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Rockford Symphony Orchestra Presents The Music of John Williams on Feb. 11

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Presents The Music of John Williams on Feb. 11
Rockford Buzz

Rockford Buzz

Posted On: January 29, 2023

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Rockford Symphony Orchestra

Rockford Symphony Orchestra

(815) 965-0049

http://www.rockfordsymphony.com/

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra will be taking the stage on February 11 at 7:30 pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center to present the Music of John Williams. Jaws, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Raiders of the Lost Ark…Williams has composed many of the classic movie scores of our time. As a special component of the program, a group of area high school students will be singing with the orchestra during the Saving Private Ryan piece.


The concert will be conducted by Kevin Stites, who is thrilled to be returning to his “hometown” orchestra, having conducted a solo concert with Kristin Chenoweth and the RSO in 20??. He most recently made his Chicago Symphony and Ravinia Festival debuts and spent six seasons as Music Director for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. His work on Broadway includes: South Pacific, Tale of Two Cities, The Color Purple, Titanic, Sunset Boulevard, Les Miserables (2006 revival), and Fiddler on the Roof, among others. He also has spent time touring with productions and worked in film and TV.


Kevin is a proud graduate of Pecatonica High School, Pecatonica IL, and earned his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign.


Tickets are available online at rockfordsymphony.com, by phone at 815-965-0049, or by visiting the RSO offices which are open M-F 9-5.

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2023 Drinks For The Dells

2023 Drinks For The Dells

We are excited to announce the upcoming 2023 Drinks for the Dells event, which will raise funds for education programs at Severson Dells while providing a memorable afternoon featuring local breweries. The event will take place on October 14th from 12 pm to 4 pm at the picturesque Severson Dells Nature Center in the Rockford, IL area. Event Highlights:Craft Brews and Culinary Delights: Enjoy a variety of craft brews from local breweries, showcasing their finest creations to satisfy all taste buds. Participating breweries include Prairie Street Brewhouse, Pig Minds Brewing Co., Urban Forest Craft Brewing, Hairy Cow Brewing Company, and Forest City Brewers. Big Jon's Food Truck will also be present, offering classic favorites such as themed hot dogs that pair perfectly with the beers on tap, as well as vegan options.Entertainment: Local musicians Van Dwellers will provide the perfect background music for enjoying classic yard games or participating in exciting raffles.Supporting Severson Dells: By attending Drinks for the Dells, you directly support Severson Dells and their exceptional nature education programs. Your contribution helps bring nature education to our community and foster environmental appreciation for future generations.Ticket Information: General Admission tickets are $40 online and $50 on the day of the event. Designated Driver tickets are available for $10. You can purchase tickets online at seversondells.org/drinks-for-the-dellsSponsors: We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, including Sold on Toni, Williams McCarthy LLP, and Fitzgerald Equipment.

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Renovations Begin at Newly Named Victory Park in New Milford, Thanks to State Funding

Renovations Begin at Newly Named Victory Park in New Milford, Thanks to State Funding

The Village of New Milford has initiated a park improvement project to ensure that the public space caters to the needs of current and future generations. The park, previously known as Upper Park and situated at 2984 Morris Drive, New Milford, will henceforth be known as Victory Park. A new playground, pickleball courts, game courts, a drinking fountain with a water bottle filler, landscape plantings, a perimeter pathway with fitness stations, a parking lot, and a trail that links to Atwood Park are all part of the renovation plans. These amenities were carefully selected based on feedback from a community survey. The project is expected to enhance the quality of life for New Milford residents by providing new and exciting recreational opportunities. The renovation funding primarily comes from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant, which totals $600,000, and the Rockford Park District, which is contributing an additional $95,000. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2024.

