Events

• Music
  
  

  	Saturday, 13 September 2008, 8:00 PM Joey DeFrancesco   [buy tickets] Regarded by organ aficionados as the baddest B-3 burner, Joey DeFrancesco’s place in jazz history is cemented by five consecutive DownBeat Critics Poll awards and legendary associations with giants like Miles Davis, John McLaughlin and Elvin Jones. Opening the show is Chicago’s own Dee Alexander, who is taking the music scene by storm with a soulful vocal style that’s seductive, playful and shimmering. A jazz event not to be missed.
  	Saturday, 4 October 2008, 8:00 PM Roger McGuinn   [buy tickets] with Maria Sebastian opening As the former front man for the Byrds and an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist, Roger McGuinn is all about traditional music. His folk, rock, and blues playing, teeming with Rickenbacker guitar “jingle-jangle,” delivers a sonic euphoria to the listener, rich in melody and harmony. Opening the show is up-and-coming young singer/songwriter/guitarist Maria Sebastian, whom the Buffalo News calls “an elegant, emotive singer, and her songwriting is strong as well.”
  	Saturday, 10 January 2009, 8:00 PM David Bromberg   [buy tickets] After a long hiatus, this guitarist/singer/songwriter is back on the road, serving up an eclectic and unpredictable set of original favorites, obscure ditties and everything in between. As the New York Times noted, Bromberg “has such control of his audience that he can, at one moment, hold it in his hand with a tender, touching yet funny anecdotal song, and then set it romping and stomping with a raucous bit of raunch. He is electrifying.”
  	Friday, 13 March 2009, 8:00 PM Altar Boyz   [buy tickets] From Off-Broadway comes this unlikely musical spoof of boy bands that has the critics in unanimous praise. Played out during a fictitious concert, the five boyz try to save the world, one screaming fan at a time. “Irreverent but never mean-spirited, this sweet, smart show preaches inclusion, brotherly love, and spiritual and ethical self-exploration while satirizing intolerance and holier-than-thou hypocrisy.” (Chicago Reader)
  	Friday, 20 March 2009, 8:00 PM Duke Ellington Orchestra   [buy tickets] One of the greatest jazz innovators and composers of all time, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington wrote elegant standards like “Take the A-Train” and daring compositions such as Black Brown and Beige throughout a career that spanned over 50 years. Today, under the direction of Barrie Lee Hall, Jr., the Duke Ellington Orchestra is thrilling new legions of fans and proving once again that it ‘don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.’
  	Saturday, 28 March 2009, 8:00 PM R&B Revue   [buy tickets] Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue with the Tommy Castro Band, Magic Dick, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Deanna Bogart Tommy Castro and his brilliant band have captured a hold on audiences and critics alike around the world with their mesmerizing blend of rock, blues and Memphis soul. Now the electrifying Castro joins forces with harmonica player Magic Dick of J. Geils Band fame, Crown Prince of Chicago Blues Ronnie Baker Brooks, and powerhouse piano and soulful saxophonist Deanna Bogart for a riveting rhythm and blues jam that’ll raise the roof and have audiences howling for more.
  	Saturday, 18 April 2009, 8:00 PM Adrian Belew   [buy tickets] Adrian Belew Power Trio Adrian Belew’s guitar doesn’t just make music. It also squawks, chugs, buzzes, murmurs, and chimes in the hands of this “wizard of sonic manipulation and texture,” (Rolling Stone). He’s accompanied Frank Zappa, Talking Heads and David Bowie, was a member of King Crimson and has maintained an active solo career that even launched a hit single, “Oh, Daddy.” On stage, the talented Belew is a chameleon of styles, so there’s no telling what’s in store, except for something great.
  	Saturday, 2 May 2009, 8:00 PM Bonnie Koloc   [buy tickets] The enduring and versatile voice of Bonnie Koloc has been enjoyed in Chicago since 1968. Her hybrid style of blues, folk and ballads is intimate, tuneful, and introspective. Successes as an illustrator and author haven’t detracted Koloc from her music – her singing is better than ever and her live shows continue to entertain and touch audiences as they did 40 years ago.

