Entertainment Calendar

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

• ART AT ELLWOOD HOUSE: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 6, 509 N. First St., DeKalb. Paintings, watercolors, prints, sculpture and photography, handcrafted jewelry, ceramis, basketry, fiber arts, metalwork and folk art featured. Free admission. Free parking. Tours of mansion: Every 15 minutes, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $8 adults, $3 children. Information: 815-756-4609 or www.ellwoodhouse.org.

• DAVID L. PIERCE ART AND HISTORY CENTER: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Donation: $3 adults, $1.50 students and seniors. Information: 630-906-0654.

• DOWN TO EARTH POTTERY OPEN HOUSE: 6 to 9 p.m., 217 1/2 S. Third St., Geneva. “Stepping off the Beaten Path” by Connie Gurley will be featured. Information: 630-208-7807.

• DOWNTOWN GENEVA’S FIRST FRIDAYS GALLERY WALK: 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 1. Eight downtown galleries host special events, artist show openings or live performances. Participants: Down to Earth Pottery, 221 S. Third St.; Gallery 28 Fine and Functional Art, 28 N. Fourth St.; Lumina the Fine Art of Photography, 211 James St.; One Fine Art Gallery, 121 S. Third St.; Out of the Mainstream Designs, 107 S. Second St.; Proud Fox Gallery, 213 W. State St.; Terra Cottage, 325 South St.; Verve on Third, 217 S. Third St. Information: www.artgalleriesgeneva.com.

• FERMILAB ART GALLERY: Open before and after arts series events and by appointment, Kirk Road and Pine Street, Batavia. Information: www.fnal.gov/pub/Art_Gallery, georgia@fnal.gov or 630-840-6825.

• FINE LINE CREATIVE ARTS CENTER: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 6N158 Crane Road, St. Charles. Information: www.finelineca.org or 630-584-9443.

• KANE COUNTY FLEA MARKET: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 5-6, Aug. 2-3, Sept. 6-7, Oct. 4-5, Nov. 1-2, Dec. 6-7, Kane County Fairgrounds, Randall Road between Routes 64 and 38, St. Charles. Admission: $5 each day. Children younger than 12 admitted free. Free parking. Information: 630-377-2252 or www.kanecountyfleamarket.com.

• KENDALL COUNTY FLEA MARKET: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Kendall County Fairgrounds, Route 71, Yorkville, 1 1/2 miles west of Route 47. Admission: $2. Children younger than 12 admitted free with parents. Information: Robinson family, 630-377-2252.

• MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. Thursdays, 700 N. Art Museum Drive. Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students. Information: 414-224-3220 or www.mam.org.

• NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Altgeld Hall, DeKalb. Information: 815-753-1936 or www.vpa.niu.edu/museum.

• ORLEANS STREET GALLERY: Noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Information: 630-524-5048 or art@OrleansStreetGallery.com.

5 Years on the Run: Through Sept. 13. The anniversary exhibition highlights breakout artists Nathan Keay, Miguel Cortex, Mary Ellen Croteau, Kazuki Eguchi, Erik Fabian, Makeba Kedem Dubose, Industry of the Ordinary, Anne Lass, Aimee Lee, Jason Reblando. Chris Roberts, Brandon Sorg, Brian Sorg. Free.

• ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors. Information: www.rockfordartmuseum.org or 815-968-2787.

• SMART MUSEUM OF ART: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago. Information: 773-702-3673 or http://smartmuseum.uchicago.edu.

• WALSH GALLERY: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 118 N. Peoria St., second floor, Chicago. Information: 312-829-3312 or www.walshgallery.com.

AUDITIONS

• ACAPPELLAGO: By appointment. The a cappella chamber choir seeks singers, particularly sopranos, tenors and basses. Rehearsals are Sunday evenings at Naperville Congregational Church, 1 Bunting Lane. Appointments: 708-484-3797. Information: www.Acappellago.org.

• CONTEMPORARY CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF MCHENRY COUNTY: By appointment. Open to children in second through eighth grades who love to sing and live in McHenry County and surrounding areas. Members are divided into groups by experience and age. Information or appointments: 815- 356-6296 or www.mcmusic.org.

• DUPAGE SYMPHONY: By appointment. Players are needed for all string sections and for select woodwind, brass and percussion sections, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and percussion. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings. Appointments: Barbara Schubert, 630-778-1003.

• Elgin Choral Union: By appointment, Elgin Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Room 191D. Bring three copies of audition music. Accompanist will be provided. Rehearsals are 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the college. Information or appointments: 847-214-7513 or 847-214-7225.

• FOX VALLEY FLUTES: By appointment. Open to middle school and high school students. Rehearsals are 3 to 4 p.m. Sundays at Aurora Christian School, 2255 Sullivan Road, Aurora. Information: www.fvyso.org.

• FOX VALLEY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: By appointment. Open to string players.  Information and appointments: Jamie Palmer, 630-879-8018 or e-mail musicdirector@fvacademy.org.

• FOX VALLEY SWEDISH CHILDREN’S CHORUS OF ST. CHARLES: Open to children ages 7-14. No prior musical experience required. Rehearsals are in Geneva. Information: 630-365-0032.

