DuPage, Will and Cook to offer concerts, art, theater, garden programs

FEB. 20

ELMHURST COLLEGE JAZZ FESTIVAL: Through Feb. 23, campus at 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Among the guest artists will be The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Scotty Barnhart. Information: www.elmhurst.edu/about/special-events/jazz-festival.

"ALABASTER" AT 16TH STREET THEATER: Now to March 1, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. The rolling world premiere of the play by Audrey Cefaly is directed by Artistic Director Ann Filmer. It's a darkly comic Southern drama about love, art and the power of women. After a tornado barrels through North Alabama leaving nothing but death and destruction, only June and her wisecracking pet goat Weezy live to tell the tale. When Alice, a prominent photographer, arrives to take pictures of June's scars, all are tipped to the breaking point in the beautiful story of life after death. It plays various Thursdays through Sundays. Cost: $22 to $30. Information: www.16thstreettheater.org, 708-795-6704.

FIRST FOLIO THEATRE OFFERS "JEEVES SAVES THE DAY": Now through March 1, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., off Route 83, Oak Brook. Reprising their roles will be Christian Gray as Bertie Wooster and Jim McCance as Jeeves, the quick-thinking butler who must devise another close escape for his employer, Bertie, again caught in an unintended romantic snare. Cost: $34 for Wednesdays and Thursdays ($29 for seniors and students), and $44 for Fridays through Sundays ($39 for seniors and students). Information: 630-986-8067, www.firstfolio.org.

BUFFALO THEATRE ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM "THE CAKE": 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through March 1, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Faith, family and food impact one another in the discovery that love is the key ingredient to any recipe, in the timely play "The Cake" from a writer of NBC’s hit “This Is Us.” Cost: $40 and $42. Information: atthemac.org, 630-942-4000.

ENCHANTED RAILROAD: Through Feb. 23, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Children and families can experience trees and trains as they enjoy the intricate model railroad. It's open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost: Included with admission. Information: mortonarb.org, 630-968-0074.

ART SHOWS: Through Feb. 22, Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St. The Andrei Rabodzeenko exhibit is titled "Energy, Frequency and Vibration – Life-trembling line." The Freeark Gallery presents a two-person exhibition by Diana Gabriel and Azadeh Gholizadeh, who hail from Bogota, Colombia, and Tehran, Iran. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: 708-442-6400, riversideartscenter.com.

CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATRE CHICAGO'S DUPAGE CHAPTER PRESENTS "NEWSIES": Now through Feb. 23, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Eighty young people stage the Disney musical. Cost: $13 to $17. Information: cytchicago.org.

FEB. 21

WHEATON COLLEGE ARTIST SERIES PRESENTING MORTEN LAURIDSEN'S "LUX AETERNA": 7:30 p.m., Edman Chapel on the Wheaton College campus, 501 College Ave., Wheaton. It features Grammy-winning conductor Jerry Blackstone, the Wheaton College choirs, organist Nicole Simental, Gaudete Brass and guest composer Lauridsen. Information: www.wheaton.edu/life-at-wheaton/arts/artist-series/performances/morten-lauridsens-lux-aeterna, 630-752-5010.

JIM ANDREWS PERFORMING: 8 p.m., Pub 78, 3733 Grand Blvd., Brookfield. Cost: Free. Information: shawurl.com/3cgb, 708-255-5542.

BLUEGRASS BY HENHOUSE PROWLERS WITH SPECIAL GUEST MILES OVER MOUNTAINS: 9:30 p.m., BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. Information: www.brauerhouse.com.

CURTIS & LORETTA: 8:15 p.m., Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Husband-and-wife duo Curtis Teague and Loretta Simonet dazzle audiences with their harmonies and musicianship. They were named “best acoustic Twin Cities artists.” On Feb. 27 will be the Last Thursday unplugged open mike for high school and college age students; music, poetry and other performance arts are welcome and doors open at 7 p.m. for sign-ups. Cost: $10 for Curtis & Loretta. Information: twowaystreet.org, 630-969-9720.

