Arts and entertainment calendar for Feb. 2

• Reprints

Updated: January 31, 2012 9:48PM

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. 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 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 Cherry Orchard,” by Anton Chekhov, will be presented by Piccolo Theatre March 9-May 5 at the Evanston Arts Depot, 600 Main St., Evanston. Curtain at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25; $22 seniors; $15 students; $12.50 for previews, March 9-11. Call (847) 424-0089 or visit www.piccolotheatre.com.

“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.

“Home/Land,” presented by Albany Park Theater Project through March 10 in the Laura Wiley Theater at Eugene Field Park, 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave., Chicago. Children under 12 will not be admitted. Tickets: $6-$22. Advance purchase recommended. Visit www.aptpchicago.org or call (800) 838-3006.

“Hunger,” Feb. 3-March 25 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. During the 900-day Nazi siege of Leningrad, a Russian botanist is charged with protecting a cache of valuable seeds for future generations. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $32 and $35; $27 seniors; $20 students. Call (773) 761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.

“The Light in the Piazza” will be presented by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre March 12-April 29 at the No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood, Chicago. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 7 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $29-$34, with discounts available for groups, students and seniors. Optional dinner available, with three courses for $20 excluding beverages, taxes and tip. Call (800) 595-4849 or visit www.theo-u.org.

“Mark Twain: Patriot, Teacher, Philosopher” will be presented by the Saint Sebastian Players Feb. 17–March 11 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, Chicago. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $15; $10 students; $7 senior citizens. Group rates available. “Theater Thursday” performance, which includes refreshments and conversation with production team members, takes place Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.; cost is $20. For information, call (773) 404-7922 or visit www.saintsebastianplayers.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.

“You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” presented by the James Downing Theatre Feb. 18-March 4 at the John Waldron Arts Center, housed at Edison Park United Methodist Church, 6740 N. Oliphant Ave., Chicago. Performances are at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $20; $15 for students and seniors. Call (224) 725-3696 or visit http://jamesdowningtheatre.typepad.com.

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.

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 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 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.

Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Russell Vinick, performs at Northside College Prep High School, 5501 N. Kedzie, Chicago. Tickets are $18; $12 seniors and students. Call (312) 409-5670 or visit www.lsso.org. April 1, 3:30 p.m.: “Italian Gala,” with guest soloist violinist Henry Criz. The program includes Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 “Italian”; Bach: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor; Wieniawski: Scherzo-Tarantelle; and Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.

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. March 21, 6:30 p.m.: Chicago Chamber Musicians presents its Classical Conversations series featuring music by Francis Poulenc, Leonard Bernstein, Mikhail Glinka and Roberto Sierra. $20; $10 students.

The Met: Live in HD, the Metropolitan Opera’s series of live performance transmissions into movie theaters, including Niles 12, 301 Golf Mill Center, Niles; and Randhurst Village 12, 200 Randhurst Village Drive, Mount Prospect. 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.”

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.

Northeastern Illinois University, Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago. (773) 442-4636. Feb. 17, 8 p.m.: Classical guitarist David Russell. $25; $15 senior citizens; $10 students.

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.

Park Ridge Civic Orchestra presents concerts at the Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect, Park Ridge. Tickets are $25; $20 for students and senior citizens. Visit www.parkridgecivicorchestra.org or call (847) 692-PRCO or (847) 823-8861. Feb. 12, 2:30 p.m.: “Valentine Romance,” with Victor Muenzer, conductor. The program includes Bernstein: “A Suite from West Side Story”; Golden: “Eine Kleine Klezmer Music”; and Prokofiev: “Romeo and Juliet.”

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.

Pop/folk/jazz

Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000; the ticket prices listed below do not include service fees. The information line is (847) 635-6601. March 9, 7:30 p.m.: Lady Antebellum — Own the Night 2012 World Tour, with Darius Rucker and special guest Thompson Square. $29.50, $45, $59.50. April 1, 7:30 p.m.: Van Halen. $49.50, $79.50, $149.50. May 4: Rammstein — Made in Germany 1995-2011 Tour. May 28, 7:30 p.m.: Red Hot Chili Peppers — I’m With You World Tour. $39.50 and $59.50. May 30, 6 p.m.: Nickelback with special guests Bush, Seether and My Darkest Days. $51.50, $65, $87.50, $96.50.

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. Feb. 18: Bill Staines.

InterContinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. (847) 544-5300. Friday Nights Live, featuring music from 8:30 p.m.-midnight in the Montrose Room, $5. Ticket prices for other shows vary. For information, visit www.montroseroom.com. Feb. 11: Jim Peterik’s Lifeforce (smooth jazz). $20 general admission; $30 VIP. Feb. 18: Wayne and Marty from the Freddy Jones Band. $18 general admission; $25 VIP. Feb. 25: Lucky Boys Confusion (rock, punk, ska and hip-hop). $12. March 3: Coco Montoya (blues guitar). $10 general admission; $15 VIP. March 9: Local H. $15. March 10: Ides of March. $20 general admission; $30 VIP. March 14: Buckwheat Zydeco. $18 general admission; $25 VIP.

Lincolnwood Public Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Feb. 19, 2 p.m.: Live @ Lincolnwood presents the Lenny Marsh Trio.

Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. (773) 381-4554. www.maynestage.com. Feb. 4, 9 p.m.: Alfonso Ponticelli’s Gypsy Flamenco Project (swing, jazz and more). $15 general admission; $20 reserved. Feb. 8 and 23, 9 p.m., and Feb. 17, 10 p.m.: Singer/songwriter Mercedes. Free. Feb. 12, 7 p.m.: Kevin Moore presents “Broadway Score by Score — The Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber.” $20 general admission; $25 reserved. Feb. 18, 9 p.m.: Brazilian Carnaval, with music by Swing Brasileiro. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Feb. 28, 9 p.m.: Singer/songwriter Trevor Reusch. Free. March 2-3, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., and March 4, 7 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. April 4, 8 p.m: Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour. $25 general admission; $40 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.

Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000; the ticket prices listed below do not include service fees. For more information about the theater, call (847) 671-5100 or visit www.rosemonttheatre.com. Feb. 4, 7 p.m.: ELVIS LIVES, featuring four finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’ annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Bill Cherry, Ben Klein, Kevin Mills and Victor Trevino Jr. will each represent Elvis during different stages in his career. The Elvis tribute artists will be joined by a live band, back-up singers, dancers, and an Ann-Margret tribute artist, as well as iconic imagery made available from the Graceland archives. Tickets: $24.50-$49.50. Feb. 24: Big Time Rush — “Better With U Tour.” March 30-31, 8 p.m.: Celtic Woman. $32-$72.

Sing to Live Community Chorus presents “Sing for the Cure” at 8 p.m. March 3 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 students and seniors; free for breast cancer survivors. Visit www.singtolive.org.

S.P.A.C.E., 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Shows at 8 p.m., unless noted otherwise. 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. Feb. 29: The Giving Tree Band, $10-$18. 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 18: Fillisko & Noden with Tab Robinson Trio, $12-$22. March 20: Milk Carton Kids (folk). $12/$15. March 22, 7 p.m.: Mike Doughty, $22-$42. 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 29: Anna Fermin with Hawley, $12-$22. 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 6: The English Beat, $38-$68. April 12: Pure Prairie League, $32-$48. April 15, 7 p.m.: Darrell Scott (bluegrass). $18/$22. April 17: Joe Firstman and Ernie Halter, $12-$22. April 19: Lurrie Bell Full Band CD release party, $12-$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 24: Johnny Winter, $30-$58. 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. April 29, 7 p.m.: Kim Richey with Joel Henderson, $15-$27.

“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.

Art galleries

Oakton Community College, Koehnline Museum of Art, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. (847) 635-2633. www.oakton.edu/museum. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Through March 23: “Two Plus Two = Jackson, Owens, Williams and Wheatley.” The exhibit features works by Preston Jackson, professor of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago; Joyce Owens, curator of the Galleries Program at Chicago State University; Bernard Williams, a former instructor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; and Rhonda Wheatley.

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.

Simply Chicago Art presents a reception for “Places to Go, People to See,” featuring woodcuts, paintings and etchings by Joseph Taylor, from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 10 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 9599 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Visit www.SimplyChicagoArt.com.

Benefits

“Heroic Music for Brass, Organ, and Percussion,” a concert to benefit Evanston’s Bach Week Festival, will be presented at 4 p.m. Feb. 26 at Winnetka Congregational Church, 725 Pine St., Winnetka. The program includes works from the Renaissance and Baroque eras to the 20th century. Tickets: $25. Visit www.bachweek.org or call (800) 595-4849.

