Updated: March 11, 2013 5:17PM

STAGE

“Dreamgirls”

The rags-to-riches story of a female 1960s Motown group plays through Nov. 4 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays. $41-$49, with discounts available for students and seniors. Dinner and theatre tickets, $55, are available Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

“42nd Street”

Presented by Highland Park Players at 8 p.m. Oct. 12-13, 19-20 and 25-27 and 2 p.m. Oct. 14 and 21 at the Northbrook Theatre inside the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Tickets: $16 in advance; $19 at the door. Silver Anniversary Party immediately following the Oct. 21 performance, $10 additional charge. Visit www.highlandparkplayers.com.

“Hamlet”

Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, opens its 21st season with William Shakespeare’s tragedy, through Nov. 11. Curtain times are Tuesdays (no performance Oct. 30) and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (with Wednesday 2 p.m. matinees on Oct. 10, 17 and 31 only); Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (no 6 p.m. performance Oct. 14). $35-$70. Call (847) 242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org.

“Iphigenia 2.0”

Presented by Next Theatre Company through Oct. 14 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Tickets: $30-$40; $15-$20 for students and young adults, ages 25 and younger. Visit www.nexttheatre.org.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”

Presented by Big Noise Theatre Company, a division of Winnetka Theatre, Sept. 28-Oct. 21 at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Curtain at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25; $23 for students and seniors. Visit www.bignoise.org.

“Operetta’s Greatest Hits”

Presented by Light Opera Works Oct. 5-14 at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The show features music by Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár, Sigmund Romberg and other composers. Performances at 8 p.m. Oct. 5 and 12; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Oct. 6 and 13; and 2 p.m. Oct. 7, 10 and 14. Tickets: $40, $50, $60 main floor; $30, $40, $50 balcony; half-price for ages 21 and younger. Call (847) 920-5360 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com.

“Other People’s Money”

Presented Sept. 29-Oct. 28 at Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sundays. Wednesday matinees at 1 p.m. Oct. 10 and 17. Tickets: $35-$37.50, with discounts available for seniors and students. Visit www.citadeltheatre.org.

“Patience”

The Savoyaires present Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Patience” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5-6 and 12-13 and 3 p.m. Oct. 7 and 14 in the auditorium at Chute School, 1400 Oakton St., Evanston. Tickets: $12, $17, $22; $7, $12, $17 for ages 12 and under. Visit www.savoyaires.org/tickets or call (847) 563-0155.

“Tusk Tusk”

Through Oct. 7 at Piven Theatre Workshop, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. British newcomer Polly Stenham’s play tells the story of London siblings left to fend for themselves after their bipolar mother goes missing. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25. Call (847) 866-8049 or visit www.piventheatre.org.

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

Through Oct. 21 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Featuring more than 30 of Guthrie’s ballads and anthems, the production celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America’s great folk troubadour. Curtain times are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (except Oct. 2 and 16); Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (except Oct. 10); Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except Oct. 7 and 21). $25-$72. Student tickets are $15, any performance, subject to availability. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org. Hootenannies, informal post-show “jam sessions” with the artists from the production, will be held following the performances Sept. 30 (after 7 p.m.), Oct. 7 (after 2:30 p.m.) and Oct. 14 (after 7 p.m.). Audience members are invited to bring their own instruments and join the artists onstage to play for approximately one hour after the performance.

CLASSICAL

Baroque Band

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

Bella Voce

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

Chicago a cappella

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

Chicago Chamber Musicians

Open their 26th season with “Italian Passion,” a concert that explores chamber music of Italian composers, at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The program includes works by Vivaldi, Respighi and Verdi. Tickets: $25-$45; free for college students with a valid student I.D. Call (312) -225-5226 or visit www.chicagochambermusic.org.

Chicago Chamber Musicians

Debussy Festival, celebrating the music of Claude-Achille Debussy, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Tickets: $25-$45; free for college students. Call (312) 225-5226 or visit www.chicagochambermusic.org.

The Chicago Philharmonic

Opening its 23rd season with “Bravo Brazil!” at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall on the Northwestern University campus, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Featuring conductor and oboist Alex Klein and pianist Arnaldo Cohen, the program includes works by Antonio Carlos Gomes, Osvaldo Lacerda and Tchaikovsky. Tickets are $25-$75; $10 for students. Call (847) 866-6888 or visit www.chicagophilharmonic.org.

