McHenry County Calendar of Events August 19 – 24

Posted by RVPEditor / In McHenry County News

Friday, August 19

3 – 5 p.m. FREE Ages 0 – 8

Black Diamond Kid’s Party in the Park – Miss Jamie’s Farm

Main Beach Band Shell, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680 ext. 1213 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

“Miss Jamie is guaranteed to get the little ones stomping their boots and hollering for more fruits and veggies”. Voted “Best Show of the Summer” by Preschool directors across the state.

Friday, August 19

3 – 6:30 p.m. FREE

LUREC Farm Stand

Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone: 815-338.1032 Website: www.luc.edu

They have tables full of organically grown fruit and vegetables from right there on their property. Colorful heirloom tomatoes, super-hot peppers, squash, beets, lettuce, cut herbs, eggplant, potatoes; whatever is ready to harvest will be available to you. Freshly baked bread from their kitchen will also be available.

Friday, August 19

6 – 7:30 p.m. Cost: $16/resident & $18/non-resident

Dance Recharge Workshop. Ages 6 – 14

Grand Oaks Recreation Building, Grand Oaks Dance Room, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL

Phone: 815-459-0680 ext. 1219 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Get ready for upcoming school performances and ace your next audition! Workshop features dance essentials and stage etiquette. Students will take part in a mock audition and receive helpful feedback.

Friday, August 19

7 – 9 p.m. FREE

Open Mic Night

Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Route 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood, IL 60072

Phone: 815-678-4532 Website: www.mccdistrict.org

Join us on the 3rd Friday of each month for an open mic night on Glacial Park’s beautiful patio overlook. Come as a spectator or performer! Enjoy songs and sunsets in the outdoors. This event will be moved indoors in case of inclement weather. Note to performers: Nature-themed music is not required but definitely appreciated.

Friday, August 19

8 p.m. Cost: $20

The Rusty Wright Band

Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren Street, Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone: 815-338-4212 Website: www.woodstockoperahouse.com

For guitarist and singer Rusty Wright, it’s “all about the moment,” commanding the stage to deliver the musical heat, the infectious grooves and the penetratingly sincere songs that have earned the Michigan musician a burgeoning national audience and recognition as a Master Blues Artist in the International Blues Hall of Fame. Those who’ve seen Wright and his top-drawer band – wife and singer-guitarist Laurie Wright, drummer Marc Friedman and bassist Dennis Bellinger (Grand Funk Railroad) – perform live will attest to the outfit’s razor tight, explosive delivery of inventive blues songs with tasty helpings of Southern rock and Detroit-bred grit.

Friday, August 19

8 p.m. Cost: $18/advance & $20/door

Danika Holmes

Lakeside Arts Park, The Listening Room, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-455-8000 Website: www.lakesideartspark.org

Danika believes music has the ability to heal. But that’s not all. A well-written song and performance can lead you to sing along, to laugh, or to bop your head and groove with the beat. That’s what you can expect from a Danika Holmes show… not just songs, but an experience to remember.

Friday, August 19

8:30 p.m. Cost: $20/advanced & $25/door

Lucy’s Comedy Café

Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-356-9212 Website: www.rauecenter.org

Now in its eighth season and selling out almost every event, Lucy’s Comedy Café is one of Raue Center’s longest running programs and the cornerstone of their comedy programming. This hilarious series has featured amazing regional and national comedians including Dwayne Kennedy, Rocky LaPorte, Patti Vasquez, John DaCosse, Mike Preston, Pat Tomasulo, Tim Benker and so many more.

JUST ANNOUNCED! WGN Radio personality, John DaCosse, has taken over as curator of Lucy’s Comedy Cafe! During his 30+ years in stand-up comedy, the brilliant John DaCosse has developed a solid reputation nationwide. He has opened for big names like Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Craig Ferguson and Billy Gardell. John has appeared on NBC, Comedy Central and TBS. Mr. DaCosse has also served as an audience warm-up for Rosie O’Donnell and The Oprah Winfrey Show. He can be heard, along with his character voices, regularly on the Steve Cochran morning show on WGN Radio.

Saturday, August 20

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost: $15/resident & $23/non-resident. Ages 11 & up

Canoeing 101

Main Beach Boat House, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL

Phone: 815-455-1763 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Picture yourself canoeing on the lake, enjoying its peace and beauty. The Nature Center Staff will show you how! You’ll learn the power stroke, steering, and how to setup and post. The class covers safety information, how to right a tipped canoe and how to paddle in tandem and switch sides. Canoes, paddles, and life vests provided.

Saturday, August 20

10:30 a.m. Cost: $21. Ages 2 & up

Day Out with Thomas

Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL

Phone: 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL Website: www.irm.org

Activities during the Day Out With Thomas event: 20-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine™, 20-minute train ride with Percy (additional ticket required) , Meet Sir Topham Hatt™ , Clowns, Magic Shows, Garden model railroad display, Live Music, Thomas & Friends™ Storytelling and Video Viewing, Thomas & Friends Playtable, Thomas & Friends Coloring, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor Friends.

