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Jack Benny Center for the Arts

A vibrant community hub in Waukegan offering diverse cultural arts programs, performances, and exhibits for all ages, honoring the legacy of Jack Benny.

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The Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Waukegan, Illinois, is a community hub offering a diverse range of cultural arts programs, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Named after Waukegan's famous son, comedian Jack Benny, the center hosts performances, classes, and exhibits, enriching the local community.

A brief summary to Jack Benny Center

Local tips

  • Check the Waukegan Park District website for a schedule of classes, performances, and events at the Jack Benny Center.
  • Consider taking a class or private lesson to explore your creative side.
  • Visit the Waukegan History Museum inside the center to learn about local history.
  • Attend a performance by the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra or Bowen Park Theatre Company.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Jack Benny Center is located within Bowen Park. From the corner of Sheridan Road and Jack Benny Drive, walk east into Bowen Park. The Jack Benny Center will be on your right, a short walk from the road.

  • Public Transport

    Pace Bus service provides access to Bowen Park. Check the Pace Bus website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the nearest bus stop, walk along Bowen Park to reach the Jack Benny Center. A single ride on Pace costs $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Request a taxi or ride-share to 39 Jack Benny Drive, Waukegan. The driver can drop you off near the entrance of the Jack Benny Center within Bowen Park. A short ride from downtown Waukegan will typically cost $8 - $12.

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Discover more about Jack Benny Center

The Jack Benny Center for the Arts, located in Waukegan's Bowen Park, is a vibrant center for cultural arts programming. The center is named in honor of Waukegan native Jack Benny, the famous comedian, and serves as a place where the community can engage in a variety of artistic pursuits. The center offers year-round classes in art, music, dance, and theater for youth and adults. Private music lessons are available for a variety of instruments, including guitar, violin, piano, and voice. The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus perform throughout the year, adding to the center's appeal as a cultural destination. The center also houses the Waukegan History Museum, which offers tours, classes, and programs. The Jack Benny Center for the Arts has a rich history. It began in 1964 as the Music Center of Lake County, a non-profit organization offering music instruction. In 1974, the name was changed to the Jack Benny Center for the Arts to reflect the diverse arts programs offered. In 1982, the center became the Cultural Arts Division of the Waukegan Park District. The Waukegan Park District completed a new home for the center in Bowen Park in 1987. Goodfellow Hall, later renamed the Dr. Lynn Schornick Theatre, was added, providing a venue for theater and opera performances. Special events at the Jack Benny Center include the Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival in June and the Joseph A. Favero Memorial Do It Yourself Messiah in December. The Waukegan Historical Society also has exhibits honoring Jack Benny at the center, showcasing his early life in Waukegan and his successful career in radio, television, and film.

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