Nora O'Connor, Sima Cunningham and Kelly Hogan present: Roses for the Roches A Tribute to Maggie, Terre, and Suzzy Roche

Friday, Mar. 28 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Unapologetic harmony nerds Nora O’Connor, Sima Cunningham, and Kelly Hogan are banding together to perform a loving tribute to the original New Jersey “nurds” - the legendary sister trio, The Roches. The quirky-brainy left-of-center songwriting and laser beam harmony vocals of Maggie, Terre, and Suzzy Roche have influenced countless musicians since their debut in the mid-70s - including rabid devotees O’Connor, Cunningham, and Hogan. They’ll present a bouquet of a dozen Roches classics in a very special show as a stripped-down trio, featuring guest host, Chicago multimedia star, Alex Grelle.

About The Artists:

Nora O'Connor has been an in-demand back-up singer/multi-instrumentalist for decades, performing around the world with Iron and Wine, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird, Robbie Fulks, Neko Case, The New Pornographers, and Chicago supergroup, The Flat Five. She is currently working on her fourth solo album.

Sima Cunningham is one of Chicago's most versatile music makers and organizers. She cofounded the art-rock band Finom and has toured and recorded extensively with Jeff Tweedy, Iron & Wine, Twin Peaks, and many more. Her debut solo record, High Roller, was released in August 2024 on Ruination Records.

Equally comfortable with indie rock, traditional country, jazz, and pop - singer Kelly Hogan has explored all those directions and more in her four-decade career as a solo artist and backing vocalist for acts such as Neko Case, The Decemberists, Jakob Dylan, Andrew Bird, and Alejandro Escovedo. She’s also a prolific session musician - adding vocals to recordings for Drive-By Truckers, The New Pornographers, The Mekons, Amy Ray, Tortoise, Silkworm, The Minus 5 and others. She has released four solo albums, including 2012’s I Like to Keep Myself in Pain - featuring songs written for her by a star-studded roster including Robyn Hitchcock, The Handsome Family, and Vic Chesnutt and recorded with icon Booker T. Jones and hall-of-fame funky drummer James Gadson. These days you can find Hogan living out of a well-worn suitcase as a grateful member of gospel/soul icon Mavis Staples’ band.

Alex Grelle is a gay Chicago-based performer. His heartfelt, comedic spectacles gallivant through a wide range of media, including - but never limited to - live music, dance, sketch comedy, acting, puppetry, Shelley Duvall’s late-career television exploits, and video. Grelle's shows are carefully curated to showcase performances and artists that have impacted his life in a profound way. Recent productions include his monthly variety show Ordinary Peepholes, The Grelley Duvall Show 4, STEPMOM At The Old Ethan Allen Space (Steppenwolf), his critically-acclaimed David Bowie spectacle Floor Show, his multi-media collaborative homage to Kate Bush, Full Bush, with band Finom - and, most recently, Nosferatu at the Color Club.

Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Art at The Acorn: A Retrospective

Saturday, Feb. 01 | 12:00pm ET (11:00am CT)

The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts transforms into a visual art space with our initiative Art at The Acorn. We are proud to welcome our former Artists for A Retrospective, on view January through March.

A Retrospective features artwork from Frank Kurland, Nicolina Holt, Chris Brown, Nathan Margoni, Amy Renzulli and Julie Schwarz. Join us for an Open House on Saturday, February 1st from 12:00–2:00pm ET at The Acorn. Some of the Artists will be on hand to talk about their work.

The Open House is free and open to the public. No tickets are required to attend.

To purchase artwork, please contact the Artist directly. For artist contact information, or to learn how to apply for a future Art at The Acorn exhibition, please visit our Art at The Acorn page.

About the Artists:

Frank Kurland

Frank Kurland is a self-taught painter of landscapes, skyscapes and waterscapes loosely interpreting the styles of impressionism, neo- and post-impressionism, and modernism, combined with unique techniques, brushstrokes and perspectives. He received commercial art education at the American Academy of Art, Chicago and is the retired owner of one of the region’s most respected and sought-after brand-driven integrated marketing communications firms. Frank began painting during semi-retirement (2016) and his work is in private collections, galleries and retail establishments across the U.S.

Born and raised in suburban Chicago, weekends and vacations were simple outings in nature—camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing. That love of nature has stayed with Frank all his life. He spent his career in graphic design and marketing—working with color, shape, contrast, form and pattern—this was Frank’s foundation. He now strives to create paintings that ask you to look deep into them, that make you feel something, and hopefully, take you somewhere. Step into Frank’s “Dreamscape” world where colors mingle to form billowing clouds, verdant woodlands and sun-soaked wetlands. Wind. Warmth. The scent of the earth. The sound of the sea. The coolness of fog. This is what he attempts to put into two dimensions when he paints—to elicit a memory, a mood, a desire, a dream. His work generally evolves in layers—as does nature itself—with depth, light and movement. Both subtle tones and vibrant colors. Balance and focus. Evocative and moody. Sometimes calming and sometimes turbulent, but always expressive of a memory, a mood, a moment in time that’s cherished.

