Welcome to The Garage, a music series featuring the musical talent of Ensemble Members and Artistic Affiliates. In addition to presenting live, in person concerts, there are many accessible concerts on Zoom. Following every event, stay in the space to meet the artists.

THE OH BOYS

performed by Ensemble member Zachary Stevenson and guest artists Shaun Whitley & Kieran McCabe

June 26, 2023

This Chicago-based trio is vintage-inspired pop rock powerhouse whose songs feature tight harmonies, inventive arrangements, and poignant lyrics.

2023 Switch on Summer

performed by Ensemble member Ian Paul Custer and guest artist Briana Bower

May 13, 2023

Join us at the City of Chicago and ComEd’s 9th annual “Switch on Summer” to kick off summer by turning on Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Foundation. Stop by our event table to win prizes in our musical quiz show! This event is only available in person.

Women of Americana

performed by Artistic Affliliate Liz Chidester

April 13, 2023

Critically-acclaimed Artistic Affiliate Liz Chidester (Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story) highlights her favorite and most influential female singer/songwriters including Brandi Carlile, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Allison Krause, and more!

Valentunes

featuring Ensemble Members and Artistic Affiliates

February 13, 2023

Join us for our annual fundraiser, featuring music, songs, and a whole lotta love. Live & interactive with audience participation and hosted by “Cupid” Ensemble member Ed Kross.

Dead Ringers for Dead Singers

featuring Ensemble Members and Artistic Affiliates

October 30, 2022

Join us for our annual costume party, featuring cocktails, prizes, and live music from beyond the graves. Live & interactive with audience participation and hosted by Ensemble Members Dara Cameron (“Batsy Cline”) and Michael Mahler (“John Deadver”).

The Great American (and French) Songbook

performed by Ensemble Member Suzy Petri and Guests

July 16, 2021

Join Ensemble Member and award-winning cabaret artist Suzy Petri for the great classics of Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Lieber & Stoller, Kander & Ebb, Fats Waller, Oscar Brown Jr., and a little French for Bastille Day! 

An Evening of Legends

performed by Artistic Affiliate Denzel Tsopnang

June 18, 2021

Join award-winning Artistic Affiliate Denzel Tsopnang for an unforgettable 60 minute tribute concert to America’s 1950s/60s legends of Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, and Rock & Roll. Featuring incredible music from icon Sammy Davis Jr, “the most popular black female recording artist of the 50s” Dinah Washington, “The High Priestess of Soul” Nina Simone, and much more. Don’t miss this special concert from the comforts of your own home.

Piano Man

performed by Ian Paul Custer

May 21, 2021

In 1971, Billy Joel debuted his first album. Fifty years later, award-winning Ensemble Member Ian Paul Custer will pay tribute to one of the most iconic American singer / songwriters of all time by playing hits from Cold Springs, Piano Man, Turnstiles, and The Stranger for one-night only, live on Zoom.

She Writes the Songs

performed by Liz Chidester

April 23, 2021

Critically-acclaimed Artistic Affiliate Liz Chidester (Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story) highlights her favorite and most influential female singer/songwriters including Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Alanis Morissette, and more!

California Dreamin’ – The Songs of Laurel Canyon

featuring Ensemble Members Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron

March 12, 2021

Join award-winning Ensemble Members Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron on a musical journey through the scene that changed songwriting forever. Featuring songs by The Mamas and the Papas, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, CSNY, The Byrds, Eagles, and more. Relive a moment in American history when collaboration and camaraderie created classic albums and timeless music.

Valentunes

featuring Ensemble Members and Artistic Affiliates

February 12, 2021

Celebrate Valentines with us – a little romantic, a little vengeful, and a whole lotta laughs. Hear songs from our American Blues artists’ first love or first heartbreak. Live & interactive with audience participation and hosted by Cupid Ed Kross.

Dead Ringer

performed by Artistic Affiliate Zachary Stevenson

January 22, 2021

A live, interactive concert by award-winning Artistic Affiliate Zachary Stevenson, featuring highlights from his stage career including the music of Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Phil Ochs, Hank Williams, and more.