an elgin culture magazine
The Art of The Fringe pp. 2-7
with the
SEPTEMBER 2015
1.2
Elgin is For Reel
pp. 12-14
BRAVO
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Shared Values: Creativity and Productivity
The Art of The Fringe In the corner of a pub, a man performs an original rock opera on the accordion. In a coffee shop nearby, a musical duo combines Middle Eastern instruments with digital loops and beats. Outside, a dance performance has caused motorists to stop in the road and stare. In the alley behind an office building, a crowd is watching a performance of Ionesco’s classic absurd play, “The Bald Soprano.”
15 Ziegler Ct. Downtown Elgin 847-429-2276 SideStreetStudioArts@gmail.com SideStreetStudioArts.org #supportlocalart
Cover artist Chris Hodge has been working on art since a very early age. Influenced by such artists as Ivan Albright, Albrecht Durer, and Hieronymus Bosch, his art tells stories in great detail focused on the element of line. His body of work has been described as “obsessive narrative,” articulating his imagination while allowing for the work to take on a life of its own. Starting with sketches and very loose pencil lines, he prefers to render his art work in ink, due to the high level of commitment that ink requires. Once a line in ink is placed there is no turning back, and if a mistake is made one must find a way to either cover the line, or incorporate it. This allows for his artwork to evolve as he creates it. “I believe the imagination to be a dream-like, fuzzy thing, and it isn’t able to be defined until it is born into some form of creation.” Chris Hodge started his art education at Waubonsee Community College, and continued his studies at North Central College where he received a Bachelor’s in Art Education, a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership & Administration. He is currently an art teacher in the Midwest. To contact the artist you can email: diebox1984art@yahoo.com, or visit the artist’s website at www.chodgeart.com
It sounds like a dream, and in some ways, it’s a dream come true for the artists, producers and fans of the second annual Elgin Fringe Festival (EFF), which runs September 17th through 20th at a variety of downtown venues.
2015 EFF Button
ly popped up in storefronts, pubs and parks in Edinburgh, Scotland around the “fringes” of its prestigious annual International Festival of the Arts. After nearly sixty years, the Fringe phenomenon has circled the globe, and Fringe festivals are now annual events in many of North America’s most arts-friendly cities. “The idea for the Elgin Fringe Festival was born during a conversation between Erin Rehberg and myself in the summer of 2013,” explains Sean Hargadon, EFF Executive Director. “We both had experience attending and participating in Fringe festivals throughout the country and we thought Elgin would be a great place to start one.”
A Fringe festival is a loosely structured gathering of artists and performances that span the entire gamut of expression: theater, dance, music, comedy, visual arts and combinations thereof. Artists come from all places and experiences, and the subject matter, styles and genres often defy categorization.
The original Fringe established a set of values that persists today: diversity, innovation, affordability and access. Ironically, these values are now found in the mission statement of the Scottish festival which first evoked the reaction that ultimately became the Fringe movement.
It’s a tradition that started in the summer of 1947, when unscheduled performances sudden-
While the EFF slogan “Whatever happens ... happens” implies a degree of unpredictabili-
Innovation
Rune the Lion performs at the Martini Room for Elgin Fringe Festival 2014. Photo by Joshua L Smith.
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September 2015
La Groove Fatale performs at Elgin Fringe Festival 2014. Photo by Mike Frankowski. ty, staging it in downtown Elgin is neither an accident nor a last resort. The Fringe intentionally locates in a place that can benefit from urban renewal. “One of the great advantages of downtown Elgin is the amount of history that runs through it, contained within its buildings, streets, sidewalks, and people,” says Hargadon. “You really can’t buy that kind of authenticity.” Indeed, converting cafes, offices and parks into performance spaces changes the way people see their city. “Downtown Elgin isn’t big, but it’s potent, and provides a canvas for people to play through the use and interaction of the arts.”
Diversity The variety of artists and material appearing at EFF is immense, but so is the diversity of its audiences. Late night comedy and burlesque revues will appeal to adults, and a full slate of kidsafe family fare is planned for Saturday Sept. 19th in Carleton Rogers park.
Affordability In stark contrast to big name festivals, a one-time purchase of the $3.00 EFF button is all that’s needed for admission to many events. Ticketed performances are priced at $5.00 or $10.00, and all ticket revenue goes directly to the artists. To keep costs low, venues have been generously donated by Elgin Public House, Blue Box Cafe, Martini Room, Imago, Eastern Groove Studio, Side Street
Photos of EFF 2014 by James Kalemis.
Studio Arts Gallery, Next Door Theatre, and the City of Elgin.
cocktail of human interaction.”
Access
Fringing Ahead
The EFF is open to artists and acts of all kinds, provided they submit a timely application and have material ready. Performances typically last about an hour and require a minimum of technical support.
When someone expresses a positive opinion about Elgin, it’s often related to the coalescence of various new and old groups into what you might call an “arts community.” Slowly but surely, this idea is displacing former notions about neighborhoods, the school system, environmental quality, and local government.
So ... you’re not among the performers at Elgin Fringe Festival? You’re in luck: several workshops are scheduled, in which you are invited to explore improvisation, creative movement, comedic delivery, stage technique and more. All workshops are donation-based, and presented by the artists of the Fringe.
Snobs Also Welcome The openness and freedom of Fringe expression does not mean the artists are not talented or “serious.” Many of these performers have impressive resumes and years of experience polishing their craft. In fact, the small spaces and immediacy of these productions exposes the art and the artists to a degree you will never experience in a concert hall or opera house. The work is stripped down (literally, in some shows) to the essences of character, composition and style. “Streams of people from different places and backgrounds coming together to engage with art and performers and the people around them ... is a social
“Elgin’s past reveals a city built on innovation and manufacturing. Now it is evolving into a future that is still creative and productive.”
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Expression: A Different Kind of Drama Queen
Discover Femmeprov It was almost 100 years ago when a Viennese psychologist first used dramatic improvisation as a technique to help small groups of individuals gain insights into their own personalities and their relationships to others. Spontaneous creativity was shown to be therapeutic. Arriving at this same juncture of theater and therapy — from a performing arts background — Elgin educator Gareth Mann Sitz started Femmeprov in 2008 as an extension of her improvisation workshops for women. The group has since developed their creative process into a craft that now produces finished work for audiences. “I come up with the concept and structure, and we use improvisation to develop a script,” says Sitz. “As actors, we love to improvise, but we use it primarily as a tool to work toward a more finished show.”
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Unlike most community theater groups, all of Femmeprov’s material is not only original, but also musical. “I write the songs and incorporate poems as appropriate,” reveals Sitz. “And the sketches and monologues are
created through a group process of improvisation and discussion.” Four members of the company have been active since the beginning, and appeared together at the inaugural Elgin Fringe Festival. This year, some new faces will grace the stage. “We have several budding writers in our midst ... and this year’s show reflects the talents of several cast members. B.J. (Franquelli) surprised us with a country song, and Nancy (Braus) has written a very funny sketch.” Gareth Sitz is locally known as a teacher, poet, and playwright, and for her work with AAUW, among other arts and service pursuits. Though Femmeprov’s repertoire is slightly more preoccupied with women’s interests and perspectives, they seek to reach a coed audience. “We have found that most men really enjoy our presentations,” says Sitz. “In this particular show, we make a big effort to appeal to both sexes ... and make both men and women think about their relationships. And of course, there are some good laughs for everyone!” —JP
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Expression: Call me Maybe ... Captain Maybe
and/or
Captain Ambivalent With his cape, six-inch heels and gift of vacillation, Captain Ambivalent is no ordinary accordionist.