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Curry Concoctions at House of India

Curry Concoctions at House of India

The next time you are looking for a dinner that lets you travel the world with your taste buds, check out House of India at 6430 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111. We headed out for dinner to try it ourselves.Your meal starts with papadam (think of a large wafer, or cracker) and 3 sauces for dipping. Each sauce has a flavor profile that is completely unique from sweet to spicy and savory.When you think of Indian food, you may be a bit scared of the spice. We are here to put your fears at ease! While the spice that traditional Indian dishes are famous for adds a ton of flavor and life, it doesn't always mean heat. Even those with a milder temperature tolerance can enjoy the beautiful tastes of House of India. They have three levels to choose from: mild, medium, and hot.We ordered two entrees: Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala; as well as the accompanying sides: Saffron Rice and Garlic Naan (ok, 2 orders of Garlic Naan because it's just that good).Tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices in a tandoor (clay oven). While this ranked mild on the spice level, the spices used to marinate the chicken were phenomenal. The chicken was cooked so tender that it practically fell off the bone and the flavor is just delicious. Like a little fire? Medium goes a long way, and hot isn't a false advertisement.If you have never tried Indian food before, I recommend the I Chicken Tikka Masala because it is a fan favorite. The dish is bite-sized pieces of chicken in a spiced creamy curry tomato sauce. This is where the saffron rice came in! You ladle the Tikka Masala over the rice and create your own dish. I ordered the medium spice, and I feel like this is still safe for milder temperature tolerances. The curry has a lovely velvety texture and the flavor is stunning. The rice is the perfect bed for this creamy dish.Let's talk about the Naan... You are in for a treat! House of India has a couple flavors of Naan, and you definitely want to order some for the table (or yourself) to enjoy. It arrives at the table freshly prepared and so wonderfully warm. The Garlic is a house favorite and one bite will tell you why.No matter what you choose from their menu, it is sure to please. Step out of your box and try something new! See you there, Rockford!

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Dinner and a Show at JMK Nippon

Dinner and a Show at JMK Nippon

Celebrating a special occasion, or want to put a spark in your weekday dining experience? Check out JMK Nippon, featuring tableside grills, sushi, traditional Japanese mains & bento boxes, at 2551 N Perryville Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. We headed out to JMK Nippon to enjoy dinner with the whole family. We all love sushi, so we started with the Rainbow Roll, Surf & Turf Roll, and the Crunchy Roll. These rolls are huge! Off their premium menu, these are definitely shareable and are large enough to be their own meal. The Rainbow Roll was topped with fresh fish with stunning flavor. The Surf & Turf features grilled steak and is a great roll for the whole family.After the sushi, you stay for the show as they cook dinner in front of you at the tableside grills. We ordered the Dinner for Two, which came with a side salad drizzled with ginger dressing and onion soup for each of us. The soup has fresh green onion and mushrooms and has a hearty flavor to it.Next up, your chef arrives and starts to entertain the whole table with knife and fire skills. We all received a shrimp appetizer cooked in teriyaki sauce and a generous squeeze of lemon. Fresh zucchini and onion were served next. We upgraded to the filet mignon and the fried rice. The steak is cooked to your temperature preference, and coated in delicious teriyaki sauce. The filet melted in our mouths. The chef did an awesome job preparing it just right. Our dinner also came with teriyaki chicken. The meat is generously portioned, and paired with everything else on your plate, so you are definitely not leaving hungry!Dinner gets served as it is cooked and prepared, so you have something new to munch on every few minutes.Make sure to bring the whole family out to JMK Nippon for your next dinner out. See you there, Rockford!

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Corkscrew Mac at Screw City Tavern

