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Music Tribute

The Blooze Brothers Mix Classic Rock and Blues

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – March 30, 2022 – Rock into summer at Raue Center with the Midwest’s #1 Blues Brothers tribute! Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome the Blooze Brothers back to the stage at 8 p.m. on May 6, 2022. This performance was rescheduled from its original January 14, 2022 date.

“Raue Center is proud to bring the Blooze Brothers back to our stage,” says Raue Center Board President, Tim Paul. “Last season, audiences raved about how authentic this act is to the original Dan Akroyd and John Belushi characters,” he continued. “The Blooze Brothers will have you dancing and rocking in your seats. I strongly urge you not to miss this return engagement!”

For over a quarter of a century (yes, really), the Blooze Brothers have been one of Chicagoland’s most in-demand show bands. Blooze Brothers not only honors the music made by the original Blues Brothers in movies, TV, and recordings but the spirit in which they played – from Dan Aykroyd’s love of traditional blues and soul to John Belushi’s love of classic rock. Like Aykroyd and Belushi, the Blooze Brothers fuse those great musical traditions into a stage show that energizes and delights hundreds of thousands of music fans across the greater Chicago area and beyond every year.

Blooze Brothers have played for major venues like Soldier Field and the House of Blues, plus hundreds of festivals, theaters, weddings, backyard barbecues, and everything in between. The band was also honored to represent the state of Illinois and perform at a presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.

With the combination of two high-energy frontmen, a dynamic female lead singer, some of Chicago’s top musicians and a 1974 Dodge Monaco Bloozemobile replica, the Blooze Brothers provide a musical experience that can’t be beaten! Don’t miss the fun May 6, 2022 at 8p at Raue Center!

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

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center protocols and event requirements are subject to change. COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements may vary by event. Be sure to check your event page on our website to confirm the details of your specific event. This applies to all rentals as well. For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts
Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.

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

Community Fundraisers Music

THE CRYSTAL LAKE STRIKERS RETURN TO RAUE CENTER

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – January 19, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to welcome the Crystal Lake Strikers for “An Evening of Percussion” at 7 p.m. on February 19, 2022. Returning for the twelfth year, this community fundraiser helps the Strikers grow their educational and performing programs!

“Evening of Percussion has become an annual tradition at Raue Center. Be ready for a fun-filled, fast-paced, and exciting evening,” says Board President, Tim Paul. “We are always proud to present shows that highlight our local talent, as this presentation always does.”

Evening of Percussion will feature multiple groups of outstanding performers from all over the region, including Girls on the Drum (drumline for middle school girls), the Crystal Lake Thunder (competitive winter drumline), the Strikers All-Stars (high school drumline), the Kingpins (drumline for special needs performers), the Convergence Winter Guard and more to present a high-energy night of entertainment. The Strikers will also award scholarships to local high school students including the Tim Althoff Memorial Scholarship, the William Laskey Memorial Scholarship, and the inaugural Aaron Shepley Memorial Scholarship during the event.

The Crystal Lake Strikers was formed in the fall of 2007 when three area men sat in a local coffee shop imagining the possibility of forming an organization that would achieve the essential goals of providing a performing outlet for drummers of college-age and beyond as well as supporting and educating aspiring young performers. For more information on the organization, visit www.clstrikers.com.

This Crystal Lake favorite is sure to be a sell-out! Tickets start at $15 ($8 for students) and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. For information on the Crystal Lake Strikers, visit clstrikers.com.

 

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center appreciates your help in our efforts to keep the theater a safe environment for all. As of 2.16.22 Raue Center NO LONGER requires vaccination or negative tests for entry to shows and events. Masks continue to be required while in the theater unless actively eating or drinking. For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/

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

SINGER LYNNE JORDAN GETS REAL

Raue Center’s diva-in-residence for the 2021-22 season, singer and storyteller, Lynne Jordan, sits down with us for a revealing look into how she approaches her craft.

Raue Center’s new Artist Residency Program is a groundbreaking, year-long residency that will explore Lynne’s artistry and craft over the course of 5 performances, recorded interviews, and audience talkbacks.

“Raue Center will not only explore and develop Lynne’s original work as diva-in-residence,” explains Raue Center executive director Richard Kurands, “but also delve into some of the more poignant storytelling styles that have made her a favorite daughter of Chicago for over 30 years.”

Learn more about this Chicagoland favorite below!

  1. How do you prepare for a performance? 

First, I freak out. Preparing for performance involves so much more than just thinking about the actual act of performing. It involves; appearance; picking the material;  rehearsing the band; and trying to make the program cohesive. This happens before the actual show night.  Then comes the actual practical stuff and it depends on how much time I have. For example, My November 19  show happens 19 days after the first show. I have to try and stay in good health: don’t catch cold or get hoarse;  pick out what I’m gonna wear especially if there’s a  concept that I’m supposed to fulfill like black-tie or  Halloween or whatever. And then the hardest part for me is putting on make up though when budget allows I try to get a make up artist. Nothing worse than fighting stubborn false eyelashes right before show-time! 

