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Classical Music

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH ELGIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S  HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR AT RAUE CENTER

<Crystal Lake>, IL –November 28, 2022 –Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome the Elgin Symphony Orchestra to the stage this December! Celebrate the holidays this year with ESO’s Holiday Spectacular Concert at 8 p.m. on December 9, 2022. 

 

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is unmatched for quality music and a fun, relaxing, cultural experience. From start to finish – the ESO brings world-class, big-city entertainment without the hassles of the big city. 

 

“We are excited to be back live in concert at the Raue Center to celebrate the holidays,” said Marc Thayer, CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. “Our Holiday Spectacular concert, featuring the Elgin Master Chorale, will be a true celebration of holiday spirit. We look forward to sharing all your favorite carols and traditional music that will tempt you to sing along.”

 

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States. Since its founding in 1950, the organization has developed a reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to the social advocacy and economic development of the diverse communities that it serves.

 

Named “Orchestra of the Year” an unprecedented four times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, (1988, 1999, 2005, and 2016) and winner of a 2010 Elgin Image Award, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra is respected for exceptional performance, innovative education programs, and community outreach initiatives.

 

Now, ESO joins Raue Center for a very special Holiday Spectacular concert featuring conductor Timothy Semanik and the Elgin Master Chorale. Timothy Semanik currently serves as music director for the Bradley Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, and the Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra. He was previously music director for the Carleton College Orchestra, the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra, the Northern Illinois University Philharmonic and the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. He was assistant conductor for Welcome Yule! with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

 

Timothy Semanik holds a Doctoral degree in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Michigan. He was a member of the conducting class at the Tanglewood Music Center and a recipient of the Bruno Walter Scholarship at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.

 

Andrew Lewis, music director of the Elgin Master Chorale, was recently described by John von Rhein in the Chicago Tribune as “the inspiring conductor, scholar, and educator” He is the Artistic Director of Bella Voce and the Bella Voce Sinfonia, Music Director of the Elgin Master Chorale, Choirmaster at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston, a member of the faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and assistant conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. He has been a guest conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and has appeared on several occasions as a guest conductor with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. 

 

Tickets start at $53 for the general public and $37.10 for RaueNOW Members 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. 

 

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. 

Jazz Music

The JAZZ AMBASSADORS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY FIELD BAND at Raue Center for Free Concert!

<Crystal Lake>, IL –October 24, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts proudly announces a free concert performed by the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band, on November 16, 2022, @ 7 pm. 

 

The Jazz Ambassadors is the official touring big band of the United States Army. From the big band sounds of the 1940s to the contemporary hits of today, the members of the Jazz Ambassadors present a versatile musical program that has earned them international recognition and appeals to all ages. 

 

One of the finest big bands in the world today, the Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, DC, tours thousands of miles each year to promote patriotism and goodwill for the U.S. Army through free public concerts. The Army’s official touring big band has appeared in a variety of high-profile contexts, including performances with the Columbus (OH) Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Syracuse Symphony. During a joint performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marvin Hamlisch declared, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country.” This unique collaboration with Maestro Hamlisch has included the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra, and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.

 

Other recent, notable performances include appearances at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Jazz Education Network Conference in Louisville, KY, the Kennedy Center Honors, and The Colbert Report.

 

A highly competitive audition process draws candidates from leading conservatories, universities, and the professional ranks. Many members of the Jazz Ambassadors have extensive civilian performance experience. Alumni have gone on to careers in university teaching, studio recording, and performance. In 1969, Army Field Band Commander Major Hal Gibson formed the Studio Band in response to an increased demand for jazz performances. The Studio Band became the Army’s premier touring jazz ensemble and was renamed the Jazz Ambassadors in 1979. The band has appeared in all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Whether at a world-renowned venue or playing in the grassroots of America, the Jazz Ambassadors impress audiences with their virtuosity. The ability to connect with their audience has attracted the attention of Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts, and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet, just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have shared the stage with America’s Big Band. 

 

Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are programmed to entertain all types of audiences. Many of the ensemble’s members arrange and compose music highlighting the group’s creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, bebop, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, and patriotic selections. Wherever they travel, the Jazz Ambassadors proudly carry the message of patriotism and goodwill to audiences worldwide.

 

This is a free-ticketed event. To claim your tickets visit Raue Center Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake 60014  or email boxoffice@rauecenter.org.

 

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. 

Music Rock Tribute

ROTARY ROCKS THE RAUE WITH THE DEFINITIVE FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE BAND

<Crystal Lake>, IL –October 12, 2022 – Rotary Rocks Raue Center with “Fleetwood Max: The Definitive Fleetwood Mac Tribute.” This fundraising event will raise the roof with rockin’ music. Experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks with Fleetwood Max at 8 p.m. on November 5, 2022. 

 

“Fleetwood Max truly brings the music of Fleetwood Mac to life,” says Raue Center Board President, Tim Paul. “From the haunting, melodic sounds of Stevie Nicks to the driving beats of Mick Fleetwood, it makes for a night audiences won’t soon forget.”  

