A Night Of Fine Music In Crystal Lake

Raue Center will celebrate two incredible people thru the music of Broadway and Hollywood on September 29 at 7pm. Join the acclaimed conductor Kurt Bestor as he leads the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and veterans of stage and screen in a remarkable night of uplifting music.

They'll be joined by Broadway-sensation and former Rockette Kim Shriver and Williams Street Repertory’s very own Dana Parker and Mathias Austin! It’s sure to be an amazing night of entertainment.

"We are so thrilled the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and also Voices in Harmony will be at the Raue for an evening of wonderful music and to celebrate my Mom and Bill's love for the Raue and the community,” explains Joyce’s son Thomas O’Connor. “It will be a great event!"

This special event features the Elgin Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Kurt Bestor. Voices in Harmony choir will also lend their pipes to a few songs making this concert truly a community event. Barbara Paul of Piano Trends Music Company serves as the Artistic Director.

Bill was the organization’s first Board President and Joyce spent many hours volunteering. She was a part of the cookbook committee that recently raised enough money for the outdoor sign now illuminated across the fly tower.

Tickets range from $30 to $40. They can be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

About Elgin Symphony Orchestra: 
Named “Orchestra of the Year” an unprecedented three times by the Illinois Council of Orchestras and winner of a 2010 Elgin Image Award, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, now approaching its 64th season, remains Illinois’ premier regional orchestra. The ESO is respected for exceptional performance, innovative education programs, and community outreach initiatives. Founded in 1950 by Douglas Steensland at Elgin Community College, the Orchestra has benefited from the contributions of many talented conductors and musicians during its sixty-three year history. With the appointment of Grammy Award-winning conductor Margaret Hillis as Music Director in 1971, the Orchestra’s artistic growth advanced significantly. The Orchestra became fully professional in 1985 under the direction of conductor/composer Robert Hanson, who was named Music Director earlier that year. Maestro Hanson held the position until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2010-2011 concert season.

In 2013, after a two year international search in which over 250 applicants were reviewed, Andrew Grams was selected as the new Music Director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of the Juliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Grams is one of America’s most promising and talented young conductors, as well as an accomplished violinist. In addition to working with the ESO to plan upcoming seasons, Maestro Grams, an audience favorite, will conduct several concerts throughout the 2013-2014 season, beginning with the opening night concerts on October 5th and 6th, 2013.

Believing music and the arts have the power to inspire individuals, support communities, and enrich society, the ESO launched Elgin: Home for the Holidays, and has partnered on other events with Rotary International, Feeding Greater Elgin, Sherman Hospital, Downtown Neighborhood Association, and local Chamber of Commerce. In 1987, the ESO began Kidz Konzertz, a children’s program which now draws nearly 8,000 youth from nearly 60 communities. The ESO Musicians Care Program, which began in 2010, takes musicians out of the concert hall and into the public and patient spaces of Sherman Hospital in Elgin, twice each week. In 2014, the ESO will partner with the City of Elgin and neighboring communities providing a free concert as part of their 4th of July festival.

About Kurt Bestor:
Kurt Bestor is an Emmy-award-winning composer, who for over 30 years has composed an incredible variety of music in a myriad of styles and genres. From over 40 feature-length films, 16 popular CDs, numerous television themes, and mix of live shows, he has established himself as one of America's most prolific and versatile composers.

As a gifted performer, Bestor has performed his popular holiday shows for over 24 years to sold-out audiences throughout the western United States. People from Seattle to Dallas have enjoyed his easy-going manner and rapport with the audience. Bestor has also performed internationally, conducting and performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, the Estonian National Orchestra, among others.

About Voices in Harmony:

Voices In Harmony is a 501(c)3 registered not-for-profit organization and began as a part of the first Crystal Lake Fourth of July Gala in 1987. Joyce Dwyer approached Steven Szalaj about forming a community choir from area church choirs for a concert on Tuesday of Gala week, and to sing on the Fireworks concert with the Crystal Lake Community Band. Helen Bird was a significant help in forming the festival choir. It was a “magical” beginning. The choir has given this free, out-of-doors concert at Main Beach on the last Tuesday of June every year since 1987.