• S.Y.O. Feature Presentations
  
  

  	Saturday, 20 December 2008, 3:30 PM SYO Holiday 2008   [buy tickets] Saturday, 20 December 2008, 7:30 PM SYO Holiday 2008  [buy tickets] Schaumburg Youth Orchestra Presto! Holiday Concert The Illinois Arts Council’s 2008 Youth Orchestra of the Year is back with another wonderful holiday program. Combining classical and popular music, delightful narration and a surprise or two, the Presto! Holiday Concert has become recognized as one of the most entertaining seasonal shows in the area.
  	Monday, 16 February 2009, 7:30 PM SYO Salute to Lincoln   [buy tickets] The Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra presents a special President’s Day concert to commemorate the bicentennial of the birth of a true American hero -- Abraham Lincoln. Music from Lincoln’s time as well as classical compositions that embrace the ideals of this legendary figure are performed as live narration looks back at the life of one of history’s most renowned leaders and humanitarians.

• Miscellany
  
  

  	Saturday, 20 September 2008, 7:00 PM Celebration 2008   [buy tickets] Love a great party where you can listen to a variety of live music, enjoy dishes from the area's best restaurants and win great silent auction items? Then don't miss this arts fundraiser where the Prairie Center comes to life with fine food, hot bands and fun, fun, fun!
  	Saturday, 27 September 2008, 8:00 PM America 1968   [buy tickets] with Michael Miles “What a field day for the heat—there’s thousands of people in the street.” 1968 witnessed American turmoil and heartache, and provoked some of the greatest music of all time. Unbridled voices—Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy, the Beatles, Dylan—defined a changing world. With a rock and roll cast of seven and photographic imagery, acclaimed singer/performer Michael Miles portrays the year month by month, just as it happened: music, politics, heartache and humor. "Anything Miles plays is worth savoring," says the Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich.
  	Sunday, 8 February 2009, 3:00 PM Little Angels of Korea   [buy tickets] The Little Angels of Korea national folk ballet is a phenomenal company of 30 outstanding singers, dancers and drummers who emphasize peace and harmony through the performing arts. Fluid motion, unerring precision and volumes of charm are the hallmarks of the ensemble, whose music and dance is inspired by a rich and colorful Korean heritage dating back over 5,000 years.
  	Saturday, 21 February 2009, 12:00 PM Anne Shimojima Workshop   [buy tickets] Storytelling workshop with Anne Shimojima Saturday, 21 February 2009, 2:00 PM Connie Regan-Blake Workshop   [buy tickets] Storytelling workshop with Connie Regan-Blake Saturday, 21 February 2009, 4:00 PM Andy Offutt Irwin Workshop   [buy tickets] Storytelling workshop with Andy Offutt Irwin Saturday, 21 February 2009, 8:00 PM Storytelling Concert 2008   [buy tickets] Storytelling Festival Three veteran tellers return to the Prairie Center for a day of stories and workshops. The quirky songs and anecdotes of Andy Offutt Irwin, Southern-charm style of Connie Regan-Blake, and Asian folk stories of Anne Shimojima form a rich and varied program of stories that are bound to strike a resonant chord (be it funny, pensive or dramatic) with listeners.
  	Saturday, 14 March 2009, 7:30 PM Screen Test Student Fest   [buy tickets] 3rd Annual Screen Test Student Fest The best and brightest young filmmaking talents in the region show their short film and video projects at Schaumburg’s 3rd annual festival. The varied program, selected by a panel of judges, is sure to feature a variety of styles and genres, from comedy and drama to experimental works.

