This Week at the Harvest Market - July 15

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market continues its landmark tenth season this Thursday, July 15, from 10am-4pm. The Harvest Market runs every Thursday thru October 7 at the Civic Parking Lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall.

This week Mad Discs & Dyes will be on hand conducting a tie-dying demonstration and selling various tie-dyed shirts. Representatives from the Frock Swap Committee will also be in attendance promoting their Wardrobe Renewal Event (benefitting the Community Crisis Center) which takes place at The Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way on August 5th.

While offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, plants, bread, meats, cheeses, jams and spices, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market really is much more than just a Farmers’ Market.

On the first Thursday of each new month, the Harvest Market rolls out its special promotional market entitled “First Thursday”. During “First Thursday” the market extends business hours by two hours from 10am-6pm and features cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art exhibits, health and wellness seminars, guided walking tours of Downtown Elgin and much more.

If you haven't been to one of our "First Thursday" markets, click here to see what you've been missing!

Our next “First Thursday” market takes place on Thursday, August 5. Among the confirmed attractions for August include:

• August 1-7 is National Farmers’ Market Week and we will be celebrating all day with several promotions and giveaways!
• Steve Thoren will have his Model T car on display in advance of the 100th Anniversary of the Elgin Historic Road Rally which takes place at Sherman West Court at 1950 Larkin Avenue on Sunday, August 8.
• Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct a cooking demonstration.
• Live music performances by Riverside Chorus and The Fox River Trio.
• The Centre of Elgin will conduct live fitness/healthy living seminars.
• Antique treasure hunt with Collingbourne’s Interesting Things, PK’s Antiques, Elgin Antiques and Uniques, Rediscover Records and Two Doors Down.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org

4th of July Parade Float Contest Results & Thank You's

The DNA today announced the judging results from last Saturday’s 2010 Fourth of July Parade’s float contest.

There was a tie for 1st Place between the Elgin Area Historical Society and People Who Make Patriotic Floats. 2nd Place was ABODE (Admirers of Beautiful Old Dwellings of Elgin) and 3rd Place was Spring Hill Gymnastics.

The judges also awarded two special recognition awards open to any parade entry. The “175th Anniversary” Award – reflective of entries promoting or celebrating Elgin’s rich history – went to Judson University.

The “Eco-Elgin” Award – given to the parade entry best reflecting a “going green”/sustainability theme or floats built with eco-friendly materials or processes – was a tie between Danny’s Pizza and Davey Tree Experts “Fit Forest”

The City of Elgin and the DNA would like to thank our Fourth of July Parade judges Connie Patino, Brendan Morse, Sue Moylan and Johnny Placeres for their service.

The 2010 Fourth of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health, moved to Saturday, July 3rd due to the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Sunday this year, featured over 110 parade entries, 20 floats, and nearly 2,500 parade participants and took the dedicated efforts of more than 50 volunteers to execute successfully.

* * * * * * * *

Don't forget to upload your best parade photos to our 2010 Elgin 4th of July Parade Album on Photobucket for our "Photographers on Parade" Competition. Submission deadline is Friday, July 9 at 5:30pm. We will then select the top photos which will then be voted on by the general public in next week's DNN/Top 10. Prizes awarded to the winning photo(s).

The City of Elgin and the Downtown Neighborhood Association would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate "Summer in the City" with us this past weekend.

Special thanks to our valued parade sponsors: City of Elgin, Downtown Neighborhood Association, Sherman Health, Daily Herald, Provena/St. Joseph Hospital, Woody Buick, Redmon's Towing, Elgin Community College, The Davey Tree Experts, Insure One and VNA of Fox Valley.

Heartfelt thanks to our crew of volunteers, who gave so generously of their time over the Fourth holiday weekend to ensure the parade went as smoothly as possible.

Thank you to Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill for hosting our volunteer breakfast, Elgin Public House for hosting our parade committee meetings throughout the year, the Elgin Junior Service Board for providing V.I.P. hospitality, Redmon's Towing for providing the flatbed trailer for our Judges' stand, and to our parade Grand Marshals - Shabbona District, Three Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of America - for helping with our parade food drive.

And well-deserved thanks to our Fourth of July Parade Committee for the countless hours spent organizing and coordinating every last detail of this parade.

Thank you again to everyone for your support and for making this year's Fourth of July Parade a successful one!

This Week at the Harvest Market

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market continues its landmark tenth season this Thursday, July 8, from 10am-4pm. The Harvest Market runs every Thursday thru October 7 at the Civic Parking Lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall.

This week Rich Wagner from Rediscover Records, located inside Elgin Antiques & Uniques’ brand new sister store Two Doors Down located at 209 E. Chicago Street, will be spinning vinyl and providing the soundtrack for your shopping experience. Representatives from the YWCA Elgin will also be in attendance promoting the 5th Annual Y Walk which takes place this Sunday, July 11 in Festival Park.

While offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, plants, bread, meats, cheeses, jams and spices, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market really is much more than just a Farmers’ Market.

On the first Thursday of each new month, the Harvest Market rolls out its special promotional market entitled “First Thursday”. During “First Thursday” the market extends business hours by two hours from 10am-6pm and features cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art exhibits, health and wellness seminars, guided walking tours of Downtown Elgin and much more.

Our next “First Thursday” market takes place on Thursday, August 5. Among the confirmed attractions for August include:

• August 1-7 is National Farmers’ Market Week and we will be celebrating all day with several promotions and giveaways!
• Steve Thoren will have his Model T car on display in advance of the 100th Anniversary of the Elgin Historic Road Rally which takes place at Sherman West Court at 1950 Larkin Avenue on Sunday, August 8.
• Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct a cooking demonstration.
• Live music performances by Riverside Chorus and The Fox River Trio.
• The Centre of Elgin will conduct live fitness/healthy living seminars.
• Antique treasure hunt with Collingbourne’s Interesting Things, PK’s Antiques, Elgin Antiques and Uniques, Rediscover Records and Two Doors Down.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - July 6-11

For those of you recovering from the long holiday weekend, welcome back to your work week! Look on the bright side - at least it's a short one! For those of you that decided to take the entire week after 4th of July off as well, you're smarter than the rest of us...and we hate you for it. Kidding!

Lots of great things to do, see and hear this week in Downtown Elgin so without further adieu here is this week's Live Music & Entertainment Scene! Cue what's left of the fireworks:


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Tuesday, July 6

The Veer Union , Framing Hanley and Transmit Now
$13.00 in advance
$15.00 at the door
Doors open at 7pm
Show Starts at 8pm

Sunday, July 11
TapRoot
$10.00 in advance
$12.00 at the door
Doors open at 7pm
Show Starts at 8pm


Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, July 8

August Burns Red with Lookout Giants
$15.00
All Ages
Doors: 5:00pm
Show: 6:30pm

Friday, July 9

Rookie of the Year with School Boy Humor and After Party
$10.00
All Ages
Doors: 4:30pm
Show: 5:00pm

Hyperflo with Rocket Science
$7.00
All Ages
Doors: 9:30pm
Show: 10:30pm

I Saw the Ghost
$7.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 10:30pm (basement stage)

Saturday, July 10

The New Resistance with 3 in Counting and Shadow of a Doubt
$7.00
21 & Over
Doors: 8:00pm
Show: 9:30pm

Sunday, July 11

Theives
$7.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:15pm
Show: 6:30pm


Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

Friday, July 9
The Paxton Brothers and The Stork Club

Saturday, July 10
BlackActress and Friends


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, July 9
Hyperplasia

Saturday, July 10
Astrobirds


Also don't forget about the Elgin OPERA's 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival's grand finale this weekend at the Kimball Street Theater, located on the first level of the new Rider Center on the campus of Elgin Academy at 261 Dundee Avenue. This weekend's show is "Dido & Aeneas" by Purcell on Friday & Saturday, July 9 & 10 - 7:30pm and Sunday, July 11 - 3:00pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $10 for Elgin OPERA Guild Members. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Elgin OPERA at 847.695.5014, via email: office@elginopera.org, or visit http://www.elginopera.org/

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

July "First Thursday" Harvest Market Schedule of Events

It's "First Thursday" time again Harvest Market fans! On Thursday, July 1st the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market rolls out its second "First Thursday" Market of the 2010 season. On "First Thursdays" we open bright and early at 10:00 AM and extend the market hours all the way until 6:00 PM!

In addition to our usual variety of locally grown and produced fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, olives, organic products, pet treats, wine and more, we deliver on our motto of "More Than Just a Farmers' Market" by bringing in special activities and attractions:

Below is a schedule of the day's events:

11:00 AM - Dave Granger from Cirrus Falcon will roam the grounds of the Harvest Market playing all your acoustic guitar favorites!

11:30 AM - The Centre of Elgin's Raks Christina will conduct a demonstration of bellydancing as a way of improving core fitness.

Noon - The Centre of Elgin will conduct a Senior Fit exercise class.

2 PM - Ray Maxwell from Elgin Antiques & Uniques will conduct a wood furniture restoration seminar.

On-going throughout the day:

* Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct cooking demonstrations.

* Members of the Frock Swap Committee will be on hand to collect donations of women's clothing and promote their August 5th wardrobe renewal event at The Hemmens which benefits Community Crisis Center.

