Live Funk, blues & Soul

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen
Skokie School District 69

Back for another year!

Songs from the 50’s to today’s top 40

You thought live bands in Chicago couldn’t get any more phenomenal. And then Spoken Four hit the stage.
Maggie Speaks built a reputation as one of the best live bands in Chicago, for any event, delivering pitch–perfect performances of songs you know by heart and love to hear. Spoken Four took that reputation and upped the ante even further, creating a live band experience that strikes the perfect chord with crowds every single time.

Spoken Four delivers astounding performances that’ll make your jaw drop. With a repertoire of songs from the 50s to today’s Top 40, Spoken Four’s vocalists and musicians have mastered every word, every nuance, every soaring note that lifts audiences to their feet and gets them dancing like there’s no tomorrow.

Chicago concerts. Private parties in Barcelona. Corporate events for over 4,000 people. Wherever they go, Spoken Four brings together some of the finest musicians to create productions that make audiences shout for more. Their versatility, energy, and ability to engage a crowd all night long makes their events the one people talk about for years. And quite possibly forever.

Created by the supremely popular Chicago live band Maggie Speaks, Spoken Four is there for you, delivering with high–quality sound, experienced performers who keep an audience energized for hours, and DJ–style medleys of crowd favorites that make sure no one ever wants to leave the dance floor.

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen 
UltraMed Urgent Care

Super Stolie (Rebecca Stoelinga) has been performing for children since 2007! She is a musician and artist who loves to use creativity to inspire the uniqueness in all of us. With her colorful outfits and vibrant personality, kids want to be her friend, join the band, and showcase their awesome, unique selves!

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen
Kaleidoscope Dance Center

Mr. Myers blends the tropical sounds of calypso and ska, the rhythms of reggae and a little rock-n-roll with some favorite classic tunes to create their own special style of music – Caribbean Rock. Mr. Myers’ unique combination of musical styles may be difficult to define and perhaps challenging to play, but it never fails to entertain audiences everywhere, young and old.

Mr. Myers began producing its unique blend of music in 1981 and has since become a favorite dance band in the clubs, at summer festivals, and on college campuses throughout the Midwest.

The band’s upbeat sound creates a carefree mood; its musical message is not one based heavily on politics or religion. Their cleverly arranged cover tunes and energetic original songs get audiences on their feet in no time. It’s no wonder that Mr. Myers continues to set new attendance records everywhere they play.

When you are looking for a truly entertaining and extremely danceable band for your special occasion, remember the distinctive Caribbean sounds of Mr. Myers.

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen

The Skokie Theatre is sponsoring its fourth annual Skokie Idol! Just like the famous television show, contestants will perform each week in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. Every week, someone will be eliminated until only one person remains. That person will be featured at a Wednesday On The Green concert in Downtown Skokie, Summer of 2018.

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen

Thanks to the Skokie Theatre!

Grown up music for kids

Animal Farm is a group of musician-educators who perform original songs and sketches for children and families. Inspired by the challenges and triumphs of the children they have taught, Seth Adams (The Sheriff) and David Ladon (Farmer Dave) write songs about community, self-expression, and growing up.

Animal Farm performs their energetic live show for elementary-aged students in public schools, park districts, libraries, and cultural centers. Blending music, educational comedy, and interactive storytelling, Farmer Dave and The Sheriff are often joined on stage by Stephanie “Sly” Young on violin and Thor Bremer on drums. The quartet is an official touring artist for Urban Gateways, the premier community arts programming organization for youth in Chicago, and was a featured performer at both the 2015 Illinois Suburban Parks and Recreation Association Showcase and the 2016 Illinois Library Association’s Reaching Forward Conference.

Animal Farm’s debut album, Run Free (2016), was mixed and mastered at Kingsize Soundlabs by Mike Hagler (Wilco, Neko Case), and features studio versions of songs from our live show. Run Free is now available on compact disc, digital download and streaming through all major outlets.

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen

Empty Pockets

Quirky and charismatic, The Empty Pockets craft rootsy, often-cerebral and always-catchy Americana rock ‘n roll with a smack of Texas saloon and a taste of Motown soul.

It was a scorching Chicago summer in 2006 when long-time friends Josh Solomon, Danny Rosenthal and Nate Bellon officially became a band. After recording their first original demo, the boys starred in a 2007 theatrical production of the Buddy Holly Story which served as a showcase for the new group. The band attracted the attention of local morning show personality Scott Mackay (WLS-FM) and the show’s success lead to a tribute album and critical acclaim in print, along with television and radio appearances. Playing as Buddy Holly and the Crickets each night was a rock and roll roots education that left an indelible mark on The Empty Pockets’ music, focusing their sound on driving rockabilly grooves thick with rhythm and blues, and thoughtful melodies and harmonies in classic pop song structures.

