Create in Beloit
Enjoy the many artistic, theatrical, and musical productions of Beloit’s cultural arts community, or dive into the creativity yourself!
MUSIC
Music at Harry’s Place in Beloit is where music, friendship, and community come together to celebrate summer and good vibes. This free outdoor concert series draws visitors from all around, with the stunning backdrop of the Rock River, accompanied by music for everyone to enjoy.
On most Friday evenings, June through August, from 7 to 9 p.m., Riverside Park comes alive as concert-goers groove to the region’s hottest bands. Organized by Friends of Riverfront, the concert series features a dynamic lineup – from jazz and blues to modern hits and more – with more than 1,200 music lovers attending each week. “People absolutely love the concerts,” says Jennifer Kodl, Executive Director of Friends of Riverfront. “It’s a great way to unwind from a busy week and enjoy good music at the same time.”
As music fills the air, attendees can enjoy the views of the river at sunset, sip on ice-cold beverages from the beer tent, and munch on tasty dinner and treat options from the various food trucks and vendors. Whether lounging on a lawn chair or snuggling up with a cozy blanket, the stage is set for an unforgettable evening with long-lasting memories.
For those who love to dance, there’s Dancing at Harry’s Place, another program hosted by Friends of Riverfront. Free dance lessons are offered every other second and fourth Monday throughout June, July, and August, beginning at 7 p.m., with open dancing kicking off at 8 p.m. “We get all ages and all abilities,” says Kodl. “The dancing ranges from ballroom to line dancing to square dancing. “It’s a fantastic night with the breeze coming off the riverfront,” she says. “People come to dance and enjoy themselves. It’s a fun way to spend a summer night.”
The Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra (BJSO), founded in 1953 as the Beloit Civic Orchestra, has been a staple in Rock County for more than 70 years. With just three music directors throughout its history, the orchestra has grown into a fully professional ensemble. Robert Tomaro, who served as Music Director from 1999 to 2025, reflects on the orchestra’s legacy, “I haven’t checked the Guiness Book of World Records, but I imagine that it would be difficult to find another professional orchestra that is entering its 72nd year and has only had three music directors throughout its history.”
During Tomaro’s tenure, the BJSO expanded its reach, offering everything from classic pieces to community favorites like Pops on the Rock, held every Fourth of July. “Over the years, we have raised the standard of our performances and presented some of the most challenging works to the people of Rock County,” he said. Signature performances like The Nutcracker Ballet became annual highlights, consistently selling out and introducing the orchestra to new audiences.
Beyond the concerts, the BJSO has remained committed to education and community engagement. Programs such as Composing Kids, Making Music with the Maestro, and the Young Conductors Program have connected local students with hands-on musical experiences. As the orchestra enters a new chapter with a new leader, it remains dedicated to its musical excellence and will continue to inspire the next generation of music lovers.
BELOIT MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Mr. Christopher Behrens, NBCT, is behind the musical magic at BMHS. He is the Band Director of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Pep Band, and, of course, Jazz Band I/II and Jazz Combo I/II. He brings many years of experience to the table, as he started with the School District of Beloit in 1996 at Aldrich Middle School and has been at BMHS since 2001. He strives to teach students not only the craft of music, but also to learn life-long qualities that will positively impact their lives.
Although the goal for students in the Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra (BMJO) is to place at band competitions, including the Essentially Ellington competition, for Behrens, it is much more than that. Behrens aims for all his music students to learn to “have a voice that is valued and part of a much bigger whole, discover the importance of discipline, focus, and selflessness, discover that hard work pays off, and discover the sheer joy of making music with others.” Because of the fundamentals of studying music, it is essential to Behrens to know that what’s learned in the classroom can help personally with “self-confidence, both musically and personally, how to interact and communicate without words, how to manage their nerves, and how to deal with making mistakes and learn that being prepared isn’t always enough.”
High school students start experimenting with music-making at Beloit’s Fruzen and Aldrich Middle Schools to get to this point in their music careers. Glenn Wilfong, whose roots run deep in the Beloit music scene, is the Director of Bands for both middle schools and plenty of other ensembles, symphonies, and orchestras. The district is unique in that locally it is the “only district that offers Band & Orchestra starting at the 5th-grade level,” as confirmed by Behrens, and he states that [he is] proud to say, “we have a strong music program within the School District of Beloit.”
