March/April 2022 Spirit 2

vol. 5 no. 3

MARCH/APRIL 2022

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IT’S COMIN’ UP

MARCH/APRIL EVENTS MARCH

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Maple Syrup Hikes at Ryerson Woods run from noon to 2 p.m. Meet at the Brushwood Center, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods.

Learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Ryerson Woods is one of the few places in Lake County where conditions are right for maple syrup production, and where trees grow to a diameter and height that allows for tapping.

Everyone gets a taste. This program is held entirely outdoors; dress accordingly.

Registration required. Call 847-968-3321 for details.

Step by Step Productions is presenting the Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $5.

19 & 20 Maple Syrup Hikes

19 Deer Park St. Paddy’s 5K & 10K The annual Deer Park St. Paddy’s 5K & 10K begins at 7:15 a.m., at Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road.

All finishers will receive a commemorative pint glass and famous finish line shamrock cookies.

For more information, call 847-726-7755.

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Bubbles and Bonfire St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Susanna Farms

The Bubbles and Bonfire St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be from 5 to 9 p.m. at Susanna Farms, 24153 W. Town Line Road, Lake Villa.

Bubbles of beer, cider and wine along with St. Patrick’s Day appetizers served in the big barn with several bonfire areas outside to enjoy the sunset and hang out with friends.

For more information, call 224-426-1951.

20 Bringing Back Bluebirds

Bringing Back Bluebirds will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at Volo Bog State Natural Area.

The event features an in-person talk and workshop with Jeff Aufman of McHenry County Audubon.

Learn about bluebirds’ comeback and how you can help them and other cavity nesters.

Registration is requested by emailing to dnr. voloblog@illinois.gov. Admission is free.

For more information, call 815-344-1294.

The RV Outlet Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Free admission and parking.

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Princesses & Superheroes at Volo

Princesses & Superheroes at Volo Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Volo Museum is partnering up with Costumers for a Cause to give children an unforgettable experience. Any child, that is 12 years old or younger, dressed up in their favorite costume, gets admission into Volo Museum for free.

For more information, call 815-385-3644.

Spirit IS A PUBLICATION OF

Festival of Arts and Crafts

9 Lindy’s Wedding Expo 2022

Lindy’s Wedding Expo will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lindy’s Landing Restaurant & Marina, 115 Park St., Wauconda. Admission is $10.

For more information, call 847-526-9789.

9 Maker Faire

The Lake County Maker Faire will be at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Free admission. For more information, call 847-543-2046.

9 Fox Lake Egg Hunt

Egg-Citing Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast in Fox Lake, 8 to 11 a.m. at Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd. Egg hunt starts at 10 a.m.

The Bunny Breakfast hosted by the Fox Lake Lions Club will serve pancakes, sausage links, coffee, milk and juice. Cost for breakfast is $7 per person, $6 for ages 62 and older and free for kids 3 and younger. Egg hunt is free for resident children and $2 for non-resident children.

For more information, call 224-225-1404.

16 Antioch Easter Parade & Egg Hunt

Easter Parade at 10:30 a.m. and Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. at William Brook Entertainment Center (Bandshell) in downtown Antioch. For more information, call the Village of Antioch Parks Department at 847-395-2160 or visit www.antioch. il.gov.

19 Adopt-A-Road Volunteer Days

Adopt-A-Road Volunteer Days with Friends of Volo Bog, 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Volo Bog State Natural Area. Adults (and kids 10 years old and older with a responsible adult) can join the team.

All equipment is provided. Registration at 815-344-1294.

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Bike Resale

Bikes and accessories on sale. Contact the Village of Antioch Parks Department at 847-395-2160 for details.

ONGOING Saturdays

Guided tours of Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 West Brandenburg Road, Ingleside, happen most Saturdays from 11 to 1 p.m.

Individuals, families and small groups welcome. Groups of seven to 12 can make arrangements for a private group tour by calling 815-344-1294.

Admission if free.

GENERAL MANAGER

Sue Z. Lange EDITOR IN CHIEF

Ed Nadolski EDITOR

Tracy Ouellette ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vicki Vanderwerff CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Heather Ruenz SECTION DESIGNER

Jennifer DeGroot SALES

Pete Hansen Tamera Hamilton DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Lindy Sweet

The Spirit of The Lakes is a complimentary publication, distributed throughout the Chain O’ Lakes and Kenosha County area. Keeping up with the same great tradition as the Spirit of Geneva Lakes.

