Art, music take over downtown Naperville
As I began this column, I was receiving regular media alerts from the city's Community Relations Specialist Kate Houlihan regarding heavy rain, street closures and floodwater in downtown Naperville.
Still, I pictured downtown Naperville as the perfect backdrop for the arts this Saturday.
First up, I'm hopeful nearly 100 juried exhibitors can set up under glorious sunshine for the weekend's 23rd Annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair. The show, presented by the First National Bank of Naperville and hosted by the Naperville Art League under the leadership of Debbie Venezia, will be open from at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday.
In addition to the internationally recognized outdoor gallery along Jackson Avenue, I'm optimistic the new design of Phase I of the Riverwalk Restoration will be dry and ready to showcase art and entertainment, too.
During annual visits to the visual arts fair, my favorite find was a hand-woven jacket by designer-weaver Kathleen Weir-West that I snapped up about 15 years ago.
As I've added to our art collection in recent years, I've also enjoyed performances by ensemble groups from the DuPage Symphony Orchestra as well as innovative and choreographed young violinists known as Allegro.
Start early and plan lunch to enjoy the culinary arts in one of downtown's 40 eateries.
Discover what's new at downtown merchants, too.
For instance, Dean's Clothing, kitty-corner to the entrance of the art fair at Main and Jackson streets, is hosting the Geiger Spring 2009 Trunk Show, a collection of designs for women.
The "GraphicVision" image of Naperville and Naper Settlement, a whimsical picture on canvas by Galena artist Paul Chase, is featured at the Canterbury Shoppe on Jackson.
After an afternoon at the art fair, mosey along the Riverwalk to Fredenhagen Park for a concert. At 4:30 p.m., Ted Fredenhagen will present his Class Act II Band, a 19-piece jazz band with vocalists. The free concert is sponsored by the Exchange Club of Naperville and the Riverwalk Foundation.
"When the idea presented itself to partner again with the Riverwalk Foundation, it seemed like a great opportunity," said Brett Flinkinger, president of the Naperville Exchange Club. "The plaza around Memories Fountain in Fredenhagen Park has given our club and hundreds of families a place to remember and celebrate our community spirit."
"The concert is a dream come true for Ted," said his sister Rita Harvard, who together with Ted gifted the property that is now Fredenhagen Park, formerly the site of Cock Robin, to the city. The park is a tribute to their parents, Grace and Walter Fredenhagen, and their enterprising community spirit.
One fun aspect about being a community columnist is making connections.
For instance, Ted Fredenhagen enlisted in the Marine Corps upon graduation from Naperville High School in 1943. Stationed in San Diego, he performed in the Marine Band and sometimes when he was shipped out, "he'd be called back to perform in the band to help boost morale," said Harvard.
The personable band leader first organized his swing band for a high school class reunion in 1990 to play standards made popular by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra and other bands.
The high school athlete also played football for North Central College after he served his country. During one game Ted was hit so hard -back in the days before protective equipment -that most of his teeth were knocked loose, according to John Harvard. But they tightened up again and he continued playing his trumpet.
And that reminds me of the time Ted played at the annual Naperville Marines ball, invitations to which were mailed last week to commemorate the U.S. Marine Corps 233rd birthday on Nov. 10!
At 8 p.m. Saturday, Grammy-winning country singer Clint Black will take the stage at North Central's Pfeiffer Hall.
After Black's 90-minute concert-or as another option - you can scoot over to Frankie's Blue Room, 16 W. Chicago, where One More Time will play from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Also known as OMT, four local seasoned musicians-Bobby Carroll, Dick Kuhn, Rob Steininger and Tom Schlueter - will perform classic rock as well as original and contemporary songs.
The arts thrive in Naperville.
With many choices and new venues opening soon, here's hoping you'll be a patron of the arts, regularly filling seats, dining out and visiting galleries.
And this weekend, Sunday is another day.