• Dance
  
  

  	Friday, 5 December 2008, 7:30 PM Nutcracker 2008   [buy tickets] Saturday, 6 December 2008, 2:00 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Saturday, 6 December 2008, 7:30 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Sunday, 7 December 2008, 1:00 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Sunday, 7 December 2008, 5:00 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Friday, 12 December 2008, 7:30 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Saturday, 13 December 2008, 2:00 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Saturday, 13 December 2008, 7:30 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Sunday, 14 December 2008, 1:00 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Sunday, 14 December 2008, 5:00 PM Nutcracker 2008  [buy tickets] Schaumburg Dance Ensemble's Nutcracker Ballet It’s no surprise that Tchaikovsky’s grand ballet has become a Prairie Center family tradition. This fully-narrated story of a young girl transported to a land of dancing fairies, leaping Russians and waltzing flowers captivates audiences of all ages, enhanced by colorful sets, beautiful costumes and inventive choreography. If you haven’t seen this magical production by the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble, featuring a corps of professional dancers and area students, this is the year. And, even it you’ve enjoyed it in the past, delightful new touches make it worth a second – or third – look.
  	Saturday, 17 January 2009, 8:00 PM Luna Negra Dance   [buy tickets] Luna Negra Dance Theater creates, performs and teaches contemporary dance by Latino choreographers. The company's distinctive style artfully blends ballet and contemporary dance movements strongly flavored by Latin and Afro-Caribbean dance forms. Luna Negra's repertoire includes original works by Cuban-born founder and artistic director Eduardo Vilaro as well as other Latino choreographers.
  	Saturday, 7 March 2009, 12:00 PM Snow White   [buy tickets] Saturday, 7 March 2009, 4:00 PM Snow White  [buy tickets] Sunday, 8 March 2009, 1:00 PM Snow White  [buy tickets] Sunday, 8 March 2009, 5:00 PM Snow White  [buy tickets] Schaumburg Dance Ensemble's Snow White Ballet Another classic fairytale is given the royal treatment by the inventive Schaumburg Dance Ensemble. The evil Queen, huntsman, seven dwarfs, talking mirror, and dashing prince are vividly brought to life in this sparkling adaptation that combines elements of ballet, contemporary and character dance. Live narration keeps young audiences tuned into the storyline as the ensemble’s delightful and witty choreography leaves everyone captivated.
  	Saturday, 25 April 2009, 8:00 PM Cuartetango   [buy tickets] This exciting 10-performer ensemble, under the direction of Leonardo Suarez Paz, features the Cuartetango String Quartet, dancers, a bandoneónist. and a singer in a production incorporating all expressions of the tango art: music, poetry, song, and dance in an exciting evening of Nuevo Tango. Magnifico!

• Comedy
  
  

  	Sunday, 19 October 2008, 7:00 PM Capitol Steps   [buy tickets] Must be another election year – the Capitol Steps are in town to satirically skewer everything from the race for the White House to high gas prices, the economy, and all things political. With members who were former Capital Hill staffers, these parody pundits will have the audience in stitches with their hilarious song lampoons and outrageous impersonations.
  	Friday, 24 October 2008, 8:00 PM Flying Karamazov Bros   [buy tickets] Flying Karamazov Brothers in 4PLAY The latest show by the Brothers is a mix of visual fireworks, visceral physicality and theatrical innovation to create a post-modern sensibility where anything is possible. Their method is to combine skill and scope to form a work that is kaleidoscopic and passionate. Ground-breaking and provocative, the four brothers use their many talents to demonstrate that chaos and unexpected events in our lives are the stuff that make us human. Or in other words, they juggle, they sing, they dance, they tell jokes, and they’re one of the best acts around.
  	Saturday, 15 November 2008, 8:00 PM Mama's Night Out!   [buy tickets] You don’t have to be a mom to enjoy the hilarious comedy of Christine Stedman, Sherry Davey, and Nancy Witter. Each a finalist in Nick at Nite’s Search for America’s Funniest Mom, their observational humor will strike a chord and tickle the funny bone of both men and women. Or, as one of the Mamas put it, “If you’re a mother, or came from one, this show is for you.”