ECC Arts Center's MicroFest set to be one night of big fun
The Elgin Community College Arts Center will host its second annual MicroFest on Saturday, Feb. 10. Described as a handcrafted night of music, theatre, beer and bites, the Arts Center's take on an art festival features two headlining performances, dishes crafted by ECC's Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program paired with craft brew, and a lobby party featuring entertainment and more surprises.
Headlining the fest are zany jazz band The Queen's Cartoonists and the health-defying acts of Danger Circus.
"MicroFest was designed to bring unique, invigorating performers together during one event while also making the festival experience easy, comfortable and fun," said Susanne Kepley, manager of marketing and patron services, ECC Arts Center. "Our aim was to provide an experience where you can enjoy multiple types of performances without typical festival hassles. It's an affordable night of great art, food and fun - without sweaty crowds or travel headaches."
The mini-fest starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Arts Center lobby with food, games, performances and giveaways. ECC's Culinary Arts and Hospitality program will be serving a menu inspired by and paired with brews from the Crystal Lake Brewing Company.
Menu items include Fox Rocker Red Ale BBQ brisket burnt ends sandwiches, Wake Maker IPA braised beef and Italian sausage chili, and Beach Blonde lime cheesecake. Food and beer are $5 per item. Packages that include two food items and two beer pairings can be purchased in advance for $20.
At 7 p.m., the fun moves into the Arts Center's Blizzard Theatre where the headliners will perform in rotating sets. The Queen's Cartoonists is a superbly zany jazz band that specializes in performing the music of beloved cartoons. From lightning-fast swing arrangements to synced video projections of cartoon classics, the band performs music from Warner Brothers' favorites, early Disney films, cult cartoon classics and modern animation. Danger Circus features a "mad scientist," a magician and a juggler performing hilarious and health-defying acts. The trio eats fire, walks on glass, juggles knives and completely captivates audiences with its delightfully dangerous blend of illusion and comedy.
Tickets for MicroFest performances are $26. Food, beer and beverages will be sold separately at the event. Tickets for all ECC Arts Center performances are available online at tickets.elgin.edu and by phone at (847) 622-0300.
The Arts Center is located in Building H on the Elgin Community College campus at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The ECC Arts Center can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eccartscenter and on Twitter @ECCArtsCenter.