Playing Live for Feb. 17, 2012

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Tenor Cornelius Johnson is among the performers booked for Feb. 19's Lift Ev'ry Voice, the next installment in the Opera Up Close series at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University. | File photo

Updated: March 18, 2012 8:09AM

Here is a look at some music events on the way to the Southland.

Lift Ev’ry Voice

The Opera Up Close series will continue at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, off University Parkway east of Governors Highway, University Park.

Lift Ev’ry Voice will take place at 4 p.m. Feb. 19.

Attendees can celebrate Black History Month with a review of music drawn from the rich heritage of the black experience.

Two of the Chicago area’s greatest operatic stars, soprano Kimberly Jones and tenor Cornelius Johnson, will perform music from several shows including “Porgy and Bess,” “Ragtime” and “Show Boat.” Viennese pastries and coffee will be offered during this intimate performance on the Center’ for Performing Arts stage.

The internationally acclaimed opera stars will unleash their soaring interpretations of great American music in Lift Ev’ry Voice – An Operatic Celebration of Black History Month. Featured music will include selections form George Gershwin’s “Tremonisha” as well as spirituals and other songs drawn from the rich heritage of the Africa- American experience.

The Opera Up Close series features Sunday matinees with world-class singers performing opera classics in an intimate, on-stage setting complete with cabaret-style audience seating and a European cafe menu of coffee and desserts.

Jones is an alumna of the Ryan Opera Center with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Her performances with the prestigious Lyric Opera include Margru in the world premiere of Anthony Davis’ “Amistad,” Olga in “Fedora,” Princess Xenia in “Boris Godunov,” Pedro in “Don Quichotte,” and Despina in student matinee performances of “Cosi Fan Tutte.”

With the Ryan Opera Center, Jones portrayed Laetitia in “The Old Maid and the Thief.” Additionally, she impressed audiences at Grant Park in “Don Giovanni” and “Die Fledermaus.” Jones is on the voice faculty at Merit School of Music and Sherwood Conservatory of Music with Columbia College Chicago, as well as DePaul University.

Johnson recently performed an evening of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arias and ensembles with the New Millennium Chamber Ensemble, Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Christ on the Mount of Olives” at Abyssinian Church in New York, Giacomo Puccini arias at Northern Illinois University, and Mozart’s “Requiem” with the Elmhurst Choral Union.

Johnson also has performed as Rodolfo in “La Boheme” at the Elgin Opera, in “Man of La Mancha” at Chamber Opera Chicago, in Georges Bizet’s “Djamileh” at the Chicago Cultural Center and as Don Jose in “Carmen” at the Ravinia Festival. A native of Chicago, Johnson received his master of music degree from Northwestern University and his bachelor of arts degree from Morehouse College.

Both Jones and Johnson appeared in Houston Grand Opera’s international production of “Porgy and Bess,” which graced the stages of the Opera Bastille in Paris, La Scala in Milan, and the Bunkamura Theater with the Tokyo Philharmonic.

Tickets are $37. Information: (708) 235-2222, centertickets.net.

The Mudcats

This New Orleans-style band will play an array of local venues during the Mardi Gras season.

The Mudcats have been providing Midwesterners with New Orleans sounds for the past 25 years.

The style the band plays in is reminiscent of the same sound one is apt to hear at Preservation Hall in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter.

The repertoire is chosen from many of the same songs that are played by the Preservation Hall musicians.

People who have heard the Mudcats frequently comment that the style of music is much like that from many of the New Orleans bands.

Recently the band has been appearing with a special guest at performances. That guest is Rick Murray, a former vocalist with the Sun Ra Arkestra, a historically famous Chicago jazz band.

Murray is also featured on one of the tracks of the Mudcats new CD, which will be coming out in time for Mardi Gras on Feb. 21.

Music fans can enjoy Mardi Gras festivities in the Southland by listening to the sounds of the Mudcats and enjoying some great food at most of these area venues:

SALVATION ARMY: 2900 W. 127 th St., Blue Island, (708) 332-0100: The band will perform at 1 p.m. Feb. 17 for the Senior Mardi Gras Luncheon.

