What's going on
Local, regional events in the Sauk Valley
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| Jack Kelley (left), founder of the Friday night live entertainment scene in northern Illinois and Jim Wolber, popularly referred to as Mr. Friday Night, are among the many musicians who make First Fridays at the Oregon VFW one of the area’s most popular shows. The open stage music show returns this Friday; all acoustic musicians are invited to perform, and all are invited to come and listen. (Submitted photo) |
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April 6
First Fridays in Oregon
OREGON – First Fridays Open Stage Music Show returns to the VFW, on state Route 64 on the west edge of town. Starting at 7 p.m., each musician or band performs for 15 minutes. Instruments are all acoustic and a professional sound system is provided. The music is varied and includes country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk, soft rock, and eclectic mixes of all of the above. Admission is by donation. All musicians and spectators are welcome. Call 815-973-0942 for more information.
Karaoke at the Moose
STERLING – Karaoke with The James Gang, 7:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Sterling Moose Lodge, 2601 E. Lincolnway. Call 815-625-0354.
Karaoke at the VFW
DIXON – Karaoke with Rusty from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Dixon VFW, 1560 state Route 38. No cover charge. Call 815-288-5165.
Karaoke at Nick’s
ROCK FALLS – Karaoke with Cruisenite Sound at 7:30 p.m. at Nick’s Tap, 1300 Prophetstown Road. Call Pete Papoccia, 815-564-0191, for more information.
April 7
Krying Red in Tampico
TAMPICO – Dance to the rock ’n’ roll of Krying Red from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Kickback Saloon, 102 N. Main St. Contact saintswillconquer@hotmail.com or call 815-535-6031 or 815-213-2525 for more information.
Karaoke in Rock Falls
ROCK FALLS – Karaoke with The James Gang, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the VFW, 217 First Ave. Call 815-626-3513.
April 7
Lincoln slept here
STERLING – The Lincoln-Manahan House, 607 E. Third St., which the Sterling Rock Falls Historical Society has restored as a museum, is open for free guided tours from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1, except this Sunday, which is Easter. In addition to being a historical site where Abraham Lincoln slept, it’s also a window into life in the mid-1800s. Call the historical society, 815-622-6215, for more information.
April 11
Founders Day in Dixon
DIXON – The annual Founders Day celebration, which this year will focus on the Shaw family and the Telegraph, will begin with a soup and sandwich dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Dixon Historic Center, 205 W. Fifth St., followed by presentations by Shaw Media CEO Tom Shaw and area historian Greg Langan. The dinner costs $10, which also includes admission to the museum’s exhibits. Dinner is not mandatory, though, and the 6:30 p.m. program is free. Dixon Main Street, which sponsors the event, also will announce the recipient of the Langan Award for Lifetime Achievement in Local History, and the Brantley family will be given the McAlpine Award for their investment in the downtown. Call 815-288-2308 for more information.
April 13
Karaoke at Nick’s
ROCK FALLS – Karaoke with Cruisenite Sound at 7:30 p.m. at Nick’s Tap, 1300 Prophetstown Road. Call Pete Papoccia, 815-564-0191, for more information.
April 14
Flashback to the ’80s
STERLING – Woodlawn Arts Academy is having a Flashback ’80s Prom Night from 6 to 11 p.m. in its J. Mark Beaty Performance Center, 3807 Woodlawn Road. There will be a dinner catered by Candlelight Inn, a cash bar, and a treat from How Sweet It Is bakery, along with a silent dessert auction and live drink auction. DJ Mark Sisson will be spinning tunes. Prom pictures will be sold, and ’80s attire is encouraged. Tickets are $30 or $50 for two at the academy; they must be bought before April 11. The prom is a fundraiser for the academy’s Triple Threat and Dance Performance Teams, which are going to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. in July to receive training from Disney professionals and perform on Disney stages. Go to www.woodlawnartsacademy.com or call 815-626-4278 for more information.
Second Saturdays in Dixon
DIXON – Second Saturdays Art Happenings offers free cultural events at eight venues in downtown Dixon from 6 to 8 p.m., and sometimes longer. Find a complete schedule at Second-Saturdays.com, on Facebook, or by calling 815-288-0990.
Karaoke in Sterling
STERLING – Karaoke with The James Gang, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Wagon Wheel, 1711 W. Fourth St. Call 815-625-6680.
Live at VFW in Rock Falls
ROCK FALLS – The Cannon Blasters perform from 7 to 11 p.m. at the VFW, 217 First Ave. Call 815-626-3513.
