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NWHerald.com

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Work of art

WOODSTOCK’S OLD COURTHOUSE ARTS CENTER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

TV TIME

CL NATIVE ON ‘MADAM SECRETARY,’ ‘THE GOOD WIFE’

GLAM

Goodbye A TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE INSIDE:

•A REVIEW OF BOWIE’S LAST ALBUM •A PLAYLIST OF BEST COVERS FROM THE ICON’S CATALOG •A LOOK AT HIS MOST MEMORABLE VISUAL WORKS

OPENING FRIDAY: ‘NORM OF THE NORTH’ LACKS IMAGINATION

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TO S G THIN HIS DO T END K E E W

NWHerald.com • Thursday, January 14, 2016

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NWHerald.com PlanIt Pl@y is a product of the Northwest Herald and is published each Thursday by Shaw Media, P.O. Box 250, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0250.

Periodicals and postage paid at Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Pl@y Editor Jami Kunzer 815-526-4413 jkunzer@shawmedia.com FEaturEs Editor Valerie Katzenstein 815-526-4529 vkatzenstein@shawmedia.com NorthwEst hErald Editor Jason Schaumburg 815-526-4414 jschaumburg@shawmedia.com to advErtisE: 815-459-4040 GENEral iNFormatioN aNd QuEstioNs: 815-459-4122 planitsupport@shawmedia.com

LISTING YOUR EVENT Listings are free. Include the name of the event, time, date, location, length of run, cost, phone number, email address and/or website. Must be submitted at least one week prior to publication. Fill out the form at PlanitNorthwest.com/ calendar and click on add event.

LISTING YOUR LOCAL BAND Listings are free. Include the band’s name, members’ names and instruments played, booking number and/or website, and gig or event schedule.

Send an email to planitnwhnews@shawmedia. com.

To have the listing also appear online, submit at PlanitNorthwest.com/ calendar.

CONTENTS

| Pl@y | Thursday, January 14, 2016 • NWHerald.com

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1•14•2016

FEATURES

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ON TELEVISION

Crystal Lake native Jason Babinsky will appear Sunday in “Madam Secretary” and has a recurring role in “The Good Wife.”

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PLANIT 10

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UP CLOSE

There are a lot of events taking place in the county this weekend. We choose the top 10.

The Old Courthouse Arts Center in Woodstock has earned an international reputation in the past 25 years, offering monthly art shows. In celebration of its anniversary, we offer a retrospective of the landmark.

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ON THE COVER

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CONCERT GUIDE

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MOVIES

Following Sunday’s tragic death of icon David Bowie, we offer a review of his last album, “Blackstar,” and a playlist of his 10 best cover songs. Plus, find an overview of his most memorable visual works.

A listing of concerts and shows coming to McHenry County in the coming weeks.

Read a review of the new movie “Norm of the North.”

DEPARTMENTS Concert guide................................................14 GoGuide..........................................................10 Movies.............................................................15 On the Cover....................................................8 Planit 10............................................................6 Up Close............................................................8

ON THE COVER Singer/songwriter David Bowie launches his United States leg of his worldwide tour called “A Reality Tour” in 2003 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Bowie died Sunday after battling cancer for 18 months. He was 69.

Photo provided

8 Bev Ganschow of Woodstock poses for a portrait Jan. 7 at the Old Courthouse Arts Center, in Woodstock, which she bought in 1972.

Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com

NWHerald.com • Thursday, January 14, 2016

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Courting

ART

Woodstock landmark marks 25 years Photos by MATTHEW APGAR • mapgar@shawmedia.com

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he Old Courthouse Arts Center on the Woodstock Square celebrated its 25th anniversary in December of 2015. A monthly rotation of art shows began in 1990 and continues today. We offer a look in pictures at the landmark. TOP LEFT: Carol Hamilton of Woodstock looks at pottery pieces by the Clayworkers Guild of Illinois on Jan. 9 inside a converted vault previously used to store documents at the Arts Center. TOP RIGHT: More pottery pieces are displayed in front of a chalkboard housing election results. LEFT: Diana and Blake Karlin of Woodstock look at the exhibit “the END is the beginning” by artist Bert Leveille. BOTTOM LEFT: Sherry Hauri of Gages Lake is reflected in a mirror as she looks at jewelry for sale at the Arts Center. BOTTOM RIGHT: Artist Bert Leveille talks with a friend during a closing reception for her “the END is the beginning” installation.

Looking back

For a retrospective on the Old Courthouse Arts Center, see page 8.

‘AT IT AGAIN’

CL native lands roles in ‘Madam Secretary,’ ‘The Good Wife’

By JAMI KUNZER

jkunzer@shawmedia.com Appearing Sunday in an episode of “Madam Secretary” and with a recurring role on “The Good Wife,” Crystal Lake native Jason Babinsky is proud to call himself a working actor.

“I’m trying, at least,” he said with a laugh.

A 1994 graduate of Crystal Lake Central High School, 39-year-old Babinsky has played the character Howell on CBS’ “The Good Wife” since 2014 and will appear again in an episode next month.

When he first landed the role, it was supposed to be a one-episode stint, he said.

“It was all about people throwing you a bone,” he said.

“It was one of those things where somebody just liked you enough to say, ‘We’ll bring that guy back.’ And it just kept

happening,” he said. “Like any business, you’re always hoping that somebody has your back.”

Babinsky next appears in Episode 14 of the seventhseason series, which last aired Episode 11 on Jan. 10.

“Last season, I got the law firm in some trouble, and I’m kind of at it again,” he said of his character.

In “Madam Secretary,” airing at 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS, Babinsky plays Mitchell, an ambassador’s aid in Myanmar, where the Secretary of State, played by Téa Leoni, visits.

Though set in Myanmar, the episode actually was filmed in Queens, Babinsky said.

Babinsky, whose parents, Frank and Marianne Babinsky, now live in McHenry, moved to New York about 13 years ago with his wife, Danielle Ippolito, as his agent.

The two had met at Northern Illinois University, where

Babinsky earned degrees in English and acting.

After graduated, he flew to Utah to take part in the state’s Shakespeare Festival in 2000 – the year the festival won a Tony Award.

“I thought I was going to be this classical actor,” he said.