Send all correspondence to:

The

Spirit

SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS 1102 Ann Street Delavan, WI 53115

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SPIRIT of THE LAKES • March/April 2022

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Guy Finley performs “Shouldn’t I Be Less In Love With You” alongside Caryl Davidson

SPIRIT of THE LAKES • March/April 2022

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Show

goes on For residents of Antioch and the Chain O’Lakes region, the PM &L Theatre is the place to enjoy high quality live entertainment. The theatre though has suffered through the pandemic as most other businesses have with closures and restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located in the historic theatre building on Main Street in downtown Antioch, PM&L Theatre has once again returned to production, providing live entertainment to the community. It is exciting to see the lights back on in the 1914 theatre and productions again open for the entertainment of the community.

“We were ready to open a new

production in 2020 when the lockdown occurred. Since we were ready to go, we left the set on the stage waiting for the State of Illinois’ decision on whether could reopen,” said Guy Finley, vicepresident of marketing for the theater and a member of the performing group.

Unfortunately, the reopening did not occur as quickly as expected.

In December 2021 the stage set was removed and another put up for the holiday favorite, “A Christmas Carol.”

Finley said the response was amazing and the show became the third highest grossing production. Each year during the Christmas holiday season a different holiday play is presented.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

The

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Local theater group returns to live production There is a three-year cycle with “A Christmas Carol” being presented one year, “A Christmas Story” possibly the next and then a random Christmas movie that changes before going back to “A Christmas Carol” the following season.

In February, they moved on to open the popular play,” Love You, Your Perfect Now Change,” an adult comedy that was enjoyed by full audiences for the three weekends it played.

“Our seasons usually start in August but not so this year. This should have been our 60th season but because it is not a full season nor was our last one, we are calling it our 59th-and-a-half season,” shared Finley. “Next year when we go

back to full seasons, we will celebrate our 60th season.”

Forming the group The PM&L theatre stands for Palette, Masque, and Lyre, the symbols of the artist, the actor, and the musician. The group came together in 1960, when 12 people, interested in producing art work, plays and concerts, each contributed $10 giving the group a grand total of $120 to bring culture to Antioch. The goal was to produce shows, music and art exhibits, which would benefit local community groups such as the Antioch Women’s Club, the Lake County Mental Health Group, and various local school PTA organizations.

It did not take long to realize that the group needed to expand to be able to produce programs for the community with some regularity. Membership was broadened to provide help with the productions and funds to support the theater productions, especially needed once the PM&L group found a home.

Theatre opened in 1914 and was located adjacent to the Antioch Fire Department. from top right: The Crystal Theatre opened in 1914 as a venue for silent movies and vaudeville acts. The elegant marquee and decorative front of the building stood out on Main Street.

Its name was changed to the Lakes Theatre in 1954; The PM&L Theatre as it appears today.

The community theater group purchased the building in 1982 and has since purchased the adjoining building; An artist’s rendering depicts the new marquee that the PM&L Theatre group is raising funds to create. They hope to have the theater’s façade appear much as it did in the early 1900s.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Spirit of the Lakes

SPIRIT of THE LAKES • March/April 2022

above: The building that now houses PM&L

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That home was to become the Crystal Theatre, built in 1914 as a Vaudeville house and a place to enjoy the silent movies of the day. It was perfect for performing and located in the center of the community’s business district on Main Street. It was here residents came to enjoy silent movies and vaudeville shows as they were presented. In 1946 the name of the building was changed to The Lakes Theatre where the focus was showing movies especially the newer talkies until it closed in 1954.

The PM&L group was offered the chance to rent the old Crystal Theatre in 1963. With the responsibility of the upkeep of the theater it became obvious they needed to increase their group membership. They began to produce more programs to allow them to develop the additional funding.

The increase in membership also provided more volunteer hands. They were successful enough to not only manage to maintain the building but in 1982, they had enough funds to purchase the building, although they did so with some trepidation.

Over the years the space has been remodeled and updated for the comfort of those attending the shows, numbers which continue to rise.

They went on to purchase the building next door, a storefront, after receiving a

donation. This building had been built around 1940. This space was converted to Tribute Hall, which offers drinks and snacks one hour before curtain and during intermission. The hall also added some practice space and room for smaller productions. Improvements to the building continue to be made.

