Upcoming Events

Kids Concert:

July 17, 2012:

Performing selections from Women in Rock and Pink Floyd, The Paul Green School of Rock concert is great for children of all ages and will definitely get everyone up and dancing.

The free show starts at 7:30pm and is located at Harbert Park (on Dempster at McDaniel, one block East of McCormick).

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band


July 19, 2012

Rock. Country. Blues. If any or all of those words appeal to you, come out and see Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band and hear them play - for free at 7:30pm on Thursday at James Park (300 Dodge Ave).

Ethnic Arts Festival:

Come out and see Evanston's annual Ethnic Arts Festival from July 21-22 (Saturday to Sunday 12:00-7:00pm).

We have live music, dance performers, and a juried art collection all on display.

Click through the link to get more details about who is playing and when. We hope to see you there!

30th Anniversary of City of Evanston Arts Camp

Thursday, July 5, 4-6 p.m.
Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street

Did you ever attend a City of Evanston Arts Camp?  

Were you a counselor or a teacher?  

Do you know someone who was?

Come back to remember and celebrate—after 30 years it is time for a reunion!

Wear your camp tee shirt, bring your VHS video (we will have a player on hand), dust off that scrapbook, and come to the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, on Thursday, July 5 from 4-6 p.m. for a reception, then fan out across Evanston to check out our current camp Parents' Night!

We are thrilled that Marilyn Price, the artist educator who thought the whole thing up, will be with us to see how her “baby” grew up! 

For more information, contact Angela Allyn, 847-448-8260, aallyn@cityofevanston.org.

The Western Elstons - Starlight Concert

Thursday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m., The Western Elstons perform as part of the City of Evanston's 2012 Starlight Concert series with a free performance at James Park at Dodge Avenue and Mulford Street, (South of Oakton) in Evanston. The Western Elstons concert features music ranging from western swing to honky-tonk.

All Starlight Concert performances are free to the public, and will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, rain site information will be available after 4:30 p.m. on the show date by calling 847/448-8258, 847/448-8260 or 847/44-4311.  Concert rain sites: Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston will be the rain site for Dawes, James and Brummel Park concerts. Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston will be the rain site for Twiggs, Harbert and Bent Park concerts.

Expo '76 - Starlight Concert

Tuesday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m., Expo '76 performs as part of the City of Evanston's 2012 Starlight Concert series with a free performance at Bent Park located at Central Street and Cowper Avenue in Evanston. Expo '76 performs covers of dusties and one-hit wonders. 

All Starlight Concert performances are free to the public, and will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, rain site information will be available after 4:30 p.m. on the show date by calling 847/448-8258, 847/448-8260 or 847/44-4311.  Concert rain sites: Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston will be the rain site for Dawes, James and Brummel Park concerts. Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston will be the rain site for Twiggs, Harbert and Bent Park concerts.

Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts

Saturday, June 16 - Sunday, June 17, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., at Chicago and Main, Evanston.  Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts  features arts and crafts, antiques, a food fest, two music stages and a children's area. This fun event began in 1972 on historic Custer Avenue named after General George Armstrong Custer in gratitude for his service to the Union during the Civil War. Each year since then artists, craftspeople, antique dealers, restauranteurs, entertainers and the business community get together with 70,000 attendees for this award-winning Northshore tradition.

Waco Brothers - Starlight Concert

Thursday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m., Chicago's own Waco Brothers will open the City of Evanston's 2012 Starlight Concert series with a free performance at James Park, 300 Dodge Avenue in Evanston.


Founded by Jon Langford of the Mekons, the Waco Brothers' train-wreck approach to country has been described as Johnny Cash meets the Clash. See the video below for a taste of their concert at James Park in 2009.





All Starlight Concert performances are free to the public, and will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, rain site information will be available after 4:30 p.m. on the show date by calling 847/448-8258, 847/448-8260 or 847/44-4311.  Concert rain sites: Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston will be the rain site for Dawes, James and Brummel Park concerts. Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston will be the rain site for Twiggs, Harbert and Bent Park concerts.

October is National Arts & Humanities Month, and Evanston joins communities nationwide in celebrating the arts and recognizing the many ways that arts and culture enhance our lives.
From art in downtown storefront windows, to lectures, book discussions, performances, exhibits, and artist open studios, there's sure to be something of interest to everyone during this month-long celebration of the arts and humanities.

