• Reprints

Updated: January 24, 2012 9:11PM

Stage

“Black Pearl Sings!”, through Feb. 19 at Northlight Theatre, located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Featuring a cappella renditions of rare American folk songs, the play tells the Depression-era story of two women dependent on one another to gain acceptance in a divided society. Performances on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 7 only); Wednesdays at 1 p.m. (except Feb. 1) and 7:30 p.m. (except Feb. 8); Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except Jan. 29 and Feb. 19). Tickets: $25-$60. Tickets for those 25 and under are $10, subject to availability. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org.

“The Bluest Eye,” based on the novel by Toni Morrison, will be presented at 8 p.m. Jan. 27-28 and Feb. 3-4; 2 p.m. Jan. 29 and Feb. 5; and 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Northwestern University’s Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Tickets: $25; $22 for seniors; $10 for students. Free post-show discussions will follow the Jan. 27, Jan. 29 and Feb. 2 performances. Call (847) 491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu.

“The Caretaker,” by Harold Pinter, through March 25 at Writers’ Theatre, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe. Curtain times are Tuesday and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday matinees at 2 p.m. (Feb. 29 and March 21 only); Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. No 6 p.m. show Jan. 29, March 4 or March 25. Tickets: $35-$65. Call (847) 242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org.

“The Foreigner” will be presented by Theater D at 8 p.m. March 9-10 and 16-17 and 3 p.m. March 11 and 18 at the Patty Turner Center, Deerfield. For tickets, call (847) 945-0650.

“42nd Street” will be performed at 8 p.m. Jan. 27-28 at Northwestern University’s Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. $25; $20 for seniors; $10 for students and children. Visit www.nudolphinshow.org or call (847) 467-4000.

“The Girl in the Yellow Dress,” presented by Next Theatre Company through Feb. 26 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. When Pierre, a French-Congolese pupil, signs up for English lessons with Celia, a beautiful young white teacher, they both get more than they bargained for. Set in contemporary Paris, the play explores the ways in which class, race, and language continue to divide us. Tickets: $30-$40. Call (847) 475-1875 or visit www.nexttheatre.org.

“Hesperia,” through March 18 at Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. When Claudia left Ian and her old life in adult entertainment to return to her small-town roots, she found more than just a new start — she met her soon-to-be husband Trick, the local youth minister and a man of God. But when Ian shows up on her doorstep just weeks before her wedding, their past together comes roaring back to life, bringing doubt to Claudia’s well-ordered existence. Curtain times are Tuesday and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday matinees at 2 p.m. (Feb. 8 and March 14 only; no evening performance Feb. 8); Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (no 6 p.m. show on March 18). Tickets: $35-$70. Call (847) 242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org. Special events and discussions are presented throughout the run of “Hesperia”; reservations are required (except for pre-show and post-show discussions) at (847) 242-6018 or rsvp@writerstheatre.org. Post-show discussions will be held following every other Wednesday evening performance, as part of the Audience Enrichment Program. Pre-Show Primers on the inspiration for the play will be held with one of the Hesperia artists at 7 p.m. every Tuesday. “Faith, Forgiveness, Sin and Salvation — Exploring Religion in Hesperia,” a conversation between the Glencoe Union Church’s Rev. David Wood and playwright Randall Colburn, 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at Glencoe Union Church, 263 Park Ave, Glencoe. “Who We Are vs. Who We Were — The Psychology of Sex and Religion in Hesperia, a conversation between Dan McAdams, Department Chair of Psychology at Northwestern University, and playwright Randall Colburn, 6 p.m. March 10 at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. “Inside the New Play Process — Rehearsal and Rewrites,” 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and 13. Reading of “Pretty Penny” by Randall Colburn, 6:30 p.m. March 12, followed by a Q&A with the playwright.

“Legally Blonde,” through March 25 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The performance schedule is 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $40-$48, plus tax and handling fees. Discounts available for students and senior citizens. Call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

“Sirens,” a romantic comedy starring the husband-and-wife team of Ellen and Scott Phelps, will be presented Feb. 3-March 4 at Citadel Theatre’s West Campus, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Curtain is 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sundays. There will also be a Wednesday matinee at 1 p.m. Feb. 8. Tickets are $35 for Thursday and Sunday performances; $37.50 Fridays and Saturdays. Discounts available for groups, senior citizens and students. Call (847) 735-8554 or visit www.citadeltheatre.org.

“Ten Chimneys,” March 9-April 15 at Northlight Theatre, located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. For decades, Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne entertained the most influential artists of their time — from Noel Coward to Sydney Greenstreet — at Ten Chimneys, their legendary Wisconsin retreat. In this new play, the arrival of a young Uta Hagen for an onstage rehearsal sparks an offstage romantic triangle. Performances are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (March 13 and April 3 only); Wednesdays: 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (except April 11); Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m. (except opening on March 16 at 7:30 p.m.); Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. (except March 10) and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except March 18, March 25 and April 8). Tickets: $25-$60; $25-$40 for previews, March 9-15. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org.

Classical

Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alan Heatherington, performs at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.arsviva.org. Tickets: $39-$70, with discounts for seniors and students. March 11, 3 p.m.: “Youthful Virtuosity.” The progam includes Borodin: Overture to “Prince Igor” and Dvorak: Symphony No. 7 in D minor, as well as a piano concerto performed by the winner of the Emilio Del Rosario Concerto Competition.

Cahn Auditorium at Northwestern University, 600 Emerson, Evanston. (847) 467-4000. Feb. 23-25, 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 26, 3 p.m.: “Die Fledermaus.” Strauss’ operetta is updated to the Art Deco 1930s in a new production. $20; $8 for students.

Chicago a cappella presents “Wade in the Water,” a celebration of African-American spirituals, at 8 p.m. Feb. 11 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The program includes the world premiere of a new commission, “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” by Grammy Award-winning arranger Joseph Jennings; Jonathan Miller’s new cycle, “Old Testament Spirituals; and arrangements by Robert Morris, Moses Hogan, and Oak Park composer Paul Carey. Tickets: $28 and $35; $22 senior citizens; $12 students. Call (773) 281-7820 or visit www.chicagoacappella.org.

Chicago Chamber Choir. www.chicagochamberchoir.org. (312) 409-6890. $18 in advance; $20 at the door. March 25, 3 p.m.: “Luminous: Songs of Fire & Light” performance at Our Lady of the Brook Parish, 3700 Dundee Road, Northbrook. The concert will feature “Lux Aeterna” by Morten Lauridsen, which will be performed with the Evanston Symphony Orchestra. Madrigals, contemporary works and spirituals round out the program, including the music of John Rutter, Eric Whitacre and Moses Hogan.

Chicago Chamber Musicians. (312) 225-5226. www.chicagochambermusic.org. Concerts are held at 7:30 p.m. Sundays at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall on Northwestern University’s campus, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Tickets: $25-$45; $10 for students. Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.: CCM showcases two of its founding members — hornist Gail Williams and violinist Joseph Genualdi — in “Twilight Music.” The program includes Franz Schubert’s Rondo in B minor, D. 895, Op. 70; John Harbison’s “Twilight Music” and Mozart’s Divertimento No. 17 in D Major for two horns and string quartet. March 11: The concert features guest artists Wendy Warner, cello, and Peter Lloyd, double bass, in program of works by Camille Saint Saëns, Béla Bartók and Franz Schubert.

