Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Guitarist, singer/songwriter, bandleader, recording artist, producer & podcast host Dave Specter will perform with his band at The Venue in Aurora on Friday, February 20 at 8pm (doors 7pm). Specter has earned an international reputation as one of the premier talents on the Chicago music scene. Since 1985 Specter has performed regularly at top venues and festivals throughout the USA and has toured internationally in 19 countries. Before forming his own band in 1989, Specter toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe behind such blues greats as Son Seals, The Legendary Blues Band, Hubert Sumlin, Sam Lay and Steve Freund.…

This February, the Gail Borden Public Library rotunda will welcome a very special guest: a century-old milk wagon. Part of the “Celebrating 250 Years of Elgin” commemorative exhibit, the wagon’s arrival marks a homecoming for a piece of the city’s rich dairy legacy. A Nod to Our Roots Given that the Gail Borden Public Library is named after a titan of the dairy industry, library officials were thrilled when Liz Marston of the Elgin History Museum offered to loan the vintage Elgin Sanitary Milk Company wagon. This marks the first time the wagon has been on display within the city.…

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/. Meet Chika — Your Sunshine-Loving Gentle Companion!  Looking for a sweet, quiet soul to share sunny afternoons and unconditional love? Chika might be your perfect match. She can be a little shy at first, but with patience, she blossoms into a loyal, affectionate friend who simply loves being near her people — especially…

One stage. Countless undiscovered treasures. Running from February 20 to March 1 at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, Unsung Broadway is a musical revue celebrating unforgettable songs from shows that time forgot, and unforgettable numbers that never made Opening Night. From overlooked masterpieces to cut classics from iconic musicals, this show brings a fresh take to Broadway’s best-kept secrets. Join us for an evening of nostalgia and surprises that will have you asking, “Why haven’t I heard this before?”! Tickets are $22 ($20 for students and seniors) and can be purchased here. Elgin Community College Arts Center is located…

 West Dundee’s Premier Live Music Destination Nestled in the heart of downtown West Dundee at 96 West Main Street, Rookies Rochaus has become a cornerstone of the region’s live music and entertainment scene. What began as a historic performance space has evolved into one of the Fox River Valley’s most vibrant venues, showcasing an eclectic mix of live acts, tribute bands, themed shows, and community-driven celebrations. A Venue with Character and History Rookies Rochaus occupies a building that blends historic charm with industrial-chic design, featuring exposed brick walls, a prominent stage, theater-style seating, and a lively bar area. Originally a…

(Photos by Brett Beiner and Liz Lauren) Live theatre. There’s nothing quite like it. The hand-picked fabrics for lush and glittering costumes. The meticulously crafted set pieces to make you feel like you’re in a back alley in New York, a small town in Kansas or a castle in the sky. An actor’s choice of a smirk or hair toss that brings their character to life. Add to the mix iconic songs and stories, all told from the beautiful stage in our historic theatre, and you have Broadway at the Paramount.  You’re invited to see and feel the magic unfolding around you as Paramount presents their 15th season…

Located along Elgin’s award-winning Riverwalk, The Hemmens Cultural Center has been bringing top-tier performances to the Fox Valley since 1969. Designed by the architects behind the Willis (Sears) Tower, this striking theater combines historic modern charm with exceptional acoustics, creating an intimate setting for every show. Legendary artists like B.B. King, Rush, and Blue Öyster Cult have performed on its stage, and today, The Hemmens continues to host world-class music, comedy, dance, theater, and more. This season, the main stage season is bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever. From live concerts and internationally recognized dance performances to laugh-out-loud comedy,…

The ECC Arts Center is a premier destination for live performance, cultural enrichment, and artistic excellence, offering world-class entertainment right in the heart of the Fox Valley. From Grammy and Tony Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icons, and stars from Broadway to Hollywood, the Art Center’s elegant Blizzard Theatre and intimate SecondSpace Theatre have welcomed some of the world’s most celebrated performers. The Spring 2026 ECC Arts Center season features an eclectic mix of shows, ranging from pop, country, and soul to folk, to Afro-Mexican rhythms and acoustic guitar. On March 6 & 7, Club Cabaret returns…

Legendary comedian, actor, and award-winning director Bobcat Goldthwait will perform live at The Comedy Vault in Batavia for 4 shows, February 6-7. Known from Scrooged, Police Academy, HBO/Showtime specials, and directing Robin Williams in World’s Greatest Dad, Bobcat brings decades of comedy and storytelling to the stage. ​Goldthwait first appeared on the David Letterman Show at the age of 20 and has an ongoing career as a writer, director, actor, voice actor, and stand-up. As a comedian, Bobcat has starred in numerous HBO/Showtime specials, performed in venues worldwide, and even went on tour as an opening act for the band Nirvana.…