• GIRL AND BOY CHOIRS: By appointment. Cantabile is a choir for girls ages 9-14, Dolce is for girls ages 6-9 and Forte is for boys ages 6-11. Information: Denise Beiermann, 847-464-1207.

• GLEN ELLYN-WHEATON CHORALE: By appointment, 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5 and 12. Open to all voice parts for two concerts and several community performances. Rehearsals: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Information and directions: 630-415-3066

• HARVARD HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT CHOIR: Open to Harvard High School Choir alumni and Harvard community members. Information: Robert Collins, 815-943-6461, Ext. 2009.

• HEARTLAND VOICES: By appointment. Openings are in alto, tenor and bass sections. Appointments: 847- 429-9486. Information: www.heartlandvoices.org.

• LAKE GENEVA (WIS.) COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA: Rehearsals, 7 to 9:15 p.m. Thursdays, Badger High School, orchestra rehearsal room, 220 South St., Lake Geneva, Wis. No appointment required. Information: Andrew Dogan, 847-682-6519 or www.lakegenevaorchestra.org.

• MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE CONCERT BAND: Adults and students in 10th through 12th grades with instrumental experience invited. Rehearsals are 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at the college, Room B257, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Information: Thomas Takayama, 815-479-7670.

• MCHENRY COUNTY YOUTH ORCHESTRA: Membership is open to serious young musicians living in the county and surrounding area. Three ensembles are divided by ability and skill level. Information or audition appointment: McHenry County Music Center, 815-356-6296 or www.mcmusic.org.

• OPERA PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINERS REPERTOIRE ASSOCIATION TRAINING ENSEMBLE: Open to men and women to work with a professional vocal coach, learn to sing phonetically in French and Italian and work on developing stage presence and character. Information: 847- 214-8340 or www.gotopera.org.

• SWEDISH AMERICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF ST. CHARLES: Open to children ages 7-16. No musical experience required. The chorus is the largest of its kind in the Midwest and performs at many local venues. Information: 630-365-0032.

• WHEATON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Openings available in all voice parts but especially tenors and basses. Membership is open to high school, college and adult singers without audition. Application and information: 630-790-1430.

BARS/CLUBS

• THE ABBEY: 3420 W. Grace St., Chicago. Tickets and information: www.abbeypub.com.

• BEAN APPETIT: Frenchy ’n Friends acoustic performance and open mic, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sundays; 40W450 Route 64, Wasco. Information: 630-513-8899.

• CLUB MAMALU: Dueling Pianos, 8 p.m. Thursdays; ’70s and ’80s Dance Hits, 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Karaoke, 9 p.m. Sundays; 10 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. No cover. Information: 630-416-3310.

• DUKE O’BRIEN’S: 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Cover charge. Information: 815-356-9980 www.dukeobriens.com.

• FEATURE’S BAR AND GRILL: 9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Featured band is Old Plank All Stars. No cover. Information: 630-416-3310.

• GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY DINER: 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, 231 Douglas Ave., Elgin. No cover. Information: 847-289-0524.

• GUNTHER MURPHYS: 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Windy City Spotlight; 1638 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Cover charge: $7-$10. Information: 773-472-5139 or www.gunthermurphys.com.

• IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER: 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago. No cover. Pub food available 6-10 p.m. Information: 773-282-7035 or www.irishamhc.com.

• LILLY’S LOUNGE: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles. Doors open at 7 p.m. DJ and karaoke music on Fridays, acoustic on Saturdays. Information: 630-584-6300.

• McNALLY'S IRISH PUB: 201 E. Main St., St. Charles. All bands start at 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Open Mic Nite, 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Live acoustic entertainment and Ladies Night, 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Pub quiz, 8 p.m. Tuesdays. No cover charge. Schedule: July 5, Mercury Rising; July 11, Pop Roxx; July 12, Deep Six Western Night; July 18, Blind Roosevelts; July 19, Soda; July 25, Lazy Maybes; July 26, Red Woody. Information: 630-513-6300 or www.mcnallysirishpub.com.

• MULDOON’S: 9 p.m., live music, 133 W. Front St., Wheaton. No cover. Information: 630-668-8866.

• O’BRIEN’S PUB AND GRILL: 12 N. River St., Batavia. Information: 630-406.9200 or www.emptycanband.com.

• OPEN MIC NIGHT: 7 to 9 p.m., last Thursday of the month, Starbucks, 1441 S. Randall Road, Geneva. Musicians of all levels welcome.

• O’SULLIVAN’S IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT: 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 706 W. Lockport St., Plainfield. No cover. Information: 815-436-4529 or www.osullivans-pub.com.

• OTTO’S NITECLUB AND UNDERGROUND: 10 p.m., 118 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. Information: www.ottosdekalb.com or 815-758-2715.

• PHEASANT RUN RESORT AND SPA: Bourbon Street Jazz, 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays; 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Information: 800-474-3272.

• PUB 222: Live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays, lunch and dinner served daily, 222 W. Main St., St. Charles. No cover. Information: 630- 584-4222.

• RIVER LANE PUB: Thursdays, karaoke; 65 N. River Lane, Geneva. Information: www.riverlanepub.com or 630-845-9633.

• SUGO ITALIAN RISTORANTE: 1307 E. Main St., St. Charles. No cover. Information: 630-377-3303.

