call (847) 295-2135 or click HERE.

(Dec 26, 2007) Still looking for a New Year's Eve idea? Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park has two performances of "The Mistress Cycle", at 6:30pm and 9:30pm. Part musical, part song-cycle, this production has received excellent local reviews [Pioneer Press / Chicago Tribune / ChicagoCritic.com]. At a run-time of 85-minutes, you can enjoy the show and have the rest of the evening for festivities. Apple Tree Theatre Box Office: (847) 432-4335.

(Dec 17, 2007) Invite your friends and family to listen to the nation's next generation of musical stars at the 12th Annual Walgreens National Concerto Competition!. Drawing more than 200 of the most talented young musicians from across the country, for over $10,000 in scholarships and cash prizes, the competition will be held at the Midwest Young Artists' MYA Center at Fort Sheridan on Saturday and Sunday Dec 29 and 30. Tickets will be available at the door; $10/adult and $5/student. For more info, click HERE or call (847) 926-9898.



(Dec 10, 2007) Free "Merry TUBA Christmas" Concert! Part of an annual national event, Here's your chance to either participate (all tuba and euphonium players are invited) or listen (just show up!) to an all-brass ensemble playing tunes of the season. The concert will be held on Sunday Dec 16 from 5:30 - 6:30pm at the Antioch Township Center, 1625 Deep Lake Road in Lake Villa [Map]. Registration begins at 1:30pm, rehearsals at 2:30pm. For full details, or to participate, call Bob at (847) 223-3833 or send an email.

(Dec 07, 2007) The 61st Midwest Clinic (an international Band and Orchestra Conference) takes place from Tuesday Dec 18 through Saturday Dec 22 at the Hilton Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity for local educators, performers and students to attend workshops with over 50 clinicians, hear performances from over 30 groups from around the world, and browse the wares of almost 200 exhibitors, including the top music publishers, schools and instrument makers. For full information, visit the event website or call (847) 424-4163.

(Dec 01, 2007) Winter-break Improv and Acting Camps are being offered from Dec 26 thru Jan 04 by Improv Playhouse at their studios in downtown Libertyville .  These ½-day sessions are intended to give young actors continuity of instruction, and opportunity to build new skills and gain stage experiences without waiting for summer performing arts camp.  Call Improv Playhouse at 847-968-4529 or go to their website for more information.

(Nov 27, 2007 ) Bring your family to experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker", this season offered at several venues around Lake County. The Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble production will be held the weekend of Nov 30 - Dec 02. Dancenter North will present it at Libertyville H.S. on Dec 08-09, and at the historic Genesee Theatre on Dec 15-16. The Marriott Lincolnshire " Theatre for Young Audiences" offers a musical version, currently running through December 30. Visit our Events Calendar for still more!

(Nov 20, 2007) Experience the excitement of a New York Metropolitan Opera "Saturday Matinee"... videocast LIVE in High Definition (HD) with surround-sound on the Big Screen! Gounod's Roméo et Juliette ( Romeo and Juliet ) will be presented in select theatres in and around Lake County at 12:00PM on Saturday Dec 15. An Encore showing will be held at many of the same venues on Sunday Dec 16 at 2PM. Purchase tickets online @ $22.00 each; a Program Guide (with synopses, cast information, features and photos on all eight HD performance transmissions scheduled for the 2007-08 season) is available by mail for $10. An afternoon of world class operatic performance is just a few minutes from your door!

(Nov 16, 2007) Have you ever seen the musical version of "The Nutcracker"? The "Theatre for Young Audiences" program of the Lincolnshire Marriot Theatre presents this new way of looking at this classic tale. Enjoy the beautiful music of the great Tchaikovsky along with additional music and lyrics of composer and lyricist, Marc Robin. The show runs from Thursday Nov 08 to Sunday Dec 30, with all showtimes in the late morning or early afternoon.

(Nov 03, 2007) The production of Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan's The Producers at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire will close one week earlier than scheduled, with final performances scheduled for Nov 25 (the run was originally slated to go through Dec 02). Marriott executive producer Terry James told the Chicago Tribune sales were strong, but the change was due to "unusual technical needs for the upcoming productions of Little Women and Les Misérables". PLAYBILL

(Nov 02, 2007) The annual U.S. Open Brass Band Championship is scheduled to take place on Saturday Nov 10, at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL. This unique competition brings together eight of the best brass bands in the country (including Lake County's own Illinois Brass Band), and is open to the public. For a competition schedule and list of this year's bands, click HERE.