Evanston Chapter Lyric Opera of Chicago

Presenting George Preston, afternoon host at 98.7 WFMT, at 3 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Congregational Church, 1417 Hinman Ave., Evanston. Preston will present an overview of the entire Lyric Opera 2012-13 season. $15; $10 for members. Call (847) 328-0158 or (847) 475-5345.

Evanston Symphony Orchestra

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

Music of the Baroque

“Glover Conducts Mozart and Haydn,” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The program includes Mozart’s Prague Symphony and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass. Tickets: $27-$75. Call (312) 551-1414 or visit www.baroque.org.

Music Institute of Chicago

Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500. www.musicinst.org. Oct. 21, 3 p.m.: The Barkada Quartet performs works by Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach, Philip Glass and others. $30; $20 seniors; $10 students.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.: Parisian Salon Concert features pianist Sang Woo Kang. Oct. 7, 2 p.m.: Svetlana Belsky, piano, plays works by Stravinsky and Prokofiev. Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.: Winston Choi presents his “Piano Showcase.”

The Northbrook Symphony

Presents “Joie de Vivre” (The Joy of Life) at 4 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Sheely Center for Performing Arts at Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook. Guest organist Patricia Lee will perform the Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3 in C Minor (“Organ Symphony”) and Jim Kendros on the hurdy-gurdy performs the Suite from Nais by Rameau. The program includes works by Bizet and Pierne. Kendros also presents a preconcert lecture at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $25-$45; $8 for children/students. Call (847) 272-0755 or visit www.TheNSO.org.

The Orion Ensemble

The chamber music ensemble presents “Orion Beginnings” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The program includes works by Bartók, Huydts and Schumann. Tickets: $26; $23 seniors; $10 for students; admission is free for children 12 and younger. Call (630) 628-9591 or visit www.orionensemble.org.

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

At Northwestern University, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Information: (847) 491-5441; tickets: (847) 467-4000. www.pickstaiger.org. Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Faculty Musicale, featuring associate professor of flute John Thorne and associate professor of saxophone Timothy McAllister. Free. Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.: Keyboard Conversations, “Spellbinding Bach.” Pianist Jeffrey Siegel will perform and discuss romantic compositions by Bach. $22; $16 for students. Oct. 13, 3 p.m.: Murray Perahia piano master class. Free. Oct. 14, 3 p.m.: Cello Fest. Danish-German conductor-cellist Hans Erik Deckert will conduct the Northwestern Cello Ensemble in a program featuring his own works as well as music by Bach, Ravel, Rimsky-Korsakov and others. $6; $4 for students.

Pipe organ recital

A concert celebrating the restoration and enlargement of Winnetka Covenant Church’s pipe organ, featuring Christopher Urban playing works by Bach, Oldroyd, Langlais, Shearing and Vierne, 3 p.m. Sept. 30 at Winnetka Covenant Church, 1200 Hibbard Road, Wilmette. Free. Visit www.winnetkacovenant.org.

Ravinia Festival

Presenting the “BGH $10 Classics” series in Bennett Gordon Hall, located in the John D. Harza building on the Ravinia Festival grounds, 201 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park. For information or tickets, visit www.ravinia.org or call (847) 266-5100. Oct. 13, 8 p.m.: Sebastian Bäverstam, cello, and Pei-Shan Lee, piano. The program includes Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor; Kodály: Sonata for Solo Cello; and Franck: Sonata for Cello and Piano in A Major. $10. Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: Tessa Lark, violin. $10. Oct. 27, 8 p.m.: Daria Rabotkina, piano. Program inclues Bach/Busoni: Chaconne from Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor; Schumann: Humoreske in B-flat Major; and Prokofiev: Ten pieces from “Romeo and Juliet.” $10.

Rembrandt Chamber Players

Open their 23nd season with “Jazzy and Mellow Cellos” at 3 p.m. Sept. 30 in Nichols Hall at the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The program includes works by Stravinsky and Schubert. Tickets: $35; $25 for young adults ages 18-30; $10 for students. Call (312) 360-3145 or visit www.rembrandtchamberplayers.org.

