Arts Alive Concerts

Join us for an engaging exploration of Elvis Presley’s enduring influence on music and culture. Hugo Colin, the amazing Elvis tribute artist, will authentically perform Elvis’s music: from his early years as a young singer taking the country by storm, to his evolution into the older Vegas entertainer. We’ll dive into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s groundbreaking career, his transformations, the stories behind his timeless songs, and the lasting cultural impact of his artistry in music and fashion. Hugo is a celebrated Elvis tribute artist who has performed in Las Vegas and Canada, and annually returns to Graceland’s “Elvis Week” every August. He has performed hundreds of shows around Chicago and Northeastern Illinois for over ten years. 

This show runs 90 minutes with a brief intermission for a costume change.

Experience old-time country and Western tunes and hear stories about Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers, Buck Owens, Willie Nelson, and a host of others. Randy Walker grew up in a musical family and has been singing since age 11. Both his parents sang in barbershop quartets, and he quickly developed an ear for music and harmonies. He performed with a horn-based dance band in high school as well as an acoustic folk group. While studying at Kent State University, Randy was a member of the popular Cleveland area band The Fabulous Blue Moons. After moving to the Chicago area in 1981, Randy spent several years out of music raising his family, and then joined a local church group where he served on their worship team for six years. He formed One2Many, where he played for five years, followed by a stint in The Incognitos. He has been a solo performer since 2013.

 Get swingin’ with Matt and Cynthia Gruel as they belt out 1940s hits like “In the Mood,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “Begin the Beguine,” “Bei Mir Bist Do Schon,” “Sentimental Journey,” and more. Hear the stories, sing along, and dance to the music of the Big Band Era. They’ll also be including a patriotic medley to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. Matt is a pianist, singer, and musical director with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory and Composition from Butler University. He’s the Minister of Music at his church and performs and music-directs throughout the Chicago area. Cynthia is an actress, singer, dancer, and spokesperson performing at a variety of theaters and venues in the area. She is a graduate of Butler University with a degree in Vocal Performance and a minor in Theatre.

 The Saddle Shoe Sisters celebrate the best vocal groups of all time, from The Andrews Sisters to The Supremes and everything in between from the 1940s–60s. Their retro clothing, harmonies, and signature saddle shoes have been a big hit with those longing for a sweeter, purer time in music. This talented retro girl group not only sings, but they also play their own instruments. They will only be performing top 20 hits, not lesser-known titles. All the songs will be favorites that people know and love. The Saddle Shoe Sisters are ranked the number one senior program at libraries and senior centers. Come out and enjoy these talented ladies as they take us on a nostalgic journey with the girl groups we’ve enjoyed for decades.