Evanston Chapter, Lyric Opera of Chicago will host a program at 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at Prairie Moon Restaurant, 1502 Sherman Ave., Evanston. Patrick Casali, professor emeritus of Humanities and Performing Arts at Oakton Community College, will discuss this season’s Lyric Opera production of “Show Boat” by Jerome Kern. An appetizer buffet will follow the program. $25 per person. For reservations, call Barbara Eckel, (847) 475-5345.

Evanston Symphony Orchestra performs at 2:30 p.m. Sundays at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 864-8804. www.evanstonsymphony.org. Tickets in advance are $27; $22 for senior citizens. Tickets at the door are $30; $25 for seniors. Tickets are $5 for students, subject to availability, at the box office with ID. Admission is free for children 12 and younger. Feb. 5: “Russian,” with guest soloist Bella Hristova, violin. The program includes Mussorgsky: “Night on Bald Mountain”; Khachaturian: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Minor; and Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1 in F Minor. Presbyterian Homes, 3200 Grant St., Evanston, will host Musical Insights, a free lecture/recital program focusing on the Evanston Symphony’s “Russian” concert, at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 3. March 11: “Eternal Light,” featuring the Chicago Chamber Choir. The program includes works by Theofanidis, Sibelius, Lauridsen and Smetana. May 13: “Dufour Plays Mozart,” with guest soloist Mathieu Dufour, principal flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The program includes Bach: Toccata & Fugue in D Minor; Mozart: Flute Concerto #2 in D Major; and Brahms: Piano Quartet in G Minor.

The Highland Park Strings, conducted by Francesco Milioto, will present its annual benefit concert, “Distant Borders, Close Connections,” at 3 p.m. Feb. 12 in Bennett-Gordon Hall at Ravinia, Lake-Cook and Green Bay roads, Highland Park. Guest soloists are soprano Michelle Areyzaga and cellist Amit Peled. The program includes works by Villa-Lobos and Victor Herbert, as well as Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E Minor (“New World”). Preconcert lecture by Stephanie Ettelson is at 2 p.m. $40 general admission. For information or tickets, call (847) 831-3622 or visit www.hpstrings.org.

“Holocaust Cantata: Songs from the Camps,” with music by Donald McCullough and English lyrics and readings by Denny Clark, 4 p.m. Feb. 19 at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. The concert will feature Musical Arts Indiana Vesper Chorale of South Bend, Ind. In addition, Magda Brown, a Holocaust survivor, will share her experiences. $20; $15 for children and senior citizens. Call (877) 323-8801.

Lake Forest Lyrica presents chamber and choral music in the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel at Lake Forest College, 555 N. Sheridan Road. (847) 735-6170. www.lakeforest.edu/lyrica. $15 at the door; $5 for students. Feb. 26, 3 p.m.: Quintet Attacca presents “Reflections of Paris,” works by Joseph Jongen, Anton Reicha, Jacques Ibert and George Gershwin. April 22, 3 p.m.: Third Coast Percussion presents “American Masters at 100,” works by Owen Clay, John Cage and David Skidmore.

Lutkin Hall at Northwestern University, 700 University Place, Evanston. (847) 467-4000. Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Contemporary saxophonist Marcus Weiss will perform music by Berio, Telemann and Netti. $8; $5 for students. Feb. 3, 4:30 p.m.: Trumpet master class with Paul Merkelo. Admission is free. Feb. 5, 11 a.m.: Segovia Classical Guitar Series guest artist Irina Kulikova conducts a master class with Bienen School guitar students. Admission is free. Feb. 16, 5 p.m.: Flute master class with Ian Clarke. Admission is free. Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Flute soloist Ian Clarke will appear in recital. Admission is free. Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Faculty recital, “Three Times Two,” featuring works by Poulenc, Elgar and others. $8; $5 for students. Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Northwestern University Guitar Ensemble performs works by Bach, Carulli, Granados, Gimenez and Machado. $6; $4 for students. March 5, 10 a.m.: Richard Goode, inaugural winner of Northwestern University’s $50,000 Jean Gimbel Lane Prize in Piano Performance, will lead a piano master class. $6; $4 for students. March 6, 7:30 p.m.: Percussionist Patti Cudd and Jeff Herriott, live electronics, will perform electroacoustic music. $6; $4 for students.

Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. (773) 381-4554. www.maynestage.com. Feb. 24-25, 7:30 p.m.: Haymarket Opera Company presents “La Descente d’Orphee aux Enfers.” $25 standing room; $45 reserved; $50 VIP booths.

The Met: Live in HD, the Metropolitan Opera’s series of live performance transmissions into movie theaters, including Evanston 18, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston; and Lincolnshire 20 plus IMAX, 300 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets are available at the theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. Feb. 11, 11 a.m.: Wagner’s “Gotterdammerung.” Feb. 25, 11:55 a.m.: Verdi’s “Ernani.” April 7, 11 a.m.: Massenet’s “Manon.” April 14, 11:55 a.m.: Verdi’s “La Traviata.”

Alice Millar Chapel at Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Information: (847) 491-5441; tickets: (847) 467-4000. Feb. 5, 3 p.m.: Alice Millar Birthday Concert featuring the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and Alice Millar Chapel Choir. The program includes Schubert’s “Salve Regina” in F Major for soprano and orchestra and Mass in A-flat Major for solo quartet and chorus, and Alexandre Guilmant’s Symphony No. 1 for organ and orchestra. Admission is a free-will offering. Feb. 12, 7 p.m.: Baroque Music Ensemble presents “Great Motets and Psalms,” including works by Bach, Scarlatti and Handel. $6; $4 for students.

Music of the Baroque performs at First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St., Evanston, unless noted otherwise. (312) 551-1414. www.baroque.org. Tickets are $30-$75. Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.: “Handel & Haydn,” conducted by Nicholas Kraemer.

Music Institute of Chicago, Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500. www.musicinst.org. Feb. 17, 7-9:30 p.m., and Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Master class by pianist Menahem Pressler, founding member of the Beaux Arts Trio. Spectator admission $10. Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Violinist Cyrus Forough, joined by pianist Tatyana Stepanova, will perform Bach’s Chaconne; Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 6 in A Major, Op. 30, No. 1; and Prokofiev’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 80. $25; $15 for seniors; $10 for students. March 4 and 11, 3 p.m.: Four Score Festival celebrates the music of Charles Ives and Aaron Copland and explores how their inspiration threads through the works of two of their students: the March 4 performance focuses on the music of Ives and Gunther Schuller; the March 11 performance features the music of Copland and Mario Davidovsky. $25; $15 seniors; $10 students. March 9, 7:30 p.m.: Four Score Festival: Young Composer’s Concert. Free.

Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Feb. 3, 7:30 pm..: The International Beethoven Players and pianist George Lepauw will perform Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto. Feb. 5, 2 p.m.: The Chicago Trombone Quartet will perform works by Bach, Telemann and Gabrieli.

Northbrook Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Lawrence Rapchak, performs at 4 p.m. Sundays at Sheely Center for the Performing Arts at Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook. Ticket prices range from $25-$45; $8 for students. Call (847) 272-0755 or visit www.northbrooksymphony.org. Feb. 26: “Turkish Delight,” with guest soloist Alexandra Switala, violin. The program includes Mozart’s Overture to “The Abduction from the Seraglio” and Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K. 219 (“Turkish”); and Haydn’s Symphony No. 100 in G Major (“Military”).

The Orion Ensemble presents “Celebrating Women Composers” at 7:30 p.m. March 11 at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The program includes works by Stacy Garrop, Louise Farrenc, Phyllis Tate and Fanny Mendelssohn. Tickets: $26; $23 for seniors; $10 for students; children 12 and younger are free. For tickets or more information, call (630) 628-9591 or visit www.orionensemble.org.

