Dark Money
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 to 4 p.m., Maze Library:
View the film that exposes the impact of Citizens United legislation and how elections are bought and sold. Brought by The League of Women Voters and WTTW. Free. 845 Gunderson, Oak Park.
Harambee
Friday, Feb. 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Longfellow Elementary:
Celebrate African culture and more with dance, drumming, poetry, song (performances 7 to 8 p.m.), Jamaican cuisine, desserts and an African marketplace. Questions: mcahill@op97.org, mablan@op97.org. 715 S. Highland Ave., Oak Park.
“Reverie”
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23, 7:30 p.m., Auditorium, Percy Julian Middle School:
Hear a musical revue performed by CAST middle school students demonstrating what it was like to live through World War II, when life was difficult, but music was a sweet escape. $10; $5, students/seniors. Tickets: //bit.ly/cast-reverie. 416 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park.
“Mother Courage and Her Children”
Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 to 23, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m., Performing Arts Center, Dominican University:
Dominican students present Bertolt Brecht’s anti-war play, written in 1939 as a form of resistance to Fascism and Nazism. However, the play is set during the Thirty Years’ War of 1616-1648. $18; $5, students. Tickets/info: 708-488-5000, events.dom.edu/performing-arts/calendar-events. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.
Benefits
Saturday, Feb. 23, 6 to 10 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:
Show off your knowledge at Wonderivia trivia night and support Wonder Works children museum. $100. Tickets/more: e.givesmart.com/events/bHS. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Saturday, Feb. 23, 6 to 11 p.m., Mid-America Club:
Attend the Have-a-Heart Gala to End Homelessness to support Housing Forward. Celebrity guests Colin Donnell, of Chicago Med, is the guest host and Mary Ann Ahern, NBC5 News political reporter, is the media presenter. Dinner, dancing to the Spoken Four band and more. $225. Tickets/info: HousingForward.org/events. 80th floor, 200 E. Randolph, Chicago.
Saturday, Feb. 23, 7 to 10 p.m., Oak Park Conservatory:
At Carnaval Masquerade, arrive in mask or costume for a South American-themed evening of live music, performances and prizes. 21+. Includes appetizers and 2 wine/beer tickets. Benefits Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. $50, individual; $75, pair. Tickets/more: pdop.org/CarnavalMasquerade. 615 Garfield, Oak Park.
Saturday, Feb 23, 7:30 p.m., School of Rock:
At Sing for the Scholarship Fund, a Karaoke night, proceeds go to the Park District of Oak Park Scholarship Fund to ensure anyone seeking early-childhood or after-school programming is able. Brought by The Parks Foundation of Oak Park and @Properties. $40; $50, at door. Tickets/more: parksfoundationop.org. 219 Lake St., Oak Park.
Royal Weddings
Friday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Pleasant Home:
Review weddings in the British royal family from Queen Victoria to Prince Harry, through period dresses on display and a lecture/performance by Leslie Goddard. Reception and open tours follow. Pre-event reception with British-inspired fascinator hat auction at 6 p.m. ($35). $25, regular program. Tickets/more: pleasanthome.org. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.
Empty Bowls
Friday, Feb. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., South Cafeteria, Oak Park & River Forest High School:
Select a handmade bowl, made by a student, and enjoy soup donated by local restaurants. Benefits the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, Global Alliance for Africa and Housing Forward. Tickets at the door. 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park.
Be an Informed Voter
Monday, Feb. 25, 6 to 8 p.m., Oak Park Township Senior Services:
Meet the OP Village Trustee candidates in a discussion on issues related to aging citizens – livability, housing, transportation and more. Questions: 708-613-0152, ArborWestNeighbors@gmail.com. 130 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7 to 9 p.m., Buzz Café:
Hear from OPRF High School District 200 candidates and ask them questions. 905 S. Lombard, Oak Park.
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Auditorium, Roosevelt Middle School:
Attend a candidate forum for the River Forest Public Library and River Forest Village Board. Hosted by the League of Women Voters and the RF Civic Association. 7560 Oak Ave., River Forest.
Midlife and Beyond: Rewire to Make Your Life Electric
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 to 4 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
Many look forward to retirement, but some find it difficult. Join a workshop with local author Dr. Janis Johnston, who will outline developmental characteristics of midlife. Participants will make a map of their current personality and discover how to rewire their day-to-day functioning. Books available. More: oppl.org/calendar. Questions: arborwestneighbors@gmail.com. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Social Media and Technology: The Effect on Families
Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
Learn about research surrounding how social media, digital gaming and technology affects families and discuss creating balance between technology and family life. Brought by Thrive Counseling Center. Free. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Oscarthon
On Feb. 23, Small Meeting Room, Main Library:
See At Eternity’s Gate, 1:10 p.m., and The Wife, 3:15 p.m. Free. 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.