Pandemic response To safely reopen to the public and to still protect their guests and cast members, many improvements and changes have been initiated during the pandemic. .

Originally, refreshments could be purchased and taken into the theater to be enjoyed while watching the performance.

Because of COVID this has changed.

In the theater itself all guests must wear masks at all times. Eating and drinking in the theatre is no longer allowed.

These changes were initiated before the state put in their restrictions according to PM&L management as they were concerned about their guests.

Tribute Hall will still offer drinks and snacks one hour before the performances and during intermission but they must be enjoyed in Tribute Hall and not taken into the theater. Drinks will be served in individual containers, while snacks will be individual servings. They ask that when you remove your mask to drink or

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eat that you remain with your own group, maintaining a distance from other visitors.

“We have also introduced no cash purchases either at the box office or at the concession stands,” shared Finley. “We do not require proof of vaccination for attendance at our performances.”

While these restrictions have been in place, decisions about the future may have to be made as the State of Illinois is considering changes in mask mandates.

That decision for the theatre will be made by theater management. Contact the theatre for current COVID-19 restrictions before you attend.

They have also hired a professional cleaning company to provide a thorough cleaning of the theatre between performances to assure cleanliness for the patrons.

Visitors can be assured that breathing the air at PM&L Theatre is safe, according to the management.

Before reopening to the public, the theater installed new air purifier systems to the heating ventilation and air conditioning system that makes the whole theater safe with fresh air for all to breathe, management said.

During the pandemic when the theater was closed cast members worked together to produce and record two classic plays during the summer. These productions were “Sweet and Twenty” and the second

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was “Yesterday.” These one act plays could be downloaded for a donation of $10 to be enjoyed at home and are still available.

Downtown dining After spending so much time at home during the pandemic, are you now ready for some time out with friends and family? Are you ready to enjoy a live play? Why not make it a regular dinner and show evening with friends?

Check out the many restaurants in downtown Antioch to find a comfortable place for dinner before an evening performance or after an afternoon matinee. Downtown Antioch offers a variety of restaurants, one that is sure to have something to please your palate. It will turn your visit to a play into a complete night out.

“We are working to provide a partnership with some of the local restaurants so that a combination play and dinner can be purchased as a complete package,” Finley said.

Upcoming productions With the successful presentation of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” in February, they have gone on to stage their next performance. Auditions for the Tennessee Williams” play, “The Glass Menagerie,” were held in late February.

The play is said to have been written as a somewhat autobiographical work by noted playwright Williams, featuring characters based on himself, his mother and his mentally fragile sister. Premiering in 1944, “The Glass Menagerie” continues to attract viewers. The production will open in April. It is suggested that you purchase tickets as soon as possible to get your best choice of seats.

Following “The Glass Menagerie,” a bawdy, adult comedy, “The Old Ringers,” will open in May. According to Finley, this is strictly adult fair, not the play to bring your children.

At this time PM&L Theatre is embarking on its first capital campaign to replace the marquee and install one that will return the look of the facade more in line with its 1914 look.

“We are attempting to raise $50,000 ourselves,” said Finley, “and are grateful for any additional funding or matching funds.”

Volunteering

top: Chris Hagendorn performs in the recent production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” bottom: Caryl Davidson is pictured performing in a presentation of “Always a Bridesmaid.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Spirit of the Lakes

SPIRIT of THE LAKES • March/April 2022

PM&L Theatre has been a volunteer group since it was first organized almost 60 years ago. The theater continues to work with volunteers to build the sets, act in the productions, serve refreshments during productions along with serving as ushers for productions and anything else that needs to be done to continue providing the community with artistic endeavors.

Many of the volunteers are long-term members who work for the group in a variety of ways. Finley has been a member since he appeared in his first production here in 1985 when he was 13 years old.

“It was there that I met the woman who was to become my wife as she too was in that production. Of course, it was years later before we became a couple,” Finley said.

The theater group is always looking for volunteers and donations and volunteers are always appreciated.

PM&L Theatre is at 877 Main St., Antioch.

To volunteer or to purchase tickets, reach them at 847-3953055 or online at www.pmltheatre.com.

