American Music Festivals
at the Movies
New Frontiers
in Hawaiian Music
Sunday, July 12 · 4:00 PM
Wayfarer Theaters
1850 Second Street
HiGhland Park IL 60035
Tickets $10
Introducing the initiative
New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music
with the premiere showing of “Koa Suite,”
by composer Philip Simmons
and videographer Ruben Carrillo.
American Music Festivals is proud to return to the beautiful Wayfarer Theaters to present American Music Festivals at the Movies, a program of short films and music videos that creates a unique and immersive cultural experience for the community.
This special event highlights the New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music initiative, bringing together works that explore music, nature, and cultural connection through video. AMF at the Movies also includes an award-winning short film, virtual videos created during the COVID years, films highlighting cultural exchange, and new works inspired by American themes and artistic voices.
The program will be narrated by American Music Festivals Artistic Director Philip Simmons, who will guide audiences through the shorts and provide context for the featured artists and creative collaborations.
Program Highlights
Works from the New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music initiative
Moonlight, an award-winning short film by Michele McGovern
Dawn Awakening, a film by Zhu Kun with music of Gong Qian Yang
Virtual music and film projects from the COVID era
American Landscapes - a new video by composer Ilya Levinson
Pacific Medley, - Penelope Simmons singing folk music of Japan, China, Korea, and Hawaii
This event brings together composers, filmmakers, and visual artists in a shared creative space where music becomes a cinematic experience. Through curated screenings, audiences are invited to explore how sound and image interact to tell deeper cultural stories.
Experience an afternoon where music and film meet in an intimate theater setting, designed to foster connection, reflection, and artistic discovery.
Tickets $10 - Visit the Wayfarer Theaters website for reservations
Virtual Mozart
In the summer of 2020, 30 members of the Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra recorded in their own homes the 1st Movement of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Video and audio recordings came in from all over the United States and abroad. Thank you to all our wonderful musicians for participating.
Ibert’s Entr’acte
Enjoy “Entr‘acte,” the warm duo by Jacques Ibert featuring violinist Violetta Todorova with Philip Simmons on guitar. With impressionist art from the Art Institute of Chicago.
Deep River with Van Gilmer
The legendary Van Gilmer performing in the acoustic splender of the Baha’i House of Worship. He has performed Deep River (as arranged by Harry Burliegh) with the LCO numerous times, including at the DuSable Museum of African American History and the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.
Soul of America
A virtual work composed by Philip Simmons. Scored for string orchestra and digitally realized, the video features treasured American paintings and was premiered by the LCO at the historic Wilmette Theater. “Soul of America” is inspired by the words of President Joseph Biden and the music of Aaron Copland, William Billings, and Antonin Dvorak.
