Arts and entertainment calendar for July 5
Updated: July 3, 2012 9:31PM
Summer Concerts
Wednesday Night at the Gazebo concert series, 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays at Riverfront Park, 8600 W. Grand Ave. (at Ditka Drive), River Grove. Visit http://vorg.us. July 11: Ol’ Red Eyes & Ol’ Blue Eyes (music of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra). July 18: The Renditions (classic rock). July 25: Ryden (local teen band). Aug. 1: The Allison Wonder Band (rock). Aug. 8: The Chicago Skyliners (big band music).
Park District of Franklin Park will present concerts at 7 p.m. Thursdays at the North Park Centre Gazebo, 10040 Addison St. Call (847) 928-8478. July 7: Neverly Brothers (rockabilly). July 12: BBI (Motown). July 19: 7th Heaven. Aug. 2: Firebeat (pop/rock). Aug. 9: Valle Verde (Latin American).
The Park District Of Oak Park presents concerts from 5:30-7 p.m. Sundays in Scoville Park, 800 W. Lake St., Oak Park. Free admission. Concerts may be canceled due to inclement weather two hours before performance and a banner will be hung on the stage to let the public know. Visit www.oakparkparks.com. July 8: Piano Man plays music of Elton John and Billy Joel. July 22: Billy Croft & the 5-Alarm (country rock). July 29: One Foot in the Groove, an eight-piece horn-driven rock band. Aug. 5: Midwest Dueling Pianos. Aug. 12: Tropixplosion, a Caribbean show band that features steel drums, percussion and vocals. For more information, visit www.oakparkparks.com.
Taste of Melrose Park, Village Hall, 1000 N. 25th Ave. (708) 343-4000, ext. 148, or see www.melrosepark.org. Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Winston Plaza Stage — Aug 31: 5:30 p.m., Tony Spavone; 7:15 p.m., Pat Capuzzi; 8:30 p.m., Voyage. Sept. 1: 6:30 p.m., The Chauffeurs; 8:45 p.m., 7th Heaven. Sept. 2: 5 p.m., Jimmy Damon; 6:30 p.m., Danny Fox; 7:30 p.m., American English (Beatles tribute). Meijer Stage — Aug. 31: 6 p.m., Jimmy Damon; 7:15 p.m., Charissa; 9 p.m., DeJaVu. Sept. 1: 6 p.m., Rick LaVere; 7:30 p.m., The Other Three Tenors; 9:30 p.m., Vintage Vinyl. Sept: 2: 5:45 p.m., TBA; 7 p.m., Nick Pontarelli; 8:30 p.m., Tony Capone. Peroni Garden Stage — Aug. 31: 8:15 p.m., R-Gang. Sept. 1: 8:15 p.m., R-Gang. Sept. 2: 6:30 p.m., R-Gang.
Village of Elmwood Park summer concert series, 7 p.m. on select Thursdays in Central Park, 75th and Fullerton. July 12: Rhythm Rockets (jazz, swing, R&B). July 26: New Odyssey (three guys, 30 instruments). Aug. 9: Final Say (dance, rock). Aug. 23: Petty Cash (Tom Petty and Johnny Cash tribute).
Stage
“All Kinds of Crazy,” presented by 16th Street Theater Aug. 9-18 at the Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. Peformances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays. Arlene Malinowski, sauthor of “What Does the Sun Sound Like?” and “Aiming for Sainthood,” returns to 16th Street to complete her trilogy of true tales. Tickets: $14-$18. Call (708) 795-6704 or visit www.16thstreettheater.org.
“Almost an Evening,” at 8 p.m. July 6-7 and 3 p.m.July 8 at Circle Theatre, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. The dark comic trio of plays explores the theme of hell — both here and hereafter — featuring the worst clerical error in eternity; an unlikely steam room encounter; and a heated debate between God and, well ... God. Tickets: $24-$28; $26 for students and senior citizens. Call (708) 660-9540 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.
