Beginning as a drummer in the seminal 60's San Francisco rock band The Charlatans, and continuing with his unique and legendary Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Dan Hicks is widely acknowledged as one of the defining figures in American roots music. Having earned a reputation as a true original with his signature eclecticism and humor, Hicks continues to carve his way through a number of genres from proto-psychedelia to western swing and jazz, from tin pan alley to country blues -- all the while cultivating his own unique sound.

The original Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks recorded five ground-breaking and Billboard-charting records for the Columbia, Blue Thumb and Warner Bros. labels. They toured worldwide, and Dan appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine three times.

The newest incarnation of Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks released the wildly successful "Beatin' the Heat" in 2000, featuring collaborations with Bette Midler, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Rickie Lee Jones and Brian Setzer. USA Today called it "one of the blessings of the new millennium." That release was followed by the live CD "Alive & Lickin" in 2001.

Genre: Folk/Jazz/Country

Dan's site

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Beginning as a drummer in the seminal 60's San Francisco rock band The Charlatans, and continuing with his unique and legendary Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Dan Hicks is widely acknowledged as one of the defining figures in American roo... more

Community Meeting Room, Main Library
Not sure what to do on a Friday evening? Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with movie night at the library!  Join us for a special after-hours showing of the movie, Frida, starring Selma Hayek, Alfred Molina, and Antonio Banderas.

2002 Running time:  123 minutes  Rated:  R

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Community Meeting Room, Main Library
Not sure what to do on a Friday evening? Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with movie night at the library!  Join us for a special after-hours showing of the mov... more

After Yesterday represents the first fruits of that reunion and reflects John’s continuing commitment to the craft of songwriting. Longtime fans will find in its twelve songs John’s trademark twist of lyric and attention to the details that so effectively evoke a time, a place, a person, or a range of emotion. But there are also the stirrings of new musical directions with the evocative addition of percussion from Ani DiFranco’s drummer Andy Stochansky. John also shares his joy at recent changes in his life (namely a 1996 marriage and move to Minnesota, followed by the 1997 birth of a baby boy — Bocephus Mahatma Sinatra Gorka) with cuts such as “Cypress Trees,” “After Yesterday” and “When He Cries.” There is a hardened knowledge, vented and voiced in “Thorny Patch” and “Wisdom.” Story songs and character studies, “Amber Lee,” “Silvertown” and “Zuly” engage the imagination, while a song like “Heroes” invites introspection.

Though a long way from Godfrey Daniels, John Gorka is still honored to be a part of the folk tradition — energetic acoustic music that is not a trend, not a fad, but an expression of everyday life. After Yesterday is the embodiment of that expression — another classic release where his rich baritone voice and unique songcraft weave together in a way that can only be described as “Gorka.”

Genre: Folk

John's site

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After Yesterday represents the first fruits of that reunion and reflects John’s continuing commitment to the craft of songwriting. Longtime fans will find in its twelve songs John’s trademark twist of lyric and attention to the details that so... more

A singer-songwriter who accompanies himself on piano, James began writing the songs on his second album after winding up a year and a half on the road in support of his debut album The Day is Brave, which was released by Decca Records in June 2008 and debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. Several of its songs were featured on various television shows including Private Practice, Bones, So You Think You Can Dance, and Army Wives. After releasing the album, James hit the ground running to support it from coast to coast.

Genre: Singer Songwriter

Brendan's site

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A singer-songwriter who accompanies himself on piano, James began writing the songs on his second album after winding up a year and a half on the road in support of his debut album The Day is Brave, which was released by De... more

The Mudhounds

The Mudhounds

written by Rohina Malik
Directed by Kevin Heckman

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. • Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Racism. Hate crimes. Love. Islam. Culture. Language. Life.

Five Muslim women in a post-9/11 world serve tea and uncover what lies beneath the veil in this compelling one-woman show. Unveiled was originally performed at Live Bait Theater’s Fillet of Solo Festival, July 2008. In May 2009 Unveiled World Premiered at 16th Street Theater, directed by Ann Filmer.

A “terrific show… intellectually engrossing work of theater” — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune

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written by Rohina Malik
Directed by Kevin Heckman

Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. • ... more

Second Floor Gallery

An exhibit by JUMP-START ART
Curated by Barbara Goldsmith and Chie Curley

"JUMP-START ART Delivers Art as an Unexpected GIFT." Work from this exhibit will go to residents of the McGaw "Y" in Evanston

Reception:
Sunday, September 19, 3pm-5pm at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Guest speaker: Millie Hernandez, Director of La Posada

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Second Floor Gallery

An exhibit by JUMP-START ART
Curated by Barbara Goldsmith and Chie Curley

"JUMP-START ART Delivers Art as an Unexpected GIFT." Wo... more

“I’m the most sophisticated hillbilly you’ll ever meet.”