HACKNEY’S IN PALOS PARK: 9600 W. 123rd St., (708) 448-8300: The Mudcats will perform from 8-11 p.m. Feb. 18.

TINLEY PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY: 7851 Timber Drive, (708) 532-0160: The group will perform at 2 p.m. Feb. 19.

THE MAPLE TREE INN: 13301 S. Western Ave., Blue Island, (708) 388-3461: The Mudcats will perform for Fat Tuesday on Feb. 21. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

MORE PLAYING LIVE

BAILEY’S: 17731 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, (708) 429-7955: Feb. 18, Classic Girls Band.

BEVERLY ARTS CENTER: 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: Feb. 18, Rod Stewart Concert Experience: Young Turks featuring Steve Bobbitt. This show will bring to life the look, sound, energy and star appeal of the music of Stewart. “The Rod Stewart Concert Experience features a playlist of Stewart’s popular music performed by Steve Bobbitt and the Young Turks, recognized for their authentic performance,” officials said. “The concert will include hits like ‘Maggie May,’ ‘Stay With Me,’ ‘Tonight’s the Night’ and many more.”

BLUE CHIP CASINO: 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City, Ind., (219) 879-7711: Feb. 17 in Rocks Lounge, R-Gang and Canary Blue; Feb. 17-18 in It’s Vegas Baby!, Killer Flamingos; Feb. 18 in Rocks Lounge, Chris and Lou, Kim Thomas & Wildcard and Soda; Feb. 19 in Rocks Lounge, City Lights and Smokin’ Gunz; Feb. 22 in It’s Vegas Baby!, Karaoke Wednesdays; Feb. 23 in It’s Vegas Baby!, live video disc jockey.

BOTTOMS UP BAR & GRILL: 1696 Thornton-Lansing Road, Lansing, (708) 418-3877: Fridays, Jamming with Rolling Jones Jeremy (acoustic music, open mike and a disc jockey); Feb. 18-19, the Hype; Thursdays, Musicians Workshop jam with Jeremy and the band.

THE BRAZEN HEAD: 13602 S. Cicero Ave., Crestwood, (708) 388-8862: Feb. 18, Sean Skyler; Thursdays, Safe Haven.

BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS: 700 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, (312) 427-1190: Feb. 17, Sugar Blue, Dave Herrero and Eddie Taylor Jr.; Feb. 18, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Joe Moss and Sam Lay; Feb. 19, jazz set with Guy King and His Organ Trio (early) and Matthew Skoller (late); Feb. 20, jam with host Brother John; Feb. 21, the Chicago Blues Angels; Feb. 22, College Night with Linsey Alexander; Feb. 23, Lurrie Bell.

CARRAIG PUB AT CHICAGO GAELIC PARK: 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest, (708) 687-9323: Feb. 17, Pat Daly; Feb. 18, Joe McShane; Feb. 18 in the main room, the Wolfe Tones (reservations are required); Mondays, set dancing; Tuesdays, ceili dancing; Thursdays, Irish music session with Pat Finnegan & Friends. “Gaelic Park is once again featuring Ireland’s premier rebel band, the Wolfe Tones,” officials said. “The Wolfe Tones have been bringing crowds to their feet with songs like ‘Celtic Symphony’ and ‘A Nation Once Again.’ They’ve been bringing a lump to patrons’ throats and a tear to their eyes with their powerful rendition of ‘James Connolly.’ “

CD&ME: 23320 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, (815) 469-7315: Fridays through April, Laugh the Night Away! series including comedians Larry Reeb and Mike Preston and music by Rick & Kevin on Feb. 17.

CHICAGO STREET PUB: 75 N. Chicago St., Joliet, (815) 727-7171: Feb. 17, OD; Feb. 22, Mickey Harte’s CD release party with John Condron; Feb. 23, Ragan Frietag fundraiser.

