Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category
Admitting one has a problem is the first step…
Posted in Entertainment, Riding Club of Barrington Hills on June 24, 2022| 1 Comment »
SourceFestivals June 24-30: Swedish Days, Long Grove Strawberry Fest, Frontier Days & more
Posted in Entertainment on June 24, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Wauconda Fest
Swedish Days: 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, June 22-26, on South Third and State streets, Geneva. Family-friendly activities, live music, carnival, craft beer tent, Sweden Vast, Kids’ Day fun and more. Music from Second Hand Soul Band at 5 p.m. and The Boy Band Night at 7 p.m. Friday; and Jaerv at 5 p.m. and Necessary Diversion at 7 p.m. Saturday. Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Free. genevachamber.com/festivals-events/swedish-days.
Long Grove Strawberry Fest: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, June 24; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 25; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 26, near 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Strawberry treats, food, music, carnival, kids’ zone, games and more. Music from Kashmir at 9 p.m. Friday; 7th heaven at 5 p.m., Who’s Who at 7 p.m. and Hairbangers Ball at 9 p.m. Saturday; and ARRA at 5 p.m. Sunday. $5 a day; $10 three-day pass; free for kids younger than 12. longgrove.org.
Wauconda Fest: 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 24; noon to midnight Saturday, June 25; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Crafts, car show, carnival rides, food, bags tournament and more. Music from 7th heaven at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; Hi Infidelity at 9:30 p.m. Friday; Hello Weekend at 9:30 p.m. Saturday; and Modern Day Romeos at 7 p.m. Sunday. $4 admission. waucondaparks.com/wauconda-fest.
Wild Onion Brewery 25th Anniversary Festival: 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 24, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at Wild Onion Brewery, 22221 N Pepper Road, Lake Barrington. The brewery is celebrating its 25th anniversary with live music by Pat McKillen on Friday and Bourbon Aristocracy on Saturday. $20 daily or $35 for a two-day pass. onionbrewery.com/ or toasttab.com/the-onion-pub-and-brewery.
Deer Park Art Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, at Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Shop original art from 70 artists, plus live music, local food and kids’ art activities. (847) 926-4300 or amdurproductions.com.
BACC Classic Collectors Car Show: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at 201 S. Grove Ave., Barrington. Classic cars, music, food and refreshments for purchase from local vendors. Free. barringtonchamber.com.
Morton Arboretum’s Craft Beer Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Tasting booths will be spread out along Meadow Lake, Frost Hill, and the Conifer Trail. Each ticket purchase includes 20, 3oz beer samples, with more than 60 different varieties to choose from. Must be 21 or older. Tickets are available every 15 minutes between noon and 1:30 p.m. Last call is at 3:45 p.m. and the last pour is at 4 p.m. Ticket sales end at 9:59 a.m. Saturday, June 25. No tickets will be available for purchase after that time. mortonarb.org.
Dundee Township Concert and Fireworks: 7:30-10 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at Meadowdale Park, Besinger and Maple Avenue, Carpentersville. Good Clean Fun performs at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks about 9:30 p.m. Rain date: 9 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Free. dtpd.org.
Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Voices in Harmony will perform. Check the website for weekly food truck schedule. Free. crystallakeparks.org.
More entertainment opportunities can be found here.
Long Grove brings back full-scale Strawberry Fest
Posted in Entertainment on June 23, 2022| Leave a Comment »
The annual Strawberry Festival, a decades-old tradition in downtown Long Grove, is returning in all its glory following a couple of years hampered by the pandemic.
The full-scale event, which draws thousands of visitors, will take place Friday to Sunday, June 24-26. Attendees can expect three days of strawberry-infused foods and drinks, family games, and live music.
Admission is $5 per person; free for children younger than 12.
Like always, the strawberry is the star attraction. Area restaurants, cooks, and vendors will offer pop-up shops to serve strawberry-centric cuisine. Featured items usually include strawberry barbecue sauces, deep fried strawberries on a stick, chocolate strawberry popcorn, strawberry kebabs, strawberry jams, strawberry fudge, funnel cakes with strawberries, strawberry smoothies, strawberry blintz, strawberry banana Nutella crepes, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry doughnuts, strawberry shakes, strawberry ice cream, chocolate strawberry sundaes, and more.
A variety of non-strawberry-centric vendors will offer other summertime delights.
For those who like to mix it up, Strawberry Fest 2022 also features live music and family entertainment. Headliners include Kashmir, the Led Zeppelin tribute, on Friday; Hairbangers Ball, an ’80s cover band, on Saturday; and ARRA, a classic rock tribute band, Sunday. Bands will play on multiple stages; visit longgrove.org/festivals/strawberry-fest for the full lineup.
