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Featured Music News Pop Tribute

North America’s Premier Tribute to Elton John, Elton Rohn, Comes Crystal Lake on New Year’s Eve

<Crystal Lake>, IL – 2024– Get ready to ring in the New Year with an unforgettable musical experience as Elton Rohn, North America’s premier tribute to Elton John, comes to Raue Center For The Arts on December 31, 2024, at 7 pm.

 

Elton Rohn has thrilled audiences all over North America, headlining over 400 theaters and festival shows, from Las Vegas to Atlantic City, California, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Myrtle Beach, Pennsylvania, across Michigan and upstate New York, and all across Canada. They were the only Elton John tribute asked to play the Elton John convention in Las Vegas where they met the band. Davey Johnstone (Elton’s long-time guitarist and musical director) told the band they were the best 70’s Elton John tribute in the world. Nigel Olsson (Elton’s long-time drummer) said “Elton has a twin”.

 

Ron Camilleri, as Elton, has the vocals, the piano, the look, and the feel of the real Elton John performance. You’ll feel like you are watching the real Elton John. The passion, energy, and those incredible vocals are there. Plus the harmonies. Performed live (no tracks), the band is the closest you’ll get to the real 70’s Elton sound. Even Davey Johnstone thinks so. The band is a regular best-in-show at festivals, and they’ve sold out theaters in major cities. An Elton Rohn show is just like seeing another Elton John. The music is played 100% live. The musicianship is on an elite level. One trip to the band’s website, and you’ll see hundreds of testimonials stating just how great this show is. This is a show not to be missed. The very best of Elton John.

 

According to Paul Russell, Freelance Journalist and contributor to Q107, Legends of Rock, former U.K., “The stunning musicianship and the array of Elton mannerisms put this remarkable tribute at way up there in the big league.” Bob Segarini, Toronto journalist, and artist explains that “Yes, this is a tribute band, but so right on the money you forget you’re not watching the real thing.”

 

Elton Rohn puts on a concert “the next best thing to the real guy” .. a truly outstanding tribute to Captain Fantastic. His band is exceptional, and it’s easy to think when you’re at the show that Elton himself is there.

 

Make your New Year’s Eve unforgettable with Elton Rohn at Raue Center For The Arts. Tickets start at $55  ($38.50  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. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

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. 

Country Featured Music News

American country music singer/songwriter and Billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar returns!

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – September 23, 2024 – Raue Center For The Arts proudly welcomes country music billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar on November 16, 2024 at 7 p.m. for his Hits & Heroes tour.

Phil Vassar’s reign of signature songs includes 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including Carlene, Just Another Day in Paradise, Six-Pack Summer, When I Love You, and many more. Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of six albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist, and sold-out shows across the country.

Vassar’s songwriting career blossomed in the mid-’90s when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Tim McGraw (For a Little While), Jo Dee Messina (Bye Bye, Alright), and Blackhawk (Postmarked Birmingham). He signed a record deal of his own with Arista in 1998 and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999.

Vassar continues to release incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.

Tickets for Phil Vassar start at $55* ($38.50 for members*) Purchase tickets 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.

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. 

Country Featured Music

Experience the Magic of Willie Nelson with “Willie & Family Live”

<Crystal Lake>, IL – September 30, 2024 – Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake, IL is thrilled to announce an upcoming show that will transport you to the heart of country music – “Willie & Family Live: Michael Moore’s tribute to Willie Nelson.” Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 7 pm.

 

This 90-minute show is a heartfelt homage to the legendary outlaw of country music, Willie Nelson. Michael Moore, born and raised in McKinney, Texas, brings the soulful twang of Willie Nelson to life through his exceptional talent. From the upbeat rhythm of “Whiskey River” to the classic tales of “Good Hearted Woman” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys,” this show captures the essence of Willie’s timeless contributions to the genre.

 

What sets Michael Moore apart is not only his vocal prowess but also his accomplished guitar skills, faithfully recreating every nuance of Willie’s live performances. Through years of dedicated study and countless renditions of “Whiskey River,” Moore’s ability to channel the spirit of the Red-Headed Stranger is widely regarded as the best in the world.

“Willie & Family Live” is more than just a tribute—it’s an immersive experience that delves into the life and stories behind the songs. The stage is adorned with visuals reminiscent of Willie Nelson’s iconic performances, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that transports fans back in time.

 

So, grab your cowboy boots, put on your favorite hat, and join us for an evening of country coolness in “Willie & Family Live: A Tribute Spectacular.” It’s not just a show; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the Red-Headed Stranger and his indelible mark on the world of country music.

 

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night. Tickets are selling fast, so secure yours today at [Ticket Purchase Link].

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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. 

 

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

Great Live Music Coming in 2025

New Shows On Sale Now at Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake, IL. See what’s new at Raue Center!

Join us Friday, February 21, 2025, at 8p in our onstage blues lounge with bar and dance floor for an evening of original music with Chicago band, The Claudettes. Delivering a unique blend of blues, jazz, and rockabilly with Emmy-winning songwriter, Johnny Iguana (composer of the score for the smash-hit FX/Hulu series “The Bear.”) the Minneapolis Star-Tribune calls “A skewed cabaret band of blues, jazz, and rockabilly…a sensibility that feels equal parts James Dean and David Lynch.”

