UPCOMING AREA EVENTS

Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Chicago's premier gypsy-jazz band opens our fall season with a bang. Playing 1930's-style music made famous by guitarist Django Reinhart, this band blends the jubilant swing of early jazz with the feisty passion of gypsy music - throwing in a strong dose of guitar pyrotechnics and virtuosic improvisation for good measure. Swing Gitan features bandleader Alfonso Ponticelli on lead guitar. Studying gypsy-jazz music for more than a decade, Ponticelli introduced the music to Chicago in the 1990's when he began teaching a weekly Django-style class at the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music. A multi-instrumentalist, he won the 1994 U.S. National Mountain Dulcimer Championship and has played both banjo and guitar with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. Joining Ponticelli is a world-class lineup of musicians - Tony Ballog on violin, Jason Miller on rhythm guitar, and Beau Sample on upright bass.

More Info: 7 PM $15 Contact LVD Concert Hall for ticket information

The Steel Wheels
Sunday, October 10, 2010
This four-piece band, based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is rooted in musical styles that explore the territories between blues and bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs, and foot-stompin' fiddle tunes. A truly Americana band, these deft musicians are subtle innovators, respecting the past but decidedly forging a new sound. Trent Wagler, on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, has been a scene staple in Virginia for nearly a decade. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Lapp was born there and, after touring with several successful Midwest bands, began a musical partnership with Wagler that showcases his remarkable and unmistakable mandolin style. Rounding out the group are upright bassist Brian Dickel and fiddler Eric Brubaker. The band shines exceptionally in its live shows with a charisma that causes toes to tap and audiences to hang on every word.

More Info: 3 PM $15 (Contact LVD concert hall for ticket information)

Master Magician Dick Stoner
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Looking to be amazed and amused? Master magician and showman Dick Stoner serves up a potpourri of comedy, magic, and audience participation - an evening of good clean fun for the entire family. The laughter begins with Dick's stand-up comedy routine and doesn't quit until the curtain falls. Young and old alike love the hilarious entertainment Dick creates with his new twists to classic magic tricks. In addition to his corporate appearances for such giants as General Electric, Ford, and McDonalds, Dick has performed with such nationally known personalities as the Statler Brothers, Dolly Parton, and the late Johnny Cash and was the featured entertainer at Muhammad Ali's 50th birthday party. Dick's humor and artistry will hold you truly "spellbound!"

More Info: 7 PM $10 (Contact LVD Concert Hall for ticket information)