After the festival, he and his wife worked on cruise ships and in Guam as part of a Vegas-style show for tourists.

In New York, Babinsky went to open audition calls.

“I found musical theater was the thing in which the doors were opening easier,” he said.

He landed a role in 2008’s “Billy Elliot” on Broadway and took part in the production’s first national tour, performing in Chicago for nearly a year.

He also appeared on Broadway in “Ghost the Musical” in 2012 and alongside Christopher Lloyd in “The Caucasian

Chalk Circle” in 2013.

“You get older and you’re not as physically able to do a lot of the dance stuff as the younger kids,” he said.

So, he said, he’s since focused on screen acting gigs.

So far, so good for Babinsky, who as a high school student only appeared in one production. His senior year, he decided to stop playing soccer and take part in the school’s production of “The Cave.”

Among at least five upcoming roles, he’ll play the lawyer Sam Rose in CBS’ “Unforgettable.” He also has a role in the thriller “A Cure for Wellness,” expected to be released this year, and the television movie “The Wizard of Lies” directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer. The movie is based on the real-life story of Bernie Madoff, a New York financier who swindled

Jason Babinsky Photo provided

his friends, relatives and other investors out of $65 billion.

Babinsky said he plays one of the people Madoff “rips off.”

“Knock on wood, I’ve been lucky enough to support myself through performing,” he said. “There are some years financially far greater than others, but we’re a two-income house so it’s just ‘plan accordingly.’ ”

| Pl@y | Thursday, January 14, 2016 • NWHerald.com

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TELEVISION

EVENTS

NWHerald.com • Thursday, January 14, 2016

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GS 10 THIN TO DO OUND R A & N I UNTY O C Y R McHEN “STAYING AWAKE”

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BOB SAGET

WHEN: 8 p.m. Jan. 16 WHERE: Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake COST & INFO: Yes, Bob Saget has starred in many successful television shows, including two of the most family-friendly shows network TV has ever produced – “Full House” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos” – but he’s also been an out-of-his-mind, Grammy-nominated standup comedian for more than 30 years. Recommended for those ages 17 and older. Tickets start at $45. Tickets and information: 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.org.

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WHEN: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 18 WHERE: D’Andrea Banquet & Conference Center, 4419 Route 14, Crystal Lake COST & INFO: The seventh annual Martin Luther King, Jr. interfaith prayer breakfast. This year’s theme, inspired by Dr. King’s homily on “Sleeping Through a Revolution,” will be delivered by Larry Greenfield, executive director of the Parliament of World Religions and executive minister of American Baptist Churches. Local faith leaders will be joined by children and musicians from many traditions. Sponsored

by FaithBridge. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students. Information: www. faithbridgeinterfaith.org, Chaplain Suzanne Martinez at suzanne.martinez@advocatehealth.com or the Rev. Anne S. Muelleman at revanne@ newthoughtmchenry.org or 847-516-1950.

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“GIFTS OF NATURE” ARTIST RECEPTION

WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 WHERE: Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood COST & INFO: Featuring watercolors, including “Moraine Autumn” (right), created by award-winning artist Lori Indovina-Valus. The exhibit runs through Feb. 7. Free.

Information: 815-678-4532 or www.mccdistrict.org.

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LAUGH N’ ON THE LANES

WHEN: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 16 WHERE: McHenry Moose Lodge, 3535 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg COST & INFO: Comedy Show and fundraiser for the McHenry County United States Bowling Conference Association.

Admission: $10. Those who attend are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for the McHenry County food banks.

Information: 815-337-2281 or mcba2281@ comcast.net.

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ROGER ADLER & THE BLUES DELUXE BAND

WHEN: 8 p.m. Jan. 15 WHERE: The Listening Room at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake COST & INFO: Adler (above) is an indemand guitarist and composer for commercials, film and TV. He was co-creator and music director of the multi-Emmy Award-winning TV series “Wild Chicago” and music director for “Best of Comic Relief” on A&E. There also will be an open jam opportunity during the show. Cost: $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets and information: 815-455-8000 or www. lakesidelegacy.org.

A Crystal Lake Central senior last year, Annabelle Stroud, then 17, hangs a piece of artwork for the previous D155 art show at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake.

Northwest Herald file photo

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D155 “SPARK” ART SHOW

WHEN: Jan. 18-29 WHERE: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake COST & INFO: Featuring the work of District 155 students. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. A closing reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29, featuring People’s Choice voting and live music. Free admission. Donations appreciated. Information: www.lakesidelegacy.org or 815-455-8000.

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NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE BAND

WHEN: 7 p.m. Jan. 14 WHERE: Prairie Lodge at Drendel Ballroom, 12860 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, Huntley COST & INFO: One of the top Neil Diamond tribute artists worldwide, Diamond willl bring his sons, “The Jewels,” along, as well as his band.

Cost: $17. Information: www.huntleychamber.org.

INAUGURAL WINE TASTING

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WHEN: 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 17 WHERE: Tapas Calpe, 133 W. Main St., Cary COST & INFO: A fundraiser to benefit TLS Veterans programming. Event includes tasting of 12 wines, a buffet tapas menu and two raffle tickets. There also will be music and prizes. Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Tickets and information: 815-679-6667 or www.tlsveterans.org/ veterans-fundraising-events.html.

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JOHNNY PAYNE & FRIENDS FROM THE BLUE OLIVE

WHEN: 8 p.m. Jan. 16 WHERE: Cool Music Stop, 10 N. Ayer St., Harvard COST & INFO: The band regulary performs at the House of Blues in Chicago. No cover charge. Information: 815-943-6233.

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SARAH NATALE (MONDELLO) AUTHOR EVENT

WHEN: 6 p.m. Jan. 18 WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 5380 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake COST & INFO: Natale, of Crystal Lake, will return to sign her debut book, “The Kiss of Death,” which she had published at age 19. She also will read an excerpt from the book, share her inspiration for the story, talk about the publication process and lead a Q&A. Copies of the book will be available to buy. Free. Information: 815-444-0824 or www. sarahnatale.com.

GET LISTED! Listings are free. Include the name of the event, time, date, location, length of run, cost, phone number, email address and/or website. Must be submitted at least one week prior to publication. Fill out the form at PlanitNorthwest.com and click on add event.

