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Family-Friendly Festivals Music

Truck Off: An epic evening of food & fun!

The 5th Annual Truck Off food truck festival returns Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, IL. 50% off Early Bird tickets are on sale through April 30. Then they go up to $10. Buy & save now!

What to Expect

Truck Off curates a lineup of food trucks and vendors from all over Chicagoland serving everything from ethnic to fusion to American comfort food & desserts. We currently have more than 20 trucks confirmed and will be announced shortly. Enjoy a beer tent and live entertainment. General admission begins at 5 p.m. – plus a VIP Hour from 4-5 p.m.

Major event announcements are shared on Facebook and Instagram leading up to the event, so be sure to follow along!

Reminder: Buy your tickets early and save! Get 1/2 off general admission through April 30 – this is the deepest discount that will be offered! Don’t miss it! 

Questions? Contact truckoff@mchenrycountyliving.com

 

Get Early Bird tickets at eventbrite.com/e/truck-off

Family-Friendly Music Spiritual

I DREAM A WORLD FCC SRING CONCERT MAY 1 @ 4 PM

See you on Sunday, May 1st at 4:00 pm for Vestry Adult Choir and Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir’s Spring Concert, “I Dream a World.” The music promises to be fantastic and you won’t want to miss getting to hear our guest soloist, James Martin, sing several solo selections as well as with Vestry Choir. Below is more information about our soloist. The concert is free and open to the public, nursery care is available.

Guest Soloist: James Martin
Baritone James Martin has won critical acclaim for his performances in opera, musical theater, and concerts as a versatile singer, actor, and entertainer. He serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Always an audience favorite, his artistic repertoire spans from Bach to bebop, Busoni to Burleigh, and Berg to Bernstein.

He has appeared with leading musical organizations throughout the United States and abroad, most recently he toured Taiwan and Thailand with frequent collaborator Lynn Raley. Favorite operatic roles include Mozart’s Papageno (Die Zauberlöte), Figaro, (Le nozze di Figaro) and Puccini’s Marcello (La bohème). As a concert artist, Martin enjoys a rich and varied repertoire ranging from the classic art song and oratorio repertory to new modern and contemporary classics with specialties in the music of Black Americans and the Great American Songbook.

Martin holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and his Master of Music from the Juilliard School. He was a Young Artist with the Juilliard Opera Center, and apprenticed with major young artist programs in the U.S. and with L’Opéra National du Rhin in Strasbourg, France, as one of seven international Les jeunes voix du Rhin. He studied voice with David Nott (IWU), Cynthia Hoffmann (Juilliard), and Benita Valente. In addition to a successful performance career, Mr. Martin is an accomplished teaching artist and arts advocate touring classrooms and educational performance venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has served on the boards of Grace House, a non-profit for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS, and the Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music (M’AAM). James Martin can be heard on the Copland House Blend, Naxos, and Albany record labels.

FCC is very happy to welcome James Martin back to Crystal Lake. Mr. Martin recently performed as a soloist with Encore Music Academy/Voices in Harmony in December.

461 Pierson Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Comedy Fundraisers Sketch/Improv

ALCA Takes Center Stage with Annual Gala

featuring entertainment by Green Room Improv

The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism will take to the stage for their “Night of ImprovABILITY” annual
gala on Saturday, April 30th at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake, IL. The evening will include a silent
auction, various raffles, ALCA presentations, and will conclude with a set from Green Room Improv. In-
person tickets are $100, while a virtual viewing is offered at $50.

All proceeds from the gala will go towards helping ALCA provide an environment where children on the
autism spectrum can develop their potential; academically, emotionally, socially, communicatively, and
physically.

To purchase tickets visit https://aesbid.com/ELP/ALCA22/

The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism (ALCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, full-day, year-round therapeutic
day school approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for children 3-21 years old with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OHI, multiple disabilities, developmental delay and/or intellectual
disability. ALCA currently serves students from Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, and Will counties. It
is our mission to provide an environment where children on the autism spectrum can develop their full
potential and gain functional independence.

Event Contacts: Megg Wallen: mwallen@alcacenter.org
JD Harshbarger: jharshbarger@alcacenter.org

Contact Phone: 815-344-2522
Media Contact: Patrick Hastings: phastings@alcacenter.org

Visual Arts

4th Fridays are BACK at the Dole!

by Melissa Riske

Lively music, engaging art, and guests who come early and stay till the band plays its final notes. 

Fourth Fridays Art Event at The Dole isn’t your typical art show.

After the long pause, Fourth Fridays Art Event returns to The Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake on April 22. Founder and producer Nancy Merkling said the event’s reputation for featuring great art and toe-tapping music that you will be singing along to, is what draws crowds to the galleries. 

“People remember when they’ve been to a Fourth Fridays Art Show,” she said. 

Fourth Fridays Art Event features three art and photography exhibits. Watch for the third exhibit, a solo artist show, to return starting in May, Merkling said. 

