March 6
Nitty Grittty Dirt Band
Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet
815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
Grammy Award winning the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was founded in California during 1965, and has lasted longer than virtually any other country-based rock group of their era. During their 30-plus year career, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has released over 30 albums. Younger contemporaries of the Byrds, they played an almost equally important role in the transformation from folk-rock into country-rock, and were an influence on such bands as the Eagles and Alabama. Hear favorites Mr.Bojangles; Bless The Broken Road; Long Hard Road and more! Tickets: AAA $60; AA, A $48; B $38; C $28. 8:00pm.

March 7
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul
Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet
815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, nine time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, will change the way you think about the violin. She’s been called a “sensation” by Billboard Magazine and “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by The New York Times. Ivers’ recording credits include over 100 contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores. Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul is a mix of African and Latin percussion and bass, Irish instrumentalists, and American soulful vocals. “Eileen is to Irish music as Michael Flatley is to Irish dance – a pioneer, an innovator, a universalist…” –Frank McCourt. Tickets: AAA $50; AA, A $40; B $30; C $20. 8:00pm.

March 10 & 11
“Way Off Broadway”
The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
Dinner Theatre
15 S. Richards St., Joliet
(815) 722-2465
www.jacobhenrymansion.com
Go to Time Square and take a right on “42nd Street.” When you get to the “Big River,” take a “Showboat” or the “Starlight Express,” because you’ll find this show is “Way Off Broadway!” “Way Off Broadway” features the comic talents of four seasoned singer/dancer/actors delivering some well-known and not so well-known hits of the musical theatre from the early days until now. You’ll hear some of your favorites and songs that will become your favorites as this show presents the twisted side of the American show tune. These four “Cats” go “Into the Woods” of “Oklahoma” and “Chicago” and get “Wicked” with a “Jeckyl & Hyde” performance of this delightful theatrical review. $40.00 inclusive per guest lunch matinee/$50.00 inclusive per guest dinner show.

March 14
An Evening of Groucho starring Frank Ferrante Dinner Theatre
Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet
815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
The New York Times summed up the comedy genius as “America’s most gifted funny man.” Straight from the streets of New York’s upper Eastside, Groucho was thrust onstage at age 15. Eventually, brothers Harpo, Chico, Gummo and Zeppo evolved into the world’s funniest vaudeville act known as the Marx Brothers. Frank Ferrante (Groucho) is an actor, director, and producer described by The New York Times as “the greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx’s material.” Frank originated the off-Broadway title role in Groucho: A Life in Revue portraying the comedian from age 15 to 85. For this role, Frank won 1987’s Theatre World Award and was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award. In 2001, Frank starred in, directed and produced the national PBS television program Groucho: A Life in Revue.

March 14 & 15
Pioneer Fest and Pancake Breakfast
Pilcher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet
815/741-7277
www.jolietpark.org
Enjoy pancakes, sausage, and 100% pure maple syrup! Watch maple syrup-making demonstrations; step back in time with our pioneer re-enactors and try your hand at pioneer chores. All ages; 8:00am-12:00pm; ($8 for adults; $5 for children 2 to 12; under 2 free).