http://www.maynestage.comMayne Stage RSS60http://www.maynestage.com/55995bff-cac9-4bf7-8f48-cd6a89f708cd.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/55995bff-cac9-4bf7-8f48-cd6a89f708cd.aspxFRI, NOV 2
8:00 PM
7:00 PM DOORS

Rounding out the 2012 season is a battle 5 years in the making! Pulling only music from Yeezy and Mr. Tambourine Man, the Crash company dancers will each go head-to-head in surprise grudge matches with FORMER CHAMPIONS. Who'll finish the year with the title? We've only got one shot at this one so don't miss it!

The "Keeper of The Floor" Dance Competition (KTF)

Declared “physically fearless” by the Chicago Sun-Times and picked as one of the two best companies to debut in the last decade by NewCity, Chicago Dance Crash continues to raise the bar in bringing dance to the people. CDC’s longest running production, KTF, matches competitive dance with the energy of late-night theatre and the spectacle of sports entertainment, featuring some of the city’s most accomplished dancers assembled for battle on the Maynestage floor. Combining the drive of competition with the energy of a rock concert, Chicago's ONLY full-scale, long-running dance competition welcomes all comers, from breakdancers and ballerinas to belly dancers.... and don't forget about your host... the one and only MATTRICK SWAYZE!

Who takes home the “KTF” belt? YOU decide the winner!
11/3/2012http://www.maynestage.com/f307c2f5-da67-4ce2-a9db-0ec50039384c.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/f307c2f5-da67-4ce2-a9db-0ec50039384c.aspxFRI, AUG 24
8:00 PM
7:00 PM DOORS

The most coveted KTF of them all! This is an OPEN INVITE where ALL INTERESTED can compete for a cash prize and the championship belt. Breakers, ballerinas, students of youtube, exhibitionists, and victims of a 'double dog dare' are all welcome. Only one winner but ALL are promised a good time and a story to tell. Reserve your slot before August 18th on Crash's website.

The "Keeper of The Floor" Dance Competition (KTF)

Declared “physically fearless” by the Chicago Sun-Times and picked as one of the two best companies to debut in the last decade by NewCity, Chicago Dance Crash continues to raise the bar in bringing dance to the people. CDC’s longest running production, KTF, matches competitive dance with the energy of late-night theatre and the spectacle of sports entertainment, featuring some of the city’s most accomplished dancers assembled for battle on the Maynestage floor. Combining the drive of competition with the energy of a rock concert, Chicago's ONLY full-scale, long-running dance competition welcomes all comers, from breakdancers and ballerinas to belly dancers.... and don't forget about your host... the one and only MATTRICK SWAYZE!

Who takes home the “KTF” belt? YOU decide the winner!
8/25/2012http://www.maynestage.com/fdfaa254-222e-452a-8d99-6d33f1a535c7.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/fdfaa254-222e-452a-8d99-6d33f1a535c7.aspxFRI, JUN 1
8:00 PM
7:00 PM DOORS

Why so serious??? Celebrating the opening of Crash's largest production in history, we pay homage to the comic book icon that reminds us there's no problem a couple batarangs and a utility belt can't solve. With all competition rules, music, and costumes paying tribute to the Caped Crusader's hometown, we ask all patrons to come dressed head to toe in black, black, black...like the Gotham night sky.

The "Keeper of The Floor" Dance Competition (KTF)

Declared “physically fearless” by the Chicago Sun-Times and picked as one of the two best companies to debut in the last decade by NewCity, Chicago Dance Crash continues to raise the bar in bringing dance to the people. CDC’s longest running production, KTF, matches competitive dance with the energy of late-night theatre and the spectacle of sports entertainment, featuring some of the city’s most accomplished dancers assembled for battle on the Maynestage floor. Combining the drive of competition with the energy of a rock concert, Chicago's ONLY full-scale, long-running dance competition welcomes all comers, from breakdancers and ballerinas to belly dancers.... and don't forget about your host... the one and only MATTRICK SWAYZE!

Who takes home the “KTF” belt? YOU decide the winner!
6/2/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Jamie-Kilstein.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Jamie-Kilstein.aspxWED, MAY 16
8:00 PM
7:00 PM DOORS

Comedian, writer and radio host Jamie Kilstein makes much anticipated return to Mayne Stage in"F*ck the G8." Kilstein was in Paul Provenza's recent best seller Satiristas, alongside Stephen Colbert, George Carlin and other iconic satirists. Kilstein was invited to the most sought after show at The Montreal Comedy Festival, for 2007 and 2008 and brought his one man show there in 2010 after debuting it at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. He was Punchline Magazines "One Comic to Watch in 2009", a Timeout Chicago, Sydney, and London's Critics Pick. He performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festivals prestigious Town Hall, and has played the concert hall of the Sydney Opera House.

Kilstein has garnered rave reviews from press and fellow comics alike. Comedian Janeane Garofalo said, "Watching Jamie reminds me of why I got into comedy. It is like watching combination of George Carlin and Bill Hicks." Time Out London raves, "Kilstein is a shining light probing into the murkier corners of the religious right and corrupt politics of his homeland. Funny and penetrating, he's taken Bill Hicks' baton and run with it."
5/17/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Chicago-Chamber-Musicians-May.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Chicago-Chamber-Musicians-May.aspxWED, MAY 2
6:30 PM
5:30 PM DOORS

“the region’s premier ensemble” — Chicago Tribune

Unwind after work with the Chicago Chamber Musicians at the Mayne Stage! Mingle with other concert goers and enjoy drinks before, during, or after the concert. You’ll be part of a lively, engaging conversation with the artists hosted by some of the top music figures in the industry before each concert. Plus, these concerts are only one hour and start early, so you’ll be on your way home in time for dinner. Or, stay and enjoy dinner after the concert at Mayne Stage’s pub, Act One.

