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Category: Music

Featured Music Pop Tribute

Megon Mcdonough and Fred Simon pay tribute to Burt Bachrach and Hal David.

<Crystal Lake>, IL – Enjoy an evening filled with some of the most beloved songs of the last five decades with What The World Needs Now, a powerful tribute to the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David on October 22, 2023 at 3 pm.  This tribute will inspire you to sing along and remember—what the world needs now is LOVE! 

 

Lyricist Hal David and composer Burt Bacharach began their collaboration together in 1957. Only a year later, their song “The Story of My Life” hit the U.S. country music charts. Soon afterward, Perry Como recorded their song “Magic Moments,” which also climbed the charts. 

 

During the ’60s and ’70s, Bacharach and David also wrote for some of the biggest names in the recording industry, including Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Gene Pitney, Bobby Vinton and Lou Johnson, who released the first version of their hit “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me.” Their song “Walk on By” became one of Warwick’s classic numbers, along with “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” and “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” which was also recorded by Dusty Springfield.

 

Celebrated singer Megon McDonough and pianist Fred Simon bring this magical evening of music to life. Megon recorded her first album at 14 and now has 20 + solo albums to her credit. Fred Simon has been making music for more than forty years, composing for records, live performance, film, dance, and television, with instrumentation ranging from solo piano to symphonic orchestra.

 

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, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Featured Folk Music Pop Tribute

Ladies From The Canyon pay tribute to Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell at Arts On The Green in Crystal Lake.

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 21, 2023 – SoundTracks Of A Generation honors two legends of the 60’s & 70’s California music scene who fearlessly challenged stylistic boundaries over their long careers. Heather Wood and Julie Miller take us on a joyful, entertaining journey showcasing the best-loved songs of groundbreaking artists Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell at Raue Center’s Arts on the Green at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake on Saturday, August 26th at  7 pm.

 

Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell were the Queens of Rock. Ronstadt’s unmistakable voice earned her the first female artist in popular music history to accumulate four consecutive platinum LPs! Joni Mitchell’s voice, writing, and lyrical phrasing were creative and set her apart from all other male or female singers/songwriters of her generation. She wrote terrific songs in every genre. 

 

“This will be an amazing evening of music. Ladies from the Canyon perform two of the biggest names of the Southern California Laurel Canyon music scene spanning 1968 to 1977. Heather Wood, Jessica Horsten and Julie Miller celebrate the complex vocal stylings of Linda Ronstadt & Joni Mitchell,” explains SOAG executive producer Doug James.  “Their 3 piece backup band consists of Christopher Forte/ guitar, Ken McMullen/piano, and Rick Demski/bass/backing vocals from the SoundTracks Of A Generation stable of amazing talent and musicianship. It’s such an honor to be asked back to Arts On The Green and continue our great working relationship with Raue Center.”

 

A Los Angeles area native, Heather attended Elmhurst College and has performed with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the country, touring all over the globe. Previous SoundTracks Of A Generation Shows include The Mad Dog Tribute Band, The Soul Commitments, and currently The Desert Rock Show and Ladies From The Canyon. To sing Linda Ronstadt was natural because she grew up not far from Laurel Canyon! But she’s not confined to one genre of music, she can belt out Chaka Khan, or be honey-smooth like Nancy Wilson. 

Classically trained soprano, Jessica Hornsten pays tribute to one of America’s greatest female singer/songwriters Joni Mitchell. Growing up, Hornstein studied classical piano and voice. Always a part of her, she began singing again for local benefits and enjoyed trying new genres. She was soon invited to sing with other bands. Today, she balances her family and professional life with opportunities to be a part of a number of well-known bands.

Jessica can often be found performing at venues and festivals with one of them! She’s a part of Deacon Blues (a Steely Dan tribute), Big Suit (inspired by the Talking Heads), and Petty Kings (Tom Petty themed). The soul Committee (songs from The Commitments) and an acoustic duo called The Semiconductors. Being a part of so many groups allows her to continue developing her techniques as a lead and backup vocalist. She also arranges harmonies and choreography, plays the keyboard, and dances.