“Inherit the Wind,” presented by Oak Park Festival Theatre through July 16 outdoors in Austin Gardens park, located in the 100 block of North Forest Avenue, Oak Park. Inspired by the Scopes “Monkey” Trial of 1925, the play presents a classic courtroom clash between two lawyers who argue the case of a science teacher accused of the crime of teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 7 p.m. Sundays, with an additional performance at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 11. Tickets: $25; $20 students and senior citizens. Call (708) 445-4440 or visit www. oakparkfestival.com.
“Love Thy Neighbor ... Till it Hurts,” July 5-14 at 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. The fully staged solo piece that takes place in Rogers Park examines what it means to be a good neighbor in a community where everyone has differing views. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays. $18 general admission. Visit www.16thstreettheater.org or call (708) 795-6704.
“The Merchant of Venice” will be presented by First Folio Theatre July 11-Aug. 19 as part of its Shakespeare-under-the-Stars series on the outdoor main stage at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. Performances are at 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Featuring lawn seating, attendees are invited to bring their own chairs or blankets, or rent one for $2 each at the concession stand. Concessions as well as pre-ordered box suppers from La Cuisine (prepaid 48 hours in advance) are also available. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets: $26-$36, with discounts for students and seniors. First Folio will also present a fully staged reading of “Shylock and His Daughter,” by Maurice Schwartz, at 8:15 p.m. July 26, Aug. 2, 9 and 16. Originally written for the Yiddish theater and translated into English, the play tells the same story as “The Merchant of Venice,” but from Shylock’s perspective. Tickets are $10. Call (630) 986-8067 or visit www.firstfolio.org.
“Reefer Madness,” July 14-Aug. 26 at Circle Theatre, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $26 Fridays; $30 Saturdays and Sundays, $28 for students and seniors; $15 for previews, 8 p.m. July 14 and 17. Call (708) 660-9540 or visit www.circle-theatre.org.
“The 39 Steps,” through Aug. 26 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Based on the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, “The 39 Steps” is a fast-paced comedy thriller that introduced the “man on the run” genre to Hollywood. 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.
Pop/folk/jazz
FitzGerald’s,6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 788-2118. www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Open mic in the SideBar. July 6, 9 p.m.: The Tillers,with Al Scorch/Country Soul Ensemble and Magnolia Mountain Trio (roots/rock/soul). $6. July 13, 9 p.m.: Miles Nielsen with Magic Box (rock). $10 in advance; $12 at the door. July 14: The Velvet Jimis. July 15, 6 p.m.: Chicago Grandstand Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for those under 17 with student I.D. July 18, 7:30 p.m.: The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for those under 17 with student I.D. July 20, 9 p.m.: The Bad Sneakers Orchestra (Steely Dan tribute). $15. July 21, 9 p.m.: Terrance Simien (zydeco). $15. July 22, 6 p.m.: The John Burnett Orchestra (jazz). $10; $5 for those under 17 with student I.D. July 26: Oak Park Food Co-Op fundraiser with Golden Horse Ranch Band. July 27, 9 p.m.: Rosie Ledet (zydeco). $15. July 29, 6 p.m.: Southland Jazz Ensemble. $10; $5 for those under 17 with student I.D.
Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport, Chicago. (773) 525-2508. www.schubas.com. July 20, 9 p.m.: Singer-songwriter Xoe Wise. $10.
Art galleries
Expressions Graphics, 29 W. Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 386-3552. www.expressionsgraphics.org. Gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Through July 6: “Symbolic Immersion,” prints and installation art by Jessica Kronika.
Gallery Pink, 149 Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 524-2231. www.gallerypink-elkinsstudio.com. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. July 19-Aug. 26: Ridge Art will open a pop-up gallery featuring all of its African and Latin American collections including masks, works on paper from Cuba and East and West Africa, Maasai beadwork, and textiles. For information, visit www.ridgeart.com.
Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Through July 6: “Epicurious,” featuring artwork with the theme of food, dining and cooking.
Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 386-4700. Hours are 2-4 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Through August: “Creation — Nature,” archival pigment prints by Marcia Babler.
Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Through July 30: Tom Burtonwood and Holly Holmes present “Multiplicity,” an exhibit based on the geometry and patterning found in the residential architecture of Oak Park. A reception for the artists will be held from 2-4 p.m. July 15 in the library’s art gallery.