Astor Piazzolla “Spring” and “Summer” from Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
Astor Piazzolla Le Grand Tango
Ravel “Blues” from Violin Sonata No. 2 in G Major
Paul Schoenfield Café Music*


*Listen for free on CCM’s music archive at encoreCCM.org.

Piazzolla’s tumultuous “Spring” and sultry “Summer” movements from Four Seasons of Buenos Aires are inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Le Grand Tango is considered one of Piazzolla’s masterpieces and is known for its powerful rhythmic effects. Ravel was influenced by American jazz and blues music when he wrote the “Blues” movement of his last chamber work, the Violin Sonata No. 2 in G Major. Schoenfield’s Café Music fuses popular and classical styles in a way that will delight and surprise you.

CCM artists Jasmine Lin violin, Clancy Newman cello and Meng-Chieh Liu piano
Host: Dr. Ryan Nelson

Dr. Ryan T. Nelson is the Music Director in Residence for the School of Communication at Northwestern University where he coordinates all musical activities for the Theatre and Interpretation Center, teaches in the Music Theatre Program, and music directs and supervises several productions each year, including the famed Waa-Mu Show. As part of the American Music Theatre Project at Northwestern, Nelson has music directed or supervised premieres including “Was,” “The Boys Are Coming Home,” and “Asphalt Beach.” Nelson has music directed numerous shows at Chicago Marriott Theater including “Footloose,” “Oliver,” “Grease, “Guys and Dolls,” and the world premiere of “For The Boys.” Nelson has been nominated for a JEFF award for excellence in Chicago theatre for his productions of “A Chorus Line,” and “The Light in the Piazza,” at the Marriott. This season Nelson will be music directing “Rent,” “Legally Blonde,” “Spring Awakening,” and “The Pirates of Penzance.” Nelson has conducted and recorded with the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), most recently at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, the Meet The Composer Series at the Morgan Library (NYC), and the 2010 Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center. He received his bachelor's degree in music education from Duquesne University. His master of music and doctor of musical arts degrees in conducting are from the University of North Texas.
5/2/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Eddie-Palmieri-Quartet.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Eddie-Palmieri-Quartet.aspxSUN APR 22
7:00 PM
5:30 PM LOBBY DOORS

Come enjoy an intimate evening with Eddie Palmieri Quartet, celebrating his 75th birthday and over 50 years of music!

Celebrating his 75th Birthday and over 50 years of magnificent music! In an unprecedented jazz small group setting for “The Sun Of Latin Music” Palmieri, the Quartet is the latest manifestation of the 20 year + musical relationship between Lynch and Palmieri in Palmieri’s groups and their collaboration for their Grammy Award winning CD “The Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project: Simptico” Two of the most accomplished musicians around today. Feat. Dafnis Prieto on Drums and Luques Curtis on Bass.

Eddie Palmieri
“Eddie Palmieri…has been the most consistently innovative artist in Afro-Cuban music in the United States for the past 30 years.” -Boston Globe
“All too few musicians are declared national treasures in their lifetimes. . .Eddie Palmieri. . .can lay legitimate claim to being a musical monument.” – San Francisco Bay Guardian
Eddie Palmieri embraces the future of his music by blazing a distinctive musical path to the delight of fans across the globe. He has one of the most actively touring Salsa and Latin Jazz orchestras to date, tours of which have taken him to Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, North Africa and throughout the Caribbean. Known for his charismatic power and bold innovative drive, Eddie Palmieri has a musical career that spans over 50 years as a bandleader of Salsa and Latin Jazz orchestras. A true powerhouse of brilliance, known for his astute arranging skills and historic compositions, Mr. Palmieri has shown that time is infinite with respect to his repertoire as he continues to thrill audiences throughout the world with his legendary style.

Born in Spanish Harlem in 1936, Eddie began piano studies at an early age, as did his celebrated older brother, the late Salsa legend and pianist, Charlie Palmieri. He began his professional career as a pianist in the early ’50s, and subsequently spent a year with the Tito Rodriguez Orchestra before forming his own band, the legendary “La Perfecta” in 1961. With an infectious sound, Palmieri’s band soon joined the ranks of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and other major Latin orchestras of the day. His unconventional style would once again surprise critics and his fans with the 1970 release entitled Harlem River Drive. This recording was the first to really merge black and Latin styles (and musicians), resulting in a free-form sound encompassing elements of salsa, funk, soul and jazz.

With a discography that includes 36 titles, Mr. Palmieri has been awarded nine Grammy Awards, from 1975′s “The Sun of Latin Music” (the first Grammy awarded in the Latin field), through “Palo Pa ‘ Rumba” (1984), “Obra Maestra/Masterpiece” in collaboration with Tito Puente (2000) to “Listen Here!” (2005) and 2006′s “Simptico”, a collaborative effort with trumpet master Brian Lynch. In 1988, the Smithsonian Institute recorded two of Palmieri’s performances for their catalog of the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C a rare public honor.