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NWHerald.com • Thursday, January 14, 2016

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Visual

ART

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HISTORY Old Courthouse Arts Center builds 25-year reputation, draws artists from throughout the world

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Story by JAMI KUNZER • jkunzer@shawmedia.com

n Bev Ganschow’s mind, there’s one simple reason to visit the Old Courthouse Arts Center on the Woodstock Square.

“To fill your soul,” she said as she stood inside the historic building she and her husband, Cliff, saved from a wrecking ball in 1972.

Ganschow knew then the value of the building dating back to 1857, despite its need of repair and restoration at the time. Beginning as a classic brick courthouse – with the adjoining sheriff’s house and jail built 30 years later – the building, draped in history, has become a fixture on the Woodstock Square.

Tales of ghost stories and long-ago prisoners stem from the jailhouse walls. Impenetrable wooden jail doors, massive iron vaults and election tallies preserved on a chalkboard still remain in the buildings.

For the past 25 years, the 19th century courthouse has been an Arts Center, developing a reputation among artists and art lovers throughout the country and beyond.

Yet, many in McHenry County don’t even know the center exists.

Photos provided

FROM TOP: A winter view of the Old Courthouse in 1865. The building dates back to 1857, with the adjoining sheriff’s house and jail built 30 years later. A historic photo shows a gathering at the front steps of the Old Courthouse some time in the late 1800s.

“The glitch is if you’ve never seen it, never experienced it, you don’t know what you’ve missed,” said Ganschow, who owned the building with her husband until the city of Woodstock acquired ownership of it in 2011.

Ganschow, of Woodstock, now serves on the Northwest Area Arts Council, which took over operation of the center in 2014.

The group celebrated the center’s 25th anniversary in December 2015, pushing for a rediscovery of the building, especially by McHenry County residents.

Along with hosting regular shows throughout the year, including Women’s Works, Woodstock Plein Air (open air painting), a Real People figurative art show, a garden show, ceramic and fiber art shows and others, the Arts Center attracts regional and international artists and has hosted artists from Singapore, Canada, France and elsewhere.

“In the art world, there is real value in that because artists know they can trust these shows,” said John Heng, president of the Northwest Area Arts Council, which relies on 15 to 20 volunteers and always is look-

ing for more.

More than 300 artists a year are featured at the center, Heng said.

“We’re trying to engage more in the community at late,” he said.

The council has worked to offer more art classes, partnering with McHenry County College to bring in interns, who not only can learn about art, but how to run a gallery.

Still, it’s a tough time for artists everywhere, with people lacking the extra money to spend on what’s considered a luxury.

“It’s about getting your art-

work out there, your name out there,” Heng said.

And that’s what the Arts Center offers through its exhibits, shows and receptions, some also featuring storytellers, musicians and dancers.

Even the chance to hand out business cards at an event like this helps, Heng said.

“You always feel really bad if an artist comes after a show and you have to give their work back,” Ganschow said.

It was Ganschow – not an artist herself, but a journalist with an appreciation for the arts – who in 1990 first started the monthly rotation of art shows

ABOVE: Since 1990, the Old Courthouse has housed an Arts Center with rotating displays of local, regional, national and even international artists.

LEFT: Bev Ganschow of Woodstock saved the Old Courthouse from a wrecking ball in 1972.

Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com

in a second-floor gallery at the three-floor center. That show, then a creation of the Workshop for Contemporary Artists called Women’s Works, continues today under the wing of the Northwest Area Arts Council.

“With this space, it seemed right that we would be the visual arts companion to the Opera House,” Ganschow said of her decision to expand arts in the center long ago.

She didn’t do it alone.

“We just knew we needed to save it,” she said. “Once we had it and it was public, it was almost serendipitous. People came to us and said, ‘We want

to help you.’ ...

“Over the years, we’ve established a reputation for credibility in showing exceptional art.”

Ganschow, who’d worked at the Old Courthouse before buying it, also successfully sought to get the Old Courthouse, sheriff’s house and jail listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

She’d taken courses in architecture, admired the building’s high ceilings, arched doorways and other 19th century vestiges.

“Can you imagine if it had been torn down?” she said.

“Can you imagine what the Square would look like?”

PLANNING A VISIT? GALLERY HOURS: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday WHERE: 101 N. Johnson St., Woodstock INFO: Along with rotating art displays operated by the Northwest Area Arts Council, an Art Shop Gallery features orignal works by local artists. All work is for sale. Information: www. oldcourthouseartscenter.org or 815-338-4525

McHENRY COUNTY

NWHerald.com • Thursday, January 14, 2016

GO GUIDE

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EVENTS

ONGOING

A LOOK AT AREA EVENTS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS

McHENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANTIQUE QUILT DISPLAY, through Feb. 29, Woodstock Opera House, 121 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock.

Nine antique quilts, dating from the 1860s through 1950s, are available for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in the Community Room gallery. They also may be seen before, after and during performances. For information about the society or its Heritage Quilters, visit www.gothistory.org or call 815-9232267.

“GIFTS OF NATURE” ART EXHIBIT, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Feb. 7, Glacial Park, Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Artist reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 17. Featuring watercolors inspired by nature created by award-winning artist Lori Indovina-Valus. Free. Information: 815678-4532 or www.mccdistrict.org.

AN. 14 GET LIT(ERARY), 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 14, Le Petit Marché, 19 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Every Second Thursday, Le Petit Marché, a cafe and bistro across from Raue Center, hosts Williams Street Repertory (WSR) for a reading series based around monthly themes. Free.

Information: 815-477-3296 or www. wsrep.org.

JAN. 15 McHENRY B&B SQUARE DANCE CLUB DANCE, 8 p.m. Jan. 15, McHenry Township Complex, 3703 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg. Square and round dancing with Ray and Cindy Bishop on rounds at 8 p.m. and Bob Asp calling squares at 8:30 p.m. Plus dance. Cost: $6 members, $7 visitors. Information: 815-353-5346.

JAN. 16

GET YOUR EVENT LISTED Fill out the form at PlanitNorthwest.com.

BOB SAGET, 8 p.m. Jan. 16, Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Known for his role in “Full House,” Saget is a Grammynominated standup comedian, performing for more than 30 years.

