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Artist of the Month: Fox Valley Concert Band 

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Wednesday, June 12, 2024 05:14 PM

Artist Of The Month 2024 FB

Since 1983, the Fox Valley Concert Band has been bringing the joy of music to the Northern Illinois region along the Fox River. Starting as a small ensemble sponsored by the St. Charles Park District, the community-run band, composed of volunteers, now has a membership of over 60 musicians. The band is led by conductor Dr. Colin Holman who has been with the band since 1993. 

Currently in its 41st season, the Fox Valley Concert Band has been a staple in the local community for decades, garnering immense support from members of the community, local businesses and groups. Over the years, the band has built its audience through generosity and giving back. 

The band often plays at venues across the Fox Valley area, putting on special performances for local nursing home residents and even the Kane County Cougars Baseball team. The band’s tradition of holding free and public concerts has been bringing families and neighbors together to enjoy beautifully composed music at concerts all year round.  

Each concert put on by the band highlights different composers and styles of music with varying themes that range from seasonal music to celebrating Illinois and its composers. During their 40th anniversary season, the band even featured a live painter, David LaPlaca, during their performance of “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” by Mark Camphouse.

The Fox Valley Concert Band continues to inspire members of the community to maintain their passion for music through performance and entertainment.

Catch the Fox Valley Concert Band’s next performance July 7 at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles from 3 to 5 p.m. 

For more information, visit the Fox Valley Concert Band’s website. 

Summer festivals across the prairie state

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Friday, June 07, 2024 01:46 PM

illinois state fair

Summer in Illinois is a time for celebration, and the prairie state offers an array of vibrant festivals that showcase its rich culture, music, food and community spirit. Here’s a look at some of the must-attend summer festivals throughout the state:

Chicago area

Ribfest – Chicago, June 14-16

  • Live music, barbecue food

Hyde Park Summerfest – Chicago, June 17-18

  • Hip-hop and house music festival

Chicago suburbs

Long Grove Strawberry Fest – Long Grove, June 21-23

  • Strawberry-infused food and drinks, carnival rides, live music

Morris Beer Festival – Morris, September 7

  • 50 breweries, live music, food vendors

Read more …

Experience wildlife in the middle of Chicago!

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Wednesday, June 05, 2024 09:00 AM
  • Lincoln Park

 Board walk view from Lincoln Park Zoo

Did you know there’s a zoo in Illinois that’s always free? Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a free attraction that’s open 365 days a year. Not only is it the oldest zoo in the country, dating back to 1868, it’s also one of only a handful of zoos in the U.S. that offers free admission.

The zoo has animals from every climate and is dedicated to conservation and science, with one of the largest kids’ educational programs in the country – Zoo Explorers.

While visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, you can see all different kinds of animals as well as a whole house reserved for birds of prey. For children, there is a petting zoo with fun interactive exhibits dedicated to education.

Read more …

Discovering Lincoln’s Roots: The Lincoln New Salem Historic Site

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Tuesday, May 21, 2024 10:20 AM
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • New Salem

lincolnnewsalem

Nestled in the rolling hills of central Illinois lies a remarkable destination that brings history to life: the Lincoln New Salem State Historic Site. Located two miles south of Petersburg and 20 miles northwest of Springfield, this reconstructed pioneer village offers visitors an immersive experience into the formative years of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most revered presidents.

Lincoln New Salem is not just a museum – it is a vivid recreation of the village where a young Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837. During these six years, Lincoln worked as a store clerk, a postmaster, a surveyor, and eventually launched his legal and political career.

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Illinois state park ranked among the top 10 places to camp in the Midwest

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Friday, May 17, 2024 09:00 AM

A lake and trees

Located in Christian and Sangamon counties near Rochester, Sangchris Lake State Park was highlighted by The Dyrt for its 120 miles of shoreline along Sangchris Lake, featuring two lakeshore campgrounds. In addition to easy access to both water and nature trails, it has been praised for its friendliness to bird watchers and clean grounds with picnic tables and playgrounds.

The park includes 195 campsites where pets and fires are both allowed, with firewood, showers, drinking water and more available to campers. If you don’t want to camp out in a tent, RV sites and campgrounds are also present.

This summer, you won’t want to miss out on taking a trip to see the views and enjoy this highly rated state park.

Click here for more information.

More Articles …

  1. Old State Capitol Art Fair- celebrating art in the Midwest
  2. Honoring Excellence in Education: The Golden Apple Awards and National Teacher Day
  3. Chicago festivals this spring and summer
  4. Artist of the Month: Winifred Godfrey
  5. Check out these free Illinois museums this month
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