Meanwhile, complimentary children’s games and activities will capture the kids’ attention. As in years past, there will be a classic carnival with popular rides.
Strawberry Fest is hosted by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, a not-for-profit organization led by a team of elected volunteers. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Illinois’ fireworks ban limits liberty, hurts job growth
Posted in Entertainment, Politics, Springfield, Taxes, Unions on June 22, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Illinoisans celebrate Independence Day by taking their fireworks business to other states, despite bans and threats at home, causing the state to lose out on jobs and revenue.
Red, white and blue flags, the smell of grilled burgers and hot dogs, and most of all, the familiar boom and sparkle in the sky are sure signs of Independence Day, but in Illinois freedom is quieter thanks to one of the nation’s most-restrictive laws for fireworks.
Fireworks are a long-standing Independence Day tradition dating back to the Founding Fathers. As John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Independence Day “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” Across the United States, Adams’ vision remains alive and well: Americans in 47 states spent $2.2 billion dollars on consumer fireworks in 2021.
However, despite the Founding Father’s wish, Illinoisans do not get to partake in the patriotic practice. It is one of three states that ban all or most consumer fireworks.
In 1942 Illinois passed the Illinois’ Pyrotechnic Use Act, making it illegal to purchase and use fireworks other than novelty items such as sparklers, small noise makers and smoke bombs. Under this act the possession, transportation and use of any consumer fireworks such as firecrackers, Roman candles or bottle rockets is deemed a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by fines up to $2,500 or a year in prison.
Despite the legal consequences, Illinois license plates flood the parking lots of fireworks retailers just across the state lines on and around Independence Day each year. The fireworks ban prompts Illinoisans to take their business to neighboring states, costing Illinois both tax revenue and jobs.
Pennsylvania, which has roughly the same population as Illinois, brings in $10 million in tax revenue annually from fireworks sales. Illinois state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, who wants to repeal the fireworks ban, argues Illinois is missing out on that $10 million in sales tax revenue each year for no good reason.
Read more here.
Related: “Fireworks ban a boon for neighboring states, restricts Illinoisans”
Barrington chamber to host its classic car show June 25
Posted in Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Entertainment on June 21, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Submitted by Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce
Back by popular demand, the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce will host its second Classic Collectors Car Show from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25, in downtown Barrington in the BMO Harris lot at Cook and E. Lake streets.
“The success of our inaugural Classic Collectors Car Show last summer confirmed the decision to once again host this free, family-friendly event in support of small business and Main Street Retailers,” said Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Suzanne Corr.
“We have a high concentration of Classic Car Collectors in our area and in Northwest Illinois and want to celebrate these cars by displaying them to the community.”
The event will feature a lot full of display cars, outdoor music, food and refreshments for purchase from local vendors, as well as awards for cars in the following categories: “People’s Choice,” “Best European,” “Best American,” “Mint Condition,” “Retro Relic,” and “Most Unique.”
“Collecting classic cars is more than a hobby, it is about preserving a story and a piece of history,” Corr said. “Owning classic cars can be irresistible and emotionally compelling for the stories they represent. They capture the art and history of engineering and design.”
To nominate a car for display for the June 25 Car Show, email Communications@BarringtonChamber.com and include the car owner’s name, street address and telephone number (cell); as well as vehicle information, year, make and model.
Cars must be approved and accepted in advance. No day-of registration will be allowed. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For information about the chamber, email Suzanne@BarringtonChamber.com. For details about the Classic Collectors Car Show, visit www.BarringtonChamber.com.
Metra parking lot concerts tune up for start of pandemic-born music series in Barrington
Posted in Barrington High School, Entertainment on June 21, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Libby Rieke, of Barrington, arrived June 10, 2022 at the Metra Lot Concert series kickoff in Barrington in an orange 1972 Volkswagen van. Rieke is pictured with Carol and Dave Nelson, of Barrington, right, and Jaquelyn Rieke. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)
A Barrington concert series born out of the COVID-19 pandemic has become popular, the mayor says, and is returning this year to the Metra commuter train station parking lot – likely as an annual event.
The Metra Lot Concert series launched last year as an entertainment option amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s great to get people outside in Barrington using this amenity, our huge parking lot which has such great acoustics,” said Village President Karen Darch.
She called the commuter train station parking lot “a natural stage.
Approximately 120 people registered to see the June 10 series-kickoff concert, with music by band Hi-Infidelity.
Libby Rieke, of Barrington, arrived at the parking lot concert in a 1972 tangerine-colored Volkswagen van. Popping through the van’s sunroof was Jaquelyn Rieke, formerly of Barrington and a Barrington High School graduate.
