Northern Illinois Community Calendar

Emily Raff, hailing from a quaint Ohioan enclave, embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling through her music. Emily's journey as a singer-songwriter has been a testament to her unwavering dedication to crafting melodies that resonate across generations.

From the Voices Of America Music festival, sharing the spotlight with national luminaries like Riley Green and Chris Lane, to electrifying performances at venues like Honky Tonk Lori’s Roadhouse alongside Tyler Farr and Chayce Beckham, Emily is leaving an indelible mark throughout the Midwest.

Emily garnered significant attention and recognition for her talent as a vocalist and acoustic guitarist for Blake Tyler, allowing her to grace renowned stages and festivals.

Presently, Emily is diligently crafting her inaugural studio album, with singles slated for release in the Summer of 2026

Emily Raff, hailing from a quaint Ohioan enclave, embodies the essence of heartfelt storytelling through her music. Emily's journey as a singer-songwriter has been a testament to her unwavering dedication to crafting melodies that resonate across generations.

From the Voices Of America Music festival, sharing the spotlight with national luminaries like Riley Green and Chris Lane, to electrifying performances at venues like Honky Tonk Lori’s Roadhouse alongside Tyler Farr and Chayce Beckham, Emily is leaving an indelible mark throughout the Midwest.

Emily garnered significant attention and recognition for her talent as a vocalist and acoustic guitarist for Blake Tyler, allowing her to grace renowned stages and festivals.

Presently, Emily is diligently crafting her inaugural studio album, with singles slated for release in the Summer of 2026

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatergoers for over 30 years.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a strange new plant he names Audrey II after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises fame and fortune to the down-and-out Seymour—as long as he keeps feeding it blood.

As Audrey II grows, so do Seymour’s dreams, but he soon discovers the plant’s shocking origins and its terrifying plans for world domination. Packed with unforgettable songs, outrageous comedy, and larger-than-life characters, Little Shop of Horrors is a wildly entertaining musical with a bite.

Eight Fifteen Capital and the West Side Show Room present Nat Turner in Jerusalem by award-winning playwright Nathan Alan Davis.

In August 1831, Nat Turner led a slave uprising that shook the conscience of the nation.

Nathan Alan Davis’s timely new play imagines Turner’s final night in a jail cell in Jerusalem, Virginia, as he is visited by attorney Thomas R. Gray and they reckon with what has passed, and what the dawn will bring.

Woven with vivid imagery and indelible lyricism, Nat Turner in Jerusalem examines the power of an individual’s resolute convictions and their seismic reverberations through time.

Nat Turner in Jerusalem is the third play of Rockford native Nathan Alan Davis to be presented in partnership between Eight Fifteen Capital and West Side Show Room.

Don’t miss this opportunity to score wholesale prices on rocks, minerals, jewelry, carvings, and more! This exciting two-day event features treasures for collectors, hobbyists, and curious visitors alike. Browse a wide selection of unique finds, meet fellow rock enthusiasts, and enjoy free admission to the Museum while you shop and explore.

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy role-playing game where imagination is key. If you want to slay a dragon, be a wizard, or explore a magical world, come check out D&D!

No experience necessary - beginners welcome; ages 9-13. No registration is required.

For additional information, please contact Theresa at theresaw@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 3350.

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

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