Publications & Sites 
Arts and entertainment calendar for May 3
Updated: May 1, 2012 8:37PM
Stage
“Angels in America,” “Part One: Millennium Approaches” and “Part Two: Perestroika,” through June 3 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago. Tickets: $45-$65. Call (773) 753-4472 or visit www.CourtTheatre.org.
“Beyond the Fringe” will be presented by Oak Park Festival Theatre through May 6 at the Madison Street Theatre, 1010 W. Madison St., Oak Park. Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $25; $20 for students and senior citizens. Visit www.oakparkfestival.com.
“Enfrascada (A Hoodoo Comedy of Jarring Proportions),” through May 12 at 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. When a terrible split turns Alicia’s world upside down, she turns to folk magic to heal her suffering. With the help of her friends and some enchanting magi, Alicia mines the underworlds of Brujeria, Santeria and Hoodoo for magic recipes, age-old traditions and ancient jar spells, looking for a cure. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets: $18. Call (708) 795-6704 or visit www.16thstreettheater.org.
The Free Readers Ensemble performs at 3 p.m. the third Sunday of the month, unless noted otherwise, in the second floor Veterans Room of the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. Free admission. www.freereaders.com. May 20: “Letters, We’ve Got Letters,” a compilation of letters between famous historical and theatrical persons.
“Hairspray,”through June 17 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The performance schedule is 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $35-$46, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. Lunch and dinner packages available for $49.75-$68. Call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.
“Marvin’s Room” will be presented May 4-13 in Triton College’s Cox Auditiorium, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $12 for general admission; $10 for senior citizens. Call (708) 456-0300, ext. 6932. to reserve tickets.
“Train Is Comin’” will be presented through May 20 at Open Door Repertory Company, 902 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park. In 1870 a white professor and his choir of nine freed slaves set out to raise money for their nearly penniless institution, Fisk University. By singing the “slave songs” of their most recent past, the Fisk Jubilee Singers raised more than $120,000 for their school and were responsible for the emergence of the Negro spirituals in American culture. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. $23 for general admission; $20 seniors; $17 students. Call (708) 342-0810 or visit www.opendoorrep.org.
“When The Rain Stops Falling,” through June 17 at Circle Theatre, 1010 W. Madison St., Oak Park. Performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $24-$28; $26 for students and seniors. Call (708) 660-9540 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.
Classical
The Avalon Quartet performs the Beethoven String Quartet Cycle at 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Each concert will benefit a designated local organization for which free-will donations will be accepted. Suggested minimum donation is $10. For information, call (708) 386-2729 or visit www.19thcenturycharity.org. May 16: “Epic Journey,” Op. 131, benefiting Oak Park River Forest Symphony. May 23: “Russian Feast Part 1,” Op. 59, benefiting the Hemingway Foundation. May 30: “Russian Feast Part 2,” Op. 59, benefiting the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society.
Church of Beethoven “Fourth Sundays” Series, 10:30 a.m. May 27 at the Open Door Theater, 902 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park. North Shore Brass will perform works by Bach, Gershwin, Bernstein and others. Church of Beethoven’s “Fourth Sunday” programs feature classical music performances in an intimate and casual setting, as well as poetry by local poets and two minutes of silence. $10; $5 for children. Visit www.churchofbeethoven-oakpark.com.
The Michael Teolis Singers will present “Chicago Originals,” featuring works by composers who have a connection to the city of Chicago, at 7:30 p.m. May 5 at First United Methodist Church, 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Brass, organ and percussion will accompany the ensemble. Tickets: $18; $12 for seniors and students, cash only. Call (708) 366-2889 or visit www.mtsingers.org.
The Orion Ensemble performs in Roosevelt University’s Ganz Memorial Hall, 430 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $26; $23 for senior citizens; $10 for students. Free for children 12 and younger. (630) 628-9591 or www.orionensemble.org. May 9, 7:30 p.m.: “All That Jazz!” featuring a world premiere by guest pianist Miguel de la Cerna, a Fauré quartet and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, Jay Friedman, conductor, performs at Dominican University, 7900 W. Division, River Forest, unless noted otherwise. Tickets: $30 encore seating; $25 general admission seating; $25/$20 for senior citizens; children through college students are admitted free. Call (708) 218-2648 or visit www.symphonyoprf.com. May 13, 4 p.m.: The program includes works by Haydn and Vaughan Williams.