Recommended for those ages 17 and older. Tickets start at $45. Tickets and information: 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.org.

ADULT LINE DANCE PARTY, 7 to 9 p.m.

Jan. 16, Main Beach Pavilion, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Ages 16 and older will learn basic line dance steps and easy routines. Complimentary dance lesson 7:15 to 8 p.m. Refreshments provided. Hosted by the Crystal

Lake Park District. Cost: $15 a person.

Registration and information: 815-4590680 or www.crystallakeparks.org.

BOOK SIGNING, 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 16, Wicked Chocolates, 2140 Lake Cook Road, Algonquin. Carpentersville author David Farber will sign copies of his book, “As Best I Can,” about how he found the strength to survive a devastating motorcycle accident.

Information: Michelle Whitman, 405458-5642 or michelle@keymgc.com.

LAUGH N’ ON THE LANES, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 16, McHenry Moose Lodge, 3535 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg.

Comedy show and fundraiser for the McHenry County United States Bowling Conference Association. Admission cost: $10. Those who attend are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item. Information: 815-337-2281 or mcba2281@comcast.net.

THE GREATER FOX VALLEY CHAPTER OF USA DANCE 19TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Jan. 16, St. John Lutheran Church Activity Center, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Also a food pantry drive for the church.

Free Merengue dance lesson taught by Frank and Jackie Penze. Dress code is dressy casual. No jeans or gym shoes.

Cake, coffee and prizes. Admission: $8 members, $10 seniors, $12 nonmembers. Doors open 7 p.m. Information: 847-639-8699, www.dancefoxvalley. org or www.dancewithfrankandjackie. com.

JAN. 17 INAUGURAL WINE TASTING, 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 17, Tapas Calpe, 133 W. Main St., Cary. A fundraiser to benefit TLS Veterans programming. Event includes tasting of 12 wines, a buffet tapas menu and two raffle tickets. There also will be music and prizes. Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door.

Tickets and information: 815-679-6667 or www.tlsveterans.org/veteransfundraising-events.html.

JAN. 18 D155 ART SHOW, Jan. 18-29, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Featuring the work of District 155 students.

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. A closing reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29, featuring People’s Choice voting and live music. Free admission.

Donations appreciated. Information: www.lakesidelegacy.org or 815-4558000.

“STAYING AWAKE” – THE SEVENTH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. INTERFAITH PRAYER BREAKFAST, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 18, D’Andrea Banquet & Conference Center, 4419 Route 14, Crystal Lake. This year’s theme, inspired by Dr. King’s homily on “Sleeping Through a Revolution,” will be delivered by Larry Greenfield, executive director of the Parliament of World Religions and executive

Amanda Flahive is shown as Rosemary Clooney in “Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical” at the Raue Center for the Arts.

Photo provided by Radka Sumberova

“TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL” WHEN: Jan. 22 through Feb. 14 WHERE: Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake COST & INFO: A remarkably personal and poignant picture of the woman whose unparalleled talent and unbridled personality made her a legend. Schedule: 8 p.m. Jan. 22-23; 3 p.m. Jan. 24; 8 p.m. Jan. 29-30; 3 p.m. Jan. 31; 8 p.m. Feb. 5-6; 3 p.m. Feb. 7; 8 p.m. Feb. 12-13; 3 p.m. Feb. 14. Tickets: $32.50-$38.50. Tickets and information: 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.org. minister of the American Baptist Churches. Sponsored by FaithBridge.

Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students.

Tickets can be obtained in many area faith communities and from any FaithBridge Board member. Information: www.faithbridgeinterfaith. org, Chaplain Suzanne Martinez, at suzanne.martinez@advocatehealth. com or the Rev. Anne S. Muelleman at revanne@newthoughtmchenry.org or 847-516-1950.

JAN. 21 CREATIVE LIVING SERIES WITH CANDICE MILLARD, 10 a.m. Jan. 21, Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. “Destiny of the Republic,” written by Millard, is an account of James Garfield’s rise from poverty to the American presidency.

Sponsored by the Woodstock Fine Arts Association. Tickets: $24. Tickets and information: 815-338-5300 or www. woodstockoperahouse.com.

WSR IMPROV & SKETCH COMEDY, 7 p.m. Jan. 21, Raue Center for the Arts,

26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Williams Street Repertory Improv Troupe will put on a slightly-scripted comedy extravaganza before the group’s improv show every third Thursday night.

The improv show is based entirely on audience suggestions and participation. Cost: Tickets: $10 at the door.

Information: 815-356-9212 or www. rauecenter.org.

JAN. 22 “4TH FRIDAYS” AT THE STARLINE GALLERY, 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 22, The Starline Factory, 306 W Front St., Harvard. A monthly art event held in a renovated, historic factory with a juried mixed art exhibit, photo contest, featured solo artist exhibit, open artist studios, people’s choice voting and live music. Admission: $5 a person.

Cash bar. Information: 815-347-8535, nancy@nancymerkling.com or www. nancymerkling.com/4th-fridays-atthe-starline-gallery.

Continued on page11

CROSS-COUNTRY CANDLELIGHT SKI, 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 22-23, Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 Route 23, Marengo. Skiers of every experience level and age are welcome, but must have their own equipment.

Gather around the campfire for refreshments after the trail. Trails will be groomed for skiing if there is 4 inches of snow or more. Not enough snow? Leave the skis at home and enjoy a candlelight hike, some hot refreshments around a campfire and the allure of the winter woods.

Information: 815-479-5779 or www. mccdistrict.org.

“GOONEY BIRD GREENE,” 7 p.m. Jan. 22, 2 & 7 p.m. Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Jan. 30, Woodstock High School Auditorium, 501 W. South St., Woodstock. The story of second-grader Gooney Bird, who transfers to a new classroom and the class is never the same again. Presented by the theater department at Woodstock High School. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students. Students with “Activity Pass” marked on their IDs and seniors with a “First Class Pass” receive free admission. Tickets and information: 815-338-4370. Tickets also can be bought at the door.

JAN. 23 4 ON 4 POND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 23, Woods Creek Lake, 228 Indian Trail, Lake in the Hills. Lace up your skates, grab your hockey stick and play for this year’s trophy. Cost: $125 a team to participate. Free to watch. Information: 847-960-7460, recreation@lith.org or www.lith.org.