Enthusiasm from that event propelled the creation of the community choir, then called the Crystal Lake Community Choir (CLCC). The first concert was a shared holiday concert in December 1987 with the Crystal Lake Community Band given in the CL South High School auditorium. The first CLCC-only concert was given April 30, 1988.

Voices In Harmony is very happy to have a performance home at the Raue Center. Their annual event Sing-Along Messiah will take place on December 15. For more information about the choir and their events please visit voices-in-harmony.org.

Heartache Tonight At Raue Center For The Arts Saturday

Raue Center For The Arts invites you to their 2013/2014 Season Opening Night featuring Heartache Tonight on September 14, 2013 at 8:00 pm. The band provides the ultimate Eagles tribute so good you’ll swear you’re hearing the real thing.

Formed in 2008, Heartache Tonight has quickly become the premiere Eagles Tribute band in the world, playing sold out concerts at top performing arts centers and festivals all across the country. From the powerful guitar duel in “Hotel California” to the shimmering harmonies of “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” Heartache Tonight delivers a true Eagles concert experience in every detail.

Each performance features unforgettable hit songs from all eras and incarnations of the Eagles, plus great solo hits like Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way,” and Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry.”

Tom Carey, Chris “Bean” Weng, John Forrest, Scott Bahry, Jim Altenbach and Tom O’Brien make up this Eagles experience. The six members of Heartache Tonight have shared stages with some of the biggest names in rock, including Jimmy Buffett, Eddie Money and the Doobie Brothers, and have played festivals and performing arts centers across the country.

Every show is filled with moments designed to thrill classic rock fans: the soaring a cappella harmonies of “Seven Bridges Road,” the snarling guitars of “Life In The Fast Lane,” the anthemic country rock of “Take It Easy,” and the beautifully evocative “Heart Of The Matter.”

Tickets range from $29 to $35. They can be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

A Little Comedy Is A Good Thing

Looking for a hilarious top-notch comedy featuring local comedic greats on an intimate stage that won’t break the bank?

The Raue Center For The Arts is welcoming back headliner Dobie Maxwell, a nationally touring, award-winning comedian who has been perfecting his craft since 1985. He’s worked with such notable comedians as Jay Leno, Jeff Foxworthy, Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Tim Allen, Drew Carey, Andrew “Dice” Clay, Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison, Dennis Miller, Chris Rock, and many others.

Maxwell also teaches comedy classes and has taught the art of comedy to well over 2,000 students, some of which have gone on to a successful career in comedy.

Also, around to entertain are Matt Drufke and host Mike Preston.

Friday is also the first performance from the Williams Street Repertory improv troupe. They’ll end the night with a little taste of what’s to come this season.

"The Art of The Bicycle" At Raue Center

On July 14, 2013 visit “The Art of the Bicycle” on stage at Raue Center For The Arts where more than 30 custom and vintage bicycles will be exhibited. The event is presented by Wheel Werks Custom Bicycles of Crystal Lake and runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Bicycling-related art featuring paintings by Jeff Curtis Williams (Bicycle Times June 2012 cover) and Kara Ginther (hand-carved Brooks saddles) will be displayed alongside the bicycles. A cash bar and refreshments will be available. There is no admission fee.

“Its a fantastic exhibit.  So the Tour De France is turning 100 years old and some of the bikes on exhibit are from that time period,” Explains Richard Kuranda. “The real crowd draw is the new bikes though-- cutting edge Carbon Fiber bikes that weigh next to nothing.  Very cool.”

The exhibition will cover a broad range of historical bicycles and materials including steel, chromoly, carbon fiber, titanium and bamboo. Bob Olsen, owner of Wheel Werks Custom Bicycle, also will present his recent trip to Africa and the local production of bamboo bicycle frames.

This event is part Tour de Crystal Lake! Visit http://www.prairiestatecyclingseries.com/schedule/crystal-lake.php for more details.

