Events at the Byron Colby Barn

The beautifully restored Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake hosts concerts and events to foster lifelong learning and a sense of community.

Incredible performances and architectural beauty combine to create a unique experience. Bring a bottle of wine to share with friends if you wish.

Join us at the following events!

Announcing ... 14th Annual Early Music Series

We are excited to announce the upcoming 2015-2016 Early Music Series season of highly acclaimed musicians performing music from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods:

Sun., Nov. 15 4 p.m. - Ars Antigua
Sun., Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. - Rook
Sun., Jan. 10 at 4 p.m. - Marion Consort
Sun., Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. - Black Tulip
Sun., Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. - Shirley Hunt
Sun., Mar. 20 at 4 p.m. - Nigel North

Season tickets are now available for only $90 per person. Purchasing a season ticket saves $30 off the regular admission - the equivalent of one and a half free performances.

Admission to individual Early Music Series concerts is $20 for adults, and is available at the door only (cash or check only). To inspire early appreciation for the arts, children under 16 are admitted free to Early Music Series concerts.

Visit the Early Music Series YouTube channel to preview the professionalism and intimacy that define the Early Music Series at the Byron Colby Barn, then join us at an upcoming performance. No photography, videography, or sound recording is allowed during performances but relax and enjoy these exquisite video clips from past performances.

"Like" the Early Music Series on Facebook!

Joel Spears - Artistic Director of the Early Music Series

Joel Spears is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Early Music at the Byron Colby Barn, and an active lutenist and guitarist based in the Chicago area.

Joel has performed both as a soloist and with ensembles of varying sizes such as Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, Seraphic Fire, Ars Antigua, Bella Voce, Music of the Baroque, and The Chicago Early Music Consort.

Joel is currently Lute Instructor at the Music Institute of Chicago. He is also proud to be the first theorbo teacher in the nation at the high school level at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.

Other Upcoming Events

European Chef to Lead Farm to Table Cooking Workshops

July 15 and 22

Photo by Terri Salminen

Join us for our Chef in Residence workshops! These tantalizing cooking workshops will be held from 5:30 - 10 p.m. Wed., July 15 and/or Wed., July 22 at the Byron Colby Barn.

The authentic and unparalleled Farm to Table experiences will be co-led by Terri Salminen, celebrated international chef and culinary instructor, and Lindsey Shifley, passionate Mundelein food educator. Salminen and Shifley are Super Ambassadors with the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution.

Workshops feature different seasonal menus based on farm-fresh ingredients and emphasize different cooking techniques. Each begins with a guided walk to the Prairie Crossing Farm to pick up farm fresh certified organic vegetables while learning about organic agriculture principles. Participants return to the Byron Colby Barn to prepare (and eat!) a light and fresh summer appetizer, a colorful main course with an accent on vegetables, and fruit-based dessert.

Click here for additional information and online registration. Only a few spots remain, so don't delay!

Shakespeare on the Prairie

Aug. 6 - 9

Come see the Citadel Theatre's production of Shakespeare's As You Like It on the Prairie Crossing Farm. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 - 9 (Thurs. - Sun.). Bring a picnic and/or bottle of wine to enjoy!

As You Like It is a favorite of audiences everywhere. Known as his pastoral comedy, it is perhaps known as much for the famed soliloquy "All the World's a Stage" or "The Seven Ages of Man" as for its storyline. The most musical of Shakespeare's plays, it features a number of songs which highlight the pastoral atmosphere and the changing of the seasons.

As You Like It is directed by Frank Farrell. Farrell performed as an actor in Goodman Theatre's As You Like It years ago; and directed Citadel's outdoor Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream this past summer. Farrell was a founder of Chicago's first year-round Shakespeare company (Free Shakespeare, 1983) and of Chicago Theatre Hikes (2001) - which pioneered outdoor theatre in the Chicagoland area.

Click here for information and ticket sales for Shakespeare on the Prairie. Tickets are $15 per person (in advance and at the door) and free for children under age 7. We look forward to this unique cultural event at the farm!

Prairie Crossing at Twenty: From Pioneering Design to

Photo by Terry Evans

Vibrant Community - Aug. 30

Celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the first Prairie Crossing home with its original architects and planners from 1 - 5:30 p.m. Sun., Aug. 30! Learn the thought that went into the development of this nationally recognized conservation community and the architecture of individual home models.

"Prairie Crossing at Twenty: From Pioneering Design to Vibrant Community" features presentations and discussion by the architects and planners of Prairie Crossing, including developers George and Vicky Ranney.

Blair Kamin, Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic of the Chicago Tribune, will moderate the discussion. Following the presentation at the Barn, tours of select private homes and community buildings will be provided by the original architects as well as tours of Prairie Crossing and its unique, defining features.

While this free event is most appropriate for adults, youth ages 12 and older who are interested in architecture are welcome to attend with their parents. Advance registration is required. Click here for additional information and registration. Registration is limited, so sign up today!

We invite you to learn how ideals for community, land, water, and architecture were woven together in the design of Prairie Crossing. This free event is sponsored by the Prairie Crossing Homeowners Association and Liberty Prairie Foundation.

About the Byron Colby Barn

The beautifully restored Byron Colby Barn is named for the local dairy farmer who built it in 1885. Scheduled for demolition in 1992, this historic dairy barn was instead expertly deconstructed and rebuilt in Prairie Crossing, a nationally known conservation community.

The Byron Colby Barn is located at 1561 Jones Point Road in Grayslake. From I-94 north, exit Route 120 west, turn south at Route 45, then right at Jones Point Road. Ample free parking is located adjacent to the Barn.

The Byron Colby Barn is owned and operated by the Liberty Prairie Foundation, a 503(c)(3) non-profit organization, and is used in support of our mission. The Barn's various uses are aligned with the Prairie Crossing guiding principles of life-long learning, a sense of community, and a sense of place.

Private Barn Rentals

As a beautiful and unique venue, the Barn is very popular for private rentals. Hold your special event at the Byron Colby Barn!

The Byron Colby Barn was named the 2011 Best Budget Wedding Venue by Chicago Magazine, and can be rented 7 days a week for elegant weddings, professional meetings, intimate concerts, and other events.

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www.libertyprairie.org

847-543-1202

1561 Jones Point Road
Grayslake, IL 60030