A Play + A Pint: “True West”
Sunday, April 8, 2 to 4 p.m., Show Lounge, Hamburger Mary’s:
Oak Park Festival Theatre presents Sam Shepard’s character study of the relationship between a screenwriter and his older brother, set in their mother’s home. A conflict between them creates a heated situation where each admits always wishing he were in the other’s shoes. Doors open two hours prior for early-bird seating and dining. $12, includes one OP Brewing Co. beer. Questions: 708-300-9396. Tickets: oakparkfestival.com. 155 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
Gadget Girls’ Filmmaker Risé Sanders Weir
Saturday, April 7, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
Teens can join the writer/producer/director to see and discuss her film that explores campers completing their own designed and executed “gadgets.” GADgET (Girls Adventuring in Design, Engineering and Technology) Camp is on a mission to build self-confidence one drill bit at a time. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Choral Gems from England
Sunday, April 8, 4 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church:
Chicago Choral Artists presents an a cappella program anchored by Mass in G Minor for Soli and Double Chorus by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Also included are motets and madrigals by William Byrd, John Dowland, Thomas Tallis and Charles Stanford. $25; $20, senior; $10, student. Tickets: chicagochoralartists.org, 773-658-9799 or at the door. 7300 Division St., River Forest.
Wednesday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m., Staff Cafeteria, OPRF High School:
Vaping is addictive and has health risks that affect mental health and brain development. Andy Duran, executive director of Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD), discusses health concerns and how to talk with teens. Also, see, smell and touch common devices on the market. Co-sponsored by IMP.A.C.T. (Parents and Community Together to reduce youth alcohol and drug use), OPRFHS Parent Connection and River Forest Township. More: leadingefforts.org, impactoprf.org. 201 Scoville Ave., Oak Park.
Spring Fashion Show
Saturday, April 7, 7 p.m., and April 8, 3 p.m., Lund Auditorium, Dominican University:
The Department of Fashion present “La Grande Garmentory,” the 2018 student fashion show, inspired by the Industrial Revolution. This year’s show captures the spirit of culture, religion, nature and art. It features more than 100 ready-to-wear to experimental pieces created by design students and organized by students in the fashion merchandising program. Special collection by alumna Tracey Janowitz, founder of Sweatyswag, is included. $15; $10, students. Tickets: events.dom.edu/2018-spring-fashion-show. 7900 W. Division St, River Forest.
American English, Classic Cocktails and Jazz
Friday, April 6, 9 p.m., FitzGerald’s:
See American English, the Beatle’s tribute band who won Illinois Entertainer of the Year and voted “Best Tribute Band” three of the last four years by Chicagoland-area fans. Doors open at 7 p.m. $12; advance; $15, at door. Tickets/more: fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Wednesdays, 8 p.m. The Sidebar at FitzGerald’s:
Enjoy custom created, classic cocktails by Isaac Lyons, one of the creators of the “It’s a Wonderful Life” pop-up, who mixes them up with a modern twist every Wednesday. Sip along to the Sidebar Sessions Wednesday jazz series – New Standard Quintet, April 4, or Pete Lerner/Joe Rendon Latin Jazz Collective, April 11. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10, donation. Questions: 708-788-2118. 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.
Illinois Ocean Coalition – Blue Drinks
Tuesday, April 10, 7 p.m., Buzz Café:
Celebrate a connection to the ocean and meet Mitch McNeil, chair of the Chicago Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, who will discuss local water-quality issues and current legislation concerning the Great Lakes and oceans. Specialty drinks available; $2, suggested donation. More on the Illinois Ocean Coalition: facebook.com/illinoisoceancoalition, beachchairscientist@gmail.com. 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park.
Hemingway Foundation Book Lecture: “The Hemingway Files”
Thursday, April 5, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
In his first novel, author H.K. Bush tells the story of three English literature professors whose imaginations are captured by literary letters and rare first editions, leading to tragedy in the wake of the Great Kobe Earthquake of 1995. Bush, is an English professor at St. Louis University. Brought in partnership with The Book Table and The Oak Park Public Library. Register: hemingwaybirthplace.com/events-programs-1. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
The Agape Ringers in Concert
Sunday, April 8, 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church:
See Chicago’s premiere handbell ensemble. Freewill offering accepted. 7551 Quick Ave., River Forest.
Henry Fogel Presents: Jana Pavlovska
Thursday, April 5, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:
Hear the award-winning Macedonian pianist perform Chopin Nocturnes and Schumann’s Kreisleriana. Enjoy interaction between Fogel and Pavlovska about the music during the show and mingle with them afterward. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Two tickets for the price of one. $35; $30, members; $20, students. Tickets/more: 708-386-2729, nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Migrations: The Drums are Calling Us Home
Saturday, April 7, 7 p.m., Lewis Lounge, Lewis Hall, Dominican University:
Featured teller Mama Edie Armstrong has performed stories of peace and empowerment in Ghana, Benin, South Africa, Mexico, India and Trinidad, and is a Storytelling Ambassador of Peace and Social Justice. Includes an open mic. Free; donations appreciated. Inquire: 708-465-6305. 7900 W. Division, River Forest.
Sustainability: How River Forest is Leading the Way
Sunday, April 8, 2 to 3 p.m., River Forest Public Library:
The River Forest Village Sustainability Commission, created in 2017, promotes and supports green living. Stop by to meet the seven residents on the commission, hear about the 2018 goals, ask questions and learn how to get involved. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.
Opioid Help Line: 1-1833-2FINDHELP
24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week:
Anyone needing help with opioid use disorders, including loved ones of those affected, can get help by calling the hotline hosted by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Specialists answering the phone are trained to help connect callers with treatment services and recovery support services.
Energy Efficiency: Simple Steps to Take
Tuesday, April 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Small Meeting Room, Main Library:
Oak Park’s Environment & Energy Commission’s Tuesday talk brings ComEd’s Sergio Alzate and Erin Daughton to discuss the resources the utility company offers to help residents conserve energy and reduce costs. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Good Life Race
Sunday, April 8, 8 to 11:30 a.m., Oak Park & River Forest High School:
The Oak Park Runners Club invites all ages to participate in one of five events: a women’s 5K run (9:10), a men’s 5K run (9:50), a 5K fitness walk (9:11), a one-mile youth race for kid 5 to 12 (8:45) and a Junior Dash for kids five and under (10:30). Also, post-race food, free photos and health fair and expo (8 to 11:30). All proceeds benefit the Collaboration for Early Childhood and the OP-RF Food Pantry. $25 to $40. More/register: goodliferace.com, info@goodliferace.com. Volunteer: volunteer@goodliferace.com. 201 North Scoville Ave., Oak Park.
Calendar Events
As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.
