Events Calendar

Terry Newell has chosen The Legacy Theater in Carthage to present the Sue Newell Scholarship Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. Newell has lined up another great cast of performers for the third annual scholarship showcase.
This year’s artists include Mary Lynn Metternich Arms, a Broadway performer, now in Hamilton. Brad Culpepper is a powerful singer of opera and show music. Bill Maakestad is a retired law professor at Western Illinois University, who specializes in storytelling and ballads. He is joined by Lysa Fox, the head of the WIU musical theater department, who has an extensive resume as a performer, director, and actress.
Tenor Danny Lasswell has sung in many places, including The Legacy Theater in last year’s production of "A Christmas Wish." Nalani Proctor is an amazing singer/songwriter. Nalani will join with her parents, Dan and Lana Proctor, who are music teachers and performers, and Peggy Moss in a group called The Islanders, for a lively mix of Irish and Hawaiian tunes. Pianist Janet Carlisle will accompany the performers.
This show has no set ticket price, with all freewill donations going to the Sue Newell Scholarship Fund. The variety show featuring local and regional talent is a rental event hosted at the theater, produced by Newell in memory of his late wife, Sue. “This is the third year for this memorable event,” said Newell, who will emcee the evening. “The showcase celebrates Sue’s impact on arts and education, creating a touching community experience with a vibrant array of talent.”

The Hickory Ridge Concert Series welcomes Ukulele Master Lil Rev back to the stage Saturday, October 17th at 7:00 pm at the historic Ellisville Opera House in Ellisville, IL. Rev is a longtime series favorite and an award-winning master of the harmonica and the ukulele. He’s a witty, engaging performer who is rapidly gaining national attention for his entertaining and informative performances. 
Lil Rev’s shows are fast-paced and fun, covering a wide range of styles from Stephen Foster songs to Delta Holler Blues to the music of Tin Pan Alley. A seasoned multi-instrumentalist equally adept with a flat-pick guitar, old-time banjo, or blues mandolin, he was Hohner's 1996 National Blues Harmonica Champion and was inducted into The Traditional Old-Time Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003. He has been described as “an immensely talented and entertaining performer (whose) concise, eloquent, and witty introductions add to the fun! This man knows music, instruments, history, cultures, and most of all, how to engage and captivate an audience.”

Come out to Little Creek Alpacas on Sun., Oct. 18th from 1 pm-5 pm for our 2026 Season Grand Opening! Enjoy 22 alpacas roaming in a free-range setting where you can hand-feed them, a 2-acre pond you can fish in, a small white-sand beach filled with toys for the kids, and more! Don't miss out on our last Alpaca Beach Party of the 2026 season!
The 19th Hole will join us this year with their tasty menu items and delicious drinks, including the best lemon shake-ups around! Hickory Ridge Homestead will have Fluff the Angora rabbit (weather permitting), and will also be doing spinning demonstrations, so you can see how our alpaca fiber is spun into yarn! Quesal Puppet Troupe will be performing a special puppet show at 2 p.m., and The Toddy Pop Company will be joining us with balloon twisting & entertainment to make the day extra fun. Paint The Sky Blue will have a paint station where you can paint different wooden items (frogs, butterflies, etc.) for $8, which would make a great handmade gift for a loved one. DJ Megan will be providing our beach party tunes, and there will be several other artisans to shop with too - stay tuned for the full list of vendors!
Cups of grain to hand-feed the alpacas will be available for $5/cup, and we'll have all of our alpaca products for sale in the red shelter. Fishing is allowed; our pond is stocked with mostly bass, but there are a few catfish in there somewhere. Bring your own fishing pole; we don't have any available. The beach has lots of toys for the kids to play with; this is a family-friendly environment. There is no swimming in the pond because I can't afford a lifeguard, but you can still get your feet wet and get water for your sandcastles. We do recommend dressing the kids in swim attire and/or bringing extra clothes and a towel, so they can get wet and have fun in the sand. We've added an additional play area away from the pond, near the food and vendor area.
No pets, no smoking, and no chasing the alpacas. Please be kind and respectful to others. Disinfectant hand wipes & hand sanitizer are available; there is no hand sink. We have a sprinkler and a baby pool filled with water for rinsing off. There is a handicap-accessible port-a-potty.**Please note: this is not a petting zoo. Alpacas are similar to a timid cat; they like to get to know you on their own terms. If you insist on trying to pet them before you've earned their trust, they will walk or run away from you - the more you insist, the more they will retreat. Be patient and let them come up to you on their own for the best experience. Hand-feeding grain always helps with the introduction and will entice them to come up to you.

FREE ADMISSION for all of our 2026 Alpaca Beach Parties! Donations are always appreciated but never expected.