When Michelle Shocked says this about herself, it’s hard not to crack up. ‘Hillbilly,’ after all, is no compliment. And frankly, it’s tough to reconcile that reflex image of a backwoods, overalls-and-a-smile hillbilly with this focused, erudite singer-songwriter. If such a creature exists, however, Shocked is its picture, sans Billy-Bob teeth. Come to think of it, she was born in or at least near the backwoods of East Texas — and get this — to a carny father and a fresh-faced high-school mother after being conceived, if memory serves, “in the backseat of my Uncle Huby’s Chevy at the prom.”

Much like the work of her East Texas peers Willie Nelson, Victoria Williams and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Shocked's songs hold fast to a definite core, but owe no stylistic allegiance — just like their itinerant, mercurial, utilitarian creators. Shocked identifies strongly with her musical compatriots, and not just because they’re from her neck of the woods. "My family was welfare class," says Shocked, "and that makes you really, really, white trash. These artists helped remove class bias because they have all been given honorary middle-class value because of what they've achieved in their music." Shocked has likewise transcended class bias, while retaining the parts that make sense, in a 23-year career that has seen critical acclaim at every juncture.

Genre: Folk/Pop

Michelle's site

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“I’m the most sophisticated hillbilly you’ll ever meet.”

When Michelle Shocked says this about herself, it’s hard not to crack up. ‘Hillbilly,’ after all, is no compliment. And frankly, it’s tough to reconcile that reflex ... more

Whole Foods Market 30th Anniversary Celebration

The formation of Uncle Lucius is a Texas tale in the truest sense. Four unique musicians of the Lone Star State , each living in their own hamlets, brewing up a dire need to put together a soulful southern rock outfit, sometimes can’t help but find each other.

The current look of Uncle Lucius began to take shape when Houston ’s Mike Carpenter entered the picture after the band’s first year. Raised on Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana, Carpenter had been playing guitar and writing songs since the age of 14 and moved to Austin to play in bands. He played in two other bands before joining Uncle Lucius, a move that was made possible by the departure of the group’s original lead guitarist. Carpenter remembers feeling no sense of hesitation: “I immediately liked Kevin’s voice. He was a good front man and a good singer. And they were doing pretty much what I wanted to do: combining country, rock and roll, and blues. It was really just luck, man.”

Dear Adora is a moniker for the music of Adam Keepman and is currently performing in Chicago. Inspired by decades-spanning friendships and the developmental rites of passage that initiate or sometimes delay the onset of adulthood, the music of Dear Adora was originally created around life experiences as a college student in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Genre: Southern Rock

Uncle Lucius' site - Dear Adora's site

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Whole Foods Market 30th Anniversary Celebration

The formation of Uncle Lucius is a Texas tale in the truest sense. Four unique musicians of the Lone Star State , each living in their own hamlets, brewing up a dire need ... more

On September 21st,  the innovative and versatile violinist Anne Akiko Meyers performs with pianist Reiko Uchidaat SPACE as part of a nationwide tour to celebrate the September 28th release of their new album on the E1 label Seasons...dreams.   The evening will include works by Beethoven, Debussy, Gershwin, Schnittke, Wagner and Vernon Duke.

Anne Akiko Meyers is celebrated as one of the world’s premiere concert violinists, the renowned soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and educator is known as one of the most diverse artists collaborating with artists such as Chris Botti, Il Divo and Wynton Marsalis, premiering new works written for her and showcasing under-performed or rarely heard works. Meyers has been described as a ‘trailblazing violinist’, one who is constantly ‘charting her own course’. The New York Times is quoted as saying Meyers’ performances is ‘playing that flows from the heart’.

This September, E1 Records releases the hightly anticipated 'The Seasons...Dreams', which will feature world premieres and music with harp and piano. This release is on the heels of her hightly successful album 'Smile', which charted on Billboard.