Join the Evanston Arts Council at a downtown kick-off event for Arts & Humanities Month from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 1, at Design Within Reach, 1710 Sherman Avenue. This free event will feature refreshments, entertainment by the Blue Dragons, and art work on display by a number of artists including Hiroshi Ariyama, Richard Cohen, Elizabeth Freyou, Sarah Kaiser, Sara Strozinsky, and Paul Wear.

Show 'em a Poem

Monday, May 10 is the deadline for submission of short poems for a competition organized by the City of Evanston's Public Art Committee and the Evanston Public Library. Five original poems will be selected to be installed in concrete on the sidewalk ramp in front of the Evanston Public Library in downtown Evanston.

The Library Sidewalk Poem Project is open to Evanston residents of all ages. Original poems appropriate for a public audience are welcome. Click here for submission guidelines. For more information, please call 847.448.8260.

Art Under Glass applications due May 10

Applications are being accepted through May 10 for the next round of Art Under Glass, a program initiated by the Arts & Business Committee of the Evanston Arts Council to place the work of Evanston artists in vacant storefront windows, thereby promoting local artists and enhancing the aesthetics of our community. Submissions will be reviewed by an independent jury and final selections will be made based on the suitability of the work for the available window spaces. Installation will be scheduled in June 2010.
Additional Art Under Glass application opportunities will be announced at a later date. We hope artists will take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their artwork while beautifying our downtown business district!

Arts and Humanities Month is in Full Swing - Other Noteworthy Events!

We're almost half way through Arts and Humanities Month, and there are still so many events left to experience! Here is a quick list of performances and functions that didn't make it in to our brochure, but that you still won't want to miss!

19th Annual Woman's Club of Evanston’s
Fairy Tale Trail
Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th
1702 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
Cost: $5 per person (proceeds go to bus scholarships for children with special needs)
For more information: 847-733-7644 or www.wcofe.org

Enjoy planes, trains, automobiles, enchanting wizards, princesses, teapots and safari guides at this year’s Fairy Tale Trail. Each of the interactive rooms will feature costumed storybook characters and sensory-stimulating activities and crafts for kids ages 2 to 8. The fully accessible, fantasy-filled labyrinth is a non-frightening alternative to the typical Halloween open house. Children are encouraged to join in the fun by coming in costume.

Next Theatre Company presents “End Days” By Deborah Zoe Laufer
Thursday, October 29th through Sunday, November 29th
927 Noyes St., Evanston
Cost: Tickets start at $25
For more information: 847-475-1875 x11

The Chicago Premiere of this stellar play, Next’s performance of “End Days” has been called “a rapturously funny play…proves that the right playwright can inspire healing laughter in even the most sobering subjects” by The Miami Herald. The story of a family’s identity crisis, “End Days” is a thoughtful examination of faith, renewal, and the needs of ordinary people.

Piccolo Theatre presents “Black Comedy” by Peter Schaffer
Now through Saturday, October 31st
600 Main St., Evanston
Cost: Adults/$25.00, Seniors/$20, and Students/Children/$15.00
For more information: 847-424-0089

Directed by Peter Sullivan, Black Comedy takes place in one hilarious act. The hilarious story of two young fiancés, hijinks and mishaps ensue in this riotous 1965 English farce filled with fumbling physical comedy and delightful slapstick comedy. The International Herald Tribune called it “pure hilarity” and the New York Daily News said it was "a dazzling comic ballet." Now in its 9th season, Piccolo Theatre's performance of “Black Comedy” is sure to be a stellar success!

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

NU Theatre in October!

With so much going on in Evanston for Arts and Humanities month, we could not fit everything into our listings. Northwestern University has one of the most excellent theatre departments in the country, and each season it's students put on amazing performances. In the month of October, make sure to check out these productions!

Sunday in the Park with George
Presented by: Arts Alliance
When: Oct. 2-4
Where: Shanley Pavilion (2031 Sheridan Rd.)
For more information:
groups.northwestern.edu/nuartsalliance

Arsenic and Old Lace
Presented by: Northwestern Theatre and Interpretation Center
Where: Northwestern Theatre and INterpretation Center
Box Office: 847-491-7282

Awake and Sing!
Presented by: Jewish Theatre Ensemble (JTE)
When: Oct. 30 - Nov. 1
Where: Shanley Pavilion (2031 Sheridan Rd.)
For more information:
http://www.jewsonstage.com/

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

Arts and Humanities Month Schedule!