This free exhibit is open to the public and all are welcome.  For more information visit rauecenter.org or contact the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

Songs Of A Catholic Childhood

Jamie O’Reilly with
Michael P. Smith
June 22 @ 8pm
Songs of a Catholic Childhood 

Chicago performer Jamie O'Reilly returns to her hometown of Crystal Lake with musical partner-celebrated songwriter Michael P. Smith in Songs of a Catholic Childhood, an evening of musical memories and stories of growing up in parochial schools during the post Vatican II, Baby-Boom eras of the '40s, '50s and '60s.

Don't miss the liberating musical journey brought to you by this beloved folk duo. 
Tickets on sale at Raue Center.Org or
815-356-9212.
26 N. Williams Street
Crystal Lake, 

Jamie O'Reilly And Michael Smith At Raue Center In "Songs of A Catholic Childhood"

“You don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy “Songs of a Catholic Childhood,” journalist Lorraine Anderson says in a recent feature in the Traverse City Record-Eagle, referring to Chicago folk-duo Michael Smith and Jamie O’Reilly’s current musical collaboration as "Affectionately Catholic".

 “You just have to let the lyrics and music take you back to ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s America — a time of large Catholic families, the era of John F. Kennedy’s election as the first Catholic American president before the folk Mass reforms of Vatican II.” Anderson continues.

(See full article.  Exclusive to The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, MI.

http://record-eagle.com/features/x63033317/Affectionately-Catholic-Musical-plays-Saturday-in-Williamsburg )

Its content ever evolving, the “Songs” concert on June 22 at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake will include popular songs, hymns and stories from the original program – which debuted as a benefit for St. Scholastica's Girls Academy in fall 2011. For the Raue concert, Smith and O'Reilly have added new songs and stories as well.

There is also a 20 song CD album, recorded live at Chief O’Neill’s pub in Chicago last spring, which will be available for purchase at the Crystal Lake show.

“We keep it fresh by nodding to the Catholic tradition of celebrating seasons and feast days and work them into our stories.” says O’Reilly. “June was class picnics and 8th grade graduation. We got a change to put our hair up and wear grown-up clothes instead of school uniforms.  We posed for pictures with classmates in front of the blooming trees in McCormick Park across from St. Thomas School.  There was a bitter-sweetness about graduation, too. Some kids would go on to the Catholic High School in neighboring Woodstock, and some (myself included) would attend the public high school in town." 

“In addition to our own stories – Michael’s from post war New Jersey and mine from the Midwest – we also localize the stories, when in Chicago we talk about the parishes and the neighborhoods.  In the Michigan show, we talked about summers and growing up near a lake.  In a recent radio interview where the host hailed from Pennsylvania coal country, Michael talked about his grandfather’s family of miners in Pittston, PA. “

Don't miss Songs of a Catholic Childhood June 22 at the Raue Center of the Arts

in Crystal Lake, IL, when O'Reilly returns to her hometown, performing on stage in what was the movie theater when she was a kid. “We couldn’t afford to go to the movies

much.” (O’Reilly is one of fourteen children.) “But I remember when I saw Sound of Music there in the 60s.  I may not have felt the calling to be a nun, but I sure wanted to be Julie Andrews.” 

For more information about Songs of a Catholic Childhood

see the performances pages at jamieoreilly.com

Songs of a Catholic Childhood Concert listing

Crystal Lake, IL

Songs of a Catholic Childhood

with Michael and Jamie O'Reilly

Saturday, June 22 at 8:30 PM

Raue Center for the Arts

26 N. Williams

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Tickets are $20 and $25 day-of; Group rates available

Box Office: 815.356.9212; boxoffice@rauecenter.org

 http://www.rauecenter.org/wordpress/sample-page/20122013-event-schedule-2/lucys-music-cafe/

Steel Magnolias At Raue Center This Weekend

Williams Street Repertory’s Steel Magnolias opened to great audiences and rave reviews last weekend. The show continues Friday, May 3 at 8pm on stage at Raue Center For The Arts in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois. It's perfect for Mother's Day or a ladies night out! Additional show dates are: May 4, 10 and 11 at 8:00 pm and May 11 at 3:00 pm.