CRYSTAL LAKE PARK DISTRICT’S CHILI OPEN, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 23 (rescheduled from Jan. 9), Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake. Teams will play a scramblestyle format with a longest drive, closest to the pin and other contests along the nine-hole course. All golfers receive a giveaway and a bowl of chili. In the event of inclement weather, event will be moved to Jan. 23. Food and beverage available to buy. Free coffee and doughnuts provided by Dunkin’ Donuts of Crystal Lake. No glass bottles permitted on the beach or lake. Tee times begin at 8 a.m. and are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Registration deadline: Jan. 18. Cost: $120 for a foursome. Information: 815-4590680 or www.crystallakeparks.org.

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM TOURNAMENT, 6 p.m. Jan. 23, Lake in the Hills American Legion Hall, 1101 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills. Hosted by the Algonquin Rotary Club. A $65 buy-in includes 125 chips, beer and dinner.

Must be 21 years and older. Limited to 70 players. Cash prizes for the top three players. Information and

REGIONAL JAN. 15

Frank Jay’s trio, Tony Hermanek (from left), Bill Jeffrey and Mike Delaney play for the crowd that gathered at last year’s the Groundhog Day Prognostication.

Northwest Herald file photo

GROUNDHOG DAYS WHEN: Jan. 24-Feb. 2 WHERE: Throughout Woodstock COST & INFO: A celebration of the making of the 1993 movie, “Groundhog Day,” filmed in Woodstock.

Events begin with the Awakening of the Groundhog Ceremony at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 on the Woodstock Square. At 7 a.m. Feb. 2, Woodstock Willie is set to make his Groundhog Prognostication, also on the Square. Other events include showings of the film, a wine party, a dinner dance, Groundhog Tales with storyteller Jim May, a chili cook-off, tours of filming sites, a bowling night, a concert, a movie symposium, a pancake breakfast and more. Most events are free, but some require advance tickets. For tickets and details on all events, visit www.woodstockgroundhog.org. registraiton: Ron Gorecki at 847875-9932 or rg461@aol.com.

JAN. 24 SHAKESPEARE FOLIO ACTING METHOD WORKSHOP, 1 to 3 p.m.

Jan. 24, McHenry Public Library, 809 N. Front St., McHenry. Participants ages 15 and older will learn how to read, act and block using the First Folio Method along with a bit of its history. Free. Registration and information: 815-385-0036 or www. mchenrylibrary.org.

JAN. 26 “SHAKESPEARE, NOT STIRRED: AN EVENING OF COMEDY, LOVE AND LAUGHTER,” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Middleton’s on Main, 110 S. Main St., Wauconda. The Northern Illinois First Folio Theater Ensemble will perform, and Middleton’s will offer a special “Shakespearean” drink menu and an Elizabethan-inspired appetizer buffet.

Appetizers are free, but there is a charge for beverages. Program sponsored by the Wauconda Area Library. Registration required. Information: 847-526-6225 or visit www.wauclib.org/contactus.asp.

JAN. 28 “IT’S TIME TO LAUGH WITH CHUCK SALVO,” 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28, Prairie Lodge at Drendel Ballroom, Sun City, 12880 Del Webb Blvd., Huntley. A finely tuned mixture of music and comedy. Cost: $10 residents, $15 nonresidents. Information: www. huntleychamber.chambermaster. com.

JAN. 29 “MY PERSONAL ANGEL,” Jan. 29-30 & Feb. 5-6, Woodstock High School, 501 W. South St., Woodstock. A student-written work by Woodstock High School junior Jacob Alfonso performed by the theater department at Woodstock High School.

The story of a young man who finds an unconventional ally along his path of growing up. Schedule: 7 p.m.

Jan. 29, 2 p.m. Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Feb. 5 and 2 & 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students. Students with “Activity Pass” marked on their IDs and seniors with a “First Class Pass” receive free admission. Tickets and information: 815-338-4370. Tickets also can be bought at the door.

WINTER ROOTS, 7 p.m. Jan. 29-30, Mackey’s Hideout, 2601 River Road, McHenry. A music festival featuring Henhouse Prowlers, Miles Over Mountains, The Leadfoot Band, Bone Jugs N Harmony, Anderlick, Otto & Church and more. Admission is $10 each night. For ages 21 and older.

Information: www.mackeyshideout. com.

JAN. 30 NORGE WINTER SKI JUMP TOURNAMENT, noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 30-31, Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove. Featuring competitions with ski jumpers from around the world competing on Norge’s 70-meter hill. Food and drinks available.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Admission buttons at a cost of $10 are good for both Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 and can be bought at local merchants and at www.norgeskiclub.com. After Jan. 29, buttons cost $11 at www. norgeskiclub.com. Buttons bought at the gate cost $15. Information: www.norgeskiclub.com.

CRYSTAL LAKE ANGLERS’ 43RD ANNUAL ICE FISHING DERBY, 7 a.m.

Jan. 30, Crystal Lake West Beach,

“BOEING BOEING,” Jan. 15 through Feb. 20, Riverfront Playhouse, 11 S. Water St., Aurora. A farce by Marc Camoletti. Swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier: a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But his perfect life gets bumpy when all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously and catastrophe looms. Schedule: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets: $17 adults, $15 seniors and students. Tickets and information: 630-897-9496 or www. riverfrontplayhouse.com.

JAN. 16 HOME BUILDING & REMODELING EXPO, eighth annual, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 16-17, Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Featuring hundreds of home improvement and remodeling exhibits, activities, live entertainment, food and more. Admission: $7 adults, $5 senior and students, free for children younger than 13.

Information: 630-468-2237 or www. homeshowevent.com.

JAN. 20 JANE AUSTEN, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20, Fox Lake District Library, 255 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake. Historical actress Debra Ann Miller will bring novelist Austen to life. Gain insight into the period of her life during which Austen finished her third novel, “Emma.”

Free. Information: 847-587-0198 or www.fllib.org.

JAN. 29 “UNCOMMON WOMEN AND OTHERS,” Jan. 29 through Feb. 14, PM&L Theatre, 877 N. Main St., Antioch.

