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Featured Professional Theatre Theatre

WSRep presents a heavenly comedy this summer

<Crystal Lake>, IL –  June 3, 2024 – Williams Street Rep, the in-house professional theatre company at Raue Center, is proud to present “An Act of God” by David Javerbaum, directed by Pat Henderson. This hilarious comedy of biblical proportions will run from August 2 to August 25, 2024.

 

Based on a satirical book and Twitter account, “An Act of God” is a 90-minute conversation in which God reveals the mysteries of the Bible and answers some of the greatest existential questions that plague mankind. Recommended for ages 13+, the play promises to be an entertaining and thought-provoking experience for audiences of all ages.

 

“An Act of God” features a talented cast and crew, led by director Pat Henderson. Henderson says, “I like to think God has a sense of humor and through humor, we can explore topics and create an opportunity to see things from an open perspective. It removes defensiveness.”

 

The play has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The New York Times writes, “I could quote every other line from Mr. Javerbaum’s annotation of the Scriptures and gather a chuckle, so deliriously funny is he as a sort of amateur theologian and stand-up comedy genius rolled into one.” Time Out New York calls it “clever and even refreshingly positive,” while New York Magazine praises its “smart” and “theatrically savvy” humor.

 

WSRep has assembled a cast including Göran Norquist as God, Kirk Osgood as Michael, Nathan Short as Gabriel, and, Daniel Martin (God u/s ) and Ross Dobbins (Michael and Gabriel u/s)

 

Don’t miss this hilarious and insightful comedy at Raue Center. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1039400/act-of-god-crystal-lake-raue-center-for-the-arts. For more information about Williams Street Rep and upcoming productions, visit wsrep.org.

 

Tickets start at $30  ($21 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. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

Cast List:

Göran Norquist – God

Kirk Osgood  – Michael

Nathan Short – Gabriel

Daniel Martin  – God u/s 

Ross Dobbins  – Michael and Gabriel u/s

 

Director: Pat Henderson

Executive Producer: Robin Hughes+

Technical Director: Lisa Giebler

 

Founding Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda+ 

Managing Director: Justin Wellington

Operations Manager: Jenna Klaproth

Director of Production: Chris Tumblin 

Production Manager: Ryan Meadow

Marketing Director: Meredith Schaefer

 

WSRep’s production of “An Act Of God” opens on August 2, 2024, and runs on select dates through August 25, 2024, at Raue Center. For more information, please visit wsrep.org.

Featured MUSICALS Theatre

RCSA presents “Static” an interative morse code musical.

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

She started writing the script before she could drive a car. Now, at 19 Tess Rowan is a few days away from acting in the full production of her musical, “Static” as it debuts on stage at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake. 

Presented by Raue Center School For The Arts, Director  Rob Scharlow, said, “This presents such a valuable opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of Static. I am excited to collaborate with Tess and help bring her show to life in a fully realized production. I previously worked with Tess at Stagedoor Manor in New York on several short 10-minute plays she authored. I have been following the evolution of Static since she first started promoting it on social media. 

“It’s been so exciting,” Rowan said. “I started writing it at 14 and there have been so many changes throughout the show.” 

Rowan said she and the musical have grown up these past five years as she developed the script, wrote the music and lyrics. Within the first year of creating the draft Rowan won awards for the show, providing encouragement and funding for her to continue the pursuit. 

The show made its world premiere at the Capital Fringe Festival in 2022 where it won Best Musical and Best Ensemble in a production that Rowan performed and directed. 

Performing comes naturally to Rowan who has been acting in theater shows since the age of 5. She’s participated in children’s productions of Disney musicals such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast” as well as a production of “Annie.” 

At 14 she started working on the first drafts of the musical’s script. She also began to teach herself guitar and piano. 

“I grew up around the theater and love musicals and I decided I wanted to write a musical and I quickly learned it would help if I can play instruments,” Rowan said. She’s recently been working on playing the banjo too. 

“Static” is a musical about a teen, Maine, who is trying to find her father who’s lost in the woods of the Appalachian Trial. Maine teams up with another teen in effort to find her dad and the story of their friendship and a hidden family history unfold. 

Rowan described the musical sound as folk rock. She’s created an interactive aspect to the musical. Embedded within the music is morse code, and the audience travels on a journey to decode messages within the show. 

The musical includes themes about family and connections and how individuals can connect with each other in their connections to nature, Rowan said. 

Nature and the setting in the musical also serves as an important character in the show. Away from the stage lights, Rowan said she loves being outdoors. 

“The No. 1 item on my bucket list is to hike the Appalachian Trail,” she said, explaining the hike takes anywhere from three to six months. 

She’s taken smaller hiking trips including at age 17 she experienced a weekend trip of hiking alone. 

“Nature is where I feel most inspired to write,” she said. 

Rowan grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

For the production she’s taken up residence in Crystal Lake for the summer, enjoying walks through the downtown to explore shops, restaurants and outdoor spaces in the community. 

“I’ve tried a bunch of restaurants,” she added. 

She’s enjoyed learning about the community, including attending the Field Day, a 24-hour event in June hosted by the 415 Amateur Radio Club in Crystal Lake. 

Scharlow added, “RCSA continues to offer opportunities to the community that educates all participants. It is truly inspiring to share this process with our ensemble of 7 actors. They not only get the chance to perform, but also to engage in the overall creative development. For the cast, witnessing the script modifications, the creation of new and original characters, and observing the resident music director of Raue Center assemble a complete piano conductor and more, is truly remarkable. We are thrilled to introduce something new and unique to Crystal Lake.”

In addition to working on “Static” Rowan is assisting with the Raue Center’s children’s production of “Moana Jr” as a choreographer and said she loves being around the young cast members. At the conclusion of the shows Rowan will return to the east coast for her sophomore year at New York University. 

 “Static” performances at the Raue Center in downtown Crystal Lake start July 12 through July 21 and tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. See rauecenter.org to order tickets and for showtimes. 

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Camp Featured Theatre Youth

Raue Center theater camp fosters love for the stage

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

When the curtain rises on Disney’s Moana Jr. later this month at Raue Center For The Arts theater in Crystal Lake, the audience will easily recognize the familiar characters and the songs. For nearly half the cast, it will be their first time in a stage performance complete with costumes and props.

“I’ve done dance, jazz, ballet and hip hop, but this has much more choreography,” said cast member Izzy.
Her cast member Norah B., chimed in as well.

“I didn’t know it would be this much hard work,” said Norah B., who will be playing Pua in the production.
The students have honed their skills, learned what it takes to produce a musical and had lots of fun too as part of the annual Raue Center School For The Arts Theater Camp. The day camp program has brought together students ages 7 to 13 in this summer show. The production crew includes a talented cast, including individuals that have performed at the Raue Center and in their high school and college productions. Overseeing the show is director Christina Giorgi, a recent graduate of Illinois Weslyn University, who brings her experience as an actress and show producer.

“It’s a really big feat putting on a show in six weeks with 30 kids, but they are handling it really well,” Giorgi said.
Head of choreography is Tess Rowan, an actress, writer, musician who is assisting with Moana Jr. while preparing for her own stage production at the Raue Theater this month. Rowan, who recalls performing in several productions when she was a child, said she loves working with the students.

“I can see how they care, are coming out of their shells,” Rowan said.

For some of the campers, it has opened their eyes to a new love for acting.

“I used to be in ballet and I had recitals and on stage, but this I love the most. I love being a character,” said cast member Julia U.

Cast member Abby B. said she has enjoyed how the production team takes the time and patience to teach while making it fun too. In between learning choreography and lines students have played games, tried their hands at tie-dye and enjoyed other fun activities.

Cast member Ross B. is excited to perform as Maui, bringing humor to the show. “You’re going to like the show,” he added.

Giorgi said it’s been important that all cast members feel engaged with the show and their characters.
“I’ve asked even the ensemble members to think about their character, what is their name, their job on the island, how do they relate to Moana,” Giorgi said.

Eva C. landed the role of Moana, and while she’s had some prior acting through the Crystal Lake Park District, this role feels different she said.

“{Moana} is very brave and strong all the time and sometimes I feel that with her. I kind of connect with her,” Eva said.
And for cast member Scarlett W., who will be playing the bedazzled crab Tamatoa, the best part of the multi-week theater camp has been enjoying the work on production and making a lot of new friends. With cast members brought together from across the community, it has been an opportunity for new friendships that will last well after the curtain closes.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends,” cast member Ava R. said. “Every day is a really fun day. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun.”

The 60-minute stage show opens at Raue Center For The Arts July 25, 26 and 27. Shows are at 7 p.m. with a matinee show at 2 p.m. July 27. Tickets are available at rauecenter.org.
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Family-Friendly Featured News

Bicycle Riding at Night

By Ron & Jackie Eberle

“Nothing goods happens after midnight” is a saying that has been used in various contexts; however, when it comes to riding your bicycle, a totally new experience can be realized during a night ride. A regular route you cycle through the daytime changes with the arrival of night. Vehicular traffic lessens, nocturnal animals emerge, your senses see and feel a different environment from the daytime hours and ride. 

You do not need to stop cycling in low light or nighttime hours, but you do need to tweak some things to make riding at night safer.  Here are some tips to make yourself seen.  Regardless of daytime or nighttime, you should ALWAYS wear a helmet, ride with the flow of traffic (never against) and ride predictably. 

Ride with Lights:  Either a flashing or steady white light in the front of your bicycle and a red light on the rear of your bicycle. Based on LED technology, the brightness and range of bike lights has increased substantially.

Visible Clothing:  Bright colors with reflective strips on your torso and on body parts that move the most (i.e., legs, feet or ankles).  These colors and reflectors make you stand out to drivers better. In addition, you can purchase tires with reflective sidewalls that also help at night by focusing on the distinctive movement of a bicycle to someone driving.

Plan Your Route and/or Ride the Route in Daylight First:  Know where you want to go, and which route is safest.  Even in daytime, there are streets and roads that are to be avoided. This understanding does not change during the night, regardless of reduced traffic.   Cycle the route you are planning to ride at night, during the day.  This is to make sure you know of any challenging spots and can manage them in the day – they can often be more difficult at night.

Ride with a Group:  If possible, having additional bike riders around you when cycling at night can help increase your visibility to other road users. There are also more eyes to look out for hazards on the road and more hands to lend if a mechanical problem happens. Remember though, when riding in a group, ride no more than two abreast in the street and stay to the right. 

Ride where you can be seen. Try not to hug the gutter when riding at night and try not to weave in and out of the flow of traffic.  Stop at stop signs and follow other traffic regulations and patterns.  Never ride against the flow of traffic.

Specific to the Night Owl, remember it’s a ride and NOT a race.  Ride in control, at a comfortable pace and have fun!

 

Event: Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 p.m., rider check-in begins at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cost: By August 2nd $30 | Day of Registration $35 | children 12 & under $15
T-shirts are an additional $25 and can be purchased via our store on the registration page.

Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85921/raue-centers-night-owl-bike-ride

Community Family-Friendly Featured Fundraisers

Explore Crystal Lake at night with the Night Owl Bike Ride

Raue Center appreciates The Land Conservancy’s history and help with the transition of The Night Owl Bike Ride. Originators Ron and Jackie Eberle are on the 2024 committee and sat down with us recently to share a little Night Owl History.  Please enjoy this quick trip down memory lane and we hope you’ll join us on August 3, 2024.

The Crystal Lake Night Owl Bicycle Ride has its roots in The L.A.T.E. Ride put on by the Friends of the Chicago Park District. The L.A.T.E. Ride was a fundraiser for the Chicago Park District that took place in the City of Chicago and circled the city in the late evening hours.

