The MAC Presents 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series

The MAC Presents 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series 1 The 2016 Pop Music Series begins Friday, July 22, with a concert by the internationally acclaimed Chicago-based Beatles tribute band, American English. The ‘60s flashback continues Friday, July 29 when Chicago’s-own The Buckinghams takes the stage to perform their classic hits including “Kind of a Drag,” Don’t You Care” and more. Then on, Friday, Aug. 5, the Doo Wop Project, featuring five current and former stars of Broadway’s smash hits “Jersey Boys” and “Motown: The Musical,” performs the tight harmonies of groups like the Belmonts, Flamingos and the Four Seasons, plus covers of hits by legendary solo artists including Michael Jackson and some of the biggest hits on the radio today. New Philharmonic, the MAC’s resident symphony orchestra under the direction of Maestro Kirk Muspratt, entertains with a delightful mix of light classical, Broadway pops, patriotic and movie themed music Friday, Aug. 12. On Friday, Aug. 26, Toronto’s Brass Transit brings their crowd-pleasing, studio-tight tribute to the legendary rock group Chicago to the Pavilion stage to wrap up the Pop Music Series and kick off COD’s 50th Anniversary celebration festivities with a concert capped with t-shirt bombs and an appearance by Chappie, the COD mascot. All Pop Music Series concerts are free and begin at 7:30 p.m.
McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage (COD) in Glen Ellyn, is pleased to announce the 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series. Programming runsJuly 14-Aug. 26 and includes a Friday evening Pop Music Series, a Thursday evening Jazz Concert Series and Thursday evening Family Movie Series. Parking is always free.

“We are thrilled to present the 3rd Annual Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series,” says MAC director Diana Martinez. “It has become a signature event for the community and it’s so exciting to see how it has grown to be such a community favorite in such a short time. This event beautifully displays our mission in action: to connect the community to culture. The gorgeous surroundings, engaging entertainers, and sense of community that exudes from this event each week is so gratifying. As early as this past December, patrons were already asking what the 2016 schedule would be, so we’re thrilled to be able to share some of the exciting events featured in this year’s series that offer a nice eclectic range and style of music from pop to jazz.”

The 2016 Pop Music Series begins Friday, July 22, with a concert by the internationally acclaimed Chicago-based Beatles tribute band, American English. The ‘60s flashback continues Friday, July 29 when Chicago’s-own The Buckinghams takes the stage to perform their classic hits including “Kind of a Drag,” Don’t You Care” and more. Then on, Friday, Aug. 5, the Doo Wop Project, featuring five current and former stars of Broadway’s smash hits “Jersey Boys” and “Motown: The Musical,” performs the tight harmonies of groups like the Belmonts, Flamingos and the Four Seasons, plus covers of hits by legendary solo artists including Michael Jackson and some of the biggest hits on the radio today. New Philharmonic, the MAC’s resident symphony orchestra under the direction of Maestro Kirk Muspratt, entertains with a delightful mix of light classical, Broadway pops, patriotic and movie themed music Friday, Aug. 12. On Friday, Aug. 26, Toronto’s Brass Transit brings their crowd-pleasing, studio-tight tribute to the legendary rock group Chicago to the Pavilion stage to wrap up the Pop Music Series and kick off COD’s 50th Anniversary celebration festivities with a concert capped with t-shirt bombs and an appearance by Chappie, the COD mascot. All Pop Music Series concerts are free and begin at 7:30 p.m.

By popular demand, WDCB, Chicago’s station for jazz, located on the campus of College of DuPage, returns with its Thursday Evening WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert Series. The series opens Aug. 4 with the funk, rhythm and blues sounds of New Orleans’ Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters. Then, on Aug. 11, it is a double bill of genre-bending Hammond Organ hedonism with jazz fusion trio organissimo and award-winning jazz organist Brian Charette.  Acclaimed Chicago-born trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill completes the series on Aug. 25. Admission to WDCB LIVE Jazz Concerts is free and all performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

The 2016 Family Movie Series begins Thursday, July 14 withWalt Disney’s five-time Academy Award-winner “Mary Poppins” (1964) starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Then, on Thursday, July 21 it is Disney’s “Aladdin”(1992) featuring the Academy Award-winning song “I Could Show You the World” and the voices of Robin Williams as the Genie and Gilbert Gottfried as the parrot, Iago. The film series wraps up Thursday, July 28 with the most recent film in the popular Star Wars series, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015). All movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.). Costumes are encouraged for all films.

