Kids Summer Reading
June 1-August 31, through the Oak Park Public Library
Even when you have the whole summer to run around and enjoy the outdoors, there’s nothing like a good book every now and then. This year’s summer reading program kicks off on June 1. Kids age 3 and older can earn beads, stickers, and raffle prizes all summer long, through August 31. Sign up online and start logging reading and activities with Beanstack. Learn more, sign up at oppl.org/summer. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Back Room Stories – Outside!
Sunday, June 5, 7-8:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church
After a couple years’ absence, this famed storytelling series is back in action. Patrick Curtin, Connie Shirakawa, Kory May, Megan Wells and Peter LeGrand will be relating tales from their own thoughts and experiences, right there on the church lawn. The audience is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For adults and young adults over 12. $10, 515 Franklin, River Forest.
Not Quite: Asian Americans & the “Other” in the Era of the Pandemic & the Uprising
Thursday, June 2, 6:30-8 p.m. Oak Park Main Library, Veterans Room
Dr. Ada Cheng explores several major themes: the meanings of home(land), racial profiling and the image of the perpetual foreigner, and anti-Asian racism under the pandemic. The performance is 45 minutes, followed by a Q&A. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Pleasant Home Foundation – Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, June 2, 11 a.m., Pleasant Home
This architectural institution has had a long history in the community. It is finally being reopened for tours and events. The program begins with a few short remarks, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Refreshments will be served, and the home will be open through 4 p.m. for tours. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.
Master Class and Opening for ‘Legacy in Concert’
Wednesday, June 1-2, 5 -7:30 p.m., Ovation Academy For The Performing Arts
This two-day master class is facilitated by professional touring performers Justin Reynolds, Tracy Byrd, and Michael Wordly as well as the Academy’s very own Kiana Beverly, culminating in students performing the opening number for Legacy In Concert. This presentation features two 2.5-hour workshop sessions where students will build their skills in singing, dancing, and stage presence while learning a group number together, with the opportunity to open for Legacy in Concert on June 3-4. Space is limited. Enrollment now open. 1010 Madison Ave., Oak Park.
Federico Garcia Lorca Poetry
Saturday, June 4, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Oak Park Main Library, Book Discussion Room
The life and creative work of the beloved Spanish poet Federico García Lorca will be celebrated. In a career that spanned only 19 years, the poet revitalized Spanish poetry and theater by creatively blending artistic traditions with Modernist tendencies. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Teen Movie & Discussion: Pride Month Edition
Wednesday, June 8, 2-5 p.m., Main Library Veterans Room
Simon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends and all of his classmates: he’s gay. When that secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
C21 presents ‘The Fire Within’
Sunday, June 5, 4 p.m., Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington, Chicago
The C21 Women’s Ensemble presents songs that fuel the fires of imagination. The Oak Park-based chorus is committed to spreading the message of women’s empowerment through music and will perform repertoire by Lee Kesselman, Todor Skalovski and Elizabeth Alexander and ranging from Macedonian dance music to spirituals inspired by 12th-century mysticism, in the newly-renovated Kehrein Center for the Arts, a cultural hub in the Austin neighborhood. Pre-concert talk at 3:00 (additional charge). Visit c21womensensemble.com/purchase-tickets for details.
Webb Wilder & the Beatnecks
Saturday, June 4, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s
This roots-rocking veteran performer with a loopy sense of humor is a frequent visitor to the FitzGerald’s stage. Combining the best in rockabilly, country, 60s garage rock, pulp novels, radio serials, and whatever else crosses his mind, its a surefire bet that it will be a rocking good time. $15, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.
