"This is one of the ten best sounding theaters in the world."
Steve Cochran of Meyer Sound said that about the Skokie Theater.
As a entertainment attorney and business advisor, Bob Acri saw a steady stream of highly trained young musicians cross his path … but precious few who understood the business aspects of their chosen career.
Acri knew the challenges these artists would experience, and the hardships they would likely face without some basic business training. Determined to help, he created structured seminars to help young, aspiring musicians bridge the “business gap.”
In 2002, those seminars became the basis for the Cavalcade of Music Foundation, an Illinois not-for-profit that was to become the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation. In the five years since, the foundation has helped educate hundreds of young musicians about the intricacies of business in their chosen field.
In 2004, the foundation embarked on another, equally exciting mission …
The Skokie Theatre, an art-deco beauty opened in 1912 (the year Franz was born), had fallen into disrepair and been put up for sale. Where others saw a liability, the foundation saw an extraordinary opportunity: to create not just a dedicated space for foundation offices and seminars, but a performance facility for young artists, and a beacon for the local arts community.
The theatre was purchased and the foundation board rolled up their sleeves. One board member, an architect, donated design and project-management services. Others donated their time and expertise in construction and renovations. Still others organized an extraordinary level of support from individuals and business throughout the community.
$1.5 million and countless donated work hours later, the 140-seat Skokie Theatre reopened with a new life and a new purpose: to provide a world-class performance venue for musicians, and a permanent home for the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation and its important work.
Today’s theatre is truly a jewel in Skokie’s downtown, its beautifully preserved historic exterior giving way to an intimate, contemporary and acoustically balanced performance space. It is a special place that all of Skokie can look on with pride.
But, this gift to the community is in danger of closing now. People just aren't coming out to see live music. They aren't donating to this foundation and others like it that enrich the fabric of communities throughout Chicago and the nation. The Skokie needs your help to stay alive. Please, buy a ticket to an upcoming show, buy a gift certificate for someone who loves live performances, make a donation, sponsor a show, do SOMETHING to make your voice heard so that others can keep singing....and dancing....and playing. Help save live music. Do it today.
Please.
Visit www.skokietheater.com to make an online donation or purchase tickets/gift certificates. If you'd like to make a donation by check, please make checks payable to N.S.E.D.F. of the S.C. of C. (North Suburban Economic Development Foundation of the Skokie Chamber of Commerce) and mail to:
Skokie Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 146
Skokie, Il 60077
