Stage-to-Screen Film Series: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1:30 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library
Join film buff Doug Deuchler for a six-week series celebrating films made from Broadway shows. Up next: Oct. 16: Broadway Bound | Oct. 23: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
“The Torture Machine, Racism and Police Violence in Chicago”
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
Meet civil rights attorney and author Flint Taylor and learn the dark history of police torture under Jon Burge as well as the long road to justice. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Community Conversation on Clean Energy, Jobs and Environmental Justice
Sunday, Oct. 13, 3 to 5 p.m., Unity Temple:
Join members of the community, policy experts and state legislators to discuss how Illinois can lead the transition to clean energy and a just economy. Talk about the future of distributed energy in the Oak Park area and across Illinois. Featuring Sen. Don Harmon, Rep. LaShawn Ford, Rep. Camille Lilly, and reps from Citizens Utility Board, Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, Blacks in Green, and the Illinois Solar Energy Association. Free. Register: greencommunityconnections.org/calendar-events. Walk-ins welcome. 875 Lake St., Oak Park.
American Anthem: Songs that Challenge, Unite and Celebrate
Sunday, Oct. 13, 3 p.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church:
Hear Chicago a cappella, inspired by the NPR series, as they sing music connected to history, from the 1970’s women’s rights mantra “I Am Woman,” to the anti-war sentiments of Bob Dylan, and explore the new significance of traditional tunes like “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” and “Goin’ Home.” Tickets/more: chicagoacappella.org, 773-281-7820. 460 Lake St., Oak Park
Local Art
Reception Sunday, Oct. 13, 2 to 4 p.m., Ferguson Art Gallery, Kretzmann Hall, Concordia University Chicago
At Beyond Green Fences, artist Julie Sulzen’s oil-on-canvas paintings “…highlight natural wonders that go beyond green construction fences and gentrification, to showcase how nature decides its own way of ‘greening’ an urban area with revitalization and renewal.” Artist talk at 3 p.m. at reception. Exhibit though Nov. 9, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL. Reception Friday, Oct. 11, 7 to 9 p.m., Oak Park Art League: At Myth Makers and Story Tellers, artists use the power of the visual to pass down cultural traditions, explore spiritual messages, understand historical events, learn life lessons and more. Through Nov. 1. More: oakparkartleague.org/exhibition-calendar. 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.
Fire House Open House
Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., River Forest Fire Department:
See the newest Fire Engine 213. Also, Learn more about the River Forest Library, sign-up for a library card and more. 400 Park Ave.
Mariachi Herencia de Mexico
Sunday, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m., Lund Auditorium, Dominican University
See the internationally known—but locally grown—young mariachi ensemble who received a Latin Grammy nomination for their debut album. $18 – $29. Tickets: events.dom.edu/performing-arts/calendar-events. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest
Messenger of Peace
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m., Ascension Church:
See a performance by a Franciscan Ministry for Performing Arts with a storyteller, music and images inspired by the mission of Francis of Assisi. $25 at Eventbrite.com or cash at the door. 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park..
Haunted House
Friday, Oct. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dole Library:
Wear a costume, bring a bag for candy and prepare for some frightful delights. In collaboration with the Park District of Oak Park. Best for ages 2+. Free. 255 Augusta St., Oak Park.
Life Laughing with Val and Jeff Gee
Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 to 9 p.m., Eastgate Café:
The Gees are originally from England. Their routines on work, losing weight, the differences in cultures between the home country and the colonies, marriage, raising children, dealing with other relatives and life in general are always a riot. Come early to order dinner and drinks before the show. Also attend a monthly storytelling event, Do Not Submit, second Fridays. This month, Oct. 11, 7 to 9 p.m. More: 708-660-9091, eastgatecafe.net. 102 Harrison St., Oak Park.
Barktoberfest
Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 to 11 p.m., FitzGerald’s Side Bar:
Support the Animal Care League while enjoying live music, an open bar, German fare and more. Also take a chance at raffle prizes. (Raffle tickets available at the shelter, 1011 Garfield, Oak Park). 21 . $65, advance; $75 at door. Tickets/more: animalcareleague.org/events.html. 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.