Corkscrew Mac at Screw City Tavern

Screw City Tavern, located at 4412 Manchester Dr, Rockford, IL 61109, is known for their awesome brunch, great live music, and amazing dinner options like their Corkscrew mac and cheese. Read on for all the gooey details!We stopped by to enjoy Screw City Tavern's patio on a beautiful summer evening. One thing was for certain, we had to try their mac and cheese and famous handhelds. Their patio has comfy seating and umbrellas for shade. They have an indoor stage and host live music most weekends. (More opportunity to order this mac and cheese... 😉)Just to keep the gooey details to ourselves a little longer... let's talk about the handhelds! We ordered the Prime Rib Stack: shaved prime rib, pepper jack cheese, pickled red onions, and garlic aioli, all on a butter-toasted brioche roll. Screw City Tavern offers sweet potato waffle fries, so of course we went that route. Crispy and fried to perfection, the fries are everything you hope and dream for. The prime rib is perfectly prepped, and tender. No need to cut your way through this sandwich. The garlic aioli is spot on, and spread generously. Paired with the melted cheese, this sandwich is the right amount of mess.Alright, alright, let's talk about this mac and cheese! Listen, I consider myself a mac connoisseur, and this mac and cheese knocked my socks off. We sampled the Loaded Brisket Mac: cavatappi pasta, shaved prime rib, bacon, moonshine BBQ drizzle, pickled red onions, green onions, and topped with garlic breadcrumbs. The cheese sauce was so incredibly creamy, and paired with the BBQ drizzle... the flavor was as divine as the texture. The prime rib pieces were cut to a bite-size, making this an easy meal to eat without a knife. This means you can eat this delicious dish that much faster. The garlic bread on the side is almost stealing the show! Toasted to a crisp outer, and soft inner perfection with a buttery garlic flavor that is perfect for dipping in the cheese sauce.If you also consider yourself a mac connoisseur, head down to Screw City Tavern and try every variety on the menu. See you there, Rockford!

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Outdoor Dining with Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

Outdoor Dining with Smokin Coop BBQ Pit

If you haven't been to Smokin Coop BBQ Pit yet this season, put it on the calendar before time runs out! Located at 2022 US-20 BUS, Belvidere, IL 61008, this family-run BBQ hot spot is perfect for outdoor dining.The Smokin Coop BBQ Pit has done amazing remodeling if you haven't been in a while. They expanded their seating and increased the covered dining section. When you head up front to order, it's not an easy decision! All the meats are smoked and cooked on-site. And don't forget to save room for their pie and ice cream from the Dairyhaus!We decided to go with two dinner combos, the beef brisket and a half rack of ribs. First of all, the rib meat was cooked perfectly and fell right off the bone, not leaving anything behind. It melted in your mouth and was coated in the perfect layer of their house BBQ sauce. Like your ribs messy? They have extra sauce on the table for you to add as you wish!The brisket is tender, juicy, and served thick sliced. The generous pile of meat made an easy second meal (especially since we ordered the 8oz sides). You can add BBQ sauce, or leave it dry. The smoked flavor really stands out on this dish, and it tends to be quite popular. The brisket is also available as a sandwich.Let's get into the sides! With choices like coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and more... you can't go wrong. You can also get their famous mac and cheese as a side for a slight upcharge. The coleslaw is made fresh daily and has that delightful fresh crisp. The baked beans are loaded with pieces of pork, which really ups the flavor profile and makes them quite filling. The mac and cheese is homemade with gouda and has a flavor unique to Smokin Coop BBQ Pit. It is a crowd favorite that you can order as a meal with pork or add as a side.The combo dinners are served with either cornbread or a dinner roll for that extra touch. The cornbread was fantastic, with a slight hint of honey.Smokin Coop BBQ Pit closes at the end of September so be sure to make your plans to visit now! See you there, Rockford.

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National Yoga Awareness Month

National Yoga Awareness Month

National Yoga Awareness Month is in September, and we're here to show you how you can celebrate this month in the best way possible, by enjoying our local Yoga studios!Vote for your favorite to be entered for a chance to win a gift card to the studio of your choice.

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Happy Labor Day

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day is a holiday that honors all workers. It also signifies the end of summer. The holiday is celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States and Canada. Workers of all kinds enjoy the day off. It is a time for them to celebrate all that their work has made possible.Labor Day was first celebrated in the United States in New York City on September 5, 1882. At that first Labor Day, workers paraded in order to show their unity and desire for fair working conditions.We at Rockford Buzz would like to wish everyone a Happy Labor Day! Stay safe and enjoy the fruits of your labor!!!