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On display Dunn Museum offers traveling exhibits

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Traveling exhibitions In addition to the exhibits at the museum, there is also the traveling exhibition program that offers a number of exhibits that can be erected at an institution such as a library, school, museum or other learning center.

“We have been promoting these exhibitions for the past two years,” said Robin Hill, exhibit manager for the Bess Bower Dunn Museum. “At the present time we have four traveling exhibits that can be rented for display.”

The four exhibitions were all curated by the Dunn Museum and have been exhibited at various times throughout the years both at the museum and at other locations. Right now, three of the four exhibitions are on display.

“We are dedicated to sharing the entwined stories of people, events and nature through exhibitions, education and community engagement. At the Dunn Museum our passion is to explore history as a vibrant force that connects us all through time. Our vision is to encourage and inspire others to make a positive influence in their communities and our world,” Hill said.

The traveling exhibits include “The Art of Alex Ross,” “Walter Payton, A Picture is Worth 1,000 Yards,” “Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution” and “Adlai E. Stevenson II 1953 World Tour, Around the World in 180 Days.”

The art of Alex Ross is displayed at the Dunn Museum in his traveling exhibition. A variety of his works are hung throughout the gallery.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

SPIRIT of THE LAKES • March/April 2022

When the Discovery Museum of Lake County closed in 2015 at its Wauconda location it took over a year and a half for it to reopen in Libertyville at the Lake County Forest Preserve Headquarters.

Not only did it reopen in a different space, much larger than before, but it also was given a new name – The Bess Bower Dunn Museum.

The museum was named in honor of Dunn, who is regarded as the first Lake County historian and who has done more to preserve Lake County’s history than any other individual, according to a statement

by Andrew Osborne, superintendent of education for the Lake County Forest Preserves at the opening of the new museum space.

Dunn was also well known for several other firsts, including being one of the first women to be photographed in a motion picture, the first assistant probate clerk for Lake County and one of Lake County’s earliest genealogists.

She was a founding member of the Lake County Historical Society and collected some of the early items now under the

ownership of the museum. She was among the first to promote the county’s history through lectures.

Today, the museum and the Lake County Forest Preserves continue to provide lectures and displays to promote history.

When wandering through the museum, look for the displays where more about Dunn can be found.

Moving a museum requires taking down exhibits, cataloguing and providing safe travel for the artifacts. Then they must redesign the exhibits to fit the new space. This is a time-consuming and laborintensive job. However, the move to the new location has been a positive for the museum.

Dunn is an interactive museum of history, art and pop culture enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The displays are professionally curated by staff curators, who provide displays to attract visitors and teach them about the historical objects on display.

One of the new additions when the museum was the addition of the dinosaur Dryptosaurus who stands in the entry to greet visitors; it is enjoyed especially by the young who all seem to be in love with dinosaurs.

The Dunn Museum is a favorite visiting place for families especially at this time of year when many students are on spring break.

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The Art of Alex Ross Hill said The Art of Alex Ross has been tremendously popular is the most requested exhibit at this time.

At a time when superheroes are so popular both in comic books and movies, it is not surprising Ross has been considered one of the greatest artists in his field of comic book illustrations. The display commands the most attention.

For about 30 years, Ross’ work has delighted fans of the superhero comic books, young and old alike. Some fans have followed him for the entire 30-year period he has been creating superheroes. He has created and revitalized many of the classic super heroes, turning them into fine works of art.

Some of his art creations include Spiderman, Captain America, Iron Man, the Black Panther, the Avengers, Storm from X-Men and many more.

The display contains a variety of framed works by Ross and the history of his development into the most prominent of artists in

above: Painted by Alex Ross, this picture of

Captain America was the cover of the 2018 Marvelocity. right: Hall of Famer Walter Payton is photographed with a smile and waving to fans. His traveling exhibit includes a variety of photographs taken by professional sports photographers.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Spirit of the Lakes

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The Bess Bower Dunn Museum makes its home in the headquarters of the Lake County Forest Preserve District at 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

Around the World in 180 Days The Adlai Stevenson II traveling exhibition will be of interest to those who follow Illinois politics. Stevenson was the governor of Illinois from 1949-53.

He ran for president as the Democratic

candidate on two occasions, 1952 and 1956, without success. He tried to become the Democratic candidate again in 1960 but lost to John F. Kennedy. He also served as the ambassador to the United Nations from 1961 to 1965.

