Sights & Sounds series mixes art, music

Come picnic in the unparalleled setting of the serene Ryerson Woods and enjoy the music and art as day melts into evening.

On July 28, Friends of Ryerson Woods will present the second of its three-part summer art exhibition and outdoor concert series, Sights & Sounds at Ryerson Woods: a celebration of art, music and nature.

This presentation features the heady and passionate music of Eastern Blok, led by guitar virtuoso Goran Ivanovic, and art of renown artist Nancy Rosen.

Combining Eastern European folk tunes with jazz-influenced compositions, Eastern Blok's Balkan fusion has successfully been packing venues throughout the country since the release of their debut album in 2005. The band's leader is Ivanovic, a talented jazz guitarist from Croatia. A solid bandleader who surrounds himself with American musicians, Ivanovic embraces his traditional Balkan folk music overtly.

Rosen's paintings are studies of the figure, mainly the head, which are placed precariously on the canvas, drawing the eye in unusual but intriguing directions. Some of her figures become one with the background, some are in constant tension with the surroundings. She paints on pieces on linen, which she puts together herself, adding texture and durability to the work. Rosen will be on hand to speak about her work and to answer questions.

There is also a brief Nature Notes talk before each concert by one of the forest preserve district's leading naturalists on a relevant and timely natural phenomenon evident at Ryerson Woods.

Schedule of events is as follows.

창€¢5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Visual artist reception

창€¢6:15 p.m.: Comments by the artist

창€¢7 p.m.: Nature Notes presentation by naturalist

창€¢7:10 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Outdoor lawn concert

Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic dinners, or pre-prepared picnics from Whole Foods Market may be ordered in advance with tickets (phone orders only).

Sights & Sounds at Ryerson Woods is presented by Friends of Ryerson Woods, in partnership with the Lake County Forest Preserve District, and sponsored by Illinois Arts Council, and Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company.

For information or to buy tickets, call (847) 968-3321 or visit www.ryersonwoods.org or www.lcfpd.org/calendar.

Tickets are $12 per event in advance, or $15 at the door. Admission for children under 12 is $5 and free for children under 3.