After participating in a number of L.A.T.E. Rides, I approached the City of Crystal Lake with the idea of hosting a similar ride in Crystal Lake in 2012. The ride’s purpose was to promote bicycling as a means of transportation within the City of Crystal Lake.

From the initial planning stages, City staff was supportive of the ride and worked with the planning group to make the ride happen. Kudos go out to the late Mayor Aaron Shepley for his enthusiasm, and to City Council Members Ellen Brady and the late Ralph Dawson for volunteering as Route Marshalls. To this day, the ride starts and ends at the Crystal Lake City Hall.

Not knowing what to expect as far as participation, the initial ride generated nearly 200 riders. The primary sponsor of the initial ride and for many years thereafter was The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and our two local bike shops, Wheel Werks and Lucky Brake.

We are excited for the Raue Center to take on the Night Owl Ride as it is one of the unique events that makes Crystal Lake A good place to live.

 

To register for Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride visit
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85921/raue-centers-night-owl-bike-ride

Featured Theatre

Faith Community United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake proudly presents 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche

Faith Community United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake proudly presents 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, brought to you by Mosaic Players, a traveling theatre troupe whose work embraces social justice, human rights, and equality. 
 
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche is a scintillating satire of women’s roles in the 1950s, enlisting its characters in a caricature of the sexism, heterosexism, consumerism, and Communism exuberant in the era. 
 
Come join us for this absurdly adorable and unapologetic declaration of lesbi-independence!
 
When: Friday, June 7, at 7:30 (refreshments served at 6:30, post-show talkback at 8:30)
Where: Faith Community United Church of Christ
Tickets: $5
Featured Visual Arts

RAUE CENTER to HOST 6th Annual 6X6 PROJECT Art Auction and Reception

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – May 28, 2024 – Raue Center For The Arts is proud to host its sixth annual 6×6 Project Art Auction and Reception on June 29, 2024, from 5:30 to 8 pm. 

 

Artists of all ages and abilities were invited to participate in the fundraiser and online art auction/exhibition by creating original works of art, in a variety of mediums, on 6” x 6” canvases. 

 

“This is a wonderful fundraiser that gets people involved on many levels,” says 6×6 Project Co-Chair, Michelle Nowland. “There are many talented people in our community from all walks of life.”

 

“In these six years, there have been over 500 artists contributing over 1000 individual works of art to support Raue Center’s educational programs, Mission Imagination, and Raue Center School For The Arts. Each year, more artists get involved and the art just keeps getting better and better,” Nowland adds.  “The artwork is uploaded to an auction site and the bidding is all done online. This allows for anyone, local or not, to bid on these mini works of original art and we ship to winning bidders free of charge.” 


These mini-masterpieces are now available for viewing and bidding on Auctria.com or at https://charityauction.bid/6x6project2024 You can also see the canvases in person on display in mini-mosaics installed in various locations in Crystal Lake and Woodstock including, Countryside Nursery, Out of the Box in Crystal Lake, Material Things Artisan Market in Woodstock, and of course Raue Center For The Arts. 

 

Online bidding opens on June 10 and closes at 8 pm on June 29, 2024, after the public reception and gallery viewing at Raue Center. Admission is free and open to the public.  Artists and the community are invited to attend the reception to view the art in a mosaic installation featuring all submissions. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the arts (and the artists) in our community! All proceeds of the 6×6 Project will benefit Raue Center’s fine art education programs, Mission Imagination, and Raue Center School For The Arts, which have enriched the lives of over 250,000 children in the local community since 2001. The 6×6 Project fundraiser has raised over $80,000 to date since its inaugural season.

