By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Dinner on the Dock kicks off its summer seasonal run on Thursday with music along the Rock River.
There’s also the season finale for Rockford Symphony Orchestra, a Rockford Peaches Playdate at Midway Village Museum, a Golden Girls tribute at the Coronado Performing Arts Center and more things to do in the area.
More news: Buckle is moving to Forest Plaza in Rockford this summer
Here’s a breakdown of some of the happenings around the Rockford area this week and weekend.
Dinner on the Dock
About: Dinner on the Dock kicks off its summertime run with Three Good Men. Enjoy the band on your boat at the docks or on Prairie Street Brewing Co.’s riverfront seating.
“We’re excited to welcome guests to experience everything Prairie Street Brewing Co. has to offer this summer,” said Reed Sjostrom, co-founder of Prairie Street Brewing Co. “From live music to waterfront dining, we’ve curated an unforgettable lineup of events and activities that capture the essence of the season.”
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 9
Where: Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Info and reservations: Go HERE
Cruise Night
What: Historic Auto Attractions will hold its first of five summer cruise nights with music, food, games and cars outside of the museum.
Where: Historic Auto Attractions, 13825 Metric Road, Roscoe
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8
Admission: Cruise Night is free and admission to the museum is discounted
Info/RSVP: Go HERE
Golden Girls at the Coronado
About: “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” is a live stage showing paying tribute to the classic TV sitcom that ran from 1985 to 1992. The show opens with Sophia out on bail after being busted for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a sex app for seniors, and Dorothy is trying to hold it all together with help from a much younger sex-crazed partner. The cast includes Ryan Bernier as Dorothy, Vince Kelley as Blanche, Adam Graber as Rose, Christopher Kamm as Sophia, and Jason Bowen as Stanley/Burt.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Tickets: Start at $45
Info/tickets: Go HERE
Comedy at the Cantina
What: Lucha Cantina’s comedy night features Milwaukee comedy veteran Ryan Mason, winner of Milwaukee’s Midwest Stand-up Competition. The show also features Carly Malison, Matty Field and it is hosted by Matt Hall of 104.9 The X.
Where: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 10
Cost: $10
Tickets/reservations: Call 815-977-4319 or email joshua@lucharockford.com
Peaches Playdate
What: Learn about the history of the Rockford Peaches at the Midway Village Museum and see an exhibition game with alumni of the Rock Valley College women’s softball team and the Lil Peaches youth baseball team. Explore history of Rockford’s famed baseball team at this Peaches Playdate.
Where: Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11 (first pitch is at 1 p.m.)
Tickets: $14 adults; $12 children 5-12 and seniors 62 and older
Buy tickets: Go HERE
Annabella in July
What: Artists’ Ensemble Theater presents “Annabella in July,” a comedy from playwright Ben Butler. It follows a middle-aged couple taking an anniversary trip in July, when they lose their way in the mountain and come across a ski lodge where everyone remembers Vanessa as the glamorous Annabelle, who visits each January.
Where: Rockford University Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10; 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 12
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Moved by Waters
What: Sinnissippi Audubon hosts Emmy award-winning documentary filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films for the premiere their new documentary “Moved by Waters.”
Where: Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 10
Admission: Free
Info: Go HERE
Odds & Ends art show
What: “Odds & Ends” art exhibition showcases the best work of students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in either 2D art or graphic design.
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 10 opening reception
Where: Rockford University Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: Free
All Will Come Again
What: “All Will Come Again” is an original 45-minute dance work choreographed by twin sisters Caitlyn Baylor and Meghan Baylor. The piece explores the process of moving through a medical diagnosis and of confronting the anguish and beauty in the healing process.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11
Where: Rockford Theatre at Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave., Rockford
Cost: $10-$15
Tickets: Go HERE
Soundscapes
What: Rockford Symphony Orchestra will close out its 90th season with “Soundscapes,” a program highlighting composers who found inspiration in nature.
When: 6 p.m. (doors open) 7:30 p.m. (concert begins) Saturday, May 11
Where: Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford
Tickets: $26; $10 for youth. After-party tickets are $20
Get tickets/info: Go here. Tickets are also available by phone at 815-965-0049, or by visiting the RSO offices, 711 N. Main St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Reginald Thomas Trio
What: The Reginald Thomas Trio, which has performed at jazz festivals across the country, aims to showcase the rich tapestry of jazz in this show.
Where: Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10
Cost: $21 in advance; $25 at the door; $6 for students
Tickets: Go HERE
The Rough & Tumble
What: The Rough & Tumble, an Americana and folk duo comprised of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyle, comes from New Hampshire to perform here. The duo was the 2019 Independent Music Awards Americana Song of the Year winner for “The Hardest Part.”
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11
Where: Pig Minds Brewing Co., 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park
Admission: $15 in advance; $22 at the door
Tickets/info: Go HERE
Bloomfest
What: Bloomfest features a market full of handmade goods, as well as live music, a plant and flower sale, kids activities, food trucks and a community art project.
Where: Womanspace Labyrinth and Gardens, 3333 Marie Linden Drive, Rockford
When: 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Saturday, May 11
Info: Go HERE
Comedy in Loves Park
What: Louisville native James Fisher Jr. headlines this stand-up comedy event, which also features Denise Medina, Jess Martinez and Joseph Christopher. It’s presented by Fats Productions Presents.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 11
Where: Hope & Anchor English Pub, 545 McKinley Ave., Loves Park
Cost: $10
Tickets: Call 815-633-2552 to reserve a table
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas