Presidential presence at the Raue

Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt will come to life this weekend, when renowned presenter Clay Jenkinson returns to the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake for his award-winning living history lessons.

John Williams of WGN Radio 720-AM, who often features Jenkinson as Jefferson live on his radio program, will moderate Jenkinson's two shows.

Jenkinson has portrayed Jefferson for more than two decades, receiving the National Endowment for the Humanities' highest award for his portrayal in 1989.

In 1994, he presented his show at the White House for President Clinton.

For the past five years, Jenkinson has brought his show the Raue Center for the Arts.

This year's he's also adding Roosevelt to his repertoire at the Raue.

Jenkinson's Friday performance will be an "Evening with Theodore Roosevelt."

The spontaneous impersonation will center on Roosevelt's life as the embodiment of the spirit of a new age, Richard Kuranda, Raue Center executive director, said.

The next evening, our nation's third president will come to life through Jenkinson's performance, "Thomas Jefferson 101."

Jenkinson, considered one of the finest students of the life and achievement of Thomas Jefferson, will interact with Williams during the Saturday performance, answering questions about current events in his Jefferson persona.

"It's a vibrant night, and it's really geared as just informational and interesting," Kuranda said.

"It's an opportunity for history buffs and parents and kids and grandparents to come together. It's one of those cross-generational shows that appeals to everyone."

Kuranda said the Raue is lucky to have Jenkinson back again this year, because his performances have become quite popular and sought-after.

Jenkinson is a commentator on Ken Burns' PBS documentary on Jefferson, and hosts his own nationally syndicated radio program called "Thomas Jefferson Hour," during which he comments on current events again in his Jefferson persona.

"Clay's career since he's started these historical performances has just skyrocketed," Kuranda said.

"He's playing larger and larger venues and he's getting an international reputation, so we're happy to claim him.

"He's really phenomenal," he said.

The performances will benefit both the Crystal Lake Public Library and the Raue Center for the Arts.

Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Raue, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake.

Tickets still are available and range in price from $40 to $50. For tickets call the Raue box office at (815) 356-9212.