Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Introducing “The 77 Experience,” a remarkable band that immerses you in the vibrant soundscape of 1977. While their foundation is built on rock, their versatility knows no bounds as they skillfully mix various genres. With a deep appreciation for the music of the era, they flawlessly recreate the iconic hits that defined 1977, from Journey and Boston to the Eagles and Bee Gees. The band infuses nostalgia by showcasing different segments of amusing commercials, movie trailers, legendary Johnny Carson moments, hilarious Saturday Night Live skits, newsworthy events, and pop culture happenings from 1977. All via video projection for the audience…

The Paramount Theatre in Aurora is presenting the 10-time Tony Award-winning musical South Pacific through June 14. Set in a tropical paradise with warm sea breezes, breathless sunsets and B-29 Bombers, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific is an uplifting musical tale that follows World War II Armed Services personnel Ensign Nellie Forbush and Lt. Joseph Cable through spy missions, war-time drama and romance. Balancing duties to their country with their island expectations, they each find themselves irresistibly falling in love on foreign soil. But will that love translate back in the States? South Pacific is an iconic, complex and important piece of musical…

The ECC Arts Center will present an adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic novel Fahrenheit 451 from Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3. Fahrenheit 451 depicts a future American society where books are outlawed and “firemen” burn them, with the title referring to the temperature at which paper ignites. The story follows fireman Guy Montag, whose life changes after meeting a free-spirited neighbor, Clarisse, leading him to question his society’s reliance on mindless mass media and begin secretly reading books, ultimately making him a fugitive. Showtimes are 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3:00pm on Sunday. Tickets are $14 ($12…

Celebrate spring with wine tasting, live entertainment and family activities at the Village of Oswego’s “Wine on the Fox.” The event takes place on the banks of the Fox River Saturday, May 2 from 11am to 8pm, and Sunday, May 3 from noon to 6pm at Hudson Crossing Park, 65 North Harrison Street in Oswego. Returning for its 19th year to downtown Oswego, “Wine on the Fox” offers the opportunity to taste more than 100 wine selections from Illinois wineries, along with craft beer. Local food vendors will offer sweet and savory options to pair with the event’s beverages, as…

Every year, 10 unique small businesses come together to create one vibrant, walkable destination in the heart of downtown Batavia. On Friday, May 8, the 7th season of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops officially begins. To celebrate the start of the season, the community has been invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10:30am on Friday, May 8, just before the shops officially open for the day. Located at the corner of Wilson and River Streets, the Boardwalk Shops feature a curated collection of unique micro-businesses offering everything from handcrafted goods and specialty foods to fashion, books, and home décor.…

In a shocking announcement on Facebook, the owner of Batavia favorite Pal Joeys announced today that he intends to close the beloved pizza restaurant, citing “dramatic changes” to the business environment, among other things. “With so much pain, sadness, and regret, I am announcing the closing of Pal Joey’s. For 14 years in Batavia and 25 overall, I have had the honor and privilege of serving this community. We strived to be more than a place to eat. We made it our goal to be more for our guests and the community and tried to make a difference. I know…

(Photo Credits: Ryan Postel, Fermilab) It’s a…a…bison! Yesterday, one of the most cherished traditions at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory was renewed with the arrival of the first newborn American bison calf of the season. The first cinnamon-colored baby bison was born and is healthy, and the calf is staying close to its mother as it takes its first steps on the open grassland.  “People come to Fermilab for world‑class science, but the bison herd has become one of the most beloved parts of our identity,” said Fermilab Director Norbert Holtkamp. “Fermilab occupies a very special place with the local community…

Note: This is the latest in a weekly series from Anderson Humane spotlighting wonderful animals currently looking for a “forever home.” We encourage you to support Anderson Humane and it’s tireless efforts to care for our animal friends and place them in loving homes. For more information please visit https://ahconnects.org/. Aurora Meet Aurora, a sweet 5-month-old puppy with a shiny black coat and adorable white markings that make her just as striking as she is lovable. This social butterfly loves meeting new people and happily makes friends wherever she goes—tails wagging and ready to say hello! Aurora has a playful, outgoing…

Chicago Blues isn’t just something you hear. It’s something you experience. On April 25, The Venue and the Fox Valley Music Foundation present the third installment of Delmark Day, part of the ongoing Delmark Records & FVMF Masterclass Series, a quarterly celebration of music, mentorship, and Chicago blues history. Funded by a Music In Action grant from Live Music Society, the evening opens at 6:00pm with a live rehearsal and interactive masterclass featuring the Delmark All-Stars, who will mentor 18-year-old vocal prodigy Jaden Allen. Guests get a rare behind-the-scenes look at master musicians at work, shaping sound, sharing knowledge, and keeping the…

Veteran Chicago comedians Vince Maranto and Steven Haas will take the Copley Theatre stage on Saturday, April 18, at 8:00pm as part of Paramount’s Copley Comedy Series. Vince Maranto headlines comedy clubs from NY to LA, including the Improv, Funny Bones, Laugh Factory, Zanies, Funny Business and appears yearly at the MGM GRAND in Las Vegas. Vince has appeared nationally on TBS, as well as NBC, ABC & FOX. The Great American Comedy Festival at the Johnny Carson Theater and the World Series of Comedy are a couple of the festivals Vince has attended and advanced. His shows are very fast…