(Oct 27, 2007) Attention Active-Duty Military!!! You already know that many performers and venues generously offer a "Military Discount", but did you know you can get an additional 25% discount when attending local plays, concerts, and musicals? Thanks to corporate sponsors, the "Entertainment Rebate Program", available through the Info, Tickets & Travel (ITT) Office at NAVSTA Great Lakes offers a 25% discount (in the form of a rebate) when you present your ticket stub or receipt after the performance. Call the ITT Office for full details: 847-688-3537.

(Oct 24, 2007) The Lake Forest College Chamber Orchestra will perform a new all-original musical score to accompany a screening of Alfred Hitchcock's silent film “The Lodger”. No official score was created to accompany this 1927 suspense film, the third directed by Hitchcock. Two Lake Forest music department faculty members and a student took on the task, writing specifically for the 40-member Chamber Orchestra. The public is invited to attend free of charge; the performance will be held at the Mohr Student Center on Tuesday, Oct 30 at 7:30 pm . Please call 847-735-6010 for more information. Press Release.

(Oct 18, 2007) You could win $500 for your school's Arts Education Program! The Illinois Arts Alliance (IAA) is developing a new Arts Education Resource Guidebook, a resource schools and districts can use to plan and advocate for quality arts education programs. The IAA would like your help in designing the guidebook: Whether you are a school administrator, curriculum coordinator, arts educator, classroom teacher, parent or community arts leader... your input is needed. Complete the 15-question survey before Nov 02, 2007 to enter your name in a random drawing for a $500 award that will go to the school of your choice.

(Oct 17, 2007) The 6th Annual Oktoberfest to Benefit the Arts is presented by "The Friends of the Jack Benny Center". Held on Sat Oct 20th from 6-10PM at Bowen Park in Waukegan, the Oktoberfest features a Silent Auction and Live Music. Bavarian Attire Welcomed! Tickets are $10 adv /$12 at the door. Food and drinks available. For more info, call (847) 360-4740.

(Oct 14, 2007) Think the Ravinia season is over? The 17th annual "Rising Stars" Series features concerts every Friday evening through Nov 16, which will resume again Feb 08, 2008. All performances in this series are held in Ravinia's Bennett-Gordon Hall, a year-round, 450-seat recital hall. Every concert features exceptionally-talented young musicians, already nationally recognized, who are poised to launch international careers. Purchase tickets to 4 or more concerts and receive 20% off! As an added incentive, parking is FREE for Rising Stars concerts.

(Oct 09, 2007) Midwest Young Artists (MYA) announces a Violin Master Class, conducted by Zvi Zeitlin, Distinguished Professor of Violin, on Sunday Oct 14. This Master Class is FREE and open to the public, and will be held at the MYA Center in Highwood IL. Violin teachers and their students are highly encouraged to attend! For more information, visit the MYA website or call: 847-926-9898.

(Oct 07, 2007) October 7-13 is Illinois Arts Week. This special annual recognition was established in 1978 to focus attention on our state's vast cultural resources and to increase public awareness of the fine and performing arts. This year's campaign slogan, “Connect with the Arts” invites all Illinoisans to establish, deepen, or expand our relationships with the arts - and to join together in making the arts a visible & vital part of everyone's everyday lives in Illinois. MORE...

(Oct 06, 2007) "Mozart and His Circle" is the theme for the first concert in this season of early music performances at the Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake. The Metropolis Quartet bring an afternoon of classical quartets on their return to the Byron Colby Barn, which serves as the community center for the Prairie Crossing community. The concert is Sunday Oct 14 at 4PM. To order tickets, or for information about events at the Barn, please contact Stan Rosenberg at 847-543-1202.

(Oct 03, 2007) The 50th Anniversary Season of the Lake Forest Symphony (LFS) opens next week, with concerts at 8PM on Friday Oct 12 and Saturday Oct 13 at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake. Every LFS concert features a pre-concert lecture at 7PM, presented by music lecturer Jim Kendros discussing the music about to be performed. For more information, click HERE or call the box office at 847-295-2135.