 

From the “Rumours” album in 1977 to current touring setlists, Fleetwood Max performs an authentic recreation of the music, magic, and incredible stage production of the legendary Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac at the height of their careers!  The Fleetwood Max experience captures the mystical atmosphere, look and sound of these enigmatic Rock and Roll Hall of Famers with outstanding vocal and character performances by a cast of the most respected professional touring musicians on the East Coast. 

 

Lead vocalist Sharon Epperson is a Stevie Nicks look-and-sound-alike who is nearly indistinguishable in her every move, look, and passionate vocals. The audience will be transported to an enchanted place that truly embodies Nicks, with breathtaking costuming and compelling performances of her hit songs, including “Sara,” “Gypsy,” “Rhiannon,” “Edge of Seventeen” and more.

 

Vocalist and guitarist David Epperson will hypnotize the audience when he takes the stage as Lindsey Buckingham, demonstrating inspired, accomplished guitar and vocal veracity during group numbers, including “Go Your Own Way” and acoustic flair with a rarely seen live, note-for-note performance of the crowd favorite, “Big Love.”  

 

“The Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers is very excited to be able to support local organizations in need with the proceeds from our treasured partnership with the Raue Center in presenting “Rotary Rocks The Raue!” says Cliff Jackson, Rotary’s director of membership.

 

Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers was founded in 1989 and is part of Rotary International. The Rotary motto: Service Above Self has been demonstrated in the community and on an international level by the club.

Annual Western Auctions raised nearly 2 million dollars for charitable giving over 30 years. Dawnbreakers have supported scholarships, health services, senior care, police, fire, park district, homeless shelters, children’s art /theater, food pantries, and global efforts with Rotary International.

 

Beyond giving financial support, the club members contribute hours of service to Habitat for Humanity, Home of the Sparrow, Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Road Cleanup, mentoring high school students through Interact, serving those in need with Breakfast with Santa as well as other programs to help our community survive and thrive.

The Rotary Rocks the Raue fundraiser was developed to generate funds to give in 2021. Dawnbreakers are grateful for the community support of this year’s event, past fundraising efforts, and the opportunity to serve.

Rotary International was founded in 1905 in Chicago. Today there are over 33,000 clubs worldwide and over 1.3 million Rotarians.

 

Tickets start at $45 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. 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. 

Music Pop Tribute

ABBA Tribute at Raue Center has Audience on their feet

@ RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

OCTOBER 15, 2022 @ 8P

From London’s West End to Las Vegas, MANIA the ABBA tribute (Formerly ABBA MANIA) remains the world’s No. 1 touring ABBA tribute show. Formed in 1999, this production has sold out theaters and concert halls across the globe, with over 3,000 live concerts in over 30 countries, bringing the music of the beloved Swedish supergroup to 3 million people.

In an exhilarating, two-hour recreation of one of ABBA’s most memorable concerts, MANIA brought to life the flamboyance of the ‘70s to Raue Center’s stage featuring uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs from the iconic Swedish band, with fantastic costumes, staging, lighting and effects.

Audience members who came dressed to impress could enter to win a raffle for fantastic prizes!

Photos courtesy of Todd Heintz Photography

Mania: The ABBA Tribute 2022

Costume Contest Raffle Highlights

Drums/Percussion Music

MEET THE CRYSTAL LAKE STRIKER EDUCATIONAL DRUM LINES

COME ON OUT!

Girls! Boys! Middle School! Elementary School! High School! Special Needs! Competitive Color Guard! Competitive WGI Drumline!

The Crystal Lake Strikers have educational ensembles that check all these boxes! Come and learn more about them…and register for a $50 tuition credit (limited supply).

DATE:
September 25, 2022

TIME: 11 AM – 1 PM

LOCATION: Striker Hall 54 Lou St. Crystal Lake

CONTACT: JAMIE.HAAK@CLSTRIKERS.COM

Country Music Rock

Local favorite Bourbon Country rocks Arts On The Green

Raue Center For The Arts kicked off its second annual outdoor summer series ARTS ON THE GREEN at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave in Crystal Lake Saturday, July 9th at 7 pm with resident artists Bourbon Country!

Featuring Randy Leggee, Jody and Paul Fields, and Wade Frazier, Bourbon Country delighted the crowd with a blend of country and rock music.

Bourbon Country will appear in multiple engagements at Raue Center For The Arts during the 2022-23 season as its Artists in Residence.

For more information and tickets visit rauecenter.org

Photos by Todd Heintz Photography

Blues Music Pop Rock Soul

Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Derrick Procell Returns to  Raue Center’s Arts On The Green with new album!

photo by Todd Heintz Photography

<Crystal Lake>, IL – July 6, 2022 –Great entertainment is back and in your backyard, McHenry County! Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce the second annual ARTS ON THE GREEN outdoor series at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church at 210 McHenry Ave in Crystal Lake! Enjoy music and live entertainment in the great outdoors this summer!

