This Weekend: Music, Fall Fest in Cary, Half Marathon in Crystal Lake

Friday's finally here, and the weekend is packed with a variety of events in the area.

Music lovers have their pick of several venues- from bluegrass to dueling pianos. Families will enjoy the first celebration of fall in Cary. An runners can hit the road during the annual half marathon in Crystal Lake.

Check out the area happenings here:

First Friday at Lakeside Legacy Today Showcases 14 Artists
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, Dole Mansion/ Lakeside Legacy, 401 Country Club Rd., Crystal Lake
Stop by to see this month's showcase of 14 juried art exhibitors. Music, light refreshments and cash bar. First Fridays are family-friendly events and free to the public. 


Georgia Rae Family Band at the "Listening Room"
8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at Dole Mansion/ Lakeside Legacy, 401 Country Club Rd., Crystal Lake
Georgia Rae Family Band to perform their energetic mix of old time, bluegrass inspired foot-stomping music at the Listening Room at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake. Tickets are on sale now $20, and available on line at http://georgiaraefamilyband.eventbrite.com/ or call (815) 455-8000.


First Fridays Concert Series at Glacial Park
7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept 6, Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Rd., Ringwood.
Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy the beautiful view from the Lost Valley Visitor Center patio and stay for a concert from talented regional musicians. This month's show features Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos providing a high energy, all request, fully interactive performance that might just get you singing, dancing, and definitely laughing the night away.

Fall Family Fest
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, Lions Park, 1170 Silver Lake Rd., Cary
Hosted by the Cary Park District, come celebrate the beginning of fall with family, friends, and neighbors with a variety of seasonal activities including hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, crafts and more. Admission: 

$9 per child 3 years and older
$5 per child 1 - 2 years
Free for children under 1 year and for adults

Three Guitar Masters Benefit
8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7,  Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road, McHenry.
Blues artist Andy Cohen returns to Haystacks Coffee House at the Tree of Life
to present a concert to benefit the Monic Children's Center in Jinja, Uganda. He will be joined by fellow blues artists Donna Herula and Andrew Calhoun. To
support the work in Uganda, a $10 donation is requested at the door.

Chicago Tribute Band: "25 or 6 to 4"
8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake.
The tribute show honoring the legendary band "Chicago" includes a Vegas style performance with "dazzling lights and crisp execution of material" from one of the best-selling American groups. Tickets from $29 to $35. Purchase online at www.rauecenter.org, via the Box Office at 815.356.9212, or 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake.  


Crystal Lake Park District 17th Annual Half Marathon 
8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, Lippold Park, Route 176, Crystal Lake
Race day registrations accepted. For more information, or to obtain an official registration form, contact Joe Davison, Race Director, at (815) 459-0680 ext. 228, or via email at jdavison@crystallakeparks.org.  A 3-hour course time limit will be strictly enforced. No walkers, please.