April 14-15
Lincoln slept here
STERLING – The Lincoln-Manahan House, 607 E. Third St., which the Sterling Rock Falls Historical Society has restored as a museum, is open for free guided tours from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1. In addition to being a historical site where Abraham Lincoln slept, it’s also a window into life in the mid-1800s. Call the historical society, 815-622-6215, for more information.
April 15
Concert for a cause
STERLING – “The Biggest Little Music Show in Town,” featuring contemporary, Christian and classic rock from the five-piece MLC Band, and acoustic mountain music from the dulcimer band The Stringalongs, will be held at 2 p.m. at Bethel Reformed Church, 230 E. 23rd St. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for ages 10 and younger at SBM, 501 Locust St., at 815-590-1614 and at the door. The concert is a fundraiser for the Up All Night for a Reason American Cancer Society Relay for Life team.
SVCCA concert
DIXON – Metales M5 features a lot of brass, a lot of music, and a lot of fun by combining fine chamber music with popular entertainment. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Historic Dixon Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave. Admission is by membership to the Sauk Valley Community Concert Association; individual concert tickets also are available for $20. Go to www.svcca.org, find it on Facebook or call Roberta Vanderlin, 815-677-6676, for more information.
Easter cantata in Lanark
LANARK – The Carroll County Singers will present the Easter cantata “Jesus the One and Only” at 2 p.m. at Lanark Church of the Brethren, 326 High St. It’s a musical timeline of the life of Jesus, featuring local talent. Admission is free; donations will be accepted. Call 815-291-4689 for more information.
Karaoke at the LASC
STERLING – Enjoy karaoke with Cruisenite Sound from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Latin American Social Club, 2708 W. Lincolnway. Call Pete Papoccia, 815-564-0191, for more information.
April 19
Cloverton in Dixon
DIXON – Faith Christian School presents Cloverton in concert at the Historic Dixon Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave. Doors open at 5:30, the FCS Children’s Choir performs at 6 and Cloverton plays at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at www.itickets.com and www.fcsfalcons.com or at the door; group discounts are available. Go to clovertonmusic.com to learn more about the band; call 815-652-4806 for more information on the concert.
April 20
Karaoke at the Moose
STERLING – Karaoke with The James Gang, 7:30 to 1;:30 p.m. at the Sterling Moose Lodge, 2601 E. Lincolnway. Call 815-625-0354.
Karaoke at the VFW
DIXON – Karaoke with Rusty from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Dixon VFW, 1560 state Route 38. No cover. Call 815-288-5165.
Karaoke at Nick’s
ROCK FALLS – Karaoke with Cruisenite Sound at 7:30 p.m. at Nick’s Tap, 1300 Prophetstown Road. Call Pete Papoccia, 815-564-0191, for more information.
April 21
Josh Thompson’s in town
DIXON – Rising country singer Josh Thompson performs at the Historic Dixon Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave., along with Chris Cavanaugh and Sean Patrick McGraw. Reserve ticket are s$25 for the balcony, $35 and $45 for the floor, and are available at www.dixontheatre.com. Go to www.joshthompsonofficial.com,www.chriscavanaughmusic.com or seanpatrickmcgraw.com to learn more about the men and their music.
Clinton Symphony Orchestra
CLINTON, Iowa – The Clinton Symphony Orchestra performs at 7:30 p.m. at Clinton High School’s Vernon Cook Theater, 817 Eighth Ave. S., and features Moises Molina, professor of cello at Western Illinois University, as soloist in Dvorak’s famous cello concerto. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students and will go on sale 2 weeks before the concert at Fitzgerald Pharmacy, 124 E. Main St., Morrison and Grummert’s Hardware, 424 Locust St., Sterling. They also will be available at the door. Go to execdirector@clintonsymphony.org or call 815-625-0922 for more information.
Live at the VFW in Rock Falls
ROCK FALLS – Mississippi Man performs from 7 to 11 p.m. at the VFW, 217 First Ave. Call 815-626-3513.
Lyle and his Ramblers
STERLING – Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers perform from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Sterling Moose Lodge, 2601 E. Lincolnway. Call 815-625-0354 for more information
Karaoke in Ashton
ASHTON – Karaoke with The James Gang, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Ralphie & Lu Lu’s, 812 Main St. Call 815-453-2103.