Not often do you run across a group of young and talented students like the ones a part of the BMJO. Beloit is such a special place for performances, from the point of view of Behrens, because “[he believes] that the diversity of culture and unique mixture of people we have in the Stateline area allows not only Jazz to thrive, but all of the Arts to have a place.” He goes on to explain that “Between Janesville, Beloit, and Rockford – there is a wealth of live music being performed by people of all ages – and the BMHS Jazz program is just another part of that.”
Student participation serves as a source of immense pride for their school, community, and music educators, who have nurtured their talents and instilled in them the values of passion and dedication. Behrens agrees that “Music is an outlet, a home, a special place for so many students. Whether you are an athlete, an average student, an artist or a student with special needs – the music program has a place for you”.
THEATER
From children’s productions with
Kids Fun and Drama, award-winning Beloit Memorial High School plays, to Broadway-quality productions by Beloit Civic Theatre, theater is woven into the creative fabric of Beloit.
Now in its 92nd season, the Beloit Civic Theatre continues to be a local favorite for live performances with a Broadway touch. Each season includes three productions – often a musical, a comedy, and sometimes a mystery – designed to entertain and engage audiences of all ages. “Our goal has always been to provide high-quality theatre at an affordable price,” says Doris Tropp, Vice President of the Board of Directors.
The performances take place at the cozy, 200-seat Elizabeth Reinholz Theater, located at the south end of Beloit Memorial High School. Each show runs for nine performances, with evening and weekend matinees. Tickets have remained at $10 for years, drawing in more than 1,000 season ticket holders – some traveling from as far as Rockford and Madison.
The theatre is powered by a group of volunteers who do everything from acting and ushering to baking cookies for intermission. Tropp explains that “In this era of detached non-interactive online entertainment and live entertainment in massive venues, our audiences get to experience live theatre in a small venue, which draws the audience into the story like no other format can.” She believes that “everyone wins with accessible community theatre” which is what makes the organization stand out.
FINE ARTS
The Beloit Art Center (BAC) is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers and is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. Its goal is to provide resources to help emerging artists, offer community education and cultural events, and expand on the “Arts Center” theme. BAC has affordable studio space for rent and provides a supportive environment for the artist to practice, create, exhibit, and sell their art.
Monthly gallery shows are kicked off with a First Friday Opening Reception and feature the work of local and regional artists. These events are free and open to the public and include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
Built in 1912, the facility at 520 E Grand Avenue originated as the Bell Telephone Company. The two-story construction of Chicago firebrick has since housed restaurants, the Elks Club, and an antique store. In 1999, the Beloit Economic Development Corporation purchased the building on behalf of the emerging organization.
THE CASTLE
Levi Andersen, the creative force behind Beloit’s 5BAR, is bringing a fresh vision to The Castle, a historic landmark at 501 Prospect Street. Originally built in 1906 as the First Presbyterian Church, the building was purchased by John and Jody Wittnebel in 2012, who transformed it into a cultural hub for the community. After the Wittnebels decided to sell, Levi saw an opportunity to continue their mission of providing a venue for the arts and community events. “For such a unique place, the Wittnebels know that if they were to sell the building, it had to be for the right owner,” says Levi. Within seven weeks, he became the proud new owner.
Since taking over, Levi has turned The Castle into a vibrant space for arts and culture in Beloit. The space has hosted weddings, movie screenings for the Beloit International Film Festival, community events, concerts, and craft cocktail nights. “Golden Hour,” a new project named after a once-in-a-lifetime moment during the renovation when the stained-glass windows let in golden light, opened on April 8, 2024, aligning with a solar eclipse. The venue will feature a viewing platform and bar, providing a unique space for artistic performances and community gatherings.
Levi is carrying the same vision forward from the Wittnebels, who saw The Castle as a place where the arts and community could come together. “We want to help various community groups while providing Beloit with a cultural experience,” says Jody. Today, Levi has continued that mission by opening The Castle to the community and visitors for various events.