Aurora Area Retired Teachers Association members and guests learned about an Underground Railroad conductor, spy and nurse during a presentation Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Batavia. Celebrating Black History Month, Civil War reenactor Pamela Welcome of Aurora spotlighted Harriet Tubman’s life through stories and songs. An independent professional roleplayer and storyteller,
If you’ve been reading my blather here for any length of time, you’ve probably perused my Home Alone stories ad nauseam, along with other columns highlighting my memorable experiences as an indispensable part of feature films known as an “extra” or “atmosphere” or “background”. As those names imply, it’s a
When First Fridays in Aurora started in the fall of 2013, the tagline for the event was “art, music and more.” The event grew into a must-attend, thriving epicenter of culture thanks to the commitment to art at the forefront. As First Fridays added offerings and more venues over the
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, award-winning poet, singer, songwriter, and visual artist Jenny Bienemann will bring a night of original folk and Americana to The Venue in Aurora. Saturday, Feb. 7, Bienemann’s newest tiny book, “The Come Back,” will be the inspiration for a concert featuring a powerhouse lineup
Rosary College Prep Fine Arts Showcase will be an afternoon of performing and visual arts with current students and alumni from Rosary College Prep and Marmion Academy Sunday, Feb. 1 p.m. at 4 p.m. at Rosary College Prep, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora. The event’s theme is Movie Musicals,
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, award-winning poet, singer, songwriter, and visual artist Jenny Bienemann will bring a night of original folk and Americana to The Venue in Aurora. Saturday, Feb. 7, Bienemann’s newest tiny book, “The Come Back,” will be the inspiration for a concert featuring a powerhouse lineup
West Aurora High School’s winter play will feature Arthur Miller’s classic drama “The Crucible.” Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 15-17, in the school auditorium, 1201 W. New York St. in Aurora. Director Sherry Becker said the two-act production with an intermission showcases a cast of 25
Nostalgia, pageantry and spectacle will come to life in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, part of Paramount’s 14th Broadway Series, playing now through January 11 in the heart of downtown Aurora. Based on the classic 1954 film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, this two-time Tony Award-nominated musical
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra and point2pointproductions are bringing a concert-style performance of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to The Hemmens Cultural Center Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2:30 p.m.. This lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero showcases music
Scott Tipping will spend his birthday on stage in the New Year, which will be a big shift from how he spent January 2 a couple of years ago. Tipping, a musician from Wheaton, turned 50 from a hospital room after a severe car accident two days after Christmas 2023,
I’ve noticed recently that media and events related to the Christmas movie Home Alone have been appearing because of its 35th Anniversary. For instance, a recent Film Institute reunion in Chi-town of people who’d worked on the film and a mid-country tour and movie screening by Macaulay Culkin. Then a
Members of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Batavia choir presented Christmas music December 16 to the residents of Riverain Point Apartments in Batavia.
Aurora residents experienced a Medieval-style Christmas Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, at West Aurora High School’s annual madrigal weekend presentations. A project of West students and staff, events featured a Saturday evening three-course feast which was sold out and a Sunday afternoon dessert performance. It was the 38th year of
A Sugar Plum Fairy will be dancing on stage in a new, jazz-infused rendition of the beloved holiday performance of The Nutcracker at Batavia Fine Arts Centre Sunday, Dec. 21. Monarch Academy of Dance will perform The Nutcracker: City Lights featuring the classic story with big city flair full of
Mary Beth McCarthy, left, directs the Fox Valley Festival chorus December 7 in “Angel Anthems of Peace,” a winter concert at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora.
Sommerville members Reid Sommerville, from left, Kari Sommerville and Kurt Sommerville sing seasonal tunes Saturday inside Hope Chest resale store in Aurora.
“Brassy and Bright,” a Fox Valley Brass Band holiday concert, is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, hosted by Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St., Aurora. Victor Anderson returns to direct the 31-member band in joyful carols and dazzling selections by Stephen Bulla, Andrew Wainwright and more! Tickets,
Lakota Sioux hoop dancer Starr Chief Eagle performs with three of 22 hoops November 22 at Santori Public Library in Aurora.
The West Aurora High School Fine Arts Department is thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for two of its most anticipated annual events, the Winter Concert and the 38th Annual Madrigal Dinner. West Aurora High School Winter Concert It will be an evening of exceptional music featuring all
West Aurora High School’s fall play features Louis May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women.” Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 20-22, in the school auditorium, 1201 W. New York St. in Aurora. Director Jen Pauley said 55 students auditioned for the 11-member cast. They will
