Krampus returns to downtown Elgin for a third year
Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin, will host a monthlong series of events in conjunction with "Krampuslauf - Elgin." The third annual "Krampuslauf" exhibit, curated in conjunction with Elgin artists John LaFleur and David Metzter, as well as Jingle Bell Jam, and the inaugural "Krampus Krawl," are all based upon the lore of the northern European Krampus, the dark companion of St. Nicholas, the traditional European winter gift-bringer who rewards good children each year on Dec. 6. The kindly old saint leaves the task of punishing bad children to Krampus. Usually seen with horns, hoofs and monstrous tongue, he also can be disguised a sinister gentleman dressed in black, or a hairy man-beast.
New this year, the "Krampus Krawl," which starts at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, will be led by Side Street Studio Arts director Tanner Melvin as St. Nicholas. He will dole out Krampus tales and history along the streets of downtown Elgin from Dog's Paw Brewing to Chooch's Pizza to Martini Room to Blue Box Café. The "Krawl" will wind its way to Side Street Studio Arts where the Krampus-inspired visual art exhibition will be on display and live music from traditional Alpine German band Alpine Thunder will be performed from 8 to 10 p.m. Each business will be offering special Krampus Krawl specials. Participants are encouraged dress in "Krampus" costumes, holiday sweaters, and the like, as the best costume will receive a $25 gift card from Dog's Paw Brewing.
"This has been an educational and interesting alternative to dive into the holiday season the last few years," said Side Street co-founder and director Erin Rehberg. "I had heard of Krampus before John and Dave approached us with this idea in 2013, but since then the art, the conversations, and the mask-making have really opened by eyes to the variety of holiday traditions worldwide. And, I think we all find it fun break from tradition."
The "Krampus Krawl" will begin at 6 p.m. with "A Christmas Toast" at 6 p.m. at Dog's Paw Brewery, 74 S. Grove Ave., with $25 gift card for best costume. Then head on to Chooch's Pizza, 64 S. Grove Ave., for "A Very Different Christmas Tale" at 6:30 p.m. and s'mores over the fire. At 7 p.m., enjoy martinis and festive cocktails while listening to "A Krampus Poem" at the Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago St. Join them for Krampus cake at 7:30 p.m. at Blue Box Cafe, 175 E. Chicago St. The artist reception will begin at 8 p.m. at Side Street, with a $5 suggested donation.
Gallery hours for "Krampuslauf - Elgin" are: noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, or by appointment.
The featured artists include: Bruce Bachelder and Mike Rende of BaM!, Dave Bremer, Sam Burt, Jeff Busch, Erin Cramer, Kate Dickey, Jane Erlandson and Nancy Guthrie, John E. French, Metzger, Christopher Palm, Amy Porter, Ken Simonsen, Don Widmer, Lindsey Wiseman, Kimberly Witz and more.
As part of its Accents arts education and outreach program, Side Street Studio Arts hosts seasonal make-and-take arts events for children that are free and open to the public. In the Accents Kids Day open house from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, families are welcome to visit various art-making stations, make work of their own to take home, and just simply explore the gallery.
The Accents arts education program welcomes musician Omar Garcia for a drumming extravaganza in "Drum Clinic with Omar" from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. The event will run 2.5 hours, with a one-hour clinic, 75-minute jam session and 15-minute question-and-answer period. Omar, who is well versed in jazz, Latin and Caribbean styles, has over 10 years of experience playing with local rock bands and teaching music. He is excited to bring his knowledge and passion for music to the thriving art scene in downtown Elgin. Cost is $8, $10 for couples, or $12 for families. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
The Chicago Burlesque Showcase presents "Holiday Hijinks" at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. In Side Street's cozy cabaret space, the audience has a chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of the hottest talent the Chicago burlesque scene has to offer! "Holiday Hijinks" will feature performances by Camille Leon, Dahlia Fatale, DivaLa Vida, Dusty Bahls, Lily Rascal, Ray Gunn, Red Rum. There is a $20 suggested donation. Space is limited; early reservations are recommended.
Side Street's third annual "Jingle Bell Jam," starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, will not only rock you into the holidays, but new this year, will partner bands with nonprofit organizations! Each participating band has selected an organization to partner with in order to raise awareness and funds. With their suggested donation at the door, Jingle Bell Jam audiences will receive a ticket to place in the band/charity jar they wish to support. Each charity will receive $1 for every ticket in their jar. Additional tickets may be purchased for $1. Additional proceeds will go the support the musicians and Side Street Studio Arts. Participating bands and organizations: Early Autumn Station with the Diaper Bank of Northern Illinois; Man Bites Dog with Ecker Center for Mental Health; Little Yellow Dog with Kiva; and Oceans and Oceans with To Write Love On Her Arms.
For information, call Side Street Studio Arts at (847) 429-2276, visit www.SideStreetStudioArts.org or the Krampuslauf - Elgin, IL Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/KrampuslaufElginIL/.
Side Street Studio Arts was founded by Tanner Melvin and Erin Rehberg in 2013 as an outlet for the Elgin arts scene. Currently under the direction of Amanda Harris, Melvin, and Rehberg, Side Street provides educational and creative resources and an accessible space, run by artists. Its mission is to support the artist and artistic journey through collaboration.