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Specialty Dishes at Prime

Specialty Dishes at Prime

Have you checked out Prime on 6565 Lexus Dr, Rockford, IL 61108? They are an Italian Steakhouse with specialty pasta, steak, and more. We ventured in to try it ourselves.First of all, you always have me at Lobster Bisque. It's not even a question, we are ordering it. What I love about the Lobster Bisque at Prime is that it has a little spicy kick to it! This is definitely still an approachable soup for mild fans, it just has a little heat that adds a surprise twist to this classic soup. Loaded with pieces of lobster, this soup feels and tastes luxurious.Next up, their 14oz Rib Eye with a garlic parmesan crust, bruschetta reduction, broccolini, and scallop potatoes. This is a big rib eye, so come hungry! The garlic parmesan crust is perfection, and the bruschetta reduction is a delightful new flavor. Your favorite bread topping might also become your favorite steak topping. The lightly sweet broccolini pairs excellently with the reduction, and who doesn't love potatoes?! Prime nailed the rare temp we requested on this steak, and it just melts in your mouth. This next one is for the special fans out there. Available only on Wednesdays and Thursdays you can ask for Chef Kenny's special Beef Wellington recipe. Be sure to call ahead to book your reservation so he can have it ready for you. Trust us, it's worth the extra 30 seconds on the phone. This take on a classic uses phyllo dough to get that crisp layered crust. The mushroom and spinach layer is thick, adding some serious heft to this dish. And the part that won me over, was that it can be prepared to your temp preference. Beef Wellington is a hard to find treat, and Prime's recipe is a fun and fresh spin on the classic.If you are a wine drinker, Prime has done all the hard work and suggests a few pairings for you to play with and explore for each dish. If you prefer something a little more playful, check out their new smoke bubble cocktails.So whether you have a reason to celebrate, or it's just a Wednesday, make your next dinner reservation with Prime. See you there, Rockford!

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Full Moon Poetry

The Gro Community's motto states that they are ‘Molding boys and healing broken men.’ They offer services such as counseling and gun violence prevention. They will be hosting a Poetry event this Wednesday (08/30/23) from 6 pm-9 pm. Head down to the RPL Nordlof Center (118 N Main St, Rockford, IL). Rockford Public LibraryFor more information please call (815) 987-6660 or visit http://www.rockfordpubliclibrary.org/content/nordlof-cente

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Welcome RBI Bourbon Street Lounge

Welcome RBI Bourbon Street Lounge

RBI has new owners, new management, and new hours, and has transformed into Bourbon Street Lounge! Located at 3870 N Perryville Rd, Rockford, IL, check it out to experience the new environment and the bourbon wall.We got a little bit of everything to try the new menu and started with the steak sandwich. Served open-faced, on a hearty hoagie, with smothered in onions and cheese, this sandwich will fill you up. The steak was the perfect thickness to bite into sandwich style, but they do bring a steak knife in case that is more your style. It comes with your choice of side as well.Next up, the chicken fajitas. Served on hot cast iron with onions and peppers, you get the satisfaction of that sizzling delivery. Served with refried beans and rice, you have all the ingredients of a build-it-yourself dinner. Their fajitas are also available in steak or shrimp to give you the flavor profile you prefer.Because I can never say no to chicken alfredo, we had to order it! A generous portion of linguine is topped with grilled chicken breast and smothered in Alfredo sauce. Served with a breadstick, this is a hearty pasta dish that can satisfy your appetite.Next time you want to sample a few bourbons, visit RBI Bourbon Street Lounge. See you there, Rockford!

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Brunch at The Pomodoro

Brunch at The Pomodoro

Brunch is sweeping the Rockford region, and we love that we can get brunch at The Pomodoro, 6500 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL, on Sundays from 11am-2pm!We had to order the bottomless mimosas, obviously. A classic brunch beverage, but at only $10 a person... you can't miss adding these to your order. Available in a few flavor varieties, you won't get bored!We started with the breakfast pizza: sausage gravy, along with scrambled eggs, bacon, and colby jack cheese on their New York style crust. You can request extra sausage gravy on the side to really embrace your love for gravy. The cheese on this pizza is impressive. It had that beautiful cheese pull apart vibes. The scrambled eggs were thick, fluffy, and plentiful. Huge New York style slices require two hands, but make this a fun and delicious brunch staple. Their crust is soft, letting you fold your slice in half like a pro.Next up was the Short Rib Hash. Rosemary potatoes are piled high with marinated short rib meat, onions, and bell peppers. This is the perfect brunch for the meat and potatoes fan in your family. If you haven't tried The Pomodoro's short rib, this is an excellent opportunity to do so. They take immense care in slow cooking and marinating the meat so that the flavor is the shining star of any dish it's featured in. It melts in your mouth and makes this brunch dish feel luxurious. Maybe even try dipping those potatoes in the sausage gravy 😉.With The Pomodoro's awesome staff, you can't go wrong for brunch, lunch, or dinner. See you there, Rockford!