CIVIC OPERA HOUSE: 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, (312) 332-2244: Through March 17, Lyric Opera of Chicago presents “Show Boat”; through March 25, Lyric Opera of Chicago presents “Aida.” * Click on Betty Mohr’s columnist link in SouthtownStar.com’s Entertainment section to read a review of “Show Boat,” and keep an eye on the Weekend magazine and that link for a review of “Aida.”

CROATIAN CULTURAL CLUB: 1503 Clement St., Joliet, (815) 723-3154: Feb. 17, Krilich Tambura Trio.

ED & JOE’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA: 17332 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, (708) 532-3051: Feb. 17, open mike showcase with Tim Fredericksen and the Microphone Incident featuring the best of Thursday nights’ open mike; Feb. 18, Cadillac Casanovas (three-piece rockabilly); Feb. 23, open mike with Mike O’Meara.

THE EDGE COMMUNITY COFFEE HOUSE & ROASTING COMPANY: 1366 Main St., Crete, (708) 279-7211: Feb. 18, open mike.

5TH QUARTER AND PRESS ROOM EATERY: 18105 Dixie Highway, Homewood, (708) 798-2719: Feb. 19, Fat Tuesday with Little Johnny. “The 5th Quarter is known for its great food and atmosphere. This will be my sixth Fat Tuesday here,” he said.

FOUR WINDS CASINO RESORT’S STAGE BAR: 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Mich., (866) 494-6371: Feb. 17-18, Neon (party dance music).

FOX’S PIZZA ON WOLF IN MOKENA: 11247 W. 187th St., (708) 478-8888: Feb. 17-18 and 23, Todd & Connie’s Acoustic Thing.

GLENDORA HOUSE: 10225 Harlem Avenue, Chicago Ridge, (708) 425-3686: Feb. 19, Illiana Club of Traditional Jazz concert featuring Mark Biegel’s Swing Dogs.

GRECO’S: 8850 Archer Ave., Willow Springs, (708) 839-0333: Feb. 18, Afterglow.

HARRAH’S JOLIET’S STAGE 151: 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet, (815) 740-7800: Feb. 17, Spoken Four; Feb. 18, Libido Funk Circus.

HEROES WEST SPORTS GRILL: 1530 Commerce Drive, Joliet, (815) 725-1234: Feb. 18, the Neverly Brothers. “The Neverly Brothers are not an oldies cover band nor are they a tribute act. They are a unique and exciting national touring concert theater headline retro-rock revue in a league of their own and, above all, they are true entertainers,” officials said. “During their high-energy live shows, their song sequence and selection, accompanied by narrative historical footnotes, will illustrate how the music and energy of the 1950s American rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll pioneer set the stage for the adventurous young bands of the 1960s British Invasion movement. Their repertoire consists of show-stopping renditions of early hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Dave Clark Five and more, and many other artists who shaped rock ‘n’ roll from 1955 through 1965.”

HOLLYWOOD STADIUM: Hollywood Casino Joliet, 2300 Empress Drive, (888) 436-7737: Feb. 17, 3 in Counting; Feb. 18, Hello Nuvo; Feb. 22, “Pop-arazzi” Karaoke.

HOLLYWOOD HAMMOND’S THE VENUE: 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, Ind., (800) 745-3000: Feb. 19, Gospel Buffet with Blind Boys of Alabama. “Celebrate Black History Month with the Grammy Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama,” officials said.

J.W. HOLLSTEIN’S SALOON: 17358 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, (708) 429-7000: Feb. 17, Timing Is Everything; Feb. 18, Slippery When Wet.

LIMESTONE CITY GRILL & LOUNGE: 13415 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights, (708) 371-9000: Feb. 17, Bobby Dunne; Feb. 18, Charles and Company; Feb. 22, Groove Dynasty.

THE LINGER MARTINI BAR: 4142 W. 167th St., Oak Forest, (708) 960-0481: Feb. 18, NightWind (fusion); Fridays, “In the Rotation” Friday featuring a different disc jockey each time; Sundays, the Experience Sunday featuring DJ Hi-Speed; Feb. 23, Prodigy Musical Group (funk).

