Updated: March 11, 2013 5:17PM

HALLOWEEN

Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-8215. www.chicagobotanic.org. Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Spooky Pooch Parade, the only day of the year visitors can bring their dogs to the garden. Dogs will be judged in five costume categories, including Best Dog/Owner Look-Alike; Best Puppy in Costume; Best Senior in Costume; Best Horticulture Interpretation; and Best Costume Overall. Registration is $17 in advance through Oct. 19; $23 at the door. Parking is $20 per car. Oct. 20-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: “Trains, Tricks & Treats.” The Model Railroad Garden will be decorated with spider webs, spiders, ghosts, goblins and pumpkins, as well as seasonal plant materials, and visitors are encouraged to come in costume and collect treats. $5 for adults; $3 for children ages 3-12; parking is $20 per car. Oct. 26-28: HallowFest: A Garden of Good ... and Evil. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4-7 p.m. Sunday. Visitors decide if they want to take the “spooky” or “friendly” paths, which lead to Halloween-inspired activities. $17 in advance; $20 at the door; parking is $20 per car.

“City of Ghosts”

Professional magician and historian of magic William Pack presents an evening of supernatural theater at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. His interactive performance includes horror stories, eerie Chicago-area history, and inexplicable paranormal occurrences. Program is suited for ages 12 and older. Visit www.northbrook.info or call (847) 272-6224.

“The Witch’s Brew”

The family-friendly Halloween hike will be presented at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18-21 at Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve, 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest. Costumes are encouraged. $15; $10 for members of Lake Forest Open Lands. For tickets, visit www.citadeltheatre.org or call (847) 735-8554.

“Frankenstein”

Presented by Mudlark Theater Company Oct. 19-21 and 25-28 at Piccolo Theater, 600 Main St., Evanston. Visit www.mudlarktheater.org.

The Haunted Shipwreck Shores of Lloyd Beach

Presented by the Winnetka Park District 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 26-27 at Lloyd Beach, Sheridan Road and Lloyd Place, Winnetka, including The Trail of Terror. Friday is designated as a family-friendly evening. There will still be sound effects, props and staff in costumes, but it is not designed to scare children. Saturday is designed to be scary and is intended to be more of a middle school and older event. Free. For information, visit www.winpark.org.

Halloween Spooktacular Double Feature

“World of the Weird Monster Show” presents double features at 9:30 p.m. Oct. 26-27 at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. Undead Johnny and the cast of the show host “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Shaun of the Dead” on Friday, and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Ghostbusters” on Saturday. $12 in advance; $15 at door. Visit www.wilmettetheatre.com or call (847) 251-7424.

Ghost Walk 2012

The Lake Bluff History Museum’s “spirit-guided” ghost walk presents entertaining true stories from the darker side of Lake Bluff’s past, performed in businesses and public buildings. Tours depart every 15 minutes, from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27 and 5-8 p.m. Oct. 28, from the museum, 127 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, and last approximately 90 minutes. $25; $10 for children in eighth grade and under. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Visit www.ghostwalklakebluff.com.

“Spooky & Scary Tales”

Glenview Park District presents hayrides and scary stories 7-9 p.m. Oct. 27 at The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview. The stories get spookier the later it gets. Recommended for ages 6-adult. $10 for residents; $12.50 for non-residents. Advance registration required; call (847) 299-6096 or visit www.glenviewparks.org.

Village of Riverwoods Halloween party

Held 3-7 p.m. Oct. 27 on the Riverwoods Village Hall grounds on Portwine Road, featuring music by Hayride Hootenanny, “ghost walk,” marshmallow roast and refreshments. Costumes encouraged. Call Sherry Kaplan, (847) 528-1968.

Downtown Highland Park

Halloween events on Oct. 25 include trick-or-treating from 3-5 p.m. at downtown Highland Park retailers; Halloween activities such as mini train rides, hay rack rides, pony rides and live music from 3-6 p.m. at Port Clinton Square; and Michael’s Rockin’ Red Hot Haunted House at Michael’s Restaurant, 3-8 p.m., with music by a DJ and spooky special effects by Epic Entertainment.

“Bewitched: More Music for the Dead of Night”

The Chicago Chamber Choir performs a wide variety of eerie music at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 815 Wilmot Road, Deerfield. The program includes Bach’s “Come Sweet Death” and Whitacre’s “Nox Aurumque,” as well as fun theatrical songs, such as “Ballad of Sweeney Todd,” “This is Halloween,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and more. The singers will be in ghostly attire and the audience is encouraged to attend in costume too. Tickets are $18 in advance; $20 at the door; $15 for children and students. Visit www.chicagochamberchoir.org.

Haunted house

Boy Scout Troop 50 holds its annual Haunted House, benefiting the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 27, followed by a “less scary” version from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 28 at St. Gregory’s Church, Deerfield and Wilmot roads, Deerfield. Admission is a donation of cash or cans of food for the food pantry. Call (847) 914-9945.

BallroomChicago Halloween Dance

Held from 8-11 p.m. Oct. 27 at Lodge Hall, 1799 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. Admission: $10. Free mini lesson, 7:15-7:45 p.m. Prizes for best costume. Call (847) 757-2227 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com.

Halloween party

Oct. 26, 7 p.m., at The Laughing Chameleon, located in The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Drive, Glenview. Featuring music by a DJ, dancing, karaoke and drink specials. Costumes encouraged; prizes will be awarded. Free admission. Call (888) 685-2844 or visit www.thelaughingchameleon.com.

Halloween costume contest

Kids are invited to stop by Pinstripes, 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook, Oct. 26-31, in their Halloween costumes and receive a complimentary treat. A costume judging contest for all ages will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 27. First place winner receives a party for eight guests at Pinstripes; second place receives a party for four guests; and third place receives a bottle of wine or $25 Pinstripes gift certificate. Visit www.pinstripes.com.

Halloween Trick or Treating

Hosted by The Glen Town Center, 2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview, 3-7 p.m. Oct. 31. Children ages 10 and under, in costume, can collect treats from The Glen’s retailers. Free. Visit www.TheGlenTownCenter.com.

“Frankenstein”

The British theatre broadcast will be screened at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Oct. 30 in Northwestern University’s Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Nick Dear’s new play, based on the novel by Mary Shelley, is directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle. $20; $10 students. Call (847) 491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu.

Fright Fest

Through Oct. 28 at Six Flags Great America, Gurnee. Hours are 5-11 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. -9 p.m. Sundays; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25. Park officials have set 4 p.m. as a switch-over point between more family-friendly daytime fare and a darker, teen-friendly “scream park.” For the younger set, afternoon attractions include a Character Candy Trail from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. All of the park’s theme areas and most of the non-water rides remain open for Fright Fest, though under different names. Ticket prices at the main gate are $61.99 for adults; $41.99 for children less than 48 inches tall; free for children age 2 and younger. One-day Internet ticket sales start at $30.99. Call (847) 249-4636 or visit www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica. Separate-admission attractions include Wicked Woods, Manslaughter Manor, The Dead Line, the Mausoleum of Terror and Massacre Medical Center; all five of these haunted areas can be visited in one night for $19.99 through tickets purchased at www.frightfest.sixflags.com/greatamerica.

