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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. 

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 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. 

Music Pop Rock

Battle of the Bands Winner JJ Smith Returns to Crystal Lake with Special Guest Jake Racina

<Crystal Lake>, IL – January 23, 2024 – JJ Smith, the winner of Raue Center’s inaugural 2023 Battle of the Bands, is returning to Crystal Lake on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 7 pm. The event will feature Smith’s dynamic and unapologetic sound, ranging from soft, finger-style melodies to powerful rock songs reminiscent of Led Zeppelin and Jeff Buckley. 

 

Smith’s songs offer a modern spin on the Rock and Folk movements of the 60s/70s. His vocal stylings bring the likes of Robert Plant and Jeff Buckley to mind, while his intricate guitar work evokes that of Nick Drake and Jimmy Page. 

 

Joining him is fellow Chicago artist, Jake Racina, whose jazz-infused, story-driven songs evoke a unique and forlorn sense of timelessness. 

 

The performance will take place at Raue Center for the Arts, located at 26 N Williams St, Crystal Lake, IL. General admission tickets are available for $20, with a discounted rate of $14 for Raue Center members. 

 

JJ Smith and Jake Racina promise to deliver an unforgettable night of music that will leave the audience wanting more. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the magic of these two talented artists!

 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit rauecenter.org or contact Raue Center’s box office at (815) 356-9212. Raue Center is located at 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 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. 

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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Music Pop Tribute

ABBA Tribute at Raue Center has Audience on their feet

@ RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

OCTOBER 15, 2022 @ 8P

From London’s West End to Las Vegas, MANIA the ABBA tribute (Formerly ABBA MANIA) remains the world’s No. 1 touring ABBA tribute show. Formed in 1999, this production has sold out theaters and concert halls across the globe, with over 3,000 live concerts in over 30 countries, bringing the music of the beloved Swedish supergroup to 3 million people.

In an exhilarating, two-hour recreation of one of ABBA’s most memorable concerts, MANIA brought to life the flamboyance of the ‘70s to Raue Center’s stage featuring uplifting, dance-inducing and sometimes heart-breaking songs from the iconic Swedish band, with fantastic costumes, staging, lighting and effects.

Audience members who came dressed to impress could enter to win a raffle for fantastic prizes!

Photos courtesy of Todd Heintz Photography

Mania: The ABBA Tribute 2022

Costume Contest Raffle Highlights

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