(Dec 04, 2009) Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest hosts its first annual Fireside Memories fundraiser on Sunday Dec 13 from 5:00 – 8:30pm at Lovell's restaurant. The event kicks off a capital campaign drive to fund a move to a new theatre space, and includes a three course sit down dinner with wine service, a special fireside performance of Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory, silent auction, and the raffling of exciting prize baskets. Tickets are $125 and all proceeds benefit Citadel Theatre Company, now in its seventh season.

(Nov 30, 2009) The Chicago Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents two Lake County holiday concerts: Sun Dec 6 @ 3pm in the Ela Area Library in Lake Zurich, and Sun Dec 13 @ 1pm in the Wauconda Library. Click HERE for info...

(Nov 11, 2009) Festival Arts of Antioch presents "Autumn Fling", an annual fundraiser, on Saturday Nov 14th at 7pm. including performances by the Antioch Brass, the Festival Carolers, Lakes Area Swing Band, soloists Melissa and Joe Cardamone from Broadway Etc and others. Festival Arts sponsors the Lakes Area Swing Band, Lakes Area Community Band, the Antioch Community Chorus' annual performance of Handel's Messiah, and a fundraising concert to benefit the United Way of Lake County. Tickets $15; full info HERE / FLYER [.pdf / Adobe].

(Nov 10, 2009) The Riverview Theatre Company presents the "Salute to Broadway" (The Judith Irwin Medical Benefit Concert) on Saturday Nov 14 at 7:30pm at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. A life-long supporter of the area arts, Judith was a founder of the dance company at the Svalander School of Ballet; a cast member and board member of TownSquare Players; and a founding board member of Raue Center for the Arts, which will host an incredible evening of music, dance and storytelling as a "Thank You" benefit fundraiser by the local arts community to help cover significant medical expenses. For more information, please call Marla Gamze-Pendergrast at 815-477-3480.

(Nov 09, 2009) The da Corneto Opera Company presents "Cosi fan tutte", one of Mozart's most-popular comic operas, on Friday Nov 13 at 7:30pm and Sunday Nov 15 at 4pm at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. This is a "Young Artists' Production", featuring some of the area's best new opera talent, and will be sung in Italian (with English supertitles), staged and costumed. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door; $10 students. To purchase or for more info, please call 847-234-6060 or click HERE.

(Oct 28, 2009) Need a "Head Shot"? Citadel Theatre has a tempting offer for aspiring actors of all ages: head shots for $200. The 45-minute session includes two outfit changes; hair & makeup; color head-shots & body shots; and one high resolution file, retouched and sized in 8x10 format. Copyright release included. Monday, Nov 09 from 2-7 p.m. at Kathleen Weinstein Photography Studio, 1455 Littlefield Court, Lake Forest. Spots are limited. To reserve a spot, please call 847-735-8554 or email dsloan@citadeltheatre.org

(Oct 21, 2009) The Highland Park Strings (HPS) presents their first concert of their 31st season on Sunday Oct 25 at 3pm. Russian-born pianist Michael Yanovitsky will play Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major under the baton of principal conductor Francesco Milioto. The Strings also will perform Schumann's Symphony No. 3 (“Rhenish”). All HPS concerts are free, and preceeded by "Pre-concert Conversations" with Stephanie Ettelson -- violinist, lecturer, former music critic. For location and more information, visit the HPS Website.

(Oct 04, 2009) The Lake Forest Symphony (LFS) continues its 52nd season with "Mendelssohn", celebrating the Mendelssohn Bicentennial with some of his most beloved works . Concerts will be presented at 8PM on Friday Oct 9 and Saturday Oct 10 at the James W. Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of the College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake IL [Map]. Lecturer Jim Kendros presents an entertaining and informative preview at 7PM. For more info, call the Box Office (847-543-2300), or visit the LFS website.

(Oct 03, 2009) The first meeting of the Lake County IL Opera Meetup Group will take place at noon on Saturday Oct 10 at the Regal Cinemas Lincolnshire 20 Theatre, which will feature a real-time High-Definition Videocast of Puccini's Tosca, performed live by the Metropolitan Opera in New York. This one-act opera features the well-known "Dance of the Seven Veils". For more info about the group and other upcoming "opera-tunities" in Lake County, click HERE or call 847-744-0890.

(Oct 01, 2009) Join thousands of arts organizations and communities across the nation in celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month throughout October, with activities that honor the efforts of artists, historians, teachers, and cultural groups working to make the arts and humanities a part of everyone's life. Everyone is encouraged to participate in what has become this country's largest annual collective celebration of the arts and humanities, as coordinated by Americans for the Arts. For more information, click HERE.

(Sept 26, 2009) Announcing Lake County's newest theatre venture: Clockwise Theatre. Led by Gurnee-based actor-turned-playwright Madelyn Sergel (well known for her work with Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest), Clockwise Theatre's goal is to offer alternative entertainment choices, including world premiers of plays with an emphasis on Midwestern playwrights, new or unusual small-scale musicals, and programming for the teenage-young adult audience. The troupe is based in Waukegan. You can read more about it in these excellent write-ups from PerformInk and PioneerPress.com.

(Sept 20, 2009) The Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) holds its 36th Annual Convention and Business Meeting this Saturday Sept 26 beginning at 9am at Roosevelt University in Chicago. This year's theme is "Supercharging Your Art". Come to network, plan, discuss, and create with theatre artists in your region. Don't miss the "Best Marketing Practices" workshop! For more info, visit the ITA website or call the ITA office at 312-265-5922.

(Sept 15, 2009) Mundelein High School is looking for contestants for the Third Annual Mundelein Idol Competition to be held in the high school auditorium Saturday, Oct 03 at 6:30pm. Singers will compete for cash prizes and the title of Mundelein Idol 2009. Contestants may be any age and from any community; people not from Mundelein High School are very much encouraged to compete. For brochure and contestant application form, click HERE [.pdf].

(Sept 14, 2009) Byron Colby Barn announces its 2009-2010 Early Music Concert Schedule. Located in the Prairie Crossing Community in Grayslake, the Byron Colby Barn is hosting its eighth season of performances by nationally-recognized Early Music ensembles. This year, groups include the Baroque Band and the Chicago Early Music Consort. A season subscription is available. For more information, call Stan Rosenberg at 847-543-1202.

