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. 

Musical Theatre Masterclass with Broadway Star Emily Kristen Morris

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 9, 2024 – Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the upcoming Musical Theatre Masterclass featuring New York-based performer Emily Kristen Morris. This exclusive masterclass will be held on December 9, 2024, for ages 14 to adult and on December 10, 2024, for ages 8 to 13.

 

Participants can join the class either as a singer or as an observer. Singers will get an average of 13 minutes of one-on-one coaching, while observers will watch and get to ask questions. 

 

Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from Emily Kristen Morris, an NYC-based actor, singer, dancer, and certified vocal instructor with an impressive career. She is currently starring as Elsa in Frozen at the Paramount Theatre and has performed across the nation and internationally. Emily was the Elphaba standby on the Broadway national tour of WICKED, and Bea in the Broadway National Tour of SOMETHING ROTTEN. Morris has also performed as a solo vocalist with symphony orchestras worldwide.

 

The masterclass will focus on Broadway-style singing and acting through song, providing valuable insights into musical theatre vocal technique, audition preparation, and how to make a lasting impression in the industry. Singers will receive one-on-one coaching. All participants can take part in a musical theatre-focused group warm-up and a Q&A session with Emily at the end of the class.

 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emily for our upcoming Musical Theatre Masterclass,” says Raue Center School For The Arts’ Director of Education, Rob Scharlow. “ How exciting that our students will get to share in her passion and expertise right here in the Crystal Lake area. She’ll provide an unforgettable experience that will ignite our students’ creativity and elevate their skills to new heights.”

 

James Mablin, Raue Center’s resident music director, will serve as the accompanist for the masterclass. Participants enrolling as singers must come prepared with a memorized song cut down to audition length (16 – 32 bars) and provide a clean copy of the sheet music for the accompanist.

 

The masterclass welcomes both singers and observers. Observers will be able to watch the coaching sessions and participate in the Q&A session.

 

Tuition for participating singers is $125* (limited availability.) Observer tickets are priced at $55. Become a RaueNOW Family member and get a 25% off classes, workshops, and masterclasses. The masterclass will be held at the Raue Center For The Arts, located at 26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL.

 

For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit rauecenter.org/education. Questions? email [email protected].

 

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from a Broadway star and take your musical theatre skills to the next level. Join us for a memorable and enriching Musical Theatre Masterclass with Emily Kristen Morris at the Raue Center.

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets for Phil Vassar start at $55* ($38.50 for members*) Purchase tickets online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows.

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

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

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

Raue Center’s in-house professional theatre company, WSRep, presents Avenue Q, Sept 13-Oct 20. Filled with gut-busting adult humor and a delightfully catchy score, this unique show addresses adult issues while spoofing the memory of educational television shows like “Sesame Street” and “The Electric Company.” 18+ for adult content. Learn more about our talented cast members and their puppet alter egos!

 

Q&A with “Avenue Q” cast member Isabella Andrews

•What drew you to the role of Kate Monster, and how do you connect with her character?

I was drawn to Kate Monster because she reminds me a lot of myself. I relate to her challenges with finding her purpose and wanting to make her dreams a reality. I’ve always admired her level-headed attitude and commitment to what she believes in.

• How do you balance Kate’s sweet nature with her moments of frustration and doubt?

I always try to put as much of myself into my characters as possible. Kate has many moments throughout the show of frustration, often following moments of happiness. As a puppeteer, I try to make very clear differences in how she looks at other puppets onstage depending on her mood. A simple head tilt can sometimes make all the difference.

 

•Kate dreams of opening a school for monsters—how do you portray her passion and determination on stage?

The good thing about this show is that it has a very well-written script. Everything Kate says is infused with the passion and drive she carries with her every day. She’s a modern woman who knows what she wants and is able to properly communicate her emotions, whatever they may be. As an actor, I always think of what I want in each scene and make it my goal to achieve that goal by the end of the scene, and if I don’t, make it the goal for the next scene.

 

•What challenges do you face in bringing Kate’s romantic storyline with Princeton to life?

Kate’s challenges with Princeton mirror many problems that modern couples face: fear of commitment, wanting different things from life, and miscommunication. I’ve certainly experienced that in my life. It’s hard sometimes to see Princeton’s point of view because of my personal views, especially when he starts a relationship with Lucy. But taking a step back and remembering what Christmas Eve says about learning as we go is a very helpful lesson for anyone.

 

•How do you make Kate Monster’s experiences resonate with modern (human) audiences?

As a woman, especially in this day and age, it can feel very exhausting fighting for a dream you have to come to fruition. I think it’s important to make her story resonate by not playing her as the happy-go-lucky girl-next-door type. She deals with plenty of challenges and doesn’t always deal with them in the right way. I think audiences will be able to strongly relate to her struggles with perseverance and finding a romantic companion because we as humans struggle with that too. But when she gets what she wants, they will celebrate right along with her.

 

Tickets at rauecenter.org. Learn more at https://www.rauecenter.org/avenue-q/

Bicycle Riding at Night

By Ron & Jackie Eberle

“Nothing goods happens after midnight” is a saying that has been used in various contexts; however, when it comes to riding your bicycle, a totally new experience can be realized during a night ride. A regular route you cycle through the daytime changes with the arrival of night. Vehicular traffic lessens, nocturnal animals emerge, your senses see and feel a different environment from the daytime hours and ride. 

You do not need to stop cycling in low light or nighttime hours, but you do need to tweak some things to make riding at night safer.  Here are some tips to make yourself seen.  Regardless of daytime or nighttime, you should ALWAYS wear a helmet, ride with the flow of traffic (never against) and ride predictably. 

