Baker Center Series Starts March 2 with Concert by WFMT's Robbie Ellis

St. Charles, Ill., January 23, 2024 – Comedic pianist and WFMT radio host Robbie Ellis performs March 2 at the Baker Community Center, kicking off the Spring season of “Saturday Night Lights” concerts produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center.

The popular Saturday evening series enters its fifth year at the historic downtown St. Charles venue, where guests enjoy complimentary beverages and cabaret-style seating at round tables in the center’s auditorium. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. For information and online ticketing, visit https://norris-cultural-arts.ticketleap.com/.

Robbie Ellis is a creative powerhouse whose various roles encompass “comedy songmaker,” music director, composer, and broadcaster. In “Robbie Ellis, from the Piano,” Ellis will showcase his wide-ranging comedy songs.

A native of New Zealand now living in Chicago, Ellis has been described by Radio New Zealand as “the New Zealand Noel Coward, the kiwi Cole Porter, the Tom Lehrer from Takapuna.” As a composer, Ellis writes for orchestra, chamber ensembles, choirs and classical soloists, in addition to the comedy songs he writes for his own performances.

WFMT-FM radio listeners will recognize Ellis’ distinctive voice a program host at Chicago’s fine arts station. In addition to presenting music during various time slots throughout the week, Ellis hosts WFMT’s Introductions program, profiling young Chicago-area musicians, and Sunday Afternoons with Robbie Ellis.

Celebrate Rhapsody in Blue’s 100th anniversary

The series continues April 20 when the Shout Section Big Band and guest pianist Jeffrey LaDeur perform “Rhapsody in Blue at 100 and the Great American Songbook,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s classic “jazz concerto” in its original jazz band arrangement. The concert also will include memorable and influential songs from the “Great American Songbook” of early- to mid-20th century popular music.

The series concludes May 18 with a concert by Chicago-based jazz vocalist and composer Alyssa Allgood who will perform with a quartet of Chicago jazz all-stars. Her program, “Come What May: Songs of Hope and Love,” will include original songs from Allgood’s new CD. A popular jazz singer with a growing national following, Allgood returns to the Norris-produced series after a two-year hiatus.

For information on other concerts, programs, events and exhibits produced by the Norris Cultural Arts Center, visit www.norrisculturalarts.com.

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