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 July 12: Works by Roberta Malkin, LuEllen Joy Giera, Donna Caplin and Bryan Northup.
Riverside Arts Center, Freeark Gallery, 32 E. Quincy Road, Riverside. (708) 442-6400. www.riversideartscenter.com. Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. July 7-Aug. 3: “Urban Trace,” new work by local artist Anne Evans. Using a variety of media, including photography, fiber and mixed media, Evans creates abstract compositions through color, pattern and surface. An opening reception will be held from 6-10 p.m. July 7.
Auditions & opportunities
The West Suburban Youth Orchestra is seeking middle school and high school musicians for the 2012-13 season. For information or to schedule an audition, visit www.wsyo.org.
The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest seeks string interns. Students in junior high through college may apply, and if selected, will receive a $100 per concert. Rehearsals start Aug. 29. For information, e-mail thesymphonyoprf@gmail.com, call (708) 218-2648 or visit www.symphonyoprf.com.
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.
Spirito! Singers is now holding final auditions for both its fifth- through eighth-grade Ragazze ensemble and its ninth- through 12th-grade Bravura ensemble for the 2012-13 season, which starts in August. Spirito! is a choral organization open to young women in Elmhurst, La Grange, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Downers Grove, and surrounding western and southwestern suburbs. Spirito! also presents Men of Spirito!, an ensemble for men 18 years of age and older. Spirito! seeks to develop musicianship and vocal technique using the repertoire of sacred choral music. Each year, all three Spirito ensembles perform major concerts in December and May or June. In addition, each group sings at six to eight community service events per season. Auditions will take place through mid-July. Call (630) 941-0744 to schedule an audition and visit www.spiritosingers.org for additional information.
Seeking artists and crafters for a summer bazaar, to be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Victory Centre of River Woods, a supportive living community located at 1800 Riverwoods Drive, Melrose Park. Fee is $25. Registration deadline is July 13. Call (708) 547-5800.
The Oak Park Art League seeks artists to participate in the second annual Carriage House Gallery National Juried Exhibition, to be held Oct. 12-Nov. 16. The exhibit is open to all artists nationwide, working in any visual media, including photography and digital art. Submitted artworks will be juried and judged for Best of Show, first, second and third place. More than $4,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. Entry fee is $30, $25 for members, for up to three images. Entry deadline is Aug. 3. Call (708) 386-9853 or visit www.opal-art.com.
Artists and craftsartists are invited to jury to participate in the 38th annual Oak Park Ave-Lake Arts & Crafts Show, to be presented by the American Society of Artists Aug. 17-19 in Scoville Park, Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street, Oak Park. Submit four images representative of work to be exhibited, one of the display set-up, first/last name, physical address, daytime telephone number, and resume/show listing to www.americansocietyofartists.org. For information, call (847) 991-4748.
Crafters sought for the Oak Park Women’s Exchange 38th annual Holiday Art & Craft Show, to be held Nov. 4 at Oak Park River Forest High School. For an application, visit www.opwe.org or call (708) 848-4693.
Ballet Legere will hold auditions for its 28th annual production of “The Nutcracker” Aug. 11-12 at the Legere Dance Centre, 7377 W. North Ave., River Forest. All roles are available. Saturday — Height under 45”, ages 4 1/2 years and up, 8:30 a.m.; girls 46”-48”, 10 a.m.; girls 49”-52”, 11:30 a.m.; girls 53”-57”, 1 p.m.; girls 58”-61”, 2:30 p.m. Sunday — boys 5-12 years old, 9 a.m.; male and female dancers, teen through adult, and non-pointe roles, 10 a.m. Dancers must bring a photo. Gymnasts and tumblers, ages 8 through adult, should call for an appointment. For information, call (773) 237-1874 or e-mail balletlegere@yahoo.com.
Benefits
Chicago Hispanic Arts and Tauromachy Club will host a benefit, “Pamplonada Running with the Bulls Celebration,” from 1-5 p.m. July 8 at the Hemingway Museum, 200 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. $40 per person includes admission to Hemingway Museum, live video of Pamplona bull runs, comments from local Pamplona bull runners, Ensemble Espanol flamenco dancers, music by a flamenco guitarist, and a short parade to Maya Del Sol Restaurant, 144 S. Oak Park Ave., for sangria and tapas. For information, call (708) 366-4203.
