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Music by the Lake Returns for 19th Season By Lynne Conner ith a musical lineup as varied as the stars shining above it, Music by the Lake’s latest season promises yet another summer of fun. Held on the shore of Geneva Lake, on the campus of Aurora University’s George Williams College (GWC), Music by the Lake has been a cultural staple in Williams Bay, Wis., as far back as the 1950s. Its present revival, which has become a tradition in its own right, now enters its 19th season. Each summer brings with it a wide mix of performances, and this year doesn’t disappoint. Beginning on June 23 and wrapping up on Aug. 10, Music by the Lake features four Saturday performances and two Sunday performances. “Our season opener on June 23 celebrates the music of Disney, which will be performed by the Lake Geneva
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Symphony. Specifically, the symphony will play along with scenes from the 1940 film classic ‘Fantasia,’” says Sarah Russe, vice president for communications at Aurora University. “We’ve partnered with the Lake Geneva Symphony for several years, and I think this will be a great concert for both children and families.” The Grammy award-winning Oak Ridge Boys make their debut at Music by the Lake a week later, on June 29. The band is known for its classic country songs. Dennis DeYoung, lead vocalist for the late-’70s/early ’80s rock band Styx, is Music by the Lake’s featured performer on July 6. The Chicago native will perform hits from Styx as well as his solo career. Celebrating her 50-year career in
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music, eclectic singer-songwriter Judy Collins graces the stage on July 13. Then, it’s time for another dive into music history. “We featured the music of Swedish rock band ABBA a few years ago, and it was so popular that we’re bringing that back on a Sunday afternoon,” Russe says. “The band is called Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA, and they’ll perform on July 28. We’ve had repeated requests to bring them back to Music by the Lake.” The summer season closes with an Aug. 10 performance by the Chicago Philharmonic featuring the United Kingdom’s top classical tenor, Russell Watson. Russe describes Watson as a “crossover opera/pop singer” who has played Royal Albert Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. Watson will perform both Broadway tunes and operatic