Start getting excited for October 2009 - Evanston's Arts and Humanities Month is almost here! Enjoy a wide variety of dance and music performances, film screenings, art demonstrations, book readings, and so much more! Here is the tentative schedule – make sure to check back for updates!

Arts and Humanities Month 2009

Friday, Oct. 2

Friday Films: “Arachnophobia”
Spiders rule!
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
3 p.m.

Opening Night Kick-off
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes St.
847-448-6260
6-8 p.m.

Keyboard Conversations: Chopin for Lovers
Concert with commentary, featuring works inspired by different women in Chopin’s life
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
50 Arts Circle Dr.
847-467-4000
$23 adults
$21 seniors/NU faculty/staff
$16 students/children
7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3

Amy O. Woodbury
Ninth Annual Front Yard Art Sale
1931 Colfax St.
847-475-3132
Free admission
8 a.m.-4 p.m.

"March with the Band"
March alongside the Wildcat Marching Band, ideal for ages 3-8
Trienens Hall
2707 Ashland Ave.
847-467-4000
$6 adults
$5 seniors/NU faculty/staff
$4 children and students
10:30 a.m.

Diane Thodos Paintings and Prints Open Studio
Explore the artist's paintings and prints
600 Hartrey Ave.
847-328-5068
Free
Noon-5 p.m.
(repeated Sun Oct 4)

"Faust" Lyric Opera Lecture
Hear highlights from and expert commentary on Gounod’s opera.
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
2 p.m.

Trunk Show
Artists sell their art from the trunks of their cars
Simply Chicago Art
1318 Oakton St.
847-738-0716
Free
Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m.
(Every weekend through Oct. 25)

Circus in Progress
Get a sneak peak at new works of circus art
Actors Gymnasium
927 Noyes St.
847-328-2795
$10
4:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 4

"Once Upon a Time and Now"
Artists investigate life-changing situations
Evanston Art Center
2603 Sheridan Road
847-475-5300
Free
Mon-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri & Sat 10am-4pm

"Daniel Burnham's Chicago"
Terry Lynch presents the architect's plans for a well-ordered city
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
3 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

"Expanding Visions" Art Tour
Led by Art Encounter, visit artists' studios at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes St.
847-328-9222
$25 (prepaid); $28 at the door
1-2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 8

"The Living Canvas: Create a Personal Portrait with Sapphires and Pearls"
Personalized consultations on wearing the art of jewelry
Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio
623 Grove St.
847-869-7920
Free
6-7 p.m.
(repeated Sat., Oct. 10 at 3-4 p.m.)

"People Who Believe in Nothing: Intolerable Thoughts in Renaissance History"
NU Humanities Lecture Series
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 9

Friday Films: “The Birds”
The Hitchcock classic
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
3 p.m.

Utopia Island
A timely and tuneful satire of capitalism run amok
Savoyaires
Chute Auditorium
1400 Oakton St.
847-251-8767
$10-$20
$5-$15 children 12 and under
Fri & Sat Oct 9-10 & 16-17, 7:30 p.m. (previews Oct. 4, 7 & 8)
Sun Oct 11 & 18, 3 p.m.

C'est la Vie
Two fading chanteuses take over the cabaret to give the show of their lives
Light Opera Works
McGaw Children's Center Auditorium
1420 Maple Ave.
847-869-6300
$24-$39
Age 21 and under ½ price
Oct 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31, 8 p.m.
Oct 11, 18, 25 & Nov 1, 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Valerie Schiff Open Studio and Super Sale
Studio #214
927 Noyes St.
847-275-6909
Free
11 a.m.-4 p.m.

"Tarot for Life"
Author Paul Quinn discusses his book on the history of tarot.
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
2 p.m.

Daniel Burnham Walking Tour
Walk through Daniel Burnham's Evanston neighborhood
Evanston History Center
225 Greenwood St.
847-475-3410
$10
3 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 11

Dance Showcase
Dance companies from around Evanston perform
Josephine Louis Theater
Northwestern University
20 Arts Circle Drive
Free
3 p.m.

Orion Ensemble
Works by Arutiunian, Martinu, Schubert
Music Institute of Chicago
1490 Chicago Ave.
630-628-9591
$25
$22 seniors
$10 students
Free to children age 12 and under
3 p.m.