Robert Harling wrote the heartfelt play that is based on the true story of his sister’s battle with diabetes. In its searing depiction of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touching — and, in the end, deeply revealing of what it truly means to be a friend when the chips are up or down.

WS Rep graciously welcomes Kimberly Berg Sanders on board as the show’s director. Sanders began as a dancer/performer with Judith Svalander and attended high school from Crystal Lake Central High School. She transitioned into directing while in college and upon graduating she became a member of the Chicago Center Theatre Ensemble for 5 years. Sanders, who went to school for education, has directed shows at both Prairie Ridge High School and New Trier High School, and now currently teaches English at Cary-Grove High School.

When asked to describe the show Sanders explained that Steel Magnolias, put simply, is about “needing a strong support group to lean into your fears.”

Bringing to life these iconic women are Amanda Flahive (Annelle), Hannah Dawe (Shelby), Kate Hein (Truvy), Kellee Stall (M’Lynn), Shannon Mayhall (Clairee), and Regina Belt (Ouiser).

Behind the scenes, the crew includes Richard Kuranda (Founding Artistic Director) and T. Paul Lowry (Producing Director) as well as Pat Henderson (Stage Manager), Rebecca Lowry (Set Designer), Dan Gallagher (Lighting Designer), Aaron Quick (Sound Designer), Clare Kemock (Costume Designer), Teri Jackson (Props Designer), Steven Spera (Light Board Op) and John Dwyer (Sound Board Op).

The theatre company also presented The Fantasticks, The Rocky Horror Show, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, Company, and Short Stories and Tall Tales of the American Hero this season.

Over the past year Raue Center has attracted regional and national attention from media powerhouses like the Huffington Post, Playbill.com and BroadwayWorld.com.

Steve Cochran of WIND Fox Radio praised WS Rep calling its work, “Challenging, provocative and, oh yeah… Fun.”

Rick Kogan of WGN also had rave reviews of Raue Center and WS Rep saying, “You must, must see this amazing work at this beautiful theater. Outstanding.”

Steel Magnolias  tickets start at $29. Group pricing is available! Tickets can be purchased online at WWW.WSREP.ORG, WWW.RAUECENTER.ORG or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. This show is sponsored by Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, BMO Harris Bank and RFP Photography, Inc. The second week of shows is also sponsored by Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center. Thank you to the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Raue Center For The Arts this year! The night will feature music from Áthas, comedy from Bob Rumba and Irish dancers from The Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance! Join in all the fun on March 16, 2013 at 8:00pm.

Áthas (pronounced ‘AH-hiss’) will light the dance floor on fire with a combination of traditional and newly composed Irish dance tunes. Fierce fiddle, driving bodhran, and funky guitar riffs come together to lift listeners’ feet, drinks, and spirits. Making up the band is Heather Lewin (fiddle and vox), Amy Richter (Bodhran and percussion) and Jeff Ksiazek (guitar, whistle, Irish bouzouki).

Tickets are $20 general admission and are on sale now via www.rauecenter.org or the Box Office: 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois.

About Áthas

Although approaching the tradition from various musical backgrounds, the band found each other and their voice as an ensemble while playing in Irish sessions around Milwaukee throughout 2005. Spending their time between tunes laughing and joking inspired them to make music together and their name, which is the Irish word for joy and happiness.

The band’s blend of exciting music and fun-loving attitudes quickly earned the admiration of Milwaukee’s Irish set and ceili dance communities, as well as audiences throughout their hometown stomping grounds. athas has become a favorite act at Irish music’s premier event, Milwaukee Irish Fest, gathering praise for the excitement of their stage shows and the energy they display playing in the dance tent.

Áthas is a band firmly rooted in the traditions of Irish music, constantly seeking inspiration from the past masters and passing on their knowledge by teaching throughout Milwaukee. The band remains receptive to new influences, and continues to impress audiences with their new compositions as well as their passion, energy and love for making music.

A Look Ahead To Warmer Days

President's Golf Classic 2013
July 15, 2013 @ noon 
It’s early in the year, but thinking ahead to warmer days and fun on the links, here is an opportunity for enjoyment and helping a local group.