Brian Lynch
“A masterful soloist who came to prominence with the late Art Blakey…Lynch is even more in command today… offering peerless, flawless improvisations and collaborating empathetically…Lynch is also a gifted composer.” – The Los Angeles Times
A vital force and emergent legend within both the hardcore straight ahead and Latin Jazz communities, 2007 Grammy Award Winner Brian Lynch is as comfortable negotiating the complexities of clave with Afro-Caribbean pioneer Eddie Palmieri as he is swinging through advanced harmony with bebop maestro Phil Woods. A honored graduate of two of the jazz world’s most distinguished academies, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and the Horace Silver Quintet, he has been a valued collaborator with jazz artists such as Benny Golson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Charles McPherson; Latin music icons as diverse as Hector LaVoe and Lila Downs; and pop luminaries such as Prince. As a bandleader and recording artist he has released a series of critically acclaimed CDs featuring his distinctive composing and arranging, and toured the world with various ensembles reflecting the wide sweep of his music.

Featuring:
Dafnis Prieto (drums) His arrival in the U.S. has been compared by to that of an asteroid hitting New York. Indeed, within a short period of time Dafnis Prieto’s revolutionary drumming techniques had a powerful impact on both the Latin and jazz music scene, locally and internationally. Having studied at the school of Fine Arts in Santa Clara, Cuba as a youngster and later at the National School of Music in Havana, Prieto obtained a thorough classical education while broadening his knowledge of Afro-Cuban music, jazz and world music outside of the academy.

Luques Curtis (bass) After having formal training on piano and percussion, he found himself wanting to play the bass. Luques has been performing nationally and internationally with artists such as, Eddie Palmieri, Brian Lynch, Ralph Peterson, Christian Scott, Sean Jones, Gary Burton, Stefon Harris, Donald Harrison, Etienne Charles, Albert Rivera, Elio Villafranca, Francisco Mela, and others. He has recently released an album with his brother called “Blood,Spirit,Land,Water,Freedom” on Truth Revolution Records. You can hear him on Gary Burton’s CD “Next Generations”; Dave Valentin’s “Come Fly With Me”; Sean Jones’ “Roots”,”Kaleidoscope”,and “The Search Within”; Christian Scott’s CD “Rewind That”,and “Anthem”; Albert Rivera’s CD “Re-Introduction”; Etienne Charles’ CD “Folklore”.
4/23/2012http://www.maynestage.com/d7ebfd06-ca3c-43ea-92e7-9c657d5ce779.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/d7ebfd06-ca3c-43ea-92e7-9c657d5ce779.aspxSUN APR 22
9:30 PM
9:00 PM LOBBY DOORS

Come enjoy an intimate evening with Eddie Palmieri Quartet, celebrating his 75th birthday and over 50 years of music!

Celebrating his 75th Birthday and over 50 years of magnificent music! In an unprecedented jazz small group setting for “The Sun Of Latin Music” Palmieri, the Quartet is the latest manifestation of the 20 year + musical relationship between Lynch and Palmieri in Palmieri’s groups and their collaboration for their Grammy Award winning CD “The Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project: Simptico” Two of the most accomplished musicians around today. Feat. Dafnis Prieto on Drums and Luques Curtis on Bass.

Eddie Palmieri
“Eddie Palmieri…has been the most consistently innovative artist in Afro-Cuban music in the United States for the past 30 years.” -Boston Globe
“All too few musicians are declared national treasures in their lifetimes. . .Eddie Palmieri. . .can lay legitimate claim to being a musical monument.” – San Francisco Bay Guardian
Eddie Palmieri embraces the future of his music by blazing a distinctive musical path to the delight of fans across the globe. He has one of the most actively touring Salsa and Latin Jazz orchestras to date, tours of which have taken him to Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, North Africa and throughout the Caribbean. Known for his charismatic power and bold innovative drive, Eddie Palmieri has a musical career that spans over 50 years as a bandleader of Salsa and Latin Jazz orchestras. A true powerhouse of brilliance, known for his astute arranging skills and historic compositions, Mr. Palmieri has shown that time is infinite with respect to his repertoire as he continues to thrill audiences throughout the world with his legendary style.

Born in Spanish Harlem in 1936, Eddie began piano studies at an early age, as did his celebrated older brother, the late Salsa legend and pianist, Charlie Palmieri. He began his professional career as a pianist in the early ’50s, and subsequently spent a year with the Tito Rodriguez Orchestra before forming his own band, the legendary “La Perfecta” in 1961. With an infectious sound, Palmieri’s band soon joined the ranks of Machito, Tito Rodriguez and other major Latin orchestras of the day. His unconventional style would once again surprise critics and his fans with the 1970 release entitled Harlem River Drive. This recording was the first to really merge black and Latin styles (and musicians), resulting in a free-form sound encompassing elements of salsa, funk, soul and jazz.

With a discography that includes 36 titles, Mr. Palmieri has been awarded nine Grammy Awards, from 1975′s “The Sun of Latin Music” (the first Grammy awarded in the Latin field), through “Palo Pa ‘ Rumba” (1984), “Obra Maestra/Masterpiece” in collaboration with Tito Puente (2000) to “Listen Here!” (2005) and 2006′s “Simptico”, a collaborative effort with trumpet master Brian Lynch. In 1988, the Smithsonian Institute recorded two of Palmieri’s performances for their catalog of the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C a rare public honor.

