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| | Alligator Records Recording Artists
The Cash Box Kings
and
Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials
Saturday, April 15, 2023 • 8:00pm
The Cash Box Kings are bona fide blues royalty. Co-led by real-deal Chicago blues vocalist and songwriter Oscar Wilson and Madison, Wisconsin-based songwriter, harmonica giant and singer Joe Nosek, the band plays masterfully raw and unvarnished houserocking blues. Wilson’s huge, gritty vocals and Nosek’s powerhouse harmonica fuel their razor-sharp original songs. With their top shelf musicianship and trademark good humor, The Cash Box Kings are a one-of-a-kind blues band. In the words of MOJO magazine, the band is “flawless.”
Mixing tough Chicago and Delta blues, jumping proto-rock ‘n’ roll, and steamrolling “bluesabilly” (their original mix of Chicago blues and Memphis rockabilly), they attack every song they play with contemporary authority and old school authenticity. The extraordinary ensemble playing between Nosek, Wilson, guitarist Billy Flynn, bassist John W. Lauler, drummer Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith and their friend, pianist Queen Lee Kenehira, is a true force of nature. The musicians feed off of each other’s ideas and energy, effortlessly moving from a lowdown purr to a full throttle roar. According to No Depression, “The Cash Box Kings are a royal hive of raucous houserockers. Whether resurrecting the past or living in the moment, they satisfy your craving for hardcore Chicago blues, served up hot and tasty.”
Find out more at cashboxkings.com
In Chicago, a city overflowing with unrivaled blues talent, world-renowned Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials have been standing tall for over 30 years –an extraordinary feat for any group. The band’s big sound, fueled by Lil’ Ed’s gloriously rollicking slide work and deep blues string bending, along with his rough-edged, soulful vocals, is as real and hard-hitting as Chicago blues gets. The Chicago Sun-Times says, “Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials are the hottest purveyors of bottleneck boogie to come out of Chicago since Hound Dog Taylor.”
Lil’ Ed Williams comes to the blues naturally. His uncle, Chicago slide guitar king and master songwriter J.B. Hutto, taught him how to feel, not just play the blues. Nine albums and thousands of performances later, Lil’ Ed is now universally hailed as a giant of the genre. Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials —bassist (and Ed’s half-brother) James “Pookie” Young, guitarist Mike Garrett and drummer Kelly Littleton— have remained together for over 30 years —an extraordinary feat for any group—, the band fueling Ed’s songs with their rock-solid, road-tested, telepathic musicianship.
Visit them at liledblues.com
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| | Nunsense
Directed by John Peluso
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Dan Goggin
May 4 - 21, 2023
A zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue presented by the Little Sisters of Hoboken, Nunsense is a heavenly delight!
Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth-grade production of “Grease.”
Here we meet Reverend Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia, the nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head.
Featuring star turns, tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises, Nunsense has become an international phenomenon.
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| | Valparaiso Memorial Day Concert
Monday, May 29, 2023 • 3:00pm
The seventeenth annual Valparaiso Memorial Day Concert will be held Monday, May 29, at 3:00pm.
There is no admission charge, but every audience member must reserve a ticket.
Audience members are asked to bring non-perishable food items, which will be collected by the Christian Food Pantry of Valparaiso. Food items will be collected in the courtyard between Memorial Opera House and Porter County Museum. Enter through the main entrance of the theatre for the performance.
The concert will be performed by the Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band and will last about 60 minutes with no intermission. The performance will feature patriotic band music and historical narratives.
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| | Willie Nile
ALS Benefit Concert & Silent Auction
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Silent Auction 7:00 pm
Performance 8:00 pm
The New York Times called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile "one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years." Uncut Magazine called him “A one-man Clash.” His album Streets Of New York was hailed as “a platter for the ages” by Uncut. Rolling Stone listed The Innocent Ones as one of the “Top Ten Best Under-The-Radar Albums of 2011” and BBC Radio called it “THE rock ‘n’ roll album of the year.” His single from that album, “One Guitar,” was the “Top Pick of the Week” in USA Today.
Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams, Jim Jarmusch, and Little Steven are among those who have sung his praises.
Willie has toured across the U.S. with The Who and has sung with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. As the induction program from the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame says: “His live performances are legendary.” His 2020 album New York At Night got rave reviews, with Downbeat calling it a “sonic love letter to Gotham.”
His latest studio album The Day The Earth Stood Still, which features a duet with Steve Earle on the song “Blood On Your Hands” was released on Aug 13, 2021.
| | Sold out |
| | A Summer Soundscape
Midwest Big Band featuring Mary Kay Steele & Jim Bulanda
Saturday, June 17, 2023 • 8:00pm
Big band music of the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s has gifted American culture with arguably the greatest love songs on the charts. Listening to the crooning of “Rat Pack” members Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop on the radio was enough to melt any icy heart until it skipped a beat to the thrill of a saxophone. Band leaders like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller drew crowds and bridged racial divides through the love language of swing.
For the past three years, this professional quality, historical, 18-piece big band has been thrilling audiences across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland with their world-class talent. Instrumentalists include the best semi-professionals in the Region, some of whom have toured professionally with Ray Charles, played freelance in Los Angeles, or taught music at the high school and college levels. Local vocalists Mary Kay Steele from La Porte, who has performed in community theater in Northwest Indiana for many years, along with Jim Bulanda, who is famous for his “Tribute to Frank Sinatra Show,” have joined the band to style the jazz standards.
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| | Atlantic City Boys
A Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Saturday, June 24, 2023 • 8:00pm
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
The Atlantic City Boys are four dynamic lead singers who have wowed audiences at Las Vegas, Walt Disney World, Atlantic City, as well as cruise ships around the world.
Their show is an exciting mix of world class vocals and interactive comedy, featuring the rock-n-roll harmonies of the Beach Boys, Drifters, the BeeGees, and of course, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The boys have performed with many greats, from Jay Leno to Huey Lewis, Pattie Labelle and the Temptations!
Website: acboys.com
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| | The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Directed by Stephen Dean & Jordan Dollins
Conceived By Rebecca Feldman
Additional Materials by Jay Reiss
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book By Rachel Sheinkin
July 20, 2023 - August 6, 2023
Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything.
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
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| | Marrakesh Express
A Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young Experience
Saturday, August 12, 2023 • 8:00pm
Marrakesh Express is dedicated to tributing CSNY which is often unheard of due to the difficulty in replicating the 3- and 4-part vocal harmonies that made the group international superstars. Marrakesh Express excels at reproducing their complex songs and cascading, layered harmonies. The band takes the audience back to the late 1960s with youthful musicians who bring an authentic hippie vibe and visual to the stage.
Marrakesh Express upholds the integrity of their music with vivid and realistic performances of CSNY’s most recognizable songs. Featuring four harmonizing vocalists backed by a top-flight band, they deliver a unique and energetic concert performing the classic acoustic and electric CSNY hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites.
Marrakesh Express has played to tens of thousands of appreciative fans at music festivals, theaters, fairs, performing arts centers, and casinos, including headlining the Woodstock 40th Anniversary Tribute Concert. The music of CSNY has stood the test of time and fans of the classic rockers, as well as young people who are curious about “the 60s,” are anxious to venture out to hear it represented live.
Listen to their music and watch their videos!
Website: reverbnation.com/marrakeshmusic
Facebook: facebook.com/marrakeshmusic
OPENING ACT!
The Broken Hipsters
Featuring Soto, Chronister, & Flat
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| | Bonfire
The AC/DC Tribute
Saturday, August 19, 2023 • 8:00pm
We welcome the Midwest's Premier AC/DC Tribute -- BONFIRE -- for a live concert performance at Memorial Opera House! Get ready for an incomparable kick to your senses.
Highly colorful stage antics, true addictive sound, and exciting energy mix with a wall of Marshalls, bagpipes, a Hells Bell, cannons, video screen and a large inflatable Rosie that will leave you feeling like you had a literal kick in the teeth!
Experience the spectacle that is Bonfire, a true exciting production likeness and tribute band to the real AC/DC. Legitimate right down to their guitar pickups! Jim Hillegonds as Tiny Johnson, 17 year old Peyton Walter as Angus Real Young, Dylan Grant as Malcolm Hung, Craig Cutler as Phil Pudd, and Scott Hicks as Riff Williams.
Facebook: facebook.com/chicagobonfire
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| | Songs & Stories with
Roger McGuinn
Saturday, August 26, 2023 • 8:00pm
As the founder of The Byrds, Roger McGuinn is firmly established as an indisputable industry icon. From his signature 12 string Rickenbacker sound, to his instantly recognizable vocals on hits like “Turn,Turn,Turn”,“Eight Miles High” and “Mr. Tambourine Man”, McGuinn didn’t just make music; he made history.
That feeling continues today as Roger offers shows that are as mesmerizing and magical as ever. He delivers the gift of an evening with a master, that is as intimate as it is spellbinding. He guides his audience along a journey of story and song, populated by the “old friends” they expect to hear, as well as some new acquaintances from the folk music that Roger so passionately embraces.
An evening with Roger McGuinn is an event you will cherish forever.
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| | Little Shop of Horrors
Directed by Scot MacDonald
Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
October 5 - 22, 2023
A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.
The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!
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| | Singin' & Swingin' the Standards
Midwest Big Band featuring Mary Kay Steele & Jim Bulanda
Saturday, November 4, 2023 • 8 pm
Big band music of the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s has gifted American culture with arguably the greatest love songs on the charts. Listening to the crooning of “Rat Pack” members Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop on the radio was enough to melt any icy heart until it skipped a beat to the thrill of a saxophone. Band leaders like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller drew crowds and bridged racial divides through the love language of swing.
Midwest Big Band has added more than a dozen new tunes for you to enjoy since their last performance at Memorial Opera House earlier this year in March!
For the past three years, this professional quality, historical, 18-piece big band has been thrilling audiences across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland with their world-class talent. Instrumentalists include the best semi-professionals in the Region, some of whom have toured professionally with Ray Charles, played freelance in Los Angeles, or taught music at the high school and college levels. Local vocalists Mary Kay Steele from La Porte, who has performed in community theater in Northwest Indiana for many years, along with Jim Bulanda, who is famous for his “Tribute to Frank Sinatra Show,” have joined the band to style the jazz standards.
| Buy Tickets | |
| | Irving Berlin’s
White Christmas
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by David Ives and Paul Blake
Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film
Written for the Screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.
November 30 - December 17, 2023
Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting musical worthy of year-round productions.
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