This is my first column for McHenry County Living. I plan to explore and illuminate the local opportunities for a career in the performing arts.

My focus will be on the many ways a person in McHenry County can enrich his or her life through the arts and also build toward a career in the arts.

We all know there are piano teachers and guitar teachers in the area. There are also a wide range of educational opportunities at McHenry County College and specifically at the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake. There, you will find sculptors, painters, private instruction in violin, flute, piano, guitar, voice and more. There are two art galleries and a fantastic new kitchen with culinary courses. There is also a recording studio that I own and operate.

The facility, across from Main Beach, has a fascinating history dating back to 1865 (see McHenry County Living, Autumn 2007 or www.mchenrycountyliving.com for an article on the history of the Dole Mansion). It is now a cultural gem filled with artists and musicians and is a wonderful asset to McHenry County.

There are many activities taking place at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in February and March such as the Lincoln Portrait Art Contest exhibit in the Sage Gallery, the First Friday Event on February 6 that showcases the artists at Lakeside, and ballroom dancing on Valentine’s Day. Don’t miss yoga classes at the Dole on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in March and the Brett Strickrod Exhibit in the Dole Gallery. There will also be a poetry reading by local talent Dino Biris on Sunday, March 15. There is always a lot to see and do at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park.

Backstory
A little about me and studioA at Lakeside. I am a four-time Emmy-nominated composer/producer/musician. I write music for a wide range of clients, from WTTW Chicago to HBO to Fortune 500 clients such as Amgen Corp and Steelcase. I was music director for the TV show “Wild Chicago” on WTTW for 16 seasons and for “The Best of Comic Relief” on A&E. I have played on more than 1,000 TV commercials as a guitarist and write for several music magazines. I provide full service recording at studioA for groups, singers, voice-overs, etc., and also teach people how to use the popular and powerful audio-recording software called Pro Tools.

I like to think I’m a good example of how one can have a varied and interesting career in the arts. I began on piano at age four, played trumpet in the school band, guitar in local rock bands and was a music major in college.

I’ve lived in McHenry County since 1985 and have raised two children. I have found the varied interests of my children and other’s to be fully satisfied by our local resources. From top-quality gymnastic instruction to dance—there are many talented people to coach and guide our children. The local schools have excellent theater programs and there is also the well-regarded CYT theater program in the area.

Coming Attractions
In every issue of McHenry County Living, I will feature a local instructor and professional who works and resides in our wonderful county. My next column will showcase local violinist Talia Pavia. She is a gifted player and educator who teaches and resides in McHenry County. In future issues, I will feature other local professionals such as Cassandra Vohs-Demann, a talented vocal coach and singer-songwriter. I will also showcase the McHenry County Youth Orchestra, which also makes its home at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park.

I hope you will read along as we explore the local scene. Until next time, enjoy and support the arts in McHenry County. .