Saturday, August 20

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. FREE

International Geocaching Day Picnic Social

Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, Shelter 2, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone: 815-338-6223 Website: www.mccdistrict.org

Bring a picnic and get to know some of your fellow geocachers. There are grills on site you can use or bring your own. Stay for the whole time or just stop by for a visit. They will have the 2016 Bat GeoCoin on site for any who may have completed the program by then, as well as GeoTour coins.

Saturday, August 20

4 – 5:30 p.m. Cost: FREE/resident & $5/non-resident. Ages 14 & up

Dwindling Numbers for an Iconic Insect

Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center, Savanna Conference Room, Route 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood, IL

Phone: 815-678-4532 Website: www.mccdistrict.org

Join monarch butterfly expert Dr. Karen Oberhauser for a special presentation on this iconic insect. The amazing life cycle and migration patterns of monarch butterflies have attracted the attention of scientists and researchers for many years. Dr. Oberhauser is a Professor/Extension Specialist in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota. She has been studying monarchs since 1984 and is the director of the University of Minnesota’s Monarch Lab. Dr. Oberhauser shares her knowledge and expertise on this fascinating insect and provides information on its dwindling numbers and how you can help.

Saturday, August 20

8 – 10 p.m. Cost: $65 & up

Michael W. Smith

Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-356-9212 Website: www.rauecenter.org

Michael W. Smith has been making music for more than three decades, and shows no sign of slowing down. After selling more than 15 million albums, scoring 32 No. 1 hits, receiving 2x RIAA Multi-Platinum, 6 Platinum and 16 Gold certified albums, earning three Grammy’s and 45 Dove Awards, no one would blame the Christian music icon if he decided to coast just a little bit, but that’s just not in his nature. Whether sharing the gospel on foreign soil or mentoring artists that seek his counsel on balancing family and music, Smith has long had a passion for serving God and serving others. It’s a fire that continues to burn brightly with no sign of abating. “I don’t see retirement anywhere in the Bible,” Smith says with a grin. “It’s a calling. I love to write. I love to play. It’s still the most beautiful place.” “You Won’t Let Go,” the first single from “Sovereign,” has quickly become a staple in Smith’s live shows and has given him a triumphant reentry into Christian radio where the song is being enthusiastically embraced. Smith has always had a gift for delivering songs that capture the hearts of the listener and give voice to their thoughts and feelings. During his three-decade career, he has shaped the Christian music landscape with such classic songs as “Friends,” which was named the No. 1 Song of All Time by “CCM Magazine” and “Healing Rain,” a powerful anthem that remains one of the best-loved songs in his extensive repertoire.

Sunday, August 21

Youth Dash starts @ 7:30 a.m. & 5K Dash starts @ 8 a.m. Cost: $40

Deep Dish Dash 5K Run/Walk

The Start & Finish is at Lou Malnatis Lakewood Pizzeria

Fundraiser for the Family Health Partnership Clinic

8515 Redtail Drive, Lakewood, IL

Phone: 815-477-8100 Website: www.loumalnatis.com

Come out and run the beautiful streets of Lakewood and help Lou Malnati’s raise funds for the Family Health Partnership Clinic! Lou Malnati’s Lakewood Pizzeria has three breast cancer survivors on staff. Raising money for a cause that helps others who are going through the same fight is a great way for Lou Malnati’s staff to support them, while also giving back to the community.

Sunday, August 21

10:30 a.m. Cost: $21. Ages 2 & up

Day Out with Thomas

Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL

Phone: 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL Website: www.irm.org

Monday, August 22

5 to 9 p.m. FREE

Green Street Cruise Night

Corner of Green Street and Route 120, Green Street Municipal lot in downtown McHenry, IL

Phone: 815-728-0404 Website: www.anpac.com

Green Street Cruise Night is the largest and longest cruise night in McHenry County! Hundreds of classic and show-quality vehicles cruise into downtown McHenry on Monday Nights. FREE vehicle registration and for spectators. Food vendors on site include Family Affair, MJ’s Coffee Bar and Tropical Chill ice cream truck. Green Street businesses including BuddyZ and Gambler offer Monday Night specials for Cruise Night attendees. PleasFrFree vehicle registration and admission for spectators. Food vendors on site include Family Affair, MJ’s Coffee Bar and the Tropical Chill Ice Cream truck.

Monday, August 22

7 – 10 p.m. Cost: $35. Ages 18 & up

Art Attack! Sip & Paint, BYOB Night

Grand Oak’s Recreation Center, 1401 Illinois 176, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680 ext 1220 Website: www.crystallakeparks.org

Grab a friend or family member and join this class. No talent necessary. Julie Kukreja will give stroke-by-stroke instruction on making an 11” X 14” canvas acrylic painting. Bring your favorite beverage and snacks to nibble on while you relax and create your masterpiece. All materials are provided.

