Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Elgin’s Janus Theatre Company opens its 27th season with the The Ibsen Project: Hedda. Featuring Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen in a “Read Not Dead, Page To Stage, Scripts in Hand Production.” What is a “Read Not Dead, Page To Stage, Scripts in Hand Production?” It’s an idea loosely lifted from the Globe Theatre where actors get together for a (very) short time to read, rehearse and present a play in performance using scripts in hand. It’s exhilarating, energizing and can be totally spontaneous. In this classic story, Hedda returns from her honeymoon with new husband George Tesman. Struggling with…

It all began with a teenage Nick Smith, now co-owner of Old Republic Kitchen+Bar, sneaking a party in when his parents left town one summer. He called it “Smithstock,” and the idea stuck. In what he bills as the largest party of the summer, Smith will relive his youth this weekend at SMITHSTOCK ‘25 at Old Republic. Three Days. Five Bands. All for $10 – and you get a commemorative wristband! The musical lineup includes: Friday 6/27:8pm: Bostyxx (Boston | Journey | Styx Tribute) Saturday 6/28:5pm: Hi Infidelity9pm: Shady (Eminem Tribute) Sunday 6/29:2pm – Kashmir (Led Zeppelin Tribute)6pm – Hairbangers…

The Venue in Aurora will present Liquid Soul for a special outdoor concert on Saturday, June 28th. The event will be held outdoors only – rain or shine – it will not be brought indoors. GRAMMY-nominated acid jazz pioneers Liquid Soul are a fiery concoction of classy soloists, heavy rhythm merchants and hip-hop cognoscenti. They are a group that thrives on contact with their audience. One cannot help being moved by Liquid Soul‘s legendary live shows. The band’s in-the-tradition repertoire extends from classic compositions by Ornette Coleman and Miles Davis to heavy groove, breakbeats, freestyles and samples.They continue to bridge the musical gap between standard jazz improvisation, Funk and Hip Hop.…

The Paramount School of Arts will present The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical this Friday and Saturday at Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Take your seat for an epic adventure with Percy Jackson and the demigods of Camp Half-Blood as they battle monsters, dodge gods, and try to save the world in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Paramount School of the Arts’ third annual Paramount Performance Camp production. This fun and action-packed musical, performed on the historic Paramount stage by more than 50 talented students from the Paramount School of the Arts, brings the world of Greek mythology to life…

The Geneva Police Department has welcomed its newest member to the force: Tommy, a 20-month-old Golden Retriever who will serve as the centerpiece of the City’s new comfort dog program. Partnering with Healing Hearts, Geneva Police officially introduced and swore in Tommy during the June 23 Special Committee of the Whole meeting. Tommy’s primary mission will be to provide a calming presence and emotional support to those in need. His responsibilities will include: Police regularly respond to incidents and events that have a profound effect on residents and officers. A comfort dog can help open lines of communication and offer…

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/. MARVIN Meet Marvin! He will greet you like you are already his best friend, and his friendly nature and stunning eyes will win you over in no time. If you are looking for a house-trained dog who enjoys games of fetch, chilling in the yard, and cuddling on the couch, then Marv…

Kanecountyconnects.com With temperatures threatening to touch triple digits this weekend, cooling centers across Kane County offer a safe place to escape the heat. Click the link below to find the nearest location. The Kane County Health Department has also created an interactive map of all available cooling centers. Before heading out, be sure to call the location to confirm hours and availability. https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Warming-Cooling-Centers.aspx

Celebrate the summer solstice with Sunshine Symphony at the Zoo on Saturday, June 21. It will be an unforgettable day of nature and music. Listen to performances by local choirs, children’s bands, and dance groups. Enjoy the harmony of wildlife and melodies, enriching the animals and your soul. The day’s events will include: Also, throughout the day you can participate in Make & Take Rainstick Crafts and musical animal enrichment activities. Concessions will also be available. Randall Oaks Zoo is located at 1180 North Randall Road in West Dundee.

Brace for it St. Charles, this is a really big dill. Pickle Paradise, a dill-cious party in Pottawatomie Park, returns for the evening of Friday, June 20 as the St. Charles Park District invites all ages to celebrate the city’s notoriety as the Pickle Capital of the World. The St. Charles Park District hosted the inaugural Pickle Paradise in 2024 and the community response was fantastic as fans showed their love for pickles, explained Taylor Krawczyk, assistant superintendent of recreation for the St. Charles Park District. “We were so thrilled,” Krawczyk said. This year’s events include a fun run, sampling…

Preservations Partners of the Fox Valley will present a special concert on Friday, June 20, in the Fabyan Japanese Garden in the Fabyan Forest Preserve. The concert will feature musicians from the Chicago Koto Group. The group, which serves the greater Chicagoland area by introducing it to Japanese culture through music, traditional dress, and customs, will perform two 30-minute sets of music within the tranquil confines of the Fabyan Japanese Garden. The Chicago Koto Group was founded in 1985 by Akiko Sugano, a leader in the Chicago Japanese community and a koto player. The group serves the greater Chicago community…