* Julie Schmitt of Schmitt Design Studio will have information about her unique concrete faux finish countertop overlays.

* Informational booths from Alexian Brothers, Elgin Community Network/ECCO, Salon Couture, Landin Chiropractic, The Centre and Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin.

Hope to see all of you out there tomorrow at the Civic Parking Lot (corner of Highland and Douglas Avenues) between 10:00 AM-6:00 PM for our July "First Thursday" Harvest Market!

"Photographers on Parade" Contest

Attention all photographers! The Downtown Neighborhood Association is looking to “parade” your best photos of the City of Elgin’s 2010 Fourth of July Parade to share with the world in our "PHOTOGRAPHERS ON PARADE" CONTEST!

We are encouraging all photographers, professional and amateur, to come out with your cameras to the Fourth of July Parade (which takes place this Saturday, July 3rd beginning at 10am at Slade & Douglas Avenues and ending at Highland & Douglas Avenues) to capture all the majesty, pageantry, pomp and circumstance of the parade. PLEASE NOTE: Photographers must stay behind the white bike lane lines and may not walk into the street or disrupt the parade in any way in order to snap photos.

After the parade is complete, we invite you to upload your best photos to our 4th of July Parade Group Album on Photobucket which is available at http://photobucket.com/elgin4thparade for all to see. Photo submission deadline is July 9th.

Our photography committee will select the best 5-10 submissions. We will then post a link in the July 14th issue of the Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 eblast which will enable the general public to vote for their favorites. Voting will be tabulated throughout the following week and the results will be announced in the July 21st issue of the Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10.

If you are not currently receiving the Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 eblast, visit our website at http://www.downtownelgin.com/ to sign up so that you can vote for your favorite entry and receive the latest and greatest Downtown Elgin has to offer each week.

Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates will be awarded to the first, second and third place entries.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a point-and-shoot-and-hope-for-the-best newbie, take your best shot (or shots) and share your vision with us!

NOTE: DNA will moderate all photographic submissions through Photobucket's filtering protocols and reserves the right to reject any photos for any reason. All photographic submissions will become the property of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin and may be used in future DNA promotional or marketing materials, on our website or other advertising media.

Countdown is on to The City of Elgin's 2010 Fourth of July Parade

The City of Elgin’s 2010 Fourth of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health steps off on Saturday, July 3 at 10am.

Over 15,000 spectators annually attend this Elgin summertime tradition, making it one of the area’s largest Fourth of July parades. This year’s parade features over 100 parade units and nearly 2,000 participants. The parade route begins at Slade and Douglas Avenues, travels south on Douglas and ends at Highland and Douglas Avenues.

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July Parade is “Summer in the City!” – a celebration of the City of Elgin’s rich history, exciting present, and prosperous future. In addition to the regular parade float judging, a special "175th Anniversary Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of Elgin’s rich history and a special "Eco-Elgin Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of a "Green" Elgin - utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes for their parade entry.

Shabbona District, Three Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of America, who are celebrating 100 years of Scouting in 2010, will be this year’s Parade Grand Marshals. In Elgin, the Boy Scouts of America are represented by Shabbona District, Three Fires Council, which serves some 2,900 youth across 55 units, relying on more than 800 dedicated adult volunteers to advance its mission.

Roland Behling, an Eagle Scout with 75 years of participation and leadership service to Scouting, and Dick Barth, with 55 years of leadership service to the program, will both serve as honorary Grand Marshals riding in Elgin resident Richard Bennett’s powder blue 1957 Cadillac convertible representing the Boy Scouts and their promotion of life-long skills and positive role modeling.

Parade-goers and participants are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items with them to the parade. Along the parade route the Boy Scouts will be collecting the food, which will then be donated to the Salvation Army in Downtown Elgin

The Parade Committee is still seeking volunteers for this year’s parade. The time commitment is approximately 7am to 1pm, depending on what duty you are assigned. Volunteers are treated to a free breakfast at orientation before the parade and a free t-shirt. Please contact the DNA Office at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com to sign up.

The DNA would like to thank our valued parade sponsors Sherman Health, Provena St. Joseph's Hospital, Woody Buick, Redmon's Towing, Elgin Community College, Davey Tree Experts, Insure One, VNA of Fox Valley and Elgin Public House.

A special thank you to all of the members of the Fourth of July Parade Committee, chaired by Jeff Allison, and all of our volunteers who will be giving so generously of their time over the holiday weekend. This parade would not be possible without all of your hard work!

It's "Summer in the City" - come out and celebrate!

Come for the Parade...Stay and Enjoy Downtown!

The City of Elgin's Fourth of July Parade Presented by Sherman Health steps off next Saturday, July 3rd at 10am.

