Stargazers Ball to light up the Raue Center in Crystal Lake
Submitted by Raue Center for the Arts
Hundreds of the region’s art supporters will gather for an evening of music, dancing, cocktails, delectable tasting stations and a silent and live auction at Raue Center’s annual “Stargazers Ball” at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23.
The signature event will be held, for the first time, in-house at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Proceeds from Stargazers Ball benefit Raue Center’s arts education and community outreach programs as well as future artistic and programming initiatives, including Williams Street Repertory.
WS Rep is an in-house production company kicking off its inaugural season in residence at Raue Center for the Arts. It will produce theatrical work that deals with contemporary issues that push the envelope — works that are wickedly awesome and entertain you at the same time. It’s built around imagination, creativity, curiosity, artistic quality and having fun at the same time. This year’s lineup includes productions of “The Rocky Horror Show,” “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” and more.
Guests of Stargazers Ball will enjoy an array of scrumptious food provided by local restaurants and vendors, multiple open bars including a signature martini bar, and an exciting atmosphere of music and dancing, provided by Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Lavay Smith is internationally recognized as The Queen of Classic Jazz and Blues in the authentic style of the 1940s and 1950s.
“Lavay and her little big band are the perfect choice for Stargazers. They have that ability to get the whole room hopping. They just played the Governors Ball at the Academy Awards and they have recommendations from Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush,“ said Richard Kuranda, executive director. For more information on Lavay Smith, visit lavaysmith.com.
In addition, there will be an extensive silent auction including an array of packages, as well as a live auction. Attire is black tie optional. Individual tickets are $100, or 10 for $1,000, and are available online at rauecenter.org/stargazers or by calling (815) 356-9212.
Last year’s Stargazers Ball attracted more than 200 guests and raised more than $40,000 for Raue Center’s arts education and community outreach programs as well as future artistic and programming initiatives.
Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 10 years, they have provided quality programming, striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theater named for its benefactor, Lucile Raue, Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theater, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter.