music
Ravinia 2011: Classical highlights
The Ravinia Festival’s 2011 classical music season embraces everything from solo recitals to chamber music and grand orchestral evenings. For those with limited time and/or budget — which includes almost everyone — here are some suggestions for programs that should not be missed. Whether in …
Chicago native musician celebrates her Irish heritage
“In terms of my career, I’ve always made my living being the side person in someone else’s band or project,” said Kathleen Keane, of Norridge. “Only recently have I had the courage to be on center stage and front myself. The response has been great, …
Up close with the music at Montrose Room
When you can feel the spray of a musician’s sweat and see his spit fly into the air, you know you’ve scored some great concert tickets. This is always the case at InterContinental Chicago O’Hare’s Montrose Room, where local bands play Friday nights, in the …
CSO, stars shine in 75th season opener at Ravinia
There is always a certain magic surrounding the first weekend of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s residency at the Ravinia Festival. This year marks the 75th summer the orchestra has spent at the leafy Highland Park enclave, so the three opening concerts July 7, 8 and …
Concert honors the many songs of Buddy Charles
By definition, a good piano man — or woman — knows lots of songs. An extensive repertoire is a required tool of the trade. But for the repertoire of Morton Grove’s late Buddy Charles, “extensive” didn’t even begin to cover it. “He knew 5,000 songs, …
Voodoo music
On July 15 the Chicago-based band, Voodoo Kings, will be rocking out at Rosemont’s Montrose Room. Pioneer Press caught up with lead singer and guitarist Michael Kranicke to get to know the band. Pioneer Press: How did the band get together? Michael Kranicke: I formed …
Two heads, four hands and Lizst on Duo Pianos
Two heads are better than one and four hands top two any day. That’s the idea behind the Music Institute of Chicago’s duo piano festival set for the institute’s Evanston campus July 8 to 17. Some 60 pianists, including duo-pairs from throughout the United States …
Magnificent premiere for North Shore Chamber Music Festival
A blazing cello, a fiery violin, a flaming viola and an incandescent piano. The second evening of the North Shore Chamber Music Festival’s three-night series concluded with the Finale of Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet, played with such intensity as to leave the audience breathless. Friday, …
Sock dancer stays in step with kids
Morton Grove native Annie Elmer is so excited about performing at Ravinia next weekend, she plans to change her socks and put on a new pair of multi-colored go-go boots. Dancer extraordinaire for The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, a Nick Jr. music video fav for …
Musician’s talents celebrate her authentic life
Audiences will learn a lot about Tona Brown when she appears at the Skokie Theatre this weekend. Both her lecture on Saturday afternoon and her performance on Sunday evening are entitled, “This Is Who I Am.” That’s also the title of her debut album due …
DES PLAINES “Des Plaines Summer Fling,” from 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 22 and noon-11p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24, downtown Des Plaines along Ellinwood Street, www.desplaines.org, (847) 291-5300. July 22: 9 p.m. — Led Zeppelin 2 (tribute band). July 23: 9:30 p.m. — 10,000 Maniacs. …
Ravinia for kids
Add Ravinia to your list of fun places to take the kids this summer. The season opens with a special event offering free activities for kids. There are eight concerts scheduled especially for young people. Children 15 and younger will have free admission to the …
Ravinia Festival kicks off June 9
If it’s June in the northern suburbs, it must be time for the Ravinia Festival to swing open its gates for another summerlong music extravaganza. Ravinia is the country’s oldest outdoor music festival, and it’s in no hurry. Picnic on its cool lawn, kick your shoes off. Arrive early, stay late. Relax in the sway of the pavilion for an up-close look at your favorite musicmaker.
Orchestra celebrates 30 years
Thirty years ago, Harvey Treger couldn’t find a place to play. “I was looking for a place to play cello so I thought I’d form my own orchestra,” said Treger, founder, president and CEO of the Evanston-based North Shore Chamber Orchestra. He’s been playing cello …
New chamber music fest for Northbrook
A star-studded new chamber music festival is coming up next week in Northbrook. The concept originated with internationally acclaimed violinist Vadim Gluzman and his wife, pianist Angela Yoffe, who are residents of the village. Through their professional connections in the musical world, they have gathered …