Over 15,000 people attend this annual Elgin tradition, making it one of the most well-attended Fourth of July Parades in the suburbs. If you're coming for the parade, why not stay and enjoy all that Downtown Elgin has to offer?

Many of our Downtown restaurants are offering special post-parade promotions for our parade-goers and participants! Below is a complete summary of all the special restaurant promotions which are valid on July 3 only.

NOTE: You must print out and present the attached flyer at each venue in order to redeem your special.

Ravenheart Coffee
176 E. Chicago Street
847.841.8451

10% Off Your Order

Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

20% Off Your Total Bill (Food & Drink)
$4 Bomb Pops

Toom Toom Thai
23 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.8755

10% Off Your Total Order

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810

Hot Dog & Fries - $2.50 (dine-in only)

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349

25% Off Your First Martini (all Martinis included - limit one per person/per night)

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263

Italian Burgers or Italian Sausage with Peppers - $5.00

Domani Cafe
109 E. Highland Avenue
847.695.8851

10% Off Your Total Order

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659

Come By to Celebrate DSSB's 2nd Annual Family Fun Days on July 3rd

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.5883

$8 Ribs, $5 Burgers, $3 Budweiser Products

Quiznos Sub
59 Douglas Avenue
847.697.3240

Select Sammies & Bullets - 2 for $5 (see store for details)

We also invite all parade-goers and participants to stick around immediately after the parade to enjoy some of Downtown Elgin’s post-parade activities including the Elgin OPERA's Patriotic & Broadway Show on DuPage Court near Al's Cafe, and the Dundee Scottish Pipe Band Pub Crawl which meets at the park at the southwest corner of Chicago Street and Douglas Avenue - then proceeds to Mad Maggies and Elgin Public House.

Whether you take a splash in Festival Park's bubbling fountains, make a splash at the Grand Victoria Casino, spend some cash in our shopping district, or have a blast at one of our many dining establishments, Downtown Elgin has something for you and the entire family to enjoy!

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 23-26

It's officially "Summer in the City"; a statement of fact to be sure but also a shameless plug for the theme of the City of Elgin's 4th of July Parade coming up on July 3rd at 10am. In case anyone is interested...just sayin' is all.

Anyway, without further delay (remember July 3rd, 10am, 4th of July Parade...okay, sorry) onto this week's Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, June 24
Cavalry with Minus the Girl and They Came With Sirens - 7:30pm

Friday, June 25
Gypsy Fly - 7:00pm
The Brokedown with Vacation Bible School, Spanish Gamble and Arms Aloft - 8:00pm


Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847-741-.349
http://www.martiniroomelgin.com/

Thursday, June 24
Refried Blues Band - 9:00pm


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Saturday, June 26
Party Favors


Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill
231 Douglas
847-695-5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Friday, June 25
Blind Roosevelts


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Friday, June 25
Hed P.E. & Kutt Calhoun

Saturday, June 26
False Idols

Also don't forget about the Elgin OPERA's 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival this weekend and running every weekend through July 11 at the Kimball Street Theater, located on the first level of the new Rider Center on the campus of Elgin Academy at 261 Dundee Avenue. This weekend's shows include Staged Opera Scenes From Popular Operas on Friday & Saturday, June 25 & 26 at 7:30pm and Broadway & Variety Show, Excerpts from your Favorite Broadway Shows on Sunday, June 27 at 3:00pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $10 for Elgin OPERA Guild Members. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Elgin OPERA at 847.695.5014, via email: office@elginopera.org, or visit their website at http://www.elginopera.org/

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

4th of July Parade! July 3rd! 10am! Be there!

Okay, I'm done!

Previewing July "First Thursday" Harvest Market

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers continues its landmark tenth season this Thursday, June 24 from 10am-4pm at the Civic Center Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenue near City Hall. We invite you to come out and shop for all the best locally grown produce, fresh baked bread, meats, cheeses, spices and organic products!

Our next "First Thursday" market will take place on Thursday, July 1 with special extended market hours from 10am-6pm. In addition to our usual market, the DNA has planned the following activities and attractions for July's First Thursday:

* Ray Maxwell from Elgin Antiques & Uniques, whose antique juicers and reamers were recently profiled in Martha Stewart Living Magazine, will conduct a wood furniture restoration demonstration.

