Northeastern Illinois University announces 25th season of the Jewel Box Series

A photo of Kyshona wearing a maroon outfit, sitting on a striped couch, against a floral background. The photo is accented in warm lighting tones. A few chandeliers are also visible in the background. Photo by: Anna Haas

Friday, September 6, 2024

“What would you call a recital hall so intimate, you can see the quiver in every violin string? We call it a Jewel Box.”

That was the introduction in the Jewel Box Series program during its first season in 2000.

Now in its 25th season, Northeastern Illinois University is thrilled to continue the wonderful tradition of bringing musicians from across the globe to the Main Campus Recital Hall and Auditorium.

This year’s seven-concert series begins Sept. 20. There is one concert most months of the academic year. All performances are on Fridays and begin at 7:30 p.m.

“From the beginning, the Jewel Box Series has featured professional artists performing many styles of music and created exceptional experiences for audiences,” said Christie Miller, director of Northeastern’s Office of Cultural Events and Community and Professional Education. “These are artists that you might see at SPACE in Evanston or Symphony Center, right here at Northeastern!”

While the Auditorium seats 425, the Recital Hall (lovingly known as the “Jewel Box”) seats 175, putting the audience in close proximity to performers. Ticket prices — $10 for students, $19 for senior citizens and Northeastern employees, and $27 for all other patrons — are also much more affordable at Northeastern than many other area venues. Discounts are available for seven-concert subscriptions and four-concert subscriptions. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Welcome Desk and Box Office on the Main Campus, or by calling (773) 442-4636.

As is to be expected, the 25th anniversary season has a carefully curated variety of artists. South Carolina-born artist/songwriter/music therapist/activist Kyshona’s music is a blend of roots, rock, R&B and folk. Zodiac Trio was formed in New York in 2006 and has become a premiere clarinet-violin-piano ensemble. Nikolaas Kande and Jolente De Maeyer, who together form Kende De Maeyer Duo, hail from Belgium and are internationally acclaimed for their prowess on the piano and violin, respectively. Larry Bellorín was born in Venezuela and Joe Troop is from North Carolina; together they form Larry & Joe, singer-songwriters who blend Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, maracas, guitar, upright bass and whatever else they can pack with them. Mnozil Brass — from Austria — combine their musical abilities with comedy to form one of the world's premier brass ensembles. Lyyra is a relatively new vocal group with a repertoire that spans traditional choral works to jazz, pop and global folk songs. Montreal-born Grenadian-Canadian singer-songwriter Kaia plays the banjo and crafts lyrics based on her ancestry, emotions,and a wide range of social and cultural topics.

Miller, who noted that Mnozil Brass performed as part of the Jewel Box Series in 2010, is excited for their return after their previous sold-out performance.

“The group is unique in that it blends physical comedy with the highest level of musicianship and brass playing,” Miller said. She continued, “All of this year’s performers are notable in their own rights. The Jewel Box Series is significant because the University gets to welcome incredible artists to our campus, and our students, employees and community members get to experience these artists in a truly special setting.”