Indulge in the arts this spring at Barrington's White House
Barrington's White House has announced its spring season of events. With the humanities series, the ongoing 3rd Thursdays “Art Night Out” and a variety of musical and stage offerings, this spring the White House offers plenty of opportunities for an afternoon or evening out enjoying the arts.
“I couldn't be more happy to announce the wonderful slate of events that we have on tap for our spring cultural season at Barrington's White House,” said Cultural Director Rollin Potter.
“We have continued to expand our repertoire, and this spring we have something for everyone, ranging from world-renowned classical music and engaging presentations in the antiquities, to a lovely high tea and a symposium on Alzheimer's disease and breast health.”
In February
On Friday, Feb. 14, regional favorite entertainer Ron Hawking will be back for one night singing his signature Frank Sinatra-inspired program, infused with Valentine's Day love songs.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, solo acoustic singer-songwriter and recording artist Pat McKillen will showcase his distinct blend of passion-infused folk and rock. McKillen will play selections from songs spanning a 10-year career, performing original music including new songs in anticipation of his 2020 album release.
Rounding out the February offerings is a talk Feb. 16 by Dr. Keith Fargo of the Alzheimer's Association. Fargo will discuss new clinical trial results that may impact the future treatment of this condition in 2020 and beyond. A panel of Chicago-area researchers will briefly discuss their own research areas and answer audience questions.
Curious minds
The Barrington's White House “Curious Mind Series” continues in March featuring a partnership with the world-renowned Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago.
Attendees can learn about the world's earliest civilizations and their deepest secrets. Founded by James Henry Breasted — the original “Indiana Jones” — the Oriental Institute's Collection of antiquities includes ancient artifacts from archaeological sites around the world, saved from grave robbers and modern construction, and rivaling exhibits at the Louvre and British Museum.
The series features two Sunday afternoon programs that can be attended individually or at a discounted rate for both sessions.
The first is March 1 and is titled “Beer and Bread: Eating and Drinking in Ancient Babylonia.” Assistant Professor for Assyriology Susanne Paulus will provide a peek into the diets and eating habits of this ancient culture — recipes included.
The second session is Sunday, March 8, and is titled “Daily Life in Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman Egypt.” Brian Muhs, associate professor of Egyptology, will present a talk on daily life in Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman Egypt, illustrated with passages from ancient texts and archaeological explorations of ancient settlements.
Musical offerings
March continues with three world-class classical performances, starting with the “poetic and electrifying” sounds of Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner Sunday, March 15.
A Gilmore Young Artist award winner, Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner has performed at the White House and the Kennedy Center, as well as in a multitude of international venues. You'll revel in his playing, which has been described as “balancing earthly aggression against elegant refinement.”
On Sunday, April 5, forget about what you thought about traditional chamber music with The Gryphon Trio. Delight in a performance that the Los Angeles Times has called “big, bold, and almost orchestral.” Enjoy the New York-based Duo YUMENO on Sunday, April 26, as they explore the dialogue between classical Japanese and Western music.
Art exhibits
Rounding out the early spring offerings is the first 3rd Thursday of the season, Barrington's White House FREE “art night out” (cash bar) with Kathleen Newman and Julie Skoda Thursday, March 19, featuring “Double Vision: Pastels Landscapes.”
Join these painting partners as they present an exhibition of pastels exploring the language of painting. The 3rd Thursday series continues April 16 with “Expressions In Oils: The Collections of Frankie Johnson,” and concludes May 21 with “Old World-Inspired Classical Fine Art by Diane Hynes.”
May's mixture
May begins with the annual Barrington High School Senior Showcase Monday, May 4. It's an extravaganza of senior talent in music and the arts. Then, there is an Afternoon Tea with Bertha Honoré Palmer Thursday, May 7. This historic tea event brings back the tradition of Julia Robertson's Women's Thursday Club and features honored “guest” Bertha Honoré Palmer (wife of famed Chicagoan Potter Palmer), as portrayed by Leslie Goddard.
Gerri, of High Tea with Gerri will, give an introduction to the history and art of drinking tea.
On Saturday, May 9, Dr. Barry Rosen presents a Breast Health Symposium along with a group of panelists. They discuss topics related to breast health, including breast cancer prevention, genetic testing, risk reduction, screening, supplemental imaging, treatment, oncoplastic surgery, intraoperative radiation therapy and preserving sensation after cancer surgery.
A nationally recognized expert in oncoplastic surgery, Rosen is dedicated to creating national standards for quality outcomes in breast cancer surgery.
Also on Saturday, May 9, is Go Gershwin! A Song and Dance Extravaganza. The musical genius of George Gershwin comes alive through the musical synthesis of the Jazz Pizazz trio (soprano Kimberly Albrecht, pianist Dr. William Wittert, and bassist Randy Knowles), combined with the artistry of Dancewerks and Midwest Dance Collective, choreographed and emceed by Ellen Werksman Smith.
The spring cultural season concludes Sunday, May 31, with An Afternoon with Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro. Schapiro is among the nation's leading authorities on the economics of higher education, with particular emphasis on college financing and affordability and on trends in educational costs and student aid.
Our intimate ballroom is a wonderful place to hear this renowned professor discuss his perspectives on the humanities and economics. Enjoy a pre-lecture reception and meet-and-greet at 2:30 p.m. with President Schapiro and other Northwestern alumni.
In addition, each month throughout the spring, Barrington's popular “Courageous Conversations” Series explores the importance of dialogue around significant topics of the day.
Many events feature complimentary receptions. Ticket prices start at $15 and up; student pricing is available. Tickets for all events can be purchased at www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/events.
Barrington's White House is at 145 W. Main St. in the heart of downtown Barrington. For information, call (224) 512-4066.