POP/FOLK/JAZZ

The Alley

210 Green Bay Road, Highwood. (847) 433-0304. www.bowlhighwood.com. Sept. 27: Dee Jay McKay. Sept. 28: Lakefront Band. Sept. 29: Dave Hoffmeier. Sept. 30: Working Man’s Blues Band open mike. Oct. 3: Bluegrass jam.

Bluegrass Legends Concerts

Held at the American Legion Music Hall, 1030 Central St., Evanston. www.chicagobluegrass.com. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $20; $15 for children 16 and under and seniors. Sept. 28: Chatham County Line with special guests Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band.

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court

811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880. www.thebookstall.com. Oct. 6, 4-5 p.m.: Singer-songwriter Jay Einhorn will perform songs from his CD, “Elephant in the Dark.”

The Celtic Knot Public House

626 Church St., Evanston. (847) 864-1679. www.celticknotpub.com. No cover unless noted otherwise. Sept. 29, 9:30 p.m.: Sunnyside Up.

Cubby Bear North

21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire. (847) 541-4700. www.cubbynorth.com. Sept. 28, 9 p.m.: Chicago Dueling Pianos. Free. Sept. 29, 9:30 p.m.: ‘Stache.

Gary Z’s Jazz Quartet

The Glenbrook South jazz combo performs from 8-10 p.m. Oct. 12 at Via Gelato, 1853 Tower Drive, Glenview. Free. Call (847) 729-7088.

IDOS Bistro

824 Noyes St., Evanston. Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m.: Performance by Jutta & the Hi-Dukes, interpreters of world music in a variety of genres. $35 includes dinner. Call (773) 848-0630.

Lake County Folk Club

Events are held at 7 p.m. Sundays at In-Laws Restaurant, 720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Concert admission is $12; $10 for Lake County Folk Club members and senior citizens; $5 for teens. No admission charge for Open Stage and Song Circle. Visit www.thelakecountyfolkclub.org. Sept. 30: Concert Stage features Zoe Mulford. Jim Gary opens.

The Laughing Chameleon

Located in The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Drive, Glenview. (888) 685-2844. www.thelaughingchameleon.com. Sept. 28-29, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.: All American Dueling Pianos.

Mayne Stage

1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. (773) 381-4554. www.maynestage.com. Sept. 28, 8 p.m.:Environmental Encroachment, a costumed marching band with multi-media stage performance antics, including dancers, hooping, juggling and skits. $12 general admission; $18 reserved seating. Oct. 12, 9 p.m.: Funkadesi (Indo-Afro-Caribbean music). $15. Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.: German electronic duo Mouse on Mars. Oct. 18, 8 p.m.: Vijay Iyer Trio (jazz). $20 in advance;$25 at the door; $35 reserved. Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: From the Jam 35th Anniversary Tour, $30. Oct. 21, 7 p.m.: Brazilian singer, guitarist and percussionist Vinicius Cantuaria, $20 in advance; $25 at the door; $28 reserved. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.: Leon Russell. $75 reserved seating; $50 standing.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Oct. 20, 8 p.m.: Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble. In the tradition of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and W.A. Mozart, Davis and his ensemble fuse classical music and jazz while creating a new aesthetic — The Third Stream. Tickets: $35-$55.

Purdue University Varsity Glee Club

Performs at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Christian Heritage Auditorium, 315 Waukegan Road, Northfield. $20. For tickets, call Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook at (847) 724-2620.

S.P.A.C.E.