“ Best burgers in the suburbs...”
Rising from the gentle rolling hills of Indiana, mild-mannered Dan Biemer faced a lifetime of struggle ... to distinguish between the Five Kinds of Love, to Escape the HumDrum, and to separate the Frankie Yankovic from the Lawrence Welk. Yet, it made him stronger.
— Christina Q. August 2015
And so he became an Epic Hero with the power of two minds, whose musical mythology is inhabited by a Frozen Burrito, a Radioactive Cat, a Crazy Picasso-Eyed Lady, and ... a Special Guest. "I left an all-consuming day job in computerized litigation support after 2010," explained Biemer in our interview. "The folks on LinkedIn still can't quite believe it." To which Captain Ambivalent retorts, "He wasn't getting anything done on my two albums and this show, so I had to put my six-inch heel down!" Ready to take on Rigid Certainty armed only with mixed feelings and a sparkly gold accordion, Captain Ambivalent will appear four times at Elgin Public House during the Fringe Festival, performing his rock opera "Pirate Ninja Zombie: The Not So Secret Origin of Captain Ambivalent."
more than
70 "This is not traditional accordion music," warns Biemer, "but elderly retired accordion players enjoy it just as much as folks who know about Weird Al and They Might Be Giants." "And the sparkles deflect laser beams!" adds Captain Ambivalent. We're not sure if he'll be joined on the tour by backup band, The Horns of Dilemma. They couldn't commit. —JP Photo by John Lodder
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6 Eastern instruments and circuit bent electronics.
Theater of Self Doubt Years ago, mastering the game of poker taught Steven Gomez unexpected but invaluable life lessons. Years later, an unhappy life led Steven to rediscover the game in an allin showdown with his greatest nemesis: Himself. Improvised Mythology Improvised Mythology taps into the earliest form of improvisational storytelling: ancient mythology. Independent Players presents Eugene Ionesco’s The Bald Soprano (1950). 13-Monsters An indie-DIY band from the Chicago area, likened to a cross between Jane's Addiction with Shirley Manson, Stevie Nicks, and Smashing Pumpkins.
Jade Daniel Rock n' Roll ain't dead. Multi-Insturmentalists Tim Pienkowski and Riley Hardt join pop/rock & hip-hop sensation Jade Daniel for a power-trio you have to see to believe.
Amber Flight is an Indie-synth-rock band from Elgin.
Janus Theater Company I Dream Before I Take the Stand is a one-act absurdist drama, which finds a defense lawyer cross-examining a woman during her testimony in a sexual assault case.
Because Why Not? Theatre Company Paradigm is a series of vignettes that explores what it means when words like relationships, marriage, fidelity and love are turned upside down. BodyCompass Dance Project Yolk imagines the body as a reflection of the universe: vast, intimate, impermanent. Through this lens, this dance-based performance explores the interplay of gender constructs, sexual violence, aspects of fertility and creative power. David Boyle "An Accidental Organist" played to sold out houses at the inaugural EFF. He returns with more hilarious and heartbreaking personal stories. Michael Burgos Set at the funeral of a man who died from eating too many eggs, The Eulogy features a menagerie of characters whose inept and inapt speeches give anything but a proper homage. Captain Ambivalent “Pirate Ninja Zombie: The Not So Secret Origin of Captain Ambivalent” is an enthusiastic biographic one-man accordion rock opera! MsPixy Productions Chicago Burlesque Showcase presents a carefully curated cast of outstanding ecdysiasts from Chicago’s thriving underground burlesque scene. Ages 18+ Core Project <=2 An evening length show for the short-attention spanned —nothing longer than 2 minutes. Dance, storytelling, media, music—all the good stuff. Femmeprov Men, Men Men...and Women, Too! Our all-female company takes the audience on a lively romp through the complex world of human relationships. FoolSize Theatre “Women Who Wank" is a one woman improvised play made by a Fool trying to untwist Herstory. "The Fig Leaf Wars" is a 15 minute movement piece with a human sized Penis and Vulva. Conor Goetz & Daryl Harris A new collaboration by two Elgin-based experimental musicians, combining loops and beats with traditional and Middle
Melody Jefferies Here Lies a Manic Pixie Dream Girl recounts one girl’s descent down the rabbit hole into a crazy wonderland of awful dates, failing relationships, pretty good sex, and screaming mad tea parties. Koopa & Los Mysterios is a 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll cover band straight out of St. Charles, IL.
Tue.Sep.15 Titterglitz Company Class Workshop 6p-7.30p, Next Door Theatre. Donation
Wed.Sep.16 Something Like Clown Workshop 5.30p-8.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. Donation
1.2 Kelly Bolton 4p-5p, Imago. $10 Troupe Strozzi 4p-5p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Conor Goetz & Daryl Harris 5.30p-6.30p, Blue Box Cafe. Free Core Project 5.30p-6.30p, Next Door Theater. $5 Femmeprov 5.30p-6.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10
Tai Chi: The Five Elements 6p-7p, Next Door Theatre. Donation
Expressive Movement for All Bodies 5.30p-7p, Eastern Groove Dance Studio. Donation
Elgin Fringe Fest Preview Party 7p-10p, Martini Room
Independent Players 5.30p-6.30p, Imago. $10
Thu.Sep.17 Femmeprov 5.30p-6.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Intro to Contact Improv 5.30p-7p, Carleton Rogers Park. Donation Nincompoop the Clown 5.30p-6.30p, Elgin Pubic House. $10 Theatre of Self Doubt 5.30p-6.30p, Imago. $5 Troupe iMprov 5.30p-6.30p . $5 Captain Ambivalent 7p-8p, Elgin Public House. $10
Melody Jefferies 5.30p-6.30p, Elgin Public House. $10 Dave Newton 7p-8p, Blue Box Cafe. Free Improvised Mythology 7p-8p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Intro to Belly Dance 7p-8p, Eastern Groove Dance Studio. Donation Nincompoop the Clown 7p-8p, Elgin Public House. $10 Theatre of Self Doubt 7p-8p, Imago. $5 Troupe iMprov 7p-8p, Next Door Theater. $5
David Boyle 7p-8p, Imago. $10
Amber Flight 8.30p-9.30p, Elgin Public House. Free
La Groove Fatale Presents a fusion belly dance show entitled "Cafe au Lait."
Janus Theater Company 7p-8p, Next Door Theater. Free
David Boyle 8.30p-9.30p, Imago. $10
Kathleen Lieffers Original music with a touch of gritty, bluesy-folk & a dash of acoustic light rock.
La Groove Fatale 7p-8p, Elgin Art Showcase. $5
Man Bites Dog attempts to perform its original songs in a manner that is genuine and authentic to the listeners while being genuine and authentic to themselves.
Titterglitz Company Class Workshop 7p-8.30p, Carleton Rogers Park. Donation 13-Monsters 8.30p-9.30p, Elgin Public House. $5
Desi Henri 8.30p-9.30p, Blue Box Cafe. Free Janus Theater Company 8.30p-9.30p, Next Door Theater. Free Michael Burgos 8.30p-9.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Titterglitz 8.30p-9.30p, at large. Free
Dave Newton Music An Elgin native dedicated to entertainment for all.