 

Join us for the award-winning singer-songwriter, and Catfood Records original recording artist Derrick Procell at Arts On The Green on August 6, 2022, @ 7 pm for the release of his latest album “Hello Mojo!” Listen to the best of Rock, Blues, and Soul! 

 

Originally from Milwaukee, Derrick Procell is a sought-after frontman, vocalist, and musician performing as a solo artist, with his band Derrick Procell and the Redeemers, and with Soundtracks of a Generation.  An incredible singer and songwriter, Derrick’s songs have been recorded by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Logan Daniels, and Melissa Manchester. You have heard Derrick’s songs on My Name is Earl, TrueBlood, Criminal Minds, Boston Legal, Saving Grace, The Office, True Blood, King of the Hill, and the Oscar-nominated film, Lady Bird. Check out his latest album “Hello Mojo” 

 

Linda Cain of Chicago Blues Guide calls Procell’s music “a treasure trove of richly detailed story-songs that immerse the listener in the blues experience from the Delta to Chicago and beyond. Blues fans around the world seeking smart, powerful modern blues songs that honor the legacy of the genre’s masters will find it here.”

 

Tickets for Raue’s Arts On The Green start at $20. Student (18 & under) tickets are $8. 

 

 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. 

Music Pop

Tina Naponelli pays tribute to Carole King at Raue Center’s Arts On The Green

<Crystal Lake>, IL – July 7, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce a unique and unforgettable tribute experience at its second annual Arts On The Green at St. Mary’s! Don’t miss great entertainment in the great outdoors with Tina Naponelli in “Tapestry Unraveled: The Music of Carole King” at 7 p.m. on Saturday,  Jul 16, 2022

“This show will send audiences home knowing more background about the history of Carole King’s music,” says Raue Center Board President Tim Paul. “Tina Naponelli brings out all the memories with each Carole King song she performs. Along with her Musical Director Evan Swanson, Tina is superb in her interpretation of this iconic music.”

Hailed as one of the most successful and talented female pop artists, King has carved out an iconic place in music history. King began her rise to the music hall of fame as the songwriter of classics like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow (The Shirelles) and “Take Good Care of My Baby” (Bobby Vee). In 1971, King’s solo album “Tapestry” launched her to the top of the charts with hits like “I Feel the Earth Move” and “Natural Woman,” winning her four Grammy Awards for Best Record, Song and Album of the Year, as well as Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female Honors.

With her powerful voice and soulful dedication, Naponelli has captured the true essence of King in this unique and unforgettable tribute experience. Backed by a bold five-piece band, Naponelli pays homage to the iconic Queen of Pop with impressive renditions of “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Chains” and “You’ve Got a Friend” from King’s “Tapestry” album as well as other favorites.

A Crystal Lake native, Naponelli is no stranger to the entertainment industry. She is a proud graduate of North Central College, where she studied theatre performance. Since graduating, Naponelli has created successful cabarets in tribute to Sara Bareilles and hits from the kings and queens of the music industry. She has also gone on to be a part of several theatrical productions, with recent theatre credits including “Tomorrow Morning” (Kokandy Productions), “Beehive” and “Suds: The Rocking 60’s Musical” (Williams Street Repertory), “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Columbinus 2.0” (American Theater Company). 

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

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. 

Music

BRITISH ICONS MODERN ENGLISH ROCK RAUE CENTER AS PART OF NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 18, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts welcomes legendary British band Modern English to Crystal Lake on June 26, 2022, at 8 pm as a part of their long-awaited upcoming 2022 North American headline tour. Performing its classic 1982 album, After the Snow, in its entirety and classics from its extensive catalog. The tour was originally scheduled for Summer 2020 and was postponed due to the pandemic. 

“When we finally play the whole of the ‘After the Snow’ album for the first time on tour, emotions will run high. Expect a lot of pent-up energy and excitement. It’s been  a long time coming and will be worth the wait.”

 “I Melt With You” by Modern English is one of the most iconic songs of the New Wave era. It garnered heavy rotation on the then-thriving Modern Rock radio format, MTV and dance clubs across the globe, and was prominently featured in the classic 1983 film Valley Girl, starring a young Nicolas Cage. 

On 1982’s “After the Snow,” the band’s sound evolved from the dark, moody, and challenging post-punk found on its debut, Mesh & Lace, to a more commercial and radio-friendly mix of synthesizers, guitars, catchy drumbeats, and singer Robbie Grey’s unmistakable vocals. As the title suggests, the icy sound featured on Mesh & Lace melted away on After the Snow to reveal more concise and potent songs, highlighted by “I Melt With You” which brought the band up from the underground to the mainstream. It’s a song so popular that the band was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 BMI Awards for six million plays on the radio. 

Modern English would record various records over the years, and most recently, the band released its latest album, 2017’s “Take Me To The Trees,” an album that reconnected the band to their youth, in the world of late 1970s/early 1980s post-punk Britain–dark and austere while still melodic and passionate.

Tickets start at $27 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. 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. 

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

You May Have Missed

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