 

Raconteur, Julie Miller is based in Villa Park, Illinois. She studied at Chicago’s Academy of Art where she developed a passion for music, pursuing a career as a solo artist. With a sound that draws on a mix of influences, including jazz, blues, and soul, Julie’s music is a unique blend of old-school sound and contemporary style with vocals that are powerful and emotive, with a rich, warm tone that fills every note with meaning and depth.

Tickets start at $25 ($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. 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. 

 

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Blues Featured Music Pop Rock

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

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 8, 2023 – Raue Center is proud to welcome favorite Derrick Procell as its 2023-24 season artist in residence. Join us for multiple engagements with this award-winning singer-songwriter, and Catfood Records original recording artist. Each evening of music will be a unique exploration of Procell’s personal journey as a musician.  

 

Join us on October 12, 2023, for an evening of Rockin’ Soul/Blues with Derrick and his All-Star Mojo Band. Explore  Derrick’s creative process and collaboration with songwriting partner Terry Abrahamson on November 16, 2023. Delve  into music as activism on February 15, 2024, for an evening inspired by causes close to Derrick’s heart. Finally, don’t miss  his final performance on March 21, 2024, which will be a big party with special guests! 

 

“As our third Artist in Residence, Derrick brings tremendous joy and energy to the upcoming year!” explains Raue  Center’s executive director Richard Kuranda. “Last year, his album launch with us for “Hello Mojo!” catapulted him to  the national charts. He’s got a great rapport with the audience as a consummate entertainer. He’s one of the hardest working artists in Contemporary Blues!”  

 

“Many folks see the word Blues–especially when connected to Chicago– and think of only one kind of music,” explains Procell.  “The Blues is a much wider genre…including Soul Blues, Blues Rock, Contemporary Blues, Electric Blues…the list goes on!”

 

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 as Van Morrison and Joe Cocker 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, This Is Us, King of the Hill, and the Oscar-nominated film, Lady Bird. His latest album  “Hello Mojo” spent more than 30 weeks, including 7 weeks at Number One, on the Soul Blues Roots Music Report  charts.  

 

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 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, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Music

Raue Center’s 3rd Annual Outdoor Series Arts On The Green returns with David Sarkis and Friends.

Crystal Lake>, IL – Raue Center’s 3rd Annual Arts On The Green kicks off its 2023 summer outdoor season with David Sarkis & Friends with special guest Katherine Hines Saturday, July 8 @ 7 pm.

From the farm fields of northern Wisconsin to the beaches of the Gulf coast: David Sarkis’ wide-ranging style of acoustic music has made a name for himself on and off the stage. From Thursday nights at Duke O’Brien’s to the Schubert Theater run of Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys to PBS sensation Under the Streetlamp,  Sarkis has left a trail of smiles and fond memories across the country.

Joined by an array of lifelong friends and featuring special guest teen vocal sensation Katherine Hines from the gulf coast of Florida, this promises to be a night of music to remember!

Tickets start at $25 ($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. 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 Festivals Music Pop Rock Tribute

Raue Center announces 3rd Annual Arts On The Gren Outdoor Summer Series

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 24, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts presents its third annual outdoor summer series ARTS ON THE GREEN at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church,  210 McHenry Ave in Crystal Lake! Space is limited at Arts on the Green so order tickets early and plan your visit to this charming venue. Patrons can bring blankets, chairs, and refreshments to enjoy while listening to great entertainment in the great outdoors! 

Blues, jazz, folk, and rock concerts on the green grass of St. Mary’s begin July 8 at 7 pm with Raue Center 2022-23 season acoustic artist Dave Sarkis & Friends. From the farm fields of northern Wisconsin to the beaches of the Gulf Coast: David Sarkis’ wide-ranging style of acoustic music has made a name for himself on and off the stage. From Thursday nights at Duke O’Brien’s to the Schubert Theater run of Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys to PBS sensation Under the Streetlamp: Sarkis has left a trail of smiles and fond memories across the country.  Joined by an array of lifelong friends and featuring special guest teen vocal sensation Katherine Hines from the gulf coast of Florida, this promises to be a night of music to remember!

Tina Naponelli returns in Tapestry Unraveled: The Music of Carole King on July 15 @ 7 pm. 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.

