Standing Room Only

I said I would include this item in the previous post. When The Blanks perform, they include a free visit to a local hospital. Here is a comment by another arts center director about The Blanks hospital visit and performance. This was sent out by The Blanks booking agency.

10/16/09 – McKinney/Dallas, TX
“I hadn’t even gotten back from the Veterans Hospital with The Blanks visiting them, when there was an email thanking us for thinking of those who served our country. The Blanks were more than gracious, respectful yet fun in a delicate environment. The show audience was thrilled with knowing they visited a hospital, and their show was infectious and I was inundated with ‘when are they coming back?’

“From the time they arrived in McKinney, to the time they left for the airport they were gracious, funny, on cue and in sync with each other and the audience. They made me remember why I do what I do, from the Veterans Hospital visit to the meet and greet and it was a no hassle show from start to finish.”

David Taylor, Director
McKinney Performing Arts Center

I will keep you posted on which hospital we work with here on January 23, 2010 when they visit Elgin.

Steve Duchrow
Director of Performing Arts – Elgin Community College

The Blanks, or better known on the TV series “Scrubs” as Ted’s Band, are performing here at ECC Arts Center on January 23, 2010. I went to see them in New York City last year and it was packed to the rafters.  I have to admit, before the show, I was really skeptical. I don’t know if everybody was wondering the same thing that I was, ”Are they as good live as they are on the show?”  Or, “Can they sing and are they more than a one trick pony?” Their performance answered that question with a resounding, “Yes.”  There was lots of crowd laughter and everybody was singing along with all those TV theme and movie songs. If you love Scrubs or just love pop culture references, this show will be tons of fun. They are talented and hilarious!  I am curious. Are people familiar with this group? They have over a million hits on YouTube. Look them up and tell me what you think.

When they visit a community, they also include a free visit to a local hospital. I just saw something about this on a recent visit today. I will post more on this  later.

Steve Duchrow 

Director of Performing Arts – Elgin Community College Arts Center

We’ve been planning and planning and planning, and our big celebration is finally happening this Saturday!

We look forward to seeing you, your family and your friends at the ECC Arts Center for a jam-packed afternoon of fun and creativity.

Hands-on projects, art, food, music, dance, prizes and more await you and your family at Fall for the Arts, a free event for the community in celebration of Elgin Community College’s 60th anniversary. All arts activities are free; please bring cash for food.

Check out some of the cool things you can see, hear and do! Complete details are included in our Fall for the Arts Visitor Guide!

• Radio Disney joins us for a special hour of games, dances and prizes!
• Dozens of mini performances all day long!
• Haunted House (ages 8 and up) all day long!
• Build your own sculpture
• Decorate your own chef’s hat
• Make your own drum
• Make your own candy
• Special performance previews by Cirque Voilà!
• Magician
• Face painting
• Old time radio show
• Drumming circle
• Monster make-up
• Storytelling sessions
• Dance performances
• Free popcorn and free cotton candy

Food for sale includes:

• Pizza from White Cottage Pizza
• Churros and paletas
• Hand-crafted chocolates from Cocoa Cabana

Tickets are still available for our Saturday, October 3 performance of FDR, starring award-winning actor Ed Asner. Join us for a powerful portrayal of this influential president by one of today’s legendary actors. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by an informal “fireside chat” with ECC history instructor Tim Malone. Call the Box Office for more information: 847-622-0300

Commentary below by Tim Malone
Assistant Professor of History and Political Science
Elgin Community College

When considering presidents of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (who despite being dead for almost 65 years remains known by his initials, FDR) is one of the “big three.” Historians typically rank FDR in either second or third place on the list of “best” presidents behind Lincoln (always number one) and sometimes Washington. In a 2000 survey, FDR was voted the most influential American of the 20th century by a landslide, which was exactly how he won his four presidential elections.

Almost by definition, FDR’s victories in four straight presidential elections (1932-44) make him the most popular and successful politician in American history. And since the Constitution was changed after FDR’s death to prohibit a person from being elected more than twice, this distinction is apt to last.

What accounted for FDR’s popularity and success? Perhaps it was the times. FDR became president during the depths of the Great Depression (1929-41) and his program, known as the New Deal, helped the country recover and fundamentally changed the relationship between Americans and the federal government. FDR was president during most of World War II (1941-45), the greatest conflict in history and the war from which the victorious United States would emerge as the dominant, globe-straddling superpower.

To a certain extent, the times do make the leader, but FDR’s popularity and success were also based on his personal qualities. That he was the very personification of confidence and optimism is often noted. Despite his upper class background he possessed the common touch. His radio broadcasts called “Fireside Chats,” with their intimate feel, redefined the relationship between the public, politics and the media. Certainly FDR was a master politician. For example, his coalition included both white southern segregationists and African Americans—quite a feat.

Despite the passage of almost 70 years, Americans today, to a remarkable degree, still live in a world created by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

We respect the variety of opinions and political dispositions held by our patrons and hope that the commentary above provides you with food for thought.

If you are planning to buy tickets to Under the Streetlight, please purchase now for best seat selection. This show is selling verrrrrry quickly!

We’re just sayin’.

We’ve been toiling over our 2009-2010 season for months, and we are so excited that tickets are finally on sale for you!

Please take a moment to tell us what you are most looking forward to seeing on our stage this coming year.

Thanks! Can’t wait to hear from you!