Triton College Performing Arts Center, located in the Robert M. Collins Center, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 456-0300, ext. 3506. www.triton.edu. May 14, 7:30 p.m.: Triton College Community Band plays works by Percy Grainger, Gordon Jacob and Karel Husa. Admission is free.
Pop/folk/jazz
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. (800) 982-ARTS (2787). www.auditoriumtheatre.org. May 12, 8 p.m.: Andrew Bird, performing with his band, will celebrate the release of his new album,”Break It Yourself.” Special guest is Mucca Pazza. $29.50, $39.50, $49.50.
Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111. www.drurylaneoakbrook.com. May 21-22, 1:30 p.m.:The Glenn Miller Orchestra. Tickets are $50-$55; lunch is available preceding the performance for an additional $16. June 22-23, 8 p.m., and June 24, 2 p.m.: Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Loretta Lynn. Tickets are $65. A 6 p.m. dinner is available for an additional $19 on Friday and Saturday; noon lunch is available on Sunday for an additional $19.
FitzGerald’s,6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 788-2118. www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Open mic in the SideBar. May 4: Wishbone Ash in two shows with two different set lists. CD release for “Elegant Stealth” at 7:30 p.m., $25 in advance; and 10 p.m., $25 in advance; both shows for $40 in advance. May 5, 8:30 p.m.: Cinco de Mayo Festival with Tributosauras as Santana (rock tribute). $20. May 5, 9:30 p.m.: The Red Elvises (rock). $15. May 6, 6 p.m.: Chicagoland Grandstand Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. May 9, 8 p.m.: Chicago Singer Spotlight, $8. May 10, 8 p.m.: Exposure, featuring Borodin, Ivette Sellers and Somebody’s Sins, $5. May 11, 9 p.m.: Tony Ocean (jazz). $7. May 12, 7 p.m.: Cancer benefit show for Nick Curran, featuring Rockin’ Billy & the Wild Coyotes, Honeybees, Cadillac Casanovas, The Dyes, Eric Sheridan & the Boys, The Flat Cats, The Possum Hollow Boys, Chicago Blues Angels, Morry & the Special 20’s, Heebie Jeebies, Pearls Mahone, Lil Red & the Howlin Wolves (blues/rockabilly). $10. May 16, 7:30 p.m.: Jazz Community Big Band. $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. May 17, 8 p.m.: Mingus Awareness Project Concert, a benefit concert for the Les Turner ALS Foundation (jazz). $20; $15 under 17 with student ID. May 18, 9 p.m.: Ralph Covert’s Acoustic Army in the SideBar (rock). $10. May 24, 8 p.m.: Michael Smith & Small Potatoes (roots). $15. May 25, 9 p.m.: Cannonball in the SideBar (rock). Free. May 26, 9 p.m.: American English (Beatles tribute). $12 in advance; $15 at the door. May 26, 9 p.m.: Uncle Lucius in the SideBar, $12. May 27, 6 p.m.: John Burnett Orchestra (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. May 31, 9 p.m.: Expo ‘76 in the SideBar (rock). Free. June 1-2, 9 p.m.: Sonny Landreth CD release show for “Elemental Journey” (blues). $25. June 3, 6 p.m.: Chicagoland Grandstand Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. June 9, 9 p.m.: Kelly Hogan “I Like to Keep Myself in Pain” CD release (roots). $15. June 14, 9 p.m.: Reckless Kelly (roots), $15. June 15, 9 p.m.: Cathy Richardson Band (rock). $15. June 29-July 3: FitzGerald’s 32nd annual American Music Festival.
Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. May 10, 2 p.m.: Steve Cooper presents “Big Band Memories,” featuring film clips and videos of big bands and vocalists. May 10, 7 p.m.: Folk singer Claudia Schmidt presents a free concert hosted by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library.
Salt Creek Wine Bar, 8900 Fairview Ave., Brookfield. May 8, 7:30-10:30 p.m.: Jazz by Lady T. with Jim Pierce, guitar, and Ben Paterson, organ. For information, visit www.ladytjazz.net.
Triton College Performing Arts Center, located in the Robert M. Collins Center, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 456-0300, ext. 3597. www.triton.edu/tcpac. May 10, 7:30 p.m.: Triton College Jazz Band performs. Admission is free. May 13, 4 p.m.: Triton College Concert Choir performs. Admission is free.
Art galleries
Expressions Graphics, 29 Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 356-3552. www.expressionsgraphics.org. Gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Through May 11: “Nicolas de Jesus: New Works — Dreams of Freedom,” a series of engravings (etchings and aquatints).