With the Buddy Holly buzz, the boys went back in the studio to complete an album of their original music. They released “Under the Bed” using early band name, “Josh & the Empty Pockets,” at the beginning of 2008 – a fun, multifaceted album so full of catchy refrains that Nickelodeon licensed the album in it‘s entirety for the shows; iCarly, Zoey101 and Drake & Josh. Produced by industry veteran Rick Fritz (Brian Wilson, John Mellencamp), the single “Fall Right Now” tells the story of a young romance that almost too eagerly becomes true love.

Josh’s muse for “Fall Right Now,” Erika Brett, was soon asked to join the band and the new foursome, now simply “The Empty Pockets,” headed into another studio session, this time for a holiday duet. While on their first tour, The Empty Pockets’ single, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” – a spirited mash-up of two holiday classics – hit radio with airplay on over a hundred markets nationwide peaking at #25 on the Medibase AC Chart. The band toured extensively, including a showcase at SXSW, piquing the interest of legendary manager David Spero (Joe Walsh, Cat Stevens, Dickey Betts) who added the band to his roster in late 2009.

In 2010, The Empty Pockets had a breakout year, sharing the stage with Jennifer Hudson and Rock ‘n Roll Hall-of-Famer, Buffalo Springfield’s Richie Furay and headlining historic venues like the House of Blues Chicago. Their song, “Take Me,” about the conflict in Afghanistan was featured in award-winning documentary, “Patrol Base Jaker.” Energized by these opportunities, the band has toured relentlessly since, opening for comedian George Lopez and artists like Grammy-winning Dickey Betts, Dave Mason, and Kansas, sharing the bill with stars like Jason Mraz, Jimmy Cliff, and FUN., all while recording and releasing two EP’s: “Introducing The Empty Pockets” and “A Holiday Staycation,” both of which received substatial national airplay on Triple-A and Hot AC radio stations.

Having recently finished their first full-length album in the studio they built with their bare hands, The Empty Pockets pride themselves on delivering what they call, “handcrafted rock and roll.” These new songs showcase the group’s rich, analog sound, as well as the skillful musicianship, fearless singing and spirited showmanship true to their performances onstage. Catch the band as they travel the country in their van, The Pocket Rocket.

Kaleidoscope Dance, a top Chicagoland dance studio located at the crossroads of the Skokie and Evanston communities, offers classes for dancers of all ages and abilities in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, Tap and Modern. Our professional faculty provides top-notch dance education in a warm, community atmosphere. Most importantly, we keep our class sizes small so each dancer has the opportunity to receive personal attention and therefore, progress at a faster pace.  We are actively involved in the community, such as sponsoring the Wednesdays on the Green program in downtown Skokie and providing complimentary dance lessons for all who participate.Kaleidoscope Dance and Movement Center provides quality dance technique and instruction with emphasis on: the discipline of dance while remembering the joy of movement; respect for mind, body and soul; and expectations for each dancer to reach his or her individual potential.At Kaleidoscope, we understand that dance education is more than just instruction. We believe in promoting positive self-esteem while instilling the love and appreciation for dance and movement. Our expectation is for each dancer to reach his/her potential and we provide individual attention, no matter the level.

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen
UltraMed Urgent Care
Kaleidoscope Dance Center

Some of the best salsa musicians in Chicago form the Humboldt Park Orchestra.

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen
UltraMed Urgent Care

If we had only one word to describe Chicago cover band sensation Sushi Roll, it would be… ANIMAZING!

Formed in early 2012, Sushi Roll quickly perfected their own unique blend of high-energy dance music, infused with rock ‘n roll swagger, then topped off with memorable stage costumes inspired by Cosplay and Anime. Sushi Roll is made up of one part driving rock band, one part light-hearted pop, and one part over-the-top theatrical verve. The band easily transitions between revved-up versions of your favorite pop and rock hits by artists like Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, 4 Non Blondes, Tom Petty, P!nk, ACDC, Jackson 5, CCR, Daft Punk, Icono Pop, The Cars, Carrie Underwood, Adele, Bruno Mars, and many others. Sushi Roll connects these artists into one non-stop musical journey that is perfect entertainment for bars, clubs, festivals, private/corporate events, and more!

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen

Join us for a night of fun for the kids of dance and activities for the young ones.

Kaleidoscope Dance, a top Chicagoland dance studio located at the crossroads of the Skokie and Evanston communities, offers classes for dancers of all ages and abilities in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, Tap and Modern. Our professional faculty provides top-notch dance education in a warm, community atmosphere. Most importantly, we keep our class sizes small so each dancer has the opportunity to receive personal attention and therefore, progress at a faster pace. We are actively involved in the community, such as sponsoring the Wednesdays on the Green program in downtown Skokie and providing complimentary dance lessons for all who participate.
http://kaleidoscopedance.com

The Classy Clown – Face painting and balloons. 
http://www.theclassyclown.com

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen
Kaleidoscope Dance and Movement Center
Fairview School District 72
UltraMed Urgent Care
Children’s Urgent Care
Longhorn Steakhouse

Hits of the 70s and Disco Era

Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Renewal by Andersen
Buffalo Wild Wings