Northern Illinois Community Calendar

Journey through the cosmos with the colorful storytelling of Holst’s The Planets. From the fury of Mars to the jolly giant Jupiter, the RSO explores the sounds of the Solar System. The evening also features violin soloist Philippe Quint performing beloved themes from Cinema Paradiso, Schindler’s List, Scent of a Woman, and other cinematic favorites. Join us for a powerful season opener that showcases the connection between classical music and the silver screen.

“One of the most instantly recognizable voices in current music.” —Trust The Doc

Sarah McQuaid’s lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality, “subtle mastery onstage” (Huffington Post) and “brilliant musicianship” (fRoots) on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and (occasionally) drum to create a truly immersive experience.

Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship, and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her “captivating, unorthodox songwriting” (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorization.

All this is abundantly demonstrated by her new live album and video series The St. Buryan Sessions — but needs to be savored in person to be fully appreciated.

This concert is free and open to all. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and music will begin at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required. This event is part of the after-hours concert series in partnership with the Friends of the Library and 94.9 WDKB.

For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.

Step outside of the ordinary and consider our human relationship with the environment in new ways through an immersive art experience. This land art installation - a collection of sculptures created from organic and earthly materials - is created by both professional and emerging artists and will be an ephemeral exhibit along the trails. Our collective goal is to spark wonder, acknowledge eco-anxiety, and inspire new connections.

From 4:00-5:30pm, experience an interdisciplinary performance, artist introductions and Q&A, and guided walking tour of the installations. Refreshments and live music provided. All ages are welcome to this free community event. Thank you to Visit Beloit and Rockford Area Arts Council for supporting this event. RSVP below to receive a reminder when the time comes.

Stockholm Inn is the home for our potpourri of music from 5pm to 7pm on 1st Saturday and 5:30pm to 7:30pm on 3rd Friday of each month. The Trinadora musical mixture includes vintage and contemporary pop, folk, country, jazz, blues, Latin, Celtic, and variety music - everything except the proverbial kitchen sink 🙂 Janel Nelson and Ron Holm accompany their vocals with keyboard, ocarina, guitar, ukulele, fiddle, harmonica, jSax, bass, steel guitar, concertina, and more. The room can fill up, so please phone 815.397.3534 for reservations, and mention that you need seating in the music area.

Beloved Minnesota-based guitarist and singer will perform a benefit concert at 7pm on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Advanced Tickets $35
Students (with ID) $25
Children 12 and Under Free
At the Door $40

Questions? Contact E Curl-Woodruff at elisa.woodruff@gmail.com

ABOUT PETER

Minnesota's Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time for 30 years, performing in venues across the United States and beyond. He writes songs for a small planet--songs about interconnectedness and the human journey--songs about life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence. He also writes songs about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and other important stuff. His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name a few. His work has been included in song books, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country. He is the recipient of fellowships from both the McKnight and the Bush foundations. Peter has eleven albums to his credit, and has sold over 100,000 of them. He lives in Stillwater, Minnesota with his wife and two daughters.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

“Mayer's songs are crafted like Shaker furniture, with no place for superfluous embellishments or throwaway lines...(his) world is bright and hopeful and the transcendent nature of his lyrics...explore the mysteries of life...Mayer's fluid, clean, and tremendously intriguing guitar playing is topped with warm, rich vocals. This is music for the soul.” --Ken Sheldon, Acoustic Guitar Magazine

For more info about Peter Mayer and his cannon of music, please go to: https://www.petermayer.net/ See less

Experience the unforgettable music behind some of Hollywood’s most beloved films. From thrilling action and sweeping romance to moments of wonder and discovery, the music of John Williams has shaped the moviegoing experience for generations. Relive the excitement of your iconic favorites in an evening the whole family can enjoy.

Experience Mozart's final masterpiece and lasting legacy. Joined by the Nielsen Chamber Choir and four spectacular vocal soloists, the RSO highlights music’s emotional power to blend drama, beauty, loss, and hope. Connect through music in an evening of rich orchestral color, vocal expression, and reflection.

Loving and performing the music of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger, the Sons of Chicago are a band of eight rocking professional musicians paying homage to the two iconic American artists in the same show.

Anthems and deep cuts about the dreams, hope, hardship and glory of life in the U.S.A. performed with the same emotional energy as the originals.

Every lyric is a memory, every riff a heartbeat, keeping the audience rocking, dancing and singing with the band.

Celebrate the holidays with Rockford’s most joyful musical tradition. Gather with family and friends for unforgettable festive favorites, dazzling lights, and joyful surprises. Joined by the Nielsen Chorale and Kantorei Youth Choir, the RSO brings together nearly 200 musicians and guests to fill the Coronado with the sounds of the season. Share in the music and magic of the most wonderful time of the year.

Celebrate the holidays with Rockford’s most joyful musical tradition. Gather with family and friends for unforgettable festive favorites, dazzling lights, and joyful surprises. Joined by the Nielsen Chorale and Kantorei Youth Choir, the RSO brings together nearly 200 musicians and guests to fill the Coronado with the sounds of the season. Share in the music and magic of the most wonderful time of the year.