At the opening of Rockford’s new Hard Rock Rockford Casino yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker made an appearance and said some words. We’ll spare you the words. But we did want to share him smashing a guitar as part of the final ceremonies. You’re welcome. (Video courtesy of Kevin Ketchum)
Fox Valley gamblers have a new venue to explore just up I-90 in Rockford. After much anticipation, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, an extension of the Hard Rock International brand, will open is permanent location this afternoon at 3pm. Located at 7801 East State Street, the casino features over 175,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment space, including nearly 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games including poker, a sportsbook, a variety of food and beverage options, a Rock Shop, a Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, and an impressive collection of authentic music memorabilia. While the Hard Rock Casino Rockford operated…
A 22-year-old Aurora man has agreed to 18 years in prison stemming from a drug-related incident in July 2022. Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis announced that Alan Diaz-Diaz was sentenced to 18 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections by the Honorable Jody Gleason on the charge of Armed Violence, a Class X Felony, in a negotiated plea agreement. According to Weis, Diaz-Diaz had delivered over 200 grams of psilocybin mushrooms to an undercover police officer working with the Kendall County Police Assistance Team in July of 2022. After the drug delivery, police officers performed a traffic stop on…
Patrons will be able to savor the flavor of Geneva during its autumn harvest celebration, Festival of the Vine, taking place from Friday to Sunday, September 6-8. Initially a celebration of anything grown on a vine, the festival now revolves around food and wine. The main event will be held on S. Fourth and James streets. The fine restaurants of Geneva chamber members will be showcased along with a variety of wine for purchase. There will also be beer and seltzer offerings. For over 40 years, restaurants have set up under one huge tent offering three of their favorite signature…
The Elgin Police Department announced today that an independent internal investigation has cleared the officer involved in the non-fatal shooting of a suicidal subject in January 2024. The investigation, conducted by an outside law firm retained by the city, concluded that the officer’s actions were justified and in compliance with department policies. The incident occurred on January 13, 2024, when the officer responded to a call about a 29-year-old male who was reportedly suicidal. Upon arrival at 1:28am, the officer was directed into the residence by a caller and discovered the subject with severe wounds to his neck and torso.…
Fleetwood Mac tribute band “Tusk” will perform this Saturday, August 31, at 8pm at RiverEdge in Aurora (gates open at 6pm). No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five amazing musicians recreating the music of one of the most heralded bands in rock history. No other Fleetwood Mac Tribute band can come close to duplicating note-for-note the complex sounds and vocal mastery of Stevie, Lindsey, Christine and Mick. “The Chain,” “Go Your Own Way,” “Landslide,” “Don’t Stop,” “Second Hand News,” and the set list goes on. Authentic-sounding and always respectful of the masters who created this music, “Tusk” leaves no stone…
Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most prominent attractions, welcoming nearly 9 million visitors each year. The lakefront treasure offers year-round attractions including the skyline Centennial Wheel, architecture and lake tours, and unique shopping and culinary experiences that represent the very best of Chicago. From movies in the park, to outdoor fitness classes and live music, Navy Pier proudly presents free and diverse entertainment for all ages every day throughout the summer season. Offering exhilarating natural wonders, Illuminarium is Navy Pier’s newest attraction and delivers a sensory experience by fully immersing visitors in the world’s most extraordinary experiences. 360-degree video,…
Like it or not, fall approaches, and with it all kinds of magical fun outdoors. A mainstay of the Fox Valley, Windy Acres Farm is a popular destination as the leaves begin to turn, the harvest is brought in, and that nip in the air calls for some hot cider. (Photo credits Kevin Ketchum)
West Suburban Irish will be putting on their fourth annual Naperville Irish Fest this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, September 20-21, there will be live music, Irish cultural activities, Irish dancing, Hurling and Camogie demonstrations, children’s activities and more during the family-friendly festival at Naperville Central Park, 104 East Benton in Naperville. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. “We are thrilled to bring the community together once again to celebrate Irish culture and Ireland,” said Chris O’Hara, Co-Chair of the 2024 Naperville Irish Fest. “Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just Irish at…
Dundee Heritage Fest will be held September 13, 14 & 15 in downtown East and West Dundee. A local favorite along the Fox River, Heritage Fest is free to attend and provides activities for all ages. The fun begins on Friday night with a fireworks show over the Fox River at 8 pm that is not to be missed, bookended by high-energy live entertainment from 6:00-8:00 and 9:00-11:00pm. Live music and entertainment continue throughout the weekend representing a wide variety of genres and decades. For a complete list of bands, please visit the Heritage Fest website at wdundeeheritagefest.org. Saturday and…
