The Book of Love
Saturday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., First United Church:
The Oriana Singers, six of the “best classically trained singers in Chicago,” present a concert of a cappella music about love from many times and places: having it, not having it, wanting it, losing it, etc. $20; free, 18 and under. Tickets/more: oriana.org, or facebook.com/TheOrianas/. 848 Lake St., Oak Park.
20th Annual Handel Week Festival
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2:15 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church:
The Festival begins with “Acts and Galatea,” and includes some of Handel’s most beautiful arias. Pre-concert lecture before the 3 p.m. performance. Reception follows. Other performances:
- Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., Cabaret Concert
- March 3, 3 p.m., “Solomon”
$35; $90 for three concerts; free, ages 8 to 18. Tickets/more: handelweek.com. 924 Lake St., Oak Park.
Polish Splendor
Sunday, Feb. 10, 4 p.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church:
Explore the rich variety of music from Poland, old and new. Chicago a cappella brings to life traditional folk songs and new works by rising Polish composers—including many in their North American debut. $20 to $43. Tickets/more: chicagoacappella.org. 460 Lake St., Oak Park.
Extra! Extra! A Journalism Film Series
Mondays, 1:30 to 4:30 pm, Veterans Room, Main Library:
This week, on Feb. 11, see James Stewart as a Chicago reporter in Call Northside 777, then discuss the film with movie historian Doug Deuchler. Also see:
- February 18: Citizen Kane
- February 25: All the President’s Men
- March 4: Good Night and Good Luck
- March 11: The Post
More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Local Art
Reception Friday, Feb. 8, 7 to 9 p.m., Oak Park Art League:
See “My Kid Could Not Do That: Accomplished Abstraction” on exhibit through March 2. More: oakparkartleague.org. 720 Chicago Ave.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 11, Munch Restaurant:
See the art of Oak Park resident and Dancing Krow Studio artist Amani Borah. Originally from Mombasa, Kenya, his latest mixed media works are inspired by his memories of home, including traditional African villages. On view through April 8 during regular business hours. 104 N. Marion St., Oak Park.
Now through early March, Oak Park Village Hall:
See works by Kinga Szopinska, a Polish muralist and illustrator, who uses storytelling and characters in her art to reveal the vulnerability she felt when coming to America at a young age. Presented by Oak Park Area Arts Council. Info: 708-358-5692. 123 Madison St.
Potluck @The Priory
Sunday, Feb. 10, 3 to 6 p.m., Auditorium, Dominican University Priory Campus:
Support the OPRF Food Pantry, Housing Forward and the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation at a potluck and acoustic jam. Bring a dish to share and an instrument, or be ready to sing along or listen. Free. Donations accepted: toiletries, fresh produce in good shape, canned or boxed goods, high-protein items, cash or checks. Dominican U. and Music & Potlucks’ next event: March 16. Questions: musicandpotlucks@gmail.com, 312-451-5101. 7200 W. Division St., River Forest.
Plan for Retirement
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2 to 4 p.m., Community Space, Main Library:
Learn how much money you need for retirement, how to plan for long-term care and why estate planning is not just not just for the wealthy. Next up: Saturday, March 2, 2 to 4 p.m., Financial Planning for College. In partnership with Illinois State Reps Camille Y. Lilly and LaShawn K. Ford and the WSB National Financial Literacy Campaign. Free. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Henry Fogel Presents Jonita Lattimore
Wednesday. Feb. 13, 7 to 9 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:
Ms. Lattimore is an American operatic soprano from Chicago’s South Side who has performed a wide range of operatic roles and oratorio performances with major orchestras internationally and domestically. Post-concert, audience members may converse with the performer and Fogel. $25; $10, students. Tickets/more: nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Gun Responsibility Advocates
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Nineteenth Century Club:
Learn how this small, local advocacy group achieved success with the nonbinding referendum supporting safe gun storage in Oak Park and about next efforts to support common-sense gun control in Illinois. Free. Brought by The League of Women Voters. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Spoken Word Performance
Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m., Little Theatre, Oak Park & River Forest High School:
See current high school students perform their original works. This is the same club featured in America to Me. 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park.
Free Midday Meditation
Thursday, Feb. 7, Noon to 12:30 p.m., Book Discussion Room, Main Library:
Take a break with a meditation session led by a trained teacher. All welcome. Meets monthly on the first Thursday. 834 Lake St., 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.