Brian Lynch
“A masterful soloist who came to prominence with the late Art Blakey…Lynch is even more in command today… offering peerless, flawless improvisations and collaborating empathetically…Lynch is also a gifted composer.” – The Los Angeles Times
A vital force and emergent legend within both the hardcore straight ahead and Latin Jazz communities, 2007 Grammy Award Winner Brian Lynch is as comfortable negotiating the complexities of clave with Afro-Caribbean pioneer Eddie Palmieri as he is swinging through advanced harmony with bebop maestro Phil Woods. A honored graduate of two of the jazz world’s most distinguished academies, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and the Horace Silver Quintet, he has been a valued collaborator with jazz artists such as Benny Golson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Charles McPherson; Latin music icons as diverse as Hector LaVoe and Lila Downs; and pop luminaries such as Prince. As a bandleader and recording artist he has released a series of critically acclaimed CDs featuring his distinctive composing and arranging, and toured the world with various ensembles reflecting the wide sweep of his music.

Featuring:
Dafnis Prieto (drums) His arrival in the U.S. has been compared by to that of an asteroid hitting New York. Indeed, within a short period of time Dafnis Prieto’s revolutionary drumming techniques had a powerful impact on both the Latin and jazz music scene, locally and internationally. Having studied at the school of Fine Arts in Santa Clara, Cuba as a youngster and later at the National School of Music in Havana, Prieto obtained a thorough classical education while broadening his knowledge of Afro-Cuban music, jazz and world music outside of the academy.

Luques Curtis (bass) After having formal training on piano and percussion, he found himself wanting to play the bass. Luques has been performing nationally and internationally with artists such as, Eddie Palmieri, Brian Lynch, Ralph Peterson, Christian Scott, Sean Jones, Gary Burton, Stefon Harris, Donald Harrison, Etienne Charles, Albert Rivera, Elio Villafranca, Francisco Mela, and others. He has recently released an album with his brother called “Blood,Spirit,Land,Water,Freedom” on Truth Revolution Records. You can hear him on Gary Burton’s CD “Next Generations”; Dave Valentin’s “Come Fly With Me”; Sean Jones’ “Roots”,”Kaleidoscope”,and “The Search Within”; Christian Scott’s CD “Rewind That”,and “Anthem”; Albert Rivera’s CD “Re-Introduction”; Etienne Charles’ CD “Folklore”.
4/23/2012http://www.maynestage.com/lee-ritenour.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/lee-ritenour.aspxWED, APR 4
8:00 PM
7:00PM DOORS

Lee Ritenour is a Grammy award winning American jazz guitarist with 19 Grammy nominations and over 40 albums to his credit. Guitar Player Magazine awarded Ritenour with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2010. His highly acclaimed album Lee Ritenour’s 6 string Theory garnered numerous awards in 2011, including “Guitar Album of the Year” by Guitar International Magazine and Echo Awards in Germany awarded “Best International Instrumentalist” in conjunction with the album.

As a young guitarist, his diverse musical style became the foundation of over 3,000 sessions covering a broad spectrum of artists ranging from his first session at 16 with the Mamas and Papas, to Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Simon & Garfunkel and Frank Sinatra. On his latest endeavor ( 6 STRING THEORY), Ritenour celebrates the instrument that has allowed him this blessing, the guitar—by producing and assembling a star-studded tribute with 20 (including himself) of the greatest and soon- to- be greatest guitarists of our time. Incorporating all of his history, from jazz and classical to rock and blues, from acoustic to electric, Lee Ritenour’s 6 String Theory promises to be one of the greatest guitar recordings ever made.
4/5/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Chicago-Chamber-Musicians-March.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Chicago-Chamber-Musicians-March.aspxWED, MAR 21
6:30 PM
5:30 PM DOORS

“the region’s premier ensemble” — Chicago Tribune

Unwind after work with the Chicago Chamber Musicians at the Mayne Stage! Mingle with other concert goers and enjoy drinks before, during, or after the concert. You’ll be part of a lively, engaging conversation with the artists hosted by some of the top music figures in the industry before each concert. Plus, these concerts are only one hour and start early, so you’ll be on your way home in time for dinner. Or, stay and enjoy dinner after the concert at Mayne Stage’s pub, Act One.

Poulenc Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon*
Bernstein Sonata for Clarinet and Piano
Roberto Sierra Con Tres*
Poulenc Trio


*Listen for free on CCM’s music archive at encoreCCM.org.

Poulenc is known as one of the greatest melodic composers of the 20th century. His whimsical and humorous Trio outpours passages that are ironic, lush, and sentimental. Bernstein’s Sonata is full of exciting jazz, dance, and rock rhythms. Roberto Sierra’s solo clarinet piece Con Tres is well rooted in recognizable dances of the Caribbean and tinted with jazz harmonies that will have you swaying in your seat.

