Live music, poetry, free print day among things to do in the Rockford-area this weekend
Learn about historic vehicles and the spirits who may still be haunting them at Historic Auto Attractions or about historic life skills at Macktown. Lighten things up with a sing along at the Coronado.
Here's a look at things to do in the Rockford area this upcoming weekend.
An Evening of Melodies at the Museum
What: The Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Art Museum present a chamber concert inside the main gallery.
When: 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $40 general seating; $10 youth; $15 Students
For more: https://www.rockfordsymphony.com
Tangle Art Class
What: Join local artist Rebecca Bowman to experience tangle art. Learn how to create intricate designs using the art of tangles to decorate cards, journals or even a piece of wall art. Rebecca teaches art in pen and ink and Mandalas at Womanspace in Rockford.
When: 4 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Nordic Cultural Center, 327 S. Third St., Rockford
Cost: $35; $30 for members. All materials included. Limited class size.
For more: 815-963-5559
Wild Blue Ukelele Orchestra
What: DeKalb's Wild Blue Ukulele Orchestra will perform in its first Rockford concert. The night begins with a one-hour concert before the orchestra leads a "strum and sing" session where the audience will be welcome to sing along, strum their ukuleles, or simply listen and enjoy. All guests are encouraged to bring their ukelele's.
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Katie’s Cup Coffee Bar & Bookstore, 502 Seventh St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission; meals, snacks and beverages are available for purchase. Listeners are encouraged to make free-will donations to thank the musicians: $10 suggested.
For more: facebook.com/wildblueukulele
Cars and Cadavers Paranormal Evening at the Historic Auto Attractions
What: Join Haunted Rockford for its first event at this location, which is filled with a variety of historical objects and methods of transportation. Hear stories of historic accidents, fateful rides and murder attached to these artifacts and see a portion of the facility. Kathi Kresol and location manager, Dan, will share the history of the objects. Sara and Samantha will share their psychic impressions of the spirits that linger in the objects and in these vehicles.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe
Cost: $30; must be purchased in advance
For more: https://www.hauntedrockford.com/events/
KidVentures: The Engineering Process
What: Each class is a new adventure traveling back in time or in Burpee’s backyard. KidVentures in Science are one-day classes that combine learning and fun for ages 3 through 6.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: $14; $12 for members
For more: burpee.org
Free Print Day
What: Free Print Day will feature an Earth Day-themed print. No blanks will be available for sale; bring your own shirt. Black print only.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Rockford Art Deli
For more: rockfordartdeli.com
Week of the Young Child Family Fun Fair
What: This free, family event includes child-centered activities, community resources, and entertainment by The Headspin Guy.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://www.facebook.com/WOYCRockford
Growing a Garden
What: In the spirit of National Gardening Day on April 14, learn gardening and composting basics. Staff will help participants get started planting seeds to transplant into a pot or garden at home.
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Atwood Center, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford
Cost: Free admission
For more: https://atwoodpark.org/programs
Rockford IceHogs
What: The IceHogs take on the Manitoba Moose.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: $12-30
For more: icehogs.com
Worst Poetry Ever
What: Host Dave Pedersen and 15 writers, authors and poets will present and perform their original "worst" poems live. Rockford Poet Laureate, Jenna Goldsmith; NPR/WNIU host of Poetically Yours, Yvonne Boose; and Rockford singer/songwriter Stuart Johnson (The Pimps) will judge the event. Each poet will have up to five minutes to perform their original piece in front of a live audience for a chance to win "Worst Poem Ever" and "Audience Choice" awards.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford
Cost: No admission cost
For more: 779-970-5912
The Stevee Nix
What: Local band, the Stevee Nix will perform.
Where: Casey’s Pub, 7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday
Cost: Free
Second Sunday at Macktown – Atlatl (Spear-Thrower) Sunday
What: Learn all about the atlatl and other historic life skills of the past, including how the early natives of this area used their environment and natural resources for day-to-day needs of food, clothing and shelter. See and handle the tools they used and learn how they were made. Chop wood with a stone ax. Try your hand at bringing down dinner with a spear and atlatl. Kids can help grind corn and take some home to make into corn cakes.
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Macktown Living History Educational Center, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Cost: Free admission; donations appreciated
For more: 815-624-4200
Sing Along Organ Concert
What: Friends of the Coronado present another Magical Monday event featuring The Land of Lincoln Organ Society’s original Coronado Theatre Grand Barton organ and Rockford’s renowned organist Andrew J. Mertzenich. Sing along to movie and Broadway hits.
When: Noon to 1 p.m. Monday
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Kathi Edwards is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Live music, art and more: Things to do in Rockford this weekend