 

  1. How would you describe yourself as a storyteller?

 I am a realist. I’m a “Tell it like it is” kind of teller. I’m very honest, I overshare and I’m usually hilarious. I’m naturally funny but being an oversharing emotional type I can break your heart and my own in a minute. I’m often fighting back tears and I’m not ashamed of it at all because it’s the truth you know? Real emotion. I have had a lot of experiences; met a bunch of folks and I’m a good observer so I have a lot of stories to tell.  

 

  1. You’re really good at “playing to the room” as they say. How does an audience affect the choices you make as a performer? How does it change? 

I consider that my “superpower” as a performer. I can tell right away if the audience is loosened up and ready for my kind of performing. If they laugh at my jokes then I can be a bit freer with language or types of stories. The key is to have a friendship with the audience as soon as possible. Charm them, make them like you, not by pretense but I have to do this by being authentic and vulnerable. Truth and authenticity are the keys to any communication and a performer/ audience interaction is a relationship of communication. Dancing is the sign of freedom of your audience. If an audience starts off quiet or tough then you have to chip away at that barrier with Jokes,  honesty good singing, and universal stories. If my audience is a certain age group then I choose my repertoire accordingly, some groups are freer by nature and I work with that. We make this journey together. I steer the ship but the audience gives me the weather conditions that may or may not affect our journey.

 

  1. It’s almost thanksgiving. Does this holiday hold any special place in your heart? How do you usually celebrate? What are you most thankful for?

Thanksgiving! Love it! I love any occasion to get together with my loved ones. But the fellowship that comes with sharing a meal can’t be beat. The whole ritual of making food and showing up with bags of stuff, playing games,  laying around like beached whales afterward- I love it! I  go to a meal. I have been going to a friend’s house whose Thanksgivings are notorious-it’s all just friends and ends up in a big dance party. However, going home to my brother’s house is beautiful because we are family I feel at home there like nowhere else – no judgments I can run around in socks or slippers. Unconditional love and history.  Plus my sis-in-law is a great cook! I am thankful for my life every day. I’m obese with diabetes and hypertension- I’m working on changing my physical self but trust me – each new day is a gift! I’m also hugely thankful for the love of my friends and supporters. I am blessed. You wouldn’t believe how blessed I am with love! 

 

  1. What’s one thing you want your audiences to understand about you? 

I’m not perfect but I’m dedicated to being authentic and creating an atmosphere of joy and love amongst them during our time together. 

 

  1. You’re a bandleader. How do the members of your band, The Shivers, inform your work as a performer?  How long have you played together? 

The Shivers… my boys, my foundation. There is no “me” without them. And they’re tops in their fields. They have no limits when it comes to repertoire or concepts. They’re fantastic. Top-notch players! My drummer has been with me for 28 years! The rest since 1998. We are family.  Seriously. 

 

  1. What does music mean to you? 

Oh, Lord! Music and performing are my life. They give me my self-worth. I  am nothing else besides an artist. I can’t imagine what else I could do. Thank the heavens I can make a  living doing this. Music, storytelling, performing give me my identity. I guess because I am “just me” on stage – though I am naturally quite shy and I like being on my own – I feel strong and I have a ministry via music & performing to bring folks together to laugh,  cry and dance.  

 

Lynne Jordan’s residency is possible due to the generous support of Pamela J. Althoff. Learn more about this amazing artist below. Her next performance is scheduled for November 19, 2021 @ 8p. Other performances in 2022 are slated for January 15, February 12, and April 23.  Each performance is unique and different so catch them all!

GET TICKETS!

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 call the Box Office at 815.356.9212.

Classes Education Music

RCSA ANNOUNCES INSTRUCTORS FOR INAUGURAL SEMESTER

On their 20th Anniversary, Raue Center looks to the next 20 years and beyond to create a welcoming place where students of all ages can let their creativity soar! Youth and adult classes! Private, semi-private, and group workshops! Masterclasses with industry professionals! Raue Center School For The Arts (RCSA) is poised to be your “one-stop-shop” in arts education!

Modeled as a conservatory program, Raue Cenyer School For The Arts encourages students to build a curriculum that plays to their specific strengths and interests within the ever-changing landscape of theatrical and instrumental arts. Meet the amazing roster of instructors lined up for the inaugural semester.