Books & poetry
Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243. www.centuriesandsleuths.com. July 7, 11 a.m.: Sisters in Crime meeting. July 14, 2 p.m.: G.K. Chesterton Society of Chicago will discuss St. Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesterton. July 21, 12:30 p.m.: Bryan Gruley discusses and signs The Skeleton Box, the third book in the Starvation Lake Series. July 21, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group will discuss The Likeness by Tana French. July 29, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (The History Discussion Group) will discuss Berlin Games (1936) How the Nazis Stole the Olympic Dream by Guy Walters.
Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park. July 26, 10:30 a.m.: Book Worms Book Club for Seniors will discuss Wild Swans by Jung Chang. Copies of the book are reserved for the Book Worms Book Club at the Oak Park Public Library main branch. Fee is $2.
Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. July 18, 10 a.m.: Discussion of War of the Worlds. July 24, 8 p.m.: genre X Book Discussion, for adults in their 20s and 30s, will discuss A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole at Molly Malone’s, 7652 Madison St., Forest Park. July 25, 7 p.m.: Phat Fiction Book Club discusses Destined to Witness: Growing Up Black in Nazi Germany by Hans Massaquoi at Lake Street Kitchen and Bar, 1101 Lake St., Oak Park. July 26, 7 p.m.: Young @ Heart Book Discussion Group, for adults who read Young Adult literature, will discuss Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.
Oak Park Public Library, Dole Branch, 255 Augusta, Oak Park. (708) 386-9032. www.oppl.org. July 17, noon: Brown Bag Book Group will discuss Don’t Cry, Tai Lake by Qui Xiaolong.
Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. July 10, noon: The First Detectives book discussion group will discuss The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. July 19, 7 p.m.: Pick the Pulitzer book discussion group will discuss Swamplandia! by Karen Russell.
Child’s play
Bravo Performing Arts Academy presents performances by its students at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, 325 S. Kenilworth, Oak Park, including “Aristocats, KIDS,” at 7 p.m. July 5 and 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. July 6; “The Little Mermaid, Jr.,” at 7:30 p.m. July 12, 11 a.m. July 13 and 7:30 p.m. July 14; and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at 7:30 p.m. July 13 and 2 p.m. July 14. Tickets: $9; $7 for students and seniors. Call (708) 524-5621.
Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park, presents the Wednesday Morning Movie Series June 13-Aug. 8, featuring family-friendly films for $1 admission. Show time is 10 a.m.; doors open at 9 a.m. for appearances by costumed characters, games and other activities. For information, visit www.classiccinemas.com. July 11: “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” rated G. July 18: “Arthur Christmas,” rated PG. July 25: “The Smurfs,” rated PG. Aug. 1: “Disney’s Winnie the Pooh,” rated G. Aug. 8: Surprise movie, PG rating.
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 July 9-20: Fabulous Fabrications; July 23-Aug. 3: “I Love Summer,” painting and sculpture; Aug. 6-17: Jewelry Making.
Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 452-3420. www.oppl.org. July 10, 7 p.m.: “See a Juggler! Be a Juggler!” presented by family entertainer Jason Kollum.
Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. July 9, 4 p.m.: Movie Maniacs Film Series, for ages 8 and up, features “Coraline,” rated PG. July 16, 4 p.m.: Movie Maniacs Film Series, for ages 8 and up, features “Alice in Wonderland,” rated PG. July 18, 4 p.m.: The Amazing Summer Book Group, open to fourth- through sixth-graders, will discuss The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. July 23, 4 p.m.: Movie Maniacs Film Series, for ages 8 and up, features “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” rated PG. Prairie School Adventures,
a summer camp for youth in grades 2-6, will be held at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. “Art Glass, Nature and Frank Lloyd Wright” meets from 9 a.m.-noon July 16-20. Campers will explore the art glass at Unity Temple and take field trips to other prominent Oak Park landmarks. For their final project, each camper will design an art glass window in translucent Mylar and present it in a group exhibit. Fee is $175. To register, call (708) 383-8873 or e-mail jmiller@utrf.org.