CCM artists Larry Combs clarinet, Dennis Michel bassoon and Meng-Chieh Liu piano
Host: Dr. Richard McGee

Dr. Richard McGee is an award-winning conductor, composer, trombonist and music educator. McGee had an 11-year association with the Caesar's Palace house orchestra in Las Vegas, where he performed regularly with such stars as Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Burt Bacharach, Johnny Mathis, and many more. He was the founding Artistic Director of the CCSN Performing Arts Center, and he earned his doctorate in Education Administration at UNLV. Currently, he serves as Chair of the College of Southern Nevada Fine Arts Department. As a composer and arranger, McGee has written numerous works for the jazz component of the Grand Teton Music Festival, a commission by the City of Las Vegas for its 100th birthday, and his composition, Western Dance for Orchestra, was performed in 2008 in Carnegie Hall, New York. He has received numerous honors and awards for music and teaching, including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce 2002 Community Achievement Award for Arts and Entertainment, and the Nevada Music Educators Association 2004 Service to Music Education Award.
3/22/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Sexfist.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Sexfist.aspxSAT MAR 17
8:00 PM
6:30 PM LOBBY DOORS
Mayne Stage is eager to welcome bluegrass band Sexfist this St. Patrick’s Day. Time Out Chicago raves, "This bluegrass band has the right formula: heavenly harmonies on top of furious fingerpicking, trucking down the highway at 200mph. When you're dealing with a force of nature this big, you either get on the truck or get the hell out of the way." Enjoy $6 PBR and a shot and order some corn beef and cabbage from the pub!3/18/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Windy-City-4pm.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Windy-City-4pm.aspxSAT, MAR 10
4:00 PM
3:00 PM DOORS

Curtain up...Light the lights! Windy City Performing Arts presents Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria in "Broadway And Beyond: An Evening of Broadway Benefit & Concert" — a dazzling night of music, fun, and entertainment to benefit Windy City Performing Arts!

Under the direction of Stephen C. Edwards, Artistic Director, join Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria for an exciting evening featuring a concert performance of memorable hits from Broadway's past and present, a sensational silent auction, a spectacular appetizer and dessert reception with cash bar, fabulous prize drawings, surprises -- and more! Concert performances take place at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

You'll be serenaded to music from award-winning Broadway shows like "Chicago", "Little Shop of Horrors", "South Pacific", "Kiss Me Kate", "Spamalot", "Hair" ...and many more!

Windy City Performing Arts is the independent not-for-profit umbrella organization for Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria. The choruses perform a variety of musical styles from classical to pop, with a history of performing major choral works and commissions. Windy City Performing Arts celebrates diversity, honors creativity, and cultivates pride through the transformative power of music and the arts.

General Admission tickets for "Broadway And Beyond" are $50 and includes:

• One ticket to the concert performance of your choice!
• Appetizer & Dessert reception with cash bar from 5:30-7:30 pm!*
• Silent auction, prize drawings...and more!*
(*between shows)

For more information about Windy City Performing Arts, visit their website at http://www.windycitysings.org.
3/11/2012http://www.maynestage.com/57a240b9-2570-4d26-ab11-1e4381d3e78b.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/57a240b9-2570-4d26-ab11-1e4381d3e78b.aspxSAT, MAR 10
8:00 PM
7:00 PM DOORS

Curtain up...Light the lights! Windy City Performing Arts presents Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria in "Broadway And Beyond: An Evening of Broadway Benefit & Concert" — a dazzling night of music, fun, and entertainment to benefit Windy City Performing Arts!

Under the direction of Stephen C. Edwards, Artistic Director, join Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria for an exciting evening featuring a concert performance of memorable hits from Broadway's past and present, a sensational silent auction, a spectacular appetizer and dessert reception with cash bar, fabulous prize drawings, surprises -- and more! Concert performances take place at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

You'll be serenaded to music from award-winning Broadway shows like "Chicago", "Little Shop of Horrors", "South Pacific", "Kiss Me Kate", "Spamalot", "Hair" ...and many more!

Windy City Performing Arts is the independent not-for-profit umbrella organization for Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria. The choruses perform a variety of musical styles from classical to pop, with a history of performing major choral works and commissions. Windy City Performing Arts celebrates diversity, honors creativity, and cultivates pride through the transformative power of music and the arts.

General Admission tickets for "Broadway And Beyond" are $50 and includes:

• One ticket to the concert performance of your choice!
• Appetizer & Dessert reception with cash bar from 5:30-7:30 pm!*
• Silent auction, prize drawings...and more!*
(*between shows)

For more information about Windy City Performing Arts, visit their website at http://www.windycitysings.org.
3/11/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Surabhi-A-Melting-Pot-of-Music.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Surabhi-A-Melting-Pot-of-Music.aspxFRI, MAR 9
7:45 PM
6:45 PM DOORS

Featuring Indo-Flamenco-Arabic grooves to the delightfully graceful movements of Indian Bharatanatyam and flamenco dancing, the evening will begin with a live interview and Q&A by Catalina Maria Johnson.

This collaborative endeavor has a delectable line-up of music and dance numbers including Indian, Flamenco and Arabic beats that promises to be a connoisseur’s delight. The evening will feature original acoustic instruments - Arabic Oud, Spanish Flamenco Guitar, Senegal Drums, Jazz guitar, Indian Veena, Mridangam, Tabla, Ghatam, and Latin Drums. The idea of the program is to take the original art forms representing multiple regions of the world and present in a refreshing light to a global audience - on one stage to one people to make one community. Come and show your support to this extraordinarily talented group of artistes who passionately believe in creating lively world music that will keep you riveted!