Picture Book Workshop for Children
Art workshop by award-winning Belgian illustrator Klass Verplancke
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
3 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Pig Candy: Taking My Father South, Taking My Father Home
African American Literature Group discusses Lise Funderburg's candid memoir
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 15

A Compás--In the Rhythm
Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company celebrates flamenco music and dance
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
50 Arts Circle Dr.
847-467-4000
$32 adults
$28 seniors/NU faculty/staff
$10 students/children
7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16

Friday Films: “Don’t Look Now”
Creepy classic
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
3 p.m.

"Evanston Envisions"
The Evanston Art Center has "look-back" fashion designs on display
Spex Store
2000 Central St.
847-475-5300
Free
6-8 p.m.
(through October)

Sunday, Oct. 18

"Creating Eco Gardens with Dennis Paige"
Learn how to transform your lawn into a native eco-garden
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
3 p.m.

Wall of Stuggle and Dreams Mural Re-dedication
Celebrate the renewal of this 300-foot-long community mural
Clyde-Brummel Park

Monday, Oct. 19

"Lake Tahoe"
Movie night at the library
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 20

"Contra Burnham: Why We Need More Little Parks"
Bill Savage speaks on Daniel Burnham's legacy
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
7 p.m.

"Ernani" Lyric Opera Lecture
Hear highlights from and expert commentary on Verdi's opera
Evanston Public Library North Branch
2026 Central Street
847-866-0330
Free
Noon

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Art Under Glass
New artists opening night
708 Church lobby, followed by Church/Orrington artists walk
847-448-8260
Free
5 – 7 p.m.

"The Final Inch"
Reeltime hosts a free film screening
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct 23

Friday Films: “Tremors”
Giant worms invade small town
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
3 p.m.

Marching Band Homecoming Concert
Kick off NU's Homecoming Parade with the Wildcat Marching Band
Deering Meadow
1937 Sheridan Road
847-467-4000
Free
7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24

Piven's Empowerment through Enrichment Program (PEEP) Open Workshop
Stellar adults with development disabilities present their works
Piven Theatre
927 Noyes St.
847-866-6597
Free
2-3:30 p.m.

Young People's Company Open Workshop
Piven's most advanced teens open up their classroom for all to watch
Piven Theatre
927 Noyes St.
847-866-6597
Free
3:30-4:30 p.m.

Bug-a-Boo Halloween Walk
One-hour family-friendly Halloween Walk at Ladd Arboretum
Evanston Ecology Center
2024 McCormick Blvd.
847-448-8256
$4.50
4-6:30 p.m.

"Dreaming of Windmills"
Art Encounter hosts 30th anniversary celebration
Instituto Cervantes Chicago
31 W. Ohio St.
847-328-9222
6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct 25

"French Keyboard Extravaganza"
Evanston Symphony Orchestra’s season opening concert
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
50 Arts Circle Dr.
847-864-8804
$25 adults advance; $28 adults day of concert
$20 seniors advance; $23 seniors day of concert
$5 students
Children 12 and under free
2:30 p.m.

Rembrandt Chamber Players
Music by Vivaldi, Dvorak and Saint-Saens opens 20th season
Music Institute of Chicago
1490 Chicago Ave.
312-360-3145
$35 ($25 with mention of Arts + Humanities Month)
3 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct 27

The Constitution and the Supreme Court
Co-hosted by Evanston Republican Club and Evanston Public Library
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
7 p.m.

Friday Oct. 30

Friday Films: “Pyscho”
Hitchcock’s classic
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31

"Ernani" Lyric Opera Lecture
Highlights from and expert commentary on Verdi's opera
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
2 p.m.

Events Continuing Throughout October (and beyond)

Central St. Arts Walk
Artwork displayed in Evanston businesses, organized by Anatomically Correct
312-514-1802
Free
(through Oct. 31)

"Trickledown" Sculpture
A sculpture on the grounds inspired by the current economy and its effect on communities
Evanston Art Center
2603 Sheridan Road
847-475-5300
Free
(through spring)

"Make Big Plans"
Burnham Plan centennial photo panel exhibit celebrates the bold plans that shaped Chicago
Evanston Public Library, 3rd floor
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630
Free
(through Dec 31)

