Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Derrick Procell Returns to  Raue Center’s Arts On The Green with new album!

photo by Todd Heintz Photography

<Crystal Lake>, IL – July 6, 2022 –Great entertainment is back and in your backyard, McHenry County! Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce the second annual ARTS ON THE GREEN outdoor series at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church at 210 McHenry Ave in Crystal Lake! Enjoy music and live entertainment in the great outdoors this summer!

 

Join us for the award-winning singer-songwriter, and Catfood Records original recording artist Derrick Procell at Arts On The Green on August 6, 2022, @ 7 pm for the release of his latest album “Hello Mojo!” Listen to the best of Rock, Blues, and Soul! 

 

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 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, True Blood, King of the Hill, and the Oscar-nominated film, Lady Bird. Check out his latest album “Hello Mojo” 

 

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 for Raue’s Arts On The Green start at $20. Student (18 & under) tickets are $8. 

 

 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. 

Tina Naponelli pays tribute to Carole King at Raue Center’s Arts On The Green

<Crystal Lake>, IL – July 7, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce a unique and unforgettable tribute experience at its second annual Arts On The Green at St. Mary’s! Don’t miss great entertainment in the great outdoors with Tina Naponelli in “Tapestry Unraveled: The Music of Carole King” at 7 p.m. on Saturday,  Jul 16, 2022

“This show will send audiences home knowing more background about the history of Carole King’s music,” says Raue Center Board President Tim Paul. “Tina Naponelli brings out all the memories with each Carole King song she performs. Along with her Musical Director Evan Swanson, Tina is superb in her interpretation of this iconic music.”

Hailed as one of the most successful and talented female pop artists, King has carved out an iconic place in music history. King began her rise to the music hall of fame as the songwriter of classics like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow (The Shirelles) and “Take Good Care of My Baby” (Bobby Vee). In 1971, King’s solo album “Tapestry” launched her to the top of the charts with hits like “I Feel the Earth Move” and “Natural Woman,” winning her four Grammy Awards for Best Record, Song and Album of the Year, as well as Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female Honors.

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.

A Crystal Lake native, Naponelli is no stranger to the entertainment industry. She is a proud graduate of North Central College, where she studied theatre performance. Since graduating, Naponelli has created successful cabarets in tribute to Sara Bareilles and hits from the kings and queens of the music industry. She has also gone on to be a part of several theatrical productions, with recent theatre credits including “Tomorrow Morning” (Kokandy Productions), “Beehive” and “Suds: The Rocking 60’s Musical” (Williams Street Repertory), “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Columbinus 2.0” (American Theater Company). 

Tickets start at $20 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.

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. 

BRITISH ICONS MODERN ENGLISH ROCK RAUE CENTER AS PART OF NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 18, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts welcomes legendary British band Modern English to Crystal Lake on June 26, 2022, at 8 pm as a part of their long-awaited upcoming 2022 North American headline tour. Performing its classic 1982 album, After the Snow, in its entirety and classics from its extensive catalog. The tour was originally scheduled for Summer 2020 and was postponed due to the pandemic. 

“When we finally play the whole of the ‘After the Snow’ album for the first time on tour, emotions will run high. Expect a lot of pent-up energy and excitement. It’s been  a long time coming and will be worth the wait.”

 “I Melt With You” by Modern English is one of the most iconic songs of the New Wave era. It garnered heavy rotation on the then-thriving Modern Rock radio format, MTV and dance clubs across the globe, and was prominently featured in the classic 1983 film Valley Girl, starring a young Nicolas Cage. 

On 1982’s “After the Snow,” the band’s sound evolved from the dark, moody, and challenging post-punk found on its debut, Mesh & Lace, to a more commercial and radio-friendly mix of synthesizers, guitars, catchy drumbeats, and singer Robbie Grey’s unmistakable vocals. As the title suggests, the icy sound featured on Mesh & Lace melted away on After the Snow to reveal more concise and potent songs, highlighted by “I Melt With You” which brought the band up from the underground to the mainstream. It’s a song so popular that the band was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 BMI Awards for six million plays on the radio. 

Modern English would record various records over the years, and most recently, the band released its latest album, 2017’s “Take Me To The Trees,” an album that reconnected the band to their youth, in the world of late 1970s/early 1980s post-punk Britain–dark and austere while still melodic and passionate.

Tickets start at $27 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. 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. 

Truck Off: An epic evening of food & fun!

The 5th Annual Truck Off food truck festival returns Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, IL. 50% off Early Bird tickets are on sale through April 30. Then they go up to $10. Buy & save now!

What to Expect

Truck Off curates a lineup of food trucks and vendors from all over Chicagoland serving everything from ethnic to fusion to American comfort food & desserts. We currently have more than 20 trucks confirmed and will be announced shortly. Enjoy a beer tent and live entertainment. General admission begins at 5 p.m. – plus a VIP Hour from 4-5 p.m.

Major event announcements are shared on Facebook and Instagram leading up to the event, so be sure to follow along!

Reminder: Buy your tickets early and save! Get 1/2 off general admission through April 30 – this is the deepest discount that will be offered! Don’t miss it! 

Questions? Contact truckoff@mchenrycountyliving.com

 

Get Early Bird tickets at eventbrite.com/e/truck-off

I DREAM A WORLD FCC SRING CONCERT MAY 1 @ 4 PM

See you on Sunday, May 1st at 4:00 pm for Vestry Adult Choir and Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir’s Spring Concert, “I Dream a World.” The music promises to be fantastic and you won’t want to miss getting to hear our guest soloist, James Martin, sing several solo selections as well as with Vestry Choir. Below is more information about our soloist. The concert is free and open to the public, nursery care is available.

