Monday, 26 June 2017 19:45
Common Leaves Mark at Ravinia in Night of Firsts
Written by Mariah Sulaiman
Saturday night was a night of firsts for Ravinia, hosting its first Hip Hop show that included a lineup of first-time performers on the stage, and featuring the one and only Common. One does not typically think of Hip-Hop when thinking of the outdoor picnic grounds and pavilion of Ravinia,…
Published in
In Concert
Talk about an interesting night of music at Ravinia Festival. I knew about Gipsy Kings for a while now. I knew there were guitars involved. What I did not know was the rest of the story. Flamenco is a Spanish tradition. It is a fiery, romantic style of music defined…
Published in
In Concert
After a delay in touring due to singer Bruce Dickinson’s bout with cancer, Iron Maiden has finally returned to the Chicago area in tour of their 2015 release, The Book of Souls. Now, fully recovered, Dickinson and company performed in front of a packed crowd at Tinley Park’s Hollywood Casino…
Published in
In Concert
Saturday, 17 June 2017 11:09
Always On Our Mind - Willie Nelson and Family Live at Ravinia
Written by Roger Reis
“You were always on my mind …You were always on my mind” Summer warmth and clear skies are finally here. It is time for summer concerts. Highland Park’s Ravinia was the setting for an amazing show. Willie Nelson and Family were in town and the show was spectacular to say…
Published in
In Concert
Thursday, 15 June 2017 18:20
Pat Metheny at Ravinia Festival - Textures and Timbres
Written by Ron Reis
Pat Metheny is one of the few jazz guitar players out there that can play a bigger place and fill it. He almost has Rock Star status. The reason? Maybe it’s the horizontal striped shirt? The leather pants? The hair? The smile? Hmmm…what I really think it is…is the music.…
Published in
In Concert
“If you would shut off your phones, you might enjoy it more……” This is the day of the cell phone, and in being so, there really needs to be some type of etiquette applied from time to time. I have also been guilty of this myself. When you are watching…
Published in
In Concert
Thursday, 08 June 2017 02:31
Chicago Bluegrass quartet Big Sadie holds their own with Shannon McNally
Written by Ron Reis
Shannon McNally is a singer, song writer and guitar player. Black Irish is her seventh release, if I heard correctly last night at City Winery. There, at City Winery, McNally headlined with Big Sadie playing the first set. Big Sadie is a Bluegrass quartet from Chicago? Yes, you heard correctly…a…
Published in
In Concert
Monday, 05 June 2017 17:55
From Russia With Love - Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra Symphony Center
Written by Ron Reis
Classical Music sounds so much better in person. Music is always better live in my opinion. And hearing magically composed sounds in a hall constructed for the occasion is the icing on the cake. The caliber of the musicians plays a huge part. Vladimir Spivakov conducted the entire show this…
Published in
In Concert
Friday, 21 April 2017 11:22
Seth Walker and Edward David Anderson at City Winery Make for Helluva Double Bill
Written by Ron Reis
It was an interesting pairing of solo singer/guitar players last night at City Winery. I often check out artists I review that I don’t know before I go and see them. Often, I end up finding they can be quite different than the usual Youtube videos you see. This can…
Published in
In Concert
More...
Wednesday, 19 April 2017 14:46
Becca Stevens at City Winery - Unfair Comparisons… Assume Nothing!
Written by Ron Reis
It’s so easy to make comparisons with artists these days. He/she sounds like so and so, etc. My expectation before seeing Becca Stevens was to find a folk singer along the lines of the clichéd variety. I was surprised at what I found. I guess Stevens does somewhat fit into…
Published in
In Concert
Saturday, 10 December 2016 17:04
Davina & the Vagabonds Makes Jazz, Blues & Gospel a Sound All Its Own
Written by Bill Esler
Davina & the Vagabonds' rollicking New Orleans-inflected jazz, gospel, and R&B delighted fans at a packed City Winery in Chicago this week. The retro stylings of this Minneapolis group carries a 1960's vibe, underscoring lyrics packed with an ironic take on songs of the “you done me wrong” and “don’t…
Published in
In Concert
Tagged under
Sunday, 21 August 2016 20:18
The Go Go's Won't Have the Beat Much Longer - Say Goodbye on Farewell Tour
Written by Ken Payne
Alas, another band we as music fans must bid farewell to in 2016, The Go Go’s have called it quits after a run that has spanned five decades since their inception in 1978. Currently saying their goodbyes on their Going, Going Gone Farewell Tour, The Go Go’s now join a…
Published in
In Concert
Expectations for what you might see in a concert are not always what turn out to be the reality of the situation. On my way to Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, I knew I was going to see two legendary guitar players in their respective fields. Let’s just say any…
Published in
In Concert
Register
Login
Latest Articles
-
Restaged OVO by Cirque du Soleil heads to Hoffman Estates for six performances only Feb. 13-16
Written by Buzz Center StageBetween a triumphant European tour and a highly anticipated return to North America, OVO by Cirque du Soleil has undergone a full ‘metamorphosis’ under the watchful eye of its original creators. The renewed show will be presented in Hoffman Estates at the NOW Arena in… -
Beetlejuice on sale December 20th
Written by Buzz Center StageBeetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice! You’ve summoned him once again, Chicago— BEETLEJUICE is back for another hauntingly hilarious run! Broadway In Chicago announced that tickets will go on sale Friday, December 20, for this ghoulishly fun musical comedy. Back by popular demand, the edgy and…
-
25 Years of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer: A Warm and Sparkling Celebration of Individuality!
Written by Kimberly KatzI fondly recall watching the 1964 children’s television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer each year with great wonder! Its message of hope—that you can be yourself and different from the herd—left a lasting impression. The idea that, through perseverance, you… -
Trap Door Theatre Presents: The Mannequins Ball, Opening January 23rd
Written by Buzz Center StageTrap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its 31st season with a production of the renowned play, The Mannequins' Ball. Written by Bruno Jasieński, The Mannequins' Ball will be directed by Resident Choreographer Miguel Long, and Managing Director Nicole Wiesner. The Mannequins' Ball will play January 23 – March 1,…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.