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at Northwestern University, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Information: (847) 491-5441; tickets: (847) 467-4000. www.pickstaiger.org. Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 29, 3 p.m.: Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Victor Yampolsky and featuring alto Karen Brunssen and the Anima children’s chorus. The program includes Mahler’s third symphony. $12; $6 for students. Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m.: Contemporary Music Ensemble performs works by Jennifer Higdon, Joseph Schwantner and Mark-Anthony Turnage. $6; $4 for students. Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs works by Walter Piston, David Amram, Daniel Dorff, Debussy and Stravinsky. $6; $4 for students. Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra performs Enesco’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 in A Major; Walton’s “Facade,” Suite No. 2; and Mozart’s Serenade No. 9 in D Major (“Posthorn”). $6; $4 for students. Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m.: Symphonic Band presents an evening of recent compositions. $6; $4 for students. Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Percussion Ensemble, conducted by She-e Wu. $6; $4 for students. Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: University Chorale performs works by Bach, as well as choral works by American composers Lukas Foss, Irving Fine, William Hawley, Steven Sametz and Eric Whitacre. $6. $4 for students. Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.: Symphonic Wind Ensemble, with horn soloist Gail Williams. The program includes Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” $6; $4 for students. Feb. 26, 3 p.m.: Concert Band presents a program of band standards. $6; $4 for students. Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Evening of Brass, featuring diverse transcriptions and arrangements, ranging from works by Bach to pieces written for brass band. $6; $4 for students. March 12, 7:30 p.m.: The United States Navy Concert Band performs marches, patriotic selections, orchestra transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. Free tickets will be available beginning Jan. 30 by calling (847) 467-4000. March 16, 7:30 p.m.: Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations, “Russian Rapture — Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky.” $22; $16 for students.

Pilgrim Chamber Players perform at the Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Tickets: $20; $16 senior citizens; $8 students. (847) 433-0992. www.pilgrimplayers.org. March 18, 3 p.m.: “Guitar Magic.” Guitarist Goran Ivanovic will join a string quartet to perform the Quintet for Guitar and Strings by the Italian composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and works by David Ludwig and Russian composer Anton Arensky.

Ravinia Festival, Lake-Cook and Green Bay roads, Highland Park. (847) 266-5100. www.ravinia.org. Rising Stars concerts are held at 8 p.m. in Bennett-Gordon Hall. Tickets are $10. Concert/dining packages are $40, with dinner at 6 p.m. in Ravinia’s Freehling Room. April 7: Musicians from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute. April 28: Vocal ensemble Calmus.

Regenstein Recital Hall at Northwestern University, 60 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 467-4000. Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Saxophone Ensemble performs diverse transcriptions and original compositions for saxophone. $6; $4 for students. Feb. 27: British clarinetist Janet Hilton’s 6 p.m. recital is immediately followed by a master class with Bienen School clarinet students. $8; $5 for students.

Rembrandt Chamber Players perform in Nichols Hall at the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Single tickets are $35; $25 for young adults ages 18-30; $10 for students. Call (312) 360-3145 or visit www.rembrandtchamberplayers.org. March 4, 7:30 p.m.: “Pas de Trois.” The program includes works by Sir Malcolm Arnold, Debussy and Ravel.

Segovia Classical Guitar Series will be presented by the Northwestern University Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music and the Chicago Classical Guitar Society Feb. 4-April 14. All concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. in Lutkin Hall, 700 University Place, or Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, as noted. Subscription prices for the five-concert series are $100; $45 for students. Call (847) 467-4000 or visit www.pickstaiger.org. Feb. 4: Irina Kulikova plays works by Bach, Mertz and Barrios in Lutkin Hall. $20; $10 for students. March 3: Johannes Moller’s Lutkin Hall program includes music by Albeniz, Barrios and Gougeon. $20; $10 for students. March 4: Johannes Moller will present a master class at 1 p.m. with Bienen School student guitarists in the rehearsal room of Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. Admission is free. March 28: Two-time Grammy nominee Anoushka Shankar and guests will perform a program in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall titled “Traveler.” Shankar melds music of Spain with the ancient forms of Indian classical music. $26; $10 for students. March 31: Guitarist Sharon Isbin will share the stage with Brazilian percussionist Thiago de Mello at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. The program will include excerpts from her album “Journey to the Amazon” and other favorites. $26; $10 for students. April 14: Eduardo Fernandez’s program in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall will conclude the 2012 Segovia series. $24; $10 for students.

Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra performs at 3 p.m. Sundays at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets are $26-$40; $13 for youth 17 and under. Free pre-concert lectures begin at 1:45 p.m. For tickets, call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.svso.org. Feb. 19: The program, featuring guest soloists Michelle Areyzaga, soprano, and Aurelien Fort-Pederzoli, violin, includes Gershwin: Cuban Overture; Granados: La Maja y el Ruiseñor; Sarasate: Fantasy on Bizet’s “Carmen,” op. 25; Villa-Lobos, Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5; and Albéniz: Suite Española No. 1.

Wilmette Chapter, Lyric Opera of Chicago, offers a free lecture on “Showboat” at 10 a.m. Feb. 8 at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave. Visit www.wilmettelibrary.info.

Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. Opera in Cinema series features performances from opera houses throughout the world. Tickets are $20, unless noted otherwise. Feb. 2, 7 p.m., and Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m.: Verdi’s “Aida” from La Scala. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 19, 2:30 p.m.: Puccini’s “Il Trittico,” from the Royal Opera House, London. March 15, 7 p.m., and March 18, 2:30 p.m.: “Carmen,” from La Scala, Italy. Sung in French with English subtitles. April 4, 7 p.m., and April 8, 2:30 p.m.: “Le Corsaire,” from the Bolshoi Theare, Moscow. $15. April 18, 7 p.m., and April 22, 2:30 p.m.: “La Boheme,” from the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, Spain. May 3, 7 p.m., and May 6, 2:30 p.m.: “Rigoletto,” from the Royal Opera House, London.

Pop/folk/jazz

The Alley, 210 Green Bay Road, Highwood. (847) 433-0304. www.bowlhighwood.com. Jan. 28: School of Rock, 7-9 p.m.; Richard Cranium. Jan. 29: The Working Man’s Blues Jam.

Bertucci’s Italian Steakhouse, 246 Green Bay Road, Highwood. (847) 432-6663. Jan. 28, 9 p.m.: Karaoke with Lay Down Sally.

C.J. Arthur’s, 1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. www.cjarthurs.com. (847) 256-8870. Jan. 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Brad Hubal Quartet, featuring drummer Rick Shandling (jazz). Feb. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Doug Blake Trio, featuring drummer Rick Shandling (jazz).

The Celtic Knot Public House, 626 Church St., Evanston. (847) 864-1679. www.celticknotpub.com. No cover unless noted otherwise. Mondays, 8 p.m.-midnight: American roots music with The Mudflapps. Tuesdays, 7-10 p.m.: Celtic music session with Gus Friedlander and friends. Jan. 29, 5-8 p.m.: Eric Lugosch. Feb. 4, 9:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Up.

Cubby Bear North, 21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire. (847) 541-4700. www.cubbynorth.com. Shows are at 10 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Jan. 27, 9 p.m.: Dueling Pianos, no cover. Jan. 28: Friction, $6.

Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Talent Rising Concert Series features Funk in the Trunk: 20,000 Leagues Under the Beat. The seven-member band performs rock, jazz, blues, soul, reggae and more.