April 27
Fourth Fridays in Sterling
STERLING – Fourth Fridays: Where People and Art Collide returns to the downtown, bringing art and music to a variety of venues, starting at 6 p.m. Walking maps outlining a complete list of venues and events, and more information, are available at www.fourthfridayspac.com or at any participating venue, or call Janna Groharing, 815-625-1248, email fourthFridaysPAC@gmail.com or find it on Facebook.
Karaoke at Nick’s
ROCK FALLS – Karaoke with Cruisenite Sound at 7:30 p.m. at Nick’s Tap, 1300 Prophetstown Road. Call Pete Papoccia, 815-564-0191, for more information.
April 27-29
‘Spelling Bee’ in Byron
BYRON – The Byron Civic Theatre presents the musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the theater, in the middle school at 850 N. Colfax. Tickets, which go on sale April 16, are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for students and children, online or at the box office. Go to bctmagic.com or call 815-312-3000 for more information.
April 28
Karaoke in Morrison
MORRISON – Karaoke with The James Gang, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Da Bar, 109 E. Main St. Call 815-772-4415.
Karaoke in Rock Falls
ROCK FALLS – Karaoke with Cruisenite Sound, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the VFW, 217 First Ave. Call Pete Papoccia, 815-564-0191, for more information.
Murder mystery and luau
BYRON – The Rock River Valley Rotary Club and the Byron Forest Preserve are holding a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater and luau fundraiser at 6 p.m. at the Jarrett Prairie Center. Enjoy a buffet dinner while solving a crime. Tickets, which must be bought in advance, are $35 at attorney Doug Floski’s office, 131 W. Second St., or at the Bryon Chamber of Commerce, 418 W. Blackhawk Drive. Contact Holly Johnson, holly05aol@yahoo.com or 815-234-8998, for more information.
April 29
Car show at the Moose
STERLING – A car, truck, tractor and motorcycle will be held at the Sterling Moose Family Center, 2601 E. Lincolnway. The entry fee is $10 per vehicle; proceeds benefit local charities. Admission is free to spectators. Registration will be from 8 a.m. to noon; awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m. There will be a 50/50 and other raffles, a live auction and concessions. Call 815-625-4150 or 815-441-4072 for more information or to donate auction items.
Karaoke at the LASC
STERLING – Enjoy karaoke with Cruisenite Sound from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Latin American Social Club, 2708 W. Lincolnway. Call Pete Papoccia, 815-564-0191, for more information.
May 4
First Fridays in Oregon
OREGON – First Fridays Open Stage Music Show returns to the VFW, on state Route 64 on the west edge of town. Starting at 7 p.m., each musician or band performs for 15 minutes. Instruments are all acoustic and a professional sound system is provided. The music is varied and includes country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk, soft rock, and eclectic mixes of all of the above. Admission is by donation. All musicians and spectators are welcome. Call 815-973-0942 for more information.
May 4-6
‘Spelling Bee’ in Byron
BYRON – The Byron Civic Theatre presents the musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the theater, in the middle school at 850 N. Colfax. Tickets, which go on sale April 16, are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for students and children, online or at the box office. Go to bctmagic.com or call 815-312-3000 for more information.
May 11-12
Dance teams perform
STERLING – The Woodlawn Arts Academy’s Triple Threat and Dance Performance Teams will perform “Live On Stage” at 7 p.m. both days at Sterling High School’s Centennial Auditorium, 1608 Fourth Ave. Tickets are $7 in advance at the academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, starting April 30. They will be $10 at the door. Proceeds benefit the teams, which are going to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. in July to receive training from Disney professionals and perform on Disney stages. Go to www.woodlawnartsacademy.com or call 815-626-4278 for more information.
May 19
Lincoln Highway Car Show
FRANKLIN GROVE – The Lincoln Highway Car Show, a fundraiser for a park district walking path, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown. Register in advance for $10, or from 10 a.m. to noon day of for $12. Vendor spots are available for $25. Awards will be given to the best car, truck and motorcycle; free trailer parking is available. There will be music by 3-D Sound Company, a 50/50 drawing, and homemade food for sale. Contact Marilyn Spangler at parkboardcarshow@gmail.com or 815-456-2695 for a registration form or more information.
May 25
Fourth Fridays in Sterling
STERLING – Fourth Fridays: Where People and Art Collide returns to the downtown, bringing art and music to a variety of venues, starting at 6 p.m. Walking maps outlining a complete list of venues and events, and more information, are available at www.fourthfridayspac.com or at any participating venue, or call Janna Groharing, 815-625-1248, email fourthFridaysPAC@gmail.com or find it on Facebook.