North Riverside Mall Theatre, 7501 W. Cermak Road, Riverside. www.classiccinemas.com. May: An exhibit of architectural woodwork by abstract sculptor Kip Pasta.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center, 1041 South Boulevard, Oak Park. Through May 31: Oak Park Area Arts Council sponsors an exhibit of photographs by Jim Krysan.
Prairie Title Company, 6821 W. North Ave., Oak Park. Exhibits are presented by the Oak Park Area Arts Council. For information, call (708) 386-9853 or visit www.opal-art.com. Through May 8: Works by Laura Young, Gina Lee Robbins, Greg Philips and Piotr Antonow.
Tamale Hut Cafe, 8300 W. Cermak, North Riverside. Through June: “Revealed,” an exhibit of abstract oil paintings by Phil Malhiot. Visit www.malhiot.com.
Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. www.triton.edu. Through May 11: Spring Student Art Show, featuring drawings, paintings, sculpture, video presentations, photographs and more, will be on exhibit in the art gallery on the first floor of the J-Building. A reception for the artists will be held from 6-8 p.m. May 9.
Auditions & opportunities
The Oak Park Concert Chorale is holding auditions for its 2012-13 season, which will feature performances of compositions ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century, as well as works commissioned by the chorale. Seeking singers for all voice parts — sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. Rehearsals are held from 7:30-10 p.m. Tuesdays in Oak Park. For more information or to schedule an audition, call (847) 420-9200 or visit www.oakparkconcertchorale.org.
The Oak Park Arts District is accepting applications for its annual What’s Blooming on Harrison art walk, to be held May 18-19. For information, visit www.oakparkartsdistrict.com.
Oak Park Area Arts Council seeks artists for mural projects on the railroad retaining walls along the Green Line corridor. Each artist selected to participate in the program receives $500 for materials prior to beginning the project and another $500 upon completion. The murals range in size from about 6 feet-by-8 feet to 6-feet-by-11 feet. Concepts are judged on artistic merit, appropriateness for a public way and originality. Paint is the only medium that may be used and should be of a quality to withstand weather conditions for a reasonable amount of time. Interested artists must submit an application and a rendering of the proposed design. Applications are available online at www.oakparkareaartscouncil.org, as well as in Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Applicants must be 18 years old and up. Deadline to apply is 5 p.m. May 30.
Books & poetry
Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243. www.centuriesandsleuths.com. May 5, 2 p.m.: Libby Fischer Hellmann discusses and signs A Bitter Veil and Clare O’Donohue discusses and signs Life Without Parole. May 26, 2 p.m.: Craig Cleve discusses and signs The Green Hornet Street Car Disaster. May 27, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (The History Discussion Group) will discuss The Reformation: A History. June 2, 2 p.m.: John McEvoy discusses and signs Photo Finish, the fifth book in the Jack Doyle Race Track Mystery series; and Jack Fredrickson discusses and signs Hunting Sweetie Rose, his third Dek Elstrom Mystery. June 9, 2 p.m.: G.K. Chesterton Society of Chicago discusses The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton. June 10, 2 p.m.: Dickens Fellowship of Chicago will discuss chapters 28-44 of Great Expectations. June 16, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group discusses Easy Thing by Paco Ignacio Taibo. June 24, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (The History Discussion Group) discusses The Imperial Cruse by James Bradley.
Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park. May 24, 10:30 a.m.-noon: Book Worms Book Club for senior citizens will discuss The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum. Copies of the book are reserved for the Book Worms Book Club at the Oak Park Public Library main branch. Fee is $1 for Active Adult members; $2 for nonmembers.
Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. May 24, 7 p.m.: Young @ Heart, a book discussion group for adults who read young adult literature, will discuss Divergent by Veronica Roth. May 30, 7 p.m.: Poets Michael Czarnecki and Charlie Rossiter introduce In the Spirit of T’ao Ch’ien, a new poetry anthology.
Oak Park Public Library, Dole Branch, 255 Augusta, Oak Park. (708) 386-9032. www.oppl.org. May 18, noon: Read & Reflect Book Group will discuss River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candice Millard. May 22, noon: Brown Bag Book Group will discuss Dark Fire by C.J. Sansom.
Child’s play
Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Summer art camps available for children ages 5-12 years, 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. Tuition is $265 per two-week session; $250 for OPAL members. Camps include June 11-22: Papier Mache Madness; June 25-29: Book & Papermaking; July 9-20: Fabulous Fabrications; July 23-Aug. 3: “I Love Summer,” painting and sculpture; Aug. 6-17: Jewelry Making.