(Sept 13, 2009) CLC's Box Office Blitz offers entertainment, tours, fun and savings! A fun community event designed for the whole family, it includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mainstage Theatre at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of the College of Lake County (Grayslake), ticket discounts (10% discounts on single event tickets), a live remote broadcast by WXLC 102.3, refreshments, technical demonstrations, previews of the 2009-2010 professional touring series and college events, prizes and more! For more information, call the CLC Box Office at 847-543-2300 or read more HERE.

(Sept 07, 2009) The Third Coast Percussion Quartet opens the 16th concert season of the Lake Forest Lyrica chamber music series on Sunday Sept 13 at 3PM. The series features some of the finest musicians from the Chicago area. This season also features the Chicago Chorale, the Pacifica Quartet, and Quintet Attacca. Tickets are $15 at the door. Performances are in the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel at Lake Forest College. For more info, visit the Lyrica series website.

(Sept 03, 2009) The entire G. Schirmer music catalog (over 3600 titles!) is 20% off during the annual G. Schirmer sale at SheetMusicPlus.com! G. Shirmer is a popular publisher which specializes in inexpensive classical sheet music editions of the staple masterpieces for almost every instrument. An available $2.99 "Budget Shipping" option ships your entire order... regardless of size. Sale ends Sept 30, 2009. An online "Bargain Bin" features 1000's of titles at 40% off (while supplies last). Browse the catalog.

The Deer Path Art League's 55th Annual "Art Fair on the Square" features “Embracing the Arts” booth, a first-ever collaboration between four area cultural organizations: Citadel Theatre, Gorton Center, Lake Forest Symphony and Ragdale, to showcase the many cultural and performing arts programs available in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Visit their booth in Market Square to learn more about the exciting performances, activities, and classes that these groups have planned.

(Aug 24, 2009) CLC Theatre Department announces 2009-2010 Season! Political hypocrisy, greed, injustice, the pursuit of wealth and hope are some of the issues being explored, with shows including a Pulitzer Prize winning drama, a hilarious period comedy and an outrageous musical, all presented in the College of Lake County's James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake. CLC's 08-09 CLC theatre season broke all previous attendance records, with 9,166 people attending 34 performances of five productions.

(Aug 15, 2009) Attention parents of young musicians! Instrument rentals for Fall school music programs are now available at the Village Music Store in Deerfield. Band, orchestra, and string instrument rentals start at $12/month. All standard brass and woodwind section instruments are supported; string instruments such as violin, viola, cello and bass viol are available in twenty different fractional sizes for students of all ages. To help select the right instrument for your child, please contact Manager Lana Rae at 847-945-5321.

(Aug 10, 2009) It's Audition Season! Now that most of the playhouses and theatre groups have finalized their 2009-2010 season schedules... it's time to look for some actors, singers and dancers! Check out our Performing Arts Events Calendar, and look for the Auditions (they are color-coded Yellow). You may also search for Auditions only by using the "Advanced Search" feature at the bottom of the calendar. Check the calendar regularly since some groups still need to send out their Audition information.

(Aug 04, 2009) The Monday evening Carillon Concert Series at the Chicago Botanic Garden continues through August with a final performance on Sept 07. Bell tower tours begin at 5:30PM, concerts begin at 7PM. The 45-minute concerts are free, as is admission to the Garden (though a parking fee may apply for non-members). Stroll the Garden, or 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.

(July 31, 2009) It's time again for the annual Woodstock Mozart Festival, this year running for three weekends from Aug 01 - 16. Featuring internationally-recognized chamber musicians, this series of afternoon and evening concerts is held at the Woodstock Opera House, an intimate venue very appropriate to the music being performed. For more information about the Festival and this year's concerts, visit the Festival website.

(July 24, 2009) The next meeting of the Lake County IL Opera Meetup Group takes place at 7:00pm on Wednesday July 29 at the Regal Cinemas Lincolnshire 20 Theatre, which will feature an Encore High-Definition Videocast of Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville), performed by the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Tickets are $15 at the door or via Fandango. For more info about the group and "opera-tunities" in Lake County, click HERE or call Ed at 847-744-0890.

(July 21, 2009) The Waukegan Municipal Band free summer concerts have been a proud Waukegan tradition for 73 years; come on out and enjoy their final performances for this season. Tues July 21 @ 7:30pm: "A Look Back" and Finale Concert Tues July 28 @ 7:30pm: "Season Highlights." Bring family and friends, lawn chairs and your picnic dinner to the Stiner Pavillion at Waukegan Municipal Beach for an unforgettable evening! Free parking.

(July 06, 2009) After 2 years of hosting intimate concerts in their Genesee-street café, Joplin’s Java will “take to the streets” by spearheading a fledging music festival during Scoopin Genesee, the biggest event of the year in downtown Waukegan. Also hosted by Family Piano Co, GreenTown Tavern and Gallery on Genesee, this festival celebrates community, families and musical diversity. The free concerts will be on Friday, July 10 from 3-6pm and Saturday, July 11 from noon-6pm at 114 S. Genesee St. For more info, call Joplin's Java at 847-775-1988.

(July 03, 2009) Canticum Novum, a WELS chamber choir, is presenting its fourth summer concert series. This season's theme, “Spirit Seeking Light and Beauty”, will feature a beautiful variety of sacred music from the full spectrum of the choral tradition. Faith Lutheran Church, Antioch IL, is hosting a concert on Friday, July 10 at 7:00pm . The event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.canticumnovum-wels.org.

(June 22, 2009) Lake County's newest performing arts group La Red Musical Theatre presents its first work "B.R.A.T.T. Camp" on Friday June 26 thru Sunday June 28. La Red's inaugural summer-only season in Highland Park will feature two full productions, three readings and one special theatrical event. Read more in the Tribune and Facebook!

(June 19, 2009) PerformInk published its final print issue today, and will be switch to web-only publication in response to changing user preferences and the option for enhanced services. Nationally recognized, PerformInk has grown over the last 18 years into the premiere "trade paper" serving the theatre arts in Chicago and its suburbs. Beginning in mid-July, its website will "re-launch" with a new and more-interactive format (including RSS feeds) including updating every week (print version was every other week). Ckick HERE for more.