All concert and movie events take place rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall and notice will be posted on the MAC’s website: AtTheMAC.org.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy at the event. Holding of space for late comers or groups is not permitted. To host a special event or reserve space for a group, contact: Melissa at 630.942.3026. Concessions available for purchase on site include wine, beer, soda, gourmet sandwiches, hamburgers, hotdogs, ice cream, popcorn and snacks. Outside alcohol is not permitted onto the property as well as coolers, kegs, umbellas, tents and skateboards.

Vendors for the 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series include Weber Grill Restaurant and Heavenly Hot Dogs.(Dining Partners and menu items may vary and are subject to change. Visit AtTheMAC.org for updates.)

Also on the Lakeside Pavilion this summer: COD College Theater production of Moustache Tales,” Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 at 5 p.m. COD Professor of Theater, Amelia Barrett directs this free hour-long, family-friendly show, featuring three stories about the world above your lip, that asks the question: “Do you see yourself the way you are, the way others see you or, the way you want to be?”

In addition, throughout the summer, the MAC continues to offer programming inside the venue. Events include COD College Theater production of the hit musical “Grease” directed by COD Director of Theater Connie Canaday Howard in the Playhouse Theatre, Thursday-Sunday, July 7-17, 7 p.m.; and plus two exhibitions in The Cleve Carney Art Gallery: “Known Unknowns” featuring the paintings of eight high-profile Chicago artists (June 2-July 29) and “Long View/Long Game” an exhibit curated by Brandon Alvendia in honor of the upcoming MAC’s 30th Anniversary (Aug. 22-Oct. 1). For more information about these and additional MAC Summer 2016 events call 630.942.4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org.

 About the MAC

McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage is located 25 miles west of Chicago near I-88 and I-355, and houses three performance spaces (the 780-seat proscenium Belushi Performance Hall; the 236-seat soft-thrust Playhouse Theatre; and the versatile black box Studio Theatre), plus the Cleve Carney Art Gallery, classrooms for the college’s academic programming and the Lakeside Pavilion. The MAC has presented theater, music, dance and visual art to more than 1.5 million people since its opening in 1986 and typically welcomes more than 75,000 patrons from the greater Chicago area to more than 230 performances each season.

The mission of the MAC is to foster enlightened educational and performance opportunities, which encourage artistic expression, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community. For more information about the MAC, visit AtTheMAC.org, facebook.com/AtTheMAC or twitter.com/AtTheMAC.

McAninch Arts Center 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series is made possible in part with support from College of DuPage, WDCB 90.9 FM and the DuPage Foundation.The appearance of Brass Transit is sponsored by Follett’s College of DuPage Bookstore.

McAninch Arts Center (MAC) is supported in part by the College of DuPage Foundation. Established as a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit charitable organization in 1967, the College of DuPage Foundation raises monetary and in-kind gifts to increase access to education and to enhance cultural opportunities for the surrounding community. For more information about the College of DuPage Foundation, visit foundation.cod.edu or call 630.942.2462.

Programs at the MAC are partially supported through a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series
The Lakeside Pavilion is adjacent to the McAninch Arts Center located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. All concert and movie events are free, as is parking. All events take place rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall and notice will be posted on the MAC’s website: AtTheMAC.org.
SCHEDULE
(As of May 26, 2016)
Thursday, July 14, 8 p.m.
Film:
Walt Disney’s “Mary Poppins” (1964) Directed by Robert StevensonThe ultimate nanny, Mary Poppins flies in with her umbrella in response to the request of the Banks children and proceeds to put things right for the entire Banks family with the aid of her extraordinary magical powers before flying off again. Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke star in this musical Disney classic known for toe-tapping songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and use of live action blended with the movements of animated figures. “Mary Poppins” won five Academy Awards, including “Best Actress” for Andrews.

Thursday, July 21, 8 p.m.
Film: Walt Disney Pictures’ “Aladdin” (1992) Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements

A sultan gives his daughter Jasmine three days to find a husband, so she flees the palace and secures the aid of the street-savvy urchin Aladdin to help her in her plight. The sultan’s Vizier, Jafar schemes to marry Jasmine and become sultan himself but Aladdin discovers a magic lamp, rubs it, and sets free the thankful genie (voiced by Robin Williams) who vows to help Aladdin defeat Jafar and win the hand of the princess. Monsters, Disney’s trademark talking animals, and a flying carpet all figure this entertaining film featuring the Academy Award-winning song “A Whole New World.”

Friday, July 22, 7:30 p.m.
Concert: American English

This Chicago-based tribute band hailed by Newsweek as “the Best Beatle Band on the Planet,” recaptures the sound and look of The Beatles’ performing The Fab Four’s greatest hits. Selections range from the early years, including “She Loves You,” and “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” to songs from “Magical Mystery Tour” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” to songs from “The White Album” with hits like “Let It Be” and “Abbey Road.”

Thursday, July 28 8 p.m.
Film:
Lucasfilm and Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions’ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) Directed by J.J. Abrams

In this thrilling continuation of the epic space opera, ex-storm trooper Finn, feisty desert dweller Rey and droid companion BB-8 embark on an epic adventure that brings them face-to-face with heroes from the past and new villains. Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) return to reprise their roles. J.J. Abrams directed from a script he co-wrote with Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Arndt. The film also features new contributions from composer John Williams and sound designer Ben Burtt, whose palette of sounds define the Star Wars universe.

Friday, July 29, 7:30 p.m.
Concert: The Buckinghams

In 1967 Cash Box Magazine named The Buckinghams “The Most Promising Vocal Group in America.” From Chicago’s Holiday Ballroom to America’s living rooms via “The Ed Sullivan Show,” to the White House and continuing touring venue stages today, The Buckinghams have stayed true to their Chicago roots. Original founding members Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna backed by a trio of skilled musicians, including Dave Zane (guitar), Bruce Soboroff (keyboards) and Bruce Penn (drums) continue to deliver solid gold memories and powerful replays of their hits including their #1 hit, “Kind of a Drag,” “Don’t You Care,” “Hey Baby, They’re Playing Our Song.”

Thursday, Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Concert: WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert Series: 
Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters

Walter “Wolfman” Washington has been a mainstay on the New Orleans music scene. His guitar style combines rhythm and blues, New Orleans funk, and modern jazz in a way of playing that is uniquely his.  His singing is emotional and heartfelt. Washington cut his teeth backing up some of the best singers and performers in New Orleans history before putting together his long time band The Roadmasters. Since their first gigs in the 1980s, they have been burning down and burning up local and national stages with their own soulful originals as well as tackling some great unsung covers such as Johnny Guitar Watson’s “You Can Stay But That Noise Got To Go,” Otis Redding’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” and Bill Withers’ “Use Me.”

Friday, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Concert: Doo Wop Project

The Doo Wop Project traces the evolution of Doo Wop from five guys singing tight harmonies on a street corner in the ‘50s to the electrifying vibes of the biggest hits on the radio today. Selections range from foundational tunes of groups like the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos to the sounds of Smokey Robinson, the Temptations, and the Four Seasons all the way to Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Amy Winehouse. Featuring current and former stars of Broadway’s smash hits “Jersey Boys” and “Motown: The Musical,” the Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate—and in some cases entirely reimagine—some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history.

Thursday, Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Concert: WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert Series: 
organissimo with Brian Charette

The 15 year old Michigan-based trio organissimo, featuring Jim Alfredson (Hammond B3) Larry Barris (guitar) and Randy Marsh (drums), is known for fusing elements of funk, gospel, blues, progressive rock, and Latin rhythms into a solid foundation of jazz. Shifting meters, deep grooves, melodic finesse and tight ensemble interplay are hallmarks of the organissimo sound. New York City organist/pianist Brian Charette, a Grammy Award-nominated, Hammond B3-endorsed artist, has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz. He placed 4th in The 2015 Critic’s Poll in the main Organ category. In 2015 he was honored with The Hot House Magazine Fan’s Decision Jazz Award for Best Organist in New York.

Friday, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Concert: New Philharmonic

New Philharmonic, a professional orchestra in residence at the MAC, has inspired classical music enthusiasts in Chicago and the suburbs for four decades. Under the direction of Conductor and Music Director Kirk Muspratt, named a 2006 Chicagoan of the Year by the Chicago Tribune, the group gives innovative treatment to both classic compositions and modern works and strives to make the music accessible to new audiences and youth through a variety of educational efforts. This concert will feature a highly entertaining mix of classical, Broadway pops, movie scores and more.

Thursday, Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Concert: WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert Series:
 Marquis Hill

Trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill is widely recognized as one of the preeminent voices on the instrument of his generation. Raised in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood his introduction to music was made by taking up the drum kit in the fourth grade. However, after being inspired by a cousin his focus soon shifted to what was to become his primary instrument, the trumpet. A frequent participant in Ravinia programs, awards include winning such competitions as the International Trumpet Guild jazz competition (2012) and most recently the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition (2014), widely regarded as the most prestigious in its field.

