Northern Illinois Community Calendar

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.

Encounter beauty! From Thomas Tallis to Johannes Brahms to Eric Whitacre and Elaine Hagenberg, explore inspirational works for chorus, violin, and piano. Music Director John C. Hughes conducts.

Night of the Living Dead Live is the official authorized stage production of the landmark George A. Romero film. Set in 1968, the play is a hilarious tribute to the legendary classic! A loving examination of the movie, the time period, and the film’s undying influence on the horror genre.

The play incorporates a series of increasingly hilarious alternate endings, where the characters desperately try to survive the night. However, their contrasting personalities always seem to prevent the group from working together. Which leaves us all wondering: Could anyone survive a night of the living dead?

Interpretations en Plein Air on the theme of "Water" by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. Scenes including lakes, rivers, creeks, and fountains are among the subjects captured in these original artworks. Almost two dozen works are on display in the Visitor Center at Klehm Arboretum.

Encounter beauty! From Thomas Tallis to Johannes Brahms to Eric Whitacre and Elaine Hagenberg, explore inspirational works for chorus, violin, and piano. Music Director John C. Hughes conducts.

The Rockford Wind Ensemble (RWE) will open its 2026/27 season on Sunday, Oct. 25, launching a four-concert lineup led by accomplished guest conductors. All concerts will take place on Sundays at 3 p.m. at the RPL Nordlof Center.

Tickets are on sale now at RockfordWindEnsemble.org. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (ages 65+) and free for students (ages 4–18) for the Oct. 25 concert.

While each guest conductor will bring a unique artistic perspective to the podium, The Lord of the Rings (Symphony No. 1) will connect the four programs. A different movement from the work will be performed at each concert.

For the Oct. 25 season opener, guest conductor Vinnie Inendino will lead a program spanning bold fanfares, contemporary works, Broadway favorites and standard repertoire. Inendino serves as band director and music department chair at Schaumburg High School. He is a graduate of Northwestern University, the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan, and performs as an alto saxophonist with the Wheaton Municipal Band, where he is also general manager.

You are invited to experience the collective wisdom and personal experience of artists' interpretation of the theme Echoes of a Changing Planet. Participating artists:
Norm Knott, Marsha Goodheart, Holly Blair-Cascio, Susan Berry, Julie Kennelly, Maya Simmons, Caitlyn Jahn, Paula Flanagan-Marsh, Barbara Berney, Lori Gustafson, Sadie Hoessrich, Becca Houlihan, Jose Sente, Greg LaMont, Clara Krick, Jessie Crow-Mermel, Wren Medina, Cassie Blair, Ventie Houi, Drew Helge, Annette McLean and Cherie Heck.

Take Root is BACK!

Take Root is a virtual farm business class that will be running from September 14th, 2026 to November 19th, 2026.

Take Root is a business class new farmers with 0-10 years experience.

In Take Root, we will build a farm business plan, an enterprise plan, learn how to budget and manage a farm enterprise, and market your business.

Take Root is held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-8PM CT. This class is virtual and ran over zoom. The class will have both facilitated classes, and speakers. In addition to the online class, you will also receive one on one consulting from Jillae, our Take Root Program Facilitator.

Sign up today for Take Root!

Questions? Email Jillae at jillae@farmersrising.org

See you there!
Jillae
Farmers Rising

Night of the Living Dead Live is the official authorized stage production of the landmark George A. Romero film. Set in 1968, the play is a hilarious tribute to the legendary classic! A loving examination of the movie, the time period, and the film’s undying influence on the horror genre.

The play incorporates a series of increasingly hilarious alternate endings, where the characters desperately try to survive the night. However, their contrasting personalities always seem to prevent the group from working together. Which leaves us all wondering: Could anyone survive a night of the living dead?

Interpretations en Plein Air on the theme of "Water" by members of the Plein Air Painters of Rockford. Scenes including lakes, rivers, creeks, and fountains are among the subjects captured in these original artworks. Almost two dozen works are on display in the Visitor Center at Klehm Arboretum.