Instrument leads: Carlo Basile (guitar) and Sara Ranganathan (veena)
Dance Leads: Wendy Clinard (flamenco dance) and Viji Ranganathan (bharatanatyam dance)
Catalina Maria Johnson is the host and producer of the radio program/podcast Beat Latino, as well as feature writer for Revista
Contratiempo, Arte y Vida and Gozamos. Catalina also contributes features on the Latino arts to WBEZ (Chicago Public Media).
More Info about this concert: http://www.surabhimaynestage.com/
About the band/artistes: theguitarsofspain.com and ensembleofragas.org 3/10/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Putting-on-the-Ritz-presents-Voices-of-Chicago.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Putting-on-the-Ritz-presents-Voices-of-Chicago.aspxSUN MAR 4
7:00PM
5:30PM LOBBY DOORS
“Voices of Chicago” is a diverse musical celebration in honor of Chicago's 175 anniversary of official incorporation on March 4, 1837. This concert is a tribute to the great musical styles that make Chicago the City of the Century. Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Folk, Pop, and Soul made famous by Chicagoans Dinah Washington, Koko Taylor, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Steve Allen, Jule Styne, Thomas Dorsey, Steve Goodman, and others performed by Joan Curto, Kimberly Gordon, Skip Griparis, Jeff Hedberg, Lynne Jordan, Mark Madsen, Liz Mandeville Greeson, Isiah Mitchell, Daryl Nitz, and Denise Tomasello. Special guest Audrey Morris. Musical direction by Beckie Menzie with Nick Christensen on percussion. Come be a part of Chicago hisSTORY and listen to the “Voices of Chicago.”3/5/2012http://www.maynestage.com/6d60daed-1cda-4f81-b9d3-7dcd00057e81.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/6d60daed-1cda-4f81-b9d3-7dcd00057e81.aspxMON, FEB 27
7:00 PM
6:30PM

A completely new and different kind of talk show: host Elysabeth Alfano of Fear No ART invites 3 different creatives (artists, inventors or entrepreneurs, etc.) to a dinner created by a different celebrity chef at the Mayne Stage the last Monday of every month. Conversation runs from food, to the arts, to current events, etc. THE DINNER PARTY is filmed live in front of an audience and streaming live on the internet, so that viewers can tweet in questions. The live audience stays for sample size tastings of what the chef has prepared when the 1 hour long filming/show is over. Food, alcohol and conversation continue.

This month features soul singer JC Brooks (of JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound), Billy Bungeroth (Second City Director and lead guitarist of Uptown Sound ), Gustavo Ramirez Sansano (Artistic Director and Choreographer of Luna Negra). Food will be prepared by celebrity chef, Anthony Martin of Tru Restaurant. The show will open with a live painting to live music by Stacy Bowie.
2/28/2012http://www.maynestage.com/9eb7272f-d11f-4fba-b02f-f0e44fa2c807.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/9eb7272f-d11f-4fba-b02f-f0e44fa2c807.aspxSAT, FEB 25
7:30 PM
6:00 PM LOBBY DOORS

Music by Marc-Antoine Charpentier

HOC presents another tale from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The story is of the mythical musician Orpheus, whose new bride Euridice dies after being bitten by a serpent. He follows her to Hades and begs the ruler of the Underworld to let her return to earth for a little while longer. His powerful singing convinces the inflexible Pluto to release her on the condition that Orpheus not turn to see her as they return to earth. This heartbreaking story has inspired masterpieces from hundreds of artists and composers over the centuries. Come hear and see one of the finest versions set to some of the most passionate music composed in France during the 17th century. Our production features rarely-seen baroque dance performed by experts in the art form.

Ellen Hargis, Stage Director in Residence
Craig Trompeter, Music Director
David Mayernik, Set Designer
Meriem Bahri, Costume Designer
Carlos Fittante, Choreographer
Jory Vinikour, Harpsichordist

Marc Molomot, tenor, as Orphée
Carrie Henneman Shaw, soprano, as Euridice
Julia Davids, soprano, as Proserpine
Peter Van De Graaff, bass-baritone, as Apollon and Pluton
Lindsay Metzger, soprano, as Daphné
Adria Rice, soprano, as Arethuze
Eric Miranda, baritone, as Titye
William Bouvel, tenor, as Tantale
Tom Crawford, alto, as Ixion
Heather Brandon de Souza, soprano, as Enone
2/26/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Haymarket-Opera.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Haymarket-Opera.aspxFRI, FEB 24
7:30 PM
6:00 PM LOBBY DOORS

Music by Marc-Antoine Charpentier

HOC presents another tale from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The story is of the mythical musician Orpheus, whose new bride Euridice dies after being bitten by a serpent. He follows her to Hades and begs the ruler of the Underworld to let her return to earth for a little while longer. His powerful singing convinces the inflexible Pluto to release her on the condition that Orpheus not turn to see her as they return to earth. This heartbreaking story has inspired masterpieces from hundreds of artists and composers over the centuries. Come hear and see one of the finest versions set to some of the most passionate music composed in France during the 17th century. Our production features rarely-seen baroque dance performed by experts in the art form.

Ellen Hargis, Stage Director in Residence
Craig Trompeter, Music Director
David Mayernik, Set Designer
Meriem Bahri, Costume Designer
Carlos Fittante, Choreographer
Jory Vinikour, Harpsichordist

Marc Molomot, tenor, as Orphée
Carrie Henneman Shaw, soprano, as Euridice
Julia Davids, soprano, as Proserpine
Peter Van De Graaff, bass-baritone, as Apollon and Pluton
Lindsay Metzger, soprano, as Daphné
Adria Rice, soprano, as Arethuze
Eric Miranda, baritone, as Titye
William Bouvel, tenor, as Tantale
Tom Crawford, alto, as Ixion
Heather Brandon de Souza, soprano, as Enone
2/25/2012http://www.maynestage.com/brazilian-carnavale.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/brazilian-carnavale.aspxSAT, FEB 18
9:00 PM
7:30 PM LOBBY DOORS

Our annual Brazilian Carnaval celebration is a yearly highlight. One of the most vibrant celebrations of Carnaval in the world happens every year in Rio de Jenairo Brazil. Sound Culture and Swing Brasileiro are proud to bring the tradition and vibe of Brazilian Carnaval to Chicago!