Genre: Classical/Jazz

Anne's site

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On September 21st,  the innovative and versatile violinist Anne Akiko Meyers performs with pianist Reiko Uchidaat SPACE as part of a nationwide tour to celebrate the September 28th release of their new album on the E1 label S... more

In an age of fleeting success and temporary notions, Chris Pureka is an artist of substance, armed with an eye for detail and an emotional intelligence that can switch from withering to compelling with a subtle inflection. Her third studio album, How I Learned To See In the Dark, adds bold new elements to the base she has built over her six-year career. From non-traditional percussion, to lyrical abstraction, to a new unrestrained vocal quality, to Pureka’s choice of co-producer (longtime friend Merrill Garbus of tUnE-YaRds), this record signals an exploration of broader musical soundscapes.

Genre: Singer Songwriter

Chris' site - Kelsey's site

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In an age of fleeting success and temporary notions, Chris Pureka is an artist of substance, armed with an eye for detail and an emotional intelligence that can switch from withering to compelling with a subtle inflection. ... more

Another amazing year with some exceptional photos submitted to the "Faces of Evanston" photography contest.  The contest is now over and the judging process begins with a wonderful panel of judges from the Evanston Arts community. The reception this year will be held at Noyes Cultural Arts center on Sept 23 from 5:00pm-7pm. All are welcome to honor the winners and participants with food, wine and music and of course an amazing display
of photos. Winners and honorable mentions will all receive certificates and recognition at the event so please come join us as we honor Evanston and it's Legacy wth the "Faces of Evanston".

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Another amazing year with some exceptional photos submitted to the "Faces of Evanston" photography contest.  The contest is now over and the judging process begins with a wonderful panel of judges from the Evanston Arts community. The recepti... more

Pat McGee is a talented singer-songwriter based in Rhode Island but originally hailing from Richmond, VA. As the leader of the jam-rock sextet, the Pat McGee Band, McGee and former bandmates, Al Walsh, Jonathan Williams, John Small, Chardy Mc Ewan and Chris Williams, were hailed as one of the more versatile and prolific bands to grace that music scene.

After the sudden death of his drummer Chris Williams in 2006 , McGee began work on his most recent and personal release to date These Days. A folkloric blend of acoustic melodic rock and deeply moving studies on loss, life and the bonds of family and friendship, the album was released nationally early in 2009.

Whilst he is now touring in a solo, duo and trio modus, the full band experience is not too far away. Fans can revel in the versatility and freedom that comes with a creative influence of varied collaborations. Pat McGee brings a maturity and presence to the stage that belies his relative youth. Bringing a guarded sensibility, tempered by the free wheeling exuberance of his previous work, McGee fashions an expansive performance.

Genre: Singer Songwriter

Pat's site

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Pat McGee is a talented singer-songwriter based in Rhode Island but originally hailing from Richmond, VA. As the leader of the jam-rock sextet, the Pat McGee Band, McGee and former bandmates, Al Walsh, Jonathan Williams, Jo... more

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars are a group of musicians who escaped the horrific violence of Sierra Leone's civil war, landed in a West African refugee camp and formed a band to keep their spirits up and their hopes alive. From these humble beginnings the band has now grown to be an international musical sensation. Their can't help but dance live shows and their musical message have earned them devoted fans around the world. They've known the horrors of war firsthand and have become ambassadors of peace. An unbelievable testament to the human spirit, the journey of Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars exemplifies the universal healing power of music.

Now Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars tour the world spreading their message of peace and love in a “can’t help but dance” show that fans from all musical backgrounds can enjoy. For a group that started in a remote Guinean refugee camp and only started touring outside of West Africa less than a year ago, they have come a long way. In the past year the band has appeared at some of the most prestigious music festivals worldwide including Bonnaroo, The Montreal Jazz Fest, The Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Folk and Roots Festival in Chicago, The Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, as well as headlining at Central Park Summerstage. In November, 2006 the band opened for Aerosmith at the Mohegan Sun Arena and most recently performed for an international audience at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

This show is presented in conjunction with Portoluz

Genre: World

All-stars' site

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Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars are a group of musicians who escaped the horrific violence of Sierra Leone's civil war, landed in a West African refugee camp and formed a band to keep their spirits up and their hopes alive... more

Community Meeting Room, Main Library

A lecture on Macbeth by Giuseppe Verdi will be presented by Rochelle Klapman of the Lyric Opera Lecture Corp.

Vaulting ambition, bloody betrayal, murder most foul — it's all here as mighty Verdi synthesizes the Bard's greatest moments, bringing laser-like focus to every character's soul with searing, powerful music.

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Community Meeting Room, Main Library

A lecture on Macbeth by Giuseppe Verdi will be presented by Rochelle Klapman of the Lyric Opera Lecture Corp.

Vaulting amb... more