"ANNIE" MUSICAL PRESENTED BY GUARDIAN ANGEL PLAYERS: 7 p.m. Feb. 21, 22, 28 and 29 and 2 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 1, Holy Guardian Angels Parish Center at St. Louise School, 1125 Harrison Ave., La Grange Park. The troupe was formerly the St. Louise Players, a parish-based community theater group. Each performance will include a raffle to benefit the Gift of Adoption Fund. Cost: $5 to $13. Information: shawurl.com/3cex.

COMEDIAN MANNY ACOSTA: 8 and 10:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22, CG's Comedy Club at The Promenade Bolingbrook, 619 E. Boughton Road. Information: cgscomedyclub.com, 630-410-8906.

FOTOMUSES EXHIBIT AT EAG GALLERY: Through Feb. 28, Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. The Elmhurst Artists’ Guild will host an exhibit by the fotoMuses, a group of 15 women photographers from the Chicago area. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Information: elmhurstartistsguild.org, 630-279-1009.

"EXPRESSIONS – ART & VERSE" EXHIBIT: Until March 14, Addison Center for the Arts, 213 N. Lombard Road, off door 4. It's a collaborative visual art exhibit and ekphrastic poetry event between the Artists’ Association of Elk Grove Village and the Illinois State Poetry Society. Cost: Free. Information: addisoncenterforthearts.org, shawurl.com/3cd7, 630-458-4500.

FEB. 22

AMERICAN ENGLISH BRINGING ITS BEATLES TRIBUTE PART OF LINEUP: 9 p.m., The WC Social Club, 920 Roosevelt Road, West Chicago. Among upcoming shows will be Wedding Banned at 9 p.m. March 20; actress and pop singer Meg Donnelly in concert at 6:30 p.m. April 10; and metal and rap band Attila at 6:30 p.m. April 15. Cost: Usually $10 to $25 for general admission. Information: www.thewcsocialclub.com, thewcsocialclub@gmail.com.

TURKISH COOKING CLASS: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., TAS Wheaton Cultural Center, 1415 Hill Ave. "The program will include cooking together and, of course, at the end, we will enjoy the wonderful dishes we have made." Cost: $10. Information: Reservations at info@taswheaton.org.

"PROJECT 2-3-1 – STORY OF ELGIN'S AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE": 2 p.m., Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St. The 75-minute documentary from Grindstone Productions begins with Civil War “contrabands” who were the first African Americans in Elgin, and continues to the present day. Representatives of the Elgin Historical Society will answer questions. Cost: $5. Information: glenellynhistory.org, 630-469-1867.

FRENCH JEWELRY LECTURE AMONG LIZZADRO MUSEUM PROGRAMS: 2 p.m., Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook. "French Art Nouveau Jewelry: Nature Re-Imagined - circa 1895-1914" will be presented by Dorothy Mikuska. The style of art in France significantly changed with the opening of trade with Japan through the efforts of a Parisian art dealer. Information: 630-833-1616, dasher@lizzadromuseum.org, www.lizzadromuseum.org.

TOUR OF ELMHURST COLLEGE’S CHICAGO IMAGIST COLLECTION WITH SUELLEN ROCCA: 1:30 p.m., Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. The museum currently displays a broad survey exhibition showcasing the works of the late artist-curator Sandra Jorgensen, plus "Could Be Architecture – McCormick AfterParti." The collaborative duo of Joseph Altshuler of Chicago and Zack Morrison of Elmhurst designs “seriously playful spaces, things and happenings that celebrate what your world could be.” The shows run through April 12. Information: www.elmhurstartmuseum, 630-834-0202.