• UPPER CLUB AT VILLA VERONE RESTAURANT: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Perrian Jordan & the 3M; 8 p.m. Fridays, Dave Green and Mel Davis; 416 Hamilton St., Geneva. No cover. Information: 630-232-2201.

• WALTER PAYTON’S ROUNDHOUSE: 205 N. Broadway, Aurora. Cover charged. Information: 630-264-2739.

COMEDY

• AN EVENING WITH JOYCE BEHAR: 8 p.m. Sept. 20, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $48.50-$58.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• THE BEST OF SECOND CITY: 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago. Tickets: $10 at 312-337-3992. Information: www.secondcity.com.

• “BETWEEN BARACK AND A HARD PLACE”:    8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago. Tickets: $19-$24 at 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com.

• FRANK CALIENDO: 8 p.m. Nov. 15, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $45.50-$65.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• COMEDYSPORTZ THEATRE: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2851 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Tickets: $10-$17. Information: 773-549-8080 or www.comedysportzchicago.com.

• COMEDYSPORTZ4KIDZ: 2 p.m. Saturdays, ComedySportz Theater, 2851 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Tickets: $5-$10. Appropriate for ages 4-12. Information: 773-549-8080 or www.comedysportzchicago.com.

• THE EVIL SHOW: 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Stage Left Theater, 3408 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Tickets: $8. Information: 773-549-3250.

• GORILLA THEATER: “IMPROVISERS MUST BE PUNISHED!”: 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Stage Left Theater, 3408 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Tickets: $8. Information: 773-549-3250.

• D.L. HUGHLEY: 8 p.m. Sept. 6, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $36.50-$46.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• IMPROV: 7 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Information: 847-240-2001 or www.chicagoimprov.com.

• IO THEATER: 8:30 p.m. Mondays, 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, 3541 N. Clark St., Chicago. Admission: $5-$14. Information: 773- 880-0199. Tickets: $10 at 630-587-8521.

• LATINOLOGUES: 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, Bailiwick Theater, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. The collection of sketches comically explores the Latino experience. Created by Rick Najera. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Tickets: $20 at 773-883-1090 or www.bailiwick.com.

• HOWIE MANDEL: 8 p.m. Sept. 12, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $49.50-$69.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• BOB NEWHART: 8 p.m. Nov. 23, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $50.50-$60.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• THE SECOND CITY: 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8 and 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sundays, 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago. Tickets: $17-$19 at 312-337-3992. Information: www.secondcity.com.

• DAVID SEDARIS: 8 p.m. April 23, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $35.50-$60.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• SINBAD: 8 p.m. Oct. 24, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $27.50-$47.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• “STAND UP COMEDY: THE MORE YOU DRINK THE FUNNIER WE ARE”: 12:45 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Low Sodium Entertainment, Link’s Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. Tickets: $8 at 773-549-3250.

• ZANIES COMEDY NITE CLUB - CHICAGO: 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Fridays, 7, 9 and 11:15 p.m. Saturdays, 1548 N. Wells. Cover: $18 and two-drink minimum. Information: 312-337-4027 or www.zanies.com.

• ZANIES COMEDY NITE CLUB - ST. CHARLES: 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 and 9:45 p.m. Fridays, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturdays, Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, North Avenue. Cover: $21-$40 and two food or beverage minimum. Information: 630-584-6342 or www.zanies.com.

CONCERTS

• AMERICAN ENGLISH: THE COMPLETE BEATLES EXPERIENCE: 8 p.m. Oct. 4, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets: $29-$65 at 630-587-8400 or www.TheArcada.com.

• FRANKIE AVALON: 4 p.m. May 10, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $35.50-$60.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.

• JIM BRINKMAN: 8 p.m. Dec. 13, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $35.50-$75.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• JIMMY BUFFETT: 8 p.m. July 24 and 26, Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. Tickets: $36-$136 at www.ticketmaster.com.

• CELTIC THUNDER: 8 p.m. Oct. 15, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets: $37.50-$57.50 at www.ticketmaster.com.

• CELINE DION: 8 p.m. Nov. 4, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Tickets: $49-$185 at www.ticketmaster.com.

• CONCERTS IN THE PARK: 7 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 14, Liincoln Park gazebo, Main Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, St. Charles. Schedule: July 10, Spoken Four; July 17, Gizzie; July 24, The Class of ‘68; July 31, April’s Reign; Aug. 7, U.S. Air Force Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble; Aug. 14, Howard and the White Boys. Rain location: Carson Pirie Scott court, Charlestowne mall, 3800 E. Main St. Information: www.st-charlesparks.org or 630-513-6200.

• DIRECT FROM VEGAS: A TRIBUTE TO THE RAT PACK: 8 p.m. Feb. 14, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $25.50-$40.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.

• DUPAGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 7:30 p.m. July 19, Broadway Bash, Naperville Community Concert Center, Central Park, Naperville, free; 7 p.m. Sept. 6, This Land is Our Land, Cantigny Park, Winfield Road, Wheaton, $15 adults, $10 students, children 7 and younger admitted free. Information: 630-778-1003 or www.dupagesymphony.org.