Core Project 8.30p-9.30p, Next Door Theater. $5
13-Monsters 10p-11p, Elgin Public House. $5
Nincompoop the Clown A show that takes the audience on fun ride of mishaps, blunders, and tomfoolery.
FoolSize Theatre 8.30p-9.30p, Martini Room. $10
Because Why Not? Theatre Company 10p-11p, Imago. $5
Kelly Bolton 8.30p-9.30p, Imago. $10
Ozzy Oswald A cover artist, putting a unique spin on favorites of all genres!
Troupe Strozzi 8.30p-9.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10
FoolSize Theatre 10p-11p, Next Door Theater. $10
Project606 Dance Things That Look Like Other Things will be comprised of three works by different choreographers. Titterglitz An all inclusive Nashville based dance company taking it to the streets. Troupe iMprov Random Sticks and Other Childhood Weapons! looks at life with comedic improvisation, songs and original sketches. Troupe Strozzi Bawdy, naughty and ready to party, we perform satirical sketch comedy. Commedia Dell' Par-tay, baby! Watch City A seven piece collective from Elgin showcasing all elements of Hip Hop culture; emceeing, deejaying, bboy/bgirl dancing, and graffiti writing. Full artist details are on the EFF website:
www.elginfringefestival.com
BodyCompass Dance Project 10p-11p, Next Door Theater. $10 Independent Players 10p-11p, Imago. $10 Late Night Fringe 10p-11p, Martini Room Melody Jefferies 10p-11p, Elgin Public House. $10 Watch City 10p-11p, Elgin Art Showcase. $5
Fri.Sep.18 BodyCompass Dance Project 4p-5p, Next Door Theater. $10 Captain Ambivalent 4p-5p, Elgin Public House. $10 Clowning Workshop 4p-5p, Eastern Groove Dance Studio. Donation
Kathleen Lieffers 10p-11p, Blue Box Cafe. Free Late Night Fringe 10p-11p, Martini Room Watch City 10p-11p, Elgin Art Showcase. $5
Sat.Sep.19 Family Fringe 11a-4p, Carleton Rogers Park. Free Engaging Improv with the Improv Diamond 10a-12p, Elgin Public House. Donation A Feminist Approach to Anatomy and Movement 10a-12p, Elgin Art Showcase. Donation David Boyle 11a-12p, Imago. $10 Improvised Mythology 11a-12p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10
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September 2015 Tai Chi: The Five Elements 11a-12p, Next Door Theatre. Donation Femmeprov 12.30p-1.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Janus Theater Company 12.30p-1.30p, Next Door Theater. Free Nincompoop the Clown 12.30p-1.30p, Elgin Public House. $10
Late Night Fringe 10p, Martini Room 13-Monsters 11p, Elgin Public House. $5 MsPixy Productions 11p, Next Door Theater. $10 Watch City 11p, Elgin Art Showcase. $5
Sun.Sep.20
Theatre of Self Doubt 12.30p-1.30p, Imago. $5
BodyCompass Dance Project 11a-12p, Next Door Theater. $10
Because Why Not? Theatre Company 2p-3p, Imago. $5
Independent Players 11a-12p, Imago. $10
La Groove Fatale 2p-3p, Elgin Art Showcase. $5 Melody Jefferies 2p-3p, Elgin Public House. $10 Troupe iMprov 2p-3p, Next Door Theater. $5 Captain Ambivalent 3.30p-4.30p, Elgin Public House. $10 Core Project 3.30p-4.30p, Next Door Theater. $5 Independent Players 3.30p-4.30p, Imago. $10 Michael Burgos 3.30p-4.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Ozzy Oswald 3.30p-4.30p, Blue Box Cafe. Free Amber Flight 5p-6p, Elgin Public House. Free Desi Henri 5p-6p, Blue Box Cafe. Free FoolSize Theatre 5p-6p, Next Door Theater. $10 Troupe Strozzi 5p-6p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 BodyCompass Dance Project 6.30p-7.30p, Next Door Theater. $10 Kathleen Lieffers 6.30p-7.30p, Blue Box Cafe. Free
Core Project 12.30p-1.30p, Next Door Theater. $5 Improvised Mythology 12.30p-1.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Conor Goetz & Daryl Harris 2p-3p, Blue Box Cafe. Free Femmeprov 2p-3p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Nincompoop the Clown 2p-3p, Elgin Public House. $10 Janus Theater Company 3.30p-4.30p, Next Door Theater. Free Kelly Bolton 3.30p-4.30p, Imago. $10 Melody Jefferies 3.30p-4.30p, Elgin Public House. $10 Ozzy Oswald 3.30p-4.30p, Blue Box Cafe. Free Troupe Strozzi 3.30p-4.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10 Amber Flight 5p-6p, Elgin Public House. Free
Theatre of Self Doubt 5p-6p, Imago. $5
Dave Newton 8p-9p, Blue Box Cafe. Free
Watch City 5p-6p, Elgin Art Showcase. $5
Jade Daniel 8p-9p, Elgin Public House. Free
13-Monsters 6.30p-7.30p, Elgin Public House. $5
Michael Burgos 8p-9p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10
Because Why Not? Theatre Company 6.30p-7.30p, Imago. $5
MsPixy Productions 8p-9p, Next Door Theater. $10
Closing Party Featuring Koopa and Los Mysterios 6.30p-7.30p, Martini Room
Improvised Mythology 9.30p-10.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10
FoolSize Theatre 6.30p-7.30p, Next Door Theater. $10 La Groove Fatale 6.30p-7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $5
FEED.colorcode Bands & Music
Man Bites Dog 9.30p-10.30p, Next Door Theater. Free
Theater & Dance
Steve Barnes 9.30p-10.30p, Blue Box Cafe. Free
Kids & Families
Workshops
Titterglitz 9.30p-10.30p, at large. Free
ON
S A DOUGL
Troupe iMprov 2p-3p, Imago. $5
La Groove Fatale 6.30p-7.30p, Elgin Art Showcase. $5
Because Why Not? Theatre Company 9.30p-10.30p, Imago. $5
A
Captain Ambivalent 12.30p-1.30p, Elgin Public House. $10
Kelly Bolton 6.30p-7.30p, Imago. $10
Amber Flight 9.30p-10.30p, Elgin Public House. Free
A D
S ’ PIZZ Y N N
Michael Burgos 11a-12p, Elgin Art Showcase. $10
Tai Chi: The Five Elements 5p-6p, Next Door Theatre. Donation
Project606 Dance Company 8p-9p, Imago. $5
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Downtown Elgin First Fridays Social media scavenger hunt! Check in on the DNA Downtown Elgin First Fridays Facebook page ... complete the quest and be entered in a drawing for some great prizes! 5p-9p, Game Night! Spend your Friday night at ETC playing board games. BYO games and beverages. 7p-10p, Elgin Technology Center 224.325.4382
Thu.Sep.3 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Every Thursday in September. Corner of Kimball St & Grove Ave. 9a-2p, 847.488.1456 Device Advice Bring your own devices. Repeats biweekly. 9.30a-11.30a, Rakow - Computer Cafe Wonderful Ones Activity and playtime for children 12-23 mos. Registration required. Repats throughout September. 9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Story Mix for 3 to 6 Stories and songs for children age 3 thru K. No registration required. Repeats throughout September. 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room-North 847.742.2411 Terrific Twos Stories and activities for 2 yr olds. Registration is required. Repeats throughout September. 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C 847.742.2411 ChessMaster Junior Chess Club Grades 2-12 are invited to hone their chess skills. Repeats 9/10, 17, 24. 4p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - South 847.742.2411 Baby Rhyme Time For infants with an adult caregiver. Registration is required. Repeats throughout September. 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 AWAKE Artist’s Reception AWAKE is a double art show by Bobby Rowland and Griffin Thorne, featuring two rooms of art exploring self-identity and life experience. Exhibit runs Sept. 2-13. Reception 7p-10p, Side Street Studio Arts 847.429.2276. Donation
