Westchester singer finds fans in Israel

Westchester’s Jim Green has come a long way from being nervous about playing his music in front of an audience. And he has come and gone a long way literally, with travels that have involved his music taking him to Mexico, New Zealand, and just …

Bluestack still sings its ‘forthright opinions’

The pen is mightier than the sword, and music is another powerful way to deliver a bloodless message. For Donegal native, Brendan Loughrey, who spent his first 29 years near the border of volatile northern Ireland, singing rebel songs and playing guitar has been a …

FitzGerald’s celebrates American music

“I like a good old-fashioned summer festival,” said Bill Fitzgerald, “I grew up with the classic riverside festivals, in Cincinnati and Cleveland, also remember well the Petunia Festival in Dixon.” As owner of FitzGerald’s Night Club in Berwyn, he knows a great deal about music …

BURR RIDGE Burr Ridge Concerts On The Green, Burr Ridge Village Center, 801 Village Center Drive. Fridays: 7:30-9 p.m. See www.brparks.org. June 10: The Jay Witcher Orchestra (big band/swing). June 17: The Crown Vics (’50s rock). June 24: Pamela Rose and Windy City Country. July …

Ravinia for kids

Add Ravinia to your list of fun places to take the kids this summer. The season opens with a special event offering free activities for kids. There are eight concerts scheduled especially for young people. Children 15 and younger will have free admission to the …

Ravinia Festival kicks off June 9

If it’s June in the northern suburbs, it must be time for the Ravinia Festival to swing open its gates for another summerlong music extravaganza. Ravinia is the country’s oldest outdoor music festival, and it’s in no hurry. Picnic on its cool lawn, kick your shoes off. Arrive early, stay late. Relax in the sway of the pavilion for an up-close look at your favorite musicmaker.

Craig Terry, Chicago Philharmonic in concert in Hinsdale

Pianist Craig Terry performs with the Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players in a spring concert, “Songs from the Heart,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at the Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield Ave. Other soloists are Hugh Russell, baritone, Florentina Ramniceanu, violin; and Judy …

Spring celebration at La Grange Highlands Church

It seems appropriate to include a group named “Birdy” in a special music event that celebrates spring. “They have exquisite voices and their original music is as beautiful as their covers,” said Maria Rohloff, who for 15 years has been director of music at Highlands …

Burr Ridge violist performs with Chicago Philharmonic

Burr Ridge teen Benjamin Wagner usually plays his viola among peers, but May 15 he will share a stand with a professional violist as he performs with the Chicago Philharmonic. His performance is part of Side by Side, a mentoring program allowing the best high …

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Viva Ravinia! Drum up memorable, safe picnic

It's Ravinia time! And drumming up a memorable menu for your picnic will be as important as picking a performance that most of your friends will enjoy. Make your event a hit on both fronts, and plan your food around the band. Orchestrate a Cuban-themed menu for the Buena Vista Social Club on June 26.

This is what friendship sounds like

The relationship between the Am Yisrael and Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken congregations was forged many years ago, but it's only now that they're making music about it. Both congregations are conservative and egalitarian and are similar in the way they conduct services.But perhaps the biggest difference is the music.

Rend Collective's star shoots through Willow Creek

At least they're honest. The Northern Ireland-based Rend Collective Experiment, a Christian rock band that infuses elements of pop, folk and inventiveness with a whole lot of kudos to Jesus, knows they appeal mainly to a very specific demographic. Consider who they're opening for and …