First Fridays will return to selected outdoor settings in downtown Aurora, Friday, Sept. 4, from its previous virtual settings with art and music at more than a dozen venues. The evening will provide a variety of experiences to include virtual and crowd-free options: • Goldfinch Cafe will pop up with
Each year, the Aurora Art League (AAL) is host to an art exhibit which showcases dozens of paintings and other works of art created by Aurora’s finest artists. With the pandemic, many of the show’s loyal attendees are wondering if and how AAL will be to able host the exhibit
Alley Art Festival will be on the last Saturday of the month, Saturday, Aug. 29 with one big change. The popular, grassroots art festival will be downtown-wide. Celebrating its 10th year, the festival thrown by the Aurora Downtown group will be held at more than a handful of venues throughout
A message to Aurora’s Paramount Theatre patrons: After months of monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic while consulting with State and community health officials, State, and local government representatives and endless professionals around the country, it’s become evident that we have to adapt our plans one more time. It’s with a heavy
First Fridays will back Friday, Aug. 7. After taking things and online virtual for three months, the night of art, music, and more items of interest will return under the State’s Phase 4 guidelines. “We’ve been reimagining many of our events in downtown Aurora, and we are now seeing what
Aurora Public Art announced the lineup of free virtual art classes for students sheltering in place amid COVID-19 cancellations. Summer programming includes sessions across many artistic media. Drawing, painting, music, dance, drama, and culinary arts are among the many offerings. “This is our final week of virtual programs for Aurora’s
Aurora Public Art announces lineup for next week’s free virtual programs. Aurora Public Art announced the lineup of free virtual art classes for students sheltering in place amid COVID-19 cancellations. Summer programming includes sessions across many artistic media. Drawing, painting, music, dance, drama, and culinary arts are among the many
Scott Tipping and Ellie Kahn will have a livestream Monday, July 20 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. at www.facebook.com/TheVenueAurora. Scott Tipping and Ellie Kahn met as working musicians on a theater run. Their individual musical lives kept them from collaborating much outside of a gig here or there. During
By Amy Roth Jim Peterik of Ides of March and Survivor bands’ fame was in Aurora July 7 to shoot a music video of a new song that was “inspired by nostalgia,” he said. “Carry Me Back” was co-written by Ides of March member Larry Millas and is performed by
Looking for something your kids can do this Summer? Make time at home more creative with these new, week-long online camps. Perfect for kids to do with a parent or on their own. Register online at waterstreetstudios.com. • 3D Art Camp, begins Monday, July 13 Create amazing 3D projects using
By Melissa Mercado Hello The Venue friends! I am writing to spread the good news that we are entering Phase 4 of Restore Illinois and that means that The Venue in Aurora will be allowed to re-open its doors to patrons! That said, we plan to go slowly and systematically
Soothe into the sweet sounds of the Chris Green Quartet from the comfort of your home from 7p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Friday, June 26, presented by Water Street Studios. Cost is $12 per ticket and available at Eventbrite.com. “…a hearty tone and sharp wit…a proud descendant of such 1960s soul-jazz
The Venue, the 200-currently-empty-seat music performance space in Aurora, will deliver a Livestream performance by Steve Dawson & Diane Christiansen at 8 p.m. Monday, June 22. Direct donations can be made at themusicvenue.org. Direct donations can be made at themusicvenue.org. The event will be livestreamed from the Venue’s Facebook page
Aurora Public Art released the session listing of the third week of virtual youth programming for students who are sheltering in place amid COVID-19 cancellations. All sessions are free and open to the public. Summer programming includes sessions across many artistic media. Drawing, painting, music, dance, drama, and culinary arts
Water Street Studios in Bataviais thrilled to announce the selection of its next executive director. After a four-month search, the organization’s Board of Directors chose Taylor Egan to lead its organization. Mrs. Egan joins Water Street Studios with a background in the arts and a strong commitment to community building
Over a lifetime spent learning, writing, recording, and performing Anthony Padilla has developed a soulful approach and takes joy in the art of music. Anthony is a member of the funky psychedelic Funktional Family, where he lends his vocals and guitar to their unique sound. Padilla will have a livestream
By Al Benson Donnell Collins of Aurora has been on a mission. The Aurora professional photographer’s mission is to shoot outdoor portraits of individuals, or groups, from his van’s window, and post a photo daily on Facebook until stay-at-home orders are lifted. He calls the mission his Driveby Photo Shoot
The brilliant piano virtuoso Ludwig van Beethoven has provided the world with glorious music. One of his most beautiful piano pieces is Fur Elise, “Bagatelle in A minor” composed in 1810 for a lady love who rejected him. His “Moonlight Sonata” is another outstanding melody. Both I never tire of
The Naperville Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower is announcing special concerts and lighting to honor healthcare workers and first responders during the coronavirus pandemic this spring. Local carillonneurs will perform a series of concerts Wednesdays at noon for the month of May, in addition to the regularly scheduled concerts at
Water Street Studios’ Gallery curator, Steve Sherrell, will be host to a virtual get together at 6 p.m. Friday, May 8. Attendees can hang out online with Steve in his studio when he provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Water Street Studios displays 24 exhibitions every year. Afterwards, Steve will
