Norris Cultural Arts Center to present three ‘Saturday Night Lights’ concerts this season

Posted January 23, 2024 4:44 pm

By Mark Smith, Norris Cultural Arts Center

Robbie Ellis, host of WFMT’s “Sunday Afternoons with Robbie Ellis,” will perform a selection of his comedy songs during the March 2 concert at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles. Courtesy of Robbie Ellis

On March 2, comedy songwriter, pianist and WFMT radio host Robbie Ellis kicks off the spring season of “Saturday Night Lights” concerts at the Baker Community Center.

The popular Saturday evening series, produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center, enters its fifth year at the historic downtown St. Charles venue, where guests enjoy complimentary beverages and cabaret-style seating at round tables in the center’s auditorium.

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30, which includes three drinks. There is an additional $2.50 fee. For information and online ticketing, visit norris-cultural-arts.ticketleap.com/.

Robbie Ellis is a creative powerhouse whose various roles encompass comedy songmaker, music director, composer, and broadcaster. In “Robbie Ellis, from the Piano,” Ellis will showcase his wide-ranging comedy songs.

A native of New Zealand now living in Chicago, Ellis has been described by Radio New Zealand as “the New Zealand Noel Coward, the kiwi Cole Porter, the Tom Lehrer from Takapuna.” As a composer, Ellis writes for orchestra, chamber ensembles, choirs, and classical soloists, in addition to the comedy songs he writes for his own performances.

WFMT-FM radio listeners will recognize Ellis’ distinctive voice as a program host at Chicago’s fine arts station. In addition to presenting music during various time slots throughout the week, Ellis hosts WFMT’s “Introductions“ program, profiling young Chicago-area musicians, and “Sunday Afternoons with Robbie Ellis.”

The Shout Section Big Band will perform Gershwin’s classic “jazz concerto” and other music from the Great American Songbook on April 20. Courtesy of Shout Section Big Band

The series continues April 20 when the Shout Section Big Band and guest pianist Jeffrey LaDeur perform “Rhapsody in Blue at 100 and the Great American Songbook,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s classic “jazz concerto” in its original jazz band arrangement. The concert also will include memorable and influential songs from the “Great American Songbook” of early- to mid-20th century popular music.

Pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, a St. Charles native, will perform with the Shout Section Big Band April 20. Courtesy of Carlin Ma

The series concludes May 18 with a concert by Chicago-based jazz vocalist and composer Alyssa Allgood who will perform with a quartet of Chicago jazz all-stars.

Her program, “Come What May: Songs of Hope and Love,” will include original songs from Allgood’s new CD. A popular singer with a growing national following, Allgood returns to the Norris-produced series after a two-year hiatus.

Jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood will wrap up the “Saturday Night Lights” series on May 18 with “Come What May: Songs of Hope and Love.” Courtesy of Ryan Bennett

For information on other concerts, programs, events and exhibits produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center, visit www.norrisculturalarts.com.

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