Enjoy a night of your favorite progressive rock with The Supertramp Tribute Saturday, March 1, 2025 @ 7 pm. With an arsenal that includes three keyboard players, a stable of reeds, and a rhythmic backbone, this tribute band delivers a sonic experience that transports you through time.

Get out your sequins for returning favorite MANIA: The ABBA Tribute, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 7 pm. MANIA The ABBA Tribute has delighted audiences of all ages since its formation in 1999, selling out UK theatres nationally. This highly polished and professional production takes you back in time by recreating one of the world’s finest pop groups in a live stage performance.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s day with An Irish Heartbeat: a tribute to the music of Van Morrison, Saturday, March 15, 2025 @ 7 pm, presented by Soundtrack for a Generation. This energetic tribute explores the eclectic journey of Van Morrison’s musical career and features a 10-piece band with award-winning frontman Derrick Procell, spanning the musical genres of Morrison’s 55-year career.

Become a RaueNOW Member and get early access, reduced fees, easy exchanges and save 30% on tickets! Learn more at rauecenter.org

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.”

Featured Music Pop Tribute

Always Olivia pays tribute to Olivia Newton-John

<Crystal Lake>, IL – February 26, 2024 – Always Olivia, a tribute to one of the most celebrated and beloved pop culture icons of all time, the late Olivia Newton-John comes to Raue Center on Saturday, May 11 @ 7 pm. The show stars Annie Aiello, and a five-piece band including some of Chicago’s most talented singers and musicians who have toured with or played on projects for Oprah Winfrey, American Idol, Jersey Boys, Frankie Avalon, The Smothers Brothers, The Drifters, Mannheim Steamroller and more!

In a career spanning more than five decades, Olivia Newton-John sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her successes include four Grammys; numerous Country Music, American Music, Billboard, and People’s Choice Awards; an Emmy Award; ten #1 hits; and more than fifteen top-10 singles. In 1978, her costarring role as Sandy with John Travolta in Grease catapulted Olivia into super-stardom.

Always Olivia authentically captures the essence and sounds of Olivia’s timeless music. This show lovingly incorporates five decades of Olivia’s music, dialogue about Newton-John’s history, humor, audience participation, costume changes, and video projection with stimulating visuals. Expect to hear Olivia’s oh-so-memorable hits spanning the 70s to the present day including: Hopelessly Devoted, You’re The One That I Want, Physical, Magic, Xanadu, If You Love Me Let Me Know, Let Me Be There, Don’t Stop Believin’, Grace & Gratitude and so much more!

Tickets start at $40 ($28 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.

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. 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 nation’s finest examples of restored art and decor. 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 Tribute

The SuperTramp Tribute brings Progressive Rock to Raue Center

<Crystal Lake>, IL – March 19, 2024 – The Supertramp Tribute, a passionate ensemble of multi-instrumentalists, will be paying homage to one of the most endearing Progressive Rock bands the world has ever known at Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake, IL  on Friday, May 17 at 8 pm. 

 

With an impressive arsenal that includes three keyboard players, a stable of reeds, and a rhythmic backbone, this tribute band delivers a sonic experience that transports you through time. Their performances are more than just a collection of cover songs; they are a musical odyssey that invites you to take the long way home, immersing yourself in the iconic sounds and intricate melodies that made Supertramp a household name.

 

The Supertramp Tribute is presented by Soundtracks of a Generation, a company dedicated to bringing the best tribute bands to audiences around the country. Whether you’re a die-hard Supertramp fan or just looking for a night of great music, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

 

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. 

 

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 or facebook.com/RaueCenter

Featured Music Pop Rock Tribute

GEORGE MICHAEL REBORN STARRING ROBERT BARTKO BRINGS THE LEGEND BACK TO LIFE

<Crystal Lake>, IL – MARCH 18, 2024 – GEORGE MICHAEL REBORN starring Robert Barko, the incredible tribute to George Michael and WHAM!, rocks Raue Center on May 4, 2024, at 7 p.m.

 

With his live vocals (NO LIP-SYNCING here), Robert Bartko exudes the energy and passion of George in the ’80s and 90’s, getting the crowd on the dance floor for “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and prompting standing ovations for his performance of “Careless Whisper.” Robert is a spot-on George Michael lookalike, with the vocal range, dance moves, crowd interaction, and charisma that will leave you cheering for an encore. 

 

It was during his early high school years that many began to point out an incredible resemblance between George and Robert. A lifelong fan, Robert, also a singer in the drama club, had a voice that amazingly sounded exactly like George Michael’s. Robert began imitating the star’s signature vocal stylings and dance moves in the following years. Robert has thrilled audiences at clubs, concerts, festivals, and tribute shows throughout the country, including his recent selling out of the famed “House of Blues”.

 

Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re listening to the real deal, not a George Michael impersonator!

 

Tickets start at $35* for the general public ($24.50* 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. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows.

 

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 Rock 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.

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North America’s Premier Tribute to Elton John, Elton Rohn, Comes Crystal Lake on New Year’s Eve

Musical Theatre Masterclass with Broadway Star Emily Kristen Morris

American country music singer/songwriter and Billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar returns!

Cast Members of “Avenue Q” get personal about their puppets

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