SOUNDS LIKE MUSIC

The Bess & Mike Show, Mike and Elizabeth Sullivan, smile for the crowd May 9 at The Painted Raven for the inaugural Elgin Music Festival. Over 50 local bands shared their talents across 12 venues all weekend long. Elizabeth also took home Best in Show at Art of Possibilities in Minneapolis this past week. Photos courtesy Lillian Reyes Gates

Bruce Alvarez with the next generation of local talent perform at Studio 22, May 11.

The Carry Ons kick off Explore Elgin Arts & Culture weekend at Veterans Memorial Park May 9. The downtown center saw streets packed with visitors and vendors sharing what makes Elgin a special place.