Lauren Warnecke
CorrespondentLauren Warnecke is a freelance arts and culture writer. Her byline appears in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, St. Louis Magazine and on WGLT Radio, among others. Lauren also teaches part-time at Loyola University Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University. She enjoys cooking, cycling and attempting to grow things in her backyard.
You can reach Lauren at lauren.warnecke@gmail.com.
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The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is announcing its 45th season, returning to a full slate of three plays for the first time in two years. Summers at Ewing Cultural Center will feel a lot more normal as the festival resumes pre-pandemic operations. -
The Sugar Creek Arts Festival has been a summer staple in Uptown Normal since 1984—that is, until the pandemic forced the esteemed annual art fair and street fest online last year. The live version returns Oct. 9-10, moving to sweater weather for the first time after decades in sweltering July heat.
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Where were you when it happened? That is what Normal Public Library is asking McLean County residents as the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches. An immersive exhibit is on public view in the library’s gallery from Sept. 7-30.
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Booze and jazz music are common bedfellows. Rarer is the pairing of jazz with craft beer in a family-friendly environment. Saturday in Uptown Normal, Medici revives its popular street festival dedicated to all three with live bands, craft brews, food and fun for the whole family.
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Ballet and modern dance are kind of like the Oscars. They can be really, really white. Lula Washington Dance Theatre, performing Saturday at the…
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Bluegrass is what drew Béla Fleck to the banjo. He heard the theme song to “The Beverly Hillbillies” and the “Dueling Banjos” as a kid, and said he felt…