Fri.Sep.4 Baby Rhyme Time 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Wonderful Ones 10a-10.30a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Substance Abuse Assessment Testing Free substance abuse assessments for community residents who think they may have a problem. Appointments are necessary. 11a-8p, Renz Addiction Counseling Center, 2 American Way. 847.742.3545. Free
ECC International Film Series: Amor de Mis Amores (2014) Also showing 9/11/15 at 7:30 PM. 7.30p, ECC Spartan Auditorium 847.931.3925. Free First Fridays Improv with GreenRoom Productions 2015 90 minutes of complete improvisation a la “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” With competing teams, live music and a bar who knows what the night will hold. 8p-9.45p, Hemmens Cultural Center 847.931.5900. $10-12
Sat.Sep.5 Live at the Blue Box Southgate Media Group live podcast. 6p-9p, Blue Box Cafe 847.697.2583
Sun.Sep.6 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works 847.627.4700
Tue.Sep.8 Wonderful Ones 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Panera Milk & Cookie Storytime Your preschooler will enjoy stories read by a library staff member, followed by a snack compliments of Panera. Please register. Repats 9/22. 9.30a-10a, Panera Bread, 322 Randall Road, South Elgin Job Search & Resume Help Drop in for one-on-one assistance with your job search. For more information call 630-966-1435. Repeats 9/15, 22. 10a2p, GBPL Computer Training Room Armchair Generals A Civil War and Lincoln Brown Bag Lunch Interest Group. This month’s program is Retribution or Execution: The War in Missouri by author Frank Crawford. Bring your own hardtack. No registration. 11.45a-1.15p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411 Sports Card Trading Club 3.30p-5p, GBPL Youth Center 847.742.2411 REACh Education Fair Join us to gather information about onsite and online degree programs offered at your local colleges and universities. No registration. 5p-7p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411 Pizza & Books For teens in grades 9-12. 6p-7p, GBPL Studio 270
847.742.2411. Free Terrific Twos 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles/ English Conversation Group Practica conversar en ingles, mejora tu pronunciacion y adquiere confianza con un tutor del Literacy Connection. Practice having every day conversations in English, improve your pronunciation, and gain confidence. Also 9/15, 22. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411 Open Mic Night hosted by Charlie Rantz 7p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400. No cover Resume Basics Come to this session and learn how to sell yourself to potential employers! Open to non-district residents. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Story Mix for 3 to 6 7p-7.30p, GBPL Story Room - North 847.742.2411
Wed.Sep.9 1, 2, 3 Go! Families with 1- 3 year olds are invited to enjoy activities together. No registration required. Also on 9/23. 10a-10.30a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411 Drop-In Fall Story Time 36 mos.+ with caregiver. Repeats 9/16, 9/23. 10.30a-11a, Rakow - Children’s Area Elgin Social Media Meetup Group Meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 12-1:00 p.m. at the Elgin Technology Center. Meet colleagues who work with social media in the Elgin area! Bring your lunch and business cards. 12p-1p, Elgin Technology Center 224.325.4382 Keyboard and Mouse Basics Prepare to enter the online world! 1p-2.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Minecraft for Grades 3-5 All ability levels are welcome! Registration is required. 4p-5p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works 847.627.4700
1.2 7p-8.30p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411 Elgin Public House’s Trivia Night Join the EPH Trivia gang and battle against Elgin’s most ferociously competitive brainiacs. Weekly prizes for the top three teams, as well as tourneys with big grand prizes. Trivia starts promptly at 8pm. Elgin Public House 847.468.8810. Free Open Mic Night hosted by Jason Kilgore 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill 847.717.0510. No cover
Thu.Sep.10 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market 9a-2p, Kimball St & Grove Ave 847.488.1456 Device Advice Bring your device for some 1:1 help. Repeats biweekly. 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Studio 270 847.742.2411 Wonderful Ones 9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Story Mix for 3 to 6 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room-North 847.742.2411 Terrific Twos 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C 847.742.2411 Listen, Learn and Lead Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. Please join us as a guest! Also 9/24. 12p-1p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411 ChessMaster Junior Chess Club 4p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - South 847.742.2411 Baby Rhyme Time 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Genealogy Writers’ Group 6.30p-8p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411 Customizing a Resume Part 1 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Book discussion Harper Lee’s Go Set A Watchman 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411
Fri.Sep.11
Annual Preschool & Kindergarten Teachers’ Workshop: Yoga & Literacy 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411
Baby Rhyme Time 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Spanish Family Storytime/Cuentos para la familia 30 minutos de cuentos musica, rimas, manualidades y mucho mas para el disfrute de toda la familia! No registration required. All ages. No necesita registrarse. Todas las edades. Also 9/23. 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Blue Box Cafe Geek N Out “Key to Time (cont’d.)” 5p-8p, Blue Box Cafe 847.697.2583
Microsoft Excel 2010: Basics 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411
Fez Fest Artist’s Opening Reception An interactive exhibit showcasing the Fez in art, history and pop culture. Presented by Elgin, Chicagoland and other creators. 6p-10p, Elgin
Walking Book Club Walking and book discussion. Repeats 9/16, 23.