(June 06, 2009) Waukegan Community Players (WCP), Lake County's oldest community theater, is preparing for its 54th season and welcomes anyone who is interested in joining to attend their next meeting on Sunday, June 14th at 3 pm at the Greentown Tavern in Waukegan IL. There is currently a special need for someone with financial experience to serve as treasurer. For more info, call WCP President Jeff Johnson @ 847-662-0181.

(June 04, 2009) The Illinois Brass Band (IBB) presents CHAMPIONS OF BRASS, a dynamic concert featuring special musical guests the Star United Drum & Bugle Corps from Indianapolis. This concert begins at 3pm on Sunday, June 14th at the Waukegan High School Auditorium.  Enjoy a night of masterfully played brass and percussion featuring Malaguena, Elsa's Procession, Pines of Rome, You'll Never Walk Alone, American in Paris and others. Tickets $12 adults, $8 students & children. For more info, visit the IBB website.

(June 01, 2009) The 10th Annual Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival celebrates art, music, drama, and dance through art demonstrations, an open microphone program, musicians, dance, theatre workshops, and storytellers. Held at Bowen Park in Waukegan [Map], the festival is Saturday June 06 from 10AM - 4PM. Admission is free. For more information, call the Waukegan Park District at 847-360-4740

(May 22, 2009) Classical Singer Magazine's Annual Vocal Competition, National Convention and College Expo will be held at the Westin O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont on Friday May 29 - Sunday May 31. All high school and college singers are invited to the College Expo, which will have music program faculty and admission officers from more than 60 of the top schools in the nation. A series of comprehensive workshops and masterclasses will be conducted all three days, and related arts exhibitors will be displaying their products. Admission varies.

(May 10, 2009) The North Suburban Symphony (NSS) presents its Season Finale Concert "Glory of Requiem" at 4PM Sunday May 16 at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest. Featured works include Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #6 and Durafle's Requiem. Tickets are available at the door $15 adults /$10 students & seniors.

(May 04. 2009) "That's Entertainment" is the theme of Waukegan Township's 5th Annual Musical Revue, a fundraiser to aid Staben Center and Staben House, transitional centers for the homeless in the Waukegan Area. Talented performers from all over Lake County IL will join to sing and dance for your pleasure at the Waukegan HS Auditorium on Saturday May 09 at 7PM, with something for everyone: Broadway, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Country, Gospel, Latino, and Soul. Tickets: $20. To reserve tickets or for more info, call Call 847-244-4900.

(May 02, 2009) The next meeting of the Lake County IL Opera Meetup Group will take place at 11:30AM on Saturday May 09 at the Regal Cinemas Lincolnshire 20 Theatre, which will feature a real-time High-Definition Videocast of Rossini's "La Cenerentola" (Cinderella), performed live by the Metropolitan Opera in New York. For more info about the group and other upcoming "opera-tunities" in Lake County, click HERE or call Ed at 847-744-0890.

(Apr 28, 2009) The College of Lake County (CLC) presents the 11th Annual Fear No Art event on Fri-Sun May 1-3. Forty-five CLC students and community members will share their artistic visions and talents, showcasing a variety of arts, including dance, music, poetry and more. Tickets are $10/general public and $8/CLC students, and are available at the CLC Box Office, by phone (847-543-2300) or online.

(Apr 18, 2009) Enjoy the return of spring with a dinner theatre production at the Waukegan Yacht Club (WYC) ! The Waukegan Community Players present "The Fantasticks" (the world's longest running musical), on Friday and Saturday evenings (and Sunday matinees), running from Apr 24 through May 03. Dinners served at 7PM (2PM for matinees), with performances beginning one hour later. All tickets $45, and may be purchased online or by calling the Waukegan Yacht Club at 847-623-4188.

(Apr 16, 2009) The "Rising Stars" Concert Series at Ravinia presents the final three concerts for this spring, beginning on Friday Apr 17 with Pianist Robert Plano, with the Harlem String Quartet performing on Apr 24. Musicians from Marlboro close out the series on May 08. All performances are held Friday evenings, beginning at 8PM in Bennett-Gordon Hall at the Ravinia Festival Grounds. Reserved seating: $20. Box Office 847-266-5100.

(Apr 09, 2009) The Lake County Chamber Players (LCCP) present their annual Spring Concert on Saturday Apr 18 at 3PM. "Springtime Melodies" will be performed at the historic Libertyville Civic Center, featuring works by Beethoven, Cambini, Scott Joplin, and Arne Running. As always for LCCP performances, admission and parking are free.

(Apr 01, 2009) The Cabin Fever Jazz Series caps its 21st season with a Grand Finale concert featuring crooner Frank D'Rone, a jazz legend who performs in the romantic style that made Sinatra famous. The Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest serves as venue for D'Rone and his quartet, beginning at 8PM on Saturday Apr 04. Tickets are $45 (Premium, with reception) / $30 Adult / $15 Student; parking is free. For more info, visit the Gorton Center website, call the Center at 847-234-6060, and be sure to read the interview with Gorton's performing arts manager Carolyn Brode on GazeboNews.

(Mar 27, 2009) The Tenors 3 present "Fun with Opera and Beyond!". This trio of classically trained tenor vocalists will perform Opera, Operetta and Broadway music (enchanted with a touch of light comedy) on Sunday Apr 05 at 4PM at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center (RLBCC). Tickets: $12 adults / $11 children & seniors. For additional info or to purchase tickets, contact the RLBCC @ 847-201-9032. Event Flyer [.pdf/Adobe]

(Mar 26, 2009) The North Shore Repertory Dance Ensemble (NSRDE) presents a Spring Concert on Saturday Mar 28 at 5PM at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. Special guest artist groups Inaside Chicago Dance and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago will also perform. NSRDE is a performance outreach of the North Shore School of Dance (NSSD). To purchase tickets ($10) or for more info, please call NSSD at 847-432-2060.

(Mar 21, 2009) The Kirk Players proudly present The Wizard of Oz on Fri-Sat, Apr 3-4 at 7PM and on Sat-Sun, Apr 4-5 at 2PM . Performances will be held at Mundelein High School. For more information, call Paddy Lynn at 847-566-6391 or visit www.kirkplayers.com.

