‘WARM AND WELCOMING’ HOLIDAY START

By DENISE M. BARAN–UNLAND

Agne G returns to the Rialto Square Theatre stage to headline concert

As many times as 16-year-old Agne Giedraityte has performed and competed vocally in the United States and Europe last eight years, she can’t help feeling nervous.

But when the Lithuanian-born Agne G, as she is known professionally, starts to sing, the emotion of the music makes all nervousness vanish. “When I sing, I feel whatever is written, all the emotions tied to the lyrics and the music,” Agne said. “It’s very freeing to be able to express myself through the music. I cannot put it into words. It’s euphoric, kind of, because it is so beautiful.”

Agne G, a classically trained soprano who’s performed at Carnegie Hall, appeared on NBC Television and spontaneously shared the stage with David Foster at Ravinia, will perform once again at the Rialto Square Theatre on Nov. 19 at “A Very Rialto Christmas,” the first of many holiday events the Rialto Square Theatre will offer this year.

“Again,” because Agne has performed on the Rialto stage several times, starting when she was 11 and competed twice in the former Rialto Idol Jr. competition. “I think the first time I sang ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’ and I got second place,” Agne of Downers Grove said. “And the second time I was 12 and I sang, ‘Time to Say Good-bye’ and I got first place.'”

Agne said she also sang with The Priests when the group performed at the Rialto. She will soon release her first Christmas album “Merry Christmas from my Heart.” She previously released “Dream – Never Let Go Of Your Dreams” and participated in the “Getting to Know You” collaboration CD by Tre Principesse. Agne currently takes lessons with Rachel Olsen, who also sings with the Chicago Symphony Choir, Agne said. Although Agne was always “a little shy,” Agne also loved singing and dancing from her earliest years. She began taking vocal lessons when she was 8 with a teacher from Lithuania. Six months into the lessons, the teacher recommended Agne start competing, so Agne did, Agne said.

“I got third place by the judge’s vote and first place by the audience vote,” Agne said. “It was really exciting for just starting out. It opened my eyes to what the possibilities could be.” She’s since won a number of singing competitions, including Baltic Voice 2013, The Sinfonetta Bel Canto’s competition, the International Music for Kids 2016 Competition in Romania and American Protégé, where Agne sang at Carnegie Hall in New York, according to a news release from the Rialto Square Theatre.

“That was a big milestone,” Agne said. “I think I was 13. Agne performs concerts throughout the year, with the holidays and the summer being her busy seasons. Her goal, naturally, is to make singing her full-time career.

But right now, Agne is still reveling at the unexpected opportunity to share the stage with David Foster at Ravinia in July. Agne said she was enjoying the concert when Foster suddenly asked if anyone would like to sing for 30 seconds.

Agne said she thought to herself, ‘Oh, my God, this is not happening!” and began waving her hands in the hair. She said Foster pointed at her, so she started to sing, “Time to Say Goodbye,” which is one of her most favorite songs to perform.

“He said, ‘Just a second. I know that song,'” Agne said. “He took me to the stage to sing with him while he played the piano. It was so amazing. I was trying not to cry.” Agne said attendees at the Nov. 19 event can expect a “nice Christmasy holiday experience.”

The event will include performances by the Cathedral Children’s Choir, the Joliet All City Choir, and special appearances by Michelle Gliottoni Rodriguez (soprano), Holly Keenon (violinist), and Kyle Minett (bass/baritone), according to the news release.

“I think this concert will be very personable,” Agne said. ” And warm and welcoming.”

WHAT: “A Very Rialto Christmas: A Family Concert Excperience”

WHEN: Nov. 19. Doors open 5:30 p.m., tree lighting 6 p.m.; organ concert 6:30 p.m.; concert 7 p.m.

WHERE: Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St. Joliet

TICKETS: $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under

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Click Here to read original article by The Herald News

THE WORLD’S #1 FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE BAND TO PLAY THE RIALTO

Joliet, IL (October 26, 2018) –BruMar Productions and Rialto Square Theatre announced today that TUSK, The World’s Number One Tribute to Fleetwood Mac will play the Rialto Square Theatre on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 2 at 10 AM.

No wigs, no backing tracks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note for note renditions that no other Fleetwood Mac tribute on the touring scene today can come close to duplicating. Tusk covers all the great hits of Fleetwood Mac, which has featured the talents of Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks and others over the years.

The five seasoned, well-respected musicians comprising Tusk have been making music together in various combinations and styles, in original outfits and in cover bands, for over twenty-five years. It seemed only fitting that they should come together to form the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute, and pay homage to a group that dominated the charts during the band members’ formative years.

Authentic-sounding and always respectful, Tusk leaves no stone unturned in replicating the sounds of one of the world’s best-loved, top-selling bands.

