The Beverly Arts Center

This neighborhood public arts center brings together both those who want to participate in the arts, and those who prefer to watch, listen, and enjoy. The BAC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1968 which has grown to attract patrons from all over the South Side of Chicago. Not only are a wide variety of classes offered, but frequent concerts, exhibitions, and comedy shows are held in the center’s theater.

For those who choose to partake in the arts, classes are offered in visual and performance arts, literary arts, fitness, communications and more. Year-round camps and workshops are available for both children and adults, with subjects ranging from ceramics to fashion design to creative songwriting. Got the urge to shake your tailfeather but don’t want to enroll in a class? Weekly social dance gathering invites anyone over the age of 15 to come dance to all different kinds of world music, including tango, swing dance, and even break dancing. No partners necessary!

A designated second-floor gallery displays rotating art exhibitions from both local and national artists. Of course, entry is free to anyone, so it’s a great way to get your art fix. Check out the BAC website for more info on their upcoming events and classes and for other ways to get involved.

Location: 2407 W. 111th St.
Phone: 773.445.3838
Website: http://beverlyartcenter.org

The Music Station

Opened in 2010 by a pair of brother-in-laws, this music and arts school is a welcome addition to the Beverly neighborhood. The center focuses in music education, but also has plans to branch out to theatre classes.

All of the Music Station teachers are college graduates trained as teachers and are very accommodating to each individual’s needs. Whether you want to learn the violin or the saxophone, there’s a class for you. Private and group lessons are offered to students of all ages– their youngest student is five years old, and their oldest is 91!

Organized almost like a small house, the second floor has several practice spaces, including private lesson rooms as well as larger spaces for group sessions. Best of all, the center is extremely kid-friendly, with several spaces geared towards children, and a wide range of classes, camps and workshops for young students. There’s even a moms and kids class taught by a supervised music therapist. For kids that want to be rock stars, there’s the Rock Band Summer Camp, which culminates in a live rock concert, teaching kids not only the art of music but also giving them the confidence to perform.

The center includes an adjacent performance space which seats up to 125 people. The stage holds performances from grassroots bands, stand-up comedy groups, and more, and serves as the recital stage for music students. The space is BYOB, so feel free to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy during the show! Want to rent out the space for an event or your child’s birthday party? You can do that, too.

The Music Station bills itself as Beverly’s “one stop for music and arts,” and they aren’t lyin’. They even offer rentals and repairs on all stringed instruments as well as tube and solid state amps.

Check out the website for a calendar of events, more information on lessons and camps, or to learn about the center’s arts outreach program, which travels to local schools to promote music and the arts.

Location: 1808 W. 103rd St.
Phone: 773.840.3005
Website: http://the-music-station.com