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
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. July 14: “Vive La Danse,” featuring a night club two-step lesson, at The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park.
Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. www.willowbrookballroom.com. (708) 839-1000. July 6, 7-11 p.m.: Country and Western Dance, $8. July 7, 8 p.m.: Tejano Dance with Boni Maurico and Linda Escobar. $20 per person until 9 p.m.; afterwards $25 per person. For more information, visit www.yellowrosetejanomusicpromotions.com. July 8: Cha cha lesson, 12:30-1:30 p.m., $20. Ballroom dancing to music by the Steve Anthony Orchestra, 2-5 p.m., $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. July 10, 17, 24 and 31, 7:30-10 p.m.: Country and western lessons and dance, $8. July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1, 7:30-11 p.m.: Salsa lessons and dance, $10. No partner needed. July 13, 6 p.m.: Heidi Burtner’s Girl Power Zumba Dance Party. $10 at the door, cash only. July 15, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Teddy Lee Orchestra, $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. July 22, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Ron Smolen Orchestra, $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. July 27, 8 p.m.; Good Time Charley Singles Dance. Admission is $6 before 8:15 p.m.; $8 after. July 29, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by the Steve Cooper Orchestra, $14 per person. No jeans or gym shoes. Aug. 3, 7-11 p.m.: Country and western dance, “Boppin’ at the Brook,” $8. Aug. 5: Rumba dance lesson, 12:30-1:30 p.m., $20. Ballroom dancing to music by The Teddy Lee Orchestra, 2-5 p.m., $14. No jeans or gym shoes.
Fairs & festivals
Picnic in the Park, 2-7 p.m. July 15 at Scoville Park, 800 W. Lake St., Oak Park. The evening features live music and entertainment, giant slide, obstacle course, trackless train rides, Baggo tournament, root beer garden, free photo booth, and more. For more information, visit www.oakparkparks.com/100th.
Wacky Quacky Duck Splash and Carnival of Fun, 2-6 p.m. July 21 at Proksa Park, 3001 S. Wisconsin, Berwyn, featuring carnival style games for children, free craft stations, face painting, balloon artist and more. Duck Splash at 5:45 p.m.; first prize $500 with nine runner-up prizes. Call (847) 455-2100 or visit www.wssra.net.
Film
Movies at the Gazebo at Riverfront Park, 8600 W. Grand Ave. (at Ditka Drive), River Grove. Movies begin at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, movies will be shown inside the Rec Center across the street. For information, visit http://vorg.us. July 13: “Green Lantern,” rated PG-13. Aug. 10: “Moneyball,” rated PG-13.
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. 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. July 6, 1:30 p.m.: Hitchcock Film Series features “Lifeboat” (1944). July 8, 1:30 p.m.: Bold Films Series features “Warrior” (2011). July 13, 1:30 p.m.: Hitchcock Film Series features “Rope.” July 15, 1:30 p.m.: Bold Films Series features “The Machinist” (2004). July 20, 1:30 p.m.: Hitchcock Film Series features “Strangers on a Train” (1951). July 22, 1:30 p.m.: Bold Films Series features “Shutter Island” (2010). July 29, 1:30 p.m.: Bold Films Series features “Hanna” (2011).
Oak Park Public Library, Dole Branch, 255 Augusta, Oak Park. (708) 386-9032. July 20, noon: Watch & Reflect Group will discuss the documentary “I Am.” DVD copies of the film are available at the library.
Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. July 14, 2 p.m.: Samurai Film Series features “The Blind Swordsman.” July 25, 1:30 p.m.: Bogie! Film Series features “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948).
Lectures
Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. July 31, 7 p.m.: “Doris Humphrey and Women in Modern Dance,” a lecture and slide show to complement the Rose Yasgour and Jewish-American Women in Early Modern Dance exhibit at the library.
Open Door Theatre, 902 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park. July 24, 2 p.m.: “Cole Porter’s Top Ten LIST and LUST Songs,” a multimedia presentation by Charles Troy. $10. For information, call (708) 342-0810.