The Goat Rodeo Sessions Live will be broadcast from the House of Blues Boston at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 to local movie theaters, including Evanston 18, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston, and Lincolnshire 21 with IMAX, 300 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. Four string virtuosos — cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bluegrass fiddler Stuart Duncan, bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolin player Chris Thile — will perform songs from their collaborative album, “The Goat Rodeo Sessions.” Tickets are available at the theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Grammy Award-winning electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers bring their concert event to local movie theaters, including Evanston 18, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston, and Lincolnshire 21 with IMAX, 300 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Hogeye Folk Arts hosts concerts at Lake Street Church, 607 Lake St., Evanston. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. $15 general admission; $13 for senior citizens; $5 for students; free for children under 12. Admission may be paid at the door in cash or by check, or by credit card in advance from www.brownpapertickets.com. For information, visit www.hogeyefolkarts.org. Jan. 28: An Evening with Weavermania: Mark Dvorak, Michael Smith, Barbara Barrow and Chris Walz. $20. Feb. 18: Bill Staines.

Lake County Folk Club events are held at 7 p.m. Sundays at Aleks’ Restaurant, 525 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff. Concert admission is $12; $10 for Lake County Folk Club members, students and senior citizens. No admission charge for Open Stage and Song Circle. Reservations encouraged for all concerts; call (847) 271-1584. For information, visit www.thelakecountyfolkclub.org. Jan. 29: Concert Stage features Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Créole (old-style Cajun and African Creole fiddling). Jim Schramm opens. Feb. 12: Open Stage, hosted by Scott Engstrom. Feb. 19: Concert Stage features Michael P. Smith; Sue Fink opens. Feb. 26: Song Circle, hosted by Marcia Krieger. March 18: Mustard’s Retreat; Cath Kasmer opens. April 1: Lee Murdock; Jim Gary opens.

Lutkin Hall at Northwestern University, 700 University Place, Evanston. Feb. 7, 7 p.m.: Rufus Reid presents a master class on jazz performance and techniques. Admission is free.

Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. (773) 381-4554. www.maynestage.com. Feb. 12, 7 p.m.: Kevin Moore presents “Broadway Score by Score: The Music of Andrew Llyod Weber.” $20 general admission; $25 reserved. March 2-4, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.: Putting on the Ritz presents “Voices of Chicago,” a musical celebration in honor of Chicago’s 175 anniversary of official incorporation. The concert features jazz, blues, gospel, folk, pop, and soul. Tickets: $27 general admission; $35 reserved.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Feb. 3, 8 p.m.: “The Music of ABBA,” with original backing musicians from ABBA. $50-$35.

Oakton Community College’s Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. (847) 635-1900. Jan. 27, 8 p.m.: “Jazzin’ Around,” featuring the Loyola Academy Jazz Band. $5 for general admission; $3 for students and seniors.

“Our Faith in Song: A Celebration of Jewish Diversity,” 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. The Choir of Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation of Chicago will perform “kosher soul,” a selection of Psalms put to music, under the direction of Sar Nashone Yehudah. $10 donation benefits the JUF Uptown Café; $18 suggested donation for two or more. Call (847) 441-5760.

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at Northwestern University, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Information: (847) 491-5441; tickets: (847) 467-4000. www.pickstaiger.org. Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m.: Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra, “An Evening with Rufus Reid.” $6; $4 for students. Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Composer and instrumentalist Hugh Masekela and his band of South African musicians will perform pop, jazz, ballads and traditional South African music. $18; $10 for students.

Regenstein Recital Hall at Northwestern University, 60 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 467-4000. Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Small Jazz Ensembles, “Speak No Evil -- The Music of Wayne Shorter.” $6; $4 for students.

S.P.A.C.E., 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Shows at 8 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Jan. 27: Raul Midon (guitar/R&B). $18/$22. Jan. 28: Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater (blues). $15/$18. Feb. 2: JT Nero & Allison Russell of Po’ Girl (indie folk). $10/$14. Feb. 4: Mike Flynn’s Crash Landing (rock). $12/$15. Feb. 5, 7 p.m.: Guy Davis (blues). $12/$15. Feb. 8: Jay Nash, $12/$15. Feb. 9: Marco Benevento (jazz/experimental). $12/$15. Feb. 10: Michael Tolcher (pop/rock). $12/$15. Feb. 10, 10 p.m.: Bonerama (funk). $17/$20. Feb. 11: Zoë Keating (cello-rock). $18/$20. Feb. 14: Andrew Belle with Sugar & the Hi-Lows and Peter Groenwald. Feb. 15: Chris Thomas King (blues). $12/$15. Feb. 16: Lizz Wright (gospel/soul). $28/$32. Feb. 17: Jill Sobule, $15/$18. Feb. 18, 7 p.m.: Sons of the Never Wrong (folk). $17/$20. Feb. 18, 10 p.m.: The Pines with Sad Brad Smith (folk). $10/$14. Feb. 19: In Tall Buildings with Cains & Abels (indie pop). $10/$12. Feb. 22: Nate Herman & June Shellene (jazz). $12/$15. Feb. 23: Shawn Mullins. $24/$28. Feb. 24: The Flat Five, $15/$18. Feb. 25: Livingston Taylor, $22/$25. Feb. 26: 93XRT welcomes The Del Fuegos (rock). $22/$25. March 1: Commander Cody (rock/blues) $17/$20. March 2: Magic Slim & the Teardrops (blues). $15/$20. March 3: 93XRT welcomes Shemekia Copeland (blues). $23/$25. March 8: Katie Herzig (indie folk). $15/$18. March 9: Ryan Montbleau Band (folk/rock). $17/$20. March 10: Teitur (folk rock). $15/$18. March 14: Dave Specter’s “Adventures With A Blues Diva,” featuring Sharon Lewis (blues). $12/$15. March 16: Ellis Paul (folk). $20/$25. March 17, 7 p.m.: Megon McDonough and Susan O’Halloran in “Pot of Gold: Irish Stories & Songs.” $18/$20. March 20: Milk Carton Kids (folk). $12/$15. March 22: The Bo-Keys (soul/R&B). $14/$18. March 24: Jackopierce (country/rock). $27/$30. March 25, 7 p.m.: California Guitar Trio, $17/$20. March 28, 7:30 p.m.: Uncle Bonsai (folk). $12/$15. March 30: Janiva Magness CD release party (blues). $15/$18. March 31 and April 1, 7 p.m.: Melissa Ferrick (folk). $25/$30. April 4: Lost in the Trees with Poor Moon (orchestral folk). $15/$18. April 5: Trevor Hall (rock/reggae). $15/$18. April 15, 7 p.m.: Darrell Scott (bluegrass). $18/$22. April 20, 7:30 p.m.: Anais Mitchell with Cuddle Magic (folk). $12/$15. April 21, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Mason Jennings (folk). April 22, 7 p.m.: Jason Reeves (bluegrass). $12/$15. April 26: Jonathan Edwards, $18/$22. April 27, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Dar Williams (folk). $18/$20. April 28: James Hunter (rock). $27/$30.

“The 3 Divas,” a special one night-only Valentine’s Day cabaret event with Susie McMonagle, Heidi Kettenring and Christine Sherrill, will be presented at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $35. Call (847) 673-6300.

Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. www.viper-alley.com. (866) 463-3401. Shows are for ages 21-plus, unless noted otherwise. Jan. 28, 9 p.m.: Jordan Knight: Live and Unfinished. $35-$50. Feb. 3, 9 p.m.: Arra (classic rock). $10-$15. Feb. 4, 9 p.m.: Fuel (rock). $20-$35. Feb. 22, 7 p.m.: Rehab. March 3, 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: An Evening with Rachelle Ferrell (contemporary jazz and pop). March 10, 7 p.m.: Lee DeWyze. All-ages show. Tickets start at $20.

Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. Feb. 9, 8 p.m.: Annoyance Theatre presents “Broads on Boards,” a salute to Broadway musicals. $15. Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Cabaret at the Mette presents “Dat’s Love,” with KT McCammond. $20; $15 students and seniors.

Art galleries

The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 432-1888. www.theartcenterhp.org. Through Jan. 30: “Art is Alive in Highland Park.”

Deer Path Art League & Gallery, located in the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. (847) 234-3743. www.deerpathartleague.org. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; Saturdays by appointment. Through Feb. 24: “Art is … A Journey,” an exploration of travel through a variety of media. Featured artists include Rudolph DeRam (photography), Julie Trotter Clark (jewelry), David Dallison (watercolor), Jane D’Angelo (oils), Susan Aurinko (photography) and Laura Kochevar (fiber).

Dittmar Memorial Gallery at Northwestern University’s Norris Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. www.norris.northwestern.edu/dittmar.php. (847) 491-2348. The gallery is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Through Feb. 5: “When the Body Speaks,” Chicago artist Marci Rubin’s latest sculptures, installations and prints depicting the human body’s skin, cells, organs, and digestive and reproductive systems.

Evanston Art Center, 2603 Sheridan Road. (847) 475-5300. www.evanstonartcenter.org. Through Feb. 5: EAC Members Show.

Glenview Art League sponsors exhibits of work by its members at Glenview venues through April 2. Many of the works are for sale. For information, call (847) 724-4007. The Book Market at Hangar One, 2651 Navy Blvd. — Mimi Branstrom (acrylic), Georgene Campion (acrylic), Joan Fortner (oil), Mia McNary (mixed media) and Clare Turek (digital). Caribou Coffee, 989 Waukegan Road — Joan Fortner (oil) and Margaret Newman (oil). Edward R. James Homes, 2550 Waukegan Road — Andrey Vandzhala (oil). Lyzart Gift Gallery, 1047 Waukegan Road — Deb Anderson (oil). Midwest Palliative Care Center, 2050 Claire Court — Works by Anna Maria Arena Herrold, Deb Anderson, Gail Basner, Ruth Bolotin, Lindsay Brown, Georgene Campion, Dorothy Faierson, Joan Fortner, Shirley Hutchinson, Cathy Keeler, Sharon Kolesky, Essie Landsman, Bob Leopold, Lynn Miller, Gloria Moschel, Margaret Newman, Lois Peltier, Karen Porzak, Carol Reagan, Leslie Scott, Sandy Sheagren, Andrey Vandzhala, Laurie Walker, David Westfield and Kittie Yohe. Picture Us Galleries, 1521 Waukegan Road — Lindsay Brown (oil), Carol Reagan (watercolor) and Laurie Walker (acrylic). Sweet Dreams Bakery and Cafe, 1107 Waukegan Road — Sandy Sheagren (oil). Via Gelato & Cafe, 1850 Tower Drive — Nancy Paradies (acrylic). Zapatista Restaurant, 992 Willow Road, Northbrook — David Westerfield (oil), Essie Landsman (watercolor) and Kittie Yohe (watercolor).

Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Through Feb. 28: “Cityscapes: Portraits of the Second City,” works by Glenview resident Audrey McCartney Barrett.

Kamp Gallery, 996 Green Bay Road, Winnetka. (847) 441-7999. www.kampgallery.com. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Sundays by appointment. Through Jan. 29: “The New Fauves.”

Perspective Group and Photography Gallery, 1310-1/2B Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.perspectivegallery.org. (224) 200-1155. Gallery hours are noon-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Through Jan. 29: “On the Mekong,” photographs by Donna Spencer and “School’s Out Forever,” photographs by Katsy Johnson. Feb. 2-26: “Turkish Delights,” photographs of Turkey by Fakhruddin Adamji, and “Compossible,” photographs by Steve Harp. Opening reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 4.

Ryerson Woods, 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Deerfield. (847) 968-3345. www.ryersonwoods.org. Through Feb. 29: “Flora: Photographs by Jessica Tampas,” featuring large-scale images of calla lilies and other plants photographed in a hothouse in rural Michigan.

Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes, Celebrating Experience: A Gallery of Art by Older Adults, 1123 Emerson, Suite 200, Evanston. (847) 864-7274. www.SASIathome.org. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays or by appointment. All art is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting SASI, a community nonprofit that helps adults in Chicago and the north/northwest suburbs who, due to aging, illness or injury, need assistance in the home. Through Feb. 3: Works by Chicago textile artist Mary Jo Bowers and painter Patricia Schuler of Park Ridge. Feb. 12-May 11: Paintings by Lowell Goone and Joanne Salvator.

An opening reception will be held from 3-5 p.m. Feb. 12.

Zia Gallery, 548 Chestnut St., Winnetka. www.ziagallery.net. (847) 446-3970. Jan. 27-March 10: Photographs by John Vlahakis, a member of the American Society of Media Photographers. An opening reception will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Jan. 27.

Auditions &
opportunities

The Discover National Chamber Music Competition, open to pre-college chamber music groups (strings, winds, piano, vocal) will be held Feb. 19 at Ravinia Festival, Highland Park. Students will compete for $5,000 in scholarships and cash prizes. Register online at https://secure.mya.org/forms/chambercomp.php. Registration deadline is Feb. 1. For information, visit www.mya.org or call (847) 926-9898.

Midwest Young Artists offers scholarships for pre-college musicians to study with musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or Northwestern University, or professional instrumentalists. Auditions will be held Jan. 29, Feb. 4 and March 3 at the MYA Center, 878 Lyster Road, Highwood, and Feb. 26 at Bennett-Gordon Hall at Ravinia, Highland Park. For information, call (847) 926-9898 or visit www.mya.org.

The North Shore Harmonizers, an independent women’s barbershop chorus that sings a cappella four-part harmony, seeks new members. Any level of musical experience is acceptable. Rehearsals are held at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Augustine’s Church, 1140 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. For more information, visit www.northshoreharmonizers.org.

Artist applications are now available for the 27th annual Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, which will take place July 21-22, and the 40th annual Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival, scheduled for Aug. 4-5. Both events take place in Dawes Park along Evanston’s lakefront. Deadline for Lakeshore Arts Festival applications is March 16. Ethnic Arts Festival applications are due April 23. For more information, call (847) 448-8260.

Amateur, semi-professional and professional poets of all ages who live, work or go to school in Illinois are invited to submit original poetry for the 2012 Poetry Challenge sponsored by Highland Park Poetry. Theme choices are Siblings and Seasons. Poetry submissions will be selected by a jury for a local exhibition throughout April 2012. Selected adult poets will be invited to read their poems April 8 at The Art Center of Highland Park. Selected student poets will be invited to read their poems April 20 at the Highland Park Public Library. Entry deadline is 5 p.m. March 5. There is no reading fee to submit one poem. To submit additional poems, there is a reading fee of $3 per additional poem; limit five poems. For information, visit www.highlandparkpoetry.org.