S.D. Studios, 224 N. Elmwood, Oak Park, offers the Summer Slime Time Camp, for ages 4-11, from 9:30 a.m.-noon Monday-Thursday, June 4-21. The theme is Africa, and participants will make African masks using papier mache and mixed media, African animal fetishes, Senufo stylized paintings, hand-crafted beaded keychains and necklaces, book cover illustrations for African fables and folktales, and Maasai self-portraits. Fee is $160 per week or $450 for all three weeks of camp. For information, e-mail sandradawson@comcast.net.
“The Wizard of Oz,” through June 16 at Drury Lane Theatre Theatre for Young Adults, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Performances are at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday (excludes May 5, June 6-7, June 13-14). Performances at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. May 12, 19 and 26, and June 16. Tickets are $12. A breakfast buffet with the cast is offered May 12, 19 and 26, and June 16 at 11:30 a.m., with the performance at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Breakfast buffet package price is $25 for adults; $22 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.
Wonder Works, A Children’s Museum, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park, provides a hands-on environment intended to strengthen the social, emotional and intellectual development of children up to age 10. The 6,400-square-foot museum includes exhibits, educational programming, a retail store and a children’s party room. Memberships are available. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 per person; free for members and children under age 1. For information about field trips, birthday parties and after-hours parties, call (708) 383-4815 or visit www.wonder-works.org.
Dance
The Joffrey Ballet presents “Spring Desire” at 7:30 p.m. May 3-4; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. May 5; and 2 p.m. May 6 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago. Tickets: $25-$149. Call (800) 982-2787 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Chicago Dance Chapter of USA Dance, the national organization representing amateur ballroom dancers. Lesson begins at 7:30 p.m.; dancing from 8:15-11 p.m. Admission: $8 members; $10 nonmembers; $6 for students with ID. Dance music for all swing, Latin and ballroom dances. Partners not required - singles welcome. Beginning dancers encouraged. For information, call (847) 577-9014 or visit www.usadancechicago.org. May 12: “Springtime Samba” at The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park, with a samba lesson by Max Kolostoy of A to Z Ballroom.
Intuit Dance Studio 2, 7515 W. Madison St., Forest Park. www.intuitdance.org. Through May 27, 3-4 p.m. Sundays: Beginning flamenco classes for adults, including basic footwork patterns, arm and hand movements, hand clapping rhythms, and Sevillanas choreography. $15 per class. Drop-ins welcome. For information, call (708) 524-0500.
Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. www.willowbrookballroom.com. (708) 839-1000. May 6: Tango lesson from 12:30-1:30 p.m., $20 per person. Ballroom dancing to music by the Steve Anthony Orchestra, 2-5 p.m.. $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. May 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7:30-10 p.m.: Country and western lessons and dance, $8. May 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7:30-11 p.m.: Salsa lessons and dance, $10. No partner needed. May 20, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Teddy Lee Orchestra, $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. May 25, 8:30 p.m.: Swing dance with music by The Flat Cats Band. Swing dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. $12; $10 for students. May 27, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Steve Cooper Orchestra, $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. June 3: Waltz lesson, 12:30-1:30 p.m., $20 per person. Ballroom dancing to music by the Weiss Brothers Orchestra, 2-5 p.m., $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes.
Winifred Haun & Dancers will present the third annual Dance Day May 20 at the Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park, featuring a free dance workshop and a performance in the garden. The dance workshop will be held at 12:15 p.m., and is appropriate for all ages and all levels. The performance will be at 1:15 p.m. In the event of rain, all events will be held inside the house. Visit www.cheneymansion.com.
Dining
Francesca’s Fiore, 7407 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-3063. www.miafrancesca.com. May 30, 7 p.m.: Unibroue Brewery Beer Dinner, $40 per person, tax and gratuity additional. Advance reservations required.
Fairs & festivals
What’s Blooming on Harrison Street art festival, 6-10 p.m. May 25 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. May 26 in the Oak Park Arts District, located on Harrison Street between Ridgeland and Austin Avenue. Friday evening features special events at the galleries. On Saturday, a portion of Harrison street will be closed off, allowing artists and vendors to set up their booths. There will also be free live entertainment, special activities, and food vendors from Oak Park and Forest Park. Visit www.oakparkartsdistrict.com.