(Mar 14, 2009) Registration is underway for Performing Arts Summer Camps throughout Lake County. Many programs are very popular and spaces fill-up quickly. Check your Park District for offerings in addition to those listed HERE by local performing arts groups /schools.

(Mar 13, 2009) Steinway of Chicago proudly announces the opening of a new piano store at Skokie Blvd and Lake Cook Road, serving Lake County and the northern suburbs. The Grand Opening Celebration will kick-off on Thursday, Mar 19 at 6pm with Jazz Legend Ramsey Lewis and the President of Steinway & Sons, Ron Losby (RSVP Required), followed by a Grand Opening Day on Saturday Mar 21 beginning at 8am. Special activities include a live radio broadcast of WFMT's "Introductions" program from 11am - Noon. The public is welcome, no tickets are required. For more info, visit the Steinway of Chicago website.

(Mar 09, 2009) The "Tribute to Bix Beiderbecke" will be held just north of the border this weekend in Racine WI. Jazz Fans from all over the midwest will meet at the Racine Marriott Hotel from Thursday - Sunday, Mar 12-15 for "all things Bix" including: live jazz bands, showing of rare jazz movies, lectures and presentations, jazz site bus tour, 2-day record and book sale, great food and fun. For full info on this annual event, visit the Tribute website.

(Mar 04, 2009) Concert Cancellation! Due to illness, the College of Lake County (CLC) Chamber Music concert , originally scheduled for Friday, Mar 06 at 7:30 p.m. at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts has been cancelled. A new date may be announced later. For updates and more information, visit the CLC Music Concerts page or call the Box Office at (847) 543-2300.

(Mar 01, 2009) Former Libertyville High School student Hanah Stuart, now a a third year Violin Performance major at The Juilliard School in New York has been selected for the first International YouTube Symphony Orchestra. Miss Stuart was selected from over 3,000 video "auditions" submitted by amateur and professional musicians from more than 70 countries, and will perform with the Orchestra of 90+ musicians as they debut in Carnegie Hall on April 15. Hanah is the daughter of David Stuart, founder and director of Improv Playhouse (also in Libertyville), Lake County's premiere source of acting instruction.

(Feb 26, 2009) Liberty Town Productions (LTP), Lake County's newest theatre group, proudly premiers their first work, the Studs Terkel / Stephen Schwartz musical Working. Performances will be held Thurs-Sun evenings Mar 05-08 at Libertyville High School. All tickets $15.00. For ticket locations and more info, visit the LTP website or call LTP Board Member Barry Reszel at 847-404-4121.

(Feb 22, 2009) Musicians are needed for the Bristol Renaissance Faire 2009 season! Auditions are held Saturday, Feb 28 and Sunday, Mar 01. Instrumentalists and singers are all welcome, but there is always a need for musicians who play recorder and other Renaissance instruments. High School band members are especially encouraged to audition. For full information, visit the Faire's audition website.

(Feb 17, 2009) The next outing of the Lake County IL Opera Meetup Group takes place on Saturday Feb 28 at 8PM for Mozart's popular comic opera "Così fan tutte". This work will be presented by Bowen Park Opera at the Jack Benny Center for the Performing Arts in Waukegan. Guests and opera first-timers especially welcome! For more information about the group and other upcoming "opera-tunities" in Lake County, click HERE or call Ed at 847-744-0890.

(Feb 12, 2009) Attention Music / Dance / Acting Schools & Studios! We are collecting listings for our 2009 Summer Arts Camps & Workshops page, showing local opportunities for area children to continue their exposure to the performing arts during the summer break. If your organization will offer such programs this summer, please send us the information! Parents: If you are new to the area, feel free to check the 20008 Summer Arts Camps page for some ideas of what is typically available.

(Feb 08, 2009) Check out the 2009 Cabin Fever Jazz Series at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest IL. Returning for its 21st season, this series offers seven concerts, including Blue Note recording artist Jackie Allen, the Dee Alexander Quartet, and the Red Rose Ragtime Jazz Band. The Sunday afternoon series begins Feb 08, with all concerts from 4pm - 6pm. Tickets are $25 adult, $15 youth/student. For more info visit the website or call the Gorton Center at (847) 234-6060.

(Feb 04, 2009) Midwest Young Artists (MYA), the largest youth music ensemble program in the Chicago metropolitan area is proud to announce "Minature Young Artists", aimed at children up to age 5. Modeled after unique non-packaged children-focused teaching ideas, children will explore and grow together while learning to express themselves through music. The first session runs Thursdays from Feb 05 - Mar 19; registration is open until Feb. 12.  To register, please contact MYA at (847) 926-9898 or visit the Website.

(Feb 02, 2009) Forum Jazz Dance Theatre, a troupe of Talent Forum studios in Libertyville, presents Jazz Forum 2009 on Saturday Feb 07. In addition to their own three companies of dancers, the showcase will feature guest companies from other area studios and the world premiere of a piece created by noted choreographer Harrison McEldowney. The event begins at 7:30PM, in the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts [Map] at the College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake. $20 adults / $15 students; tickets available at the door. For more info, please call Talent Forum at (847) 816-1711. [Newspaper article]

(Jan 28, 2009) The "Rising Stars" Concert Series at Ravinia resumes Friday Feb 13 with the Lincoln Trio. 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 Sopranos Jessica Rivera and Kelley O'Connor (Feb 20) and Pianist Bryan Wallick (Mar 06). Reserved seating: $20. Box Office (847) 266-5100.

(Jan 22, 2009) LoMastro Performing Arts Academy and Dance and Music Academy have joined forces to host this year's "Movement of Change" Dance Benefit Concert. The goal is to allow dancers to use their their passion for dance to raise funds for charity, and features dance companies from thoughout the area, united to raise funds for a good cause. Sunday Jan 25 at 4PM at the Adlai E. Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center (Map).

(Jan 19, 2009) The 2009 Chicago National Chamber Music Competition is fast approaching, with an application deadline of Sunday, Feb 01. This year's competition, for students 12th grade and younger, offers over $5,000 in scholarships and cash prizes, and will take place Sunday, March 01 at Bennett Gordon Hall on the campus of Ravinia Festival.