“Halloween: Enigmas and Perplexities”

Psychic and magician Ross Johnson presents mind reading, fortune telling and telepathy at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. $20 general admission; $25 reserved seating. Call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com.

STAGE

“Dreamgirls”

The rags-to-riches story of a female 1960s Motown group plays through Nov. 4 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, at 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. $41-$49, with discounts available for students and seniors. Dinner and theatre tickets, $55, are available Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

“Evanston, Which Is Over There: A Tale of Men and Women in the Modern World”

Curious Theatre Branch presents a new play by Beau O’Reilly at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 9-Dec. 16, at The Side Project, 1439 W. Jarvis, Chicago. No performance Nov. 23. $15 or pay what you can at the door. Visit www.curioustheatrebranch.com.

“42nd Street”

Presented by Highland Park Players at 8 p.m. Oct. 19-20 and 25-27 and 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Northbrook Theatre inside the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Tickets: $16 in advance; $19 at the door. Silver Anniversary Party immediately following the Oct. 21 performance, $10 additional charge. Visit www.highlandparkplayers.com.

“Hamlet”

Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, opens its 21st season with William Shakespeare’s tragedy, through Nov. 25. Curtain times are Tuesdays (no performance Oct. 30) and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (with Wednesday 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 31 only); Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. $35-$75. Call (847) 242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”

Presented by Big Noise Theatre Company, a division of Winnetka Theatre, at 8 p.m. Oct. 19-20 and 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. $25; $23 for students and seniors. Visit www.bignoise.org.

Midwest New Musicals

Presenting “Now and Then a Hero” as part of Words and Music, a concert reading series of new musicals in progress, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Light Opera Works Second Stage, 1420 Maple, Evanston. $15. Call (847) 920-5360.

“My One and Only”

Nov. 7-Dec. 31 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, at 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. $40-$48, with discounts available for students and seniors. Dinner and theatre tickets, $55, are available Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

“The Odd Couple”

George Wendt and Tim Kazurinsky star in Northlight Theatre’s production of the Neil Simon comedy Nov. 2-Dec. 9 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Performances are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (except Nov, 13 and 27); Wednesdays at 1 p.m. (except Nov. 28) and 7:30 p.m. (except Nov. 21); Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (except Nov. 22); Fridays at 8 p.m. (except opening at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9); Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. (except Nov. 3) and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except Nov. 11, 18 and Dec. 9). Tickets: $25-$72; $15 students; $25-$54 for previews, Nov. 2-8. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org.

“Other People’s Money”

Presented through Oct. 28 at Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sundays. $35-$37.50, with discounts available for seniors and students. Visit www.citadeltheatre.org.

Shakespeare Project of Chicago

Presenting a theatrical reading of Shakespeare’s “Othello, The Moor of Venice” at 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park. www.hplibrary.org.

“The Verona Project”

Writer and director Amanda Dehnert’s new indie-folk-rock musical will be performed Oct. 19-Nov. 4 at Northwestern University’s Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. $30; $27 seniors; $10 students. Call (847) 491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu.

“Woody Sez — The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie”

Through Oct. 21 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Featuring more than 30 of Guthrie’s ballads and anthems, the production celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America’s great folk troubadour. $25-$72. Student tickets are $15, any performance, subject to availability. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org.

CLASSICAL

Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra

Performing at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $36-$75, with discounts for seniors and youth. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.arsviva.org. Nov. 4, 3 p.m.: The program includes works by Brahms, Sibelius and Shostakovich.

“B’Kol Echad — In One Voice”

A concert featuring Cantor Pavel Roytman, Chicago a Cappella, cellist Nazar Dzhuryn, Campanella Children’s Choir and members of the Tum Balalaika Band, 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah, 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette. $30 in advance; $36 at the door. Call (847) 256-1213.

Baroque Band

The period-instrument orchestra presents “All the King’s Men,” music from the English Chapel Royal including works by Handel and Purcell, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $15-$35. Visit www.baroqueband.org.

Bella Voce

Opening its 30th anniversary season with “Mosaic Masterpieces: Masterworks from William Byrd and Frank Ferko” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 939 Hinman Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $38 premium; $30 general admission; $15 students. Visit http://bellavoce.tix.com or call (877) 755-6277.

Chicago a cappella

Presents “Genius in the Synagogue: A Musical Portrait of Max Janowski” at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 in Nichols Concert Hall at the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets are $35 for preferred seating, $28 for general admission, $22 for seniors; and $12 for students. Call (773) 281-7820 or see www.chicagoacappella.org.

Chicago Chamber Musicians

“Austrian Elegance,” a concert exploring the chamber music of Schubert, Haydn and Albrechtsberger, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $25-$45; free for college students. Call (312) 225-5226 or visit www.chicagochambermusic.org.

The Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra

Presents “A Musical Journey to Vienna,” featuring violin soloist Joan Kwuon, at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. The program includes Beethoven’s Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor. $25-$75; $10 students. Call (866) 811-4111 or visit www.chicagophilharmonic.org.

Dharma Yoga of Evanston

1321 Emerson St., Evanston, will host a concert of Indian raga featuring Eric Fraser, a Brooklyn-based Bansuri flute player, and tabla player Alex Duvel at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Fraser will also offer a short lesson on how to listen to and appreciate the Indian classical form. $15; $10 students. Call (847) 849-1810.

Evanston Symphony Orchestra

Presenting “Viennese Masterworks” at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. The program includes Mozart’s overture to “The Magic Flute”; Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major; and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major. Tickets in advance are $28, $23 seniors; at the door, $35, $30 seniors; $5 student tickets, subject to availability, at the box office; free admission for children 12 and younger. Call (847) 864-8804 or visit www.evanstonsymphony.org. Musical Insights, a free lecture/recital focusing on the Oct. 21 concert, will be at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the North Shore Retirement Hotel, 1611 Chicago Ave., Evanston.

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Oct. 28, 5 p.m.: Classical music concert featuring David Taylor, assistant concert master of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and friends.

The Highland Park Strings

Presenting “The Fabulous Fiddlers” at 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave. The program includes works by Handel, Bach, Haydn and Saint-Saens. Preconcert lecture by Stephanie Ettelson at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.hpstrings.org.

Lake Forest Symphony

Performing at the College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. All concerts begin at 8 p.m.; pre-concert talks by musicologist Jim Kendros at 7 p.m. Tickets are $32-$54, with discounts for senior citizens and students. Call (847) 295-2135 or visit www.lakeforestsymphony.org. Oct. 19-20: “Virtuosic Trumpet,” featuring Jim Stephenson’s Trumpet Concerto No. 1 with soloist Jeffrey Work; Rimsky-Korsakov’s Overture on Russian Themes; and Brahm’s Symphony No. 4.

The Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra

Russell Vinick directs the orchestra in “Odds and Ends” at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Northside College Prep High School, 5501 N. Kedzie, Chicago. The program includes Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 “London,” as well as works by Gandolfi, Warlock and Wagner. $20; $15 seniors and students. Call (312) 409-5670 or visit www.lsso.org.

Alice Millar Chapel

At Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Information: (847) 491-5441; tickets: (847) 467-4000. Oct. 28, 7 p.m.: Hymnfest XI, “Earth and All Stars,” featuring the Chapel Choir, Millar Brass Ensemble and attendees in hymn arrangements. Free-will offering.

Music Institute of Chicago

Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500. www.musicinst.org. Oct. 21, 3 p.m.: The Barkada Quartet performs works by Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach, Philip Glass and others. $30; $20 seniors; $10 students. Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Cuban pianist Yleana Bautista performs sacred music by George Ivanovich Gurdjieff and Thomas de Hartmann. $25-$30; $15 students and seniors. Tickets at www.journey-tickets.org. Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Ensemble-in-residence WarnerNuzova — American cellist Wendy Warner and Russian pianist Irina Nuzova — play works by Beethoven, Janáček and Prokofiev. $30; $20 seniors; $10 students.

The Musical Offering

743 Custer Ave., Evanston. (847) 866-6260. www.themusicaloffering.org. Oct. 19, 8 p.m.: The Ondas Ensemble presents “Chicago Latino Voices — The Music of Elbio Barilari and Gustavo Leone.” $15. Oct. 25, 8 p.m.: “Orlando’s Dream — A Consort of Clarinets,” English and Italian consort music of the 16th and 17th centuries. $15. Oct. 26, 8 p.m.: “Spirit of Gambo — A Chicago Consort of Viols Mélange a Trois,” featuring fantasias and other works from the 16th through 18th centuries. $15.

The New Northshore Chamber Orchestra

Performing at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Unitarian Church, 1330 Ridge, Evanston. The program includes works by Glinka, Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky. $15; free for ages 18 years and younger. Call (847) 864-2288 or visit www.northshorechamberorchestra.org.

The Newberry Consort

The early music ensemble presents “La Harpe de Melodie: The Subtle Musical Art of France,” works from the 14th century, at 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at Northwestern University’s Lutkin Hall, 700 University Place, Evanston. $32 in advance; $35 at the door; $5 students. Call (773) 669-7335 or visit www.newberryconsort.org.

North Shore American Guild of Organists

Hosts a concert by organist Todd Wilson at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1024 Lake Ave., Wilmette. $20. Call (312) 420-6041.

North Shore Choral Society

“Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving,” 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Vineyard Christian Church, 2495 Howard Street, Evanston. The Choral Society and the Oakdale Christian Academy Concert Choir from Chicago’s south side will perform spirituals, gospel and inspirational songs. $25; $22 seniors; $15 students. Visit www.northshorechoral.org or call (773) 956-8400.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Oct. 21, 2 p.m.: Pianist George Radosavljevic performs works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy. Oct. 28, 2 p.m.: Pianist Jasmin Arakawa performs works by Beethoven and Schumann. Nov. 11, 2 p.m.: Apas Trio performs works by Dvorak, Schubert and Mendelssohn. Nov. 25, 2 p.m.: Pianist Vladimir Leyetchkiss plays works by Schubert, Scriabin and Debussy.

The Northbrook Symphony

Presents an “Eastern European Folk Fest” at 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at Glenbrook North High School’s Sheely Center for Performing Arts, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook. The program includes works by Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Smetana, Bartok, Chopin, Mlynarski and Liszt. Pre-concert lecture by Jim Kendros, at 2:30 p.m.; post-concert reception, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Northbrook Hilton Hotel. $25-$45; $8 for children and students. Visit www.TheNSO.org or call (847) 272-0755.

The Orion Ensemble

The chamber music ensemble presents “Orion Beginnings” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The program includes works by Bartók, Huydts and Schumann. Tickets: $26; $23 seniors; $10 for students; admission is free for children 12 and younger. 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. Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Pianist Gabriela Montero plays works by Chopin and Liszt as well as improvisations on themes suggested by the audience. $18; $10. Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Mallory Thompson. $6; $4 students. Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra presents “Copenhagen and Rome,” featuring Berlioz’s “Roman Carnival Overture,” Nielsen’s Violin Concerto and Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and “Roman Festivals.” $8; $5 students. Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.: Contemporary Music Ensemble, “Unlocking Cage,” celebrating John Cage’s centennial. $6; $4 students.

Pilgrim Chamber Players

Hosting guest artists members of the Fifth House Ensemble at 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. The program includes works by Martinu, Ravel and Mendelssohn. $20; $16 seniors; $8 students. Call (847) 433-0992 or visit www.pilgrimplayers.org.

Presbyterian Homes

Westminster Place campus, Elliott Chapel, 3131 Simpson (Golf) Road, Evanston. (847) 492-2915. Oct. 22, 1:30 p.m.: Robert McConnell, music director of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wilmette, performs a free organ recital of works by J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn and Jean Langlais.

Ravinia Festival

Presenting the “BGH $10 Classics” series in Bennett Gordon Hall, located in the John D. Harza building on the Ravinia Festival grounds, 201 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park. For information or tickets, visit www.ravinia.org or call (847) 266-5100. Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: Tessa Lark, violin. $10. Oct. 27, 8 p.m.: Daria Rabotkina, piano. Program inclues Bach/Busoni: Chaconne from Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor; Schumann: Humoreske in B-flat Major; and Prokofiev: Ten pieces from “Romeo and Juliet.” $10.

Renovo String Orchestra

Presents a concert in conjunction with the Chicago Latino Music Festival at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Program includes works by Galindo, Kreiger and Villa-Lobos. $10-$25. Call (847) 859-9351.

Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra

Opens its 51st season with “The Russian Symphonists” at 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The program includes Brahms’ Violin Concerto with soloist Gallia Kastner, Young Artist Competition winner; and Taneyev’s Symphony #4. Tickets are $30-$41; $27-$32 seniors; $14 students. Free pre-concert lecture at 1:45 p.m. Visit www.svso.org.

POP/FOLK/JAZZ

Bertucci’s Italian Steakhouse

246 Green Bay Road, Highwood. (847) 432-6663. Oct. 19, 8:30 p.m.: GPS Plugged In (music of the ‘60s through today).

Billy Strayhorn Festival

A celebration of the late jazz composer and collaborator takes place at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The screening of “Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life” and panel discussion are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26; $10. The Terell Stafford Quintet performs at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, and with the Music Institute of Chicago jazz studies faculty and special guests at 3 p.m. Oct. 28. Tickets to each concert are $30; $20 seniors; $10 students. A “3PASS” for all three events offers a savings of $10. Call (847) 905-1500, ext. 108.

Bluegrass Legends Concerts

Held at the American Legion Music Hall, 1030 Central St., Evanston. www.chicagobluegrass.com. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $20; $15 for children 16 and under and seniors. Oct. 20: Rounder Recording artist from Nashville — Charlie Sizemore Band with special guest Chicago folk singer Jim Craig.

The Celtic Knot Public House

626 Church St., Evanston. (847) 864-1679. www.celticknotpub.com. No cover unless noted otherwise. Oct. 20, 9:30 p.m.: Chainsaw Dupont. Oct. 21, 5-8 p.m.: Eric Lugosch. Oct. 27, 9:30 p.m.: Baal Tinne. Oct. 31, 9:30 p.m.: Halloween party with music by Mad Bread.

Cubby Bear North

21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire. (847) 541-4700. www.cubbynorth.com. Oct. 19 and 26, 9 p.m.: Chicago Dueling Pianos, no cover. Oct. 20, 10 p.m.: Betty Soul, $6. Oct. 27, 10 p.m.: The Breakfast Club, $6.

Elyssa’s Mission

Friends of Elyssa’s Mission, a suicide prevention organization, hosts EM2012, a concert for local high school students featuring New York DJ Fidel Cashflow, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at at Joy of the Game, 158 S. Waukegan Road, Deerfield. $20 in advance; $30 at the door. No one will be admitted without ticket and high school ID. Call (847) ­347-3107.

Fall band concert

The Glenbrook North Freshman, Symphonic and Symphonic Wind Ensemble Bands perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Center for Performing Arts at Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook. Free. Call (847) 272-6400.

Glenview Concert Band

Performs at 2 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Lakeview Room of the Park Center at the Glen, 2400 Chestnut St., Glenview. $2 admission; attendees encouraged to bring food donations for the Northfield Township Food Pantry. See www.glenviewband.org/wordpress.

Lake County Folk Club

Events are held at 7 p.m. Sundays at In-Laws Restaurant, 720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Concert admission is $12; $10 for Lake County Folk Club members and senior citizens; $5 for teens. No admission charge for Open Stage and Song Circle. Visit www.thelakecountyfolkclub.org. Oct. 21: Concert Stage features multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music-historian Lil ‘Rev. Opening performer Jeff Holland. Oct. 28: Song Circle. Nov. 4: No event planned. Nov. 11: Open Stage, hosted by Scott Engstrom. Nov. 18: Concert Stage features Sons of the Never Wrong. Opening performer Carolyn Meadows. Nov. 25: Song Circle.

The Laughing Chameleon

Located in The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Drive, Glenview. (888) 685-2844. www.thelaughingchameleon.com. Oct. 24, 31, 8 p.m. and Nov. 16-17, 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.: All American Dueling Pianos. $10 online; $12 at the door. Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Howard Shraiberg performs pop, jazz and blues. $10 online $12 at the door.

Mayne Stage

1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. (773) 381-4554. www.maynestage.com. Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: Avant garde flamenco guitarist Mehran Jalili presents a CD release concert for “Subterranea.” $15-$25. Oct. 25, 9 p.m.: Karsh Kale DJ Set. $20-$25. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Leon Russell. $75 reserved seating; $50 standing. Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.: Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Lipstick and Lyrics: What Doesn’t Kill You ... Makes You Stronger.” $25-$75. Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.: Giant Giant Sand (rock). $23. Nov. 9, 8 p.m.: Sons of the Never Wrong with Al Rose (folk). $15-$25. Nov. 16, 8 p.m.: Jamaican Oldies Weekend with Pat Kelly with Green Room Rockers and DJ Chuck Wren. One-day pass $25; two-day pass $40. Nov. 17, 8 p.m.: Jamaican Oldies Weekend with Stranger Cole with The Prizefighters, Soul Radics and DJ Chuck Wren. One-day pass $25; two-day pass $40. Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Bow Wow Wow and Men Without Hats (‘80s new wave). $32. Nov. 21, 8:30 p.m.: The Rezillos with Tutu & the Pirates and Regal Standard, $25.

North Shore Harmonizers

Present “CELEBRATE! 60 Years of Harmony” at 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at Lake Street Church, 607 Lake St., Evanston. The women’s a cappella chorus in the barbershop tradition performs songs from Broadway and pop favorites, with guest artists John Blegen and His Rhythm Kings, a Dixieland combo. $15 in advance; $20 at the door; free for children age 12 and under. Visit www.northshoreharmonizers.org or call (847) 454-7535.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble. In the tradition of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and W.A. Mozart, Davis and his ensemble fuse classical music and jazz while creating a new aesthetic — The Third Stream. Tickets: $35-$55. Nov. 10, 8 p.m., and Nov. 11, 2 p.m.: Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone. Actor, playwright and pianist Hershey Felder portrays George Gershwin, performing the composer’s best-known songs, from “The Man I Love” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” through passages and songs from “An American in Paris” and “Porgy and Bess,” to a complete performance of “Rhapsody in Blue.” $50, $60.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Nov. 13, 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: Jazz Forum XXXVI, featuring film clips of big bands from the ‘40s.

S.P.A.C.E.

1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Shows at 8 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Oct. 19:Abigail Washburn with Prince Florence (Americana/bluegrass). $22/$25. Oct. 21, 7 p.m.: Paul Thorn (Americana). $17-$37. Oct. 23: The English Beat with Paul Collins’ Beat (ska/rock). $38/$40. Oct. 24: Ray Wylie Hubbard (country). $15/$18. Oct. 25:Joe Ely (country). $22-$42. Oct. 26, 7 p.m.: Antje Duvekot (folk). $12/$15. Oct. 26, 9:30 p.m.: Red Wanting Blue (rock). $15/$18. Oct. 27: Singer-songwriter Tyrone Wells. $15-$35. Oct. 28, 7 p.m.: Sam Fazio CD release show (jazz). $15/$20.