"Daniel Burnham's Evanston"
Chronicles architect/urban planner Burnham's life and home
Evanston History Center
225 Greenwood St.
847-475-3410
$10 (includes tour of Dawes Home)
Free to Evanston Students
Thu-Sat 1-4 p.m.
(through Dec)

"A New Century Opens: Evanston Fashions, 1900-1910"
Fall and winter clothing from the first decade of the 20th century
Evanston History Center
225 Greenwood St.
847-475-3410
$10 (includes tour of Dawes Home)
Thu-Sat 1-4 p.m.
(through October)

"Robert Motherwell: An Attitude Toward Reality, From the Collection of the Walker Art Center"
"Henry Moore: Elephant Skull"
Exhibitions of the works of two giants of modern art
Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art
40 Arts Circle Dr.
847-491-4000
Free
Galleries open: Tue 10am-5pm; Wed-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat-Sun noon-5pm
(through Dec 6)

"7 Artists, 7 Teachings: Contemporary Great Lakes Native Art"
Explores themes central to the worldview of the Anishinabe tribes of the Upper Midwest
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
3001 Central St.
847-475-1030
$5 adults
$2.50 children, students, seniors
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-8pm; Sun noon-4pm
(through Dec 30)

The Imaginary Library
Dispay of children’s book art by illustrators from around the world
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
847-448-8630

Free (through Dec)

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

Arts and Humanities Month Coming in October!

This October not only marks every child's favorite sweet tooth holiday but now also highlights Evanston's new and improved Arts and Humanities Month.

Beginning on October 2nd and running through October 30th, Evanston's Arts and Humanities Month will replace the previous Evanston Arts Week and will showcase a variety of events throughout the city. With a Dance Showcase on October 11th and a free Opening Night Ceremony on October 2nd, this year's Arts and Humanities Month is sure to be a great success.

The City of Evanston website had this to say to "all those involved in the arts":

"The Evanston Arts Council encourages local businesses, civic leaders, media outlets, schools and all interested individuals to join the celebration this October. Through partnership and collaboration, we can grow stronger and better connected to each other, thereby enriching our broader community. Help us make the arts a visible and vital part of everyone’s everyday lives in Evanston."

Other planned events include, Meet the Legislators breakfast from 8:30-10:00AM on October 26th and an Arts Month Halloween event (perhaps a haunted house???) on October 30th at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. Check back for details or call the City of Evanston Cultural Arts Division at 847.448.8260.

Get Excited! The Schedule will be up soon!

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

"Stitch Me a Story" on Wednesday, Opening Reception on Sunday!

This Wednesday, September 16th come visit the Noyes Cultural Arts Center to see our beautiful new exhibit, "Stitch Me a Story." Featuring the works of four amazing textile artists Ellen Roth Deutsch, Anita Garza, Danny Mansmith and Pam RuBert, this gallery show was curated by Mary O’Shaughnessy and runs through November 10th. A special Opening Artists Reception will be held on Sunday, September 20th at 3:00-5:00 PM at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center and we hope that you will be able to join us in this delightful celebration of textile arts!

Here is a preview of the work in the show! Enjoy!

Artwork above: "Grandma's House" by Danny Mansmith.

Artwork at above: "Mysterious" by Pam RuBert

-L.A.U.R.E.N.

Thank You for a Great Summer Season! - Survey/Comments

This Thursday marked our last event of the summer, featuring two silent films and music by David Drazin. We at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center want to thank everyone who came to any of our programing including the Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, Lakeshore Arts Festival, and Starlight Concert Series. Each event was a great success and we hope that next year will be just as wonderful.


If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave us a comment below!

OR

If you wish to fill out a survey, click the appropriate link below!

Ethnic Arts Festival:
Click Here to take survey

Lakeshore Arts Festival:
Click Here to take survey

Starlight Concert Series:
Click Here to take survey

Thanks again for all of your support! We could never do it without dedicated patrons like you!

-The Noyes Staff

P.S. Make sure to keep a look out for Fall Events and Arts and Humanities month coming in October!

Pictures from MUCCA PAZZA!

Enjoy!

Mucca Pazza is comin' to town!

Mucca Pazza, a 30 piece self-described "circus punk marching band" based out of Chicago will be performing at the

Evanston Starlight Concert Series on Tuesday July 28th at Dawes Park!

Conceived by composer Mark Messing, the band, whose name comes from the Italian for "crazy cow," has been performing in and around the Chicago area for over four years. Their repertoire ranges from Balkan-brass to covers of 60's television show themes as well as themes from Shostakovich and Bartok.