Friday, Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Concert: Brass Transit

What happens when eight of Canada’s most in-demand musicians and singers comprised of veterans of the Hall-of-Fame rock and soul acts like the Drifters, Sam and Dave, Aretha Franklin, Ben E. King, the Marvelettes, Frankie Valli, Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Del Shannon and the Mamas and the Papas get together out of a common love for the greatest jazz-rock group of all time? Brass Transit – Toronto’s dynamic, crowd-pleasing, studio-tight tribute to the ‘70s phenomena, Chicago. The band’s show includes all the hits from Chicago’s golden age including “Only the Beginning,” “Color My World,” “25 or 6 to 4,” performed with world-class horn and rhythm sections and spot-on vocals. This concert, serving as a kick off to the 50th Anniversary, will be capped with fireworks,  t-shirt bombs and an appearance by Chappie, the COD mascot and more. This performance is sponsored by Follett’s College of DuPage Bookstore.

MAC Summer 2016 Additional Programming
COD College Theater EventsSaturday, July 16 & Sunday, July 17 5 p.m.
COD College Theater presents “Moustache Tales”  at the Lakeside Pavilion

Free

COD Professor of Theater, Amelia Barrett directs this hour-long, family-friendly show, featuring three stories about the world above your lip that asks the question: “Do you see yourself the way you are, the way others see you or, the way you want to be?”

Thur.-Sun., July 7-17, 7 p.m.
COD College Theater presents “Grease;” 
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey in the MAC’s Playhouse Theatre
Tickets: $14 ($12 Seniors and Students)

Rydell High’s senior class of 1959, including Danny, Sandy, Rizzo and Kenickie take the stage in this high-octane musical comedy about growing up. The look and sound of the 1950s comes alive again with the hot-rodding Burger Palace Boys and their gum snapping, hip-shaking Pink Ladies. Featuring unforgettable songs “Greased Lightnin’,” “Summer Nights,” “Born to Hand-Jive” and “All Choked Up.” Directed by COD Director of Theater Connie Canaday Howard.

For tickets or more information call 630.942.4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org.

COD College Theater productions are made possible by a generous gift from the College of DuPage Foundation’s Dr. Donald and Helen (Gum) Westlake Fund for Student Productions.

Cleve Carney Art Gallery

June 2 – July 29
“Known Unknowns”
Opening Reception June 4, 1-3 p.m.; Closing Reception July 29, 6-7:30 p.m.
Free

The exhibition is a survey of contemporary Chicago artists who are widely respected by their peers for their skill, experience and dedication to the practice of painting. Using the work of more than eight different artists, of eight Chicago artists dedicated to the materials and practice of painting: Leslie Baum, Anna Kunz, Steven Husby and Rebecca Shore, Magalie Guerin, Sherwin Ovid, Autumn Ramsey and Craig Yu, this exhibition presents a snapshot of the state of contemporary painting in Chicago today.

Aug. 22 – Oct. 1
“Long View/Long Game”
Curated by Brandon Alvendia
Opening Reception: Aug. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
Free

In honor of the MAC’s 30th anniversary, Chicago artist and curator Brandon Alvendia will be presenting an exhibition curated from the Cleve Carney and Gahlberg Gallery archives, the College of DuPage Permanent Art Collection and from past artists’ works that have been shown in the McAninch Arts Center over the past three decades.

Roughly dividing the Cleve Carney Art Gallery into three sections, Alvendia will be giving the public access to past gallery publications as well as work from its collection.  Visually the exhibition will be a salon-style installation with work hung floor to ceiling on specially constructed grid supports inspired by the old Gahlberg Gallery’s gridded ceiling. Throughout the exhibition Alvendia will be coordinating programming including artist lectures, discussions and screenings that will coincide with the MAC’s 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series and performances in the Belushi Performance Hall.

In addition to special receptions, exhibitions at the Cleve Carney Art Gallery may be viewed during regular gallery hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m -3 p.m., Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  Cleve Carney Art Gallery is also open one hour prior to MAC performances held in the Belushi Performance Hall and during intermission. The gallery offers year-round visual art exhibitions showcasing a variety of innovative art by regional, national and international artists. For more information about the exhibitions and related special events, visit clevecarneygallery.org or call 630.942.2321.