Barrington's White House announces Spring lineup of music, culture
Barrington's White House has announced its spring season of events beginning in February. From its new humanities series to the ongoing Third Thursdays "Art Night Out" and a variety of musical and stage offerings, this spring the White House has something for everyone looking for a wonderful afternoon or evening out enjoying the arts.
"The upcoming cultural season at Barrington's White House is simply extraordinary," Cultural Director Rollin Potter said. "We have been building our repertoire of events for three years, and each season is better than the last. I'm particularly excited to announce our new Curious Mind Series, which will provide our community an opportunity to engage in highly captivating topics that they might not be able to experience anywhere else."
The White House spring season launches Feb. 3, with classical pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, a virtuoso from Yale University and Gilmore Young Artist award winner called "poetic and electrifying."
On Feb. 9, the Barrington Town-Warming (a recreation of the robust intellectual discussions held in Barrington during the 1930s and 1940s) returns with "Vision 2020: What Leaders See for the Future and the Foundations That Ground Us through the Ages." The program's keynote speaker is renowned presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. The day also features presentations by Barrington natives Mike Tobin (FOX News senior correspondent) and Chris Erskine (LA Times columnist), along with two distinguished panels of experts in science, technology, education, religion, transportation and more.
On Feb. 10, the White House presents "ALS Research: Developments Past, Recent and Future," a panel discussion by world-leading Chicago-area physicians and scientists.
Local favorite Pat McKillen, a solo acoustic singer/songwriter and recording artist, performs on Feb. 15 and 16.
Rounding out the February offerings is the first Third Thursday of the season, Barrington's White House's free "Art Night Out" (cash bar) with Thomas and Gayle Trausch. Join this husband and wife team on Feb. 21, for their exhibit titled "Impressions in Light and Color." The Third Thursday series continues on March 21 with "The Impressionistic Works of Lee Radtke," and concludes on April 18 with "Looking to See" by Jane Christino, a watercolor artist.
The new Barrington's White House "Curious Mind Series" debuts in March, featuring a partnership with the world-renowned Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. From mummies to Sanskrit, attendees can learn about the world's earliest civilizations and its 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 four Sunday afternoon programs that can be attended individually or as a series to earn a BWH/University of Chicago Oriental Institute Scholar's Certificate. The first is held on March 3 and is titled "The Oriental Institute at 100: The Story of the Human Career." Professor and Oriental Institute director Christopher Woods leads participants through a discussion of the beginning of this magnificent museum and its century of discoveries. The second program, on March 10, features Professor Theo van den Hout separating myth from legend in "Greed and Gold: Facts and Legends about Midas and the Ancient Phrygians." On April 7, Egyptologist Foy Scalf presents "The Book of the Dead: Un-reading the Ancient Egyptian Scrolls." The series concludes on April 14 with "From Persepolis to Chicago: Achaemenid Art and Architecture and the Oriental Institute" by curator and researcher Kiersten Neumann.
On March 17, you can overcome your "saxophobia" when the Chicago-based Hurricane Saxophone Quartet is joined by saxophone soloist Jan Baker. Special honored guest is world renowned classical saxophonist Frederick L. Hemke, Eckstein Professor Emeritus of Music at Northwestern University.
May begins with the renowned Pacifica String Quartet on May 5. Recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often-daring repertory choices, this Grammy- and award-winning quartet is acclaimed as one of the world's finest chamber ensembles.
On May 6, attend the Barrington High School Senior Showcase, which features performances by Barrington High School actors, vocalists and instrumentalists capping off their senior year of work in the arts.
Those who loved Ron Keaton's performances as Churchill in the past won't want to miss his May 19 performance as the colorful and controversial Truman Capote in "TRU: A One-Man Show," a play by Jay Presson Allen. A writer and socialite, Capote was famous for "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "In Cold Blood," and for his elite New York City cocktail parties.
The spring cultural season concludes on June 9, with another engaging and informative presentation by local historian Barbara L. Benson. Titled "Lives Well Lived: Barrington's Mid-Century Leaders," Barbara will tell the fascinating stories of some of the most notable and interesting people who lived in Barrington during the middle decades of the 20th century.
Most 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 downtown Barrington. Cultural programming at the White House is underwritten in part by sponsors, including the Willow Springs Charitable Trust, Kim Duchossois, Mary B. Galvin, Wayne and Nan Kocourek, Barrington Bank and Trust, Barrington 220, Mr. and Mrs. Earle Combs, and Northern Trust.
Ticket prices vary by event. For tickets or more information, call (224) 512-4066 or visit www.barringtonswhitehouse.com.
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