Benefits

The Woman’s Club of Evanston’s annual benefit show, “Working Nine to W(h)ine ... It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” will be presented at 8 p.m. March 8-10 and 15-17 at The Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Proceeds benefit the Youth Job Center of Evanston Inc. Tickets: $32.50; $40 for premium seating. A pre-performance Opening Night Gala cocktail party will be held from 6:15-7:30 p.m. March 8; tickets are $15. Visit www.wcofe.org.

The 2012 Village Follies Show, “Animal Instinct,” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 9-10 and 16-17 and 3 p.m. March 11 at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. Tickets are $20, with proceeds to benefit the Winnetka Community House. Visit www.villagefollies.org.

Midwest Young Artists will host its annual benefit, “Discover MYA,” at 5 p.m. April 14 at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park. The evening includes live performances of chamber music and jazz by MYA musicians. Visit www.mya.org or call (847) 926-9898.

Books & poetry

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880. www.thebookstall.com. Feb. 3, 8:30-10 a.m.: Breakfast at The Book Stall with Elmore Leonard, author of Raylan, and his son, Peter Leonard, author of Voices of the Dead. Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m.: Judy Weitzman signs How To Eat: When Life Gets In The Way. Feb. 9, 7 p.m.: Iris Krasnow, author of The Secret Lives of Wives. Women Writers Series will be held from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Avli Restaurant, Winnetka. Fee for each author appearance includes lunch and a book with 10% discount. Authors in the series include Ali Wentworth, author of Ali In Wonderland, Feb. 10, $46; Margot Livesey, author of Flight of Gemma Hardy, Feb. 28, $46; Sioban Fallon, author of You Know When the Men Are Gone, March 20, $35; Jacqueline Winspear, author of Elegy For Eddie: A Maisie Dobbs Novel, April 2, $45.

“Fathers and Daughters in a Changing World,” a free seminar examining the role of women in Jewish literature, will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through May 9, at Oakton Community College, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Presented by the Oakton Library, the series of readings, lectures and group discussions will be led by Benjamin Goluboff, associate professor of English. Copies of the books may be borrowed from the Skokie campus library. Participants are not required to attend all sessions. Selections include Feb. 22: Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska. March 21: Park Avenue: A Memoir by Anne Roiphe. April 18: American Pastoral by Philip Roth. May 9: Bee Season by Myla Goldberg. To register, contact the Alliance for Lifelong Learning at (847) 982-9888 (press 3).

Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m.: Discussion of Appetite for America: How Visionary Businessman Fred Harvey Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire that Civilized the Wild West by Stephen Fried. Feb. 8, 1 p.m.: Discussion of Into the Beautiful North by Luis Albert Urrea. Feb. 25-27: Friends of the Library used book sale. Sale hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday; and 9 a.m.-noon Monday.

Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Feb. 6, 1 p.m.: Discussion of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m: Discussion of Room by Emma Donoghue.

Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave. (847) 432-1573. www.hplibrary.org. Feb. 15, noon-1:30 p.m.: Dan Chaon discusses and signs Stay Awake.

Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Feb. 7, 10 a.m.: A poetry discussion will be led by Isabel Soffer. No advance reading is required. Feb. 8, 10 a.m.: Discussion of Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh.

Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods Road, between Deerfield Road and Route 22, Deerfield. (847) 968-3321. www.ryersonwoods.org. Friends of Ryerson Woods sponsor Ryerson Reads, a book discussion series focused on environmental literary classics. Book talks are held from 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays and are led by Ben Goluboff, professor of English at Lake Forest College. Fee per discussion is $15; $10 for Friends of Ryerson Woods members. March 14: American Chestnut: The Life, Death and Rebirth of a Perfect Tree by Susan Freinkel.

Child’s play

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880. www.thebookstall.com. Feb. 1, 4:30 p.m.: Ann Hood will discuss and sign copies of the first two titles in a new series of fantasy/historical fiction for young readers, The Treasure Chest. Feb. 4, 3 p.m.: Appearance by children’s science writer Debbie S. Miller, author of The Flight of the Golden Plover, as well as many other books on Alaska and its wildlife.

The Bookmarket at Hangar One in The Glen, 2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview. (847) 904-7304. First Thursday of the month, 10:30-11:15 a.m.: Storytime with Nili Yelin, the Storybook Mom. Free. www.storybookmom.com. Feb. 2: “We LOVE Ground Hog Day!” March 1: “It’s Easy Being Green — St. Patrick’s Day.”

Everybody Move, Inc. offers early childhood movement and music classes for ages 12-28 months, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Fridays, through March 9, at Foster Dance Studios, 915 Foster St., Evanston. Visit www.fosterdance.com or call (773) 426-0002.

Glen Town Center at The Glen, Community Room at the Book Market at Hangar One, 2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview, hosts “Entertainment on the Go” children’s events, sponsored by the Glenview Public Library. Registration required at www.theglentowncenter.com. Jan. 29, 2 p.m.: American Eagle Productions presents “The Jungle Book.” Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m.: Flight-to-Fun Kids Club, for children ages 2-6, features “The Coldest Places on Earth” with Extraordinary Kids Inc. and Miss Silvia’s Storytime. Feb. 12, 2 p.m.: ArtsPower’s Productions presents “Are You My Mother? The Musical.”

Kids Fare series, featuring hour-long concerts for children ages 3 to 8 and their families, are held at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at Northwestern University, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, unless noted otherwise. Information: (847) 491-5441; tickets: (847) 467-4000. www.pickstaiger.org. All Kids Fare concerts begin at 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $6; $4 for children. Feb. 18: “Really Resonating Reeds,” featuring members of Northwestern’s saxophone ensemble and clarinet studio. March 10: “Musical Merit-ocracy.” Chicago’s Merit School of Music Symphony Orchestra will perform “Peter and the Wolf.” April 14: “A Fleet of Feet,” with DanceWorks Chicago.

Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600. www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-noon Mondays (open until 5 p.m. June through August); 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Special members-only hours from 9-9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday. Admission is $9.50; $8.50 for senior citizens; free for children under 1 year old and members. The museum offers 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children ages birth to 8. Through May 13: “Sonic Sensation,” an exhibit that allows children to explore sounds through interactive experiences. Eleven stations feature the anatomy and physics of how we hear, information about decibels, amplitude, frequency, pitch and sound waves, and what you can do to protect your hearing.

Light Opera Works offers musical theater summer workshops at its rehearsal center, 516 Fourth St., Wilmette. Youth ages 8-13 will learn singing, dancing and acting in preparation for a public performance of a mini-musical. No experience or audition required, and everyone gets a part. Each workshop meets from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, with a final dress rehearsal on Saturday at 1 p.m. and performance at 4 p.m. Workshops include “The Wizard of Oz,” June 18-23; “The King and I,” June 25-30; “The Little Mermaid,” July 9-14; “The Mikado,” July 16-21; “Guys and Dolls,” July 23-28; and “Stage Struck,” advanced workshop for ages 12-15, Aug. 1-11. Fee is $350 per student per workshop; $450 for “Stage Struck.” Visit www.LightOperaWorks.com or call (847) 920-5360.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030. www.mitchellmuseum.org. Admission is $5; $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Admission includes all exhibits and events, unless stated otherwise. Kids Craft Mornings are informal workshops where children learn to construct simple versions of traditional Native American objects using everyday craft materials. Workshops are included with museum admission. Kids Craft Workshops are recommended for children ages 5 and up, but there is no minimum age requirement. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. No pre-registration is necessary. Saturday workshops are at 11 a.m.; Sunday workshops at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 28-29: Plains warrior shields. Feb. 4-5: Northwest Coast rattles. Feb. 11-12: Children’s bolo ties. Feb. 18-19: God’s eyes. Feb. 25-26: Woven baskets. March 3-4: Beaded key chains. March 10-11: Corn husk dolls. March 17-18: Talking feathers. March 24-25: Loom beading. March 31 and April 1: Lakota star quilts.

