WTTW11 PRESENTS ARTS ACROSS ILLINOIS
Featuring artists and arts programs from around the state, supported by the Illinois Arts Council

The Illinois Arts Council and WTTW11 are pleased to announce the most recent installment in the current season of its arts magazine series Arts Across Illinois. This special series of original programming devoted to the work of individual artists, arts organizations, and community groups is funded by the Illinois Arts Council (IAC), and made possible through the support of Governor Rod Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly.

Illinois is a state rich in culture, traditions and diversity. The arts play a major role in enriching and inspiring our communities, as this special program illustrates. In three prime-time half-hour magazine programs, Arts Across Illinois visits numerous working artists and performing groups. A one-hour entertainment special titled CenterStage, featuring performances by a variety of other artists, will air this spring.

The most recent program aired in January on WTTW11 and will be aired on other public and cable television stations throughout Illinois. This episode introduces viewers to some of the best singers from across the state:

Bravo, lyric!
Chicago’s Lyric Opera hits a high note this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. A nostalgic look back at one of the world’s finest opera companies.

Some Enchanted Evening
The Quad City Music Guild enchants everyone with their hard work and dedication as they perform the best of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Plain Old Folk
Folk singer and banjo player Michael Miles strikes a chord with Chicago public school students as he leads them on a songwriting journey.

The Blues is a Feeling
Crystal Lake photographer James Fraher has spent over a decade chronicling the lives of blues singers and musicians. Through his images and interviews, he sheds light on one of America’s greatest musical traditions.

Showtime with the Apollo
Chicago’s Apollo Chorus is the country’s oldest all-volunteer choir and with close to 150 members, they are still going strong. Their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah has been a holiday favorite since it was first performed over 125 years ago.

More information on Arts Across Illinois is available at www.wttw.com.