1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Shows at 8 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Sept. 28: Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen (folk/bluegrass). $25/$30. Sept. 28, 10 p.m.: Michael Tolcher (pop). $12/$15. Sept. 29: Siegel Schwall Band with Johnny Burns (blues). $22-$42. Sept. 30: Chicago Blues Harp Bash #5, $15/$20. Oct. 1, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Taj Majal Trio (blues). $32-$74. Oct. 2: Ben Taylor with Grace Weber. $15/$18. Oct. 3: Molly Lewis (acoustic pop). $15/$18/$25. Oct. 5, 7 p.m.: Garnet Rogers, $15/$18. Oct. 6: Dolly Varden with Nora O’Connor (folk rock). $15/$18. Oct. 7, 7 p.m.: Rasputina with Faun Fables (cello rock). $15/$17. Oct. 9: Chad & Jeremy (folk rock). $17/$20/$30. Oct. 10: Guy Forsyth (Americana). $15/$18. Oct. 11: Singer-songwriter Jon Mclaughlin (pop). $18-$48. Oct. 12, 7 p.m.: Four Bitchin’ Babes (folk). $15-$35. Oct. 12, 10 p.m.: Singer-songwriter Charlie Peacock. $12/$15. Oct. 13, 7 p.m.: Lucy Kaplansky with Rose Cousins (folk). $16-$32. Oct. 14, 7 p.m.: Robyn Hitchcock, $25-$45. Oct. 15, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Bela Fleck and the Marcus Roberts Trio (jazz/bluegrass). $18-$48. Oct. 16: Jeff Coffin Mu’tet featuring Futureman (jazz/fusion). $17/$20. Oct. 17: Joseph Vincent (pop). $12-$20. Oct. 18: Kopecky Family Band (indie-folk). $10/$12. Oct. 19:Abigail Washburn with Prince Florence (Americana/bluegrass). $22/$25. Oct. 21, 7 p.m.: Paul Thorn (Americana). $17-$37. Oct. 23: The English Beat with Paul Collins’ Beat (ska/rock). $38/$40. Oct. 24: Ray Wylie Hubbard (country). $15/$18. Oct. 25:Joe Ely (country). $22-$42. Oct. 26, 7 p.m.: Antje Duvekot (folk). $12/$15. Oct. 26, 9:30 p.m.: Red Wanting Blue (rock). $15/$18. Oct. 27: Singer-songwriter Tyrone Wells. $15-$35. Oct. 28, 7 p.m.: Pianist George Winston, $25-$35. Oct. 30: Milk Carton Kids (folk). $13/$15. Oct. 31: Tim Reynolds TR3 (progressive rock). $17/$20. Nov. 1: Anne Heaton CD release show. $12/$15. Nov. 2, 7 p.m.: Jeffrey Foucault (folk). $12/$15/$22. Nov. 2, 10 p.m.: Charlie Hunter Duo (jazz/funk). $18/$22/$30. Nov. 4: Shawn Mullins (folk rock/alternative). $20/$30/$40. Nov. 6: Noah Gundersen and David Ramirez, $10/$12/$18. Nov. 7: Lucy Wainwright Roche and Lindsay Fuller (folk). $12/$15/$22. Nov. 8: Enter The Haggis (rock/world fusion). $15/$18/$27. Nov. 9-10: Slide guitarist Sonny Landreth (blues). $27/$30/$46. Nov. 12: Bowerbirds (indie/folk). $15/$18. Nov. 15: Willy Porter ( folk/blues). $18/$28/$38. Nov. 18: Kris Delmhorst (folk/Americana). $15/$18/$26. Nov. 23: Rickie Lee Jones, $38-$84. Nov. 24: Tommy Castro & the Painkillers (blues/rock). $17/$20. Nov. 25, 7 p.m.: Tuck & Patti (jazz). $20/$30/$40. Nov. 27: Billy Martin & Wil Blades Duo, featuring Billy Martin of Medeski, Martin & Wood (experimental jazz/funk). $15/$18/$25. Nov. 29: Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom featuring Myra Melford, Jenny Scheinman and Todd Sickafoose (jazz). $12/$15. Nov. 30, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.: Irma Thomas (soul). $25-$65. Dec. 31, 10 p.m.: Alejandro Escovedo (roots/rock). $65-$95.

Spotlighters at the Mette

Presenting an intergenerational salute to movie musicals from “The Jazz Singer” to “All That Jazz,” 3 p.m. Sept. 29-30 at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. Tickets: $15; $12 students and children. Visit www.wilmettetheatre.com or call (847) 251-7424.

Stained Glass Coffeehouse

Featuring Corky Siegel at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Congregational Church of Deerfield, 225 Wilmot Road. Johnny Burns opens. $25 donation; proceeds benefit local and international charities. Visit www.stainedglasscoffeehouse.com.