The Music Institute of Chicago offers Suzuki Mid-Winter Workshops, an opportunity to brush up on fundamentals and try out new ideas with Suzuki teachers from across the United States and Canada. Workshops include small and large group classes, master classes, mini lessons, improvisation, and enrichment, depending on the instrument and level of experience. Offerings include: Cello Workshop, Feb. 24-26 at the Evanston East Campus, 1490 Chicago Ave., $160-$200, registration deadline Feb. 4. For information, call (847) 905-1500.

The Music & Movement Center at Midwest Young Artists, 878 Lyster Road, Highwood. Early childhood music and movement class sessions for children ages 6 months-5 years are available from Jan. 30-March 22 and April 2-May 24. Register online at http://teddikoch.weebly.com. For information, visit www.mya.org or call (847) 926-9898.

Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, Northbrook Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 291-2367. www.northbrooktheatre.org. Through Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays: “Bunnicula,” a musical comedy is based on the children’s book series about a vampire bunny. $8 in advance; $10 at the door, with party packages available. After each performance, the audience can meet the professional cast.

Oakton Community College’s Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. (847) 635-1900. Feb. 4, 3 p.m.: Dave Rudolf’s Beach Party. $7 general admission; $5 children under 12.

“Rapunzel,” a one-hour musical for children ages 3-10, will be presented by Big Noise Theatre Company at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Feb. 5, at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. $12. Call (847) 604-­‐0275 or visit www.winnetkatheatre.org.

“Seussical Jr.” will be presented by the Actors Training Center Teenage Repertory Company at 10 a.m. Feb. 25, March 3, 10 and 17 at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. Visit www.wilmettetheatre.com or call (847) 251-7424.

Adlai Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center, 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire. Call (847) 415-4121 or visit www.d125.org. Feb. 19, 2 p.m.: “Ralph’s World,” featuring children’s musician Ralph Covert. $15; $10 for children.

Wilmette Theater, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. Feb. 18, 10 a.m.: Mindy Hester & the Time Outs perform kid-friendly rock. $10 in advance; $12 at the door.

Classes &
workshops

Adult stand-up, improv comedy, acting, and commercial voice-over workshops offered by Improv Playhouse of Libertyville start Jan. 30. Classes are also held at Conway Farms in Lake Forest and the Karger Center in Highland Park. Workshops are designed for the beginner to advanced adult student, and are taught by staff from Improv Playhouse, Goodman Theatre, Second City, and nationally booked entertainment business professionals. Workshops meet weekly and will average between $195 and $250 per session. For more information, call (847) 968-4529 or visit www.improvplayhouse.com.

Evanston Writers Workshop presents Writing in Multiple Genres: A Talk with Sherrill Bodine from 1-5 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Wilmette Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. The award-winning author will discuss writing in multiple genres, from romance to memoir, graphic novels and comics. $35; $20 for members. Register at www.evanstonwritersworkshop.org. For information, call (224) 999-0201.

Linda Lee Goldman, registered and board certified art therapist and educator, offers art classes for individuals and small groups in Northbrook. All ages, all levels. Call (847) 498-2738 for time, dates and cost.

Oakton Community College offers Alliance for Lifelong Learning classes at various locations. For information or registration, visit www.oakton.edu/all or call (847) 982-9888, press 3. Writing a Short Story (COM E69-01), a six-week class, meets from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, starting Feb. 1, at Niles North High School, Skokie. Course fee is $115. Screenwriting for Beginners (COM S10-01), a six-week class, meets from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, starting Feb. 8, at Niles North High School, Skokie. Course fee is $150.

Oakton Community College Emeritus Program offers courses at its Skokie campus, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie. For information about the Emeritus Program, call (847) 635-1414 or visit www.oakton.edu/emeritus. Stories by People Who Weren’t Born Yesterday II (PSY X04-71), an eight-week course focusing on short fiction about older people, meets from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesdays, starting Feb. 1. Fee is $112. The Iliad and the Odyssey: Visions and Nightmares at the Foundation of Western Civilization (HIS E19-71), a 10-week course, meets from 10 a.m.-noon Fridays, starting Feb. 3. Fee is $160. Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down (HUM E74-71), a six-week film course, meet from 1-3 p.m. Fridays, starting Feb. 3. Fee is $96.

Theatre in the Woods offers an acting workshop led by James M. Lynch of Highland Park and focusing on monologues, open to all levels of experience, 7-9:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 6-March 26, at Zion Lutheran Church, 10 Deerfield Road, Deerfield. Fee is $160. To register, call (847) 604-1990 or e-mail at tiw300@comcast.net.

“The World of Chamber Music,” a music appreciation class for adults led by Stephanie Ettelson, will be held from 2-4 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 9-March 29, at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Winnetka campus, 300 Green Bay Road. There are no prerequisites and all are welcome to attend — novice and experienced concertgoer alike. Cost is $190; $171 for senior citizen. To register, call (847) 905-1500, ext. 127, or visit www.musicinst.org/art-listening-adults.

Comedy

The Laughing Chameleon, located in The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Drive, Glenview. (888) 685-2844. www.TheLaughingChameleon.com. Mondays at 8:30 p.m.: Anything (Almost) Goes Comedy Showcase, $5 cover.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. www.northshorecenter.org. (847) 673-6300. Jan. 26-29: Political satirists The Capitol Steps. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday. $45.50-$49.50. Feb. 25, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Lily Tomlin. $42-$76.

Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. Feb. 11, 9 p.m.: Comedy at the Mette, in association with Chicago Underground Comedy, features Sean Flannery. 21 and over event. $12. March 8, 8 p.m.: Comedy at the Mette presents “Side Mullet Nation,” a one-woman show starring Cameron Esposito. $12 in advance; $15 at the door.

Dance

Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. www.maynestage.com. (773) 381-4554. Feb. 17, 8 p.m.: Chicago Dance Crash KTF presents “Love is a (Dance) Battlefield.” CDC’s longest running production, Keeper of the Floor (KTF), is a dance competition that welcomes all comers, from breakdancers and ballerinas to belly dancers. $10 general admission.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Feb. 11, 8 p.m.: Thodos Dance Chicago & Luna Negra Dance Theater. $46-$36.

Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. March 1, 7 p.m., and March 4, 2:30 p.m.: Ballet in Cinema presents “The Nutcracker,” from the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow. $15. May 16, 7 p.m., and May 20, 2:30 p.m.: Ballet in Cinema presents “The Bright Stream,” from the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow. $15.

Glenview Square Dance Club dances the first and third Fridays of each month, from September to May, at the Glen Grove School, 3900 Glenview Road, Glenview. Round dancing, cued by Howard and Anna Hoffman, starts at 7:30 p.m. Square dancing at the Plus level at 8 p.m. Experienced square dancers and round dancers are welcome. Call (847) 945-0370 or visit www.glenviewsquares.com. Lodge Hall,

1799 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. Classes by BallroomChicago.com. For information, call (847) 757-2227 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com. Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13 and 20: Night Club Two-Step, 7-8 p.m., $10 per person, per session; Argentine tango, 9-10 p.m., $10 per person, per session.