The traveling exhibit, Adlai E. Stevenson II 1953 World Tour, Around the World in 180 Days, is a photographic experience that follows Stevenson around the world as he met with leaders of many countries. He was hired to take this trip by Look magazine in 1953, during the Cold War. On the six-month journey, Stevenson had the privilege of meeting with the heads of state of 38 nations. Among them was the recently coronated 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth II of England, Chiang Kai-shek of China and Ben Gurion of Israel.

During the trip, Stevenson evaluated the social, political and economic conditions in each nation.

The traveling exhibition is on view at Stevenson’s historical home in Mettawa in Lake County. To view the exhibit and the

Stevenson home, it is suggested that prior to going to the site that one should check the calendar on the website for days and times to visit as they are not open each day.

Go to www.lcfpd.org/calendar for more information.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Yards Walter Payton, A Picture is Worth 1,000 Yards: Sports Photography of Walter Payton is the traveling exhibition that honors the life and accomplishments of Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton. The display is a collection of photographs taken by sports photographers throughout his career and stories submitted by professional sports writers across the country.

Payton who played for the Chicago Bears and lived in Barrington was a local hero. The display is a testament to his driving passion and he was known for his sweet nature, thus his nickname “Sweetness.”

The Payton exhibition is not on

SPIRIT of THE LAKES • March/April 2022

his field. Drawings from his latest book, “Marvelocity,” are on display along with information about his life.

Ross described his development in this way, “Once upon a time, there was a little boy who decided that drawing superheroes was his only realistic option if he couldn’t actually be one.”

The closest place to enjoy the exhibit is at the Sheboygan County Historical Society and Museum where it will be on display from April 2 to June 6. After that it moves to Florida and then out to several western states.

The exhibit is booked with hosting venues through the beginning of 2025. The is now accepting new bookings for time slots in 2025.

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display at this time but is available to book. Contact Hill at 847-968-3394 or email her at rhill@LCFPD.org for more information.

Pop Culture Revolution The fourth traveling exhibit is the Bill Sienkiewicz Pop Culture Revolution. The new exhibition is the story of Sienkiewicz for his revolutionary work on the style of comic and graphic art over the past 40 years. He has received an Emmy nomination and has won an Eisner award for his work.

Sienkiewicz is known as a classically trained painter, influenced by both modern and abstract expressionist artists. He is well known for his graphic novel “Stray Toasters.”

The traveling exhibit is on display at the Dunn Museum where it can be seen from April 16 through Sept. 5. For information about hosting the exhibit, contact Hill.

At this time there are only four traveling exhibits sponsored by the Dunn Museum. That does not mean that there will not be more exhibits in the near future.

“We are always working on new

ideas for exhibitions,” Hill said.

Check the Dunn Museum website at www.lcfpd.org/museum for more.

The Bess Bower Dunn Museum is at 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville.

The museum is always looking for volunteers. Contact the volunteer coordinator at 847-367-6640 for more information. Donations are also always appreciated.

above: This sketch of the Mad Hatter for Jokers Asylum II created in 2010 by Bill Sienkiewicz. left: Queen Elizabeth II meets with Adlai Stevenson in London on his trip to Europe sponsored by Look magazine.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Spirit of the Lakes

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dreams become reality.

Located on the east side of Lake Geneva, Rock Central is a vibrant and exciting music school for all ages that creates a warm learning environment.

It offers a unique method of learning that focuses not only on learning to play a

by Sandra Landen Machaj specific musical instrument but encourages CORRESPONDENT on-stage performance and provides the Most children dream of playing a musical opportunity to do so for all students. instrument at some point in their lives. But a Rock Central offers classes on a variety dream that is not fulfilled in childhood may of musical instruments and also offers vocal continue into adulthood. lessons. Their teachers do not just teach but If it is the dream of the child in your are also professional musicians, who are home or the dream of the child still in you, it active in the music scene. Some have their is time to visit Rock Central and make these own bands while others have appeared with

Rock Central schools all ages on the fine art of rock and roll

COURTESY OF ROCK CENTRAL Spirit of the Lakes

well-known performers.

A drummer at heart Jamo Van De Bogert is one such teacher.

He grew up in Walworth and is a graduate of Big Foot High School. He became interested in music at the age of 5, when he began drumming on any surface.

“By fifth grade I was in the school band and music became my life,” he said.