•THE FAB FOUR : 8 p.m. Nov. 7, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $28.50-$33.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• FOREIGNER: 8 p.m. Aug. 24, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $55.50-$65.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• KENNEDY’S KITCHEN: 8 p.m. Aug. 9, Fermilab, Ramsey Auditory, Batavia. Tickets: $17 adults, $9 ages 18 and younger at 630- 840-2787. Information: www.fnal.gov/culture.

• MAX RAABE AND THE PALAST ORCHESTER: 8 p.m. Oct. 4, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $25.50-$65.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

 

• ROD STEWART/BRYAN ADAMS: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5, Sears Centre Arena, $52-$227 at www.searscentre.com.

• WILDERNESS PLOTS: 8 p.m. July 26, Fermilab, Ramsey Auditory, Batavia. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 ages 18 and younger at 630- 840-2787. Information: www.fnal.gov/culture.

• WYNONNA: A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS: 8 p.m. Dec. 20, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $65.50-$75.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

DANCING

• BACHELOR ‘N’ BACHELORETTES SQUARE DANCING CLUB: 8 to 10:30 p.m. second and fourth Fridays through the summer, Trinity Lutheran Church, 405 S. Rush St., Roselle. Casual attire accepted. Single dancers and couples invited. Callers: July 11, Tom Manning and Anna and Howard Hoffman; July 25, no dance. Information: 630-584-1343 or 630-896-7133.

• BALLET FOLKLORICO QUETZALCOATL: 7 p.m. Sept. 27, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $15.50-$22.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.

• BARRAGE: 2 p.m. Jan. 25, 2009, 10 a.m. Jan. 26, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $12.50-$45.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• BIG BAND DANCE: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month, Courtyard Banquet Hall, Route 59, half-mile north of Route 56, Warrenville. Jim Guter’s Big Band plays variety of popular swing, jazz, Latin and rock music. Cost: $10 per person. Attire: dressy/casual, no jeans. Information: Jim Guter at 630-876-2935 or jlguter@comcast.net.

• CHICAGO SAMBA: 10 p.m. Thursdays, Hothouse Center for International Performance, 31 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. Admission: $10. Information: 312-362-9707 or www.hothouse.net.

• DANCE CONNECTION BALLROOM DANCING CLASS: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, St. Charles School of Dance, 1429 W. Main St., St. Charles. Singles and couples invited. Cost: $8. Information: 630-202-3222 or dupageflute@aol.com.

• ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING: 2 p.m. first Sunday of the month, Fermilab, Kuhn Barn, Sauk Boulevard, just north of Batavia Road, Batavia. Dances taught and walked through. New members invited. Partners not required. No admission fee; donations accepted. Information: 630-584-0825 or 630-840-8194,  e-mail folkdance@fnal.gov or www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/folkdance.html.

• FERMILAB FOLK CLUB: 6:30 p.m. second Sundays, 3 p.m. third Sundays, Warrenville Community Building, 3S240 Warren Ave., Warrenville. Group does not meet in summer. Traditional square and contra dancing featured. Co-sponsored by Fox Valley Folklore Society, Chicago Barn Dance Company and Warrenville Park District. Admission: $6 adults, $3 seniors older than 65 and children ages 12-18. Children younger than 12 admitted free. Information: 630-840-2061, 630-840-2971 or www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub.

• FERMILAB INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCERS: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays, Kuhn Barn, Sauk Boulevard, just north of Batavia Road, Fermilab, Batavia. Admission by donation. Newcomers invited. Previous experience and partners not required. Enter from east or west gates. Information: 630-584-0825 or 630-840-8194 or e-mail folkdance@fnal.gov or www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/folkdance.html.

• FOX VALLEY MIXERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB: 8 to 10:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays, Baker Community center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. Information: 630-584-1194 or www.geocities.com/foxvalleymixer.

• LA SIERRA DE AURORA: 8 p.m. salsa lesson, 9 p.m. dance, Thursdays, 2121 E. New York St., Aurora. No gym shoes, caps or athletic wear. Age 21 and older. Cover: $5. Information: 630-251-3906 or www.sultrysalsa.com.

• THE NUTCRACKER: 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 6, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $23.50-$29.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• SILK AND THISTLE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Kuhn Barn, Sauk Boulevard, just north of Batavia Road, Fermilab, Batavia. Admission by donation. Newcomers invited. Previous experience and partners not required. Enter laboratory through east or west gate. Information: 630- 584-0825 or 630-840-8194 or e-mail folkdance@fnal.gov or www.fnal.gov/orgs/folkclub/folkdance.html.

• SIMPLY BALLROOM WITH DEBBIE REYNOLDS: 2 and 8 p.m. April 25, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $45.50-$65.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• TANTALIZING THURSDAYS: 8 p.m. Thursdays, La Sierra De Aurora Restaurant and Banquets, 2121 E. New York St., Aurora. Free salsa lesson offered. No gym shoes, caps or athletic wear. Open to ages 21 and older. Cover: $5. Information: Jed Walker, 630-251-3906, thebaron@sultrysalsa.com or www.sultrysalsa.com.

• TITILLATING TUESDAYS: 9 p.m. salsa lesson, 10 p.m. dancing, Blu Razz, 558 Randall Road, South Elgin. Open to ages 21 and older. Cover: $5. Information: 630-251-3906, thebaron@sultrysalsa.com or www.sultrysalsa.com.

