The Venue to present Big Band, ballads, blues

The Venue, the 200-seat music performance space in Aurora, is expanding indoor shows. The Illegal Smiles: The Music Of John Prine will make its debut at The Venue at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5.

Celebrating the music of the Illinois native, The Illegal Smiles are local Chicago area singers, songwriters and appreciators of the art of the song. John Prine will always be one of the greatest examples of classic American songwriting, a news release stated, noting Prine spent his time on the page and with the pick, crafting each song until they were just perfect.

The Illegal Smiles pays homage to the national treasure by playing the music with reverence and joy. Premium seating costs $20, with general admission at $15; all ticket prices to shows increase by $5 at the door.

The Smiley Tillmon Band with Kate Moss returns at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. With a soulful voice, smooth guitar playing, and a way with an audience, Tillmon has been wowing anyone who comes to see him for 55 years. His band plays authentic Chicago blues. In addition to rhythm section Tom Rezetko and George Baumann, Tillmon is joined by Kate Moss on guitar. Moss is heavily influenced by Freddie King and Magic Sam, and is married to bluesman Nick Moss. Premium seating is priced at $20, general admission at $15.

The Pete Ellman Jazz Big Band will continue its series of weekly concerts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9. General admission is $5. The series is sponsored by The Fox Valley Music Foundation.

In an effort, to keep patrons, musicians and staff healthy, The Venue has tightened COVID-19 policies, requiring all patrons to show proof of vaccination along with a photo ID to enter. Masks (covering the nose and mouth) are required at all times unless consuming beverages in ticketed seats.

Find the full schedule of events and tickets at themusicvenue.org. The Venue is owned and operated by the nonprofit Fox Valley Music Foundation.