JLC 2024-25 season offers adventurous musical mix

The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (JLC) at the College of Lake County loves to bring in performances from a wide range of genres, from Americana to world music. Everyone can find something they enjoy in the newly announced 2024-25 season.

“The best way to describe the upcoming season is fun,” said JLC Executive Director Alisa Baum. “We have an exciting mix of performances, featuring international stars, a local sensation, familiar beloved music and new artists that will captivate our audience.”

• Cyro Baptista: Chama, Saturday, Sept. 7

  Leapfrogging through multiple musical genres of world music, the Brazilian-born percussionist and composer extraordinaire leads an innovative quartet, Chama, as they perform his infectious, fun album of the same name. Baptista is a regaled and sought-after collaborator, lending his genius touch and sonic curiosity to music by Paul Simon, Yo-Yo-Ma, Trey Anastasio, Sting and Herbie Hancock, among countless others. With hints of jazz, funk, flamenco and an array of Brazilian, Mexican and Afro-Cuban musical rhythms, this will be an exhilarating evening of dazzling music. Tickets are $25, or $23 for seniors 65+ and military and $12 for students.

• La Muchacha & La Sonora Mazuren, Sunday, Sept. 22

  CLC celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with a free concert featuring two regaled artists from South America. Singer/songwriter and preeminent protest music advocate Isabel Ramirez performs observational, reflective songs with socially conscious themes. La Sonora Mazuren performs a playful tapestry of tropical music sprinkled with electric guitar, vintage keyboards, accordion, Latin percussion and transcendent vocal harmonies. This engagement of La Muchacha is made possible in part through the Performing Arts Global Exchange program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets are free, and reservations are requested.

• Tommy Castro & The Painkillers plus The Nick Moss Band, Friday, Oct. 18

  Alligator recording artist and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award-winner Castro leads the way on this blues odyssey, performing with his brilliant, raucous roadhouse band. Delivering authentic, traditional blues-rock seasoned with his soulful vocals, this show will surely rock the JLC stage. Chicago bluesman Nick Moss joins the musical mix, performing hammering blues layered with gospel, rockabilly and jam band elements. Tickets are $32, or $27 for seniors 65+ and military and $15 for students.

• Blind Boys of Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 19

  This legendary, multi-Grammy™-winning ensemble has broken racial barriers, sound-tracking the Civil Rights movement with a storied and stellar history of collaborating with artists as diverse as Mavis Staples, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, among many others. Their “jubilee singing” style is lively, combining traditional spirituals, lost classics, soul, blues and R&B to create a zesty mix of sublime and spirit-stirring music, spreading light and love everywhere they go. Tickets are $35, or $30 for seniors 65+ military and $15 for students.

• The Travelin’ McCourys, Sunday, Oct. 27

  Born into the bluegrass tradition, the McCoury brothers — Ronnie on mandolin and Rob on Banjo — are musical pilgrims and adventurers, both possessing knife-edge chops that reimagine the traditions, while cutting innovative pathways into southern music. A McCoury show is a “can’t-miss” event featuring some of the best musicians and singers from all genres, creating supercharged, sublime music that forges in all directions. From rock and bluegrass, contemporary and classic, to steel, R&B and jam band, this will be a feast for the ears. Tickets are $28, or $25 for seniors 65+ and Military and $15 for students.

• Grupo Bella, Saturday, Nov. 2

  In a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) concert, this lively quintet adds their impassioned musicianship to a colorful festival of Mexican heritage, traditions and culture. With roots in the mariachi style and fronted by Grammy™-winning vocalist Vanessa Ramirez, Grupo Bella will create a unique fusion of Latin American and American styles, including Mexican pop, folk Boleros, Huasteco and more. Don’t miss this inspiring, jubilant concert of honor and remembrance. Tickets are $20, or $18 for seniors 65+ and military and $10 for students.

• Ruth Page’s “The Nutcracker,” Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22

  The perennial holiday classic returns to the JLC Mainstage for three performances. Featuring a cast curated from local and international dance artists, the magical story of Clara and her Prince — set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score — is pure delight for the entire family. Tickets are $28, or $25 for seniors 65+ and military and $15 for students.

• Mariachi Herencia de México, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025

  With chart-topping albums and two Latin GRAMMY™ nominations, this young, virtuosic ensemble performs “La Nueva Generación Tour,” a musical homage to Latin music and singers. Their unique spin on traditional mariachi combines swaggering jazz, driving horns and a vibrant percussion line, creating an explosion of colors and sounds all their own. Simultaneously honoring the past, celebrating the present and creating the future of mariachi music, this will be an electrifying and unforgettable night of Mexican music and culture. Tickets are $34, or $30 for seniors 65+ and military and $15 for students.

• Dustbowl Revival Presents “A Laurel Canyon Retrospective,” Saturday, March 22, 2025

  Known for their vibrant live shows and a global fanbase, this collective of incredible musicians pushes the boundaries of American roots music, creating lush orchestrations and harmonies as they combine funk, soul, roots rock and Americana. Paying homage to the music of the Southern California rock and folk scene, they will reimagine and recreate the songs and harmonies of Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, The Mamas and The Papas, CSNY, Linda Ronstadt, The Doors and more, mining a new, energetic sound all their own. Tickets are $25, or $22 for seniors 65+ and military and $12 for students.

• Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: “New Orleans Songbook,” Sunday, March 23, 2025

  The soul of New Orleans and the spirit of Mardi Gras come to life in this amazing concert celebrating the composers and vibrant songs of the Crescent City, the historic epicenter of jazz. Led by pianist Luther S. Allison and vocalists Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs, the stellar trio immerses the audience in the songs of Jelly Roll Morton, Ellis Marsalis, Louis Armstrong and more, sharing their masterful vocals and vivid storytelling along the way. Tickets are $35, or $30 for seniors 65+ and military and $15 for students.

• Michael Cavanaugh: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John, Friday, March 28, 2025

  Reinterpreting the modern pop/rock songbook, Cavanaugh has carved out a career of mass appeal after being handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the Broadway Musical, “Movin’ Out.” In this evening of musical surprises, the charismatic singer and musician performs the best-loved songs of these piano legends, including “Piano Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “My Life” and “Rocket Man.” Tickets are $40, or $37 for seniors 65+ and military and $20 for students.

• Drew Wiegman, Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30, 2025

  Uber-talented cellist and TikTok sensation Drew Wiegman is Lake County’s unique, homegrown musical sensation. Entirely self-taught, playing only by ear and having never written down a single note, Wiegman forms original compositions in his mind, creating emotionally stirring, life-affirming music that urges and inspires others to follow their own dreams, no matter how large or small. Don’t miss this enthusiastic performer and rising star! Tickets are $40, or $35 for seniors 65+ and military and $20 for students.

Tickets are currently on sale online at www.jlcenter.clcillinois.edu or by phone at (847) 543-2300. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the JLC Box Office, 19351 West Washington Street in Grayslake. The JLC Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The JLC offers free parking and has a snack bar with soft drinks, beer, wine, chips and candy.