The night will feature local Brailian super group Swing Brasileiro which combines some of the area’s most accomplished Brazilian musicians playing popular carnaval musical styles such as Samba, Marchinhas, Samba Reggae, Frevo and Batucadas. The evening also includes Carnaval costume dance performances by the beautiful Folia Tropicalia Samba Dancers.

www.swingbrasileiro.net
2/19/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Dance-Crash-Feb.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Dance-Crash-Feb.aspxFRI, FEB 17
8:00 PM
7:00 PM DOORS

Uh oh. V-day didn't turn out quite like you planned? What better way to proclaim “love stinks” to the western world than with the first KTF contest of the year! Dedicated to the hopelessly single, recent dumpees, and generally jaded demographic, the first competition at Mayne Stage is all about relationship revenge. And speaking of the undateable, it's time Dance Crash took the title back from current champ, Chicago Tap Theatre's own Richard “tender vittles” Ashworth!

The "Keeper of The Floor" Dance Competition (KTF)

Declared “physically fearless” by the Chicago Sun-Times and picked as one of the two best companies to debut in the last decade by NewCity, Chicago Dance Crash continues to raise the bar in bringing dance to the people. CDC’s longest running production, KTF, matches competitive dance with the energy of late-night theatre and the spectacle of sports entertainment, featuring some of the city’s most accomplished dancers assembled for battle on the Maynestage floor. Combining the drive of competition with the energy of a rock concert, Chicago's ONLY full-scale, long-running dance competition welcomes all comers, from breakdancers and ballerinas to belly dancers.... and don't forget about your host... the one and only MATTRICK SWAYZE!

Who takes home the “KTF” belt? YOU decide the winner!
2/18/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Valentines-Day-Dinner-Package.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Valentines-Day-Dinner-Package.aspxTUES, FEB 14
5:00PM
5:00PM DOORS

Enjoy Valentine's Day at Act One Pub! Enjoy a $50 dinner for two package under a sky of flying hearts! Dinner includes an appetizer of shrimp cocktail or flatbread, cream of mushroom soup, entree of garlic chicken or prime rib and a dessert platter of cheesecake, chocolate pudding and 2 dipped strawberries. Bottles of champagne and wine will be served at half price, and a long stemmed rose will be delivered to the table.

Carlo Basile, master guitarist from Las Guitarras de Espana, will be performing a Spanish acoustic set in the pub from 7-9pm.

Reservations can be made online HERE.
2/15/2012http://www.maynestage.com/cd232e36-38f0-4b79-8f02-65d08c04128f.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/cd232e36-38f0-4b79-8f02-65d08c04128f.aspxTUE, FEB 14
7:30 PM
6:00 PM LOBBY DOORS

You provide the suggestion, and One Group Mind takes it from there! Specializing in Improvised Theatre, teams of up to ten actors weave together comedy and drama through a series of overlapping story lines... all made up on the spot!

One Group Mind's performers have continued successful television and film careers on The Office, Community, Arrested Development, Saturday Night Live, Reno911!, the Jimmy Kimmel Show, ABC Family's Huge, Comedy Central's Big Lake, and MTV's Spring Break. They have continued successful careers as Artistic Directors of major improv theaters in New York, Second City Main Stage Performers, Directors of Organizing in the Screen Actor's Guild, Resident Company Members of major Stage Equity Theaters, and commercial spokespeople for national commercial brands.

Headlining every Tuesday evening performance will be One Group Mind's Showcase Team, Tricky Mickey. Using some of the most complex techniques in the improv industry, Tricky Mickey's performances move quickly, with purpose, and with an eye for the meaning of the piece as a whole. Their performers commonly play multiple characters each in a single moment, improvise several scenes simultaneously, manipulate time to reveal the unknown, and bend space to show the audience impossible perspectives.


One Group Mind performs every Tuesday evening at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30pm at the Mayne Stage.

Tickets are $10 each; $5 for students, improvisers, and local residents. One ticket grants access to all shows. Contact the Mayne Stage to purchase tickets.