LITTLE JOE’S: 1300 N. Cedar Road, New Lenox, (815) 463-1099: Tuesdays, Piano Styles by Joe.

MARRS-MEYER AMERICAN LEGION POST 991: 11011 S. Depot Ave., Worth, (708) 478-7006 or (708) 448-6699: Fridays, Bobby Dunne; Saturdays, John Devlin & Friends. The bar will be open to the public.

MOJOE’S: 22 W. Cass St., Joliet, mojoesofjoliet.com: Feb. 17, Big Wig Mechanic with Uncle Bucket; Feb. 18, Prison System (System of a Down tribute).

115 BOURBON STREET: 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, (708) 388-8881: Feb. 17, Libido Funk Circus (front stage); Feb. 18, 16 Candles (big room) and History’s End (front stage); Feb. 21, Fat Tuesday with Blue Moon Swamp (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute) and Sean and Charlie (front stage), Infinity (big room) and Shawn Edwards vs. Drummer Ricky Rocks (nightclub); Feb. 23, Too White Crew (big room).

191 SOUTH: 10160 191st St., Mokena, (708) 479-6873: Feb. 17, iPop; Feb. 18, April’s Reign; Feb. 21, Fat Tuesday bash.

PAPA JOE’S: 14459 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, (708) 403-9099: Tuesdays (two-for-one pasta specials) and Thursdays (half-priced martinis), Afterglow.

RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE: 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, (815) 726-6600: Feb. 18, Ragin’ Cajun Mardi Gras Celebration with Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies. This event includes the concert, a preshow party, appetizers and drinks for one price.

RIVERS CASINO’S CUBE: 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, (888) 307-0777: Feb. 17, Hi Infidelity; Feb. 18, Vito Zatto; Feb. 21, Spazmatics; Feb. 22, Your Villain My Hero; Feb. 23, 7th Heaven; Tuesdays-Saturdays, disc jockeys.

SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE’S KINDIG PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: 15800 S. State St., South Holland, (708) 596-2000, Ext. 2316: Feb. 22, “Tribute to the Legendary Lady Singers of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues.” “In honor of Black History Month, SSC Student Life and the Music Department is sponsoring ‘Tribute to the Legendary Lady Singers of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues’ featuring SSC alumnus Rhonda Browne (vocalist) along with some of Chicago’s best-known jazz musicians,” officials said. “There will also be a special guest performance from the SSC Voices under the direction of Al Jackson and pianist Douglas C. Ulreich.”

STAR PLAZA THEATRE: 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville, Ind., (800) 745-3000: Feb. 18, Jerry Butler, the Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson and special guest Garland Green.

THE TRIBES ALEHOUSE & GRILL: 11220 W. Lincoln Highway, Mokena, (815) 464-0248: Sundays, “An (Un)Traditional Irish Music Session”; Mondays, open bluegrass jam; Wednesdays, open mike with John Condron.

VITO & NICK’S II: 7020 183rd St., Tinley Park, (708) 532-8486: Feb. 19, Frank Rossi with his keyboard, accordion and singing. The performance will feature requests and sing-alongs. “Frank invites you to sit in on stage as he hosts an open mike,” officials said. “Combine this with $6 unlimited spaghetti and the famous Vito & Nick’s pizza for a great family dining experience.”

ZANTE LOUNGE & EATERY OF PALOS: 10307 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, (708) 233-6400: Fridays, DJ Gus Moros; Saturdays, DJ Xavier Joshua.

ZANTE LOUNGE & EATERY OF ORLAND: 8888 W. 159th St., Orland Park, (708) 364-0100: Nov. 25, Final Say; Saturdays, DJ Billy and a guest disc jockey.

Send Playing Live items to jvirtusio@southtownstar.com, with “Music Listings” in the subject line.

Items must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the desired Friday print date in order to be considered for possible publication.