Oct. 29, 7 p.m.: John Fullbright and Matthew & the Atlas (Americana/folk). $10/$12. Oct. 30: Milk Carton Kids (folk). $13/$15. Oct. 31: Tim Reynolds TR3 (progressive rock). $17/$20. Nov. 1: Anne Heaton CD release show. $12/$15. Nov. 2, 7 p.m.: Jeffrey Foucault (folk). $12/$15/$22. Nov. 2, 10 p.m.: Charlie Hunter Duo (jazz/funk). $18/$22/$30. Nov. 4: Shawn Mullins (folk rock/alternative). $20/$30/$40. Nov. 5: Lake Street Dive (soul/cabaret). Free. Nov. 6: Noah Gundersen and David Ramirez, $10/$12/$18. Nov. 7, 7 p.m.: Lucy Wainwright Roche and Lindsay Fuller (folk). $12/$15/$22. Nov. 8: Enter The Haggis (rock/world fusion). $15/$18/$27. Nov. 9-10: Slide guitarist Sonny Landreth (blues). $27/$30/$46. Nov. 11, 7 p.m.: Anat Cohen Quartet (jazz). $22/$25. Nov. 12: Bowerbirds (indie/folk). $15/$18. Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Pieta Brown & the Sawdust Collective and Sean Rowe, $12/$15. Nov. 14: Catherine Russell (jazz). $17-$30. Nov. 15: Willy Porter ( folk/blues). $18/$28/$38. Nov. 16: Unknown Hinson (country/rock). $17/$20. Nov. 17, 7 p.m.: Duncan Sheik (pop). $22-$42. Nov. 17, 10 p.m.: Jeffrey Lewis & the Junkyard. $10/$12. Nov. 18: Kris Delmhorst (folk/Americana). $15/$18/$26. Nov. 23: Rickie Lee Jones, $38-$84. Nov. 24: Tommy Castro & the Painkillers (blues/rock). $17/$20. Nov. 25, 7 p.m.: Tuck & Patti (jazz). $20/$30/$40. Nov. 27: Billy Martin & Wil Blades Duo, featuring Billy Martin of Medeski, Martin & Wood (experimental jazz/funk). $15/$18/$25. Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Dan Bern and Robbie Fulks with Jenny Scheinman (rock/country). $20/$24. Nov. 29: Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom featuring Myra Melford, Jenny Scheinman and Todd Sickafoose (jazz). $12/$15. Nov. 30, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Irma Thomas (soul). $25-$65. Dec. 1-2, 7 p.m.: Guitarist Leo Kottke, $30-$62. Dec. 3: The Last Bison (indie/folk). $10/$12. Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.: Judith Owen & Harry Shearer’s Holiday Sing-A-Long. $22/$25. Dec. 6: Melissa Ferrick (folk). $25/$30. Dec. 7: Bonnie Koloc (folk). $20-$40. Dec. 9, 3 p.m.: Christine Lavin and Uncle Bonsai (folk). $15/$18. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.: Raul Midon (Latin). $18/$20. Dec. 10: Foiled Again (jazz/folk). $15/$20. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Adrianne Gonzalez, Maia Sharp, Garrison Starr (pop/rock). $12/$14. Dec. 12: Dave Specter Holiday Blues Party with Tad Robinson. $12/$15. Dec. 21: Delbert McClinton (blues/rock). $40-$85. Dec. 29: Ezra Furman & His Band (pop). $12/$15. Dec. 31, 10 p.m.: Alejandro Escovedo (roots/rock). $65-$95. Jan. 4: Susan Werner (folk). $20-$40. Jan. 5: Otis Clay CD release show (soul). $15-$35. Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Kelly Joe Phelps (blues). $15/$18. Jan. 26: Mountain Heart with Bubbly Creek (bluegrass). $15/$18. Jan. 27, 7 p.m.: Sixpence None The Richer (pop/rock). $22/$25. Feb. 8, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Judy Collins (folk). $40-$85.

Stained Glass Coffeehouse

Featuring live music at the Congregational Church of Deerfield, 225 Wilmot Road. Performances begin at 7 p.m. $15 donation; proceeds benefit local and international charities. Visit www.stainedglasscoffeehouse.com. Oct. 27: Small Potatoes.

Viper Alley

275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. www.viper-alley.com. (866) 463-3401. Shows are for ages 18-plus, unless noted otherwise. Oct. 19, 9:30 p.m.: 7th Heaven (rock). $10-$15. Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m.: The Tubes, $25-$40. Nov. 2, 7 p.m., and Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.: Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell sings classic pop standards. $20-$50. Nov. 12, 7:15 p.m.: Matisyahu performs an all-ages concert (reggae/alternative rock). $30-$50. Nov. 21, 9 p.m.: Saliva. Standing room tickets $15 and $20. Nov. 30, 8 p.m.: American English (Beatles tribute). $10-$25. Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.: Jazz guitarist and songwriter John Pizzarelli. $20-$55. Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.: Chicago natives Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway present “Sibling Revelry,” a cabaret act that includes show tunes, jazz and pop. $20-$50.

ART GALLERIES

Anne Loucks Gallery

309 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-8500. www.loucksgallery.com. Through Nov. 15: Paintings by Bernd Haussmann and James Shay. Nov. 30-Jan. 31: New paintings by Stephen Pentak and Leslie Wu. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Nov. 30.

The Art Center Highland Park

1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 432-1888. www.theartcenterhp.org. Through Nov. 10: “Voices and Visions: Standing on the Bridge between Health and Disease,” the third annual exhibit in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-8215. www.chicagobotanic.org. Admission is free; parking is $20 per car. Through Oct. 20: “Chicago’s Top 12,” an exhibition of small works by members of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Botanical artists from around the world will showcase their artwork with a framed size of 12” x 12” in the Greenhouse Galleries. Through Oct. 21: “Drawn from Nature,” the sixth annual student botanical arts exhibition, including works in watercolor, pen and ink, and pencil. Through Nov. 11: “Botanical Art: Expressions of Natural Beauty,” featuring books and periodicals published from the 1700s to 1900s, in the Lenhardt Library.

Deer Path Art League & Gallery

Located in the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. (847) 234-3743. www.deerpathartleague.org. Through Nov. 2: “Art is ... Eclectic!” The exhibit features sculpture by Pat Armato, photography by Jerry Block, pastels by Wendy Chaney, jewelry by Robin Mueller, oil paintings by Doris Volpe and watercolors by Ken Von Kluck.

Dittmar Memorial Gallery

At Northwestern University’s Norris Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-2348. The gallery is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Through Oct. 28: “Norris University Center 40th Anniversary Exhibit.”

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Through Oct. 30: “Awakening the Extraordinary,” works by photographer Joe Lekas. Nov. 1-Jan. 6: “Living to Create, Creating to Live: Multiple Artists from Arts of Life.”

“Multiple Exposures”

In celebration of Arts Awareness Month, the Village of Wilmette presents a community photography exhibit, “Multiple Exposures,” featuring works by 15 Wilmette photographers, through Oct. 31 at North Shore Community Bank, 1145 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Through Nov. 30: “Journeys,” the library’s 10th annual juried art show, featuring drawings, paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, photography and mixed media.

Perspective Group and Gallery

1310-1/2B Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.perspectivegallery.org. (224) 200-1155. Through Oct. 28: “Street Art: Dublin,” photographs by Marie DeLean, and “Women Through the Decades,” photographs by Laura S. Friedlander.

Re-invent Gallery

202 E. Wisconsin Ave., Lake Forest. www.reinventlf.com. (224) 544-5961. Through Nov. 10: “Coveted & The Others,” works by photographer Kerri Sherman and multi-media artist Camille Iemmolo.

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. Through Nov. 4: Works by Robert Leopold, Delores Rix and Howard Tyner.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

Holding auditions, open to youth age 12 and older and adults, for “Merry Kwanzaa” from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Room 223, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Bring a photo and a prepared monologue or poem. Call (847) 448-8254.

Big Noise Theatre Company

Holding auditions, by appointment, for “Born Yesterday” from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 29 at Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. Auditions will consist of cold reading from script. Bring resume; headshot preferred, but not required. Production dates Jan. 18-Feb. 3 at Prairie Lakes Theater, Des Plaines. For audition appointment, call Peter Rasey, (773) 463-4180.

