Muntu Dance Theatre
Saturday, Oct. 23, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Unity Temple
This Chicago-based company performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and American dance, music and folklore. Opening Act: Vernon Gooden. $20 – $39; $10, select student seating; discount for UTRF members. Tickets/more: utrf.org/event/muntudancetheatre. 875 Lake St., Oak Park.
Family & Community Discussion Circles: “March”
Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Virtually with the Oak Park Public Library
Join your neighbors in reading and discussing the graphic novel trilogy by John Lewis. The circle format will be used to discuss the work of the late civil rights icon and U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.), and the group will reflect together on the impact of the civil rights movements today. Ages 12+ and adults are invited into this honest, anti-racist, family-friendly discussion series. Register: oppl.org/calendar.
Oct. 26: Book 1
Nov. 16: Book 2
Dec. 7: Book 3
Chris Bohjalian
Wednesday, Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m., Virtually with the River Forest Public Library
Join the author as he sets the mood for Halloween and discusses his most recent book, The Hour of the Witch. Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 22 books. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/live-virtual-author-event-chris-bohjalian
Justice and Mercy, Music for Our Time
Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 24, 4 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church
See the Chicago Choral Artists present contemporary works for chorus, soloists and orchestra including “The Gonzales Cantata;” “Glory” from the film Selma; “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” by Joel Thompson, a work for men’s chorus, strings and piano that uses the last words of African-American men who were killed by police or other authorities; and more. Masks required. $45; $40, seniors; $25, students. Tickets/more: chicagochoralartists.org,
773-658-9799. 7300 W. Division, River Forest.
Multiple Good Fairs
Saturday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Compound Yellow
Buy original works from makers and artists at this annual event. 244 Lake St., Oak Park.
Celebrate Beethoven
Sunday, Oct. 24, 4 p.m., Chapel, Concordia University Chicago and Virtually
The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest opens its 90th season in person with Jay Friedman conducting the symphony in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 featuring Mio Nakamura, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral). Preconcert conversation at 3 p.m. Proof of vaccination and masking is required. $30, at door; $27, advance; $15, virtually. Season pass (four concerts) $90, in person; $50 virtually. In-person attendees gain access to virtual concerts, which are released one week after performances. Tickets/more: SymphonyOPRF.org. Free parking in garage at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Place.
C21 Women’s Ensemble’s Days of Beauty
Sunday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m., Columbus Park Refectory
As the Sikh poet Nikita Gill writes, “They should have checked the ashes … because it takes a single wild ember to bring a wild fire to life.” C21 Women’s Ensemble, conducted by Martha Swisher, will challenge and inspire, singing “Wild Embers” and more at their 4 p.m., Oct. 24 concert, “Days of Beauty.” Hear this provocative choral experience at Chicago’s Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. Details can be found at www.C21womensensemble.com.
“Frank Lloyd Wright’s Modern Masterpiece: Unity Temple”
Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Lake Theatre
See an exclusive screening of the 55-minute documentary, narrated by Brad Pitt, illuminating Wright’s vision and the restoration efforts that brought Unity Temple back to its original beauty. Panel discussion follows with the filmmaker, restoration architect and other experts, with time for Q&A. Socially distanced seating; masks required. This fundraising event supports Unity Temple Restoration Foundation (UTRF). $25; $20, UTRF members. Advance tickets only: utrf.org/event/documentary-2. 1022 Lake St. Oak Park.
Prescription Take Back Day
Saturday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oak Park Township Office
Proper disposal of unused and expired prescription medications saves lives and the environment. JUUL, vape pens/cartridges will also be collected. Limited number of free prescription lock box and drug deactivation kits will be available.Privacy procedures will be followed. Questions: koconnor@oakparktownship.org.105 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
Barbara Ballinger Lecture: Author Michelle Kuo
Sunday, Oct. 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Virtually with the Oak Park Public Library
Kuo’s memoir, Reading with Patrick, discusses education, inequality and incarceration, and asks, “What social transformation is necessary to change a life?” Register/more: oppl.org/about/friends-of-the-library/barbara-ballinger-lecture
Made to Disrupt: A Momenta Dance Company Matinee Performance
Sunday, Oct. 24, 2, 3 or 4 p.m., Oak Park Art League (OPAL)
Each 20-minute matinee performance will consist of three choreographed pieces inspired by the exhibition, Art for Social Change: Made to Disrupt, and includes: America Loves Its Guns, Reconciliation, and Just Politics (Note: This program includes triggering noises such as gun fire and explicit language.) Intended for mature audiences. Attendees are invited to view the exhibition following the performance. $30; $25; OPAL members. Tickets/more: oakparkartleague.org/events-all/2021/10/24/made-to-disrupt-a-momenta-dances-matinee-performance. 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.