Wonderful Ones 10a-10.30a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Family Science Night Yummy Science Night digs into the science of food. No registration necessary. Members free. 6p-8p, Elgin Public Museum 847.741.6655. $2
BRAVO
September 2015 Artspace 847.214.2922. Free
Sept. 11th.) 7.30p, ECC Blizzard Theater 847.214.7140. $11-13
Children’s Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theater Company: “Mary Poppins” Your whole family will be delighted with this production of the ever-popular Mary Poppins. After all, she’s practically perfect in every way! And yes, Mary flies and so does Bert! 7.30p, ECC Blizzard Theater 847.214.7140. $11-13
Wait Until Dark (See description for Sept. 11th.) 8p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18
ECC International Film Series: Amor de Mis Amores 7.30p, ECC Spartan Auditorium 847.931.3925. Free Acoustic Generation Rock, pop, and country songs from the 50’s to today. 8p, Walnut Speakeasy 847.695.2420. No cover Elgin Theare Company: “Wait Until Dark” In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion. 8p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18
Sat.Sep.12 34th Annual Historic Elgin House Tour Architecture, history, home remodeling, interior decorating, gardening and more. This year we are featuring the NE neighborhood around River Bluff and Cedar. Register at Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave the day of the event. www.gpaelgin.org. 9a-5p. $15-20 Elgin Fringe Festival Meet & Greet Join the EFF staff for the kick off of the second-ever Elgin Fringe Festival. 10a-12p, Side Street Studio Arts 847.429.2276 YWCA of Elgin: Cindy’s Super Sale Shop 1,000s of dresses in styles appropriate for junior high students, high school students and adults. Dresses are only $25 each and the proceeds benefit Cinderella’s Closet. 10a-2p, YWCA of Elgin 847.742.7930 Read to Rover 11.30a-11.45a, GBPL Story Room - North 847.742.2411 Beer and BBQ at Bowes 5th Annual Beer and BBQ @ Bowes event. It’s a fun and worthwhile night benefitting the Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund. 4p-9p, Bowes Creek Country Club 847.214.5880. $10-35 Live at the Blue Box Southgate Media Group live podcast. 6p-9p, Blue Box Cafe 847.697.2583 Mary Poppins (See description for
AnElusion 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill 847.717.0510. No Cover Southbound 61 9p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400. No Cover
Sun.Sep.13 Hang out w/ Former Bears Players During the Game! 12p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works 847.627.4700 Introduccion a Microsoft Excel 1p-2.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Mary Poppins (See description for Sept. 11th.) 2p, ECC Blizzard Theater 847.214.7140. $11-13 Sunday Afternoon Concert Frederick Moyer will perform a program of time honored classical piano masterpieces. 2p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411 Wait Until Dark (See description for Sept. 11th.) 2p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18 Social Painting with Vino Van Gogh “Tree of Emotion”. No art experience needed. All art supplies included. 7p9p, Martini Room 847.741.0349. $38
Mon.Sep.14 Brown Bag Lunch Classic Films - To Sir With Love (1967, NR) A novice teacher faces a class of rowdy, undisciplined working-class students in this classic film. Sidney Poiter. 11a-2p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411 Spanish Cafe/Cafe en Espanol Meets the second Monday of each month. No registration. 12p-1p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411 Story Mix for 3 to 6 3.30p-4p, GBPL Story Room - North 847.742.2411 Audio Lab Teens grades 9-12 can learn how to create and edit a professional quality audio recording. 4p-6p, GBPL 270 Digital Media Lab STEAMologists Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math! Grades 1-5 will be exploring, experimenting and creating. 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Customizing a Resume Part 2 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411
Tue.Sep.15 Latino Business Owners and Man-
9
BRAVO
10 agers Breakfast Intended to familiarize Latino business owners and managers with what the Chamber can do to enhance their businesses. All area Latino business owners and managers are encouraged to attend. 8.15a-9.15a, Sammy’s Mexican Grill 847.741.5660 Wonderful Ones 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Job Search & Resume Help 10a2p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Automotive Technology Exposition Learn more about cars, engines, and opportunities in the Auto Tech field at our first Automotive Technology Exposition. 4p-7p, GBPL Parking Lot Terrific Twos 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles/English Conversation Group 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411 Illinois I-Cash Program Rep. Anna Moeller’s office, partnering with the State Treasurer’s Office, will be offering assistance with locating unclaimed property, forgotten bank accounts, last employee checks, etc. 6.30p-8p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411 Elgin Alive - Model Making with Acme Design Inc. Mixing modern technology with classic, artisan handiwork, from molding and casting to 3-D printing, learn more about model making with the crew from Acme Design Inc. No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room 847.742.2411 Open Mic Night We are looking for musicians, poets, comedians, story tellers and more! Grades 9-12. 7p-8p, GBPL Studio 270 847.742.2411 Open Mic Night hosted by Charlie Rantz 7p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400. No cover Resume Open Lab Must bring your resume on a flash drive or have available in email. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Story Mix for 3 to 6 7p-7.30p, GBPL Story Room - North 847.742.2411
Wed.Sep.16 Drop-In Fall Story Time 10.30a-11a, Rakow - Children’s Area Computer Basics 1p-2.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Build It Up! with LEGOS Kids in Grades 1-up, must be accompanied by an adult. 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room South 847.742.2411 Video Lab Teens in grades 9-12 can learn how to create and edit a professional quality video recording. 4p-6p, GBPL 270 Digital Media Lab Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p,
Elgin Knit Works 847.627.4700 Annual Foundation Book Sale Preview Night 6p-9p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411 $25 Early Bird fee. Clase Futuros Bilingues / Go Bilingual Class Lecciones y conversacion en ingles y espanol. No hace falta inscribirse. English and Spanish lessons and conversations. No registration. 6p-7p, GBPL Elgin Room 847.742.2411 Spanish Family Storytime/Cuentos para la familia 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Contemporary Fiction Book Group 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411
Grupo de Conversacion para la Ciudadana/Citizenship Conversation Group 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411 Novels @ Night The Martian by Andy Weir 6.30p-7.30p, Rakow - Living Room Elgin Genealogical Society 7p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room 847.742.2411 Veterans Information Networking Session - VA Mobile Medical Unit Monthly program provides information on topics affecting Veterans. No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411
Fri.Sep.18
1.2 ater 847.214.7140. $11-13 Wait Until Dark (See description for Sept. 11th.) 8p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18 No Limits 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill 847.717.0510. No Cover
Sun.Sep.20 Caboose Days Ride with the Conductor in the Big Red Caboose or the Engineer in the Locomotive. 11a-5p, Fox River Trolley Museum. Also 9/27. Annual Foundation Book Sale Continues 12p-5p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411 Hang out w/ Former Bears Players During the Game! 12p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400
Duct Tape Workshop Make a duct tape wallet, construct a rose, or create your own design. All experience levels welcome. 7p-8p, GBPL Middle School Zone 847.742.2411
Annual Foundation Book Sale Continues 9a-6p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411
Microsoft Excel 2010: Charts & Graphs 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411
Wonderful Ones 10a-10.30a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Intermedio de Microsoft Excel 1p-2.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411
Baby’s First Library Visit Registration preferred. Repeats 9/19, 9/26 1p-1.30p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Mary Poppins (See description for Sept. 11th.) 2p, ECC Blizzard Theater 847.214.7140. $11-13
Walking Book Club 7p-8.30p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411 Elgin Public House’s Trivia Night 8p, Elgin Public House 847.468.8810. Free Open Mic Night hosted by Jason Kilgore 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill 847.717.0510. No cover
Thu.Sep.17 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market 9a-2p, Kimball St. & Grove Ave 847.488.1456. Free Device Advice 9.30a-11.30a, Rakow Computer Cafe Wonderful Ones 9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Story Mix for Three to Six 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room North 847.742.2411 Terrific Twos 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Youth Center - West 847.742.2411 YWCA’s Free Zumba Class 11a-12p, YWCA Elgin 847.742.7930
Baby Rhyme Time 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Mary Poppins (See description for Sept. 11th.) 7.30p, ECC Blizzard Theater 847.214.7140. $11-13 Wait Until Dark (See description for Sept. 11th.) 8p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18 Live Pete Show The midwest’s most talked about lounge and stage show. Back by popular demand! 9p, Walnut Speakeasy 847.695.2420. No cover