(Jan 18, 2009) The 3rd Annual Barrington Area Festival of Sacred Music / Choral Music Festival will be held on Sunday Jan 25 at Barrington United Methodist Church, beginning at 7PM. A variety of sacred music styles will be presented by choirs, ensembles, and soloists from eight area churches; festival founder Dr. James Skomer will also lead massed choir selections. For more info, please call the church office at (847) 836-5540.

(Jan 13, 2009) Attention all college-bound singers! Classical Singer Magazine is sponsoring the 2009 High School Vocal Competition, offering over $2,000,000 in performing arts scholarships and awards from dozens of colleges and universities around the country. The regional First Round takes place on Saturday Feb 07 at North Park University in Chicago, with the remaining Rounds on the last weekend in May at the 2009 National Convention in Rosemont IL. Register now for this great opportunity!

(Jan 08, 2009) The Round Lake Area Community Band is seeking additional members, high school age or older, to fill some vacancies for the remainder of the season. Seats are currently open in the woodwinds, brass, and percussion sections. Rehearsals are at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Indian Hill School on Lotus Drive in Round Lake Beach. For more information, call Bill Ziegler at (847) 265-8215 or visit the Band's Website.

(Jan 02, 2009) Announcing the formation of a new theatre troupe in Lake County and their first auditions! Based in Libertyville, Liberty Town Productions (LTP) will hold open auditions for all roles in a newly-imagined production of the Stephen Schwartz musical "Working", based on the book by Chicago's Studs Terkel. Auditions will be Sunday Jan 04 from 3pm - 6pm at Libertyville High School. Check the LTP Website for more information.

(Jan 01, 2009) Seeking enthusiastic, talented singers, dancers, and improvisational actors! Six Flags Great America in Gurnee will be holding auditions for entertainment staff for the 2009 season on the mornings of Sunday Jan 25 & Saturday Feb 07. Persons experienced with stage craft (lighting, sound, rigging, etc.) and Make-up/Wardrobe specialists are also needed. For full info, visit the Six Flags Audition Info Page or the Flyer [.pdf/Adobe].

(Dec 23, 2008) We're taking a short break over the Christmas holiday, and will be back with regular announcements in 2009. Thank you for your support of the arts in Lake County, as well as helping to spread the word about our website!

(Dec 15, 2008) 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 21 from 7pm - 8pm at the Antioch Township Center, 1625 Deep Lake Road in Lake Villa. Registration begins at 3pm, rehearsals at 4pm. For full details, or to participate, call Bob at (847) 223-3833 or send an email.

(Dec 12, 2008) Recent additions to the "Opportunities" section: 2008-2009 Chicago National Chamber Music Competition (in COMPETITONS) / College of Lake County (CLC) seeks Scenic and Costume Designers for Spring 2009 production of Macbeth (in THEATRE) / Lake Geneva Community Orchestra (LGCO) seeks a new Music Director (in MUSICIANS).

(Dec 08, 2008) Music of the Baroque (MOB) Holiday Concert on WTTW! In case you can't make it to their upcoming live concerts on Dec 20 & 21, you can watch one of MOB's inspiring Holiday Brass and Choral Concerts on a national TV broadcast, shown locally on Thursday Dec 11 at 7:30PM on WTTW. Featuring the Chorus and Brass Ensemble, the taped concert will feature solemn chant, brilliant brass canzonas and glorious multi-voiced choral music from the medieval, Renaissance and early Baroque periods that celebrates the music of Christmas. The program will be repeated Wed Dec 24 at 8PM and Thur Dec 25 at 1AM.

(Nov 30, 2008) Be part of a new holiday tradition! Following the huge success of its premier production in 2007, Dance Academy of Libertyville will once again present Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer for 2008. Rudolph will be presented Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4PM, and Sunday Dec. 14 at 1PM and 4PM at the Libertyville High School Auditorium. Tickets for this one-hour long ballet (especially suited to young audiences) are on sale now for $17... call the Dance Academy office at 847-247-1327 for more info or to purchase tickets.

(Nov 21, 2008) The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire announces its 2009 season! Nationally recognized for the quality of its productions, and a regular Jeff Award winner, the Marriott Theatre promises another year of captivating entertainment with "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat", "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", "The Light in the Piazza", "Hairspray" and "My Fair Lady". A popular dining/theatre package is offered on Wednesday & Thursday evenings. For more info, click HERE or call the Box Office at 847-634-0200.

(Nov 14, 2008) Calling EVERYONE with talent to auditions for "That's Entertainment!", a musical revue to aid the Staben Center (men) and Staben House (Women and Children), transitional centers for the homeless in the Waukegan Area. Auditions will be held on Tuesday Nov 18 and Thursday Nov 20 at 7PM; full details on the FLYER [.adobe/PDF]. For more info, please call Producer Dianne Daluga at 847-274-3274.

(Nov 09, 2008) The Lake Geneva Community Orchestra (LGCO) is seeking a Music Director to start with the 2010-2011 season. For detailed information about the position, click HERE [.pdf / Adobe]. The application deadline is January 1, 2009. Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to pfrazier@lakegenevaorchestra.org. Contact Pam Frazier at 262-248-1198 with questions.

(Nov 04, 2008) Dancenter North in Libertyville continues to search for alumni from the past 20 years of Nutcracker productions! If you have ever appeared in their past productions of The Magic of the Nutcracker, please call the Dancenter North office at 847-367-7970 . There will be special alumni seating and a post-show reception after the Saturday Dec 13 3:00 PM show at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.

(Nov 01, 2008) Lake Forest College (LFC) will host two concurrent classical music presentations on Saturday Nov 08. Beginning at 7PM, the Lake County Chamber Players (LCCP) present their autumn concert: "Falling for Music". Held in LFC's Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel [Map], this program will feature some of the area's best amateur musicians playing works by Schubert, Mozart and more. Starting slightly later at 7:30PM, the LFC Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra present Vivaldi's "Gloria" in the Calvin Durand Hall of the Mohr Student Center. Parking and admission (to either concert) are free.

(Oct 28, 2008) 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 26, 2008) The College of Lake County hosts the "Skyway Conference Jazz Festival" on Saturday Nov 01 beginning at 8:30 AM. Jazz bands from seven area community colleges will meet and compete, including CLC's own "Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble". CLC last hosted the event in 2001. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, read the CLC Press Release or call Dr. Michael Flack at (847) 543-2566

(Oct 21, 2008) The "Music at Trinity" Classical Music Series presents Scott A. Baeseman's "Requiem" on Sunday Oct 26 at 4PM at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park. A chorus of 40 professional musicians will accompany the three-manual, 47 rank Aeolian-Skinner Skinner Organ in the world premiere of this work. Mr. Baeseman, a resident North Shore composer, will conduct the ensemble. Admission to the hour-long concert is FREE; a reception follows. Contact the church office at 847-432-6653 for more information.

