ECC Arts Center's virtual concerts to feature Brazilian guitarist, and tributes to James Taylor and Stevie Wonder

Posted February 07, 2021 10:00 pm

Submitted by Elgin Community College

On Friday, Feb. 12, Brazilian guitar virtuoso Diego Figueiredo will perform in a virtual concert with ECC Arts Center. Courtesy of ECC

The Elgin Community College Arts Center's guiding mission for the last 10 years has been to "Do Art Differently." They remain committed to creating unique and surprising art experiences within our community. During these difficult times, the arts center is being guided by the words "Make Art Always." The #MakeArtAlways Virtual Performance Season presents exclusive content from both professional performers as well as community/student artists and ensembles.

On Friday, Feb. 12, experience one of the world's greatest jazz guitarists during this virtual concert event with Diego Figueiredo at 7 p.m. The Brazilian guitar virtuoso's inventive musical interpretations fuse jazz, bossa nova, and classical music.

Figueiredo's superb technique, timing and imagination have made him a success in more than 60 countries around the world. He has released 26 CDS, 3 DVDs and a book and he has received awards, twice at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Tickets are $12.50

Singer and songwriter Steve Leslie will perform a virtual tribute concert to James Taylor with "How Sweet It Is!" on Sunday, Feb. 14. Courtesy of ECC

On Sunday, Feb. 14, enjoy "How Sweet It Is! Steve Leslie Sings James Taylor" at 7 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning songwriter and recording artist Steve Leslie performs the music of James Taylor during this virtual performance. Leslie will have you singing along to classics like "You've Got a Friend" and "Fire and Rain." Tickets are $17.50.

Leslie has been playing guitar and singing onstage since he was 15 years old. As a recording artist Steve has released three CDs, as well as written the music and book for the full-length musical, "Umbrella."

A multiple BMI Award-winner, Leslie received a Grammy for the title cut to Ricky Skaggs' 2004 Best Bluegrass Album of the Year "Brand New Strings."

Singer, storyteller, actor, and multi-instrumentalist John-Mark McGaha will perform a Stevie Wonder tribute with "Signed, Sealed & Delivered" on Friday, Feb. 26. Courtesy of Anthony Matula

On Friday, Feb. 26, John-Mark McGaha will celebrate the genius of Stevie Wonder in concert during "Signed, Sealed & Delivered." The virtual concert will begin at 7 p.m. and feature hits like "Isn't She Lovely," "For Once in My Life," and "Superstition."

McGaha has starred in the off-Broadway musical "Cafe A Gogo," played jazz great Lionel Hampton in "Tuxedo Junction"; and appeared as a musical guest in BET's "Centric Celebrates Selma: 50th Anniversary Music Special." His concerts also include "A Nat King Cole Christmas."

Tickets are $17.50.

For tickets, visit elgin.edu/life-at-ecc/arts-center/events/. Additional processing charges may apply.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.