Wendy Wasserstein’s dramatic comedy telling the story of alumnae from Mount Holyoke College meeting for lunch in 1978 to talk about their experiences, some raunchy, others sobering. Recommended for audiences age 16 and older. Schedule: 8 p.m. Jan. 29-30, Feb. 5-6 & 12-13; 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31, Feb. 7 & 14.

Tickets: $15 adults, $13 seniors and students. Tickets and information: 847-395-3055 or www.pmltheatre. com.

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2330 Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. Featuring raffles, food, prizes and big fish cash. Gate entry is $10. Tickets may be bought in advance at the Park District Administrative Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. The reschedule date is Feb. 13. Information: www.crystallakeparks.org.

Continued from page 10

REVIEW

NWHerald.com • Thursday, January 14, 2016

SOUNDS

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David Bowie appears in the video for “Lazarus,” the first single off his last album, “Blackstar.”

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FEATURED RELEASE David Bowie, “BLACKSTAR”

Review: David Bowie’s last album a profound final voyage

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VIEWS Jason Pfrommer

David Bowie’s last album was released Jan. 9. Even as I write those words, I still feel like they’re a joke. I half expect some bizarre social media post of Bowie holding the current newspaper in one hand and in the other a sign that reads, “You must be ‘Alladin Sane’ to think you’d get rid of me that easy.” That day, sadly, is not coming, nor do I think Bowie’s integrity ever would allow him to create a sign like that.

“Blackstar” is the title of Bowie’s recent release, and it’s left us with a new piece of an old glam rocker.

The album opens with an almost 10minute-long track that feels like several songs sewn together, creating a very unique sound to start Bowie’s final voyage. Heavy tones of experimental jazz, electronic and progressive rock ooze forth for about 4 minutes. The song then begins to twist and turn into something beautiful.

The strange part about this is the music suggests something much happier is about to take place when Bowie begins singing about death. The track finally slows down, and Bowie’s lyrics return to a pace that sounds more like a somber hymn than a joyful celebration. It then tapers off with the sporadic squeal of horns that drone

out into an electrical hum. This heavily experimental sound persists throughout the album’s entirety.

The rhythmic striking of singular piano keys and free-form style of the saxophone on Track 2 might not be something everyone understands or enjoys, but it is the perfect setup for Track 3.

“Lazarus” is the most profoundly beautiful song on “Blackstar,” and, while it still holds an element of experimental progressive rock, it begins to clear the music up. Sounds are pushed into ambient tones to allow the lyrics to shine through brightest on this track. Bowie’s lyrics on “Lazarus” are chilling, even after finding out he was aware his death was near before the album’s completion.

Themes of death and the inevitable end of life continue to come through in this album.

“Dollar Days” is the second to last song on the album and the least experimental.

A lot of Bowie’s references in his lyrics were more like final conversations with close friends and family than anything else. This track feels like it should have been the final one on the album.

The answers to questions – such as “What did you mean when you said that?” and “What happens next?” – are on the final track, “I Can’t Give Everything Away.” This track makes the album feel less than final, which is very unsettling to me because it has to be Bowie’s

last album, unless he knows something we don’t. (Of course he does, he’s David Bowie.) Once this final track plays, it feels like Bowie is saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll see you again,” rather than, “This is the absolute end for us.”

The push and pull of the album really helps you understand what Bowie was going through in those last 18 months.

Even with an album he planned to release around or near his death, Bowie still manages to give the masses something so profoundly different it can’t really be held up and compared against any of his previous work. As I sit here listening, trying to pick sounds apart, the best I can come up with is this album holds fragments of Bowie’s entire work. It’s so different because it’s all of Bowie hitting you at once. This by no means is a way for Bowie to rekindle the past. Instead, I think it was a way for the ultimate chameleon to finally bare his soul. This album contains a little bit of everything rolled up into one last message to the world. It may not always be pretty, but it is always real.

• Jason Pfrommer is a videographer for Shaw Media who graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in journalism. Pfrommer is a longtime vinyl collector and lover of music. He often can be heard quoting TV and movies and making pop culture references. He can be reached at jpfrommer@shawmedia.com.

SOUNDS

Our David Bowie tribute: 10 of the late icon’s best covers VIEWS Jason Pfrommer When you open your eyes on a Monday morning there are certain things you expect to happen. You expect the shower to not heat up as fast as you’d like. You expect to not want to make the drive into work.

You do not expect your wife to inform you one of your cultural heroes, David Bowie, died at the age of 69 the night before.

As I pulled out of my garage that morning, I noticed an uneasy stillness. Even though I was moving in my vehicle, I remember thinking, if I stepped outside, all life would stop around me. As I passed a large flagpole, Old Glory hung lifeless, gripping the side of the post as though it were in danger of falling. Monday morning seemed fated to be disastrous after the news of Bowie’s death following an 18-month battle with cancer.

I write today not to mourn the death of a rock star, but to celebrate the life of an icon – an icon so profound it would be hard not to imagine his influence still permeating the world we live in hundreds of

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Find our Top 10 David Bowie Covers playlist at NWHerald.com. years from now. There is so much of Bowie’s presence in things that hold, in some cases, more relevance than they did at the time of their creation – cartoons, music, movies, literature, fashion, comedy and a potentially infinite amount of other artforms.

“Venture Brothers” on Cartoon Network’s, “Adult Swim,” is riddled with Bowie references. The series portrayed the artist as having supernatural abilities. Musical groups have paid homage to Bowie through their lyrics, including Third Eye Blind, The Clash, Flight of the Conchords, Phish and so many more.

If this wasn’t enough to prove Bowie’s aura bathes all in its light, he also had countless collaborations with other artists, such as Freddy Mercury and Queen, Bing Crosby, Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, Trent Reznor and Tina Turner.

Will the Church of Bowie ever be a real establishment in which followers amass to pay homage to a recently fallen hero? Probably not to the extent a statement like that would lead you to imagine, but I would like to believe it already exists in some way, shape or form.

David Bowie in 1987

Bowie’s presence has commanded the attention of the masses for decades on end, giving them what they had no idea they actually wanted.

He pioneered so many things and was ridiculed for these displays, only to find his actions were setting the bar for what was to come. Bowie was the first recording artist to invest in his music. He opened the door for others wanting to invest and securitize their intellectual properties, including artists such as James Brown and Iron Maiden.