* The Elgin Express Train will pay a visit to the Harvest Market.
* Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct a cooking demonstration.
* The Frock Swap committee will be on hand to promote this year's wardrobe recycling/revitalization event, which benefits the Community Crisis Center, on August 5 at The Hemmens Cultural Center.
* The Centre's Raks Christina will be demonstrating Tribal Improvisational Bellydance which helps build core strength.
* Mad Discs & Dyes will conduct a t-shirt tie-dying demo.
* A Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Elgin will commence at 6pm. If you are interested in participating in the walking tour, please RSVP to downtownelgin@gmail.com by June 30.
* Information booths from Alexian Brothers, Salon Couture, Landin Chiropractic, ECCO and Elgin Community Network.
* Live music and entertainment (TBA)

The dates for the remaining special "First Thursday" markets this season are August 5, September 2 and October 7.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 17-20

If you look up "Live Music and Entertainment" in the Enyclopedia - you may very well find a picture of this weekend in Downtown Elgin next to it (unless you're using Wikipedia - who knows what you'll find there). Six simple words: Elgin Brew Fest and Noise Fest 2010!

Elgin Brewfest returns to Downtown Elgin's Festival Park on Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19. Hours each night are 5pm-Midnight.

Brewfest features a large selection of premium beers, local food vendors (including Downtown's very own Elgin Public House, Red Bar Winery and The Roadhouse/Main Event) and, of course, live music from your favorite local bands, including Chasing the Day, He Said/She Said and Modern Day Romeos on Friday night and U.F.C. Band, HiFi Superstar, Men from Marz and 7th Heaven on Saturday night. For more information on specific showtimes visit http://www.elginbrewfest.com/

The festival grounds are free to enter. Wristbands with valid photo ID must be obtained to purchase alcohol. $5 per ticket. 1 ticket = 1 beer. All food, soda, water, energy drink and wine sales are cash only.

Elgin Brewfest is an annual charity event serving the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin.

* * * * * * * *

42 Bands! Two Days! Only one place to be: Mad Maggies in Downtown Elgin for Noise Fest 2010!

On Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20, Mad Maggies at 51 S. Grove Avenue will serve as your host for Noise Fest 2010! This two-day festival packed with fun, games, good times and great local music, will be hosted by Finnigan of 103.5 KISS-FM!

Saturday's performers include SUNS (ex. Wax on Radio), MOD SUN (ex. Four Letter Lie), London (Severe Records), LOOKOUT! Giants, Goodbye Coastline, Emblems, Snowsera, Farwell, In Reverie, Artists vs Athletes, From The Sidelines, Defined My Nightmare, Tadashi, Chase This City, Calls for Comfort, Crayolala, Closing In, Power Power Tiger Paw, My Alumni, and The Light Up Scene.

Sunday's performers include JUST LEFT (standby records), The Alumni Club, Weekend FM, The Delivery Boys, Scarlett, Last Avenue, Chimera Twilight, Rocky Loves Emily (MI), Just The Kid, Backdrop (IA), AM:PM, So Last Summer, The Fireship, Our Story After All, Draft Week, Dear Noel (IN), The Born Ready, Ben Hammond, Cadence Fox, The Laffing Hyenas, and The Window Theatre.

To our Downtown Neighbors up and down S. Grove Street and in the surrounding vicinity, this will be an all-day event on both Saturday and Sunday so expect additional traffic. To the patrons of Noise Fest 2010, welcome to Downtown Elgin and please be respectful of our neighbors and the neighborhood!

* * * * * * * *

Now onto the rest of this week's Live Music & Entertainment Scene:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, June 17
Chicago Farmer with Old Stone and Griffin Phelps - 8:00pm

Friday, June 18
Ryan Corcoran - 6:30pm
Hi-Fi Superstar - 10:30pm


Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, June 18
Rologreb and guests - funky new age rock!

Saturday, June 19
Joe Stump, a professor of music at Berkley and one of the top ten guitar shredders alive (as rated by Guitar enthusiast magazine) will be performing his amazing guitar techniques along with Kevin Buck (a Chicago area guitar master who was signed as a representative for Jackson guitars) and The Blizzard of Ozz (the Chicago ultimate Ozzy Osbourn/Black Sabbath tribute)


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, June 18
Hyperplasia

Saturday, June 19
Q Balls


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Friday, June 18
Libido Funk Circus


Also don't forget about the Elgin OPERA's 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival this weekend and running every weekend through July 11 at the Kimball Street Theater, located on the first level of the new Rider Center on the campus of Elgin Academy at 261 Dundee Avenue. This weekend's shows include Opera in Concert - Highlights From Your Favorite Operas on Friday & Saturday, June 18 & 19 - 7:30pm and Mozart at His Best! - Don Giovanni, Cosi fan Tutte, Magic Flute and More on Sunday, June 20 - 3:00pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $10 for Elgin OPERA Guild Members. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Elgin OPERA at 847.695.5014, via email: office@elginopera.org, or visit http://www.elginopera.org/

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

Celebrating Dad's Day in Downtown

Happy Fathers Day to all of the amazing dads out there!