“It’s the perfect concert bus to bring to the Metra concert in Barrington,” Libby Rieke said. “It’s the perfect bus!”
Biggest water park in Illinois opens
Posted in Entertainment on June 19, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Illinois Largest Water Park Raging Waves opens for the 2022 season June 4.
The biggest water park in Illinois is now open for the season — just in time for the summer heat to set in.
According to a press release, Raging Waves has 32 waterslides, a wave pool, a sand play area, three kiddie pool areas, a lazy river, 43 private cabanas, a six-lane mat racing water slide and more.
The park, at 4000 N. Bridge St. is off of Route 47 in Yorkville, is about 50 miles west of Chicago in Kendall County. According to Google Maps, the park is about 9.5 miles away from Aurora, and about a 35-minute drive from Naperville (roughly an hour from Village Hall).
According to the website, the park is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and 11- 5 p.m. on select weekdays. Any day tickets start at $44.99, or $29.99 if you select a date ahead of time.
Parking is not included in the daily ticket price and begins at $10. Locker rentals begin at $12 and cabanas start at $200. Only clear or mesh bags are allowed in the park, along with diaper bags and small soft coolers.
No outside food or beverage is allowed. Guests are permitted to bring one empty water bottle, and two factory sealed water bottles.
Cruise Nights are back Thursdays in Barrington
Posted in Entertainment on June 17, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Cruise Night returns to downtown Barrington from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 18, at Cook and Station streets and the BMO Harris Bank Lot.
Submitted by Village of Barrington
The village of Barrington is thrilled to announce that Cruise Nights, a 20-year community tradition, will return from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, June 23 through Aug. 18, at Cook and Station streets and BMO Harris Bank Lot (Lot 18) in downtown Barrington.
After a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic and several evening Cruise Nights in 2021, this year’s season is packed with various theme nights.
The Barrington Farmers Market will also be set up in the BMO Harris Bank Lot so event goers can enjoy cars as well as purchase fresh produce, seasonal products and hot food. Families can enjoy face-painting, a balloon artist, kid-friendly games, visits with Barrington’s many nonprofits and more.
“I grew up in Barrington and was able to enjoy Cruise Nights and see how it’s evolved over time,” said Events & Marketing Manager Clancy Potts.
“Seeing the classic cars drive through town on a summer evening is such a blast, and it’s really exciting to be planning this event and restoring it to its glory. We can’t wait to see new and returning car enthusiasts this summer.”
Each week features a theme that showcases different car makes and models, but all cars are welcome on all nights. While there is no registration to participate in Cruise Night, parking is first-come, first-served.
Cruise Night is free and open to the public.
The weekly schedule is as follows:
- June 23: Ford Mercury
- June 30: Red, White & Blue
- July 7: Corvette
- July 14: Orphan Night
- July 21: 4X4
- July 28: Convertible
- Aug. 11: Exotics
- Aug. 18: ’70s
For information, visit enjoybarrington.com.
Here are some last-minute Father’s Day dining deals
Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on June 17, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Dad might like The Capital Grille’s bone-in Kona-crusted dry-aged New York strip for Father’s Day.
Father’s Day is almost here — do you have plans yet to treat dad to lunch, brunch or dinner? If not, here are some deals suburban restaurants are offering on Sunday, June 19. Even better, some are offering specials all weekend long. However you decide to spend the day with dad, make reservations soon so you don’t miss out.
Beelows
763 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, (847) 540-0600, beelows.com/. Leave the cooking to Beelows on Father’s Day. The brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday features a filet grilling station; omelet, waffle, French toast and pancake station; breakfast and entree stations; fruit and dessert stations and more. It’s $45 for adults and $20 for kids 10 and younger. Reservations are required.
Bonefish Grill
1604 Randall Road, Algonquin, (847) 658-9268; 180 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, (847) 534-0679; 9310 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, (847) 674-4634, bonefishgrill.com/. Now through Father’s Day, treat Dad to a bourbon-glazed, 7-ounce center-cut filet paired with five jumbo shrimp ($32.90) and a Smoked Old Fashioned made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, Angostura bitters and garnished with a Bordeaux cherry over a colossal ice cube. Or, he might enjoy specials such as shrimp rangoon dip ($11.90), pineapple-glazed shrimp ($18.90), Baja scallop scampi and shrimp ($21.90), shrimp rangoon topped salmon ($23.90), crab-crusted orange roughy ($26.90), crab-crusted pompano ($27.90), Key lime cake ($9) or the Fresh Watermelon Martini. Reservations requested. Available for dine-in, carryout or delivery.