(Sep 29, 2007) The Round Lake Area Library presents the second season of its "Sunday Sampler" Arts & Entertainment Series. Once every month, the Library will host an hour-long performance by an area entertainer or group, beginning with the "Trillium" music ensemble on Sunday Oct 07 at 2PM. For more info, call 847-546-7060 Ext 4 for information.

(Sep 21, 2007) The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of Music Director Stephen Blackwelder, announces openings for its 2007-08 season of concerts. Woodwind sections are currently complete, but there are openings in the brass sections, especially trombone and tuba. Experienced percussionists are always welcome, as are new members of any of our string sections. The WSO accepts talented string players of high school age and older. The group rehearses on Monday nights from 7:30pm to 10pm. For more info, contact the Jack Benny Center for the Arts at 847-360-4740.

(Sep 19, 2007) Have you heard of the Lake County Community Concert Association? For over 50 years the LCCCA has brought the best of national quality live entertainment to our area at a reasonable cost. Groups included in this 55th season include: The Presidio Brass, the French Chamber Orchestra, and more! The first concert of the season, featuring the Celtic Tenors, will be presented at 7:30PM on Saturday Sept 29 at the Trapp Auditorium of Waukegan H.S. For more info, call Donna at 847-244-7465.

(Sep 09, 2007) A live national broadcast of Christopher O'Riley's "From the Top" radio program will be held at Ravinia's Martin Theatre in Highland Park on Sunday Sept 16, beginning at 5PM. Every week, pianist Christopher O'Riley uses his acclaimed radio show (heard locally on WFMT 98.7 FM) to introduce the next generation of classical music's most talented young stars. The park opens at 3PM, and you are invited to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn, or you make use of one of the many dining and beverage options available via the new Ravinia Dining Pavilion. For more information, click HERE.

(Sep 08, 2007) Be sure to attend the first-ever "Box Office Blitz" being offered this season by the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County (CLC) on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 1-5PM. The Blitz is a fun community event designed for the whole family, and includes a behind-the-scenes look at the Mainstage Theatre with backstage tours, refreshments, performance showcases, technical stage demonstrations and more! Attendees can save 10% - 20% when they buy tickets to upcoming professional touring events for the 2007-08 season. Press Release / CLC Campus Map.

(Sep 03, 2007) The various chapters of the Lyric Opera are hosting 2007-2008 performance preview lectures (with musical excerpts) presented by members of the Lyric Opera Lecture Corps. Visit our Calendar of Events and look for the Opera items (color-coded Dark Blue) for sessions in Lake County; the Lyric Opera Chapter Calendar page has a full listing of all Chapter activities. Chapters welcome new members! For more information or to join your local Chapter, please call Lyric Opera's Chapter Office at 312-827-5656.

(Sep 01, 2007) Don't miss the Labor Day Spectacular on Mon September 3 at Ravinia! Conductor Erich Kunzel leads the Ravinia Festival Orchestra and guest vocalists in a dynamic evening of music and song. Reserved seating is available in the Pavillion but you are also invited to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the concert from the lawn seating area with your friends and family. The gates open at 4PM, and the concert begins promptly at 7PM.

(Aug 28th, 2007 ) Are you a teen? Ready to show your talent? In the next few moths, there will be several performing-arts related competitions open to teens in Lake County. Check out the "Opportunties" section, which has details about the various competitions plus links to the main event sites, registration, etc.

(Aug 23, 2007) The Mundelein High School Show Choirs are sponsoring the 2007 Mundelein Idol Talent Competition. This event will feature 16 teenage singers competing on Sat, October 6 for a $500 first place prize and the title of Mundelein Idol. Contestants must not be older than 19 on the day of the competition; performers not from Mundelein High School are very much encouraged to compete! The audience (tickets required) will also serve as the judges in multiple rounds of voting! Press Release / Application Brochure [.pdf] / Ticket Order Form [.pdf].

