Laurie Berkner buzzes into Ravinia

Updated: September 24, 2012 1:31AM

It’s been eight years since award-winning children’s singer Laurie Berkner last performed at Ravinia. Her band accompanied Berkner at that sold-out concert but she will be going it alone at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, although she will have assistance from her fans.

“I’ll probably be asking the audience to help out a lot because it will just be me up on the stage,” Berkner said.

That seems appropriate since the show is part of Berkner’s “The You and Me Tour.” Berkner will sing selections from her many albums and DVDs.

“There’s lots of interactivity and dancing and movement involved,” she said of her concerts.

That’s why the songwriter, singer and musician loves performing for kids.

“They start jumping from the first song and they really let themselves have a lot of pleasure,” she said.

Pavilion tickets are $15 and lawn seats are $5 for the Kraft Great Kids Series concert at Lake Cook and Green Bay roads, Highland Park.

For details, call (847) 266-5100 or visit ravinia.org.

A wild time

Reptiles, spiders and birds of prey are some of the animals kids can view up close when Rob Carmichael, curator of the Wildlife Discovery Center, visits the Lake Forest Children’s Library, 360 E. Deerpath, from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 31. The audience will learn about animal behavior during this interactive show. Pick up free tickets starting at 1 p.m.

For details, call (847) 234-0648 or visit lakeforestlibrary.org.

Outside chance

Librarians from the Wilmette Public Library will share stories and songs during Stories in the Park at 4 p.m. Monday, July 30, at Vattmann Park, 1461 Lake Ave. Meet near the tennis courts. If it’s raining or extremely hot, call to find out if the program will move to the library.

For details, call (847) 256-6945 or visit wilmette.lib.il.us.

Garden variety

Tots and their families will have a fun time from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays in August during Dancin’ Sprouts at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. You can picnic in the Esplanade and then watch a live musical performance by an acclaimed family entertainer. Next up is Parents’ Choice Award winner Leonardo on Aug. 1.

For details, call (847) 835-5440 or visit chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies/dancin_sprouts.

There’s an art to it

Whether you decide to build a castle, animal or something else, you and your kids will be eligible for prizes during the Family Sand Sculpting Contest from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at Glencoe Beach, 160 Hazel Ave. The event is free with paid beach admission.

For details, call (847) 835-3030 or visit glencoeparkdistrict.com.

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