All-Village Singers

Seeking sopranos, altos, tenors and basses to participate in winter holiday performances. No auditions, but some musical experience is required. Rehearsals held a the North Shore United Methodist Church, 213 Hazel Ave., Glencoe. For more information, call (847) 650-4977.

Ravinia poster design contest

Women’s Board of Ravinia Festival seeks entrants for its annual poster design competition for high school and college students. The winning design will promote the festival’s 2013 season and will be produced and sold at the park as well as online. The winning artist will receive a $1,000 prize, second place will be awarded $500 and third place will receive $250. In addition, an honorarium of $500 will be given to the instructor of the winning student. Entry deadline is Nov. 28. For instructions on submitting an entry, visit www.ravinia.org/poster2013.aspx.

Canzonetta Youth Orchestra

Seeking musicians to audition for the 2012-13 music season. Directed by Hilel Kagan, Canzonetta is a chamber orchestra that offers specialized instruction for children interested in developing their orchestral skills. Training Orchestra, for 7- to 10-year-olds with beginning orchestral experience, meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. The Intermediate Orchestra, for 10- to 13-year-olds with more advanced training, meets from 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays. The Senior Orchestra, for high school students who are advanced musicians, meets from 1-3 p.m. Sundays. All three orchestras rehearse at the Wilmette Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road. There will be at least four concerts throughout the year. To make an audition appointment, call Helia Schramm, (847) 328-0570.

BENEFITS

“The God Box”

New York Times best-selling author Mary Lou Quinlan will perform her one-woman show at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. The live theatre presentation is based on Quinlan’s book of the same name. Tickets include a wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and book signing reception following the show. Proceeds benefit Bcureful, a nonprofit organization supporting research toward a cure for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Visit www.godbox.eventbrite.com.

BOOKS & POETRY

Animal shelter author event

Orphans of the Storm, in partnership with Lake Forest Book Store, will host a book signing and wine and cheese reception featuring the authors of three dog-themed books, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the animal shelter, 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods (Deerfield). Authors attending are veterinarian Barbara Royal, author of The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets; Jennifer Skiff, author of The Divinity of Dogs; and Spencer Quinn, author of Fistful of Collars, the fifth book in the Chet and Bernie Mystery Series. A portion of every purchase will help the animals at Orphans of the Storm. Donation is suggested at the door. RSVP requested to (847) 945-0235.

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court

811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880. www.thebookstall.com. Oct. 23, 7 p.m.: Judy Norris discusses and signs What Went Wrong, the story of her son’s battle with mental illness. Oct. 25, 7 p.m.: Fred Hoxie discusses and signs This Indian Country: American Indian Activists and the Place They Made. Oct. 27, noon-1:30 p.m.: Bill Campbell discusses and signs Koontown Killing Kaper. Oct. 29, 7 p.m.: Simon Winchester discusses and signs Skulls: An Exploration of Alan Dudley’s Curious Collection. Oct. 30, 7 p.m.: Ming Tsai discusses and signs Simply Ming in Your Kitchen: 80 Recipes to Watch, Learn, Cook & Enjoy.

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.: Discussion of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Nov. 7, 7 p.m.: Discussion of Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan. Nov. 14, 1 p.m.: Discussion of To the End of the Land by David Grossman. Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.: Discussion of The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt.

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Nov. 1, 7 p.m.: Book Bites: Reading Social, discusses A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan at The Glenview House, 1843 Glenview Road, Glenview. Nov. 5, 1 p.m.: Discussion of The Space Between Us by Thrity N. Umrigar. Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.: Discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Illinois State Poetry Society

Meets at 1 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. New members welcome. Bring 10-12 copies of two of your poems. Visit www.northbrook.info.

National Novel Writing Month

Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, hosts events in conjunction with the annual international fiction-writing extravaganza that encourages writers to create a novel in 30 days. Aspiring authors from grade 3 to adult are welcome to participate. Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.: Kick-off meeting and sign-up, plus “Ten Things You Need to Know Before You Write a Novel.” Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.: Mid-way party and mentoring by children’s writers Suzanne Slade and Allan Woodrow. Nov. 26, 6 p.m.: “Write-in: Hurry Up and Finish!” Dec. 1, 1 p.m.: “Thank Goodness It’s Over Party!” Events are free; registration recommended. Call (224) 543-1485 or visit http://bit.ly/nano2012.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Nov. 5, 10 a.m.:Discussion of The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka. Nov. 6, 10 a.m.: Poetry discussion, led by literary critic Isabel Soffer. No advance reading required. Nov. 14, 10 a.m.: Discussion of Howard’s End by E. M. Forster. Nov. 29, 10 a.m.: Discussion of The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes.

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 in Brushwood, the historic home at Ryerson Woods, 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. Nov. 14: DIRT: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth by William Bryant Logan.

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m., Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 21, noon-4 p.m., and Oct. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Used book sale, featuring fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and more. Nov. 2, 11:30 a.m.: Luncheon with Jennifer Chiaverini, author of The Giving Quilt. Free for Vernon Area Library cardholders, $10 for non-cardholders. Books are available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Lake Forest Book Store. Registration required. Nov. 8, 10 a.m.: Discussion of In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. Nov. 20, 7 p.m.: Discussion of Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson. Nov. 28, 1 p.m.: Deby Eisenberg discusses and signs her novel, Pictures of the Past.

CHILD’S PLAY

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court

811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880. www.thebookstall.com. Oct. 19, 4:30 p.m.: Matthew Cody discusses and signs Powerless and Super. Oct. 27, 3 p.m.: Halloween Storytime with Robert McDonald.

“Fools Tango”

A selection of short comic puppet plays will be presented by Theatre Zarko at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 11, at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Recommended for children ages 4 and up. $15; $10 children. Call (847) 350-9275 or visit www.theatrezarko.org.

Glen Town Center

At The Glen, Book Market at Hangar One, 2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview, hosting children’s events sponsored by the Glenview Public Library. Registration required at www.theglentowncenter.com. Oct. 21, 2 p.m.: “Scared Silly Stories” with Chris Fascione.

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears”

Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences presents an interactive show at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 20-Nov. 24, at the Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave. $8 in advance; $10 online and at the door. Visit www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2367.

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. Kids Craft Mornings are informal workshops where children learn to construct simple versions of traditional Native American objects. Workshops are included with museum admission. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Saturday workshops are at 11 a.m.; Sunday workshops at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 20-21: Dream catchers. Oct. 27-28: Northwest Coast masks.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Nov. 14, 16 and 18: Chicago Children’s Theatre presents “Harold & the Purple Crayon.” Performances at 10 a.m. and noon Wednesday; 10 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. Friday; and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday. $16.50, $27.50, $37.50 and $42.50.

“Peter Pan! The Musical!”

Presented by Actors Training Center Teen Repertory Company at 10 a.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 and 10 a.m. and noon Nov. 10 at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. $15. Call (847) 251-7424 or visit www.wilmettetheatre.com.

