A Libertyville-based nonprofit and local photographer have teamed up to honor 10 area musicians this spring with the “Libertyville Plays Live!” exhibit, now on display downtown in the storefront at 757 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Photographer Scott Singer and Craftsman Cafe, a nonprofit that throws community concerts and events, wanted to find a special way to honor performers around Libertyville, many who have been unable to perform as much in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Known for being an early stamping grounds for Rage Against the Machine frontman Tom Morello, Tool guitarist Adam Jones and singer-songwriter Ike Reilly, who still lives in town, Libertyville still has “a lot of great local musicians,” Singer said.
Through the end of April, anyone visiting downtown can check out some of the village’s local lineup, captured in crisp prints and posed by Singer, who said he wanted to encapsulate each artist’s, “unique personality and stage presence.”
Singer and Jim Connell, a village trustee, began reaching out to area musicians to gauge their interest in the project, and then got to work on brainstorming how to design a physical display with some pop.
“They keep the local music scene alive, which helps keep our community connected and positively adds to the culture,” Singer said. “With so many of them contributing their talents to the Craftsman Cafe, to further build community connections and give back to charity, it felt great to put a spotlight on the artists.”
Tim Smith, who owns the building along Milwaukee Avenue, said the display highlighting local talent was an excellent use for his storefront while it does not have a tenant.
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The longtime Libertyville resident said he knows some of the featured artists — like Frank Quigley and Todd Cotter — from around town, and that hosting the project at his building is a small way to give back to a community he loves.
“I’m at that point in my life where I can do something good for the community,” Smith said, “and I’ve got the space, so why wouldn’t I?”
Other artists honored in the exhibit are Peter Brush, Joy Bach, Angela LaVista, Steve Marth, Peter and Sheila Cimbalo, Michael Gautsch and Jim Carroll.
Connell said the display marks a sort of full-circle moment for the artists, many of whom have supported and performed at charity events organized by Craftsman Cafe.
“I’m a huge proponent of the arts, and a supporter of the arts.” Connell said. “Craftsman Cafe is sort of a blank canvas for us.”
According to its website, Craftsman Cafe helped raise more than $17,000 with a February “Ping Pong for the Kids” event, and has donated more than $530,000 over the past decade.
In recent years, the nonprofit has also created banners that the village displays on downtown lampposts to honor graduating Libertyville High School seniors.
The James W. Smith Printing Company, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, produced the printouts of each artist for free, according to Connell.
One of the musicians honored, Bach, is also a leader at Craftsman Cafe, where she serves on the organization’s executive board along with Connell and two others.
“Really,” Connell said, “(the project) is a way to build community.”