(Oct 18, 2008) Think the Ravinia season is over? The 18th annual "Rising Stars" Series features 13 concerts on select Friday evenings through Nov 14, resuming again Feb 13, 2009. Most performances in this series are held in Ravinia's Bennett-Gordon Hall, a year-round, 450-seat recital hall. Concert features exceptionally-talented young musicians, already nationally recognized, who are poised to launch international careers. Parking is FREE for Rising Stars concerts.

[ Fifth House Ensemble / Byron Colby Barn ]

(Oct 15, 2008) Singers wanted! Festival Arts of Antioch extends an invitation to all singers to join the Antioch Community Chorus in preparation for the Sunday Dec 14th concert of Handel's "Messiah", directed by Kris Bolin of Antioch. Rehearsals will begin on Sunday Oct 26 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm, and will be every Sunday (except for the weekend of Thanksgiving). All vocal parts are needed. Music will be available to anyone who doesn't have their own. For any questions or further information, please call Ken Smouse at 847-395-1333.

(Oct 11, 2008) The 3rd Annual Ray Bradbury Storytelling Festival will be held Friday Oct 17, 2008 at the Genesee Theatre at 7:30pm. Master Storytellers convene once again in the hometown of celebrated fantasy/horror writer Ray Bradbury - this year to summon literature's vilest villains! General admission tickets are $17; group rates available. For more info, click HERE (Festival Site) and HERE (Genesee), or call the Box Office at 847-406-3155.

(Oct 05, 2008) Join thousands of arts organizations and communities across the nation in celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month throughout October, with activities that honor the efforts of artists, historians, teachers, and cultural groups working to make the arts and humanities a part of everyone's life. Everyone is encouraged to participate in what has become this country's largest annual collective celebration of the arts and humanities, as coordinated by Americans for the Arts. For more info about National Arts and Humanities Month, click HERE.

(Oct 03, 2008) The first meeting of the Lake County IL Opera Meetup Group will take place at noon on Saturday Oct 11 at the Regal Cinemas Lincolnshire 20 Theatre, which will feature a real-time High-Definition Videocast of Strauss' Salome, performed live by the Metropolitan Opera in New York. This one-act opera features the well-known "Dance of the Seven Veils". For more info about the group and other upcoming "opera-tunities" in Lake County, click HERE or call 847-744-0890.

(Sept 29, 2008) The Lake Forest Symphony (LFS) continues its 51st season with "Let Us Serenade You", featuring string serenades by Tchaikovsky, Elgar, and Dvorák. Concerts will be presented at 8PM on Friday Oct 10 and Saturday Oct 11 at the James W. Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of the College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake IL [Map]. Lecturer Jim Kendros presents an entertaining and informative preview at 7PM. For more info, call the Box Office (847-543-2300), or visit the LFS website.

(Sept 23, 2008) The Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) holds its Annual Business Meeting this Saturday Sept 27 beginning at 10am. For the convenience of members, the meeting will be held simultaneously at six different locations throughout the state, linked electronically for elections and official business. Come to meet, plan, discuss, and create with theatre artists in your region. For more info, visit the ITA website or call ITA office at 312-265-5922.  

(Sept 17, 2008) FOREVER TANGO at CLC Rescheduled! Originally slated for Sunday Sept 21, now scheduled for Sunday, Oct 19 at 7 p.m. Patrons holding tickets for the original date should contact the Box Office at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at (847) 543-2300 if they have not already been contacted. Tickets are still available for this internationally celebrated entertainment event. CLC Press Release

(Sept 16, 2008) Dancenter North in Libertyville is seeking gymnasts, boys and adults for their 20th Anniversary production of "The Magic of the Nutcracker" at auditions on Sunday Sept 28. Gymnasts @ 4:00pm: no taller than 5 ft. and able to perform round-offs, back walk-overs and handstands. Boys @ 4:30pm: ages 8-15, dance experience not required, but athleticism is a must! Adults @ 5:00pm: performers with excellent stage presence that move well. all ages & sizes! Boys and adults will perform in the lavish "party scene" in the first act. All auditionees should bring a current photo. For more info, please call 847-367-7970.

(Sept 10, 2008) Byron Colby Barn announces its 2008-2009 Early Music Concert Schedule. Located in the Prairie Crossing Community in Grayslake, the Byron Colby Barn is hosting its seventh season of performances by nationally-recognized Early Music ensembles. This year, groups include the Millenium Chamber Players and the Chicago Early Music Consort. A season subscription is available. For more information, call 847-543-1202.

(Sept 05, 2008) Be sure to attend the 2nd Annual "Box Office Blitz" in the the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County (CLC) on Saturday, Sept. 13 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 demonstrations and more! Attendees can save 10% when they buy single tickets to any of the upcoming professional touring events for the 08-09 season. For more info, call the Box Office at 847-543-2300. CLC Campus Map.

(Sept 02, 2008) The annual Illinois Storytelling Festival moves to a new venue, appropriate to the time of year and the theme "Moonlight Mystery". Held on Saturday Sept 13 at Richardson's Corn Maze in Spring Grove IL, there will be two concerts: a "Family Concert" with tales of harvest lore at 6:30 - 8:00pm , followed by "Tales for the Brave" from 8:30 - 10:00pm, featuring Illinois' premier ghost storytellers. Come and enjoy some of the best of the spoken arts. For more info, visit the Illinois Storytelling website or call 630-877-0931.

(Aug 13, 2008) The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, at the College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake IL, announces its 2008-2009 performing arts schedule. This 12th 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 by Sun September 21.

(Aug 07, 2008) Opera at Ravinia! For four consecutive days (Aug 14 thru Aug 17), enjoy two of Mozart's most popular operas presented on alternate days/times. On Thursday at 7PM and Saturday at 2PM, Ravinia presents "Abduction from the Seraglio"; on Friday at 7PM and Sunday at 2PM you can attend "Don Giovanni". Each opera will be presented in a concert format in the Martin Theatre. For more info, visit the Ravinia website or call the Box Office at 847-266-5100.