"WINTER SURVIVAL SKILLS": 10 a.m. to noon, Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville. A naturalist will cover essential survival gear, survival priorities and how to maintain a good mindset. Learn several crucial survival skills such as fire starting, making a life-saving shelter, finding drinking water and signaling for a rescue. The program includes hiking less than 1 mile on preserve trails over uneven terrain. Cost: Free and open to people age 18 or older. Information: Register by Feb. 20 at ReconnectWithNature.org or 815-886-1467; check for details on “Family Fun Hike at O’Hara Woods” from 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 29, at O’Hara Woods, meeting at the Romeoville Recreation Center’s tennis courts via Arsenal Road, geared toward 6- to 12-year-olds.

ZOO LIBATIONS: 4 to 8 p.m., Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Winter Wine and Whiskey Fest will feature more than 30 seasonal wines and whiskeys accompanied by complimentary small bites. It's open to people ages 21 and older. Live entertainment will be provided by the band Spoken Four, and there will be opportunities for up-close experiences with several of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. Both ticket options include zoo admission and parking from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. Cost: $95 or $45 for designated driver. Information: CZS.org/WinterWineandWhiskey.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AND SNOWSHOE RENTALS: Daily in snowy conditions, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. After 4 or more inches of snow, people can embrace the season and trek through 1,700 acres of The Morton Arboretum’s winter wonderland. Information: mortonarb.org; call first to confirm availability at 630-968-0074.

FEB. 23

THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES FOR KIDS: Noon, Fitz's Spare Keys, 119 N. York St., Elmhurst. It's an afternoon of dancing, sing-alongs, hula-hooping and more – all to the music of The Beatles. Cost: $15, or $30 for two children and two adults. Information: www.fitzssparekeys.com/events.

NOTRE DAME – AFTER THE FIRE: 2 p.m., Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive. Join art historian Jeff Mishur for an in-depth look at the history of Notre Dame in Paris. Registration is required. Information: woodridgelibrary.org.

INDIGO ENSEMBLE: 3 p.m., Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. The acclaimed artists of the Indigo Ensemble will be presented by the Music at Bethel concert series. They include Music at Bethel's artistic director and pianist Jeffrey Panko, violinist Jennifer Leckie, violist Uli Widmaier and cellist Anna Walker, playing piano quartets of Mozart, Mahler and Fauré. "For me there is no greater satisfaction as a musician than working with wonderful friends and colleagues making harmonious music," Panko said. "The piano quartets showcased by the Indigo Ensemble are truly diverse, from the sublime elegance and joy of the Mozart to the tumultuous, one-movement Mahler work featured in the 2010 Martin Scorsese film 'Shutter Island.'" A wine and cheese reception will follow. Cost: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $5 for students, with family pass at $45 for two adults and up to five children. Information: Tickets at www.musicatbethel.com, 630-279-4040 or at the door.

FEB. 24

EL GRECO AND THE SPANISH RENAISSANCE: 7 p.m., Thomas Ford Memorial Library, 800 Chestnut St., Western Springs. Popularly known as El Greco, Doménikos Theotokópoulos (1541-1614) established a reputation as one of Spain's most important artists during the Renaissance. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Information: fordlibrary.librarymarket.com, 708-246-0520.

AFTER HOURS FILM SOCIETY PRESENTING "19TH ANNUAL ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS": 7:30 p.m., Classic Cinemas' Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Information: afterhoursfilmsociety.com, 630-534-4528.

LOMBARD GARDEN CLUB: 1 p.m. Feb. 28, with Feb. 24 registration deadline, Lombard Commons, St. Charles Road and Grace Street. The club welcomes The Wild Ones of DuPage County to discuss why native plants should be part of every garden. Guests are welcome. Information: 630-620-8938.

FEB. 25

FREE DAYTIME CONCERT BY SENIOR SUBURBAN ORCHESTRA: 2 p.m., St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5739 Dunham Road, Downers Grove. Cost: Free. Information: seniorsuburbanorchestra.org.