They have performed nationally at many well known venues and concerts including

McCarren Park Pool, True/False Film Festival,Looptopia, Lollapalooza, Rothbury Music Festival, Tour de Fat, and were featured on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 2006.

Question Mark and the Mysterians return to Starlight!

? and the Mysterians is more than just a hit single. They happen to be the first band to be described as punk rock! Their music has evolved over more than 40 years to become an unbelievably sensational performance to listen to. We’re so lucky to have them returning to the Starlight Concert Series on Thursday, June 25th at James Park.

This unique band got their name from a Japanese science fiction movie titled “The Mysterians.” Their lead singer, dubbed “?” or “Question Mark,” is known for his eccentric behavior which helped first establish the group in the United States. To name a few quirks, Question Mark claims to be a Martian raised by dinosaurs in a past life, and is known to never be seen in public without sunglasses.

Unfortunately, ? and the Mysterians encountered a few setbacks in their musical career, including several members enlisting in the army for the Vietnam War and a former drummer suffering from muscular dystrophy. Still, they were able to breakthrough and record “96 Tears,” their most successful single that reached #1 in the Billboard 100 and went on to sell over one million copies. Their subsequent singles included “I Need Somebody,” “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby,” “Girl, You Captivate Me,” and “Do Something to Me.” Over forty years later, they are still touring with sold-out shows and die-hard fans.

It’s no mystery that this band is one of the greatest ‘garage bands’ in rock and roll history. Be sure to check out their exciting performance at James Park on June 25th from 7:30-9:00 PM, and bring all of your friends and family because this show, as always, is FREE!

This is Kristina signing out…

Call for Proposals: Installation Artist for Lakeshore Arts Festival

Deadline:
6/22/2009

The City of Evanston Cultural Arts Division seeks an artist or group to create and mount, over the course of one weekend, an in-progress outdoor art installation on the grounds of the Lakeshore Arts Festival, held at Dawes Park on the lakefront in Evanston. The festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2, 2009, from 11am-6pm each day. Installation artist(s) are expected to create a work in an area that is visible and open to the public throughout the period of time that the work is being installed, allowing for interaction among the patrons of the festival and for flexibility regarding weather and other conditions that may arise due to the location and nature of the event.

For a map and more details of the park location, please call 847.448.8264

After application is received, Cultural Arts Division staff will review the proposal and meet with candidates to discuss placement and design. If modifications are recommended, a revised application will be required.

Stipend: $300
Materials: $200

To submit a proposal, please e-mail, fax, or mail the following by no later than June 22, 2009:

• Name(s), address, phone number, e-mail address;
• 1-page MAXIMUM describing installation idea or concept;
• 1-3 photos of previous or in-progress installation work;
• 2 recommendations or endorsements (name and contact info, or attached letter) of previous or in-progress installation work

Submit all materials to:

Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival
City of Evanston Cultural Arts Division
927 Noyes St.
Evanston, IL 60201
culturalarts@cityofevanston.org

phone: 847.448.8264
fax: 847.328.1340

http://www.cityofevanston.org/lakeshore

Deadline:
6/22/2009

Travel down South Boulevard for classic Chicago tunes

If you’re a fan of the Chicago music scene, then you don’t want to miss out on the windy city’s newest supergroup, South Boulevard. This blues, soul and rock cover band has had the opportunity to perform with legendary artists including Muddy Waters, James Cotton and Sonny Terry, and has recorded music in famous studios like Capitol Records in Los Angeles and Electric Ladyland in New York.

Mr. Dudley Fair, the frontman of South Boulevard, is known for his deep and raspy vocals, as well as his ability to immediately bring the audience to their feet. Guitarists Willie Shields and Chris Discher accompany Fair with their tight rhythms and genuine solos. To top it off, Steve Flugum and Steve Capillo provide the percussion that has been forty years in the making.

Get a taste of Chicago’s classic music scene with South Boulevard as during the second installation of the Evanston Starlight Concert Series. Check out the details below!

South Boulevard
Tuesday, June 23rd
7:30-9:00 PM
Harbert Park (E. of Canal St., S. of Dempster St.)
FREE!

Bring the whole family for a fun night of your favorite blues, soul and rock classics!

This is Kristina signing out…