Sat.Sep.19
Mon.Sep.21 Illinois DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services Information Session Come learn about DRS Vocational Rehabilitation Services for persons with disabilities who want to work. 1p-3p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411 Story Mix for Three to Six 3.30p4p, GBPL Story Room - North 847.742.2411 Sew Much Fun! Grades 3 & up. All materials provided. 4p-5p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Tutor Training 9.30a-4.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411
French Conversation Group Refresh and enhance your French language and culture in a conversational setting with Dennis Schwank. No registration. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411
Quilted Tales Artist’s Reception, 10a2p, ArtSpace 847.214.2922
Brown Bag Lunch Talk: Judge Manuel Barbosa 12p, Elgin History Museum 847.742.4248. $3 ChessMaster Junior Chess Club 4p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - South 847.742.2411
Welcome Baby! Baby’s First Library Visit 11a-11.30a, GBPL Story Room South 847.742.2411
DNA Harvest Market in the PM Shop for local products in air-conditioned and rain-free comfort. 4p-7p, Grand Victoria Casino 847.468.7000
Mimosa Morning BYOB Painting Social “Purple poppies.” You bring the champagne, they’ll provide the juice! 11.30a-1.30p, Ola la Ijorere 312.254.9807. $35
Baby Rhyme Time 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Wait Until Dark (See description for Sept. 11th.) 2p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18
Annual Foundation Book Sale Continues 9a-6p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411
Curiosity Day with Curious George Celebrate Curiosity Day and meet Curious George the monkey. George will also be at the Rakow Branch at 1 pm. 10.30a-11.30a, GBPL Main Library
Wordplay The Teen Writers & Artists Project will present a writing workshop, open mic and special featured performer. 6p-8.30p, GBPL Studio 270 847.742.2411
Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works 847.627.4700
Games & Gadgets Drop-in for some family free play! 2p-3.30p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Mary Poppins (See description for Sept. 11th.) 7.30p, ECC Blizzard The-
Finding Jobs Online Learn how to use the most popular job search engines. Open to non-district residents. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Great Books Discussion Group 7p-9p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411
Tue.Sep.22 Wonderful Ones 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C 847.742.2411 Panera Milk & Cookie Storytime 9.30a-10a, Panera Bread, 322 Randall Rd, South Elgin
BRAVO
September 2015 Job Search & Resume Help 10a2p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Terrific Twos 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Creative STEM Technology: How Creativity is Critical for Innovation 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411
to make progress in validating and building meaningful solutions to problems. 7p-9p, Elgin Technology Center 224.325.4382. Free
Arts 847.429.2276. $5 Donation
Microsoft Excel 2010: Formulas & Functions 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411
Baby Rhyme Time 9.15a-9.45a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411
Walking Book Club 7p-8.30p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411
Elgin Public House’s Tighthead Brewing Dinner Pairing Greg is at it again, this time with Tighthead Brewing Company from Mundelein Illinois! Call for reservations. 6.30p, Elgin Public House 847.468.8810
Young Writers Group Play writing games, and get a chance to share and receive peer feedback on your work. Grades 3-12. Registration encouraged. 7p-8p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C 847.742.2411
Grupo de Conversacion en Ingles/English Conversation Group 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Conference Room 847.742.2411
Trivia Night 8p, Elgin Public House 847.468.8810. Free
Applying for Jobs Online Learn how to streamline the job application process. Open to non-district residents. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Open Mic Night hosted by Charlie Rantz 7p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400. No cover Story Mix for 3 to 6 7p-7.30p, GBPL Story Room - North 847.742.2411
Wed.Sep.23 1, 2, 3 Go! 10a-10.30a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411 Drop - In Fall Story Time 10.30a-11a, Rakow - Children’s Area ECC Speaker Series Join the hosts of WBEZ’s Sound Opinions, nationally respected rock critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, as they lead a discussion on “Woody Allen, Daniel Tosh, R. Kelly, and Bill Cosby: Does Separating Art from Artist Perpetuate Violence Against Women?” 11a-12.15p, ECC Spartan Auditorium 847.931.3925. Free Internet Basics 1p-2.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works 847.627.4700 Clase Futuros Bilingues/Go Bilingual Class 6p-7p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411 Spanish Family Storytime/Cuentos para la familia 6.30p-7.30p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 What it Takes to Be an Entrepreneur Gary Grottke, local business owner and author, will provide an overview of the issues with starting and managing a new business. Please register. 6.30p-8.30p, GBPL Elgin Room 847.742.2411. Free Ignite -- Monthly Suburban Sprints Ignite is focused on providing education, collaboration, and most importantly holding entrepreneurs accountable so they can continue
Open Mic Night hosted by Jason Kilgore 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill 847.717.0510. No cover
Thu.Sep.24 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market 9a-2p, Kimball St & Grove Ave 847.488.1456. Free Device Advice 9.30a-11.30a, GBPL Studio 270 847.742.2411 Wonderful Ones 9.30a-10a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Story Mix for Three to Six 10.15a-10.45a, GBPL Story Room North 847.742.2411 Terrific Twos 10.45a-11.15a, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rm. C 847.742.2411 Listen, Learn and Lead 12p-1p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411 ChessMaster Junior Chess Club 4p-5p, GBPL Youth Center - South 847.742.2411 Craigslist Basics Learn how to quickly post classified ads to let you buy, sell, and more through Craigslist. 6p-7.30p, Rakow - Living Room Baby Rhyme Time 6.15p-6.45p, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 German Conversation Group John Schwartz will present articles and videos about Germany and German-speaking Europe to be viewed and discussed auf Deutsch in a friendly atmosphere. No registration. 7p-8.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Town Hall with Rep. Anna Moeller Town Hall meeting with Rep. Anna Moeller. 7p-8p, GBPL South Elgin Room 847.742.2411 What Fossil Primates Can Tell Us about Ourselves NIU Professor and Elgin resident Daniel L Gebo, Illinois Professor of the Year, will discuss his research on fossil primates. Please register. 7p-8p, GBPL Elgin Room 847.742.2411 The Book Club Gather with friends and readers to discuss a new selection each month while enjoying refreshments. 7.30p, Side Street Studio
Fri.Sep.25 Wonderful Ones 10a-10.30a, GBPL Story Room - South 847.742.2411 Geek N Out “Key to Time” (finale) 5p-8p, Blue Box Cafe 847.697.2583 Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl For a $15 donation at the door crawlers will receive an official Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl T-shirt, lanyard and passport good for prizes and raffle, drink specials, cartoon costume contests, kid-themed activites for adults, and a fun-tastic night of playtime with all your friends in downtown Elgin! Order tickets at downtownelgin.com 6p-9p 847.488.1456. $15 Moonlighters Hip arrangements of flashback favorites. 8p, Walnut Speakeasy 847.695.2420. No cover Wait Until Dark (See description for Sept. 11th.) 8p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18
Sat.Sep.26 Love Elgin Day Love Elgin Day is an outreach to provide physical, emotional and spiritual resources to Elgin families and individuals who struggle to make ends meet. If that’s you, come to Love Elgin Day to be loved on! At five downtown churches. 9a2p. Register at Vineyard Church, 220 Division St. Read to Rover 11.30a-12p, Rakow Living Room Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration/Celebracion del Mes de la Herencia Hispana Library-wide Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration / Celebracion del Mes de la Herencia Hispana. 12p-6p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411 Welcome Baby! Baby’s First Library Visit 1p-3p, Rakow - Children’s Area Book Signing Jaclyn Lewis’ “The Silent Rymes of a Snowflake” 4p-6p, Blue Box Cafe 847.697.2583 Live at the Blue Box 6p-9p, Blue Box Cafe 847.697.2583 Elgin Short Film Festival The 7th Annual Elgin Short Film Festival brings the very best in short films by up-and-coming filmmakers. You are invited to the award ceremony and screening of finalists. Family friendly event. 7p, Hemmens Cultural Center 847.931.5900. $7 Wait Until Dark (See description
11 for Sept. 11th.) 8p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18 Party Obvious 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill 847.717.0510. No cover TNT Ultimate AC/DC tribute, the best of both eras. 9p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400. No Cover
Sun.Sep.27 Caboose Days 11a-5p, Fox River Trolley Museum Cemetery Walk at Bluff City Cemetery Visitors will enjoy a 90-min. walk through the Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin. Guides and costumed actors will bring to life the history of former residents. 11a-3p, Bluff City Cemetery 847.742.4248. $10-12 Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 1p-4p, Elgin Knit Works 847.627.4700 Introduccion a Microsoft Word Aprenda como usar este programa para crear documentos. No hace falta tener la tarjeta de la Biblioteca para tomar las clases pero se require inscripcion ya que el espacio es limitado. 1p-2.30p, GBPL Computer Training Room 847.742.2411 Wait Until Dark (See description for Sept. 11th.) 2p, Elgin Academy Kimball Street Theater 847.695.0303. $15-18 Hang out w/ Former Bears Players During the Game! 3.25p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400