All of the art pieces are selected by a jury, which changes each month, reviewing submissions and selecting pieces based on ability and merit. The art includes a variety of mediums such as sculptures, paintings and every piece is available for purchase. 

For the April show, her team received more than 100 submissions, with the jury selecting 60 pieces of art and 40 for the photography exhibit. The jury awards a blue ribbon to the best piece and visitors have the opportunity to cast their vote for the People’s Choice. Winning artists receive cash prizes. 

Artists represent a wide range of age and talents, Merkling said, adding she’s had submissions from teenagers and from those who’ve been painting for 50 years or more. The artists in each show represent emerging and established artists. 

Visitors wander the galleries but it’s the lively music from two stages that keeps guests lingering at The Dole, Merkling said. 

“We decided to create an event where people stay the whole night,” Merkling said. We wanted to create something that broke the mold of boring art events.”

At the art of Fourth Fridays Art is the opportunity to bring together art and patrons, with the entertainment adding to the great evening atmosphere. 

“Artists have always been the peacemakers, creating and sharing with others,” Merkling said. “Everyone needs art.”

Guests can also visit the 2nd floor of the Dole Mansion, which is open during the event. There is a cash bar and small bites available as well. 

The Dole is located at 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Admission is $10. The remaining 2022 dates include May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 23, and Oct. 28. For more information visit nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays. 

High School Theatre

CG Drama presents “Almost, Maine”

ALMOST, MAINE
by John Cariani

April 21 – 23

Tickets on sale April 11th at 9 am!

Join us for the last show of the 2021-2022 season!

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

Tickets are $8 and activity passes will be accepted at the door.

Performances are April 21 – 23 at 7:30 pm.

Visit carygrovedrama.org for more information.
Blues Music Rock Soul

American Idol Winner Caleb Johnson Brings Southern Rock and Blues to Raue Center

<Crystal Lake>, IL – March 31, 2022 – Just Announced! Season 13 American Idol Winner Caleb Johnson rocks Raue Center May 28, 2022  at 8 pm. 

Caleb Johnson’s sole mission is to spread the gospel of rock-n-roll! From his beginnings on American Idol to relentless touring with KISS, Black Stone Cherry, and Trans Siberian Orchestra, Johnson has electrified countless audiences with his thunderous voice and magnetic stage presence. 

Now hot off the heels of his critically acclaimed 2019 album, Born From Southern Ground, Johnson is back with a new album entitled Mountain Mojo Vol. 1. Recorded in three whirlwind days at Nashville’s legendary Blackbird Studios, Johnson and company pushed through a tumultuous 2020 and created what could be Caleb’s best record to date. Johnson enlisted the best of the best to back him on this new album. 

His studio band consists of Jason Bonham, Tyler Bryant, Josh Sawyer, Audley Freed, Tony Lucido, Mike Webb, Damon Johnson, Gale Mayes, Devonne Michele, and Angela Primm. The powerhouse collaboration includes some of the biggest names in rock, Nashville’s finest studio musicians, and, of course, Johnson’s thunderous voice.  The combination creates a unique, soulful, southern, and hard-rocking sound. Mountain Mojo was engineered by Grammy winner Brandon Bell (Soundgarden, Brandi Carlisle), mixed by multi-Grammy-winning engineer/mixer Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White), and master by Grammy Winner Pete Lyman (Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers). Looking into the future Johnson hopes that his fans will love this new album as much as he does.

Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center protocols and event requirements are subject to change. COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements may vary by event. Be sure to check your event page on our website to confirm the details of your specific event.  This applies to all rentals as well. 

 For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Classes Education MUSICALS Theatre

STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE FOR NEW MUSICAL ENSEMBLE!

[Crystal Lake, IL] – March 29, 2022 – On March 22nd, Raue Center School For The Arts students took the stage at Raue Center to perform their first showcase as members of the newly formed Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble (YMTE)!

A small but mighty team, the six YMTE students performed selected songs from beloved stage musicals such as Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Shrek, The Secret Garden, Next To Normal, and Mean Girls, with each student featured several times throughout the showcase. Additional lights and sound were provided by Jarrod Bainter, Technical Director, and supported by staff members Jessica Urban and Billy Seger to help elevate the aesthetic of the performance.

“The beauty of this class is that every session will be different, with material that gives everyone a moment in the spotlight while learning how to be a good ensemble member as well,” says class instructor Alayna DeVar, Education Coordinator/Lead Instructor for Raue Center. “The performance was highly regarded and the kids quite literally wouldn’t leave the theatre. We will be running this class again and I look forward to seeing how this class grows and evolves over time.”

The Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble, geared toward students aged 14-18, focuses on vocal technique that expands beyond solo singing into small and large group ensembles. Students enrolled in the class can look forward to musical theatre songs they’ve always wanted to sing, but have not had the back up vocals to bring them fully to life . The collaborative atmosphere, paired with DeVar’s rich background in vocal instruction and pedagogy, makes for the ultimate experience in group singing.