Monday, August 22

8 p.m. FREE

Poetry Night FREE

Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-356-9212 Website: www.rauecenter.org

Poet and puppeteer, Phil C. Denofrio, has recently been elected by Raue Center for the Arts to fulfill the newly created role of Poet in Residence. Mr. Denofrio’s duties are to host several Poetry Nights and Open Mic nights over the course of the next two years. These nights will include various poets from in the Chicagoland area, featuring their own contemporary verses or the verses of others.

The Poetry Nights are late night excursions into the subconscious mind where a beatnik becomes emboldened and sings songs or pens poems that delight and excite. Come out to see big names in poetry or your local favorites read, sing, rhyme, speak and perform. Perform yourself or just watch, if that’s your sort of thing. Be ready to hear and learn anything, ask questions, and (overall) be delighted. Coffee, wine and beer will be for sale at the bar.

Tuesday, August 23

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost: $3/door, $2/advance in groups of 10 or more & $1 off with web coupon

“Welcome to Paradise” 21^st Annual Senior Lifestyle Expo

Drury Lane Theater & Conference Center, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Phone: 800-528-2000 Website: www.seniorlifestyleexpo.org

Attractions (during show hours): Senior Product & Service Exhibitors, Health & Wellness Aisle, Educational & Fun Seminars, Interactive Game Show Challenge, Main Stage Entertainment, Senior Idol Competition, and much more! Please consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food for their Expo Food Drive! Your efforts will help to support area hungry seniors. Donations for the Expo Food Drive will be collected in the main lobby of the Drury Lane Theater.

Tuesday, August 23

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE

Senior Care Volunteer Network BINGO

Huntley American Legion, 11712 W. Coral Street, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3328 Website: www.scvnmchenrycounty.org

Try your luck at Bingo, sponsored by Senior Care Volunteer Network at the Huntley American Legion. This event will include a short presentation and lots of fun. Lunch will be provided.

Tuesday, August 23

12 – 1:30 p.m. Cost: $15

Boost Visability using Google My Business

Think Big Go Local Inc. Office & Training Center, 5435 Bull Valley Road, Suite 204, McHenry, IL

Phone: 877-799-4256 Website: www.thinkbiggolocal.com

It is extremely important that Google displays accurate information about your business so your customers know how to reach you. Now you can control your appearance on Google through Google My Business.

Tuesday, August 23

5 – 7 p.m. FREE

McHenry Chamber Mixer

Gypsy Glen K-9 Kastle, 2412 S. Lily Lake Road, McHenry, IL

Phone: 815-385-4300 Website: www.mchenrychamber.com

Great networking opportunities. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Tuesday, August 23

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Cost: $20. Girls ages 8 – 11

Girl Power Junior: Mommy & Me Coaching Group

Journeys Healing & Wellness Center, 137 Route 120, Lakemoor, IL 60051

Phone: 815-322-2118 Website: www.journeyswellness.com

Create the foundation for self-confidence and the ability to bounce back from negative experiences. During the “Mommy and Me Coaching Group”, girls 8-11 will cultivate the self-possession to handle difficult social interactions faced in school and life. Mom and/or guardian will reinforce skills and become a guide. Topics include: self-confidence, communication, getting along with difficult people, setting personal boundaries and making and keeping friends.

Tuesday, August 23

7 – 8 p.m. Cost: $ 15. Ages 18 & up

Assertiveness with Kindness

Sacred Mindscapes, 5435 Bull Valley Road, Suite 304, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: Tammy – 847-456-7695 & Carla – 423-313-4144 Website: www.sacredmindscapes.com

Being assertive can be life-changing in a positive way. This can help with our relationships with ourselves, with others and with our health and careers in our day to day lives. Come learn about how to be more assertive in your own life. You will also do a small meditation and journals will be provided.

Tuesday, August 23

7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Cost: $10 Ages 12 – 17

Girl Power: Getting Along with Difficult People

Journeys Healing & Wellness Center, 137 Route 120, Lakemoor, IL 60051

Phone: 815-322-2118 Website: www.journeyswellness.com

How can we prepare our young girls and teens to face the stress of bullies, low self-confidence, and other negative influences that will confront them in school, sports, and relationships?

Will our daughters be able to emerge unharmed? One way is to create a resilient child.

Ellen Corey, Wellness/Life Coach, from Journeys Healing and Wellness Center, and Bethany Frank, Stylist from Beauty by Bethany, may have an answer for this dilemma. It is called, Girl Power.

Interested girls 12-17 are invited to join a girl’s only group that will coach them to get along with difficult people as well as look their best.