Satisfy your love of all things Broadway with a tribute to Tony and Grammy Award Winner Stephen Sondheim on Saturday, July 22 @ 7 pm. Sondheim, a giant in American musical theatre, won 8 Tony Awards. On what would have been Stephen Sondheim’s 93rd birthday, an all-star cast of national touring artists are honoring him with a heartfelt evening of some of his most popular songs, including hits from “West Side Story,” “Company,” “Into the Woods,” “Sunday in the Park with George” and many more. 

Go back to your roots with Forever Simon And Garfunkel on Saturday, July 29 @ 8pm. This tribute celebrates the best-selling duo in rock’n’roll history with humor, soaring energy, charm, and harmony! Sean Altman & Jack Skuller lead the audience on a concert journey through Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers, and even some of Paul Simon’s solo career. The Sound Of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Mrs. Robinson, I Am A Rock, The Boxer, Homeward Bound, Cecilia, Hazy Shade Of Winter, Feeling Groovy, Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Kodachrome, and many more!

On Saturday, August 26 at  7 pm, SoundTracks Of A Generation presents Ladies Of The Canyon: a Tribute to Linda Ronstadt and Joni Michell. Heather Wood and Julie Miller take us on a joyful, entertaining journey showcasing the best-loved songs by these groundbreaking artists who fearlessly challenged stylistic boundaries over their long careers creating timeless music.

Tickets start at $25 ($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. Raue Center’s Arts On The Green runs July – August on St. Mary’s Episcopal Church campus, 210 McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL l 60014. 

 

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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Blues Jazz Music News Soul

Famed Blues Guitarist Robert Cray brings his band to Raue Center

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – May 30, 2023 – The Robert Cray Band will be touring the US and UK for the first time since the 2020 release of his album, “That’s What I Heard.” and they’re coming to Raue Center September 8, 2023, @ 8 p.m.

“Funky, cool and bad,” is how Cray describes the Grammy-nominated album, produced by longtime collaborator, Steve Jordan, who adds, “I thought, if we could get this thing that Sam Cooke used to have, the kind of sound that early Sam Cooke records had, that we could pull this off.”

 

“Robert Cray is not only making music, he’s making history,” writes Guitar Player Magazine. Over the past four decades, Cray has created a sound that rises from American roots, blues, soul, and R&B, with five Grammy wins, 20 acclaimed studio, and live albums that punctuate the Blues Hall of Famer’s career. On That’s What I Heard, Robert celebrates the music of Curtis

   

Mayfield, Bobby “Blue” Bland, The Sensational Nightingales, and more, alongside Cray’s own songs. Cray and Jordan go way back, having met during the making of the Chuck Berry documentary Hail! Hail! Rock ’n’ Roll, in 1987. They started working together in 1999, when Jordan produced the Grammy-winning Take Your Shoes Off, and the recent Grammy-nominated LP, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm. That’s What I Heard is their sixth album. “Once you start working with Steve, it’s kind of hard to get away from him,” said Robert.

 

“Robert is just a great person besides being extraordinary talent,” adds Jordan. “People gravitate to his guitar playing first, but I think he’s one of the best singers I’ve heard in my life. Not only because of his singing ability but his interpretations. He’s such an honest soul in my opinion.”

Robert’s band features Richard Cousins (bass), Dover Weinberg (keyboards), Terence F. Clark (drums), and Steve Jordan (drums, percussion).

Tickets for Robert Cray start at $50* ($35* for RaueNOW 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. 

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Music Rock

DAVE MATTHEWS TRIBUTE BAND RETURNS TO ROCK RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – May 22, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts in historic Crystal Lake, IL wants audiences to relive their glory days with Dave Matthews Tribute Band, August 12, 2023 at 8 pm. 

 

Since 2004, The DMTB is the only nationally touring tribute to the Dave Matthews Band. This 5-piece ensemble strives to pay homage to their famous counterparts by matching the excitement, energy, intensity, and intimacy of a DMB live show. For nearly 20 years, the band has been performing sold-out shows around the world; playing over 1,500 dates in 46 states and 8 countries. 

 

While most fans never witnessed the real band before they became the platinum-selling artists they are today, The Dave Matthews Tribute Band prides itself on giving audiences this opportunity at intimate venues around the world. 