 

The 6th Annual 6×6 Project is made possible through the generous support of sponsors Loretta Rosenmayer, Miller Verchota, and Willow Springs Charitable Trust. For more information on the 6×6 Project and Raue Center’s educational programs, please visit rauecenter.org or email 6x6project@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 theater named for its benefactor—Lucille 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 theater, 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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Comedy Featured Stand-up

Quartet of Comedy favorites returns to Raue Center with a new show just in time for Father’s Day!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – March 26, 2024– Veteran comedians Steve Cochran, John Da Cosse, and Tim Benker are joined by the very funny Jim Flannigan for this 890 WLS Radio Comedy Event just in time for Father’s Day, Friday,  June 14, at 8 pm. !  It’s “For Fathers “…but fun for everyone!

 

In honor of Father’s Day, the guys share their perspectives on having Fathers, being Fathers, sons, husbands, exes, and future husbands. With over 140 years of combined experience and over 50,000 shows in front of more than 10 million people, the guys will FINALLY be able to say the things all Fathers have always wanted to say.  

 

Join Steve, John, Tim, and Jim as they turn Raue Center into their own personal mancave for a Father’s Day Comedy Show that’s sure to meet Dad’s approval!

 

A radio personality for over 30 years, Cochran has hosted his own show from the coast, settling in Chicago in the late ‘90s. Cochran has also worked as an actor, appearing in films such as “Grumpy Old Men,” and as a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” Throughout the years, Cochran has also performed stand-up comedy with many of the greats in the business. He enjoys getting out and doing live performances about four times a year, including his annual New Year’s Eve show, now in its 17th year! Cochran is perhaps best known for hosting his own show, The Cochran Show, on WLS and previously on WGN Radio, following in the “mic-checks” of legends such as Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, and Spike O’Dell.

 

DaCosse is known as a WLS Radio personality and the curator of Raue Center’s Lucy’s Comedy series. During his 30-plus years in stand-up comedy, the brilliant DaCosse has developed a solid reputation nationwide. He has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson, and Billy Gardell and has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central, and TBS. DaCosse has also served as an audience warm-up for Rosie O’Donnell and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” He, along with his well-known character voices, can regularly be heard on Steve Cochran’s morning show on WLS.

 

Tim Benker is a veteran of Chicago comedy and has opened for many well-known acts such as Jay Leno, Rosie O Donnell, Steven Wright, Richard Lewis, and Walt Willey. Benker has also made himself useful in daylight hours by hosting morning radio in Las Vegas and Houston and also produced a variety show around his alter ego “The Very Famous Lance Vegas.”

 

Jim Flannigan is a nationally touring stand-up comedian from Chicago. Known for his fast-paced, clever punchlines,  Jim is a regular headliner at top comedy clubs including Zanies and The Improv, as well as being a regular performer at Chicago’s Laugh Factory and Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas, NV.  Jim has opened for some of the biggest names in the world of comedy, including Sebastian Maniscalco and has made TV appearances on ABC, WGN, NBC Sports, and IFC Network. Flannigan is also the co-host of the hilarious All Over the Place, a weekly podcast that is just that, with Pat McGann. Jim’s debut album, About Time, was recorded at the legendary Zanies in Rosemont, IL for release in 2022.  

 

Tickets start at $25* for the general public and $17.50* 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. 

 

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

 

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. 

Featured Music Tribute

SoundTracks Of A Generation Presents “The Lennon Project” at Raue Center For The Arts

<Crystal Lake>, IL – March 27, 2024 – SoundTracks Of A Generation is proud to present “The Lennon Project”, a 100-minute retrospective of the songs and life of John Lennon, at Raue Center For The Arts on Saturday, June 15 at 7p.

 

The show will feature Jay Goeppner, one of the best Lennonesque singers on the planet, assuming the role of John Lennon. Together with his crack SoundTracks band, Goeppner will take the audience on a chronological soundscape of Lennon’s career, from his time with the Beatles to his solo work.

 

The first half of the show will cover the Beatles’ decision to stop touring and focus on music composed in the studio, leading to iconic albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Rubber Soul, Revolver, The White Album, Abbey Road, and the rooftop concert for Let It Be.