If you want to show dad how much you appreciate him on his special day, ditch the ties and tools and bring him Downtown for a man-sized meal with the family! Many of our Downtown Elgin restaurants and establishments have Daddy-themed dine-in specials this coming Sunday for that wonderful father in your life.

Here are just a few:

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Father's Day Brunch - $14.95 - June 20th - Bring Dad in for Brunch. Country Fried Steak, Biscuits & Gravy, Corned Beef & Sweet Potato Hash, Unlimited Bloody Mary Bar, and time with his family!

Toom Toom Thai
23 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.8755

http://www.toomtoomthai.net/

Get 20% off when you make a reservation for Fathers Day, Sunday, June 20th!

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill
231 Douglas Street
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Half off all food and drinks on Sundays! (excluding specials)

Al's Cafe
43 DuPage Court
847.742.1180
http://www.alscafe.com/

Just in time for Father's Day, Al's Cafe & Creamery is now open on Sundays from 11am-8pm all summer! Treat dad to one of several taste-tempting black angus steak specials for $13.95 as June is Black Angus Month at Al's Cafe!

Celebrating Pedal Power at This Thursday's Harvest Market

In honor of the City of Elgin’s Bike to Work Week from June 14-18, the Downtown Neighborhood Association is encouraging all bicyclists to ride like the wind to the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market at the Civic Center Parking Lot next to City Hall from 10am-4pm this Thursday, June 17 for a variety of bicycle-friendly activities:

• The Bicycle Garage will be conducting a Bike Education and Repair Clinic at Noon.
• All bicyclists who attend the Harvest Market will be registered to win a $25 Downtown Elgin gift certificate redeemable at dozens of Downtown businesses and restaurants.
• There will be a bike corral area available for riders to park their bikes while shopping at the Harvest Market.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market runs every Thursday thru October 7 from 10am-4pm. While offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, plants, bread, meats, cheeses, jams and spices, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market really is much more than just a Farmers’ Market.

On the first Thursday of each new month, the Harvest Market rolls out its special promotional market entitled “First Thursday”. During “First Thursday” the market extends business hours by two hours from 10am-6pm and features cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art exhibits, health and wellness seminars, guided walking tours of Downtown Elgin and much more.

Our next “First Thursday” market takes place on Thursday, July 1. Among the confirmed attractions for July include:

• Mad Discs & Dyes will conduct a demonstration of T-shirt tie-dying with all natural dyes.
• The continuation of the “D.I.Y. Pollock” Public Art Project which encourages patrons of the market to add their own unique artistic painting touches to a canvas.
• The Centre of Elgin will conduct live fitness/healthy living seminars.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Downtown Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 9-13

Okay...fingers crossed, knocking on wood, rubbing lots of lucky rabbits feet...are you ready to celebrate Blackhawks fans? One more win until Chicago's ONE GOAL is fulfilled: winning Lord Stanley's Cup! Bring your playoff beards to Downtown Elgin where there are plenty of hotspots to get your "Cup" on for Game 6 tonight:

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill at 231 Douglas Avenue (35 cent wings, $3 Bud Light 16 oz. cans)
Gasthaus at 15 N. Grove Avenue
La Quebrada Restaurant at 50 N. Spring Street
Elgin Public House at 219 E. Chicago Street
Mad Maggies at 51 S. Grove Avenue
The Roadhouse/Main Event at 200 Prairie Street

All of these establishments will be showing Game 6 tonight at 7pm (and, heaven forbid, Game 7 on Friday night) so bring your "squad" out! GAME ON!

Now onto this week's Live Music & Entertainment Scene:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Wednesday, June 9
Sleep Serpsis Sleep with The Gun Show, Thyatiera, Inocula and Unreckoned - 6:00pm

Thursday, June 10
Geronimo with Oh Well, Solar Bear, An Aesthetic Anaesthetic and The Please & Thank Yous - 7:30pm

Friday, June 11
Eternal Dawn with Sage 4, Spirits Asunder and Zmeu - 5:00pm
Shifter - 10:30pm

Saturday, June 12
Savanna Road with Dysfunctional Mariachi and Innertragic - 7:30pm

Sunday, June 13
In Media Res with Demolisher, Erjony, Face the Frontline, Through the Fire and Scavenger - 7:00pm


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, June 11
Hyperplasia

Saturday, June 12
Astrobirds

Sunday, June 13
Irish Sessions


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Friday, June 11
Halfpint Brawlers

Sunday, June 13
Powerman 5000 - First Band 9:00pm, Headliner 10:00pm, ALL AGES SHOW!


