CounterBalance
Friday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m., Streaming with MOMENTA Oak Park
This dance concert celebrates the power of physically integrated dance and features five new works choreographed by Maggie Bridger, Julia Cox, Anita Fillmore Kenney, Sarah Najera and guest artist Lauren Reed of Aerial Dance Chicago. The program will also showcase the latest works by Ginger Lane and Robby Williams. Additional viewing link sent the week of Oct. 4. Free to $20 (pay-what-you-can to full price). Tickets/more: momentadances.org/counter-balance-2021
Side Yard Sounds
Friday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m., Compound Yellow
On Friday, see Sam Prekop and Levinson/Mahlmeister. The evening features heavily in the experimental/ambient/electronic realm. Both acts employ modular synthesizers and other electro-acoustic processing devices. Saturday brings Vine Street Alternative, a high-energy jazz trio. $15. Tickets/more: facebook.com/compoundyellow. Or, at the door with Venmo, PayPal, cash or check. 244 Lake St., Oak Park.
Lullaby of Broadway
Monday, Oct. 4, 1:15 p.m., Ballroom, Nineteenth Century Club and Livestreamed
Hear Chicago-based baritones Evan Bravos and Bill McMurray sing musical favorites from Rogers and Hammerstein to Bernstein, Sondheim and beyond. Brought by The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Socially distanced seating; masks required. Proof of vaccination/testing also required. $15, requested donation; free, members. More/register for livestream: nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest, Oak Park.
Book Buzz
Thursday, Sept. 30, 7 to 8 p.m., Barbara Hall Meeting Room, River Forest Public Library
Hear librarians talk about new and upcoming books for inspiration on choosing what to read. Also, share what books are on your recommendation list. 735 Lathrop Ave.
The Essential Great Chicago Fire
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Barbara Hall Meeting Room, River Forest Public Library
It’s the 150th Anniversary of the fire that nearly destroyed a city. In a multi-media storytelling event, William Pack weaves together technical details of the fire with vivid firsthand accounts from those who lived through the blaze of 1871. Brought in partnership with River Forest Township. 735 Lathrop Ave.
Repair Cafe
Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Fox Center
Bring broken items such as toasters, vacuum cleaners, mixers, clocks, lamps and more for repair and a skilled crew of volunteers will work to fix the electronic items for free. The repair success rate at all the cafes worldwide, which numbers more than 1,000, is 60 percent. Volunteer to be on the repair crew, here: mrobinet@ameritech.net. More on Repair Cafes: repaircafeusa.org. Have an item to repair – drop in on the first Saturday of the month. 624 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
Domestic Violence Action Month Kick Off Rally
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m., Parking Lot, Forest Park Bank
Sarah’s Inn is raising awareness in October for Domestic Violence Action Month. Learn how to engage with the community this month related to domestic violence prevention. Hear from a Sarah’s Inn client, a Youth Committee member and others. 7348 Madison St., Forest Park.
FolktoberFest
Thursday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1, 6 and 7 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 2, 1 and 7 p.m., Zoom with Music & Potlucks
Participate in one, some or all of this multi-day event featuring an Acoustic Neighbors Showcase and artist workshops. Includes music and workshops with Oak Parker Jenny Bienemann, Chicago musician Steve Dawson and Midwest troubadour Mark Dvorak. $5 – $20 per event. $30, weekend pass. Tickets/more: musicandpotlucks.org/folktoberfest
See You Saturdays
Saturday, Oct. 2 and 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Downtown Oak Park
Marion Street transforms into an interactive, open street with live music, activities, food and beverages, kids’ entertainment and more. Bring your pets, chairs and yard games. View schedule/more: downtownoakpark.net/event/see-you-Saturday. Marion St. between Lake and North Blvd.
Beyond 100: A National Juried Exhibition
Through Thursday, Sept. 30, Oak Park Art League (OPAL)
While OPAL celebrates in centennial year, this exhibit represents work that best demonstrates artist’s use of materials and mastery of skill in their chosen medium. Artists from across the nation who work in all mediums are included – drawing, painting, mixed media, digital/new media, printmaking, photography, ceramics, fiber, glass, sculpture. Gallery Hours: Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m., Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m. 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.
Art for Social Change: Made to Disrupt
Tuesday, Oct. 5, through Thursday, Oct. 28, Oak Park Art League (OPAL)
See artwork grounded in the desire to create social awareness or change on any number of social issues: voting rights, environmental justice, racial injustice, immigration, identity, hunger and food insecurity, political imbalance and gun violence or other topics. This exhibition aims to highlight work that makes the viewer feel uncomfortable, that encourages deeper reflection and pushes for true social change. Opening reception, Friday, Oct. 8, 7 to 9 p.m. Gallery Hours: Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m., Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m. 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.
