Tiny recitals attack big pandemic
December 9, 2020
On the night that Woodstock City Council debated what to do about complaints of loud music from outdoor concerts, council members first recognized Music in Our Schools Month with an official proclamation. Then, after being serenaded by dozens of young choral students of Woodstock School District 200, the council got down to business – and […]
National act Parmalee to play outdoor stage Sept. 8 Niko Kanakaris, owner of Niko’s Red Mill Tavern, has been trying to get a national country act booked on his outdoor stage for a couple of years. Friday, Sept. 8, his dream will become a reality, when nationally touring country music act Parmalee takes the […]
A 31-year-tradition of Mozart in Woodstock will continue at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, when the orchestra takes the stage for the final performance of the 2017 Midwest Mozart Festival at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St. The festival began with a performance July 30 at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills, followed […]
The Woodstock Opera House is preparing for a domestic version of the British invasion when American English pays its first visit to Woodstock, taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, to present a tribute to the Beatles. More than 20 years ago, when Tom Gable, who portrays Ringo Starr in American English, joined […]
Prior to 2007, jazz had an occasional presence in Woodstock, but 10 years ago several enthusiasts insured that jazz would have a strong local presence by forming Jazz on the Square, an organization dedicated to promoting jazz performance and education in Northern Illinois. It started as a conversation between musician Bill Denk and his wife […]
After 15 years, Music4Martin is continuing to accomplish the dreams organizer Ken West had from its inception: first, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream; second, to support youth; and third, to advance music. “It combines all the things that are important in my life,” said West. Music4Martin, a showcase, featuring musical and artistic expressions […]
Artists – like anyone with a project in the works – sometimes need a deadline to finish a song or poem, or polish it to be performance-ready. The new Songwriter Open Mic night at Stage Left Café gives those artists a deadline and offers a supportive audience to enjoy their creations. Cassandra Vohs-Demann, owner of […]
In a move fitting of “Groundhog Day” the movie, the Woodstock Community Choir has once again been scheduled to perform as part of the Groundhog Days festivities. The choir will take the stage at the Opera House at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. The concert, entitled Journeys, will include songs exploring life’s joys, challenges, hopes […]
Fans will be flocking to the Woodstock Opera House Friday, Dec. 30, to see a show that – for many – will trigger memories of their adolescent years. “Piano Man – A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John” will feature music from the mega-superstars, performed by Mike Sigman. A professional performer for his entire […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.