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Nov. 10, 11 a.m.: Arts Power National Touring Company presents “Harry the Dirty Dog.” Nov. 15, 7 p.m.: Margaret Peterson Haddix discusses and signs her new books, Caught and The Always War. For grades 4 and up. Nov. 24, 2 p.m.: Family movie, “Brave,” rated PG.

Wilmette Theatre

1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. Oct. 20, 10 a.m.: The Boogers perform rock ‘n’ roll for kids. $10 in advance. $12 at the door. Dec. 1, 10 a.m.: Lindsay & the Shimmies present a kids’ rock show. $10 in advance; $12 at the door.

Winnetka Community House

620 Lincoln Ave. (847) 446-0537. www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org. Nov. 6, 11 a.m.: “Schoolhouse Rock Live,” with music from the Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series. $5.

Youth Choral Theater of Chicago

Offering vocal training for youth ages 4-18 in Wilmette and Glenview. Call (847) 535-9873 or visit www.youthchoraltheater.org.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Improv Playhouse

Offering free “taste of” classes at The Karger Center, 1850 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, including including stand-up comedy with Zanies veteran Dobie Maxwell on Oct. 23; and free storytelling workshop with Jeremy Schaeffer on Oct. 24. Second session fall adult classes in improvisation, stand-up comedy, storytelling and acting begin Oct. 22-Nov. 2. Call (847) 968-4529 or visit www.improvplayhouse.com.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Nov. 17, 2 p.m.: Mystery author Kathleen Anne Fleming presents a writing workshop with the topic “Point of View.”

Off Campus Writers Workshop

Workshops meet 9:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln, Winnetka, unless noted otherwise. $15 per session. OCWW members ($30 per year) receive session discounts and may have manuscripts critiqued. Visit www.ocww.bizland.com. Oct. 25: Lauryn Allison Lewis, senior managing editor at Curbside Splendor Press, presents “Ins and Outs of Independent Publishing.” Nov. 1: Kat Falls, author of the middle-grade novel, Dark Life, presents “Reads Like a Movie.” Nov. 8: Creativity coach and novelist Brendan Sullivan presents “Blasting Through Creative Blocks.” Nov. 15: Novelist Kyle Beachy presents “Time and Time Again.” Nov. 29: Landscape historian Barbara Geiger presents “Downton Abbey.”

Rock drum workshop

For players of all ages and abilities, 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at the North Shore Unitarian Church, 2100 Half Day Road, Bannockburn. Sponsored by the Village Music Store in Deerfield, the workshop features professional clinicians Alex Zeravica and Tony Dale. Free. For information and registration, call Lana Rae, (847) 945-5321.

Upper Midwest Autoharp Society

Autoharp skills workshop by Rick Fitzgerald, 3-6 p.m. Nov. 10 at Stained Glass Coffee House, 225 Wilmot Road, Deerfield. Open to all skill levels, but geared to beginners and intermediate players. Evening concert follows. $15. Call (847) 945-0176.

COMEDY

Double-Shot Showcase

Stand-up comedy show, 8 p.m. Thursdays at J.J. Java, 911 Foster St., Evanston. $5 suggested donation. Call (773) 991-7379.

The Laughing Chameleon

Located in The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Drive, Glenview. (888) 685-2844. www.thelaughingchameleon.com. General admission show tickets are $10 and up; two-drink minimum per person. Ages 21 and up entertainment venue for evening shows unless show is specified as all ages. Mondays at 8:30 p.m.: Funny Monday Showcase, featuring local talent presenting comedy, music, improvisation, magic and illusion. Oct. 19, 9 p.m., and Oct. 20, 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.: Collin A. Bullock headlines The Best of Stand-Up Comedy Showcase. $10 online; $12 at the door.

DANCE

BallroomChicago dance classes

Held at Lodge Hall, 1799 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. Classes by. For information, call (847) 757-2227 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com. Oct. 22 and 29 and Nov. 5, 12 and 19: Basic swing, 7-8 p.m., $10 per person, per session; intermediate swing, 8-9 p.m., $10 per person, per session.

Center Stage Academy of Dance

186 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park. (847) 830-4002. www.centerstageacademydance.com. Nov. 2, 6-9 p.m.: Center Stage hosts Dance Convention and Meet & Greet with “Dance Moms: Miami” stars Angel Armas and Victor Smalley at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, 933 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook. Wristband distribution and line will begin at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 3-4: Master dance classes for ages 5 and up with the celebrity instructors. Classes include hip-hop, jazz, lyrical and contemporary. Fee is $80 per class. Registration required at www.centerstageacademydance.com/dancemomsmiami/.

Glenview Square Dance Club

Dancings the first and third Fridays of each month, 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, starts at 8 p.m. Call (847) 945-0370 or visit www.glenviewsquares.com.

Shoreline Dance Club

Playing recorded music for easy ballroom dancing at 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 $25. Call (847) 816-7602 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com/shoreline.htm. Oct. 20: Salsa. Nov. 17: Tango.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Highwood Pumpkin Fest

The third annual festival will be Oct. 18-20 in downtown Highwood, offering pumpkin carving, live music, food, children’s activities, trick-or-treating and more. Hours are 3-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. Rain date is 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21. Free admission. Visit www.highwoodpumpkinfest.com or call (847) 432-6000.

Choctoberfest

Including chocolate tasting, a chocolate bake-off, and more, 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at Ten Thousand Villages, 719 Main St., Evanston. Free. Visit www.evanston.tenthousandvillages.com.

Taste of Hemenway

The annual benefit includes music and ethnic food, 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at Hemenway United Methodist Church, 933 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $20; $5 for children under 10; free for children under age 3. Call (847) 326-2600.

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. Oct. 19: Passport to Global Cinema series, “Elena.” Oct. 25: Art on Screen series, “The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye.”

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Nov. 19, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.: “The Kid with a Bike” will be screened at the Woman’s Library Club, 325 Tudor Court. Nov. 28, 1 p.m.: “Fair Game” will be screened and discussed.

Highland Park Public Library

494 Laurel Ave. (847) 432-1573. www.hplibrary.org. Oct. 21, 2 p.m.: “Just Do It: A Tale of Modern-Day Outlaws,” a documentary that follows a group of environmental activists in England. A discussion with William Bogot of the Highland Park Natural Resources Commission follows the showing.

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. Audrey Hepburn film series — Oct. 24: “Robin and Marian” (1976). Oct. 31: “Wait Until Dark” (1967).

Percolator Films

Presents Rashid Ghazi’s documentary, “FORDSON: Faith, Fasting, Football,” at 7:30 p.m Oct. 20 at Lake Street Church, 607 Lake St., Evanston. A post-screening discussion with Ghazi follows. $8. Visit www.percolatorfilms.org.