• YORKVILLE BIG BAND DANCE: 5 p.m. dance lesson, 6 p.m. dance, Parkview Academy, 201 W. Center St., Yorkville. Admission: $15, includes lesson and hors d’oeuvres. Information: 630-553-0153 or www.yorkvillebigband.com.

FESTIVALS

• KANE COUNTY FAIR: July 16-20, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles. Information: www.kanecountyfair.com.

• FOX VALLEY FOLK MUSIC AND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: Aug. 31 through Sept. 1, Island Park, Geneva. Information: www.FoxValley Folk.com.

• FESTIVAL OF THE VINE: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 12-13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 14, State Street (Route 38) and Fourth Street, Geneva. Flavor Fare food tent, wine tastings, grape stomping, arts and crafts, Gorgeous Gourds display, live music and children’s activities featured. Free admission. Information: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 630-232-6060 or www.genevachamber.com.

MUSEUM EXHIBITS

• ADLER PLANETARIUM: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. first Friday of month, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission (exhibits only): $10 adults; $6 ages 4-17; $8 ages 65 and older. Information: www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Cosmic Collisions: 10:45 a.m., 12:15, 1:45 and 4 p.m. daily.

Fly Me to the Moon (3D Space Show): 10:45 and 11:45 a.m., 12:45, 1:45 and 2:45 p.m. daily.

Skywatchers of Africa: 11:30 a.m., 1:130 and 3:30 p.m. daily.

The Zulu Patrol: Under the Weather: 10 a.m., 1 and 3:15 p.m. daily.

Time Space ... Time Travel Only at the Adler: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. daily.

Night Sky Live!: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. daily.

Planetary Machines: Views of the Universe: Through Sept. 14.

Special Topics in the History of Astronomy: Navigation: Through Nov. 16.

Far Out Fridays: 4:30 to 10 p.m. July 11. Fee applies.

• ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600 or visit www.artic.edu. Hours: Labor Day-Memorial Day: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Friday; 10 a.m. to  5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Memorial Day through Labor Day: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission: $12 adults; $7 for students and seniors, free for children 12 and younger. Special exhibitions may require extra admission fee.

• AURORA HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Admission: $3 adults, $1.50 students and seniors. Members and children younger than 12 admitted free. Information: 630-906-0650 or www.aurorahistory.net.

Arranged Truth: Dressing for the Photographer: Through Sept. 14. The exhibit will feature portrait drawing with Camera Lucida, tricks photographers used to “enhance” their photos, clothing, cameras and photographs of all ages.

• BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM: 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 155 Houston St., Batavia. Exhibits relating to railroad history, Mary Todd Lincoln and local history are housed in an 1854 Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad depot. Other buildings are a turn-of-the-century gazebo, Burlington caboose and an 1856 bank. Donation: $1. Information: 630- 406-5274 or www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org.

• BLACKBERRY FARM: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Admission: $4.25 resident adults, $3.75 resident children and seniors. Information: 630-892-1550.

• CANTIGNY PARK: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Parking: $7 Tuesdays through Fridays, $8 Saturdays and Sundays. Information: www.cantignypark.com or 630-668-5161.

• CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN: 8 a.m. to sunset daily, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Select event fees apply. Parking: $12, $7 senior on Tuesdays. Information: 847-835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

• CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Admission: $7 children and adults; $6 seniors; free for children younger than 1 and members. Information: 312-527-1000.

• CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays; 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. Research center: (Sept. 4 to May 28) 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; (May 29 to Sept. 3) 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Admission: $14 adults, $12 seniors ages 65 and older and students ages 13-22. Free to members and children ages 12 and younger. Information: 312-642-4600 or www.chicagohistory.org.

Big Picture: A New View of Painting in Chicago: Through Aug. 2. The exhibit showcases works from the late 19th-century realist, satirical and folk traditions to mid 20th-century expressionism and abstraction.

Chicago@40: The Band and its City: Through Dec. 7. The exhibits commemorates the band’s 40th anniversary with a display of artifacts.

Catholic Chicago: Through Jan. 4, 2009. The exhibition explores Chicago from the perspective of the Catholic community, examines how being Catholic in Chicago has transformed over time, and how it has shaped the city’s urban landscape.

Chicago Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum: Sept. 27 throught July 26. The exhibit will feature examples of history of fashion from 1861 through 1996 which were designed by international houses of couture that caterd to Chicago women.

• DUNHAM-HUNT HOUSE: Noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays through August, 304 E. Cedar Ave. The oldest brick home in St. Charles, circa 1839, is open for conducted tours and stories of the area’s early settling families. Hosted by St. Charles Heritage Center, which also operates the St. Charles History Museum and Gift Shop, 215 E. Main St. Admission: Donation. Information: 630-584-6967 or www.stcmuseum.org.

• DUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. Admission: $7.50 ages 1-59; $6.50 ages 60 and older; free for members and children younger than 1. Information: 630-637-8000 or www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

• DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago. Admission: $3 adults, $2 students and seniors, $1 children ages 6-13. Children younger than 6 admitted free. Sundays free. Information: 773-947-0600.

• ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (Labor Day to Memorial Day), 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Admission: $2 adults, $1 children ages 3-11, $1.50 seniors ages 65 and older. Children ages 3 and younger admitted free. Information: 847-741-6655 or www.elginpublicmuseum.org.

• ELMHURST ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays and Sundays, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. Admission: $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students. Members and children younger than 12 admitted free. Information: 630-834-0202 or www.elmhurstartmuseum.org.

• ELMHURST HISTORICAL MUSEUM: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Free admission. Information: 630-833-1457 and www.elmhurst.org/elmhurst/museum.

Visions of Home: Ongoing. The exhibit tells the story of Elmhurst from its beginnings as a prairie village to a modern Midwestern suburb.

From Mansion to Museum: Ongoing. The display traces the evolution of the Glos Mansion from private residence to public institution as both city hall and a museum. The exhibit includes drawings and furnishings from various time periods.

• FIELD MUSEUM: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Labor Day, 1400 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission: $12-$14 adults; $8-$9 children ages 3-11; $10-$11 seniors and students; children younger than 2 and members free. Last admission at 4 p.m. Information: 312-922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org.

Evolving Planet: Visitors take a journey through four billion years of life on earth, to view fossils, animated videos, interactive displays and recreated seas and landscapes.

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids: Through Sept. 1.

Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters: Through Jan. 4, 2009. Additional fee applies.

George Washington Carver: Through July 6.

Celebrating Women: Through Sept. 7. Photographs by Paola Gianturco portray festivals around the world that celebrate women.

• FOX RIVER TROLLEY MUSEUM: 361 S. LaFox St. (Route 31), South Elgin. Fares: $3.50 adults, $2 seniors and children ages 3-11. Children younger than 3 ride free. Information: 847-697-4676.

Red, White and Blue Dollar Day: July 4. All rides, all riders $1 to celebrate the museum’s 42nd birthday.

Trolleyfest: Aug. 16-17. Vintage trolleys and trains run in conjunction with South Elgin Riverfest Express.

Fall Caboose Train Days: Sept. 28 and Oct. 5.

The Pumpkin Trolley: Oct. 11-12, 18-19. Ride to the pumpkin patch and choose a pumpkin to take home.

The Haunted Trolley: Oct. 25-26. Children in costume get a treat.

The Halloween Hiawatha Ghost Story Train: Oct. 25-26. Reservations by mail required. Fare: $10.

The Polar Express: Dec. 6-7 and 13. Advance reservations by mail required. Fare: $10.

• GENEVA HISTORY CENTER: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 113 S. Third St., Geneva. Admission by donation. Archive hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Appointments recommended for researchers. Information: 630-232-4951 or www.genevahistorycenter.org.

Geneva Historic Home Association: 7 p.m. third Wednesday of the month. Open to anyone interested in old homes.

• ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 25, Saturdays through October, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7000 Olson Road. Union. Admission: Adults, $10-$12 adults, $8-$10 seniors 62 and older, $7-$8 children 3-11. Information: www.irm.org or 800-BIG-RAI.

• INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission: $6 adults, $3 students and seniors, free Tuesdays. Information: 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org.

• JANE: DIARY OF DINOSAUR: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, permanent run, Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford. Admission: $4 adults, $3 children ages 3-18. Information: www.burpee.org, www.VisitJane.com or 815- 65-3433.

• JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends, Labor Day through Memorial Day, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors and children ages 3-11, aquarium only; $18 adults, $14 seniors and children ages 3-11, oceanarium mini-pass. Information: 312- 39-2438 or www.sheddaquarium.org.

Invasive Species: Local Waters Gallery. Permanent exhibit highlights species such as Asian carp, round gobies, zebra mussels and others that threaten the Great Lakes.

Trainer for a Day: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Experience what it is like to be a marine mammal trainer. Must be at least age 12 to participate. Students ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. Group size is limited to three people per session. Fee: $350 per person. Registration: 312- 92-3224.

• KLINE CREEK FARM: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, 600 N. County Farm Road, Winfield. The living history farm depicts life as it was on this site in 1890s DuPage County. Information: 630- 76-5900.

• LITTLE WHITE SCHOOL MUSEUM: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Jackson and Polk streets, Oswego. The museum features exhibits on Oswego area history, including the prehistoric era, the history of education and farming. Research and archival collections open 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Free admission. Donations accepted. Information: 630- 54-2999 or www.littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org.

• MIDWEST MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors and children ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and younger admitted free. Information: 815- 95-9777 or www.mmnh.org.

Safari Sprouts: 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays except holiday weekends. Open to children ages 3-6 to develop an awareness of the natural world through activities, play, songs, stories, crafts and museum exhibits. No registration necessary. Fee: $1.

• MORTON ARBORETUM: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Admission: $7 adults, $5 ages 65 and older, $4 children ages 3-17; $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children Wednesdays. Free parking. Most attractions and events free with admission. Information: www.mortonarb.org.

Tram Tours: 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Tickets: $4 members, $5 nonmembers, $3 children ages 3-12 at the visitor center. Children younger than 3 ride free.

Guided Walks: Weekends and Wednesdays, weather permitting. Times available at the visitor center. Walks are 45 minutes.

• MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Admission: $10 adults; $6 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12, MCA members, military personnel or from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Information: 312-280-2660 or www.mcachicago.org.

• MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Admission: Free. Information: 312-663-5554 or www.mocp.org.

• MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission: $13 adults; $12 ages 65 and older; $9 ages 3-11. Underground parking: $14. Free admission: Weekdays in September, Oct. 31, Nov. 27, Dec. 24-25. Information: www.msichicago.org.

• MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Admission: $6 adults, $3 students and seniors, free on Tuesdays. Information: 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org.

• NAPER SETTLEMENT: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Admission: $4.25 adults, $3.75 seniors, $3 ages 4-17. Information: 630-420-6010 or www.napersettlement.org.

• NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Altgeld Hall, DeKalb. Information: 815-753-1936 or www.vpa.niu.edu/museum.

• NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS ART MUSEUM: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago. Information: 312-326-0270 or www.nvvam.org.

• NEWBERRY LIBRARY: 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago. Free admission. Information: 312-255-3700 or www.newberry.org.

• NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 110 Altgeld Hall, DeKalb. Free. Information: 815-753-1936 or www.vpa.niu.edu/museum.

• NORTHERN ILLINOIS ART MUSEUM: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 214 W. Superior St., third floor, Chicago. Free. Information: 312-642-6010.

• ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. Free. Closed Mondays. Information: 773-702-9507.

• PEACE MUSEUM: 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 100 N. Central Park Avenue, Chicago. Admission: $5. Information: 773-638-6450 or www.peacemuseum.org.

“Dreams in a Box”: Ongoing. The exhibit includes works by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Bono, Joan Baez, Stevie Wonder and Pete Seeger.

• PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. Admission: $7 adults; $5 seniors and ages 13-22; $4 children ages 3-12; free on Thursdays. Information: 773-755-5100 or www.naturemuseum.org.

• PLATO TOWNSHIP DEPOT MUSEUM: Open by appointment, Stonecrest Drive off Russell Road, Plato Center. The depot is a 1940s era Class B Illinois Central building near the I.C. Iowa Division West Line. Scout, school and church groups also invited. Free admission. Donations accepted. Information and appointments: 847-902-5498.

• ST. CHARLES HERITAGE CENTER: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, 215 E. Main St., St. Charles. Information: 630-584-6967 or www.stcmuseum.org.

• SCHINGOETHE CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays during academic year, 347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora. Admission: Free to Aurora University students, staff, faculty, members of the Friends of the Schingeothe Center, members of the American Association of Museums, Illinois Association of Museums and ICOM; $3 adults, $2 students and seniors, $1 children younger than 12, maximum of $7 per family. Information: 630-844-5402 or www.aurora.edu/museum.

• SCI-TECH HANDS-ON MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 18 W. Benton St., Aurora. Closed Mondays except Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 21), Presidents Day and Columbus Day (Oct. 13). Admission: $8 adults and children, $7 seniors, free for members and ages 3 and younger. Information: 630-859-3434 or www.scitech.museum.

Space Exploration Center of Excellence: The new permanent exhibit includes Mars Rocket, What is Gravity, Escape Velocity and Heavy Air, Spectrum of the Stars and Plasma and never-before-seen images from the Hubble Space Telescope.

• SPERTUS MUSEUM: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, 618 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Admission: $5 adults, $3 children, students and seniors, $10 family, free on Fridays. Information: 312-322-1747 or www.spertus.edu.

• SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM CENTER: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. Admission: $4 adults, $3 children, students and seniors, $10 family. Free admission on the second Tuesday of the month. Information: 773-728-8111 or www.samac.org.

• WEST CHICAGO CITY MUSEUM: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, 132 W. Main St., West Chicago. Free admission. Information: 630-231-3376 or www.westchicago.org.

OPERA

• “TOSCA”: 8 p.m. July 18, 24 and 26, 2 p.m. July 20, DuPage Opera Theatre, College of DuPage, McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Italian with English supertitles. Tickets: $41-$45 at 630-942-4000 or www.atthemac.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

• BOOK SIGNING: “RAIN ON THE SUN”: 3 to 5 p.m., Lin’s Garden Chinese restaurant, 2400 E. Main St., St. Charles, northwest corner of North Avenue and Dunham Road. Author and Fox Valley resident Gene McCormick will sign his book, a fiction collection of short stories and poetry. Free. Books will be available for purchase. Profits will be donated to Save-A-Pet animal shelter. Information: 630-377-5517.

• CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD TOURS: Departs from Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Check-in: 9:30 a.m., room behind Randolph Cafe. Schedule: July 12, Pilsen and Little Village/Pullman Historic District; July 19, Little Italy; Aug. 9, Devon Avenue; Aug. 16, Garfield Park and Beyond; Sept. 6, Historic Bronzeville; Sept. 13, Pilsen and Little Village; Sept. 20, Pullman Historic District; Oct. 4, Hyde Park and Kenwood/Little Italy; Oct. 25, Wicker Park and Bucktown; Nov. 15, South Shore Neighborhoods. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 children, seniors, students with valid identification. Tickets and information: 312-742-1190 or www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com or 77 E. Randolph St.,  Chicago.

• CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY: 7 p.m. May 8, 1 and 6 p.m. May 9, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $40.50-$55.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• ELBURN LIONS CLUB BINGO: Fridays, 6 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. early bird bingo, 7 p.m. regular games, 500 Filmore St. Play includes 13 regular games, two progressive games and one split the pot game. Food and drink are available for purchase. Proceeds go to Campaign SightFirst II, a worldwide Lions fundraising campaign to fight preventable and reversible blindness. Information: 630-365-6315.

• Geneva's Classic Car Show: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, July and August, Old Courthouse parking lot, Fourth and James streets, south of Route 38. Antique, custom built, sport and muscle cars featured. DJ and food available. Information: 630-232-6060 or www.genevachamber.com.

• OPEN MIC: 7 p.m. third Sunday of the month, First Street Playhouse, First and Water streets, Batavia. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for performers. Tickets: $2 to perform, $3 to watch. Information: www.firststreetplayhouse.com or gagreflexnews@yahoo.com.

• POETRY OPEN MIC: 6 p.m. sign up, 7 p.m. readings, first Thursday of the month, Fat Bean Coffeehouse and Bistro, Route 59 and 87th Street, Naperville. Authors invited to present poems, short stories and prose. Smoke-free. Information: 630-922-9821 or www.fatbean.com.

• ST. CHARLES SINGLES CLUB LTD.: 7 to 11 p.m. second, fourth and fifth Mondays, Riverside Receptions, 35 N. River Lane, Geneva. Open to ages 30 and older. Attire is dressy/casual. Jeans permitted on fifth Mondays. Other activities include pinochle brunches, breakfasts, dinners, movies, game nights and more. Smoke-free. Admission: $6 members, $8 nonmembers. Information: Hutch, 630- 584-7632 or Lynn, 630-830-9780 or www.stcharlessinglesclub.com.

• THE NEW SHANGHAI CIRCUS: 3 p.m. Feb. 22, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $25 child, $35 adult at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• STOMP: 8:30 p.m. Nov. 28, 3 and 8 p.m. Nov. 29, 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $32.50-$49.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.

• TEMPEL LIPIZZANS: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 31, Lake County. Admission: $18 adults, $15 seniors, $10 children ages 4-14. Information: 847-623-7272 or www.tempelfarms.com.

• THE WRIGHT 3: 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. second and third Saturdays, Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago. Tours are led by junior interpreters, trained fifth through 10th grade students. Admission: $4. Tickets and information: www.wrightplus.org or 708-848-1976.

THEATER

• “THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, open run, Drury Lane Theatre, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Tickets: $59.50-$69.50 at 312-902-1400, Ticketmaster centers or www.ticketmaster.com.

• LUIS BRAVO’S FOREVER TANGO: 8 p.m. Oct. 11, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $39.50-$59.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• “BYE BYE BIRDIE”: 7:30 p.m. July 10-12, 17-19, 2:30 p.m. July 12-13, 19-20, Community House Players Summer Theatre, Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale. Tickets: $25 at 630-323-7500, Ext. 254, or www.thecommunityhouse.org.

• FOOTLOOSE 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR:  3 and 8 p.m. March 21, 2 p.m. March 22, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $30.50-$55.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• “GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17-19, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $45-$50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• “I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE”: Through July 19, Noble Fool Theatricals, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Recommended for mature audiences. Tickets: $27-$60 at 630-584-6342 or www.ticketmaster.com.

• “IF YOU GIVE A PIG A PANCAKE AND OTHER STORY BOOKS”: 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $8 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.

• “IF YOU EVER LEAVE ME ... I’M GOING WITH YOU”: 2 p.m. Feb. 15, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $47.50-57.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.

• “JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH”: 9:30 and 11:45 a.m., 7 p.m. April 9, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $8-$10 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”: 7:30 p.m. July 18-19, 1 p.m.. July 19, 3 p.m. July 20, Rising Star Theatreworks, Elgin Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Tickets: $14 adult, $12 seniors and students at 847-622-0300.

• “JUNIE P. JONES”: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Jan. 31, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $12 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• “LATE NITE CATECHISM”: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, open run, Royal George Theater, 1641 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Tickets: $30 at 312-988-9000.

• “THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE”: 9:30 and 11:45 a.m., 7 p.m. Oct. 30, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $8-$10 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.

• “MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL”: Open run, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Tickets: $46.50 adults, $39.50 ages 65 and older at www.ticketmaster.com or 773-935-6100.

• “MOVIN’ OUT”: 2 and 8 p.m. April 17, 2009, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $44.50-$65.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• “NUNSENSE”: 3 and 8 p.m. Nov. 8, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $35.50-$50.50 at 630-896-6666 or TicketMaster. Information: www.theparamounttheatre.com.  

• “Put the Nuns in Charge”: 5 p.m. Saturdays, open run, Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St., Chicago. In a spin-off of the comedy, “Late Nite Catechism,” sister is back in the classroom to teach the funniest refresher course in etiquette. Tickets: $30 at 312-988-9000.

• “SHAKESPEARE ON CLARK”: 7 p.m. July 19-20, 26-27, Albright Theatre, Clark Island, Batavia. Tickets: $5. Information: 630-406-8838 or www.albrighttheatre.com.