Nicolina Holt

Nicolina Holt is a photographer and mixed media artist based in Southwest Michigan. She earned a B.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in photography and graphic design from Michigan State University and her M.F.A. in Visual Arts from Lesley University. After working as a photojournalist for several years, she returned to school to obtain her teacher certification in Art Education from Western Michigan University. She taught photography for 10 years at Lake Michigan College while also running her own photography business. She continues her fine art photography while working as the Graduate and Undergraduate Coordinator for the Art Department at the University of Notre Dame. She resides in St. Joseph, MI with her family.

Her work has been exhibited at Soho Photo Gallery, Agora Gallery, Woman Made Gallery, ARC Gallery, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Bridgeport Art Center, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Holland Arts Council, Old Courthouse Arts Center, and more.

Chris Brown

Chris was born and raised in the Detroit area, graduated from Michigan State University, moved to Chicago, wrote fiction, played in bands, dabbled in photography, graduated from the University of Chicago, worked and worked some more, bought a place in Three Oaks, discovered painting during the pandemic and can't stop.

Nathan Margoni

Nathan Margoni is currently the Director of Education at Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, MI and Adjunct Faculty at Notre Dame University. He received his BFA in Painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art and his MFA in Sculpture from SUNY Purchase College. He has exhibited work at Schulamit Nazarian (Los Angeles, CA), the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art (Grand Rapids, MI), and attended residencies at Wassaic Project (Wassaic, NY), Vermont Studio Center (Johnson, VT), Millay Colony (Austerlitz, NY) and Kaus Australis (Rotterdam, NL).

Amy Renzulli

Coming from a family full of artists, Amy grew up with the gifts of painting, drawing, writing, and abundant art supplies and guidance. Amy’s biggest artistic influence is her father who made art a central part of his life and career after being a doctor for many years. She began her painting journey by mimicking the traditional landscapes he painted and seeking his input and feedback. She later found her own rhythm and style which continues to evolve. And she still seeks out the advice and guidance from her family of professional artists.

She currently balances her time between two busy, successful School of Rock locations, two art studios, and a burgeoning start-up with one of her creative sisters. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two young adult children and encouraging them to achieve their own dreams and goals. Amy’s focus is exploring, learning and getting her work out in the world. Her goal is to nurture and contribute to the art community as well as continue to paint and develop her artistic presence.

Julie Schwarz

After years in a career of caring for others, Julie decided it was time to care for herself. So several years ago she took a major leap of faith and embarked on an adventure that would change her life. Julie decided to study photography at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, Montana. Upon arriving back home to Harbor Country, she was thrilled with the education she had received at RMSP, but disappointed to find herself feeling that her photographs looked like ones she had already seen before. Julie then found an old Polaroid camera at a garage sale and came up with a style of photography that was all her own. Since then Julie and her husband have traveled the Midwest and beyond selling her artwork at juried art festivals where Julie has won numerous awards. Julie’s work can be found in corporate and private collections nationwide and in Europe.

A Night Of Comedy, featuring Pat Tomasulo with Jim Flannigan

Saturday, Apr. 19 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

One of the top headlining acts in Chicago comes to The Acorn. Pat Tomasulo is a Chicago-based stand-up comedian, TV host, actor and podcaster.

About The Artist:

One of the top headlining acts in Chicago, Tomasulo's first one-hour comedy special, “What A Time To Be Alive,” was released in 2022. You can also see and hear him weekly on “The Pat Tomasulo Podcast,” one of the highest-charting podcasts on Apple’s “Stand-Up Comedy” podcast rankings. And if you live in the Chicagoland area, you can see Pat every morning as one of the hosts of the WGN Morning News, the highest-rated AM news program in Chicago for over 10 years running. Other TV credits include guest host and contributor to “LIVE! With Regis and Kelly,” and co-host of “Shaq Vs,” an ABC primetime reality show featuring basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal. Pat is also the creator and host of “Laugh Your Face Off,” an annual comedy benefit that has raised over $2.6M for The Facial Pain Research Foundation, a group that funds research to cure trigeminal neuralgia, a rare pain condition his wife, Amy, suffers from.

Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Please note there is absolutely no video permitted during this performance.

Terrapin Flyer: A Tribute To Grateful Dead

Saturday, Feb. 22 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

For the past 25 years Terrapin Flyer has been touring with the finest in the Grateful Dead community of musicians and has become a fixture of the national music scene, playing regularly at venues around the country and appearing at music festivals.