Risk. Explore. Create. Raue Center School For The Arts looks forward to bringing this class back in the Fall of 2022. Until then, be sure to check out rauecenter.org/education or visit facebook.com/rcschoolforthearts for updates on more exciting opportunities, including a brand new Summer Camp experience aptly called “Camp RCSA.” Those looking to enroll students in RCSA programs should be reminded that the institution’s RaueNOW Family Membership offers a 25% discount on enrollment fees for all RCSA classes and workshops as well as an additional 30% discount on select Raue Center programming throughout the year. Scholarship opportunities are also available by contacting rcsaeducation@rauecenter.org.

Raue Center currently requires masks for all patrons 2+. For more information, visit rauecenter.org/covid/. For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

More information and tickets are available by visiting www.rauecenter.org or by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

.

Painting Photography Visual Arts

Call for ALL Artists for NMP’s 4th Fridays Art Event!

Call for ALL Artists for NMP’s 4th Fridays Art Event as we come back to full steam for our April 22nd event.

Submit your artwork here – https://nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays/

Deadline April 10th, 2022

$900 in cash prizes!

Questions?  Connect here – we are happy to help – https://nancymerkling.com/about-nancy-merkling-productions/contact-nancy-merkling/


Nancy Merkling
NMP | Nancy Merkling Productions 
www.NancyMerkling.com  815.347.8535
Studio 104 | The Dole Mansion
401 Country Club Rd.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Professional Photography
Headshots & Portraits, Commercial, Branding & Websites
Photography Instruction
One-on-One Sessions
Group Workshops in Studio & On Location
Chicago Street Photography Workshops
Travel Workshops
Art Event Producer
4th Fridays Art Event at The Dole Mansion [circa 2011]
To Connect on Social Media
Music Rock

FORMER JOURNEY LEAD VOCALIST STEVE AUGERI ROCKS RAUE CENTER

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – March 30, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts welcomes powerhouse rock vocalist, Steve Augeri to the stage May 7, 2022 at 8 pm. 

Drawing on a range of diverse musical influences to deliver a unique take on the genre of melodic rock, Steve Augeri is an American rock singer best known as the lead vocalist for the rock group Journey from 1998 to 2006. Steve debuts with the seven times Platinum “Armageddon” soundtrack then on to record three albums during a successful eight-year tenure that brought one of the world’s most accomplished melodic rock groups back to the stage for multiple world tours and millions of adoring fans.

Prior to Journey, Steve was a founding member of Epic recording artists Tall Stories. The group released its eponymous debut in 1992 and its long-awaited follow-up “Skyscraper” in 2009. It was then on to Melodic Rock group Tyketto, with whom he recorded the 1970’s Retro flavored “Shine” album.

Steve is releasing new music, “The Singles” and touring internationally showcasing these exciting new songs as well as material from his career and introducing “The Steve Augeri Band” in what promises to be a highlight for his many fans around the world.

Tickets start at $65 and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center protocols and event requirements are subject to change. COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements may vary by event. Be sure to check your event page on our website to confirm the details of your specific event.  This applies to all rentals as well. For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Blues Music Soul Tribute

ARETHA FRANKLIN and JOE COCKER Tribute Turns up the Soul

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – March 23, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to celebrate the music of Aretha Franklin and Joe Cocker at 8 p.m. on April 29, 2022! 

LaShera Moore and Derrick Procell take the stage with the energy of Aretha Franklin and Joe Cocker in their prime, masterfully taking you on a musical journey not to be missed. Presented by Soundtracks of a Generation.

The SoulBliss Tour brings together two powerhouses​–Aretha Franklin and Joe Cocker–​ in the same show. Both artists with careers spanning 5 decades, crossing over genres​ and leaving an indelible mark on music for decades to come. 

Explore their music with blistering performances from vocalists Derrick Procell & LaShera Ellis Moore. This 2-hour show is an homage to the most Soulful entertainers to ever grace a stage. Derrick channels Joe and LaShera becomes Aretha with the backing of our tight and dynamic 10 piece ensemble!

For decades Joe Cocker epitomized Blue-Eyed Soul starting in the late ’60s and the legend grew after his unforgettable performance at Woodstock then beyond. Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul with 20 #1 R&B singles, 17 of which were top-ten Pop singles! Don’t miss this soulful tribute to these rock legends. 

Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center protocols and event requirements are subject to change. COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements may vary by event. Be sure to check your event page on our website to confirm the details of your specific event.  This applies to all rentals as well. For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

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Raue Center Welcomes Derrick Procell as 2023-24 Season Artist in Residence

Evening of Percussion Keeps the Beat

Battle of the Bands Winner JJ Smith Returns to Crystal Lake with Special Guest Jake Racina

Audiences on their feet for One Voice Manilow Tribute.

Raue Center Unveils the Highly-Anticipated Return of William Street Repertory