(Aug 01, 2008) It's time again for the annual Woodstock Mozart Festival, this year running for three weekends from Aug 02 - 17. Featuring internationally-recognized chamber musicians, this series of afternoon and evening concerts is held at the Woodstock Opera House, an intimate venue very appropriate to the music being performed. For more information about the Festival and this year's concerts, visit the Festival website.

(July 28, 2008) Improv Playhouse (IP) in Libertyville is seeking trained professionals for teaching, directing, choreography and musical direction for youth and adult: Improv, Musical Theater, Fashion and Print Modeling, and On-Camera/Film Acting classes and workshops. Class locations in: Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Round Lake Beach, Highland Park, and Lake Zurich. Send your resume via e-mail to info@improvplayhouse.com or fax it to 847-968-4530 attn: "Fall Instruction". For more info, visit Improv Playhouse or call 847-968-4529.

(July 21, 2008) It's almost Audition Season! Now that most of the playhouses and theatre groups have finalized their 2008-2009 season schedules... it's time to look for some actors! Check out our Performing Arts Events Calendar, and look for the Auditions (they are color-coded Yellow). You may also search for Auditions only by using the "Advanced Search" feature at the bottom of the calendar. Check the calendar regularly since some groups still need to send out their Audition information.

(July 14, 2008) Improv Playhouse (IP) in Libertyville announces open registration for their upcoming Hollywood Film and TV Audition Workshop, to be held during the first week of August (days vary with age of participants). Professional On-Camera audition skills for commercials, sit-coms and dramas with active scripts will be taught by Diane Christiansen, voted “one of the ten most effective acting coaches in Hollywood”. Sherry Bell, one of the industry’s reputed headshot photographers will offer her expertise. Chicago and Milwaukee Union franchised agents will be present at various stages of the workshops and showcase. Register by calling IP at 847-968-4529 or fill out a registration form [.pdf/Adobe].

(July 10, 2008) The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Libertyville is looking for an experienced adult singer to sing at Sunday Services, as well as to lead the congregation in hymns. This is a paid position. For full details, visit our Opportunities page.

(July 06. 2008) Celebrating its tenth season, Theatre in the Woods in Riverwoods IL will perform Robert Harling's "Steel Magnolias". Since the play's initial performances in the 1980's, the laugh-filled story of the lives and friendships of six Southern women has been an audience favorite. Performers include area favorites Elizabeth Tannehill and mother/daughter team Holly and Aimee Schaefer. Performances are held at Estonian House in Riverwoods 8PM on Fri/Sat July 18, 19, 25, and 26 and 3PM on Sun July 20 and 27. For more information, contact Sandy Sagan at 847-945-0592. Box office 847-914-0109.

(June 22, 2008) Are you a musician looking for opportunities to keep your classical or jazz music skills polished until "the season" begins again in September? Try "Summer Music at Trinity", one of the only such off-season opportunities in the area. Play standard orchestral or jazz literature under the direction of a dynamic young conductor (Dr. R. Christopher Teichler) at Trinity International University in Deerfield. The classical and jazz ensembles will present a combined concert performance on Friday August 01, 2008. For more information or to register please call 847-317-8021 or click HERE.

(June 18, 2008) Don't miss the Mary Poppins Movie Sing-along at the Wilmette Theatre on Sunday June 22 at 11AM! This family-friendly event provides the opportunity to step beyond the "karaoke" level, and participate in a fun group sing-along (led by live musicians, along with the actors on the screen). This event repeats on Sunday July 27 and August 31. All tickets are $12. For more info or to purchase tickets, call the theatre office at 847-251-7424.

(June 16, 2008) Are you an "aspiring vocalist" aged 14-30? If so, then this is for YOU! Sign-up for the auditions to be held on Saturday June 28; those selected compete in their age group at the finals on Saturday July 12 at the "Scoopin' Genesee" Festivities (Prizes still being finalized). For more information, call the Waukegan Park District's Cultural Arts Department at 847-360-4740 or click HERE.

(June 7, 2008) The Monday evening Carillon Concert Series begins June 09 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, located at the southern edge of Lake County. Bell tower 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). Stroll the Garden, or 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 03, 2008) The 2008 Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival celebrates art, music, drama, and dance through art demonstrations, an open microphone program, musicians, dance demonstrations, theatre workshops, and storytellers. Held at Bowen Park in Waukegan [Map], the festival is Saturday June 07 from 10AM - 4PM. Admission is free. For more information, call the Waukegan Park District at 847-360-4740 or click HERE (article).

(May 25, 2008) Ravinia Festival 2008 begins its season with a Latin Dance Night (with a dance floor on the lawn) featuring Miami-based Tiempo Libre, the Luna Negra Dance Theatre, and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, on Friday May 31 at 7:30pm. By mid-June, there will be a major concert or dance performance virtually every night throughout the summer until Labor Day. Enjoy world-class talent from the convenience of a local venue in an informal atmosphere, and enjoy a picnic dinner before each performance. More...

(May 18, 2008) PM&L Theatre in Antioch presents the musical Brigadoon, the fifth show in the group's 47th season. Shows begin on Friday May 23 and run for three consecutive weekends. For more information, call the PM&L Box Office at 847-395-3055 or click HERE.

(May 07. 2008) "Ease On Down The Road" is the theme of Waukegan Township's 4th Annual Musical Revue, a fundraiser to aid Staben Center and Staben House, transitional centers for the homeless in the Waukegan Area. Talented performers from all over Lake County IL will join to sing and dance for your pleasure at the Waukegan HS Auditorium on Saturday May 10 at 7PM, with something for everyone: Broadway, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Country, Gospel, Latino, and Soul. For more info, call Dianne at 847-274-3274.

(May 05, 2008) VHHS Music Wins State! Congratulations to the Vernon Hills High School Music Department, which was awarded its second consecutive IHSA State Championship! Determined by scores from two competitions - the Solo and Ensemble Contest in March and the Band, Choir & Orchestra Contest in April, VHHS had a total of 966 points in Class A competition, (111 points ahead of second place), setting a new record for VHHS.