About The Artists:

Terrapin Flyer has a dedicated following among fans of the Grateful Dead and other jam bands, and is known for their authentic interpretations of rare and classic Dead songs. Over the years, Terrapin Flyer has toured with many notable musicians, including Melvin Seals from the Jerry Garcia Band, Vince Welnick, Tom Constanten from the Grateful Dead and many other Dead-related musicians. Overall, Terrapin Flyer is a talented and highly regarded band that has made a significant impact on the national music scene.

It started in 1999 at the Boulevard Cafe in Chicago as a Grateful Dead jam night and soon became a touring Grateful Dead band featuring legends in the Grateful Dead. In 2001 TF began touring with final keyboardist of the Grateful Dead Vince Welnick. In 2004 touring with Melvin Seals who played Hammond organ in the Jerry Garcia Band. And then in 2006 with another of the Grateful Dead keyboardists Tom Constanten. Some of these tours included several first ever lineups with the combination of Melvin Seals, Tom Constanten and Mark Karan from Ratdog. These were not passing associations but long term bonds with these legends. For 15 years TF toured with Melvin Seals and kept a busy schedule with him as a side gig to his band Melvin Seals & the JGB. With Constanten they were mentioned in the Rolling Stone's "Guide to the Grateful Dead" for the many years of touring with him.

Terrapin Flyer has been an evolution of band members over the past quarter of a century and currently features musicians that share the gravitas of having toured many years with members of the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band. At its core Terrapin Flyer is a band of deadheads who are committed to attempting to recapture the spirit and essence of the Grateful Dead by incorporating the roots music of jazz, blues and bluegrass into jams and bringing the music to new and similar places. Josh Olken is the lead guitarist, Wavy Dave on the bass, Jon Reed is the drummer, keyboardist is Michael Cole and rhythm guitarist Doug Hagman.

Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Ike Reilly Assassination w/ Max Niemann

Friday, Feb. 21 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Ike Reilly is a punk-poet-troubadour and the leader of the ferocious musical outfit The Ike Reilly Assassination.

Since his 2001 major label debut, Salesmen and Racists, Reilly has been creating rebellious punk/folk/country/blues-influenced rock ’n’ roll records that are both poetic and cinematic. He’s written songs for and collaborated with artists like Johnny Hickman and David Lowery of the band Cracker, Shooter Jennings and Tom Morello. Critical praise for his work has been plentiful.

About The Artist:

Ike Reilly is a punk-poet-troubadour and the leader of the ferocious musical outfit The Ike Reilly Assassination. The former doorman and gravedigger hailing from the seemingly idyllic town of Libertyville, Illinois is the subject of the award-winning documentary Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night. The film, from Executive Producer Tom Morello, chronicles the songs, career and proverbial life of Reilly. Like the subject matter of his music-the film deals with booze, drugs, religion, family, financial calamity and culls over 30 years of footage together to reveal a complicated and formidable artist in his pursuit of both greatness and authenticity. The film is both profound and personal.

Since his 2001 major label debut, Salesmen and Racists, Reilly has been creating rebellious punk/folk/country/blues-influenced rock ’n’ roll records that are both poetic and cinematic. He’s written songs for and collaborated with artists like Johnny Hickman and David Lowery of the band Cracker, Shooter Jennings and Tom Morello. Critical praise for his work has been plentiful. David Carr of the New York Times said, ”Ike Reilly is a kind of natural resource mined from the bedrock of music, all the values that make Rock important to people-storytelling, melody, rage, laughter are part and parcel of every Ike Reilly show I’ve ever seen.” The Washington Post called The Ike Reilly Assassination one of the best live bands in America and author Stephen King recently said “Ike Reilly is the Rock God not enough people have heard of.”

The Ike Reilly Assassination will be heading out on their AMERICAN STEAL TOUR this February and Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night is now streaming on APPLE TV, AMAZON PRIME, YOUTUBE and all major streaming platforms.

Press: WGN TV Cover Story and CBS Cover Story

Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Open Mic Night feat. Shiny Shiny Black

Thursday, Feb. 27 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

This event serves as our next recording partnership activity with 88.1 WVPE Public Radio which will air in a future "The Sauce Live from The Acorn" broadcast on WVPE! We'll be capturing LIVE footage at the show - come get in on the action!

Where else in Harbor Country can you go for an evening filled with amazing talent? Come experience Harbor Country’s most exciting array of acts, packed into one night on the fabulous Acorn stage with a state of the art, professional sound system.

No Admission Fee, Donations Encouraged

Performer Inquiries: Email openmic@acornlive.org

This activity is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and sponsored by The Frederick S. Upton Foundation.

