Coming to Highland: Big Band concert and annual Madrigal Dinner

FREEPORT — Highland Community College has two holiday season shows coming up that will showcase the musical talents of staff and students.

Coming up first will be the Highland Community College Big Band show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, in the Fine Arts Theatre at the Ferguson Fine Arts Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road in Freeport.

Highland Big Band Director Bill Petersen and his ensemble will feature jazz selections from “I left My Heart In San Francisco,” arranged by Quincy Jones for The Count Basie Orchestra; “All the Things You Are,” arranged by Gerry Mulligan for The Stan Kenton Orchestra; “I'll Be Seeing You,” arranged by Willie Maiden for the Maynard Ferguson Big Band; “Intermission Riff” for the Stan Kenton Orchestra; “Fables of Faubus,” composed by Charles Mingus for his band, and featuring a dramatic monologue by Lafrancine Baker, and “Freckle Face,” composed by Sammy Nestico for the Count Basie Orchestra.

The Big Band Concert is free and open to the public. Masks are required in all Highland buildings. Due to COVID-19, performance information is subject to change. The latest updates to guidance are available at highland.edu/hcc-advisory.

The 11th annual Madrigal Dinner featuring the music of the Royal Scots and Chamber Singers will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4 in the Masonic Temple Ballroom, 305 W. Stephenson St. in Freeport.

Experience the recreation of an Olde English Yuletide Feaste, complete with Jester and Wassail Lord, noble Courtiers, Ladies in Waiting, Knights, and a magnificent meal.

Join the Wassail Lord as his noble guests in the Great Hall of the Manor, and feast with all the trimmings: Wassail (hot mulled apple cider), the Boars Head course (roast pork or roasted quarter fowl), and of course, the renowned Flaming Plum Pudding. The meal is being specially prepared by Krogull Custom Catering, with chef Jeff Krogull recreating the historic recipes. Special dietary needs may also be accommodated if requested at booking.

Tickets are $40 and must be reserved by 5 p.m. on Nov. 24. Please call 815-599-3718 for phone orders, in-person tickets sales are available in the Ferguson Fine Arts Center box office, on the campus of Highland Community College, open 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To order online, visit highland.edu/boxoffice.

Multiple COVID mitigation measures will be in place for the safety of the audience and performers, for more information please contact the box office.

Due to COVID-19, performance information is subject to change. The latest updates to guidance are available at highland.edu/hcc-advisory.

For more information about Highland Community College Fine Arts performances or vocal or instrumental groups, please contact the Fine Arts Department at 815-599-3490 or visit highland.edu.

This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Coming to Highland: Big Band concert and annual Madrigal Dinner