Tue.Sep.29 ECC Speaker Series Anthony Adcock blends his unique experience as an Ironworker, a college instructor, and artist to create works that focus on the relationship between labor and value, and question the importance and relevancy of authorship. 1p-2p, ECC Spartan Auditorium 847.931.3925. Free Reel Women for Real Women “Woman in Gold” (2015). The film is based on the true story of the late Maria Altmann, an elderly Jewish refugee fought the government of Austria for almost a decade to reclaim Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting of her aunt, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, which was stolen by the Nazis just prior to World War II. Altmann took her legal battle all the way to the Supreme Court. 6p-8.30p, GBPL Main Library Open Mic Night hosted by Charlie Rantz 7p, Danny’s on Douglas 847.742.5400. No cover
Wed.Sep.30 Elgin Symphony Orchestra Listeners Club Free, interactive lecture/ discussion series, led by Jim Kendros,
BRAVO
12 meets on the Wednesday afternoon during the week of the ESO’s Classics Masterworks series to broaden your understanding of the music to be performed that week. Register at www. elginsymphony.org, or call 847-8880404 ext. 238 to reserve your seat. 1p-3p, GBPL Meadows Comm. Rms. A-B-C 847.742.2411
FEED.disclaimer We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the event details listed in the FEED, but some of our sources may contain errors, and we make mistakes once in a while, too. PLEASE verify the details of any of these events with the host and/or venue before making firm plans. Enjoy!
Elgin Knit Works Open Knit 5p-8p, Elgin Knit Works 847.627.4700 Trivia Night 8p, Elgin Public House 847.468.8810. Free Open Mic Night hosted by Jason Kilgore 9p, D Hangout Bar & Grill 847.717.0510. No cover
To list your event in The FEED go to www.marqueemedia.net/events
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Taste: Local Film Culture
Elgin is For Reel Our story begins in the lobby of the Marcus Theatres (Elgin Cinema) on a Thursday night in February, 2012. Actors Pete Garlock and Amy Karen join filmmaker Gwydhar Gebien on a red carpet before the world premiere of “Dark Before Dawn,” a film shot entirely in downtown Elgin. Flashback to 2009, when the first annual Elgin Short Film Festival opens at the Hemmens Cultural Center, chaired by Garlock and hosted by WGNTV film critic Dean Richards. Out of 51 submissions, the top five finalists are screened before an audience of nearly 600, and Gebien’s film “The Visionary” is awarded third place. Cut to March 2014: indie film lovers gather at the Hemmens to see “Paramnesia,” “Clutch Cargo,” and “Embracing Dyslexia,” a documentary by Elgin filmmaker Luis Macias. Organizer Milan Shah has billed it as the Film App Festival, and announces the release of a companion app for mobile devices that gives access to hundreds of other independent and public domain films. The festival concludes with a showing of “Night of the Living Dead.”
familiar, influential and sharpdressed people of Elgin. Moving past the caterers and the live jazz combo, dozens gather around Elgin History Museum exhibits on Elgin’s African-American History, where they meet Ernie Broadnax and Betty Brown. Inside the Blizzard Theater, the locally produced documentary film “Project 2-3-1” premieres to a capacity audience. The film culture of Elgin is quickly developing into a plot from scenes like these.
Coming Soon The advance of digital video technology means that moviemaking is now more accessible than ever to local independent startups like the filmmaking team of Nick Ziolkowski and Morgan Banke, whose production of “Haeger’s Pass” includes scenes shot extensively in Tyler Creek Forest Preserve. They wanted to make a horror film, and once they visited the area and got a feel for what could be done there, Ziolkowski wrote the screenplay with the woods in mind. “What’s good about filming in Elgin is that most of the locations are locally controlled, and they’re more willing to help us film there, rather than having to
Fast Forward to April 2015: the Arts Center at Elgin Community College is filled Ernie Broadnax (left) and Director Phil Broxham of with hundreds Grindstone Films collaborating on “Project 2-3-1,” a of the most documentary of Elgin’s African American Heritage.
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go through a big corporation,” explains co-director Morgan Banke.
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They interviewed for crew positions and screentested actors in the study rooms of Gail Borden Library. “Learning to direct has been a blast,” says Ban- Zim Campbell as Olivia Klass, and ke. “Our talent- Kevin Groenhof as Adam Simons in “Haeger’s Pass,” shot at Tyler Creek Forest Preserve in Elgin. ed actors have been crucial in City’s Special Events team has making the entire experience programmed Willie Wonka and incredible ... we want it to be the the Chocolate Factory, Big Hero absolute best.” 6, Frozen, and Who Framed Rog“Haeger’s Pass” is expected to er Rabbit all in 2015. wrap this Fall and release before A more cerebral approach the end of 2015. guides the programming of Numerous other current the ECC Humanities Center’s projects like “Zombie Grandma,” International Film Series, “To Grandmother’s House We which brings subtitled cinematic Go,” and “Join the Mind Conwork of all periods and languagtrol Movement” feature actors, es to the Spartan Auditorium directors and locations in Elgin. throughout the year. April Chances are good that at least brings the Chicago Latino Film one Elginite in your social media Festival to Elgin: several days of network is connected with one of films representing Latin Amerithese productions. can culture, showing at ECC or the Elgin Cinema. More ambitious projects like Harvest Bible Chapel’s Resur“Imago” is the name of Judson rection of Gavin Stone and Matt University’s annual Spring film Pniewski’s The Story of the Fox festival, which brings together have attracted national talent independent films and filmmakand/or local media attention, ers for several days of screenbut building a budget remains a ings, lectures, and workshops challenge. addressing faith-in-film issues. “Raising funds hasn’t been Admission to all these movies the easiest, even using (crowdis inexpensive or free. The only sourced) Indiegogo as a platcost is a few minutes of your form,” admits Banke. “We havtime spent checking your local en’t had much luck with grants arts calendar. We list these or anything like that in Elgin.” events in The FEED. Filmmakers, take heart: Elgin General Audiences has grant programs, a Cultural According to Facebook and Arts Commission and a netTwitter, Elginites have no shortwork of sympathetic people and age of enthusiasm for mainorganizations to support your stream movies either. With up creative aspirations. to fifteen current titles showing Theaters Near You seven nights a week at the Elgin Cinema (Marcus Theatres), our Movies are a regular feature need for motion picture therapy at Gail Borden Public Library, is well-served. including the monthly brown bag classic film series, Friday And when Academy Awards night family films, Reel Women, season comes around, attend an and other watch-and-discuss Oscars party in your neighborevents that take on topics with hood and you may find yourself more rigor. more than well-served. —JP Every Summer, movies pop up in Festival Park. Aiming to please broad audiences, the
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Taste: An Incomplete Filmography of Movies Made Partly or Entirely in Elgin Project 2-3-1 (2015, Documentary) Two box cars, three blocks, one city ... a story of Elgin’s African-American Heritage. Produced by Grindstone Films. Dark Before Dawn (2011, Suspense) A young woman on the run, and a mysterious guy with a secret. Directed by Gwydhar Gebien. Recalculating (2013, Drama) Thanks to the guidance of a unique GPS device Tom Avery is guided to face his guilt, fear, and regret and ultimately learns that there is more than one way to get back up on your feet. Directed by Gwydhar Gebien. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010, Horror) The spectre of a dead child rapist haunts the children of the parents who murdered him, stalking and killing them in their dreams. Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara. Contagion (2011, Thriller) Healthcare professionals, government officials and everyday people find themselves in the midst of a worldwide epidemic as the CDC works to find a cure. Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law. Dennis the Menace (1993, Comedy) When his parents have to go out of town, Dennis stays with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. The little menace is driving Mr. Wilson crazy, but Dennis is just trying to be helpful. Even to the thief who’s arrived in town. Starring Walter Matthau. Hoffa (1992, Biography) A film based on the story of legendary union figure Jimmy Hoffa. Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito. Primal Fear (1996, Crime Drama) An altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep. Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton. Embracing Dyslexia (2013, Documentary) By carefully weaving together interviews with parents, educators, researchers, experts, and adult dyslexics, Embracing Dyslexia tackles the issues surrounding dyslexia like no other documentary film. Written and directred by Luis Macias.