About the Artist

Shiny Shiny Black is an indie folk alternative band from Goshen, Indiana, featuring wife-and-husband songwriter duo Nate and Amber Butler. Shiny Shiny Black serves an audience of thousands via their alternative folk concerts, original songs and reflections on the creative life. Featured regionally in Indiana and having performed on stages throughout the US and internationally, their song “Reverie” stood out as a 2024 IAMA Finalist. They ask their audience to consider a framework of life as art, building the life you want and demonstrating how the things we make become creative vehicles for our development along the way. The band performs throughout the U.S. in traditional venues as well as the unique and personal offering of house concerts in the homes of their listeners.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Colm & Laura Keegan: On The Road Again

Friday, Feb. 14 | 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT)

Join Celtic Thunder's Colm & Laura Keegan, along with pianist Brian McGrane (of Celtic Woman), for a captivating evening of music celebrating their brand-new album On The Road Again. Featuring a stunning blend of Irish and Scottish songs, fan-favourite originals, and brand-new, never-before-heard pieces written by the trio, this is a show not to be missed. Experience the perfect mix of Irish & Scottish tradition, coming to your doorstep for this unique evening of culture, creativity and an unforgettable performance.

Ticket options for this event:
5pm ET: *Meet & Greet + Irish Language Workshop with Show Ticket
6pm ET: *Meet & Greet with Show Ticket
7pm ET: *Show Ticket Only

Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Rocks Off: A Tribute To The Rolling Stones

Friday, Mar. 14 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

Rocks Off is Chicago's premier and authentic Rolling Stones tribute, delivering the music, the look, and the attitude of the World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band!

About Artists:

Rocks Off is Chicago's premier and authentic Rolling Stones tribute, delivering the music, the look, and the attitude of the World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band! Whether it be deep album cuts or your favorite live version, Rocks Off captures the Jagger moves, Keef riffs, Charlie Watts' groove, and the blazing Mick Taylor solos from their golden era of 1968-1973.

Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

The Fortunate Sons: A Tribute To Creedence Clearwater Revival

Friday, Apr. 04 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

The Fortunate Sons are the world's greatest tribute to America's greatest band: Creedence Clearwater Revival.

About the Artists:

Based in Chicago, the band tours nationally and internationally to keep the tradition of CCR's timeless music alive. Using original vintage gear and instruments, accurate costumes, and spot-on musical ability, The Fortunate Sons instantly conjure up the full experience of seeing Creedence in their prime.

Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

RESERVED SEATING DONATION option includes a $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.

Martha Wainwright w/ Haley Blais

Saturday, May. 10 | 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of her seminal eponymous debut studio album, Martha Wainwright announces the 20th Anniversary Tour, coming to The Acorn on May 10th, 2025.

This concert is part of our recording partnership series with 88.1 WVPE Public Radio which will air in a future "The Sauce Live from The Acorn" broadcast on WVPE! We'll be capturing LIVE footage at the show - come get in on the action!

About the Artists:

Canadian singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright has released seven critically-acclaimed studio albums. In 2025 she celebrates the 20th anniversary of her seminal eponymous debut studio album.

The album had a huge impact on her career and in addition to the tour she is releasing the record on vinyl for the first time, in both a single and expanded double vinyl version and will have 20th Anniversary merchandise for sale at each date.

2005’s ‘Martha Wainwright’ showed an artist of considerable depth and vision and secured herself a place as one of the finest songwriters of her generation that included the songs ‘Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole,’ ‘Factory,’ ‘Far Away,’ and ‘When the Day is Short’.

Haley Blais
Haley Blais is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter who has turned out defiant scream-into-your-pillow pop songs since 2014. Blais developed a community and fanbase as a teenager almost a decade ago with her diaristic YouTube videos and tender ukulele covers. Since then, Blais has traded the solo ukulele for a guitar and a five-piece band. In 2020, Blais released a debut full-length album of jangly pop anthems, Below the Salt, produced with indie staples Tennis and Louise Burns. The debut amassed millions of streams and avid support from publications like NPR, NYLON, and i-D, leading to sell-out shows in the UK, Europe and USA. Now signed to iconic indie label Arts & Crafts, Haley’s signature sound has matured into a distinct new voice. Her lyrics riff on the joys and banalities of the every day, the need to break apart and away from an uninspiring life, radical acceptance, and manifesting a world where you feel proud of yourself and who you’re surrounded by.

Please note Week of Show price increases by $5 per ticket.

The Acorn's RESERVED SEATING ticket option includes an additional $30 tax-deductible donation to The Acorn and guarantees you a seat with optimal sightlines. $30 Donation per ticket holder in your group.