(Aug 16, 2007) Byron Colby Barn announces its 2007-2008 Early Music Concert Schedule [.pdf/Adobe]. Located in the Prairie Crossing Community in Grayslake, the Byron Colby Barn is hosting its sixth season of performances by nationally-recognized Early Music ensembles. This year, groups include Ars Antigua, the Metropolis Quartet, and the Callipygian Players. A season subscription is available. For more information, call 847-543-1202.

(Aug 08, 2007) The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, at the College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake IL, announces its 2007-2008 performing arts schedule. This 11th season will expose Lake County audiences to a world of diverse, high-quality entertainment, including dance, instrumental and vocal concerts, touring productions, comedy and more. There is a significant savings on tickets purchased prior to Fri September 21.

(Aug 03, 2007) The staged opera "Pirates of the Academy" will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Palatine at 7PM on Fri August 10. Performed by students of "Opera Academy" (a fast-track opera training program offered by Voices of the Academy), several songs from various Gilbert & Sullivan operettas will be presented (with the "Major General" as Narrator). Admission is FREE. For more info, click HERE.

(Aug 01, 2007) Organist Nathan Laube returns to Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest on Sun August 19 for a 3PM concert. This young virtuoso musician trained with area instructors before receiving a full scholarship with the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, and is constantly in demand for recitals. Admission is free, but donations to benefit ElderCARE will be accepted. For an on-line preview of Nathan in concert, click HERE.

(July 23, 2007) The GreenStick Theater Company will be performing Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center Outdoor Stage for two consecutive weekends beginning Fri August 03. Often heralded as one of The Bard's best, this production at its new location continues the tradition of an annual summer Shakespeare play, previously held as "Shakespeare on the Green" in Lake Forest.

(July 16, 2007) Join Midwest Young Artists' Symphony, Big Band and Chorale for a family -friendly "Concert on the Lawn" at the MYA Center [Map] at Ft. Sheridan on Sun July 22 at 3:00PM as they unveil the repertoire for their upcoming international tour. The concert is FREE and open to the public. Lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets are encouraged; concessions will be available. Click HERE [.pdf/Adobe] for more info, or call 847-926-9898.

(July 04, 2007) The Lyric Opera of Chicago will hold Children's Chorus auditions for the 2007-08 season from 11AM-4PM on Sat July 14. Auditions are open to 8- to 14-year-old area singers with unchanged voices. Those selected will appear in the production of Richard Strauss's "Die Frau ohne Schatten", rehearsing starting mid-Oct with performances in Nov & Dec. For more info, call Amy at 312-827-3564 or click HERE [.pdf/Adobe].

(July 02, 2007) The Monday evening Carillon Concert Series continues through Aug 27th at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Tours begin at 5:30PM, concerts begin at 7PM. The concerts are free, as is admission to the Garden (though a parking fee may apply for non-members). Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn by McGinley Pavilion while listening to carillonneurs from around the world performing on the 48-bell, 4-octave carillon.

(June 22, 2007) The College of Lake County (CLC) announces its summer musical for 2007: "Guys and Dolls". Presented by the CLC Theatre, Music and Dance departments for two weekends on July 13 - 15 & 19 - 21 in the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on the Grayslake Campus (Map). For more information or tickets, call (847) 543-2300 or click HERE.

(June 09, 2007) Attend a live national radio broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion, featuring Garrison Keillor, at the Ravinia Festival Grounds in Highland Park on Saturday June 16. The park opens at 3pm, with the show beginning at 4:45pm (actual radio broadcast begins at 5pm). Sit up-close in the Pavillion and watch all the action, or listen while enjoying your picnic dinner on the lawn with friends and family. Tickets.

(June 04, 2007) The Kirk Players announce "Noises Off", the final production of their 41st season. This fast moving comedy is centered on the comings and goings of a theater company on stage as well as back stage during their production of a farce called Nothing On. Performances at Mundelein High School on June 15 and 16 at 7:30pm with a Saturday afternoon matinee at 2pm. For info, call 847-566-6391 or visit the Kirk Players Website.

(May 26, 2007) It's not too late to sign up your young prodigy for one of the Lake County area Summer Performing Arts Workshops! Based at various music schools and venues, these workshops and camps offer drama, music and dance instruction... typically culminating in a popular play or musical production (like Disney's "High School Musical").