Opening the evening is Barracuda, The Ultimate Tribute to Heart. Barracuda has earned the reputation of the Midwest’s best tribute to the music of Heart.  This six-member band recreates all of the greatest hits through the decades with absolute mind-blowing accuracy.  The artists take exceptional care and precision to duplicate the original studio recordings, all totally live on stage!  No computers, no backing tracks, just incredible musicianship paying a powerful and authentic tribute to the spirit and music of Heart.  As many have said who have experienced their performance, you will swear you just attended a Heart concert!

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COUNTRY MUSIC STAR WYNONNA JUDD WILL PLAY THE RIALTO SQUARE

Joliet, IL (September 14, 2018) –VenuWorks and Rialto Square Theatre announced today that country music star, Wynonna Judd and her band, The Big Noise, will play the Rialto Square Theatre on Friday, January 25 at 7:30 pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 21 at 10 AM.

Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold over 30-million albums worldwide spanning her remarkable 34-year career. As one-half of the legendary mother/daughter duo “The Judds,” Rolling Stone once dubbed Wynonna as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline.” This iconic performer has received over 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not me,” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”

Wynonna and her band The Big Noise, led by her husband/drummer/producer, Cactus Moser, released their debut full-length album in February 2016 via Curb Records to critical acclaim. Wynonna has described the new sound as “vintage yet modern” and a “return to the well.” It’s a rootsy work encompassing country, Americana, blues, soul and rock. The album features special guests Derek Trucks, Jason Isbell, Susan Tedeschi and Timothy B. Schmit. NPR’s Ann Powers noted that, “With her tight band behind her after touring together for several years, she just sounds like she’s home…You can just feel the grin on her face.”

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JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING WILL PLAY THE RIALTO IN DECEMBER

Joliet, IL (August 27, 2018) –VenuWorks and Rialto Square Theatre announced today that son of legendary rocker and original founder of Led Zeppelin, Jason Bonham, will play the Rialto Square Theatre in Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening on Monday, December 3 at 7:30 pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 7 at 10 AM.

Jason Bonham has been around legendary rock music since birth. That is what happens when you are the son of renowned drummer, and founding member of iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, John Bonham. Jason spent much of his childhood playing the drums for family friends like Jimmy Page and band members from Bad Company. At 5 years old, Jason was skilled on the drums, and at 17 signed a recording contract with his band Air Race on Atlantic Records where they opened for Queen, Meat Loaf, AC/DC, and more.

In 1989, Jason formed his own band, Bonham, and earned a gold record for their single “Wait for You” off their first album The Disregard of Timekeeping. Jason occasionally filled in for his dad after his death in Led Zeppelin’s many public appearances, including the first-ever reunion of Led Zeppelin at the 40th anniversary of Atlantic Records, and in their induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. In December 2007, Jason played drums in the much-anticipated reunion concert of Led Zeppelin at London’s O2 Arena with surviving members Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Robert Plant.

After Led Zeppelin’s induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jason recorded a tribute album to his father, In the Name of My Father—The Zepest, which featured the songs of Led Zeppelin. Jason has dedicated his life to honoring the memory of his father and his contributions to rock music by traveling the country with Led Zeppelin Evening, the ultimate tribute show to one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

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The Sandlot Gets a Date Change– July 31 @ 7pm

Joliet, IL (July 17, 2018) – Rialto Square Theatre announced today the viewing of the family favorite movie, The Sandlot, a part of the #TBTuesday Summer Movie Series, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 31st at 7pm.

“Due to a scheduling conflict and unforeseen circumstances we have rescheduled the showing of our third movie in the #TBTuesday Summer Movie Series, The Sandlot, to Tuesday, July 31st at 7pm” Rialto Square Theatre executive director, Val Devine said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” Patrons who have purchased advanced tickets, but cannot make the new date, can get a refund from the box office.

The Sandlot, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has become a summer classic for people of all ages. When Scottie Smalls moves to a new neighborhood, he manages to make friends with a group of kids who play baseball at the sandlot. Together they go on a series of funny and touching adventures. The boys run into trouble when Smalls borrows a ball from his stepdad that gets hit over a fence. The movie is rated PG13 and the run time is 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Tickets for the original date will be honored on the new date. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the box office during normal business hours, or at the door the night of the movie. All tickets are $5, and seating is general admission. The doors to the lobby open at 6pm, followed by an organ concert around 6:30pm, and the movie at 7pm.

For more information, visit www.rialtosquare.com/movies.

THE ILLUSIONISTS BRING THEIR JAW-DROPPING MAGIC TO THE RIALTO SQUARE THIS FALL

JOLIET, IL (June 22, 2018) – On the heels of a highly successful multi-city tour and run on Broadway, the world’s best-selling touring magic show, THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ (www.theillusionistslive.com), will play Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, IL on Tuesday, October 9th as part of its North American tour in 2018. Tickets for THE ILLUSIONISTS will go on sale on Friday, June 29th at 10am and are available at www.RialtoSquare.com.

THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and MagicSpace Entertainment. Conceived by Simon Painter, the show’s creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson, director Neil Dorward and creative director Jim Millan.

Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

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