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Two Valentine's weekend concerts at James Lumber Center

Imani Winds on Feb. 14; Lisa Rock performing on Feb. 16

Whether your musical tastes run toward classical or pop, you can treat your sweetheart or yourself to a special concert over Valentine's Day weekend at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County. The Grammy®-nominated quintet, Imani Winds, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, and Lisa Rock will headline “Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Since 1997, Imani Winds has carved out a distinct presence in the classical music world with dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming, genre-blurring collaborations and inspirational outreach programs. With two member composers and a deep commitment to commissioning new work, the group is enriching the traditional wind quintet repertoire while meaningfully bridging European, American, African and Latin American traditions.

The New Yorker called Imani “...the nation's leading wind ensemble.”

The quintet's awards include the 2007 ASCAP Award, 2002 CMA/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming and the CMA/WQXR Award for the group's debut and self-released CD “Umoja.” Imani Winds has five releases on E1 Music, including the 2006 Grammy®-nominated recording, “The Classical Underground.” Learn more at www.imaniwinds.com. is Feb. 5 (subject to availability). See website or call for complete details.

Imani Winds' extensive touring schedule has brought them to most of this country's major concert venues. The group is frequently engaged by the premier chamber music series in Boston, San Francisco, Portland, Philadelphia and New York and has also played virtually every major university performing arts series.

Imani Winds consists of Valerie Coleman, flute/composer; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe; Mariam Adam, Clarinet; Jeff Scott, French horn/composer and Monica Ellis, bassoon. The group continues its Legacy Commissioning Project, in which the ensemble is commissioning, premiering and touring new works for woodwind quintet written by established and emerging composers of diverse musical backgrounds. The select composers originate from different points of the globe bringing a wide range of sounds and experiences. Through commissions and performance, the quintet regularly collaborates with artists ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to Wayne Shorter. The group's Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center residency culminated in a recital in New York's Alice Tully Hall with renowned clarinetist/saxophonist/composer Paquito D'Rivera. The group's ambitious project, “Josephine Baker: A Life of Le Jazz Hot!” brought chanteuse René Marie with them to New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and St. Louis, receiving wide acclaim and glowing reviews.

Lisa Rock in “Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters”

Dedicated to re-creating the true sound of the Carpenters, Lisa Rock and her six-piece band will showcase some of the most memorable songs of the '70s at 8 p.m. on Feb. 16. Karen Carpenter captured the attention of a generation with her unabashedly catchy pop music. Lisa Rock and her six-piece band showcase songs such as “We've Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Close to You” in this celebratory performance of Karen Carpenter's life.

The website aroundthetownchicago.com said that the group “…brings these classics back to the stage with spot-on renditions...” For more information and to see video highlights, visit http://www.closetoyouonline.com.

Lisa Rock (vocals/writer) of Grayslake has been singing and performing professionally for over 27 years. Her original cabaret, “Girls, Girls, Girls” debuted at Davenport's in Chicago. Her “Sentimental Journey” show sold out earlier this year at Metropolis as well as two “Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters” shows, “A Carpenter's Christmas” show and “Sentimental Journey Encore.”

Rock also conceived and emceed the “All Star Cabaret” for the past three years to benefit the Metropolis Outreach Program. She has performed and written over 20 original cabarets that have been seen throughout the country as well.

Dessert appetizer option

Patrons who would like to enjoy dessert appetizers prepared by CLC culinary students before the concert may arrive at 7:15 p.m. The dessert appetizer option must be purchased through the Box Office for $3 per person. Other concessions items, as well as beer and wine, will also be available for purchase.

The rest of the band includes Amy Malouf (backing vocals, rhythm instruments), Nick Anderson (drum set/bass), Justin Boller (bass/guitar), Ken McMullen (music director/piano), Dave Orlicz (woodwinds/EWI/keyboards) and Micky York (backing vocals/keyboards/harp/drums). All of the band members are Chicago-area professional musicians who have vast performing experience of all kinds.

Ticket information for both shows

Regular: Regular $29/26/23; Senior/CLC Staff/Alumni: $28/25/22; CLC Student/Teen: $16. For Lisa Rock's show there is a $13 children's ticket. Prices include a $1 JLC facility fee per ticket. Additional fees may apply. Discounts are available for groups of six or more adults. For more information on group sales, call (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., phone: (847) 543-2300 (option 5) or website: www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.

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