Meet Aldren Briones, Instructor for Raue Center School for the Arts in a number of disciplines! Aldren is a vital member of the Piano Trends staff and a talented musician in a variety of instruments. He studied Vocal Performance at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Aldren has worked as a children’s music director with Children’s Theatre of Elgin, Arts Center of St. Charles, and also works as an accompanist and worship leader for Fil-Am Baptist Church. He is also a frequent guest on “Lifting Spirits Through Music” on Facebook and YouTube. Come “lift your spirits through music” with Aldren as your Instructor through RCSA.

Meet Amy Nelson, our Brass Instructor for Raue Center School for the Arts! Amy graduated with her music degree from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. Since then, Amy has toured with groups and orchestras both regionally and nationally, including a gig as a member of Adele’s backup orchestra when Adele performed at the United Center in Chicago. She also has a few Broadway tours under her belt, including “Fiddler On the Roof.”

Meet Ashley Beleny, a Piano Instructor for Raue Center School for the Arts!
Ashley has a passion for teaching piano and has been playing since the age of 5. She also grew up singing in professional children’s choirs and started playing the guitar when she went to college (much easier to transport than a piano). She is currently learning to play the cello… a true testament that it’s never too late to learn a new instrument! Ashley plays mostly classical music on piano but has taught a wide range of styles in both one-on-one and group settings for students aged pre-school through adult.
Meet Bruce Waters, our Guitar/Bass/Ukulele Instructor for Raue Center School for the Arts! Bruce is a lifelong resident of the area and a big part of the music scene locally. He has worked with major artists like Ricky Skaggs at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, he is or has been a member of Pirates On 40 and Sweetwater among other bands. Bruce teaches and works with children and adults alike on both acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitar, ukulele, and percussion. Learn from one of the best in the biz with Bruce as your Guitar/Bass/Ukulele Instructor through RCSA.
Education Coordinator and instructor Alayna DeVar is now offering Private Voice Instruction through RCSA, in addition to two exciting Musical Theatre Ensembles: Youth MTE & Adult MTE! Alayna holds a degree in Vocal Performance from Millikin University where she studied Vocal Pedagogy and received excellent ensemble training from her time in the internationally recognized University Choir. She has been teaching private lessons since 2013 and began music directing and conducting for musicals in 2014. She worked as Vocal Director for Celebrity Cruise Lines and occasionally visits Nashville for private coaching with industry professionals.
Realize your full vocal potential with Alayna as your Voice Instructor through RCSA.
Meet John Benedeck, one of our Piano Instructors for Raue Center School for the Arts!
John grew up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and has been a pianist since he was six. Since then, he has implemented music in everything he does. Whether he is leading a worship team for his church, accompanying the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field, or creating original music for podcasts and short films, John seeks the joy in music without compromise. Experience that same joy in music firsthand with John as your Piano Instructor through RCSA.

RCSA, your “one-stop-shop” in performing arts education! For enrollment information, please contact rcsa@rauecenter.org or visit our website for more details: https://www.rauecenter.org/education/

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 call the Box Office at 815.356.9212.

Music News

LYNNE JORDAN CASTS HER SPELL

Raue Center announces its new Artist Residency Program with the appointment of vocalist and storyteller, Lynne Jordan for 2021-2022 Season!

In a city brimming with classic blues and jazz voices, Lynne Jordan’s voice stands out as vocalist, bandleader, solo performer, and storyteller. Drawing upon her own personal stories gleaned from 58 years of living, her experiences are poignant, often funny, and always accompanied by a song. Her talent so dazzled the Second City that the late Chicago film critic Roger Ebert declared her his “favorite diva.” 

Jordan has performed internationally with her band the Shivers in France, Brazil, France, Latvia, Ukraine, and Russia.  And now Lynne Jordan brings her magic to Crystal Lake!   Her first performance as diva in residence was October 30, 2021, at 8 pm. Her setlist was a magical tribute to great songstresses like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone, including favorites like “ I Put A Spell On You,” “Sinner Man,” and “The Time Warp”  and many others. 

Photos courtesy of Tom McDonald @tmcd.chi

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 call the Box Office at 815.356.9212.

Music Tribute

ABBA MANIA PACKS THE HOUSE AT RAUE CENTER

Raue Center was thrilled to have a packed house for the first time since the quarantine began back in March of 2020. ABBA Mania had Raue’s audience members laughing, clapping, and dancing to the hits of the 70s Swedish pop superstars.

“Having such a large crowd in our theater was a bit of a strange feeling after the hardships of the past year and a half but it underscored the reasons why we have been increasingly vocal about the need to get vaccinated or show a negative test before you come to the show,” explained development manager James Knight. 

“It was refreshing to see so many in our audience willing to do the little things to help us keep our community safe. We’ve got a number of other big shows on the horizon: Amy Grant, Night Fever, and Hyprov with Colin Mochrie…so a big thanks to our audience for helping keep us all safe and getting Raue Center back on track!”

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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