“I continued to play drums through high school and college and traveled with many musical groups.”

Among the musicians he has accompanied or with whom he has done production work are the Allman Brothers,

SPIRIT of THE LAKES • March/April 2022

THE LAKES AREA

At Rock Central in Lake Geneva, students have the chance to collaborate with their instructors during on-stage group rehearsals and performances.

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Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin and the group Phish.

He began teaching drum lessons after returning to the area in 2010, which led to the opening of a School of Rock Franchise in Williams Bay with friends Lisa and Dave Sharpe.

“We found that working as a franchise was not accomplishing our goals for the music studio.

So, we closed the studio, formed a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and moved to Lake Geneva where we opened Rock Central,” said Van De Bogert, who in addition to teaching drums, serves as vice president of Rock Central’s governing board.

“We do not just teach music lessons but we also focus on performance. Every student has the opportunity to perform,” he added. “We provide opportunities for them to play in the community by performing at local festivals and at various music venues in the area.”

SPIRIT of THE LAKES • March/April 2022

Music makes the place

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After visiting Rock Central there is no doubt music is the center of it universe. With a performance stage visible as one enters the main room and a number of private lesson studios located throughout the venue, it offers a professional vibe.

Musical instruments adorn the stage and microphones are just waiting for someone to bring them to life.

“The school offers many genres of music but they are focused around rock and roll and other music from the past,” said Rickie Wetzel, manager of Rock Central. “We are a performancebased program. Each student receives one private lesson of 45 minutes each week and a second lesson of an hour and a half with their group working on musical pieces they will be playing for their show.”

Before she became manager for the studio, Wetzel was a student here.

“I sing professionally for my husband’s band, the Big Al Wetzel Band. I took some classes to improve my voice and later was offered the job of manager of the studio,” shared Wetzel.

It has now become a family affair as her husband teaches

a variety of instruments at Rock Central, along with writing music and playing professionally.

Performance is emphasized The classes offered begin with the 101 series for those between 5 and 10 years of age who have not had any musical training. The next group is the 201 students who range from 11 to 15 years of age. The high school group is known as the Show Rockers. There is also an adult group for those over 19 years of age.

The separate House Band consists of 4 or 5 of the best musicians in the school. They always have a set list and are available to perform for community events. They may be seen and heard at local fests and fundraisers.

Performance is considered an important part of the student’s education in music. While some students may be very reticent about performing in public, they become more comfortable as they play together with the other students. Their weekly sessions help them overcome any shyness before they play for the public.

Their quarterly performances before an audience adds to their stage presence as they build confidence in both their musical ability and their stage confidence.

“The earlier one gets into music the better,” said Alex Vino, bass teacher at Rock Central. “Young children – even younger than 3 years of age – love to dance and follow the rhythm of the music and sing along. Rhythm is so natural to the child. We do also offer classes in rhythm and movement to very young children. And you are never too old to start classes.”

All comers welcome One of the advantages of the show program, according to Vina, is that the students not only learn to play an instrument but they learn more about the history of music. By performing they also learn skills such as setting up and taking down the microphones and sound

top: Student Vaughn Schramm works with guitar teacher Chase Albrecht. Albrecht is a former student of Rock Central who has since joined the faculty. above: The Show Rockers present a show on the patio at the Ridge Hotel. Pictured are Annie McEneany and Kaya Griffin.

COURTESY OF ROCK CENTRAL Spirit of the Lakes

systems and the importance of performing a sound check before each performance.

“We encourage students with challenges such as ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome or other conditions to speak with us first before ruling music out,” added Wetzel. “Sometimes music helps them to overcome their challenges and gives them confidence as they develop social skills with their group.”

A free trial lesson where the teacher works with the student to evaluate how best to pursue that student’s musical education is available for any student before signing up for classes.

Donations to support Rock Central come from a variety of businesses and from individuals.

The school does some fundraising such as the monthly meat raffle held at Endzone Sports Bar and Grill in Delavan.

Check the website calendar for dates.

Rock Central is at 750 Veterans Parkway, Lake Geneva.

Contact the school by phone at 262-374-0182.

To arrange an appointment contact Manager Rickie Wetzel at rickie@rockcentral.org or visit them online at www. rockcentral.org.

Rock Central is usually open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend hours are limited because the faculty consists of professional musicians who generally are performing on weekends.

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