Film
Oak Park Arms Retirement Community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. (708) 386-4040. www.oakparkarms.com. “Journey Through History … Hollywood Style” film series, hosted by radio announcer Dan Kane. All films are shown at 3:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month and are followed by a discussion. Admission is free. May 11: “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. June 8: “Luther,” starring Joseph Fiennes. July 13: “A Man for All Seasons,” starring Paul Scofield and Robert Shaw. Aug. 10: “Elizabeth,” starring Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes. Sept. 14: “Waterloo,” starring Rod Steiger, Christopher Plummer and Orson Welles. Oct. 12: “Amistad,” starring Anthony Hopkins. Nov. 9: “The Alamo,” starring John Wayne. Dec. 14: “Love Actually,” starring Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson.
Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. May 9, 6:30 p.m.: Independent Spirits Film Series features “Of Gods and Men” (Xavier Beauvios, 2010).
Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. May 20, 2 p.m.: Kurosawa Samurai Film Series features “Sanjuro.” May 30, 1:30 p.m.: Bogie! Film Series features “The Big Sleep” (1946).
Lectures
Unity Temple Restoration Foundationpresents break :: the :: box, a lecture series exploring creative nonconformity across architecture, art and culture, in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. For tickets, call (708) 383-8873 or visit www.utrf.org. May 8, 7:30 p.m.: “Jack Quinan :: Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House: Breaking the Box in Buffalo.” Jack Quinan is a historian of architecture and the senior curator of the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo, N.Y. Admission: $15; $12 for UTRF members, students and seniors.
Organizations
Oak Park Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. May 14 at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Singles
CAC (Catholic Alumni Club of Chicago) Single Catholics. (708) 450-8280 or www.caci.org/chicago.html. May 11 and June 8, 7 p.m.: Dinner at Giordano’s, 10410 W. Cermak Road, Westchester. Reservations to (708) 788-3352. May 12, 6:30 p.m.: Dinner at Casa Margarita, 32 S. La Grange Road, La Grange, followed by a movie at the La Grange Theatre. Reservations to (708) 788-3352 by May 11. May 19, 6:30 p.m.: Dinner at McCook Family Restaurant , 8300 W. Joliet Road, McCook. Reservations to (708) 788-3352 by May 18. May 20, 11:30 a.m.: Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 126 Herrick Road, Riverside, followed by breakfast at Connie’s Restaurant. Reservations to (708) 788-3352. May 26, 6:30 p.m.: Dinner at Lone Star Steak House, 9340 Joliet Road, Hodgkins, followed by a movie at the Quarry Theatre or La Grange Theatre. Reservations to (708) 788-3352 by May 25. June 2, 6:30 p.m.: Dinner at Chequers, 100 W. Burlington Ave., La Grange, followed by a movie at the La Grange Theatre. Reservations to (708) 788-3352 by June 1.
Tours & outings
Wright Plus 2012 housewalk, showcasing rare interior tours of private homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries in Oak Park, will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2. The walk features eight private homes, three designed by Wright, and three public buildings designed by Wright. Guests will enjoy interpretations based on in-depth research of the homes’ history and architecture, including discussions of the original occupants’ lifestyles. Tickets are $100; $85 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members. Along with the housewalk tour, the Preservation Trust also offers the Ultimate Plus Weekend, May 31 to June 3, including a reception at the 1905 Wright-designed lobby of The Rookery Building in downtown Chicago, a Friday Excursion to Wright-designed buildings on Chicago’s North Shore, a private luncheon and lecture and Exclusively Wright Dinner on Saturday, and a behind-the-scenes Tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House on Sunday. For information, visit www.GoWright.org.
Workshops & classes
Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Summer intensive workshops include Pastel Plein Air Workshop with Kathy Hirsh, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 3-6, $250; and The Essence of Drawing Workshop with Jesse Howard, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 7-9, $250.
Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. May 15, 7 p.m.: Adult improv comedy workshop. All skill levels welcome.
The World of Rhythm and Dance series, an ongoing project of The Contemporary Music Project, is held at the 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. For musicians and the general public, the master classes explore the drum and dance traditions of international artists living in the Chicago area. Upcoming classes include May 20: Toque Chicago, Batá drumming. For more information, visit www.contemporarymusicproject.com or call (708) 524-8605.
Et cetera
The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers HO model railroad club will hold its Spring Open House from noon-5 p.m. May 5 in the lower level of the Dole Learning Center, 255 Augusta, Oak Park. Free admission.