Turner Classic Movies Series

Film series featuring newly restored titles commemorating Universal Pictures’ 100th anniversary at local theaters including Evanston 18, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston, and Lincolnshire 21, 300 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. Oct. 24, 7 p.m.: Double feature of “Frankenstein” and “The Bride of Frankenstein.” Nov. 15, 7 p.m.: “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Tickets are available at theater box offices and at www.FathomEvents.com.

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Oct. 20, 2 p.m.: Screening of “The Raven,” rated R. Nov. 16, 2 p.m.: Screening of the ballet documentary “First Position.”

LECTURES

Chicago history lecture series

Hosted by Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. Dessert served at 7 p.m. followed by lecture by Myra Loris at 7:30 p.m. Call Sandy Bradbury, (847) 729-9365. Nov. 14: “Urban Phoenix: The Fire and The Fair,” a look at the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the Columbian Exposition of 1893. $15.

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Nov. 7, 1 p.m.: Doris Day will be the subject of the America’s Musical Theater Legends program. Nov. 8, 7 p.m.: Art historian Michelle Mishur will present “My Goodness My Guinness! Art Treasures of London’s Kenwood House.”

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Nov. 7, 7 p.m.: Lyric Opera of Chicago lecture series features “Werther” by Jules Massenet. Nov. 13, 7 p.m.: “Lights Out, Everybody: Mystery & Horror During the Golden Age of Radio,” presented by radio historian Steven Darnall. Nov. 14, 7 p.m.: Lyric Opera of Chicago lecture series features “Don Pasquale” by Gaetano Donizetti.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. (847) 272-6224. www.northbrook.info. Nov. 4, 2 p.m.: Lyric Opera Lecture Series features “Werther” by Massenet. Nov. 18, 2 p.m.: Lyric Opera Lecture Series features “Don Pasquale” by Donizetti.

ORGANIZATIONS

International Brotherhood of Magicians

Ring 43 will meet at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in the South Conference Room at Saint Francis Hospital, 355 Ridge Ave., Evanston, for Mentalism Night. Members will perform mind-reading, predict the future and demonstrate mind control (strictly as entertainment). Guests $5, which can be applied to membership. Contact Robert K. Miller, (847) 272-3850, or visit www.ring43.org.

TOURS & OUTINGS

Evanston History Center

Ninety-minute walking tours begin at 11 a.m. at the Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston, and will take place rain or shine. Admission for each tour is $20; $15 for EHC members. Reservations recommended. Call (847) 475-3410 or e-mail khartzell@evanstonhistorycenter.org. Oct. 20: “Burnham in Evanston,” a tour of the neighborhood where architect Daniel Burnham lived and worked.

ET CETERA

Antiques + Modernism Winnetka Show

Held Oct. 19-21 at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Three-day admission $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Visit www.thewinnetkashow.com.

Local History Fair

Presented 1-4 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. From 1-2 p.m., local history experts will present highlights from their books about Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mundelein and Lake Zurich. From 2-4 p.m., drop in to peruse exhibits featuring the Ela Township Historical Society, Mundelein’s Fort Hill Heritage Museum, Lake County Discovery Museum, Lake County Genealogical Society, Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society, Long Grove Historical Society, and Buffalo Grove’s Raupp Museum. Free. Call (224) 543-1485 or visit http://bit.ly/historyfair.

Wilmette Theatre

1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.: “Sex & the Suburbs” with relationship columnist Marjie Kileen on the topic of “Monogamy Monotony — Heating Up a Long Term Relationship.” $20. Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.: “Sex & the Suburbs” with relationship columnist Marjie Kileen on the topic of “Bridging the Male/Female Divide — How to Get What You Really Want for the Holidays.” $20.

MUSEUMS

Block Museum of Art

At Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-4000. www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. Admission is free; unless noted, admission to all programs is also free. Through Dec. 9: “Shimon Attie: The Neighbor Next Door,” “De-Natured: German Art from Joseph Beuys to Martin Kippenberger, Selections from the James Keith Brown and Eric Diefenbach Collection” and “Joseph Beuys: Sand Drawings.” Oct. 24, 10 a.m.: “Educating the Eye: Drawing through History with Art Institute of Chicago’s Mark Pascale,” $10. To register, email e-fosgren@northwestern.edu. Nov. 7, 5:15 p.m.: “Realism and Abstraction in Gerhard Richter’s Work: The Social History of Postwar German Art,” presented by Paul Jaskot, professor of the history of art and architecture at DePaul University, and Christine Mehring, associate professor of art history at the University of Chicago.

Evanston History Center

Charles Gates Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston. (847) 475-3410. www.evanstonhistorycenter.org. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Admission (includes optional house tour): $10; free for members. Through Jan. 28, 2013: “Bedrooms, Bathrooms and Boudoirs,” a look at the evolution of the home’s most personal of spaces and customs from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. Nov. 8, 7 p.m.: Costume curator and DePaul University professor Janet C. Messmer will discuss the “Bedrooms, Bathrooms and Boudoirs” exhibit, preceded by a wine and appetizer reception at 6:30 p.m. $10.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. (847) 967-4889. www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Admission: $12; $8 for students and senior citizens; $6 for children ages 5-11. Special exhibitions are free with museum admission. Through Jan. 6, 2013: “Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America,” a creation of the International Spy Museum. The exhibit explores how the United States should balance civil liberties and individual rights during times of conflict, crisis and fear. Oct. 18, 7 p.m., and Oct. 21, 1:30 p.m.: Pianist Jeanne Golan performs the complete sonatas of Viktor Ullmann, a noted composer of the 1930s and 1940s who was persecuted, imprisoned and murdered by the Nazis. $18 per performance, $14 for museum members, in advance; $23/$19 at the door. Oct. 28, 1:30 p.m.: “Josephine Baker: Singer, Dancer, Spy,” presented by Jonna Mendez, former CIA Chief of Disguise. Free with museum admission. Nov. 9, 10 a.m.: Program of Remembrance, screening “Names Not Numbers: A Movie in the Making,” produced by the eighth-grade class of Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School. Free; reservations recommended. Nov. 10-11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Annual holiday bazaar. Nov. 11, 1:30 p.m.: “Honoring Rescuers, Remembering Kristallnacht.” Featured speakers will focus on Greek Jewry, and the program concludes with remarks from November Pogrom survivor Ernest Fruehauf, who will recall the horrors of 1938. Free; reservations required. Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m.: “Civil Rights in Perilous Times.” Alison Cuddy, WBEZ’s arts and culture reporter, discusses past and current civil rights challenges with Geoffrey Stone of the University of Chicago Law School. Free with museum admission; reservations recommended.

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 Jan. 6, 2013: “Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art.” Through Aug. 25, 2013: “The War of 1812: Fighting for Their Homeland.” Through maps, timelines, document reproductions, and graphics, the exhibit will provide an overview of the causes and significant events of the War of 1812, including Chicago’s Battle of Fort Dearborn. Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m.: Elise Paschen, descendant of an Osage Indian chief, will read from her recent work, Bestiary. $12; $10 for museum members, in addition to regular museum admission.

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