 

The second half of the show will delve into John Lennon’s solo career, featuring songs from The Plastic Ono Band to his signature album Imagine, Sometime In New York City, Mind Games, Walls & Bridges, and Rock & Roll. The show will conclude with selections from John and Yoko’s final recording, Double Fantasy, released just before his death on December 8, 1980.

 

The show will also include multimedia images to create a monumental musical and emotional impact that John Lennon brought to the world.

 

Tickets start at $30* ($21* 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. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

Don’t miss this chance to experience the unforgettable music and legacy of John Lennon.

 

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. 

Featured Music Pop Rock

Jay Goeppner of The Lennon Project pays his respects to John Lennon’s life and music.

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

To be clear, Jay Goeppner doesn’t look like John Lennon. He doesn’t imitate his accent; he doesn’t wear small spectacles. But when the music begins, Goeppner takes the microphone in hand and transports his audience back in time as he performs the music of John Lennon and the Beatles.

“I’m not trying to be John Lennon,” Goeppner said. “I’m taking the stage as a fan who loves the music. I tell the stories about what was going on in John’s life at the time he wrote the music.”

Goeppner, a Chicago-area native, has played in 22 countries and countless concerts bringing the music and the messages of his idol John Lennon. He’s more than another cover band, having received first-hand accolades from fellow musicians praising his ability to capture the essence of Lennon’s music.

Goeppner will bring his well-loved show, The Lennon Project to the stage of The Raue Center on June 15, his first time playing the Crystal Lake stage.

“It’s a concert. It’s a celebration of John’s work. It tells the story of what was going on when John was writing the music,” Goeppner said.

Goeppner is a true storyteller, whether he is sharing tales from his musical adventures or delving into the messages of Lennon’s music. In the concert, he begins with Lennon’s contribution to the “Sgt. Peper Lonely Hearts Club Band” released in 1967 and how the album changed music traversing through the Beatles years through Lennon’s solo work until his untimely death in 1980.

Goeppner said the latter music of Lennon, as he advocated for peace in a time of turmoil, is a message that continues to resonate in our challenging times.

“John was very intellectual,” Goeppner said. “He absolutely thought he could make a difference.”
Goeppner was a choir boy who idolized John Lennon and his music. At 14 he entered and won a Lennon sound-a-like contest at Beatlefest. He loved to sing, but when his idol was shot and killed outside of his New York home in 1980, the music became too painful for Goeppner to sing.

“I was so devasted, I stopped singing for a while,” he said.

At 17 he went to a Beatles convention and was encouraged to sing in the sound-a-like contest where in the crowd was musician Harry Nilsson, who had been close to Lennon. Goeppner said after he sang Nilsson approached him, telling him he sounded just like Lennon and telling him to keep singing.

A call to a local radio station in 1986 would change Goeppner’s musical path. He was 22 when he called into the Jonathan Brandmeier’s radio show and when prompted, sang a bit of a John Lennon song. With that short song, Brandmeier was so impressed, he set out to find a “Paul” for Goeppner. Within a few days he introduced Goeppner to Phil Angotti and the Beatle Brothers was born. The band played together for years.

“It was a really fun time,” Goeppner said. “It’s the Holy Land of the Beatles.”

As much as music is his passion, it isn’t his career. For 35 years Goeppner has worked as a baggage handler for American Airlines. Playing in clubs and bars for fans in the evening, returning home, and waking up at 5:30 a.m. to start his job loading suitcases on planes at O’Hare Airport.

“I’m the luckiest guy,” he said.

In 2005 Goeppner and his band Instant Karma traveled to Liverpool, England for the International Beatle Week, where music of the Beatles plays all day and night, with bands from all over the world.
“I was amazed,” Goeppner said. “It was wild. It was fun.”

Through the years Goeppner has performed his own music and lent vocals to local bands and shows, but The Lennon Project is his own special tribute to an icon who stood for peace and love.

“It’s spreading the message of John Lennon,” Goeppner said. “We need it. The relevance of his message is still needed today.”

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