Ranky Tanky
Sunday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., Dominican University
Rooted in the Gullah culture derived from slave descendants in South Carolina and Georgia who maintain their own dialect, food traditions and music, Ranky Tanky’s repertoire includes jazz arrangements, spirituals, dance music and children’s rhymes. The band’s second album, Good Time, won a 2020 Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album. $27 – $42. Tickets/more: dom.edu/arts-minds. 7900 Division St., River Forest.
Blackfriars Gala
Register now; Oct. 22, 6 p.m., Drury Lane
Fenwick High School’s annual Black Tie optional event raises tuition-assistance funds for talented, deserving students. The evening includes cocktails (6 p.m.), dinner (7:30 p.m.), live auction and paddle raise (8:30 p.m.) and more. Celebrate alumni Dennis Marani (’72) and Ron Van De Walle (’60), this year’s Hall of Fame inductees. Latest mask guidelines followed. $350. Tickets/more: fenwickfriars.com/blackfriarsgala. 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace.
Socktober
Through Oct. 31, Children’s Services Desk, Main Library
Warm souls and soles by contributing new socks to benefit the clients of Housing Forward. Socks are among the most requested items at shelters. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Queen Elizabeth II
Monday, Oct. 18, 1:15 p.m., Ballroom, Nineteenth Century Club and Livestreamed
Historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the life of Britain’s famous monarch, from her childhood, her World War II service, and her struggle to balance her roles as queen, wife and mother. Get to know her sense of humor and savvy intelligence. Brought by The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Socially distanced seating; masks required. $15, requested donation; free, members. Register for livestream: nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest, Oak Park.
Dr. Donna Carroll Address
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m., Zoom with Women Leaders in Philanthropy
Hear President Emerita of Dominican University share her perspective on a variety of topics, including the intersection of leadership and philanthropy, addressing innovation, agility, vision-setting and community-building. In her nearly 30-year career at Dominican, Carroll expanded the notion of “living in community,” setting the foundation for dynamic collaborations with River Forest that have benefited the community at large. Free; all welcome. https://tinyurl.com/WLIPDrCarrollEvent
GriefShare
Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Through Jan. 11, Grace Lutheran Church
Attend a support group and seminar that is open to join anytime. More: 708-366-6900, gracechurch@graceriverforest.org, griefshare.org. 7300 W. Division, River Forest.
Telescope Night: Full Hunter’s Moon
Friday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m., Barrie Park
Join NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Mark Benson for a night of telescope viewing and a discussion of current and upcoming NASA missions and discoveries. Bring a telescope if you can. Weather permitting. Up next, Friday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m. at Mills Park: Saturn. More: pdop.org/events/telescope-nights. 1011 S. Lombard, Oak Park.
Dig in the Dirt
Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to Noon, Thatcher Woods
Join a welcoming space for kids/families, and anyone wanting to connect with their playful side. The event is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Happens rain or shine. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, be ready to get dirty. Bring a reusable water bottle. Light snacks will be available. Brought by Nature120, committed to providing trauma informed, inclusive, anti-racist/anti-ableist nature-based holistic wellness and play experiences; and Kinfolk CoLab, which provides a physical space in service to those who are working for justice, equity and belonging in Oak Park and beyond. Free. Questions: connect@kinfolkcolab.org. Register: bit.ly/diginthedirt. 8030 Chicago Ave., River Forest
Side Yard Sounds
Friday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Compound Yellow
See Chad Kouri and Jeremiah Hunt. Kouri is a Chicago-based working artist known for his intuitive, vibrant compositions that utilize the holistic properties of color and abstraction. Hunt is a sought-after bassist who has performed in top performance spaces across the world. $15. Tickets/more: facebook.com/compoundyellow. Or, at the door with Venmo, PayPal, cash or check. 244 Lake St., Oak Park.
Barktoberfest: Trivia Edition
Thursday, Oct. 14, 6 to 9 p.m., One Lake Brewing
Support the Animal Care League while enjoying trivia, food and brews. Form a trivia team and compete to win a tour and tasting at One Lake Brewing and exclusive Animal Care League swag. Also, try your luck in the pick-your-prize raffle. $35, includes entry and trivia game. Food/beverage and raffle tickets extra. Tickets/more: barktoberfest2021.funraise.org.
Fair Oaks Market
Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church
Shop for handcrafted items by local artisans. A percentage of the proceeds benefit Sarah’s Inn and the 2022 Senior High Mission Trip. Featuring a Kribi Coffee Pop-Up Shop, plus one-of-a-kind locally made items including Jeremiah’s Jams, Einnim home and body products, WhooooNew up-cycled handbags, Hiyo crochet, Soul Sister Creations stitched and felted wares, DermaPhilia natural skin care products, Radek homemade skin care and more. Free admission. Info: fairoakspres.org/fair-oaks-market. 744 Fair Oaks Ave., Oak Park.
Gardener’s Melody
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2 to 3 p.m., Virtually with the Oak Park Public Library
Hear jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown create an auditory landscape with flower- and tree-themed tunes from the Great American Songbook. Register: oppl.org/calendar.
