Friday, January 30, 2026 at 8pm
@ Raue Center For The Arts
For more than 47 years, Denny Svehla has been traveling the country sharing his music. For the past 24 years, he has dedicated himself to celebrating the songs and stories of Neil Diamond.
A Neil Diamond Story goes beyond the legendary hits—it dives into Neil’s expansive catalog, spotlighting the songs that lived on your favorite LPs, 8-tracks, and cassettes.
Svehla creates an intimate, engaging, and dynamic experience filled with music and storytelling. Part tribute, part journey, this show is a must for lifelong fans and a revelation for newcomers—crafted with deep respect for both the music and the audience.
More at dennydiamond.com
presented by
DENNY “DIAMOND” SVEHLA
AS NEIL DIAMOND
Emerging from the elite Chicago music scene in Illinois, Award-Winning Neil Diamond tribute artist Denny Svehla began hitting the ground running in the music realm in 1999, and since that time has manifested into one of the most versatile and multifaceted tribute acts to hit the stage.
Projecting his own signature stylization to a very familiar sound, Denny’s baritone vocal approach and reminiscence of Neil himself has become a stand-out around the country and one of the most sought after acts since he started gracing venues & events nation-wide over the last 20 years. Comprised as a one-man show, he performed an exceptional high-attendance 89-city US Tour, “Neil Diamond Story”, and garnered critical acclaim and positive reception throughout every city the tour was booked.
With Neil Diamond being his core inspiration, Denny’s musical merit also stems from a vast array of other prominent artist influences that include Tom Jones, Barry Manilow, Willie Nelson, Josh Groban, Dean Martin, Ray Charles and Jim Croce.
Denny also won an award with The Akademia for Best Cover/Folk Song in 2016 for the song “Diamond Mountain”.
As Denny continues to compose, create, manifest and innovate throughout today and beyond.
This eventually lead to a chance meeting with Sean Kelly. A talented musician who was traveling with the group Sixpence None The Richer. A group most known for their hits, “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes”. With Sean’s help they created a group that has been playing in Nashville since, ‘2001’. “Denny Diamond and The Longfellows” has become a well known, long running act, performing a tribute to the music of Neil Diamond. They perform regularly in Nashville and are often headlining Festivals and Corporate events.
Denny can also be seen performing with his two son’s Lucas and Spenser. Together they are known as “Denny Diamond and The Family Jewels”. They have delighted audiences across the nation performing their fun and energetic tribute to one of America’s favorite singer/songwriters, Neil Diamond. Mix in songs made famous by artists like Johnny Cash, Roger Miller and various other entertainers to round out an evening of great music. They have proven to be a great addition to any Festival or Corporate Event.
About The Change of Habit Tribute Band
For more than 25 years, the Change of Habit Tribute Band (COH) has been one of the premier tribute acts in the country, celebrated for their authentic sound, high-energy performances, and unmatched versatility. Founded with a mission to keep the music of rock and roll’s golden era alive, the band has built a reputation for honoring legendary artists with respect, precision, and heart.
Best known for their work with top Elvis Presley tribute artists, COH has performed on some of the biggest stages in the United States and abroad, earning praise for their ability to capture the excitement and soul of Elvis’s original live shows. Beyond Elvis, the band’s expansive repertoire spans the greatest hits of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, showcasing the timeless music that shaped generations.
The members of COH are all seasoned professionals who bring decades of experience to the stage. Their attention to detail—whether recreating a classic arrangement or adding fresh energy to a fan favorite—makes every performance unforgettable.
With a dynamic blend of musical talent, showmanship, and a deep love for the music they perform, the Change of Habit Tribute Band has become a favorite at festivals, theaters, casinos, and special events nationwide. Wherever they go, audiences are guaranteed a night of nostalgia, excitement, and pure rock-and-roll joy.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Paul, board president
John Jacobsen, vice president
Jerry Trachsler, treasurer
Luanne Flavin, secretary
Mike H. Johnson
Jack Minsley
Rich Naponelli
Michelle Nowland
Sandra Pierce
Steven Szalaj
Stacey McInerney
RAUE CENTER STAFF
Richard Kuranda
Raue Center CEO & Founding Artistic Director of Williams Street Repertory
Justin Wellington
Managing Director
Jenna Klaproth
Operations Manager
Meredith Schaefer-Flowers
Director of Marketing &
Institutional Advancement
Michele V. Knight
Marketing Manager
James Knight
Economic Development Manager
Rob Scharlow
Raue Center School for the Arts
Director of Education
Maribeth Ling
Front of House Manager
Chris Tumblin
Raue Center Director of Production
Lisa Giebler
Technical Director
Ryan Meadow
Raue Center Production Manager
James Mablin
Resident Music Director
Box Office Staff
Naomi Unverzagt
Max Powers
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.
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