Also don't miss out on two of Elgin's performing arts gems this weekend: Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Elgin OPERA.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra closes out their monumental 60th Season with a chilling performance entitled Symphonie Fantastique. All performances are conducted at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin, Showtimes are Friday, June 11 at 1:30pm, Saturday, June 12 at 8:00pm and Sunday, June 13 at 3:30pm and great seats are available for as low as $15! For more information, visit the ESO website at http://www.elginsymphony.org/

The Elgin OPERA's 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival begins this weekend and runs every weekend through July 11 at the Kimball Street Theater, located on the first level of the new Rider Center on the campus of Elgin Academy at 261 Dundee Avenue. This weekend's shows include German Lieder Night - Schubert, Schumann, Strauss & more on Friday, June 11 at 7:30pm and A French Evening - Fauré, Debussy, Massenet and more on Saturday, June 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $10 for Elgin OPERA Guild Members. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Elgin OPERA at 847.695.5014, via email: office@elginopera.org, or visit http://www.elginopera.org/


Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

Puzzling Product to Help Raise Funds for Design Committee Projects

Not only can you own a piece of Downtown Elgin history but you can also help ensure the continued efforts of the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Design Committee to maintain Downtown's unique and distinctive historic look as well.

The DNA is now selling a beautiful 12-piece collectible jigsaw puzzle of Elgin's Tower Building for just $5! Proceeds of the puzzle sales will benefit DNA Design Committee Projects.

Puzzles can be purchased at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in Elgin and will also be available for sale at our booth at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, at the corner of Highland and Douglas in the Civic Parking Lot near City Hall, each and every Thursday from 10am-4pm. In addition to the Tower Building puzzles, you can also purchase Harvest Market tote bags for $2, Harvest Market t-shirts for $10 and Rediscover Downtown Elgin t-shirts (while supplies last) for $5.

And don't forget that Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates - redeemable at dozens of businesses in Downtown - make great gifts for graduations, weddings and birthdays! Stop by the DNA Office to pick some up today!

Noise Fest 2010 Comes to Mad Maggies in Downtown Elgin

42 Bands! Two Days! Only one place to be: Mad Maggies in Downtown Elgin!

On Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20, Mad Maggies at 51 S. Grove Avenue will serve as your host for Noise Fest 2010. The two-day indoor and outdoor festival packed with fun, games, good times and great local music, will be hosted by Finnigan of 103.5 KISS-FM. Shows begin at 1pm on both dates.

Saturday's performers include SUNS (ex. Wax on Radio), MOD SUN (ex. Four Letter Lie), London (Severe Records), LOOKOUT! Giants, Goodbye Coastline, Emblems, Snowsera, Farwell, In Reverie, Artists vs Athletes, From The Sidelines, Defined My Nightmare, Tadashi, Chase This City, Calls for Comfort, Crayolala, Closing In, Power Power Tiger Paw, My Alumni, and The Light Up Scene.

Sunday's performers include JUST LEFT (standby records), The Alumni Club, Weekend FM, The Delivery Boys, Scarlett, Last Avenue, Chimera Twilight, Rocky Loves Emily (MI), Just The Kid, Backdrop (IA), AM:PM, So Last Summer, The Fireship, Our Story After All, Draft Week, Dear Noel (IN), The Born Ready, Ben Hammond, Cadence Fox, The Laffing Hyenas, and The Window Theatre.

To our Downtown Neighbors up and down S. Grove Street and in the surrounding vicinity, this will be an all-day event on both Saturday and Sunday so expect additional traffic. To the patrons of Noise Fest 2010, welcome to Downtown Elgin and please be respectful of our neighbors and the neighborhood.

$5 presales available until June 18 at http://www.yourticketstand.com/
$12 at the door
$20 for a two-day pass

For more information, visit http://www.noiseapparel.com/ or http://www.madmaggies.net/

COME OUT AND GET LOUD!

Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Continues Thursday, June 10 from 10am-4pm

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market continues its landmark tenth season this coming Thursday, June 10, from 10am-4pm. The Harvest Market runs every Thursday thru October 7 at the Civic Parking Lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas Avenue near City Hall.

While offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, plants, bread, meats, cheeses, jams and spices, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market really is much more than just a Farmers’ Market!

On the first Thursday of each new month, the Harvest Market rolls out its special promotional market entitled “First Thursday”. During “First Thursday” the market extends business hours by two hours from 10am-6pm and features cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art exhibits, health and wellness seminars, guided walking tours of Downtown Elgin and much more.

Our June “First Thursday” market this past week was an overwhelming success. Special thanks to David Hudson and his band of "wandering minstrels" for entertaining the crowd, to David Powers for coordinating the "D.I.Y. Pollock" public art project, to Heidi Hollay for coming out and selling her beautiful handmade jewelry, to Amy Knorek from The Centre of Elgin, to the day's participating sponsors Alexian Brothers Health, Chiro One Wellness and Salon Couture, and to our newest vendor JR's Pop-Arazzi and proprietor Rose Soifer for her amazing hot and fresh doughnuts!