The styles, the hair, the music, the fashion, the entire scene was Bowie’s to command. Bowie wouldn’t just use these ideas to create a new trend, he would create new characters. Bowie was the mouthpiece of these characters, who all held far deeper meanings than simply to give the audience a new way to experience his show.

We are left with a body of work that, when listened to in chronological order, tells the story of a man who was able to be anything he wanted and played a pivotal role in the shape of pop culture.

In light of the recent tragic event, I have put together a playlist of my Top 10 David Bowie covers featuring Nirvana, Rogue Wave, M. Ward and many others. Enjoy.

From: Ground Control To: Major Tom “... May God’s love be with you.”

• Jason Pfrommer is a videographer for Shaw Media who graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in journalism. Pfrommer is a longtime vinyl collector and lover of music. He often can be heard quoting TV and movies and making pop culture references. He can be reached at jpfrommer@shawmedia.com.

David Bowie in a promotion for his last album.

Photos provided

By LINDSAY BAHR The Associated Press

David Bowie’s legend was as intrinsically tied to his aesthetic as it was to his genius as a musician. His striking looks and unique charisma made Bowie a natural fit for his own music videos and film. Here’s a look at his most memorable visual works:

“Space Oddity” – 1972

The concept is alarmingly simple – just a man and his guitar – but through clever cuts, an energetic animated wavelength and a saturated red tint to the visuals, Bowie and director Mick Rock made a truly iconic short film long before the music video had truly developed into a respected standalone art form.

“Life on Mars?” – 1973

Rock also directed the elegantly restrained video for “Life on Mars?” featuring Bowie in a pale blue suit with globs of thick eyeshadow that transform from blue to purple as Rock experiments with levels of saturation, adding a pop art element to the video.

“The Man Who Fell to Earth” – 1976 Filmmaker Nicolas Roeg took a chance on Bowie to lead his ponderous mind-bender “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” which finds an alien swept up by the pleasures and vices of the human race. Bowie’s Thomas Jerome Newton is sickly pale and rail thin with a shock of artificial-looking red hair. In his glowing New York Times review of the film, Richard Eder called Bowie’s casting “inspired” and his performance “extraordinary.”

“Ashes to Ashes” – 1980

This experimental and groundbreaking video co-directed by Bowie and his frequent collaborator David Mallet transports the viewer from scene to scene through tiny shards of glass

embedded with moving images. Bowie’s pale clown with the major scar and the big red lips leaves a lasting (and haunting) impression.

“Labyrinth” – 1986

Bowie dove headfirst into Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth,” a more child-friendly movie that has become somewhat of a cult classic after it was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Much of that cult status has to do with Bowie’s campy, song-filled performance as the spandexsporting Goblin King, Jareth.

“The Last Temptation of Christ”

– 1988 Bowie played Pontius Pilate in Martin Scorsese’s controversial epic.

“Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” – 1992

Bowie had a small, but pivotal, role in David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” spinoff film as missing FBI agent Phillip Jeffries, whose sudden reappearance and strange tales help set the tone for the film, which was derided at the time, but has since gained more esteem.

“Basquait” – 1996 Julian Schnabel recruited Bowie to play one of his greatest inspirations, Andy Warhol, whom he wrote a song about for his 1971 album “Hunky Dory,” in his 1996 biopic about postmodern artist JeanMichel Basquait.

“Zoolander” – 2001 Bowie played himself in Ben Stiller’s absurdist modeling spoof “Zoolander,” providing his services as the master of ceremonies of the hilarious “walk-off.”

“The Stars (Are Out Tonight)”

– 2013 Tilda Swinton plays Bowie’s wife in this surreal music video for the song from Bowie’s 2013 album “The Next Day.” The video also features Norwegian model Iselin Steiro as a young Bowie.

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THE GREAT CHAMELEON

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AREA CONCERTS & BANDS

McHENRY COUNTY JIMMY NICK SOLO SHOW, 9 p.m. Jan. 14, Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Information: www.thedukeabides.com.

NEIL DIAMOND BAND TRIBUTE BAND (DENNY DIAMOND), 7 p.m. Jan. 14, Prairie Lodge at Drendel Ballroom, 12860 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, Huntley. Diamond is one of the top Neil Diamond tribute artists worldwide. He will bring his sons, “The Jewels,” along, as well as his band. Cost: $17. Information: www.huntleychamber.org.

FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES FEATURING ROGER ADLER & THE BLUES DELUXE BAND, 8 p.m. Jan. 15, the Listening Room at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Adler is an in-demand guitarist and composer for commercials, film and TV. There also will be an open jam opportunity during the show. Cost: $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets and information: 815-455-8000 or www.lakesidelegacy.org.

JAZZ ON THE SQUARE JAZZ JAM, 8 to 11 p.m. Jan. 15, Stage Left Café, 125 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Experienced and beginner musicians and vocalists welcome. Jazz on the Square is a nonprofit organization that organizes jazz performances and jazz education.

Cost: $5 donation requested. Information: jazzonthesquare@gmail.com.

JOHNNY PAYNE & FRIENDS FROM THE BLUE OLIVE, 8 p.m. Jan. 16, Cool Music Stop, 10 N. Ayer St., Harvard. The band regulary performs at the House of Blues in Chicago. No cover charge.

Information: 815-943-6233.

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DANIEL SOUVIGNY, YOUNG PIANIST, 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 20, Prairie Lodge, 12880 Del Webb Blvd., Huntley. Fifteen-yearold Souvigny will play everything from Bach to familiar oldies to Scott Joplin and Fats Waller. Admission: $5 a person. Information: 847-515-7650 or www.sccah.com/events.

PATIO DADDY-O, 9 p.m. Jan. 23, The Cottage, 6 E. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. Featuring the music of the ’60s to today with classic rock and blues. A Two TONES performance with Tony G and Tony C acoustic duo. Bookings: 224-622-0472. The band also is set to perform at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at Next Door Pub, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and at 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Blackthorn Grille in Lake Villa.

SWITCHBACK, 8 p.m. Jan. 30, Woodstock Opera House, 121 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Featuring the awardwinning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack drawing on traditional Celtic music and original American songs that reflect their Irish heritage and Midwestern roots.

