Swingin’ entertainer, Nicky Paradise (a.k.a. Steve Vrtol) will host the musical review, Arty-Joke. Nicky’s one-night-only performance takes place at 8 pm on Saturday, February 7 in the Maddox Theater at Rockford College. Tickets are $30. All proceeds benefit Artists’ Ensemble, the region’s only resident Equity professional theater.

Nicky Paradise is Steve Vrtol’s lounge lizard alter ego — something of a cross between Bill Murray and Dean Martin. As host of the event, Nicky wants all those swingin’ cats and cool kittens out there to know that he’ll be singing some of their favorites, like “Quando Quando” and “Volare.” Naturally, some of Nicky’s celebrity pals will be dropping by to share the stage with the King of Cool. Performers include Holland Zander, Patte Armato-Lund, Kyle Adams, Rebecca Pink, and the Rockford College Vocal Collective. Of course, the entire AE crew including Linda Abronski, David A. Gingerich, Carolyn Cadigan, and more will also perform.

“We are doing what AE does best, putting on a killer show.” says AE Artistic Director Richard Raether, “And, at the same time, not taking ourselves too seriously. It’s ridiculous fun, with tremendous musical talent on stage.” There will also be a silent auction in the lobby and a cash bar.

Silent auction begin at 7:00 in the lobby of the Maddox Theatre. Curtain for Arty-Joke 3 is at 8:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online through the AE web site at www.artistsensemble.org or through the AE box office at 815-394-5004. As Nicky would say, “Be there or be square, baby.”