Byrds and angels highlight new Prairie Center season

Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson announced the schedule for the forthcoming season at the Prairie Center for the Arts Thursday before a group of dedicated corporate sponsors.

He explained that Prairie Center performances not only provide quality entertainment but also support the youth instruction the center provides.

"We didn't want a building here just for people to see shows," he said. "We wanted to engage people in art and culture. It's a way of instilling a love for art in young people."

Many prominent names have performed at the small venue over the years, in part because of the strong reputation it's earned since 1986 for its ability to serve them well, Schaumburg's Director of Cultural Services Betsy Armistead said.

Money, of course, is also a factor, and center officials profusely thanked sponsors Thursday for their support of both the professional shows and youth programs.

"We would not be able to do our work without your support," said Lucinda Flodin, executive director of the Prairie Center Arts Foundation. "What would the orchestra do without Rippinger Financial?"

Company owner John Rippinger said his support for the Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra began about five years ago - the moment he first heard it.

Rippinger said he'd dare anyone to both the youth orchestra and any professional group and tell the difference.

"No one can believe it when I tell them of the talent we have here," he said. "If you can support a group of young people here, you never know where that's going to end up."

Larson in particular drew attention to the Prairie Center's Celebration 2008. The Sept. 20 event will be catered by 12 area restaurants and raises money for programs.

"We turn this entire facility into a cabaret," Larson said.

He also spotlighted the Oct. 4 appearance of Roger McGuinn, formerly of The Byrds, and the political satire of The Capitol Steps, on tap for Oct. 19.

"If you've never seen The Capitol Steps, you must," Larson said. "They're the best group. They're nonpartisan. They're equally wicked with Democrats and Republicans."

He explained that the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble's December production of "The Nutcracker," is not put on by just one dance school, but the creme de la creme of several area dance schools.

The storytelling concert on Feb. 21 is intended as a reminder for adults that the art of storytelling is just as much for them, Larson said.

And the Screen Test Student Fest marks its third anniversary on March 14. The student short film fest has proven itself to be a showcase for exceptional talent since it was first proposed to Larson by a junior high student.

Prairie Center for the Arts' new season

The new season's performance schedule was unveiled Thursday:

Sept 13: Jazz organist Joey DeFrancisco with Chicago vocalist Dee Alexander. Tickets $28; $26 for students, seniors.

Sept. 20: Celebration 2008, a benefit party for Prairie Center with live music from local acts, food for area restaurants, silent auction, door prizes and cash bar. Tickets $50, $55 at the door.

Sept. 27: America 1968 with Michael Miles. With a rock 'n' roll cast of seven and photographic imagery, singer-performer Miles portrays the year month by month. Tickets $36; $34 for students, seniors.

Oct. 4: Former Byrds frontman and singer-songwriter-guitarist Roger McGuinn, with up-and-coming singer-songwriter-guitarist Maria Sebastian. Tickets $26; $24 for students, seniors.

Oct. 19: Political satirists The Capitol Steps. Tickets $38; $36 for students, seniors.

Oct. 24: Flying Karamov Brothers in 4PLAY. The latest of the Brothers' shows combining juggling, singing, dancing and humor. Tickets $40; $38 for students, seniors.

Nov. 15: Mama's Night Out!, featuring the comedy of Christine Stedman, Sherry Davey and Nancy Witter, all finalists in Nick at Nite's "Search for America's Funniest Mom." Tickets $40; $38 for students, seniors.

Dec. 5-14: Schaumburg Dance Ensemble presents "The Nutcracker." Tickets $26; $18 for students, seniors.

Dec. 20: Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra presents Presto! Holiday Concert. Tickets $24; $15 for students, seniors.

Jan. 10, 2009: David Bromberg Quartet. The guitarist-singer-songwriter is back on the road after a long hiatus with original favorites, obscure ditties and more. Tickets $36; $34 for seniors, students.

Jan. 17, 2009: Luna Negra Dance Theater blends ballet and contemporary moves flavored with Latin and Afro-Caribbean forms. Tickets $38; $36 for students, seniors.

Feb. 8, 2009: Little Angels of Korea national folk ballet featuring 30 singers, dancers and drummers emphasizing peace and harmony. Tickets $42; $40 for students, seniors.

Feb. 16, 2009: Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra Salute to Abraham Lincoln. Tickets $20; $12 for students, seniors.

Feb. 21, 2008: Storytelling with Andy Offutt Irwin, Connie Regan-Blake and Anne Shimojima. Veteran storytellers return for day of workshop and evening concert. Workshop tickets $30 for one, $10 for additional workshops; concert tickets $22 with $2 discount for students, seniors.

Feb. 28, 2009: Black History Month Program. Schaumburg-based Powerhouse Productions promotes tolerance and harmony through music and theater. For tickets and info, call (847) 352-1801.

March 7-8, 2009: Schaumburg Dance Ensemble presents "Snow White." Tickets $22; $12 for students, seniors.

March 13, 2009: "Altar Boyz." A critically acclaimed musical spoof of boy bands plays out during a fictitious concert. Tickets $40; $38 for students, seniors.

March 14, 2009: 3rd Annual Screen Test Student Fest. Short film and video productions from young filmmaking talents in the region. Tickets $5; $4 for students and seniors.

March 15, 2009: Robert Osborne and the Movies. In conjunction with the Screen Test Student Fest, the TMC host appears to discuss his life and the world of motion pictures. Tickets $25; $23 for students and seniors.

March 20, 2009: The Duke Ellington Orchestra. Featuring the work of the legendary jazz innovator and composer, the orchestra is under the direction of Barrie Lee Hall Jr. Tickets $38; $36 for students, seniors.

March 28, 2009: Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue, featuring the Tommy Castro Band, Magic Dick, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Deanna Bogart. Tickets $42; $40 for students, seniors.

April 18, 2009: Adrian Belew Power Trio featuring the acclaimed guitarist who has accompanied Frank Zappa, Talking Heads and David Bowie and was a member of King Crimson. Tickets $28; $26 for students, seniors.

April 25, 2009: Cuartetango: Music + Dance. The tango 10-performer ensemble features a string quartet, dancers, a bandoneonist and a singer in performance incorporating music, poetry, song and dance. Tickets $43; $32 for students, seniors.

May 2, 2009: Bonnie Koloc. The mainstay on the Chicago folk scene since 1968, her style is also a hybrid of blues and ballads. Tickets $28; $26 for students, seniors.

Tickets for all shows will go on sale July 25. For further details, go to prairiecenter.org or call (847) 895-3600.