Unity Temple Restoration Foundation presents 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. Aug. 29, 7 p.m.: Rescue Me :: Tour of Conservation of Sculpture & Objects Studio. Andrzej Danowski will lead a behind-the-scenes tour of his work space, one of the country’s top conservation studios. He’ll show his current work and explain how he has used both cutting-edge and traditional methods to save such treasures as Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain and Marshall Field’s clocks, and recreate Unity Temple’s stolen bronze letters. $15; $12 for UTRF members. Advance ticket purchase required.
Organizations
Oak Park Art League’s Plein Air Painting Group meets from 8:30 a.m.-noon the first and third Saturdays of the month to paint or sketch directly from both urban and natural landscapes. This is a free activity and is not instructed; bring your own materials. Open to teens and adults. For information, call (708) 386-9853 or visit www.opal-art.com. July 7: In front of the Lake Theater. July 21: Oak Park Art League garden. Aug. 4: Historic homes surrounding Holmes School Park. Aug. 18: Austin Gardens. Sept. 15: Garfield Park Conservatory grounds. Oct. 6: An OPAL friend’s yard.
Oak Park Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. July 9 and 23 in the Veterans Room of the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, to view and critique photographs taken by members. All skill levels are welcome.
The Oak Park Writers’ Group meets from 6:30-9 p.m. the first Thursday of every month in the second-floor Book Discussion Room of the Oak Park Library, 834 Lake St. Writers share their work and discuss it with the group. The Writers’ Group also sponsors a Second Sunday Open Mic, a free performing venue, from 5-7 p.m. the second Sunday of every month at the Eastgate Café, 102 Harrison St., Oak Park. Poets, storytellers, acoustic musicians, comedians, playwrights, singers and dancers are all welcome to perform. For information, e-mail oakparkwritersgroup@yahoo.com.
Singles
CAC (Catholic Alumni Club of Chicago) Single Catholics. (708) 450-8280 or www.caci.org/chicago.html. July 7, 6:30 p.m.: Dinner at Tony’s Restaurant, 9414 Ogden Ave., Brookfield. Reservations to (708) 788-3352 by July 6. July 13 and Aug. 10, 7 p.m.: Dinner at Giordano’s, 10410 W. Cermak Road, Westchester. Reservations to (708) 788-3352. July 15, 11 a.m.: Mass at St.Odilo’s Church, 2244 East Ave. Berwyn, followed by breakfast at the New Seneca Restaurant. Reservations to (708) 788-3352 by July 14. Aug. 11: Dinner at Francesca’s, 75 S. La Grange Road, La Grange. Reservations to (708) 788-3352 by Aug. 10.
Paramount Tall Club of Chicago, www.tallclubchicago.org or (312) 853-0183. Paramount Tall Club of Chicago is a singles club for taller than average people. Men must be 6’2” or taller and women must be 5’10” or taller. All members must be 21 years or older. The club meets the second Monday of the month at Elmhurst Public House, 683 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst.
Tours & outings
Pedal Oak Park Bike Tour will be held at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, through Sept. 23. The two-hour tour includes stops at 22 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures in Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District. The tour begins and ends at Greenline Wheels, 105 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes; however, if a bike is needed, Greenline Wheels will provide one at no additional cost. Admission is $35; $30 for members. Tickets can be purchased at www.GoWright.org/pedal.
Restoration in Progress Tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Emil Bach House, led by preservation architect T. Gunny Harboe, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 19 and Sept. 9. Designed for the owner of Chicago’s prominent Bach Brick Company, the Bach House (1915) showcases Wright’s transition into post-Prairie School design. A Chicago Landmark and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, its compact structure has been described as “semi-cubist.” Admission is $75; $65 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members. Tickets are available at www.gowright.org/bach.
Workshops & classes
Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 386-4700. www.oakparkconservatory.com. July 9, 16 and 23, 10 a.m.-noon: Woven Shoulder Baskets for Teens (ages 12 and up), a three-session workshop on fiber weaving. Fee is $42 for residents, $63 for nonresidents; materials cost $25. Register at www.oakparkparks.com.
Oak Park Public Library, Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. July 12, 7 p.m.: Adult Improv Workshop; all skill levels welcome. July 26, 6:30 p.m.: Teen Improv Workshop.