Cost: $25 all seats. Tickets and information: www.woodstockoperahouse.com or 815-338-5300.

WOODSTOCK COMMUNITY CHOIR, 3 p.m. Jan. 31, Woodstock Opera House, 121 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Featuring the winter concert “Long Time Traveler – Music from Around the World” including traditional and contemporary selections. Directed by Cassandra Vohs-Demann and assistant director Megan Kim and accompanied

by Debbie Lehmann. Free. For information on the choir, visit www. aplacetoshinemusic.com. Information: www.woodstockoperahouse. com or 815-338-5300.

REGIONAL KATIE’S CUP MUSICAL SERIES, 502 Seventh St., Rockford. Featuring lunchtime music each Saturday and a Thursday concert each month. Schedule: 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 14, Lone Canary with Pete Jonsson (opening act starts at 6:30 p.m.); 11 a.m.

Jan. 16, Nic Juric; 11 a.m. Jan. 23, Denise Lagrone; 11 a.m. Jan. 30, Luke McGowan.

Free admission. Donations accepted.

Information: 815-986-0628 or www. katiescup.com.

JUST GOODS LISTENING ROOM, 201 Seventh St., Rockford. Schedule: 7 p.m. Jan. 15, Cheryl Niemo and The Down Home Boys; 7 p.m. Jan. 22, Paper Airplane; 7 p.m. Jan. 29, David Hayes.

Shows are free. Information: 815-9658903 or www.justgoods.info.

ARCADA THEATRE CONCERTS, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Schedule: 8 p.m.

Jan. 16, Eagles Night with Heartache Tonight; 5 p.m. Jan. 17, The Osmonds; 8 p.m. Jan. 22, Air Supply; 8 p.m. Jan. 29, ZZ top frontman ... Billy Gibbons featuring Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown; 8 p.m.

Jan. 30, Jefferson Starship; 5 p.m. Jan. 31, Puccini’s Tosca. Ticket prices vary for each event. Tickets and information: 630-962-7000 or www.oshows.com.

HANS & THE HORMONES, 9:30 p.m.

Jan. 16, Mickey Finn’s Brewery, Libertyville. Feature pop, dance and rock from the ’80s to present. The band also is set to perform at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at The Gambler in McHenry. Bookings: 847-669-1424; hansmast@att.net or facebook.com/hans&thehormones.

ANDRE AND THE GIANTS, 3 p.m.

Jan. 24, Even Flow, 302 W. State St., Geneva. Featuring 13-year-old guitar wizard Andre Reilly of Algonquin as part of a benefit concert for Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin. The Chicago Music Guide benefit concert also will feature Hannah Frank and Scully’s All-Star Jam. Cost: $7 at the door. Information: www.evenflowmusic.com.

SWITCHBACK WHEN: 8 p.m. Jan. 30 WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock COST & INFO: Featuring the award-winning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack drawing on traditional Celtic music and original American songs that reflect their Irish heritage and Midwestern roots. Cost: $25 all seats. Tickets and information: www. woodstockoperahouse.com or 815-338-5300.

NIGHTLIFE

OPENING FRIDAY

Photo provided

READ MORE MOVIE REVIEWS ON OUR WEBSITE

‘NORM OF THE NORTH’ GOES SOUTH

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The new movies “Ride Along 2” (above) and “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” also are scheduled for release Friday. Find more reviews online at NWHerald.com.

By JEN CHANEY

The Washington Post

Think of every trope associated with animated family movies and you’ll find them all in “Norm of the North,” a thoroughly uninspired story of a polar bear trying to save his habitat from a hypocritical hippie seeking to develop condos in the Arctic.

Does “Norm of the North” focus on a protagonist who happens to be a furry creature? Yes (see above). Like most movie polar bears, Norm is terrible at hunting seals but very good at twerking.

Are there other even cuter creatures that serve as adorable comic relief? Yes. As Minions are to the “Despicable Me” movies, lemmings are to “Norm of the North.”

Does a lot of the film’s comedy rely on scatological humor? It does. Finally, a movie that’s brave enough to show what happens when cartoon lemmings pee into a fish tank.

Is there one scene that involves the characters gratuitously getting their groove on to contemporary pop songs?

More than one. Come on, the people who made “Norm of the North” are no slouches. They even manage to shoehorn a legitimate social issue – climate

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MOVIES

A scene from “Norm of the North.”

“NORM OF THE NORTH” STARRING: Rob Schneider, Heather Graham, Ken Jeong PLOT: Displaced from their Arctic home, a polar bear named Norm and his three lemming friends wind up in New York City, where Norm becomes the mascot of a corporation he soon learns is tied to the fate of his homeland.

RATED: PG for mild rude humor and action RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, 26 minutes change – into the movie’s plot in an effort to convince adults to take the movie semi-seriously.

What happens in “Norm of the North” is this: After learning of plans to build luxury real estate in the Arctic, where the ice is noticeably melting and cracking, Norm (voice of Rob Schneider) heads to New York to become the mascot for Greene Homes, the company behind the new development.

But the evil yet Zen-like Mr. Greene (Ken Jeong) and his reluctant marketing chief (Heather Graham) don’t realize Norm plans to transform from spokesperson to crusader for leaving his homeland untouched. He also, incidentally, hopes to find his missing grandfather (Colm Meaney).

There are a lot of things about “Norm of the North” that don’t make sense. For starters: Grandpa says only he and Norm can speak in a way humans understand. But every other animal in the movie also speaks English, making their special communication abilities a bit confusing. What’s more, the idea anyone would buy a condo in a remote section of the Arctic – where there appear to be zero amenities – is absurd.

Will your 7-year-old pick up on any of this? Probably not. They’ll be too busy laughing at urinating lemmings (see above).

At times, director Trevor Wall and his three screenwriters almost own up to what a mess they’ve made.

During a scene in which an attempt to shoot a commercial for Greene Homes goes awry, the commercial’s director says, “Anything can be fixed in post” (i.e., post-production). “In one of my movies, I wrote the plot in post!” It’s unclear whether this is a joke or a confession.

This much is clear: You and your kids could probably craft a richer, more exciting polar bear adventure using nothing but Klondike bar wrappers and the power of the imagination.

That’s a power that is sadly missing from “Norm of the North.”

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