Books & poetry

Barnes & Noble, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 676-2230. Feb. 5, 2 p.m.: William Landay discusses and signs Defending Jacob. “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).

Love Is Murder 13, a mystery and romance conference for authors, readers and fans, will be held Feb. 3-5 at the Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare Hotel, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. The event includes author panels, workshops, pitch sessions with agents and editors, and entertainment. Also, a pre-conference book signing will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 2, featuring authors David Morrell, Donald Bain, Juli James, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Julie Hyzy. For more information or to register, visit www.loveismurder.net.

Child’s play

Jewish United Fund presents a tot concert featuring Jewish rock musician Rick Recht from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 5 at Solomon Schechter Day School, 3210 Dundee Road, Northbrook. $18 per family in advance; $25 at the door, space permitting. Register online at www.juf.org/pjgreen or by calling (312) 357-4831.

Lincolnwood Public Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Feb. 6, 3:30 p.m.: Screening of “Kung Fu Panda 2.” Feb. 13, 3:30 p.m.: Screening of “Prom.”

Music Institute of Chicago, Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500. www.musicinst.org. March 17: Family Day of Music. Events include an open house with an instrument petting zoo, refreshments, early childhood music demonstrations, student performances, and more at 9 a.m.; a family concert by Rami Vamos at 10 a.m., $10 per family; Skokie Montessori recorder group performance at 1 p.m.; and performances by The Joseph Sears School Band and Quintet Attacca at 3 p.m., and Evanston Escola de Samba at 3 p.m.

Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6405. www.nileslibrary.org. Feb. 25, 2 p.m.: Family Big-Screen Movie Series features “Kung Fu Panda 2.”

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.

Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000 ; the ticket prices listed below do not include service fees. For more information about the theater, call (847) 671-5100 or visit www.rosemonttheatre.com. March 4, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.: The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon’s preschool music group and stars of the television series of the same name. Tickets: $22, $27, $32. Fresh Beat Band Party packages, which include a meet and greet with the band, also available.

“The Wizard of Oz” will be presented by Christian Youth Theater Feb. 10-19 at Prairie Lake Theater, 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines. Tickets are $9-$12 in advance; $11-$14 at the door. Call (847) 516-2298 or visit www.cytchicago.org.

Comedy

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. www.northshorecenter.org. (847) 673-6300. Feb. 25, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.: Lily Tomlin. $42-$76.

Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000; the ticket prices listed below do not include service fees. Feb. 18, 8 p.m.: “Defending the Caveman.” $41.55-$72.30. March 3, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Jerry Seinfeld. $45-$75. March 10: Gabriel Iglesias Stand-Up Revolution Tour, presented by Comedy Central. Starbucks,

4116 Dempster St., Skokie. (847) 674-5834. Feb. 11, 7-8:30 p.m.: Pre-Valentine’s Day comedy performance by Debbie Sue Goodman, author of My Husband the Stranger, Still Single and Still Dating. No cover.

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.

Happy Twirlers Dance Club provides round and square dancing at 7:30 p.m. the second Saturday of the month, through May 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thacker and Lee streets, Des Plaines. $6 per person. For information, call (773) 685-8407. Happy Twirlers Square Dancing Club

offers square dancing lessons from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 6 and 13 at the Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit, downtown Park Ridge. First lesson free. Call (773) 685-8407.

Leikarringen Heimhug Norwegian Folk Dancers meet weekly, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Norwood Crossing, 6016 N. Nina, Chicago. New members, age 16 and older, welcome. No dance experience needed, just interest in Scandinavian folk dance. For more information, call (847) 692-6616 or e-mail karlp57@aol.com; or (847) 823-7596 or kronmo815@gmail.com.

Line dancing for all ages is held from 7-10 p.m. every Tuesday at the White Eagle Banquet Hall, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Beginner lessons are at 7:30 p.m. and new dance or review at 8 p.m. Admission: $7; $5 for ages 17 and under. For information, call (847) 965-6353 or e-mail at somedaydd@att.net.

Film

Lincolnwood Public Library, 4000 W. Pratt Ave. (847) 677-5277. www.lincolnwoodlibrary.org. Feb. 3, 1 p.m.: “Kill the Irishman.” Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m.: “The Debt.” Feb. 9, 1 p.m.: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Feb. 10, 1 p.m.: “The Trip.” Feb. 16, 10:30 a.m.: “Higher Ground.” Feb. 16, 1 p.m.: “Rebecca.” Feb. 17, 1 p.m.: “Beginners.”

Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6405. www.nileslibrary.org. Feb. 4, 2 p.m.: Screening of “Midnight in Paris.” Feb. 7, 2 p.m.: Oscar-Winning Musicals Film Series features “Victor/Victoria.” Feb. 13, 7 p.m.: “The Year in Movies,” a recap of 2011’s films and an Oscar preview. Feb. 21, 2 p.m.: Oscar-Winning Musicals Film Series features “Chicago.” Feb. 26, 7-11 p.m.: Oscar Night Party, featuring the Oscars telecast on the big screen. Registration required.

Northwest Chicago Film Society presents the Classic Film Series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, unless otherwise noted, at the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Admission is $5. For information, visit www.northwestchicagofilmsociety.org. Feb. 8: “The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes” (1970). Feb. 15: “Back Street” (1932). Feb. 22: “Too Late Blues” (1961). Feb. 29: “Twentieth Century” (1934). March 7: “Give Us This Day” (1949). March 14: “Centennial Summer” (1946). March 21, 7 p.m.: “Reds” (1981). March 28: “Man of the West” (1958). April 4: “Liebelei” (1933). April 7, 7 p.m.: Special Saturday presentation of “The Ten Commandments” (1956). April 11: “Angel” (1937). April 15, 7:30 p.m.: Special Sunday presentation commemorating the Titanic centennial — “A Night to Remember” (1958).

Lectures

Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6405. www.nileslibrary.org. Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m.: Lyric Opera lecture, “Show Boat.” Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.: Lyric Opera lecture, “Rinaldo.”

Organizations

International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 43 will meet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in the South Conference Room at Saint Francis Hospital, 355 Ridge Ave., Evanston. The club welcomes prospective members who are interested in magic, as well as magicians of all skill levels. Guests $5, which can be applied to membership. Contact Robert K. Miller at (847) 272-3850 or miracles@magicmiller.com, or visit www.ring43.org.

Singles

ComboSingles, open to singles 21-plus. For information about the group and upcoming events, call (847) 757-1299 or (847) 331-1066, or visit www.combosingles.org. Feb. 5, 4 p.m.: Super Bowl part at in the bar/lounge at Brunswick Zone, 824 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect, $25. Bowling league at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26, March 25, April 22 and May 20 at Brunswick Zone, 824 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect. $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers, for bowling and shoes.

Workshops & classes

Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6405. www.nileslibrary.org. Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Songwriters’ Group meets. All songwriters are invited to bring new or nearly new songs to play live and get feedback from others in the group.

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. 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. 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.

Skokie Art Guild offers figure drawing workshops from 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood, Skokie. Live models; no instructor. Fee per session is $20; $12 for members. For information, call Steve Gal, (847) 673-4450, or visit www.skokieartguild.org.

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.

Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000; the ticket prices listed below do not include service fees. The information line is (847) 635-6601. March 11, 5 p.m.: Stars on Ice, featuring Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen, Canadian National Champion Kurt Browning, U.S. National Champion Todd Eldredge and other skaters. Tickets: $25-$150. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts,

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Feb. 4, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.: Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats. $20-$38.

“Jews in Pop Culture” is the theme for Synaplex, a day of activities for all ages presented from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 4 at Am Yisrael Conservative Congregation, 4 Happ Road, Northfield. Offerings include a talk by Jonathan Hoenig, author of Greed is Good: The Capitalist Pig Guide to Investing, a session in dance, yoga and liturgy, children’s entertainment by ventriloquist Chris McBrien, film historian Ray Cohen presenting the documentary “Jews in Baseball: An American Love Story,” and a talk by Michael Lorge, founder of the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival. Admission is free, but registration is requested. Visit www.AmYisrael.org or call (847) 446-7215.

Museums

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. Feb. 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Screening of the documentary “The World Was Ours,” which celebrates Jewish life in Vilna, Lithuania, prior to World War II. A question-and-answer session with filmmaker and native of Vilna Mira Jedwabnik Van Doren follows the screening. Free with museum admission. Reservations required. Feb. 19-June 17: “Ours To Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War.” Curator Talk with Lou Levine will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Free with museum admission. Reservations required.