The ECC Arts Center’s Club on CenterStage performances are more than a concert series, they’re a feast for the senses! You hear every breath, see the artist’s hands and hang on every note in the candlelit setting of our SecondSpace Theater! Gourmet food, wine sold by the glass and bistro-style tables complete the atmosphere. Limited seating (just 168 seats per show!) ensures that you are participating in a special musical experience.

The Food

Crème brûlée prepared by the ECC Culinary Arts

The ECC Arts Center is the only area entertainment venue partnered with an award-winning culinary arts program. The gourmet, three-course meals served at the Club are prepared to the highest standards in fine dining by ECC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Institute of Elgin. Dinner is a work of art within itself! The crème brûlée to the left (as well as all other food on this page) was enjoyed by a real, live person just this past spring!  We also serve wine by the glass, so feel free to indulge. You’re already at the show!

Megon McDonough performing in the Club January, 2009

The Music

Our cozy Club setup allows you to be part of an intimate musical. We bring in local and national legends so that you can experience musical genius up-close and personal. Each season features a diverse selection of accomplished performers. 2009-2010 Club acts include:

• Harry Manx
  • Manx was a huge hit at ECC last spring. We just had to bring him back for a solo show that features his signature blues blended with the sounds of India.  The dinner menu will also be influenced by the aromatic Indian flavors.
• Corky Siegel, Randy Sabien and Megon McDonough
  • Siegel, Sabien and McDonough collaborate for an unbeatable night of genre-defying music. A romantic Valentine’s Day menu is planned for this February event.
• Mark Bettcher and guests
  • Add a bit of theatre and a large dose of humor, and you have an evening with Bettcher’s unique musical style that will delight the casual listener as well as the jazz aficionado.
• Hot Club of Detroit
  • Hot Club of Detroit remains true to its “Gypsy Jazz” roots while exploring a fresh take on the tradition, led by fast-fingered Django Reinhardt disciple Evan Perri. The theater turns into a true bistro with a French-themed dinner menu.
• Tumbao Bravo
  •  Known for tight, lively arrangements of Cuban jazz, Tumbao Bravo’s sound is exciting, danceable and highly entertaining. Your taste buds will be dancing too, with our Cuban-inspired menu.

The Experience

You don’t have to take our word for how awesome our Club is, just take a look at the feedback we’ve received from 2009′s Club-goers:

“The prices are great! The food and music is outstanding. The service is exceptional!”

“Thank you for providing such excellent musical talent!  ECC is so affordable and the experience is awesome!”

 “Cozy, quaint, delicious”

“excellent food, great artist, awesome atmosphere!” 

“the whole evening was fabulous!”

“Great music, good food, romantic environment.”

Learn More

If you want to learn even more about our Club events visit us on Facebook and the ECC Arts Center’s YouTube channel. You can watch clips of our line up, look at photos and get information about event dates/times.      

All photos by Kirk Lawler © 2009

Recent casting call request came in yesterday. Here you go –

Warner Bros. Newline Cinema is shooting a remake of a Freddy Krueger film.
Casting Director from Atmosphere Casting in Chicago has an urgent need for HS-looking extras. MUST be at least 16.

Shoot is taking place Friday, May 8 & extra check time will most likely be 6am.
DO NOT SIMPLY SHOW at site. Must receive a confirming call or confirming email from above casting co.

If chosen, clothes would be those worn for a friend’s funeral. Also must bring 2 changes.

Dress for the weather – bring something to entertain yourself during waiting periods. Books would be great!

Detail below :

Send stats to: booksatsunset@gmail.com

full name/address/2 telephone numbers
height/weight/age
car make/model/year

INFO NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BY 7pm tonite! Thank you! The Casting Director will be ever so grateful!

Judi Brownfield (847-888-1860) Books at Sunset/Elgin

Thursday, May 14
6-10 p.m.by appointment only
8:00 pm – open auditions

Saturday, May 16
11- 4 p.m. by appointment only
1:00 pm – open auditions

Monday, May 18
7 p.m. – Callbacks

Location:

Elgin Community College, Visual & Performing Arts Center
1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123
Room 284-D

Audition information:

·         Auditions are open to males and females age 16 and older. Roles will be cast with age-appropriate participants.

·         Please prepare a Broadway music selection to sing (do not sing a song from Godspell). Bring a copy of the music for the accompanist. No a cappella singing or taped accompaniment.

·         Please wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for the dance audition.

For an audition appointment:

Call Tanya Moore, production coordinator, (847) 530-3264 or e-mail tlbmoore@aol.com, and provide your name, phone number, requested audition date. You will be assigned an audition time.

Rehearsals:

Rehearsals begin Monday, June 1, 2009 at 7 p.m.

Regular rehearsals are Monday through Thursday evenings, from 6-11 p.m.

Godspell opens Friday, July 24, 2009 and runs weekends through Sunday, August 9, 2009.

Social Probation Improv!

If you need a good laugh (and who doesn’t with the economy tanking left and right), you need Social Probation Improv (SPI), ECC’s newest improv troupe.

For just $2 and/or the lint from your pocket, you can enjoy SPI’s hilarious antics any of these times:

• Wednesday lunchtimes at the ECC Arts Center at 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday evenings at Ravenheart Coffee in downtown Elgin at 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday evenings at the ECC Arts Center at 5 p.m.

Yes, they really do collect (and save) the pocket lint that people contribute. Strange but true.

So catch some bargain basement comedy that’s truly funny. The lint trap on your dryer will be glad you did.