Our next “First Thursday” market takes place on Thursday, July 1. Among the confirmed attractions for July include:

• Mad Discs & Dyes will conduct a demonstration of T-shirt tie-dying with all natural dyes.
• The continuation of the “D.I.Y. Pollock” Public Art Project which encourages patrons of the market to add their own unique artistic painting touches to a canvas.
• The Centre of Elgin will conduct live fitness/healthy living seminars.

Other details about the July “First Thursday” market are forthcoming.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org

2010 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshals Announced

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin is proud to announce that the Shabbona District, Three Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of America will be the Grand Marshals of the City of Elgin’s 2010 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health, which steps off at 10:00 am at the corner of Slade and Douglas Avenue on Saturday, July 3 due to the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Sunday this year.

Roland Behling, an Eagle Scout with 75 years of participation and leadership service to Scouting, and Dick Barth, with 55 years of leadership service to the program, will both serve as honorary Grand Marshals riding in a convertible representing the Boy Scouts and their promotion of life-long skills and positive role modeling.

In 2010, the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its 100th anniversary of providing programs for young people to build character, train them in responsible citizenship, and develop their personal fitness.

In Elgin, the Boy Scouts of America are represented by Shabbona District, Three Fires Council. Shabbona serves some 2,900 youth across 55 units, relying on more than 800 dedicated adult volunteers to advance its mission.

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July Parade is “Summer in the City!” – a celebration of the City of Elgin’s rich history, exciting present, and prosperous future. In addition to the regular parade float judging, a special "175th Anniversary Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of Elgin’s rich history and a special "Eco-Elgin Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of a "Green" Elgin - utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes for their parade entry.

Over 16,000 spectators annually attend this summertime tradition. Last year's parade featured over 130 units, 30 floats and 2,500 participants and took over 75 volunteers to coordinate. As such the Parade Committee is also actively seeking volunteers for this year’s parade. The time commitment is approximately 7am to 1pm, depending on what duty you are assigned. Volunteers are treated to a free breakfast at orientation before the parade and a free t-shirt.

For more information on the Fourth of July Parade, please contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org

Downtown Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 2-6

Welcome back to your work week! Have you shaken off the rust from the long holiday weekend yet? Well, as usual, the Downtown Live Music and Entertainment Scene has got you covered. Here is a rundown of some of the great live music you and your crew can enjoy this week:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Wednesday, June 2
Serianna - 5:30pm

Saturday, June 5

Richardson Richardson with Sleeping Under 47 and Danger Boy - 5:30pm

Sparkplug Assasins with Circle of Fate - 10:00pm

Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, June 4
Hyperplasia

Saturday, June 5
Astrobirds


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Friday, June 4
Smokin' Gunz

Saturday, June 5
Down/Pour


Don't forget to check out "Tribute to Chopin" at Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor on Sunday, June 6 at 3pm featuring Aleksander Kurkowski, renowned concert pianist from Warsaw, Poland. Tickets are $15. Purchase at the door. For reservations call 847.697.7139.

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

First "First Thursday" of Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Season

Today the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin unveiled the first of its five special promotional markets for the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market season.

On June 3, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market will extend their hours of operation by two hours from 10am-6pm for its first "First Thursday" of the season. Among the special promotions that will be featured at the June “First Thursday” Market include:

• Free Harvest Market bags to the first 50 people to visit the DNA booth.
• Fused-glass jewelry by artist Heidi Hollay
• Informational booths by ECCO, Elgin Community Network, Alexian Brothers Hospital Network, and Chiro One.
• An all-day bike corral where bicyclists can ride their bikes to the market and park in a designated bike area.
• “D.I.Y. Pollack” Public Art Project: The public is invited to create abstract art on a 6’ x 12’ canvas with traditional and non-traditional painting tools. Paints are water soluble, however painters are encouraged to wear clothes they don’t mind getting paint on just in case.
• Face painting by Gene Diaz, JusFaceIt from 11am-1pm
• Live music by Dave Hudson and Friends
• Cooking demonstration – TBD
• “Rediscover Downtown Elgin” Walking Tour from 6-7pm led by the Downtown Neighborhood Association. Please RSVP for this tour at downtownelgin@gmail.com or call (847) 488-1456.

The dates for the remaining special “First Thursday” markets are July 1, August 5, September 2 and October 7. Details on the remaining “First Thursday” markets will be announced soon.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market continues its landmark tenth season, running every Thursday thru October 7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Civic Parking Lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas Avenue near City Hall. While offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, plants, bread, meats, cheeses, jams and spices, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market really is much more than just a Farmers’ Market.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org.