As the northwest suburbs’ premier hub for engaging and enlightening cultural and arts events, Barrington’s White House is pleased to announce an outstanding 2021 season of cultural events to be held virtually this spring. From extraordinary musicians and artists to engaging humanities speakers and historical presentations, this spring the White House has something for everyone looking for a wonderful afternoon or evening of enjoying the arts during this unprecedented time.
“We are so pleased to be able to continue to offer cultural events to our community during this unprecedented time,” said Cultural Director Rollin Potter. “Our donors have been extremely supportive and generous throughout the past year, and that has allowed us to pull together this wonderful slate of spring events that we will host virtually. We’re also in the planning stages right now for an in-person season this fall, which we definitely hope will come to fruition.”
The season begins on Tuesday, January 12 with a presentation entitled “Meet the Real Mae West” with educational entertainer Martina Mathisen.Mae West was an American actress, singer, playwright, screenwriter, comedian, and sex symbol and a controversial figure during the Depression era.
On Saturday, January 23, the Barrington Cultural Commission presents the 4th Annual Barrington Town-Warming with the theme “What Now: Looking Ahead to the Post-Pandemic World.” The program is a re-creation of the robust lecture series held in Barrington during the Depression era. This year’s extraordinary keynote speaker is 66th Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who will appear in a virtual fireside chat with Motorola President and CEO Greg Brown. The day also features a virtual discussion of post-election politics between Mr. Brown and William M. Daley, Vice Chairman of Public Affairs for Wells Fargo and the 32nd U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton. A four-person panel will discuss “Future Trends After the Pandemic” on topics of education, retail, transportation, and the workplace.
Next up are two baseball programs. Former Cubs announcer (and current White Sox announcer) Len Kasper will regale us with tales from his career as the former play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs on January 28, and Cubs Hall of Fame pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Fergie Jenkins will give a talk on February 4.
On February 9, we provide a bit of nostalgia with “Remembering Route 66” with Leslie Goddard, who will explore the history of Route 66, the iconic road that linked Chicago to Los Angeles from 1926 until its closing in the mid-1980s.
Our popular 2nd Thursdays Jazz Cabaret Series returns on February 11 and will also be held on March 11 and April 8. Live streamed from Barrington’s White House, watch local jazz enthusiasts perform in an “open mic” setting, performing with the Marianne Kim Jazz Duo.
Celebrate President’s Day on February 15 with Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of former President and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, as she discusses her new book, “How Ike Led.”
March kicks off with a bit o’ the Irish, as traditional Irish tenor Paddy Homan presents a live performance and segments from his PBS production, I Am Ireland on March 4. The show takes audiences on a journey through the songs and speeches of Ireland’s road to freedom between 1798 and 1916.
March 14 brings us the return to Barrington’s White House of the young piano virtuoso Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, who will perform, Chopin’s beloved Polonaise-Fantaisie, and Beethoven’s mesmerizing Piano Sonata No. 28, Op. 101, as well as “Mambo,” from West Side Story and “Come Sunday” by Duke Ellington. Sanchez-Werner will also perform an original composition.
Our very popular 3rd Thursdays Art Night Out returns once again on March 18 with “Expressions in Oils: The Collections of Frankie Johnson.” The series continues on April 15 with “Double Vision: Pastel Landscapes by Kathleen Newman and Julie Skoda” and on Thursday, May 20 with “Old World-Inspired Classical Fine Art by Diane Hynes.”
On April 11, Crystal Lake High School senior Quinn Welder performs a vocal recital as the 2020 winner of the Barrington Cultural Commission Rising Stars Vocal Competition, and on April 25, Dr. Avis Proctor, President of Harper College, provides perspective on the state of higher education today.
On Sunday, May 2, Barrington’s White House is thrilled to announce the return of world-renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine, who plays with passion and conviction, thrilling audiences worldwide with her dazzling technique, lustrous tone, and infectious joy in music-making.
May 6 brings a series of poetry readings submitted and read by local citizens, sponsored by the Barrington Cultural Commission, and on May 8, enjoy the musical genius of George Gershwin comes alive through the musical synthesis of the Jazz Pizazz trio (soprano Kimberly Albrecht, pianist Dr. William Wittert, and bassist Randy Knowles) combined with the artistry of Dancewerks and Midwest Dance Collective, choreographed and emceed by Ellen Werksman Smith.
Most events feature live Q&As following the performance. For those with paid tickets, links to virtual events will be available for 30 days following the performance.
For information and tickets, go to www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/events.