(May 19, 2007) The Waukegan Municipal Band announces its 2007 Summer Concert Schedule, with FREE concerts every Tuesday evening at 7:30PM in June & July (except the first week of July, with a "Patriotic Celebration" concert on Wednesday July 4th). Concerts are held at the Stiner Pavillion at the Waukegan Lakefront. Call (847) 599-2525 for more info.

(May 14, 2007) The Ravinia Festival Box Office opens for in-person sales on Saturday,
May 19 from 9AM - 6PM. Patrons who purchase their tickets in person that day will receive
a 20% discount on all tickets (except for the Saturday Aug 4 gala event). A limited number
of extra reserved seats will also be available for sold-out concerts. WFMT (98.7 FM) will broadcast the festivities live until 1:30PM from the park.

(May 07, 2007) Here's your last chance this season to catch the Metropolitan Opera on the big screen, broadcast in High Definition and Surround-Sound. An Encore performance of Rosinni's The Barber of Seville (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) will be presented in select theatres in and around Lake County at 7:00PM on Tuesday May 15. Purchase tickets online @ $18.00.

(May 05, 2007) Midwest Young Artists (MYA), based in Highwood, is looking for junior high and high school instrumentalists & singers to join its program. MYA has five youth orchestras, over 60 chamber ensembles, three choral groups, and an all-inclusive jazz program. Students perform in venues such as the Civic Opera House and the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. Auditions are being held through May. For more information or to register for an audition, click HERE.

(April 27, 2007) The College of Lake County presents the 9th Annual Fear No Art event, showcasing a variety of arts, including dance, music, poetry and more. It celebrates the visions, inspirations and creations of the students and community members of the College of Lake County. Fri-Sun May 4-6. For more info, contact Valerie Alpert at 847-543-2432.

(April 20, 2007) The Lake Forest College Performing Arts Department offers the final concerts of the current school year (all at 7:30PM): Wed Apr 25 - Jazz Ensemble; Thurs Apr 26 - Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble; Tues May 01 - Chorus and Orchestra Spring Concert. All concerts are FREE and open to the public. Check our Calendar for details.

(April 11, 2007) The Red Rose Children's Choir of Lake County presents its Spring Concert on Saturday Apr 14 at 3PM and 6PM at 1st Presbyterian Church of Libertyville. Themed "Singen Mit Freude" (which translates to "Sing with Joy"), the two free performances will have a European repertoire, feature songs about nature, and showcase different ensembles.

(April 09, 2007) The Ravinia Festival has revised its summer schedule, due to the threat of serious "distraction" from the major Cicada hatching expected this year. Some of the spring performances will be moved indoors, and the start of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Summer Concert series has been pushed back to July. Listen on NPR's Audio Archive.

(Apr 01, 2007) P M & L Theatre in Antioch announces Open Auditions for the 5th show of the season: "1776". A large cast is needed, including 24 men and 2 women. Auditions will be held on Monday and Tuesday Apr 16 and 17; the show will run for three weekends from mid-June through early July. For more information, click HERE or call 847-395-3055.

(Mar 22, 2007) Olga Bornovalova will be the featured soloist performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra this Sunday Mar 25 at 4 p.m. at Waukegan West High School. Other works on the program include Shostakovich's Symphony No 5. Tickets are $18/$12. For more info, contact Nick Schevera 847-543-2959.

(Mar 16, 2007) Experience the excitement of a New York Metropolitan Opera "Saturday Matinee"... videocast LIVE in High Definition (HD) with surround-sound on the Big Screen! Rosinni's The Barber of Seville (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) will be presented in select theatres in and around Lake County at 12:30PM on March 24. Puccini's Il Trittico will be videocast at the same theatres on April 28, 2007. Purchase tickets online @ $18.00 each.

(Mar 10, 2007) The Barrington Chapter of Lyric Opera of Chicago will sponsor "Afternoon of Opera, Operettas and Classical Piano", featuring baritone Levi Hernandez accompanied by Luciano Laurentiu, at 2PM on Sunday Mar 25 in a Barrington Hills residence. Following the program, guests will enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres. For information, call 847-304-0422.

(Mar 07, 2007) The Chicago Master Singers Annual Spring Benefit is Sunday Mar 18 at the Stonegate Conference & Banquet Center. The event begins with a reception and silent auction at 4:30PM, followed by dinner and live auction at 6:15PM. The Ian Robinson Quintet will provide entertainment. For more information, click HERE or call Call 877-825-5267.

(Mar 01, 2007) The Ravinia "Rising Stars" series presents a concert every Friday night during the month of March. Held at 8PM in Bennett-Gordon Hall, this ongoing program features performances from some of the world's best "up-and-coming" musicians. March artists include: Adam Golka, The Enso String Quartet, Christina Castelli, and the Cavatina Duo.

(Feb 25, 2007) The Martin Luther College Choir will present a concert at Faith Lutheran Church in Antioch on Friday Mar 2, beginning at 7PM. Directed by Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer, the concert is free and features Minnesota's best college choir in a choral program of sacred and classical works as part of their 2007 Midwest Spring Tour.

(Feb 19, 2007) Bowen Park Opera [.pdf] presents three one-act operas at the Jack Benny Center in Waukegan: Mozarts "The Impresario", Menotti's "The Telephone", and Wolf-Ferrari's "The Secret of Susanna". Sung in English, they will be performed the next two weekends: Feb 23-25 and Mar 2-4. For more info, call the Waukegan Park District at 847-360-4740.

(Feb 16, 2007) Open auditions for the 2007 National Tour of Movin' Out, the multiple Tony Award winning production by Billy Joel & Twyla Tharp. Talented dancers with musical theatre experience are sought; NO SINGING REQUIRED. Mar 01, 2007 in Chicago. MORE...

(Feb 10, 2007) Grand Opening for the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center on Saturday, Feb 17 from 10AM - Noon. Come and tour this new event space (a 2nd home for the Improv Playhouse), which offers a quality performance venue long overdue in NW Lake County. For more information, read the Press Release or call 847-201-9032.

(Feb 09, 2007) The Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest kicks off its 18th "Music in the Nave" season with a performance by the German sensation, Ensemble Amarcord on Sunday, Feb 25 at 4 p.m. These six former choristers have emerged as continental Europe’s finest male a cappella sextet. Click HERE for more info, or call 847-234-7633.

(Feb 04) Join with the Lake County Chamber Players for an evening of casual performances of lighter works including arrangements of show tunes, and light classical pieces. Friday Feb 16 from 8 – 10 PM in the café area of Borders Books and Music in Gurnee (6971 West Grand Avenue, slightly west of Gurnee Mills).

(Jan 29, 2007) Announcing a new dance studio for Lake County! Focusing on modern dance techniques, G-Tech Dance Studios offer classes for adults, teens and children. Private lessons are available as well. Programs include: Rhythm Tap ("Stomp"), Hip Hop ("Chicago Footwork"), and more. 216 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Lake Villa IL 60046. 847-774-1327.

(Jan 25, 2007) The "Sunday Sampler" arts program of the Round Lake Area Library will feature Jazz vocalist Marie Alexandre, accompanied by guitarist Frank Portolese. Let them transport you to the clubs and ballrooms of yesteryear with their stunning renditions of the great jazz songs. Sunday, Feb 4, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Admission is FREE.

(Jan 18, 2007) The Community Protestant United Church of Christ (UCC) of Mundelein seeks a knowledgeable and talented individual to lead its Adult Choir. The season runs Sept through June, with rehearsals on Sundays after worship.  Salary / compensation is negotiable. E-mail or call (847) 566-4000.

(Jan 09, 2007) The Cultural Arts Division of the Waukegan Park District is offering a class in Songwriting. This eight- week class will meet at 11AM for an hour each Saturday beginning Feb 10 at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts. Instructor: professional musician David Hibbard. For more info, call the Jack Benny Center at (847) 360-4740.

(Jan 03, 2007) MUSICIANS WANTED! The North Suburban Symphony , a Lake County community volunteer orchestra of about 60 musicians, is looking for adult (18+) players of all instruments. If you're looking for the opportunity to play again, this is it! Please contact Director Paul Vermel at (847) 318-9665 or Marc Needleman at (847) 948-8996.