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Mexican Favorites at Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina

Mexican Favorites at Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina

Do you remember the Machesney Park Mall? Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina is serving classic Mexican dishes the whole family will love just outside the old mall's grounds at 8660 N 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL. Read on while we share our experience!Let's be honest, we come for the chips and salsa... stay for the margaritas... and order entrees because it all sounds so delicious! And that's exactly what happened at Los Pancho's. The chips hit the table with a small carafe of salsa. No sharing your bowl of salsa here, so feel free to double and triple dip to your heart's content. This is especially good for those of us who may be salsa hogs 😂. Your family will finally have a chance to enjoy the salsa as well. Los Pancho's salsa is chunky and packed with flavor. It's on the mild side, meaning all family members can dig in and enjoy. And with bottomless service... eat up!Next we ordered the Plaza Los Pancho's Special, a bed of nacho chips covered with cheese sauce then topped with a beef and a chicken tamale, shredded cheese, lettuce and sour cream, served with two taquitos (one beef and one chicken). What sounds like just a plate of fancy nachos is so much more! The flavor in the taquitos was outstanding! The meat was juicy and spiced to perfection, and the satisfying taquito crunch was ever present. These didn't get soggy or lose their crunch at all. The tamales, I mean... I don't even know where to start. The tamale dough was so incredibly delicious, and the filling was even better. I would order this again just for the tamales! This is a pretty shareable plate as well... if you maybe had too many chips and salsa.Next up was a line up of five enchiladas (one beef one chicken, one cheese, one bean, and one shredded beef), served with shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, and rancher sauce called Enchildas Tapatias. This is perfect for those indecisive guests who can't decide which protein to order. The shredded beef is delicious. You can tell it has been marinating in juices and spices until it reaches the perfect balance. All of these were amazing and wrapped in fresh made corn tortillas. The rancher sauce is a mild red enchilda sauce, adding flavor to the whole dish.Our small ordered a single enchilda with a side of rice and beans off the kids menu. I have it on good authority that the meal was "on fleek". With a review like that... what else do you need? 😂Next time you are craving Mexican cuisine, give Plaza Los Pancho's Mexican Grill & Cantina a try! You won't leave hungry or disappointed. See you there, Rockford!

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Pizza and Dessert with Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza

Pizza and Dessert with Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza

If you've had the pleasure of running into Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza at a local event, you know this food review will be full of cheesy goodness. Out of Winnebago, Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza travels to local events such as the Rockton River Market, the Oregon River Market, wineries, breweries, and so much more. They boast a large menu, often offering over 20 types of pizza at a time!We had to try the classics, such as sausage and pepperoni, but be on the lookout for their pickle pizza, brisket pizza, and so many more.Let's start with the handle, otherwise known as the pizza crust. One thing I love about them is the soft crust that's foldable and doesn't over power the main ingredients. The crust then gets fluffy at the end, giving you a solid handle to grip onto.The toppings are fresh and plentiful. I enjoyed the sausage crumbles. No lost sausage chunks on this pizza. The smaller crumbles stay put and are a fun and different approach. The pepperoni packed a flavor punch and were generously applied. Time to talk cheese... these pizzas are so incredibly cheesy and we think that is amazing. Cheese in every bite makes this a delicious pie.They even offer dessert pizza! We tried their Apple Pie Pizza and oh my yum! Coming out piping hot, this pizza is loaded with apple pie filling, dollops of cream cheese, and delicious streusel topping. The whole family was smiling when this hit the table, and we gobbled every last bite.Next time you see them around town, stop by and try the pie! See you there, Rockford.

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Favorite Local Ice Cream

Favorite Local Ice Cream

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!Ice cream needs no introduction and for YOUR chance to win a $25 gift card to the 815's TOP ice cream place, just cast your vote below!

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