Fireside Music Series

Embrace the Cozy Charm of Winter

Featuring Meg’s Daily Grind & Live Music Daily

Specialty Coffee Drinks | Pastries | Assorted Sandwiches

Our Fireside Music Series is the ultimate winter hideaway where guests gather with friends, relax by the fire, and savor the warmth of live music performed by local and Rockford Symphony Orchestra Musicians.

Meg’s Daily Grind offers light lunches, coffees, teas, and irresistible pastries for purchase daily. There is no cost of entry.

Open for Eight Weeks Beginning January 14, 2026

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday

11:00 am to 3:00 pm | January 14 – March 14

 

Impress Clients & Friends

Light lunch options, Make Your Next Coffee Meeting during the Fireside Music Series

Stunning Garden Views Always Included

Even in the middle of winter, Anderson Japanese Gardens continues to provide a place of warmth and community.

2026 Musical Performance Schedule

Enjoy live music beginning at 11:30 AM, with musicians performing in intervals and taking breaks throughout the afternoon.

Jan 14 Nanette Felix RSO Principal Harp
Jan 15 Joel Ross, RSO Principal Keyboard
Jan 16 Rachel Handlin RSO Assistant Concert Master, Aria Beert Violinist/Vocals & Mike Beert  RSO  Principal Cello 
Jan 17 The UltraSounds College of Medicine Choir
Jan 21 RSO Presents: Momo Seko French Horn & Alvin Santner Guitar
Jan 22 Denise Connolly & Patrick Connolly  RSO Violin Duo
Jan 23 RSO Presents: Jodi Beach & Jim McDowell Swing/Jazz/Pop
Jan 24 Joel Ross RSO Principal Keyboard Doug Bistrow RSO Bass & Tom Marken Drums
Jan 28 RSO Presents: Becca Dora Oboe Heidy Rodriguez Clarinet & Randal Dennler Bassoon 
Jan 29 Kathryn Siegel & Marty Hackl Violin Duo
Jan 30 Joel Ross RSO Principal Keyboard
Jan 31 Eli Parker Acoustic Soloist
Feb 4 RSO Presents: Momo Seko French Horn & Alvin Santner Guitar
Feb 5 Nanette Felix RSO Principal Harp
Feb 6 RSO Presents: Becca Dora Oboe Heidy Rodriguez Clarinet & Randal Dennler Bassoon

 

Feb 7 Michael Zielinski RSO Principal Bass Trombone w/ Serdar Cizmeci, Colin Marusek & Thomas Stark Trombones
Feb 11 Rachel Handlin RSO Assistant Concertmaster Mike Beert RSO Principal Cello Scott Metlicka RSO Principal Flute
Feb 12 Kathryn Siegel & Marty Hackl RSO Violin Duo Coffee With the Maestro
Feb 13 RSO Presents: Jodi Beach & Jim McDowell Swing/Jazz/Pop
Feb 14 Nielsen Chorale Ancora Ensemble Rockford’s Premier Choral Ensemble
Feb 18 Scott Metlicka RSO Principal Flute Colleen Griggs Clarinet & Josh Fleming Bassoon
Feb 19 Kathryn Siegel & Marty Hackl RSO Violin Duo
Feb 20 Nanette Felix RSO Principal Harp
Feb 21 Anthony Jay Sanders Dueling Pianos
Feb 25 Scott Metlicka RSO Principal Flute Justina Chu & Dominic Dagostino Flutes
Feb 26 Joel Ross RSO Principal Keyboard
Feb 27 RSO Presents: Jodi Beach & Jim McDowell Swing/Jazz/Pop
Feb 28 Groove Hotel Jazz

 

Mar 4 Rachel Handlin RSO Assistant Concertmaster Mike Beert RSO Principal Cello Scott Metlicka RSO Principal Flute
Mar 5 RSO Presents: Jacques Saint-Cyr & Valerie Blair Flute & Piano
Mar 6 Nanette Felix RSO Principal Harp
Mar 7 Joel Ross RSO Principal Keyboard Ken Stein Saxophone Ed Bogdona Drums
Mar 11 Rachel Handlin RSO Assistant Concertmaster Mike Beert RSO Principal Cello
Mar 12 Kathryn Siegel & Marty Hackl RSO Violin Duo
Mar 13 RSO Presents: Jodi Beach & Jim McDowell Swing/Jazz/Pop
Mar 14 RSO Presents: Kantorei Youth Choir and Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra

 

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors and Community Partners.