You are in for a a couple of sunny treats! A recent request from a previous performance of “Jennifer’s Blarney” resulted in a new summertime program for Strings of Silk Music. Just like “Jennifer’s Blarney”, songsheets were provided, along with raffle prizes and seasonal jokes –
“What did Lake Michigan say to the Oak Street Beach? Nothing. It just waved”
In the Chicagoland area, the music venue of choice for over 75 years has been at the Ravinia Music Festival (click here to see this season’s personal favorites) so songs depicting an evening’s entertainment there were also included as well as a partial playlist from the FREE 2017 4th of July concert performed by the New Philharmonic Orchestra.
Another venue that is fun to enjoy is the Elgin Harvest Market! Strings of Silk Music will be performing there FREE
on Thursdays from 11-1 p.m., August 17th, September 7th and October 5th.
What happened when the farmer crossed a chili pepper, a shovel and a terrier? He got a hot-diggity-dog!
I have had the wonderful opportunity of performing at Ravinia and it is always a thrill. And even more thrilling is being a guest there! Every year, I rave about going to Ravinia and 2017 is no exception! I love seeing what is going to be performed, who is performing it and mostly, if I am available to attend. Once the calendar has been determined, the next thing to do is inviting friends and family who are in for a treat. I took a cooking class called “Picnics On the Go” and it changed my life! Yes, I am one of those people that like to dine under the stars and with all of the comforts of home. I actually have had people stop at our table and ask to take pictures! I provide a menu for my guests as well as flowers, candles and comfy chairs. Here is a sample – Appetizers
“Summer” Sausage With Pita Chips…Hummus and Crudités…Grapes ~ Havarti Cheese
Entrees
A Ravinia premiere….Seven Wonders of the World Salad
Back by popular demand…Turkey, Provolone, Sundried Tomatoes with a Roasted Red Pepper Spread on Ciabatta Bread Rolls
A Repeat Performance…Chicken Pesto Bowtie Pasta with roasted pine nuts and feta cheese
Desserts aka Encore! Encore!
Viennese Lemon Tart ~ Chocolate Cake
Iced Blueberry Tea, Lemon Water, & Coffee
Are you raving about Ravinia now? Or just hungry for more?
Yes, the raves/shows this year are…drum roll please!
I may or may not be able to attend all of these events, but if at all possible I will be there with picnic baskets in hand and friends and family by my side. See you this summer!
It’s that time of year when the luck of the Irish applies to everyone…mostly because they survived the winter! For my family, entertaining stories told during those cold nights ranged from survival (the Winter of ’67) to funny jokes to (led by dad) sing-a-longs. And they were always filled with my dad’s favorite food group – pie! Studies have shown that our memories are enhanced not with sights, but with smells of favorite foods and mostly music. From all of those sing-a-longs, I learned from my dad to combine music with entertaining true stories that everyone can relate to. My favorite story to tell happens when I am asked if Jennifer Silk is my “real name” or my “stage name”, I always answer “yes”. How could I not? After all, my parents (John Paul and Jeanne Pauline) were very good with names – just ask my brothers – John Paul Jr., James Peter and Joseph Patrick and me (Jennifer Patricia). What we didn’t know was the nationality of the name “Silk”. You see, my father was an orphan. He was never adopted but his foster parents were our beloved grandparents and his foster brothers were our wonderful uncles. Then about twenty years ago, my dad “found” his family of origin – they were from the County Galway, Ireland – but wait – there’s more! He found out that his mother (Della, my grandmother) happened to have been an Irish fiddler! How lucky can you get?
Today is the premier of Strings of Silk Music‘s website! My sincerest thanks to webmaster and composer, Debbie Manning of Deb Manning Design!! I am very grateful to photographer Mona Morrison who worked her “magic” for the many photos she has taken of me over the years. And a special thank you to my supportive and creative husband/editor and sounding board, Roy Vombrack. I greatly appreciate my amazing, talented colleagues who have made this all possible, especially my friend and mentor, Franz Benteler. Last but not least, I would like to give a big THANK YOU to all of YOU for enjoying the live music of Strings of Silk Music in the Chicago area for the past 25 years. Love Always, Jennifer
I just read an article in today’s Chicago Tribune about women leading orchestras in management positions. It was a very empowering article by Mark Swed of the Los Angeles Times. Unfortunately, he didn’t mention that on Sunday, November 13, 2016 that Terryl (Terry) Jares became the first woman president of the Chicago Federation of Musicians Local 10-208!
Please join me in wishing Madam President Jares best wishes and good fortune in the years ahead. Go Terry!!
American music at its finest! Enjoy Gershwin’s unique mix of classical and jazz styles with his “Rhapsody in Blue” for piano and the orchestra’s “An American in Paris.” One hundred voices, orchestra, an award-winning pianist and our two soloists unite in the riveting songs from Porgy and Bess including “Summertime,” “I Got Plenty O’Nuttin,” “Bess You Is My Woman Now” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So.” Featuring the 100-voice Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus (Nancy Menk, Director). “Kim Jones sings the most angelic Summertime this side of Heaven.” -Laurence Vittes, LA Reader
There will be a free MAC Chat that starts one hour prior to each performance.
I have had the wonderful opportunity of performing at Ravinia and it is always a thrill. And even more thrilling is being a guest there! Every year, I rave about going to Ravinia and 2017 is no exception! I love seeing what is going to be performed, who is performing it and mostly, if I am available to attend. Once the calendar has been determined, the next thing to do is inviting friends and family who are in for a treat. I took a cooking class called “Picnics On the Go” and it changed my life! Yes, I am one of those people that like to dine under the stars and with all of the comforts of home. I actually have had people stop at our table and ask to take pictures! I provide a menu for my guests as well as flowers, candles and comfy chairs. Here is a sample – Appetizers