Guest Soloist: James Martin
Baritone James Martin has won critical acclaim for his performances in opera, musical theater, and concerts as a versatile singer, actor, and entertainer. He serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Always an audience favorite, his artistic repertoire spans from Bach to bebop, Busoni to Burleigh, and Berg to Bernstein.

He has appeared with leading musical organizations throughout the United States and abroad, most recently he toured Taiwan and Thailand with frequent collaborator Lynn Raley. Favorite operatic roles include Mozart’s Papageno (Die Zauberlöte), Figaro, (Le nozze di Figaro) and Puccini’s Marcello (La bohème). As a concert artist, Martin enjoys a rich and varied repertoire ranging from the classic art song and oratorio repertory to new modern and contemporary classics with specialties in the music of Black Americans and the Great American Songbook.

Martin holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and his Master of Music from the Juilliard School. He was a Young Artist with the Juilliard Opera Center, and apprenticed with major young artist programs in the U.S. and with L’Opéra National du Rhin in Strasbourg, France, as one of seven international Les jeunes voix du Rhin. He studied voice with David Nott (IWU), Cynthia Hoffmann (Juilliard), and Benita Valente. In addition to a successful performance career, Mr. Martin is an accomplished teaching artist and arts advocate touring classrooms and educational performance venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has served on the boards of Grace House, a non-profit for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS, and the Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music (M’AAM). James Martin can be heard on the Copland House Blend, Naxos, and Albany record labels.

FCC is very happy to welcome James Martin back to Crystal Lake. Mr. Martin recently performed as a soloist with Encore Music Academy/Voices in Harmony in December.

461 Pierson Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

American Idol Winner Caleb Johnson Brings Southern Rock and Blues to Raue Center

<Crystal Lake>, IL – March 31, 2022 – Just Announced! Season 13 American Idol Winner Caleb Johnson rocks Raue Center May 28, 2022  at 8 pm. 

Caleb Johnson’s sole mission is to spread the gospel of rock-n-roll! From his beginnings on American Idol to relentless touring with KISS, Black Stone Cherry, and Trans Siberian Orchestra, Johnson has electrified countless audiences with his thunderous voice and magnetic stage presence. 

Now hot off the heels of his critically acclaimed 2019 album, Born From Southern Ground, Johnson is back with a new album entitled Mountain Mojo Vol. 1. Recorded in three whirlwind days at Nashville’s legendary Blackbird Studios, Johnson and company pushed through a tumultuous 2020 and created what could be Caleb’s best record to date. Johnson enlisted the best of the best to back him on this new album. 

His studio band consists of Jason Bonham, Tyler Bryant, Josh Sawyer, Audley Freed, Tony Lucido, Mike Webb, Damon Johnson, Gale Mayes, Devonne Michele, and Angela Primm. The powerhouse collaboration includes some of the biggest names in rock, Nashville’s finest studio musicians, and, of course, Johnson’s thunderous voice.  The combination creates a unique, soulful, southern, and hard-rocking sound. Mountain Mojo was engineered by Grammy winner Brandon Bell (Soundgarden, Brandi Carlisle), mixed by multi-Grammy-winning engineer/mixer Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White), and master by Grammy Winner Pete Lyman (Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers). Looking into the future Johnson hopes that his fans will love this new album as much as he does.

Tickets start at $20 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. 

FORMER JOURNEY LEAD VOCALIST STEVE AUGERI ROCKS RAUE CENTER

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill.March 30, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts welcomes powerhouse rock vocalist, Steve Augeri to the stage May 7, 2022 at 8 pm. 

Drawing on a range of diverse musical influences to deliver a unique take on the genre of melodic rock, Steve Augeri is an American rock singer best known as the lead vocalist for the rock group Journey from 1998 to 2006. Steve debuts with the seven times Platinum “Armageddon” soundtrack then on to record three albums during a successful eight-year tenure that brought one of the world’s most accomplished melodic rock groups back to the stage for multiple world tours and millions of adoring fans.

Prior to Journey, Steve was a founding member of Epic recording artists Tall Stories. The group released its eponymous debut in 1992 and its long-awaited follow-up “Skyscraper” in 2009. It was then on to Melodic Rock group Tyketto, with whom he recorded the 1970’s Retro flavored “Shine” album.

Steve is releasing new music, “The Singles” and touring internationally showcasing these exciting new songs as well as material from his career and introducing “The Steve Augeri Band” in what promises to be a highlight for his many fans around the world.

Tickets start at $65 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

ARETHA FRANKLIN and JOE COCKER Tribute Turns up the Soul

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – March 23, 2022 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to celebrate the music of Aretha Franklin and Joe Cocker at 8 p.m. on April 29, 2022! 

LaShera Moore and Derrick Procell take the stage with the energy of Aretha Franklin and Joe Cocker in their prime, masterfully taking you on a musical journey not to be missed. Presented by Soundtracks of a Generation.

The SoulBliss Tour brings together two powerhouses​–Aretha Franklin and Joe Cocker–​ in the same show. Both artists with careers spanning 5 decades, crossing over genres​ and leaving an indelible mark on music for decades to come. 

Explore their music with blistering performances from vocalists Derrick Procell & LaShera Ellis Moore. This 2-hour show is an homage to the most Soulful entertainers to ever grace a stage. Derrick channels Joe and LaShera becomes Aretha with the backing of our tight and dynamic 10 piece ensemble!

For decades Joe Cocker epitomized Blue-Eyed Soul starting in the late ’60s and the legend grew after his unforgettable performance at Woodstock then beyond. Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul with 20 #1 R&B singles, 17 of which were top-ten Pop singles! Don’t miss this soulful tribute to these rock legends. 

Tickets start at $20 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

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.

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.