For more information about One Group Mind, visit their website at: http://onegroupmind.com
2/15/2012http://www.maynestage.com/KevinMoore-Broadway.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/KevinMoore-Broadway.aspxSUN FEB 12
7:00PM
5:30 LOBBY DOORS
Come hear the music of Andrew Lloyd Weber from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor to the Phantom sequel Never Say Die. Songs from all of Weber’s great shows- Sunset Boulevard, Cats, Evita, Starlight Express, Aspects of Love, Song and Dance, and more, are included in this concert featuring Chicago’s top vocalists: Ken Baker, Anne Burnell, Laura Freeman, Heather Moran, and Daryl Nitz. Music direction by George Howe with Nick Christensen on percussion.2/13/2012http://www.maynestage.com/6bd5bce6-9fa0-42d0-a9d0-159531f8f06d.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/6bd5bce6-9fa0-42d0-a9d0-159531f8f06d.aspxSAT FEB 11
8:00 PM
6:30 PM LOBBY DOORS
Double Header brings you the most promising stand-up comics in Chicago alongside two of the strongest headliners in town. Each night will feature the same supporting lineup, but in different roles, so audiences are guaranteed two entirely different shows. On the bill for Saturday’s performance is local comedian Adam Burke. Originally from the UK, Adam Burke began performing stand-up after writing a piece on comedy for a Chicago magazine. Before long, Burke became a fixture at Midwestern shows and showcases. His absurdist, verbose comedy covers not only the vagaries of life in his adopted hometown of Chicago, but also the usefulness of mammoths, dogs who study law, and the importance of gangland grammar. He has performed as part of the Bridgetown and JFL Chicago Comedy festivals, appeared on WGN 720 AM radio, and was listed as one of the Top 20 Comedians in Chicago by Comedy.com. Adam has opened for a wide variety of comedians including Jeff Ross, Jake Johannsen, Maria Bamford, Doug Benson, Bo Burnham, Brendon Burns and Robin Williams.2/12/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Double-Header-FRIDAY.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Double-Header-FRIDAY.aspxFRI FEB 10
8:00 PM
6:30 PM LOBBY DOORS
Double Header brings you the most promising stand-up comics in Chicago alongside two of the strongest headliners in town. Each night will feature the same supporting lineup, but in different roles, so audiences are guaranteed two entirely different shows. Local comedian Kelsie Huff headlines Friday’s Double Header performance. Huff writes and performs one woman shows around the city and her most recent show “Bruiser: Tales from a Traumatized Tomboy” garnered rave reviews. Time Out Chicago wrote, “Huff animates her 60-mintue solo show with an elastic face and a striking gaze, the irises of her aquamarine eyes popping from the whites like double exclamation points...wicked sense of timing and knack for surprise." Huff currently performs stand-up around Chicagoland and leads the all lady comedy showcase, the kates, at The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square and coproduces and performs in Stardust Showcase at Undergound Lounge in Wrigleyville. Website: http://www.kelsiehuff.com/ 2/11/2012http://www.maynestage.com/26ef2dfb-66e8-445c-833d-1b481f857f1a.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/26ef2dfb-66e8-445c-833d-1b481f857f1a.aspxTUE, FEB 7
7:30 PM
6:00 PM LOBBY DOORS

You provide the suggestion, and One Group Mind takes it from there! Specializing in Improvised Theatre, teams of up to ten actors weave together comedy and drama through a series of overlapping story lines... all made up on the spot!

One Group Mind's performers have continued successful television and film careers on The Office, Community, Arrested Development, Saturday Night Live, Reno911!, the Jimmy Kimmel Show, ABC Family's Huge, Comedy Central's Big Lake, and MTV's Spring Break. They have continued successful careers as Artistic Directors of major improv theaters in New York, Second City Main Stage Performers, Directors of Organizing in the Screen Actor's Guild, Resident Company Members of major Stage Equity Theaters, and commercial spokespeople for national commercial brands.

Headlining every Tuesday evening performance will be One Group Mind's Showcase Team, Tricky Mickey. Using some of the most complex techniques in the improv industry, Tricky Mickey's performances move quickly, with purpose, and with an eye for the meaning of the piece as a whole. Their performers commonly play multiple characters each in a single moment, improvise several scenes simultaneously, manipulate time to reveal the unknown, and bend space to show the audience impossible perspectives.


One Group Mind performs every Tuesday evening at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30pm at the Mayne Stage.

Tickets are $10 each; $5 for students, improvisers, and local residents. One ticket grants access to all shows. Contact the Mayne Stage to purchase tickets.

For more information about One Group Mind, visit their website at: http://onegroupmind.com
2/8/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Super-Bowl-Party-2012.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Super-Bowl-Party-2012.aspxSUN, FEB 5
5:00 PM
4:00 PM DOORS
Watch the Super Bowl on Mayne Stage’s 22 ft HD screen – FREE ADMISSION! Act One Pub will be serving up your favorite football food, along with amazing drink specials. Join us at Act One for brunch and pregaming - open at 11am!
No tickets required. 2/6/2012http://www.maynestage.com/Alfonso-Ponticellis-Gypsy-Flamenco-Project.aspxhttp://www.maynestage.com/Alfonso-Ponticellis-Gypsy-Flamenco-Project.aspxSAT FEB 4
9:00 PM
7:30 PM LOBBY DOORS

Alfonso Ponticelli is Chicago’s premier gypsy-jazz guitarist. “Django Reinhardt clearly is alive and well and swinging in Chicago.” –Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

The group plays the 1930s-style music of guitarist Django Reinhardt — foot-tappin’ swing played on acoustic instruments. It’s a blend of the jubilant swing of early jazz with the feisty passion of gypsy music and flamenco, plus a strong dose of guitar pyrotechnics and virtuosic improvisation.

Alfonso has studied gypsy-jazz music for more than a decade, having traveled several times to the annual Django Reinhardt festival in France. He introduced gypsy-jazz to Chicago in the 1990s, when he began teaching a weekly Django-style class at the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music, and he is often invited to teach his popular workshops at festivals around the country. A multi-instrumentalist, he won the 1994 U.S. National Mountain Dulcimer Championship and plays both banjo and guitar with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. He’s also a gypsy flamenco guitarist, having been to Cordoba, Spain, to study with the great flamenco guitarist Rafael Riqueni. At the Iridium in New York, Les Paul invited Alfonso to play as a special guest with his trio.
2/5/2012