JAZZ COMMUNITY BIG BAND: 7 p.m., Fitz’s Spare Keys, 119 N. York St., Elmhurst. Reservations are suggested. Cost: Free. Information: jazzcommunitybigband.com; 630-379-5007.

"SUCCESS WITH SOIL" PROGRAM BY GARDEN CLUB OF VILLA PARK: About 7 p.m., Villa Park Public Library, 305 S. Ardmore Ave. Reservations are requested. Cost: Free. Information: www.vppl.info, 630-834-1164.

WEEKLY BINGO AT AMERICAN LEGION POST 80: 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Alexander Bradley Burns Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove. Doors open at 4 p.m. There will be a variety of games and progressive jackpots, with food and refreshments available. Cost: Free admission. Information: 630-968-9710, www.post80.org.

FEB. 26

GLOBAL FLICKS FILM FESTIVAL CONTINUES WITH "TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT": 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., McAninch Arts Center's Playhouse Theatre at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Screenings continue Wednesdays through March 11. Films are shown in their original language with English subtitles, and each screening concludes with a moderated discussion. Next up will be “Virunga” (Congo) on March 4 in the Belushi Performance Hall; and “Shoplifters” (Japan) on March 11 in the Playhouse Theatre. Cost: Free. Information: 630-942-4000.

WATER EXERCISE TECHNIQUES: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays now through March 11, Riverside Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside. The community, adult-level class is designed to elevate heart rate and muscular strength, utilizing water as resistance, with no swimming involved. Information: www.rbhs208.net, and click on community, swimming pool, WET class; or email Noelle Bajohr at bajohrn@rbhs208.net.

FEB. 27

H FOUNDATION COMEDY FOR CANCER: Doors open at 6 p.m., Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Comedians are Jeanie Doogan, Mike Toomey and headliner Pat Tomasulo; master of ceremonies is WGN's Andrea Darlas. Cost: $75. Information: www.hfoundation.org, 708-352-5240.

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE THEATRE DEPARTMENT PRESENTING "SCENES FROM AN EXECUTION": Feb. 27 to March 15, McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Galactia, a Renaissance-era artist, is commissioned to create a heroic painting memorializing "The Battle of Lepanto," a famous naval victory. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $14 to $16. Information: atthemac.org, 630-942-4000.

FEB. 28

BRIAR ROAD: 8:15 p.m., Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Briar Road is comprised of Dan Zahn on guitar, Kate Moretti on banjo, uke and guitar, Louise Brodie on violin, and Al Fyfe on bass. They are known for spontaneous humor, strong vocals and unique instrumental arrangements. Next up on Feb. 27 will be the Last Thursday unplugged open mike for high school and college age students; music, poetry and other performance arts are welcome and doors open at 7 p.m. for sign-ups. Two Way hosts frequent sing-arounds, country/western sing-arounds and song circles, plus old-time barn dances and other special events. Cost: $10 for Briar Road. Information: twowaystreet.org, 630-969-9720.

FEB. 29

VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY CHORALE: 7 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 493 Forest Ave., Glen Ellyn. The 48-voice chorale will sing a variety of music featuring American and European composers. Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and free for students younger than age 18. Cost: $15, $10 for seniors and students. Information: shawurl.com/3cga.

THE CAPITOL STEPS: 4 and 8 p.m., McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The troupe will bring its political parody with comic songs and original sketches. Cost: $42 to $49. Information: atthemac.org, 630- 942-4000.

MARCH 1

LEGION AUXILIARY'S PANCAKE BREAKFAST: 8 to 11 a.m., Lockport American Legion, 151st and Archer Avenue, Lockport. The post serves Lemont, Bolingbrook, Romeoville and beyond. The menu offers all-you-can-eat pancakes, bacon, sausage, potatoes, scrambled eggs and homemade biscuits and gravy. Cost: $8 for adults, free for age 5 and younger. Proceeds will help local area veterans.