Four Friends (1981, Comedy/Drama) Four working-class kids in a small industrial town go their separate ways after high school in the innocence of 1961, and come together again at the end of the turbulent Sixties. Directed by Arthur Penn. Grave Robbers from Outer Space (Unreleased, Horror) Directed by Christopher Kahler, produced by Drunkenflesh Films. Death and Taxis (2007, Drama) Hugging the double-yellow line between this life and the next, one big city taxi carries the stories of several drivers and passengers, each contending with intensely psychological and sometimes supernatural brushes with death. What They Say (2011 Short Film) They thought she had the perfect life; wealthy and privileged, an honor student with her whole life mapped out. What they didnt know was what lied inside of her; pain and anguish; tearing at her until there was nothing left. Lost and alone, the young women (Heather Dorff), finds solace in the form of a glistening blade, splitting her skin deeply. Directed by Justin Romine. A Shallow Grave (2012, Thriller) A young man receives a letter claiming that his deceased father is still alive and stops at nothing to find out the truth. Directed by Matt Sommerfield. Gargalese (2009 Short Film) The Tickle Monster comes to earth and takes on various forms to torture the ticklish inhabitants. Directed by Dean Millermon. Kubuku Rides (This Is It) (2006 Short Film) Based on Larry Brown’s haunting short story, Kubuku Rides (This Is It) affords the audience an unblinking view of a household steeped in secrets and desperation. We experience Angel’s intense addiction from a harrowing insider’s view - the eyes of her 8-year old son - on a day that will change everything. Directed by Terry Kinney. What in the Sam Hill (2015, Comedy) It may sound like Sam Hill (Michael Schmid) has the perfect life.. A beautiful wife, a job and a house.. Well, until you spend a day in his shoes. Life is far from grand for this guy. Find out just “What In The Sam Hill” is going on. Directed by Willy Adkins.
Car Thief (1986, Action) Written by Sayed Sultan, directed by Sameer Malkan. Spilt Blood (2015, Fantasy) 100 years after an epic battle between vampires and werewolves takes place, the vampires celebrate the anniversary of the day they killed off all of the werewolves with a large party of vampires and gothic mortals. Then a shocking guest shows up. Directed by Willy Adkins. A Chance in Hell (2011, Short Film) Faced with defeat as the Allied forces push through the German front, Hitler commissions his top scientist, Herr Bucher (Chad Meyer) to create a new breed of super soldier. With a seemingly endless supply of concentration camp captives, the doctor victimizes his helpless subjects with never-ending tests that stretch the boundaries of genetic experimentation. Directed by Tony Wash. Haeger’s Pass (unreleased, Horror) Haeger’s Pass follows four friends as they embark on a weekend camping trip, only to find themselves the target of sinister revenge. Directed by Nicholas Ziolkowski and Morgan Banke. Angel Unaware: The Tara Cole Story (2007, Drama) Tara was a happy-golucky teenage girl, popular in school and a track star. Then she began to exhibit her strange behavioral changes. Tara’s mother admitted her to a mental hospital, but once she is released as an adult, she breaks her promise to stay on medication, and her parents are forced to watch her condition deteriorate. Written and directed by Leo Hall. Happily After (2010, Thriller) A young, quirky man falls for a young divorced woman. After showering her with affection and the promise of being a loving guardian for her son, she must now choose between two very different men in her life. Directed by John Klein. Two Rivers (1999, Drama) Karna is a man seeking truth and redemption along two mythic journeys, one of the past when he is twelve and in search for his father along the Ganges River in India, the other of the present when he is thirty and disenchanted with his life as a Chicago cab driver. When the present Karna is convinced by a blues musician to embark on a pilgrimage down the Mississippi River, he begins to see the parallel course of this journey with that of his past, while a certain prophecy attached to his birth begins to unfold. Written and
directed by Joshua Gibson. The Skull of Pain (1997, Suspense) Mary Sotherland has escaped a deranged killer who murdered six of her friends. Now, a year later, another friend disappears and a human skull shows up on her doorstep along with a letter that reads: “You’ll find her body through the skull.” Mary has 24 hours to track down the buried alive body of her friend before the killer murders her. And every two hours that pass, another one of Mary’s friends is killed. Directed by Macdonald Carpenter. Lawn Zombies (2012 Short, Comedy) A Cold War public service announcement about dealing with America’s threat of lawn zombies. Written and directed by Lloyd Miller. Gets in Your Blood and Can Kill You (2003 Short, Comedy) Directed by Jared Varava. The Great Chicago Filmmaker (2014, Comedy) Follow along with film student, Paul Murphy over his 10-day-long shoot on the biggest indie flick of the decade! Discover the riveting and scandalous, fictional true story of what made the city of Chicago the new tinsel town of movie-making! The Day of the Flowers (2010 Short, Drama) On the anniversary of a young mans suicide, four individuals become fragmented and pieced back together into an unwilling family. Moving through feelings of anger and depression, the death brings a capacity for hope and strength in the face of absurdity. Written and directed by Michal Janicki. Only Stars Die Twice (2014 Short, Drama) When a mysterious drifter arrives in a small town, an unexpected event permanently changes the lives of two teenage brothers. Written and directed by Justin Andrew Robinson. Night Terrors (2013 Short, Horror) Written and directed by Lloyd Miller. Magnum Stories (2006 Documentary) Written and directed by Kevin Mukherji. For Your Entertainment (2012 Short, Drama) When Nat’s brother dies in a fatal car accident, Nat seeks revenge on the one responsible for his brother’s death. However, when he arrives at the apparent killer’s home, his perspective is drastically changed. Written and directed by Cooper Flatoff. Sources: IMDB.com and local legend. —JP
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