What's On

Seven Realms of Attar This is not merely a performance. It is a pilgrimage. A mirror. A remembering. A homecoming to the soul.

Making its world premiere at the ECC Arts Center, Seven Realms of Attar is a landmark, multidisciplinary spectacle by Niyaz, the pioneering electro-acoustic global music collective redefining tradition through innovation. Inspired by the 12th-century masterpiece The Conference of the Birds by Persian poet Attar, this performance fuses live music, poetry, dance, and visionary stagecraft into an immersive, living cosmos.

Rooted in Iranian heritage yet strikingly contemporary, Seven Realms of Attar emerges as a powerful artistic response to today’s global unrest, inviting audiences to reflect on our shared humanity, our interdependence with all forms of life, and the transcendent power of cultural and spiritual diversity.
Dates: Sat, March 14, 2026 Booking and More Information
Switchback Switchback, the dynamic, award-winning duo of Marty McCormack (vocals, bass) and Brian FitzGerald (vocals, guitar, mandolin), has been captivating audiences worldwide with their distinctive fusion of American roots and Celtic soul. With decades of experience on stage, they craft a rich, genre-defying sound that resonates deeply with listeners across generations and cultures. The duo’s journey began over 30 years ago at Durty Nellie's, a Palatine bar, where their shared passion for Irish heritage and Midwestern musical traditions sparked a lifelong collaboration. Dates: Tue, March 17, 2026 Booking and More Information
Uptown Fusing Bruno Mars-caliber stage presence with top-tier vocals and wall-to-wall choreography, the men of UPTOWN combine the smooth stylings of R&B with the fresh hits of today in a unique and modern show that gets every crowd on their feet! Born in New York City, the epicenter of contemporary pop and soul music, the group exudes unparalleled energy with their blend of contemporary radio hits and classic Motown music. Every single member of UPTOWN is a world-class soloist, with frequent comparisons to the artistry of icons like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Dates: Sat, March 21, 2026 Booking and More Information
Las Cafeteras From Afro-Mexican to Americana, from Soul to Son Jarocho, from Roots to Rock and Hip Hop, Las Cafeteras are a sonic explosion of Afro-Mexican rhythms, electronic beats, and powerful rhymes that document stories of a community seeking to “build a world where many worlds fit.”
The band has shared the stage with Mexican icons Café Tacuba, Natalia LaFourcade, and Lila Downs, along with the Gipsy Kings, Columbian superstar Juanes, musical artist, actor, and Chicago native Common, Los Lobos, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
Dates: Fri, March 27, 2026 Booking and More Information
If I Had a Hammer: The Heart of Folk Music Celebrate the voices that defined a movement and the songs that inspired a generation. Lisa Rock of Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters and world-class vocalists join an acoustic band to honor the golden age of folk. Hear iconic hits like Woody Guthrie’s anthemic “This Land is Your Land,” Joni Mitchell’s poetic “Both Sides Now,” Pete Seeger’s stirring “If I Had a Hammer,” and Peter, Paul and Mary’s beloved “Puff the Magic Dragon,” and more in this heartfelt tribute to the music that sparked hope, change, and unity. Dates: Tue, April 7, 2026 Booking and More Information
Luca Stricagnoli with special guest Meg Pfeiffer With over 200 million views on his music videos, Luca Stricagnoli has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative and distinctive guitarists in the world. Hailing from Italy, this acoustic fingerstyle virtuoso consistently stuns audiences with his high-energy, visually captivating performances. Stricagnoli’s playing is anything but conventional. He incorporates violin bows, performs on multiple guitars simultaneously, uses his feet, and employs modified capos and alternate tunings. His setlists are as diverse as his technique, spanning rock, pop, movie soundtracks, hip-hop, and a mix of inventive arrangements and original compositions. Dates: Fri, April 10, 2026 Booking and More Information
That This Nation Shall Live A bold and thoughtful program centered on Stacey Garrop’s Terra Nostra, exploring environmental responsibility through the lens of American legacy, performed with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Dates: Sun, April 19, 2026 Booking and More Information
Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition Presented by Dundee Middle School Dates: Thu, April 23, 2026, Fri, April 24, 2026, Sat, April 25, 2026 Booking and More Information
Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 comes to life on stage in this gripping adaptation of the classic novel. In a world where books are outlawed and burned, fireman Guy Montag begins to question everything he’s been taught. As censorship tightens its grip, Montag’s awakening sparks a dangerous journey toward truth, individuality, and the power of ideas. Dates: Fri, April 24, 2026, Sat, April 25, 2026, Sun, April 26, 2026, Fri, May 1, 2026, Sat, May 2, 2026, Sun, May 3, 2026 Booking and More Information
ECC Concert Choir Experience the power and beauty of choral music with ECC’s Concert Choir. Under the direction of Kathi Bernhard, this ensemble presents a rich and diverse program featuring classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and global choral traditions. Join us for an inspiring evening that showcases the expressive strength of the human voice in harmony. Dates: Mon, May 4, 2026 Booking and More Information
ECC Concert Band The ECC Concert Band captivates audiences with powerful performances and dynamic arrangements. Experience the rich tapestry of sound created by winds, brass, and percussion as the ensemble brings both classical masterpieces and contemporary favorites to life. Join us for an unforgettable musical journey that celebrates tradition with a modern twist. Dates: Wed, May 6, 2026 Booking and More Information
ECC Steel Bands Led by Scott McConnell, the ECC Steel Bands deliver high-energy performances filled with the vibrant sounds of calypso, reggae, rock, and beyond. Let the infectious rhythms and soulful melodies of the steel drums transport you to the islands in a concert experience that’s as uplifting as it is unforgettable. Dates: Thu, May 7, 2026 Booking and More Information
Infinite Possibilities The award-winning Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestras (EYSO) is one of the largest, oldest, and most esteemed youth orchestras in the nation. Its five orchestras, brass choir, flute choir, percussion ensembles, Starter Strings, and thriving Chamber Music Institute provide nearly 400 students from across 70 communities a rich, comprehensive learning environment that promotes curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking while presenting thrilling, innovative concerts. In EYSO’s 50th season, explore the endless possibilities of perspective as EYSO celebrates the past and imagines the future of orchestral music.
Learn more at EYSO.org.
Dates: Sun, May 10, 2026 Booking and More Information
ECC Jazz Essemble Get ready to groove with our sensational jazz ensemble, led by the talented Shawn Maxwell! Join us for an unforgettable evening of musical magic, where smooth melodies, irresistible rhythms, and masterful improvisation come together in a vibrant celebration of one of America’s most iconic art forms. Dates: Thu, May 14, 2026 Booking and More Information
5th Annual Dance Recital: Barbie Life In The Dreamhouse Presented by Briezay Dance Academy Dates: Sat, May 16, 2026 Booking and More Information

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