The Capital Grille
87 Yorktown Center, Lombard, (630) 627-9800; 5340 N. River Road, Rosemont, (847) 671-8125; 2000 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 969-0290, thecapitalgrille.com/butcher. For dine-in, Dad might like the specialty bone-in Kona-crusted dry-aged New York strip with shallot butter, the porcini-rubbed bone-in rib-eye with 15-year-aged balsamic or the 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye. Reservations required. If Dad loves grilling, cookout options from The Capital Butcher might be the way to go. The Steak Grille Boxes come with four steaks, proprietary seasoning and Signature Steak Sauce. The dry-aged bone-in New York strip is $140, the bone-in prime rib-eye is $160, and a combo of the two is $150. Sides (Sam’s Mashed Potatoes, creamed spinach and grilled asparagus) are $20 and the lobster mac ‘n’ cheese is $50. Order ahead for pickup on Father’s Day.
Cooper’s Hawk
Locations in Arlington Heights, Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, Naperville, South Barrington, St. Charles and Wheeling; chwinery.com/. Cooper’s Hawk CEO and founder Tim McEnery named the Leonard Burger in tribute to his father. Treat dad to that burger — a double patty topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and signature sauce — on Father’s Day for $16.99.ahead for pickup on Father’s Day.
Moretti’s
Locations in Barrington, Bartlett, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Fox Lake, Hoffman Estates, Lake in the Hills, McHenry, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Rosemont, Schaumburg; morettisrestaurants.com/. Give Dad the day off from grilling by taking him to Moretti’s for the $16.99 Steak & Bake Dinner featuring New York prime strip steak, salad and baked potato. It’s available for dine-in, takeout or delivery. Reservations are requested.
Pinstripes
7 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook, (630) 575-8700; 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook, (847) 480-2323; 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, (847) 844-9300; pinstripes.com/fathers-day/. Pinstripes is hosting a Father’s Day feast from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 19. Dine on all-you-can-eat barbecue ribs, Italian sausage, pesto chicken, and items from the carving station, waffle station, sweets table and more. Price varies by location. Reservations required.
Shaw’s Schaumburg
1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, (847) 517-2722, shawscrabhouse.com/schaumburg/. Spend time with Dad over specialty dishes such as surf and turf, oysters on the half shell and more. Reservations are available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Weber Grill Restaurant
2331 Fountain Square, Lombard, (630) 953-8880, and 1010 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, (847) 413-0800, webergrillrestaurant.com/. For Father’s Day, Weber Grill will be serving Southern-style deviled eggs, dinosaur beef rib, bone-in pork chop, charcoal-grilled swordfish, hickory-smoked prime rib, grilled sweet corn, watermelon and tomatoes and bourbon blackberry shortcake. Reservations are highly recommended.
Click here for more options.
Blues and BBQ will take center stage in East Dundee this weekend
Posted in Entertainment on June 9, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Duke Seaward, owner of Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ in East Dundee, is hosting his annual Blues-N-BBQ Fest. The two-day event starts Friday and features a variety of blues artists and plenty of food. (Alicia Fabbre | Staff Photographer)
Blues and barbecue will take center stage in East Dundee during Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ Fest.
The two-day music and food festival, organized by Duke Seaward, owner of Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ restaurant, kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. with the Dundee-Crown High School marching band. The festival features well-known blues artists, food trucks and, of course, Seward’s specialty, BBQ.
The two-day event will be at the Depot, located at 319 N. River Street. There is no charge for entry to the festival.
On Friday, Mark Bettcher & Friends will take the stage at 5:15 after the Dundee Crown High School marching band opens the festival. Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee Mike Charles will perform from 8 to 11 p.m.
An opening ceremony featuring gospel singers kicks off at noon on Saturday. Caesare Salad and the Spicy Croutons takes the stage at 12:30 p.m., followed by Jimmy Nick from 3 to 5 p.m. Blues Heart Mama Bear and Madisen Ward, Mama Bear and Nu Blue will perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sharay Reed and Friends will close out the festival from 8 to 11 p.m.
Of course, Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ, which operates a year-round restaurant in downtown East Dundee, will be serving up plenty of BBQ throughout the weekend.
Comments
Grateful on Admitting one has a problem is… Mina Smith on “Chicago’s Morning Answer” tak… Ficke’n embarrassing on “Chicago’s Morning Answer” tak… Thomas Paine on Caterpillar HQ leaving for Tex… Mixed Use Trail Sugg… on FPDCC HORIZON FARM MEETING A Treasure on Early primary election voting… For Your Considerati… on Early primary election voting… Archives
Categories
Subscribe to The Observer