Ride with Lights:  Either a flashing or steady white light in the front of your bicycle and a red light on the rear of your bicycle. Based on LED technology, the brightness and range of bike lights has increased substantially.

Visible Clothing:  Bright colors with reflective strips on your torso and on body parts that move the most (i.e., legs, feet or ankles).  These colors and reflectors make you stand out to drivers better. In addition, you can purchase tires with reflective sidewalls that also help at night by focusing on the distinctive movement of a bicycle to someone driving.

Plan Your Route and/or Ride the Route in Daylight First:  Know where you want to go, and which route is safest.  Even in daytime, there are streets and roads that are to be avoided. This understanding does not change during the night, regardless of reduced traffic.   Cycle the route you are planning to ride at night, during the day.  This is to make sure you know of any challenging spots and can manage them in the day – they can often be more difficult at night.

Ride with a Group:  If possible, having additional bike riders around you when cycling at night can help increase your visibility to other road users. There are also more eyes to look out for hazards on the road and more hands to lend if a mechanical problem happens. Remember though, when riding in a group, ride no more than two abreast in the street and stay to the right. 

Ride where you can be seen. Try not to hug the gutter when riding at night and try not to weave in and out of the flow of traffic.  Stop at stop signs and follow other traffic regulations and patterns.  Never ride against the flow of traffic.

Specific to the Night Owl, remember it’s a ride and NOT a race.  Ride in control, at a comfortable pace and have fun!

 

Event: Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 p.m., rider check-in begins at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cost: By August 2nd $30 | Day of Registration $35 | children 12 & under $15
T-shirts are an additional $25 and can be purchased via our store on the registration page.

Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85921/raue-centers-night-owl-bike-ride

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 journey as a musician.  Each performance will take place in Raue Center’s new intimate onstage blues lounge set up with bar and dance floor!

 

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 worldwide seeking smart,  powerful modern blues songs that honor the legacy of the genre’s masters will find it here.” 

 

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. 

 

Evening of Percussion Keeps the Beat

Evening of Percussion with the Crystal Lake Strikers wowed audiences for another sold-out show on Saturday, February 10 @ 7p at Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake.

This annual local fan favorite put the spotlight on a night of music featuring the best percussion and drumming groups around! Evening of Percussion featured the performing ensembles of the Crystal Lake Strikers and some surprise guests, performers ranging in age from seven to seventy. The Strikers also award scholarships to local high school students including the Tim Althoff, William Laskey, and Aaron Shepley Memorial Scholarships.

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. In the 15 years since, the Strikers have performed in front of millions and have created seven ensembles for area students.

 

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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McHenry County Multi-Chamber Mixer brings community business leaders together.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

Tuesday, October 14, 2022, Raue Center welcomed over 100 local business owners and representatives to our theater for a Chamber of Commerce Mixer that involved businessmen and women from Barrington, Cary Grove, Huntley, McHenry, Crystal Lake, and Algonquin Lake In The Hills. The local chamber members came out in force to enjoy a bratwurst, sample beers from Crystal Lake brewing, and network with peers from around the county.

Those who attended were treated to a peak at Raue Center’s upcoming schedule including the first look at our George Michael tribute coming up next February. Prizes were won, contacts were made, and good times were had by all!

RCSA MASTERCLASS – DANCING THROUGH LIFE with John Bolton and Marina Lazzaretto

@Raue Center For The Arts
26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Monday, November 14 | 6:30 to 8:30p
Registration Fee: $15
Reservations required. Limited Availability. Reserve your spot today!

RCSA’s Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard), known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.”

The masterclass will begin with an open dance instruction on stage for all participants featuring choreography inspired by the musical “Wicked” followed by one-on-one demonstrations and a Q&A. All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop.

If you are interested in receiving one-on-one audition coaching during the workshop, please email [email protected] directly to reserve your spot. Spots are limited.

Doors will open at 6:00 pm
The masterclass will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series is taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectators. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and are welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

JOHN BOLTON
John Bolton starred on Broadway as Vlad in Anastasia (Outer Critics Circle, Rivera Awards nominations), The Captain in Dames at Sea (Astaire Award nomination), The Old Man in Christmas Story the Musical (Drama Desk nomination), as both Grady and Cioffi in Curtains, King Arthur in Spamalot, Michael in Contact, Charles Lightoller in Titanic, and J Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed… He made his Broadway debut alongside Jerry Lewis in Damn Yankees. On tour, he was Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly! and is currently playing The Wizard of Oz in Wicked. He headlined 4 sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and has been a soloist with the NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. On TV, Mr Bolton had recurring roles on The Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Gossip Girl and All My Children and has guest-starred on Evil, FBI, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife and Law and Order. He is featured in the film Mapplethorpe.
MARINA LAZZARETTO
Originally from Alberta, Canada, Marina Lazzaretto is a New York City-based Dancer, Singer, and Actress. Marina is currently in the national touring company of the hit Broadway show Wicked. She has performed all over the US and Internationally in productions such as The Broadway and First National Touring companies of An American In Paris, the First National Tours of Cats (revival), and Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away, The New Yorkers at City Center Encores, the Off-Broadway Companies of Trip of Love and Doctor Faustus and the Broadway Company of West Side Story. Most recently Marina has just finished filming Season 2 of the new Apple TV Musical Series “Schmigadoon”. She has also been seen on television in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Fosse/Verdon”, “The Tonight Show”, “SNL”, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”, and “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”. Marina has also been fortunate enough to work with the Verdon Fosse Legacy since 2013 honoring the work of the legendary Bob Fosse. For more info visit marinalazzaretto.com Instagram @marinalazz
John Bolton as The Wizard in Wicked. photo by Joan Marcus

Made possible through the generous support of the Jonny Carson Foundation