Mark your calendar for the Annual President's Golf Classic 2013!

Raue Center is proud to partner with Bull Valley Golf Club this year to host a spectacular afternoon on the links to support our mission to bring the arts to all in our community! .

For more details see BROCHURE.

Stargazers Ball On Saturday

On Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 7:00 pm join Raue Center For The Arts on stage for Stargazers Ball 2012 – the theatre’s largest annual fundraiser! This glamorous gala is filled with signature cocktails, delectable local cuisine, dancing, a live auction and more, and helps to ensure the arts are alive and thriving in the community for generations to come. The funds raised at Stargazers Ball help reduce Raue Center’s current long-term needs – like their $1.8 million dollar mortgage – that directly impact operational needs for programs like Mission Imagination and Williams Street Repertory.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Mike Potts and Dave Radford of local dueling pianos group, Felix n’ Fingers, and will feature special guest appearances by WS Rep company members. The evening will also include a raffle for a beautiful jewelry set donated by Dalzell and Co. Tickets include complimentary valet parking. Black tie dress is optional.

The Stargazers Honorary Committee members are Senator Pamela Althoff, Dee Beaubien, Steve and Sandra Pierce, Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley and his wife Regan, Steve and Leann Slack and Representative Michael Tryon and his wife Kathy.

BMO Harris Bank is the lead sponsor of Stargazers Ball 2012. Other sponsors include Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center, EISENMANN, Market Financial Group, Northwest Herald and Sage Products, Inc. Tickets to this fundraising party are $150 and are on sale now online at www.rauecenter.org, or via the Box Office located at 26 N. Williams Street in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake or by phone 815.356.9212.

Important Event For Upcoming Artists

An important event is taking place Saturday in the Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake.
Since its inception, The Raue Center has always promoted the desire to host a show that highlights the talents of youth.
The inaugural FOCUS talent show ran last year and was an overwhelming success. With the hard work and dedication of the FOCUS Educational Committee and staff, the Raue Center has been able to further bring this idea to fruition and turn it into an annual event.
This year's FOCUS 2010 is a multifaceted, multi-month talent show open to all youth 18 and under. The event strives to promote emotional, intellectual and intuitive development in each child through the encouragement of artistic expression. The event’s theme, “A community of change. What does this mean to you?” will permeate all unique showcases in this year’s event.
The finale showcase on Saturday will present the performers/presenters before the judging panel and the winners will be announced.
These are the finalists:
Performing Arts Showcase
Elementary Division: Jayden and Carsen Forte, Esha Gourikrishna and Daniel Souvigny
Junior High Division: Lena Burke and Ryan Lammers, Rachel Cottrell and Kushal Gourikrishna
High School Division: Maroon Man Group, Lane Parsons and Benjamin Valle

Fashion Design Showcase
Senior Division: Haley Beyer, Ashley Margaret Bolda, Shelby Difiore, Anna Goldberg, Sara Hinkle, Johnny Laman, Sarah Magnuson, Audrey Pangallo, Alyssa Phillips, Hillary Ruhlin, Nikki Schweber and Amy Sticha
Junior Division: Veronica Buchweitz, Emma Downing, Taya Freese, Annie Kamps, Emmerson Meurett, Mary Plazak and Elise Rockwell

Visual Arts Showcase
Elementary Division: Mary Clare Schofield, Erik Stiegman and Lauren Rickgauer
Junior High Division: Dylan Manke and Kathy Swerbenski
High School Division: Connor Jacobsen, Terrill Freese and Henry Hillstrom

Just For Kids and Kids At Heart

Sometimes it's tough being a kid. But life is a lot easier --and a lot more fun--when you've got an extremely large, slobbery, canine buddy to share your adventures and troubles.

Henry and Mudge is the perfect show for children ages 3 and up--and families alike. Based on the best selling book stories by Cynthia Rylant, it is a children's show about the wonders and trials of owning your first pet.

Henry and Mudge is at the Raue Center for the Arts at 3:00pm tomorrow. For Tickets