Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Get some balm for your soul as we struggle through these dark days of winter as the Gone 2 Paradise Band presents the Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Experience at the Arcada Theatre on Sunday, January 11, at 5:00pm. Seen on NBC & WGN TV, Gone 2 Paradise Band has captivated audiences across the U.S. and internationally. Led by award-winning singers, their high-energy performances and unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of Buffett’s music have made them the go-to band for Parrotheads everywhere. From coast to coast, and even the sun-soaked beaches of the Virgin Islands & Hawaii, Gone 2 Paradise delivers…

Buddy Guy has gone on record saying that it’s “been a long time since I heard a good blues band like this.” That “good blues band” is Mississippi Heat, and they will bring this vibe to The Venue in Aurora on Friday, January 9, starting at 8:00pm. Led by harmonica master and songwriter Pierre Lacocque, Mississippi Heat is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Their motto is “Traditional Blues With A Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas. The band’s name is a reflection of Pierre’s reverence for Mississippi’s blues culture and music. The band’s conviction is that…

Featured selections of Craft Beers created by local Fox Valley area brewing companies. Double Caramel Mocha Chip Coffee Porter6.5% ABV / 35 IBU. In collaboration with Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters, using their Yeti’s Revenge blend, cocoa nibs from Ethereal Confections, AND over 50 pounds of crushed Oreos, caramel, vanilla & milk sugar. DOUBLE CARAMEL MOCHA CHIP has so many different aromas with layers of tasty chocolate, creamy caramel, robust espresso and sweet vanilla. The flavors of coffee, caramel and chocolate melt together in a smooth creamy finish. Gold and Silver medals for a Coffee Porter in Untappd Illinois for the…

Brightside Theatre’s first production of 2026 will be a concert performance of the musical PHANTOM, with a score by Maury Yeston (composer of the musicals TITANIC and NINE) and a book adapted by Arthur Kopit (author of the plays WINGS and INDIANS). The musical is based on the Gaston Laroux novel THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and has enjoyed over 1000 productions around the world. A hauntingly beautiful take on the tale of the Phantom of the Opera, this musical offers a deeply emotional and romantic reimagining of the novel, offering a deeper exploration of the phantom’s past, set to…

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/. MelMel is a sweet, petite 1-year-old calico with a stunning coat that’s as vibrant and unique as her personality—truly living up to the calico reputation. This gentle girl loves attention and happily soaks up pets whenever they’re offered. She also enjoys playtime and will happily engage when toys come out, adding…

Ray Rogina and Pat Crimmins, co-hosts of the popular Justa Coupla Guys podcast, were joined by fans and friends at the Justa Coupla Guys Christmas Party on Friday, December 19, at Aurelio’s Pizza in Geneva. The intrepid Keven Ketchum was there to capture the spirit. (Photo and video credit Kevin Ketchum)

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/. Damian Damian is an adorable 3-month-old puppy with a face that’s hard to resist—and a bright future ahead of him! As he grows into the amazing adult dog he’s meant to be, Damian will need plenty of time, attention, and commitment from his forever family. He’s looking for a home ready to help him…

Monarch Dance, featuring artists from The Joffrey Ballet Chicago, will be performing The Nutcracker: City Lights on Sunday, December 21, at The Batavia Fine Arts Centre in Batavia. The performance begins at 7:30pm. Witness a new kind of magic in the Chicagoland Area. The Nutcracker: City Lights is the first of Its kind. Step into the sparkle and rhythm of the city— a dazzling reimagining of the beloved holiday classic. You may have seen The Nutcracker before, but you’ve never seen it like this. Tradition meets transformation as Clara finds herself in the big city on her own, waltzing into…

Wine selections available at local wine stores and wineries in the Fox Valley area. Unbroken KingThe unbroken King red wine is a quintessential expression of modern, new world elegance, designed to captivate and charm with every sip. This medium-bodied, dry red wine introduces itself with enticing aromas of vanilla, red berries, and black cherries, suggesting a rich and inviting olfactory experience. As you taste, the unbroken King unfolds a delightful palette of flavors, including the sweet and sumptuous notes of ripe raspberry, chocolate, and cherry. These flavors are beautifully integrated, thanks to the medium oak flavor that adds a refined…