Shoreline Dance Club plays recorded music for easy ballroom dancing in the Stuart Community Room of the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Lessons are given by professional instructors Bob and Penny Urbon at 7:30 p.m., followed by an evening of social dancing. Adults of all ages and dancing abilities welcome. Attire is dressy/casual. Admission per couple is $20 for members; $25 for guests. Membership is $20 per year per couple. Call (847) 816-7602 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com/shoreline.htm. Feb. 18: Waltz. March 17: Cha-cha. April 21: Fox trot. May 19: Rumba.

Saturday Night Dance, sponsored by BallroomChicago.com, 8-11 p.m. Jan. 28 at Lodge Hall, 1799 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. $10 per person. Free mini lesson from 7:15-7:45 p.m. with paid admission. For information, call (847) 579-9361 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com.

Dining

Now We’re Cookin‚ 1601 Payne St., Evanston. (847) 570-4140. www.nwcookin.com. Advance registration for culinary classes is required. Jan. 28-29, 1-5 pm.: Two-Day Intensive Bread Baking Workshop, $150. Feb. 1 and 16, 6:30-9 p.m.: Updated French Bistro Classics, $70. Feb. 3, 6:30-9 p.m.: Mid-West Craft Beer and Chili Pairings, $65. Feb. 8 and 29, 6:30-9 p.m.: Hearty Winter Vegetarian Soups, $60. Feb. 9, 6:30-9 p.m.: Chocolate Truffle Making for Everyone, $75. Feb. 11, 6:30-9 p.m.: Date Night — Passions of India, $120 per couple. Feb. 13 and 28, 6:30-9 p.m.: Bottled Sunshine: Preserving Winter Citrus, $60. Feb. 15, 6:30-9 p.m., and Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Riff on Risotto, $60. Feb. 21, 6:30-9 p.m.: Mardi Gras Celebration, $60.

Quince Restaurant, 1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston. (847) 570-8419. www.quincerestaurant.net. Feb. 14, 5:30-9:30 p.m.: Four-course Valentine’s Day dinner, $70 per person, tax and gratuity excluded. Reservations required.

Film

Block Cinema, in the Pick-Laudati Auditorium at the Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-4000. www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu/block-cinema. Admission is $6; $4 for Block Museum members, students with ID and senior citizens, or as noted below. All films shown at 7 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Jan. 27: “F for Fake” (Orson Welles, 1973). Jan. 28, 2 p.m.: “Call Her Savage” (1932, United States), starring Clara Bow.

Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave. (847) 835-5056. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Feb. 3, 1 p.m.: “Midnight in Paris” will be screened and discussed. Feb. 9, 7 p.m.: Film critic Michael Phillips will discuss the 2012 Oscars and review the past year in film at the Woman’s Library Club, 325 Tudor Court. Monday at the Movies screenings at the Woman’s Library Club, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe — Feb. 20, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.: “Higher Ground.”

Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave. (847) 432-1573. www.hplibrary.org. Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m.: Writer and producer Paul Basile presents highlights and discusses his award-winning film, “5,000 Miles From Home.”

Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. All films shown at 1 and 7:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Feb. 1: “House on Telegraph Hill.” Feb. 8: “Call Northside 777,” a 1948 film starring James Stewart.

Lectures

Glencoe Public Library, 320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Feb. 13, 1 p.m.: Jimmy Durante is the subject of the America’s Musical Theater Legends program by Susan Benjamin.

Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Registration required unless noted otherwise. Feb. 2, 7 p.m.: Lyric Opera of Chicago lecture series features “Show Boat” by Jerome Kern.

Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. (847) 272-6224. www.northbrook.info. Jan. 29, 2 p.m.: The Lyric Opera Corps of Chicago presents an introduction to “Showboat.”

Organizations

The Glenview Art League will host a demonstration by pastel artist Gary Wick from 7:15-9:15 p.m. Feb. 7 at Westbrook Elementary School, 1333 Greenwood Ave., Glenview. Free. For information, call (847) 724-4007.

Et cetera

The Actors Gymnasium presents “Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus,” featuring aerial acrobatics and live music, Feb. 12-March 11 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $15; $10 for children 12 and under and students with ID. Gala opening night will be Feb. 11; tickets are $100 each, which includes a post-show reception. Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006. For information, visit www.actorsgymnasium.com.

Great Age Daytime Program Series offers the following programs at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door, unless noted otherwise. Call (847) 849-9070 or visit www.wilmettetheatre.com. Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m.: “Oscar Winners and Losers.” Arts and entertainment journalist Dorothy Andries presents an exploration of the most memorable (and a few forgettable) tunes from the silver screen. Feb. 15, 1:30 p.m.: “Irving & Annie, Cole & Kate.” Charles Troy will present a musical multimedia presentation about Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. March 7, 1:30 p.m.: “The Creation of The Wizard of Oz,” a multimedia presentation by Charles Troy. March 21, 1:30 p.m.: “The Little Girl with the Great Big Voice.” Vocalist  Rob Dorn’s multimedia presentation explores Judy Garland’s early career, including archival film footage, rare recordings, images and more. March 29, 1:30 p.m.: “Spotlight on Great Movie Musicals,” presented by Joyce Stern Greenberg.

Kevin Smith: Live From Behind Featuring “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old” will be broadcast to select movie theaters, including Evanston 18, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston; and Lincolnshire 20 plus IMAX, 300 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 2. Director/writer Kevin Smith and frequent co-star Jason “Jay” Mewes will host their podcast and participate in an interactive, fan-generated Q&A session. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

“Leonardo Live,” a cinematic tour of the sold-out UK National Gallery exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan,” will be broadcast at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 in local movie theaters, including Evanston 18, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston, and Lincolnshire 21 with IMAX, 300 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. For information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

Northwestern University Library, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston. www.library.northwestern.edu. (847) 491-7658. Exhibits are open from 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Through March 19: “They Were Fighting for Our Freedom: American and Soviet Propaganda Posters of World War II.” Through March 19: “Dmitri Shostakovich at Northwestern.” Through June 15: “Papering Over Tough Times: Soviet Propaganda Posters of the 1930s.”

Museums

Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-4000. www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Admission is free; unless noted, admission to all programs is also free. Through April 8: “Prints and the Pursuit of Knowledge in Early Modern Europe,” an exhibition of rare prints, drawings, books, maps and scientific instruments. Gallery talks include “Of Flowers and Autopsies: Making Early Modern Science,” noon Feb. 8; “Printed Scientific Instruments,” 6 p.m. Feb. 29; and “Exhibition Overview and Highlights,” 6 p.m. March 29.

Highland Park Historical Society Museum, 326 Central Ave., Highland Park. (847) 432-7090. www.highlandparkhistory.com. Through Feb. 5: “History of Toy Trains V,” featuring a collection and operating layout of rare American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains built between 1910 and 1935. Also included are hundreds of hand-painted lead figures of the era manufactured by Lionel, Barclay, Manoil, Britains, Johillco and Lincoln Logs; historic photographs of Highland Park’s railroads; and antique toy train videos. Hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $5 per person; $12 per family. Group tours available.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030. www.mitchellmuseum.org. Admission is $5; $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Free admission for Mitchell Museum members and tribal members; and on the first Friday of every month. Admission includes all exhibits and events, unless stated otherwise. Through March 19: “Deconstructing Stereotypes: Top Ten Truths.” Through May 27: “Treasures of the Collection,” a diverse array of Native art from the museum’s 10,000-piece collection. The items date from the mid-1800s to the late 20th century, and include basketry, Southwest art, beadwork, Inuit art and more.