(May 03, 2008) The Lake County location of Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) presents a fully staged, ASCAP award-winning contemporary version of Alice in Wonderland, based on works by Lewis Carroll. Performances will be held at the Christian Arts Auditorium in Zion IL [Map] on the weekends of May 9-11 and May 16-18. Tickets are available online (secure ordering), at the box office and at the door. Operating as a non-profit, CYT has grown to be the largest youth-oriented theater-arts education program in the nation, and offers programs in several area locations [About CYT]. For more info, call the Box Office at 847-516-2298.

(April 28, 2008) Nearly 60 College of Lake County (CLC) students and community members will share their artistic talents in the college's 10th Annual “Fear No Art” on May 02 - 04. Audiences will be treated to a jam-packed entertainment event featuring guitar-playing singer-songwriters, urban break dancers, talented vocalists, soulful performance poets, multimedia artwork, modern dancers and much more! This dynamic event takes place at the CLC Grayslake Campus, in the Studio Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (Campus Map). Tickets online or at the Box Office. Press Release.

(April 22, 2008) Come and celebrate National Dance Week at the Chiwaukee Dance Festival, with a special pair of performances at the historic Genesee Theatre in downtown Waukegan. On Saturday Apr 26, a Gala Performance will feature selections by the Milwaukee Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and more. Sunday Apr 27 features "The Best of the Midwest Showcase", with the best college and amateur dance companies from throughout the midwest. The Festival is produced by Dancenter North in Libertyville. Event Flyer / Genesee Theatre.

(Apr 18, 2008) Acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine is the featured performer in recital as The Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest concludes its 19th Music in the Nave season on Sunday, Apr 27 at 4 p.m. Ms. Pine and pianist Matthew Hagle will present works by Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Ravel. All Music in the Nave performances are offered free of charge (donations accepted to defray expenses) and are open to the community. For more information, visit the church website or call the the parish office at 847-234-7633 .

(Apr 13, 2008) The 10th Annual Barrington Area Handbell Festival Concert will be held at the Barrington United Methodist Church on Sunday Apr 20 beginning at 7PM. This year's uplifting and exhilarating concert includes bell choirs from seven Barrington church with almost 100 ringers, over 330 bells, 250 handchimes, organ, 5-piece brass, flute, oboe, djembe, tambourine and claves, and a special visit by the Crystal Brass. Admission is free; donations will be accepted to defray costs. For more information, call the Festival Director and Founder Cathy Gathman at 815-477-2565 or visit Press Release / Daily Herald Article.

(Apr 07, 2008) Calling All Classical Musicians and Singers! The Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) announces a Free Early Music Extravaganza on Sunday Apr 13 from 1:30pm - 4:00pm. This is an opportunity for strings, winds, and voices to gather and rehearse Thomas Tallis' 40-part motet "Spem In Alium". This event is open to musicians throughout the region, and will be held at the MIC Evanston Campus at 1490 Chicago Avenue. To register, or for more info, contact Conductor James R. Brown at 847-905-1500 x 545 or E-MAIL. Bring your instrument or your voice and have fun tackling this monster work! [Listen on YouTube!]

(Apr 02, 2008) MENC: The National Association for Music Education (formerly known as the "Music Educators National Conference") hosts its 61st National Biennial Conference from Wednesday Apr 09 through Sunday Apr 13 in Milwaukee WI. The theme for this conference is "Touch a Life: Teach Music"; the focus is School Music. Thousands of music educators from across the country are expected to attend and participate in dozens of targeted workshops, seminars and presentations. It is an excellent, affordable learning opportunity for those in, or considering entering, the field of Music Education. Press Release / Conference Site

(Mar 31, 2008) Experience the excitement of a New York Metropolitan Opera "Saturday Matinee", videocast LIVE in High Definition (HD) with surround-sound on the Big Screen! Puccini's La Boheme will be presented in select theatres in and around Lake County at 12:30 PM on Saturday Apr 05. Run time: 3 hs, 20 min. 2 intermissions. An Encore will be shown at many of the same venues on Sunday Apr 06 at 2:00 PM. Purchase tickets online or at the theatre for just $22.00 each. An afternoon of world class operatic performance is waiting just a few minutes from your door! Click HERE for more info. Participating theatres: Sat Apr 05 / Sun Apr 06.

(Mar 27, 2008) Join in celebrating 20 Years of the Cabin Fever Jazz Series at a Gala Performance with Special Guest Artist KURT ELLING! Presented " cabaret-style", the concert will be held on Friday, Apr 04 at 8:00pm in the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. Joining renowned vocalist Kurt Elling will be Lawrence Hobgood ( Piano), Rob Amster (Bass), and Kobie Watkins (Drums). Seating is limited and tickets are selling quickly; call the Gorton Center at (847) 234-6060 after 9AM weekdays for reservations. For more info, click HERE.

(Mar 21, 2008) The Lake Forest College Department of Music presents "Dido and Aeneas", a collaborative effort with the Lake Forest College Chorus and Orchestra. The work is a short baroque opera sung in English, arranged and conducted by Erin Alderson (Class of '08) and will feature multiple student soloists. Performed on Tuesday Mar 25 at 7:30pm in the Lily Reid Memorial Chapel; a reception will follow in the Reid Wood Lounge. The public is welcome to attend free of charge. For more information please call 847-735-6147.

(Mar 17, 2008) Lakeside Players, Inc. presents its Spring Children's Theatre Series. The three weekend-only productions are family-friendly and targeted for young theatre-goers-in-training (ages 4 and up): Alice in Wonderland on Mar 29-30; Time Machine on April 26-27; and Golliwhopper on May 17-18. Showtimes: Saturdays at 11am & 2pm, Sundays at 2pm. All tickets: $7. These productions will be held at the Rhode Center for the Arts, just north of the border in downtown Kenosha WI. For more information, visit the Lakeside Players website, or call (262) 657-7529.

(Mar 11, 2008) The Improv Playhouse Young Actors Workshop will present a fully-staged production of "Oliver Twist" on Saturday Mar 15 and Sunday Mar 16 at the new Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center. Directed by Kate Bergeron, this production will feature 35 children ranging in age from 8-15 years. Tickets are $10 adults /$7 for seniors, military and children 3 and up. Click HERE for a ticket order form, or call (847) 968-4529.

(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.