James Lumber Center turns it up to 11 with Marquee Series

The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (JLC) at College of Lake County (CLC) is cranking up the energy with its Marquee Series, showcasing live performance in a lineup that’s amped-up, eclectic and unforgettable. Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 7.

“This is the kind of season that reminds people why live performance matters — because nothing compares to the electricity of being there,” said Alisa Baum, JLC executive director. “From powerhouse musicians to sharp-witted comedians and unforgettable storytellers, every show in our Marquee Series is designed to energize, inspire and get people talking long after the curtain falls.”

The newly announced season runs from January through April. GRAMMY award-winning icons, comedy legends and moving stories will all take the stage, with each show sparking electricity guaranteed to warm you up this winter:

• 1619: The Journey of a People: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23

  A powerful live exploration of America’s history told through hip-hop, jazz, blues and dance. This dynamic musical theater experience commemorates the struggle for equality and celebrates the resilience and rhythm of a nation. Presented in partnership with the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States.

• Second City: Laugh Harder, Not Smarter: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30

  The masters of improv bring their legendary spark to the stage! Expect quick wit, classic sketches and brand-new laughs from the company that launched comedy icons Tina Fey and Steve Carell.

• Yonder Mountain String Band: 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15

  Bluegrass with a jolt of indie rock and country soul. Yonder Mountain String Band delivers an electrifying mix of rhythm and groove that keeps audiences moving all night long.

• Spamilton: An American Parody: 7 p.m., Sunday, March 1

  Broadway gets roasted, remixed and recharged in this hilarious parody from the creator of “Forbidden Broadway”. Expect rapid-fire satire, pop-culture hits and a full-throttle laughfest.

• Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite Duo: 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 2

  Two blues legends. One unforgettable night. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Elvin Bishop and GRAMMY winner Charlie Musselwhite trade riffs, stories and soul in a performance that hums with history.

• Las Cafeteras: 7 p.m., Saturday, March 28

  Rooted in tradition and charged with modern energy, Las Cafeteras ignite the stage with borderless beats and contagious rhythms that have audiences dancing worldwide.

• Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives: 7 p.m., Sunday, April 12

  Five-time GRAMMY winner Marty Stuart brings his Superlatives and supercharged sound to the JLC. Expect the best of country tradition turned all the way up.

Tickets are available online at jlcenter.clcillinois.edu, by phone at (847) 543-2300 or in person at the JLC Box Office, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours before each performance. To avoid ticket scams, only purchase tickets through the website of the official JLC ticket vendor: Etix.

Parking is free and concessions, including beer, wine and light bites, are available for purchase.