Community Calendar

Artists' Ensemble Theater of Rockford presents the play "Misery" by William Goldman, adapted from the novel by Stephen King, Thursdays-Sundays, Nov. 6-23, in Rockford University's Cheek Theatre.

Novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a terrible car crash by his “number one fan” Annie Wilkes. He wakes up captive in her secluded home and discovers that Annie has no intention of letting his go anywhere. Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

The stage adaptation of Misery was written by two-time Academy Award winner William Goldman. The cast features David A. Gingerich, Laurie Carter Rose and Antonio Laws. The production is directed by AET producing artistic director Richard Raether.

Misery will be performed November 6-23 in the Cheek Theatre inside the Clark Arts Center at Rockford University. Performances are Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with added matinees at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

An American Sign Language-interpreted performance will be on Friday, Nov. 7. Teen takeover: Saturday, Nov. 8 at 4:00 p.m. is the Teen takeover. Teens get in for just $5 and after the show get a special behind the scenes look at how the show was done.

Thursday tickets are $19. All other performances are $28 for adults, and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased at artistsensemble.org or by calling 815-394-5004. This play is recommended for ages 10 and up.

True Colors Baroque

Step into the moment when chamber music was just beginning to find its voice. This program traces the rise of the string quartet, from playful Renaissance echoes to the fiery brilliance of Vivaldi.

We open with Clèment Janequin's Birdsong motet, a witty Renaissance gem that feels alive with fluttering wings and bright calls. From there, the music deepens into the elegant architecture of baroque and classical four-part harmony. Haydn takes center stage as the undeniable Father of the String Quartet with one of his early Op. 20 works, a daring and emotionally charged piece that stretches every instrument to its edge. Soon after, Joseph Bologne—composer, virtuoso, and trailblazer—brings his French flair with a hauntingly beautiful Concertante Quartet in G minor.

And then comes Vivaldi, the master of drama and color. His music grounds the evening in both tenderness and fire: the meditative Largo for mandolin and strings, followed by the electrifying “Winter” from The Four Seasons. It’s music that shimmers, surprises, and leaves you buzzing long after the final note.

Aaron Wooten
Painter

Sharing the stage is painter Aaron Wooten, whose art finds joy in whimsy and the absurd. His cityscapes, portraits, and figures—painted on reclaimed wood—carry the same spirit of reinvention that lives in the music. Instruments are born from wood, his paintings reclaim it, and together they spark a conversation of sound and color you won’t forget.

Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving this November with Camerata Emanon as they welcome new Artistic Director Timm Adams to the podium.

A stirring collection of early American hymns, Shaker tunes, and other songs of gratitude is intended to encourage and inspire this holiday season.

The centerpiece of the program is Dan Forrest’s uplifting “i thank You God for most this amazing day” for choir, piano, strings, and percussion. Join us for the music of William Billings, Stephen Paulus, Carol Barnett and more!

Please join us for a free, guided field trip around Boone County to learn about the landscapes, geologic history, and water resources. Hosted by scientists from the Illinois State Geological Survey (University of Illinois, Prairie Research Institute) who are mapping the geology and water resources of Boone County using new airborne technology.

Details:

Host: Illinois State Geological Survey
Date: Monday, November 17, 2025 (raindate: Friday, November 21, 2025)
Time: 9:00-2:00 PM
Meeting Location: Spencer Conservation Area Pavilion located at 1121 N Appleton Road
Format: 15-passenger van and carpool
Bring: Weather appropriate clothes, comfortable shoes, sack lunch
RSVP: jthomaso@illinois.edu by Monday, November 10
*This field trip will be capped at 30 participants – if there is enough interest, we will host another field trip in the spring.

Collaborating organizations: Boone County Conservation District, Northern Regional Groundwater Protection Planning Committee, Boone County Board.

The Next Picture Show is pleased to welcome back the Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams Art Exhibition. Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams captures the beauty and magic of the holiday season. From snowy paths to fresh pine and the glimmering lights of the season, artists were encouraged to submit both 2-D and 3-D work that captures the whimsy of winter.

The opening reception and artist award ceremony will be held on November 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. We will provide light refreshments and a cash bar.

This exhibition is sponsored by G&M Distributors.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center's Music Monday series presents string quartet Blakeley Menghini & Friends with an eclectic program on Monday, Nov. 17.

Featuring atmospheric soundscapes, eclectic compositional styles, and contrasting genres, this locally based string quartet will present a program certain to please most any musical palette.

The Next Picture Show is pleased to welcome back the Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams Art Exhibition. Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams captures the beauty and magic of the holiday season. From snowy paths to fresh pine and the glimmering lights of the season, artists were encouraged to submit both 2-D and 3-D work that captures the whimsy of winter.

The opening reception and artist award ceremony will be held on November 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. We will provide light refreshments and a cash bar.

This exhibition is sponsored by G&M Distributors.

Improve your knowledge of English and become more comfortable speaking in everyday situations. Practice basic English grammar concepts in conversation, learning how to ask and answer questions, expanding your vocabulary, and learning to understand the sounds of spoken English.

This class is intended for adult participants at a low intermediate level of speaking English or higher, but all are welcome to attend.

On September 2 this class will be held in the Bilder Family Meeting Room.

This program requires registration. There will be limited seats for unregistered patrons.

For more information or to register, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.

The Underground Railroad has a rich history in Illinois, and in the Midwest in general. Join students from Northern Illinois University as they discuss their research about the regional aspects of the Underground Railroad.

This program is free and does not require registration. It is intended for teens and adults.

For more information, please contact Britta at brittak@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 2100.

Join Nellie Bly at the US Embassy in Paris in February 1919. The Great War has ended, and Nellie recounts her adventures as a reporter, in the US, Mexico and as a war correspondent, as she awaits permission to return to the US. Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran (1864-1922), this pioneer of investigative journalism is better known by her nom de plume,"Nellie Bly". Bly spent a day in Woodstock in 1895 visiting Eugene V Debs. This is a living history program presented by actress Debra Ann Miller.