MARCH 7

NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTES: 7 to 9 p.m. every first Saturday in 2020, Chef Shangri-La, 7930 W. 26th St., North Riverside. Singer Steve Richards will perform his Neil Diamond tribute concert at Chef Shangri-La, a restaurant and lounge featuring Asian fusion cuisine. He has portrayed Diamond in concert for more than 20 years around the world. Richards also is known for his heartfelt salutes to singers such as Garth Brooks, Billy Joel and Elton John. Cost: Free admission. Information: www.chefshangri-la.com, 708-442-7080.

BIRD WALKS: 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Search the woods, fields and edges of the Arboretum for birds. Learn about migrants and year-round resident birds with an expert guide. Cost: $14. Information: Register at mortonarb.org or 630-719-2468.

MARCH 10

THE NEXT FULL MOON TROLL HIKE FOR ADULTS: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. It's a special opportunity to see the trolls – mysterious forest protectors – under the light of a full moon along the west side trails. A guide will share stories about the trolls’ origins, their message of conservation, full moon lore, and what the trees and wildlife are up to during the long dark nights. Cost: $20. Information: Register at 630-719-2468 or mortonarb.org.

MARCH 14

AAUW USED BOOK COLLECTION: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 14 and May 9, Eagle Storage, 555 Rogers St., Downers Grove. It's conducted by the American Association of University Women - Downers Grove Area Branch. Information: downersgrove-il.aauw.net/book-sale.

MARCH 16

COSLEY ZOO: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. Information: cosleyzoo.org, 630-665-5534.

CHORAL-AIRES CHORUS GUEST NIGHTS: 7 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 345 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst. A noted a cappella barbershop harmony chorus, the Choral-Aires Chorus of Sweet Adelines International usually meets to rehearse Monday nights. Information: choral-aires.com.

ELMHURST HARMONIE REHEARSALS: 7 p.m. most Mondays, Elmhurst Elks Lodge, 711 W. St. Charles Road. Formerly the Elmhurst Men's Chorus and Elmhurst Ladies' Chorus, the group invites everyone who loves to sing to join rehearsals. Information: elmhurstharmonie.com.

MARCH 17

RAIL EXHIBIT: Through March 29, Elmhurst History Museum’s Education Center, 120 E. Park Ave. The exhibit titled "On the Right Track – By Rail to Chicago & Beyond" explores local railroad history through artifacts including photos, maps and models of stations, locomotives and railroad cars. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Information: elmhursthistory.org, 630-833-1457.

DOWNERS GROVE MUSEUM'S VAULT TREASURES ON SPECIAL DISPLAY: Through June 6, museum in Wandschneider Park, 831 Maple Ave. "From the Vault" features unique artifacts the museum collection holds that haven't been on display – including a selection of the museum’s favorite items, bizarre finds and interesting histories. Hours through May are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Information: dgparks.org/calendar/events/from-the-vault-exhibition, 630-963-1309.

THE 2020 WINTER ART CLASSES: Various start dates, La Grange Art League, 122 N. Calendar Ave. The nonprofit league welcomes all levels and ages in a variety of mediums. Classes are held on the second floor and are accessible by stairs only. Information: lagrangeartleague.org, 708-352-3101.

MARCH 19

DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: Ongoing activities, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Information: dupagechildrens.org.

SENIOR SINGERS INVITED TO JOIN LILAC TOWN SENIOR CHORUS: 10 a.m. to noon most Thursdays, Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road. It is presented by the Lombard Park District as a free, friendly and informal setting for people to sing. Information: Call Patti Plomb at 630-620-7322.

MARCH 20

AMERICAN LEGION BINGO: 7 p.m., 123 Main St., West Chicago. Weekly bingo, raffles and pull tabs on Fridays for ages 18 and older. Proceeds help veterans and the community. Check out additional dates. Information: wchicago.mhsoftware.com.