 

As Rick Grant of Entertaining U in Jacksonville, FL wrote, “The Dave Matthews Tribute Band…is exceptionally tight and produces a solid groove over which the players improvise with hot chops.”

 

Beyond mastering the DMB sound and the relentless touring, what separates The Dave Matthews Tribute Band from other cover bands is their passion, love, and respect for DMB and their music. That is what makes you come out of one of their shows saying, “Yeah, they really do sound like the real Dave Matthews Band.”

 

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. 

 

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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Country Music

American country music singer/songwriter and Billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar comes to Raue Center!

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – MARCH 14, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts proudly welcomes country music billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar on November 18, 2023 at 8 p.m.

 

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 churn out incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.

 

Enter to win tickets to see Phil Vassar March 14th – 26th. One winner will receive TWO tickets to see Phil Vassar at Raue Center For The Arts on November 18th at 8 p.m. The winner will be chosen at random on or around March 28, 2023. Enter to win today! For more information, visit https://app.hive.co/l/3rv338

 

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. 

 

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Featured Jazz Music Swing

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY SWINGS INTO RAUE CENTER CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF CHART-TOPPING MUSIC. 

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – MAY 29, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce the return of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to downtown Crystal Lake. Join Big Bad Voodoo Daddy for a swinging good time at 8 p.m. on July 1, 2023 @ 8 p.m!

 

Since its formation in the early ‘90s in Ventura, California, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has toured virtually non-stop, performing an average of over 150 shows per year. It has also produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of over 2 million albums to date.

 

Early on, during its legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and Dixieland with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.

 

Together for 30 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – famously named after an autograph from blues legend Albert Collins – has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had its music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows.

 

With sold-out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to the Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country’s finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from “Dancing with the Stars” to Super Bowl XXXIII, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music – America’s original musical art form – and bring joy to audiences around the world.

 

“We love having Big Bad Voodoo Daddy back at Raue Center,” says Raue Center Board President, Tim Paul. “Their music speaks for itself and will leave the audience unable to sit still in their seats!” 

 

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s all-original core line-up includes Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophone and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger). 

 

Tickets to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy start at $45* ($31.50* 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. 

 

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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Classes Education Masterclass Music Theatre

Raue Center School For The Arts to Host ANNIE Actors and a Grammy Winner for two New Masterclasses!

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – February 24, 2023 – Raue Center School For The Arts continues its new Masterclass Series with two new selections to cap Raue Center’s 2022-23 Season. 

Taught by professional artists from across the country, RCSA masterclasses focus on a variety of disciplines and specialties throughout the year including group instruction, one-on-one coaching, Q&A’s in Auditioning, Acting, Dancing, and more! 

Get an up-close look at the professional musical audition experience on Monday, March 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with “The ANNIE Audition Experience” featuring, guest artists Ellie Rose Pulsifer (Annie) and Harrison Drake (Drake, Daddy Warbucks understudy) from the current National Tour of ANNIE opening soon at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. 

Guest artists will take participants through the same audition and casting process that the actors themselves went through to get hired for this lavish, exciting production of one of the most popular musicals of all time. Learn a dance combination from the show! Get taken through a professional audition step-by-step!  Find out from ANNIE herself how young artists live on tour! 

On Thursday, May 18th from 6:30-8:30 pm join two-time Grammy-winner Ernie Watts for “A Melodic Approach to Improvisation.” Considered one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players in music, Watts has been playing professionally for over 50 years. He has been featured on over 500 recordings and became “first call” for all the reed instruments for films, TV, and recordings with pop icons such as Marvin Gaye, Steely Dan, Carole King, Frank Zappa, all the Motown artists, and many others. Watts played for 20 years in Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show band, always exhibiting his unforgettable trademark sound.

This very special masterclass kicks off Raue Center’s Blues Weekend, May 18 – 20. Ernie Watts will discuss how to create musical freedom through discipline and shares stories from his life lived in music for over 60 years and followed by a Q&A. 

Tickets for both masterclasses are $20 ($15 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. Learn more at rauecenter.org/education. Made possible by the generous support of the Johnny Carson Foundation and Advance McHenry County. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. Become a RaueNOW Family Member and save 25% on classes and camps!

 

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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