The Veterans’ Home at Quincy celebrates its 140th anniversary, also known as Founder’s Day, with a program highlighting its rich history, entertainment, games, and lunch provided for the residents. Founded as the Soldiers and Sailors Home, it is now home to 281 veterans and their spouses. As part of Illinois’ commitment to veterans, over the past year, a state-of-the-art domiciliary and a long-term care building were opened. The Home, set on 210 historic acres, is the backdrop for these stunning buildings that provide its residents with elevated care, set in a modern and welcoming environment. This momentous milestone celebrates the Home, its staff, and its continued dedication to serving those who served.

ArcoStrum, a dynamic violin and guitar duo, brings an exciting and innovative concert experience to the Grand Theatre. Featuring violinist Strauss Shi and guitarist TY Zhang, ArcoStrum combines classical tradition with creative programming, performing music ranging from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Chinese traditional music to progressive rock.

Winners and Audience Prize recipients of the 2023 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, ArcoStrum has performed for audiences across North America, Asia, and Latin America. Their energetic performances, engaging stage presence, and unique combination of violin and guitar have made them one of the distinctive ensembles of the new generation.

The duo's name combines arco, the Italian word for the violin bow, and strum, the gesture of sweeping across guitar strings, reflecting their unique musical partnership.

Join the Keokuk Concert Association for an evening of creative, inspiring, and dynamic music with ArcoStrum at the Grand Theatre. Concert and ticket information at https://www.keokukconcertassociation.org/

Unseen//Unheard is the low-flute duo of Rose Bishop and Heather Neuenschwander, a fearless collaboration built on the belief that sound can be both resistance and revelation. Specializing in the rarely spotlighted voices of alto and bass flute, the duo pushes their instruments—and the tradition they come from—into radically new territory.
Free & open to the public.

Thursday Night Jazz at Smokin’ Willies BBQ
A Galesburg tradition for more than 30 years—every Thursday night starting Sept 17th!
Join us for Jazz Night with the Knox Cherry Street Combo, featuring special events throughout the fall term. Musicians, come sit in with the band!
Every Thursday | Sept. 17–Nov. 12
7:00–10:00 PM (some special nights begin earlier)
FREE admission | All ages welcome
Full bar + the best BBQ around
Smokin’ Willies BBQ | Galesburg, IL

Special Events:
October 15 — Matt Wilson’s Leap Day Trip
Masterclass at 6:00 PM
Jazz Night performance to follow
October 29 — Galesburg High School Vocal Jazz Ensembles and the Cherry St combo
November 5 — Mirza Residency at Jazz Night
Featuring Jenny Scheinman’s All Species Parade

Step into a world of rhinestones, powerhouse vocals, and unforgettable country magic with THE DOLLY SHOW — the spectacular theatrical concert that brings the spirit, sound, and sparkle of Dolly Parton to life like never before. Backed by a sensational live band, THE DOLLY SHOW takes audiences on a high-energy musical journey through six decades of Dolly’s greatest hits. 

From the heartache of Jolene to the anthemic joy of 9 to 5, from the timeless beauty of I Will Always Love You to the irresistible fun of Islands in the Stream, every moment is crafted to celebrate the music, wit, and warmth of the Queen of Country. This is no ordinary tribute concert — it’s a full-scale theatrical experience. Expect dazzling costumes dripping in rhinestones, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning vocals, and the kind of storytelling charm that has made Dolly a global icon. The atmosphere is electric, the energy infectious, and the connection with the audience unmistakably genuine.

At the heart of the production is Kelly O’Brien, the world’s most acclaimed Dolly Parton tribute artist-endorsed by the Parton family and chosen by Dolly Parton Enterprises as Dolly’s official body double for film. Her uncanny voice, mannerisms, and warmth elevate the show from a tribute to a true celebration. Whether you’re a lifelong Dolly fan or love a great night out, THE DOLLY SHOW delivers an evening of joy, nostalgia, and pure entertainment a glittering love letter to one of music’s greatest legends.

Come celebrate Oktoberfest in Nauvoo! On Friday, October 23rd, at the Knights of Columbus Hall from 5 to 9 pm. Enjoy live polka music, German food, and a good time of fellowship!  Hosted by the Nauvoo Historical Society and the Knights of Columbus.

**CALLING ALL WIU MUSIC ALUMNI!**
This Homecoming, we invite you to celebrate the long-awaited opening of the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts with our School of Music Celebration Concert. We want YOU to be part of it!
Here's how you can participate:
- Attend the concert on Friday night and cheer enthusiastically!
- Perform with the current WIU Wind Ensemble, University Singers, Jazz Studio Orchestra, or Orchestra.
- Tour the new Goldfarb Center.

Don't miss this historic celebration! If you're interested in performing, please fill out this form for more details