Experience Live music here in McHenry County.

By John Beck

When it comes to music and establishments where music is played live, we should all consider ourselves lucky to live in McHenry County. There is folk music, rock music, ’70s music and country music, among other styles, being performed on just about any given weekend. Although I consider myself fairly well schooled on who’s out there doing what, there is always something happening in someplace I didn’t know was there.

Although much of what is going on is coming from musicians from out of the area, there are many McHenry County musicians providing a great evening or afternoon of entertainment right here under our noses. So, get nutty, stay up past 10 p.m. and check out what McHenry County has to offer.

One of my favorite area single acts is Dorian Castle (www.doriancastle.com). He is based in McHenry and performs often at Joey T’s On the Fox (1202 N. Riverside Dr. in McHenry, 815-344-2445) and at Firewood (2314 N. Rt. 120 in McHenry, 815-578-9400). Both establishments have excellent lounges. They are comfortable, friendly and are connected to some very good dining. Joey T’s has been at its location on the river for many years now. Firewood is the new kid in town but no less of a great addition to the McHenry restaurant scene.

Dorian can perform just about anything. He plays a keyboard that contains myriad sounds. He plays and sings over the programmed bass and drum lines and sounds like an entire band. Dorian has an excellent voice and is a spectacular keyboardist. His material is all over the musical map, from Sinatra and Neil Diamond, to Billy Joel, to ’80s and ’90s hits. He also composes original music. So, do yourself a favor, plan for a nice date night and catch a great dinner and show with Dorian Castle.

Another great local group of performers is Alex and the All Stars (www.alexandtheallstars.com). They are based out of Fox River Grove and have been playing the area consistently for years now. They are a four-piece group with Alex on drums and vocals and the All Stars on guitar, bass and, now, keyboard. Alex is a standout vocalist, and she’s excellent on drums. Buddy (aka Dr. Woods) is on guitar, Calvin is on bass guitar and they have a new member on keyboard.

Alex and the All Stars play mainly classic rock material—you’re sure to catch yourself singing along with just about every song they play. It’s loud. It’s fun. It’s a great night out. They also frequently play area fests and benefits, so keep an eye open for their name.

The band frequents D.C. Cobbs (226 Main St. in Woodstock, 815-206-5580), Wool Street (800 Feinberg Ct. in Cary, 847-462-9665), Broken Oar Bar & Marina (614 Rawson Bridge Rd. in Port Barrington, 847-639-9468), Kelsey Roadhouse (352 Kelsey Rd. in Lake Barrington, 847-381-8300) and The Onion Pub & Brewery (22221 Pepper Rd. in Lake Barrington, 847-381-7308). Check out their schedule on their website for where they are performing next.

A word on a couple of these establishments—Kelsey Roadhouse has undergone an extensive overhaul and is quite impressive, with a screened-in outdoor dining area with its own bar and an “upstairs” bar area with dining, TVs and games. The “new kid” in town is Wool Street in Cary. It’s a large place with dining and a rather expansive two-level bar with a huge projection TV over the area where the bands play. I’ve been there many times, and I see all ages in attendance. It’s a great addition for live music in the area.

Do yourself a huge favor—drive around and visit some of the small McHenry County towns you’ve always heard of but have never driven through. Explore our county and the entertainment and dining it has to offer. Music is always the best medicine and there is no music better than live music.