An Evening at Madison Street Theatre
Reserve tickets now for Thursday, March 12, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Madison Street Theatre (MST):
Experience the re-imagined and newly renovated space and hear about future plans. Also see School of Rock, Reverb from Echo Theater, Moana from BRAVO, a selection from Ovation Academy, then international vocal group Legacy, featuring Justin Reynolds. Lisa Parker from NBC7 is the emcee and small bites will be served. Proceeds benefit the mission of MST, while “saving and restoring the 30-year old community gem.” $50. Tickets/more: mstoakpark.com. 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.
One Earth Film Fest: The Power of We
Friday, March 6 through Sunday March 15, various times and locations:
There are 26 documentaries at 40+ venues across Chicagoland. Many screenings include facilitated discussions. Reservations encouraged: oneearthfilmfest.org. $0 – $8, suggested donation. Highlights nearby this week:
View Cooked: Survival by Zip Code and join in a discussion with the film’s director, Judith Helfand, and local advocate Orrin Williams of University of Illinois at Chicago and the Center for Urban Transformation, who appears in the film. Showing Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m., Chicago Public Library, Austin Branch, 5615 W. Race, Chicago.
See the Chicago premier of Overload: America’s Toxic Love Story with a post-film talk with filmmaker Soozie Eastman, Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m., Main Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Sustainability Efforts in Our Villages: 2020 Update
Tuesday, March 10, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Nineteenth Century Club:
This up-to-the-minute report by Village leaders on local sustainability efforts includes the current status of the League of Women Voters’ eco-friendly restaurant award campaign and River Forest’s progress in waste reduction. Free. More: lwvoprf.org/events-and-programs.html. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Pop-up Art Gallery
Reception Thursday, March 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Evanescent Gallery:
View works by artists Ellen Lustig, Margot McMahon, Todd Ver Helen and Eva Smith. Gallery hours – Saturdays, March 7 and 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 1 to 4 p.m. Closing reception, March 15, 4 to 6 p.m. 1114 Madison Ave., Oak Park.
The Story of Ruth
Reception Sunday, March 8, 2 to 4 p.m., Art Gallery, Main Library:
View 13 small-scale, linen-yarn tapestries woven by Oak Park Artist Berit Engen, which relay her version of the Biblical story of the Moabite who left her people and resettled in a strange land. This story records what Ruth is best known for, choosing Judaism, but it also deals with famine, migration and vulnerability. Through March. Artist lecture, Wednesday, March 11, 7 to 9 p.m., Small Meeting Room. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Pinched Paintings
Monday, March 9, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club:
Dr. Michelle Mishur will shed light on some of history’s most notorious art heists, some solved and others that are not. She’ll cover art crimes that targeted The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Louvre and more. $15, requested donation. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Jazz Thaw
Saturday, March 7, 3 to 10 p.m., Oak Park Restaurants:
This event features 15 jazz performances inside 13 local restaurants, with the option to order from the host restaurant’s menu. For artists and locations, go to: downtownoakpark.net/jazz-thaw.
The Dance Exhibition
Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m., Lund Auditorium, Dominican University:
See a variety of dance routines in contemporary, jazz, ballet, musical theater and more performed by local dance schools, presented by DeMaira Dance Studios, Inc. Free. Donations benefit Beyond Hunger. 7900 Division St., River Forest.
Entering the Blue Zones: Living Vibrantly into Your 90s and Beyond
Sunday, March 8, 2 to 3:30 p.m., River Forest Library:
Discover the secrets to living longer in better health with Joan Davis, RN. This interactive program provides tips to incorporate Blue Zone strategies into daily living. Brought in partnership with River Forest Township. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.
March Forth Celebration at FitzGerald’s
Wednesday, March 4, 5 p.m., Sidebar and Tent, 6 p.m., Club:
FitzGerald’s is celebrating everything they’ve enjoyed over their 40-year history. See a slideshow of more than 1,000 photos chronicling FitzGerald’s history starting with the renovation in 1980 plus clips from the five films that used the club for location shots. Tacos and sides by Big Star available for purchase. Music in the Club features Expo ’76 & the Total Pro Horns (7:30 p.m.) and Blackfoot Gypsies (9:30 p.m.). Bill Overton’s Kettle Brothers (8 p.m.) will be in the Sidebar. More: fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. 6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn.
What About Us? Family, Friends and Loved Ones of People with Addictions
Thursday, March 5, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
Get suggestions for coping with the challenges that accompany loving an addict. This talk focuses on understanding how addiction shapes and affects relationships. Presented by Mary Ann Daly, MA, LCPC. Brought by Thrive Counseling Center. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