Viper Alley

275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. www.viper-alley.com. (866) 463-3401. Shows are for ages 18-plus, unless noted otherwise. Sept. 28, 9 p.m.: Ronnie Baker Brooks with Cedric Burnside Project. $15-$38. Sept. 29, 9 p.m.: Who tribute: Who’s Who with A Reason to Believe. $10-$20. Oct. 5, 8 p.m.: Arturo Sandoval (jazz). $27-$75. Oct. 6, 7 p.m.: Heartache Tonight (Eagles tribute band). $10-$25. Oct. 6, 10:30 p.m.: Think Floyd USA: Recreating the Dark Side of the Moon. $10-$25. Oct. 18, 8 p.m.: Leon Redbone. $20-$45. Oct. 19, 9:30 p.m.: 7th Heaven (rock). $10-$15. Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m.: The Tubes, $25-$40. Nov. 2, 7 p.m., and Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.: Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell sings classic pop standards. $20-$50. Nov. 12, 7:15 p.m.: Matisyahu performs an all-ages concert (reggae/alternative rock). $30-$50. Nov. 30, 8 p.m.: American English (Beatles tribute). $10-$25. Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.: Jazz guitarist and songwriter John Pizzarelli. $20-$55. Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.: Chicago natives Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway present “Sibling Revelry,” a cabaret act that includes show tunes, jazz and pop. $20-$50.

ART GALLERIES

Anne Loucks Gallery

309 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-8500. www.loucksgallery.com. Through Nov. 15: Paintings by Bernd Haussmann and James Shay.

The Art Center Highland Park

1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 432-1888. www.theartcenterhp.org. Oct. 5-Nov. 10: “Voices and Visions: Standing on the Bridge between Health and Disease,” the third annual exhibit in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Opening reception will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 5, featuring performances by ensemble groups Sing to Live and Cancer with a Twist.

As You Like It Gallery

827 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 864-3101. www.asyoulikeitsalon.net. Through September: “Whatever Comes to Mind,” new paintings by Evanston artist Amy O. Woodbury.

Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-8215. www.chicagobotanic.org. Admission is free; parking is $20 per car. Through Sept. 30: “Places for the Spirit: Traditional African American Gardens,” an exhibit of black and white fine art photographs created by Vaughn Sills, in the Joutras Gallery. Through Nov. 11: “Botanical Art: Expressions of Natural Beauty,” featuring books and periodicals published from the 1700s to 1900s, in the Lenhardt Library. Oct. 5-21: “Drawn from Nature,” the sixth annual student botanical arts exhibition, including works in watercolor, pen and ink, and pencil. Oct. 10-20: “Chicago’s Top 12,” an exhibition of small works by members of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Botanical artists from around the world will showcase their artwork with a framed size of 12” x 12” in the Greenhouse Galleries.

Deer Path Art League & Gallery

Located in the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. (847) 234-3743. www.deerpathartleague.org. Sept. 29, 10 a.m.: “Beginning Mosaics.” Nancy Wolff, a teacher at both The Art Center in Highland Park and the Geneva Lake Art Association, will share some of her work and introduce the tools and materials used during project creation. Free. Reservations required.

Evanston Public Library

1703 Orrington Ave. www.epl.org. Through Sept. 30: Local Art @ EPL features “smalltown,” photographs by Barbara Freeman.

Glenview Art League

Sponsoring exhibits of work by its members at Glenview venues through Oct. 1. For information, call (847) 724-4007. The Book Market at Hangar One, 2651 Navy Blvd. — Works by Deb Anderson, AnnaMaria Arena-Herrold, Adele Soll Aronson, Lindsay Brown, Georgene Campion, Elena Crumbaugh, Joan Fortner, Shirley Hutchinson, Cathy Keeler, Essie Landsman, Siv Lindgren, Lynn Miller, Gloria Moschel, Margaret Newman, Nancy Paradies, Karen Porzak, Carol Reagan, Leslie Scott, Bud Sents, Sandy Sheagren, Andrey Vandzhala, David Westerfield, Marlene White and Kittie Yohe. Edward R. James Homes, 2550 Waukegan Road — Adele Soll Aronson (mixed media). Lyzart Gift Gallery, 1047 Waukegan Road — Carol Reagan (watercolor/mix). Picture Us Galleries, 1521 Waukegan Road — Deb Anderson (oil), Diane Czerwinski (watercolor), Joan Fortner (oil) and Leslie Scott (scratchart). Sweet Dreams Bakery and Cafe, 1107 Waukegan Road — Kittie Yohe (watercolor). Via Gelato & Cafe, 1850 Tower Drive — Sharon Kolesky (oil). Zapatista Restaurant, 992 Willow Road, Northbrook — Gloria Moschel (watercolor) and Sandy Sheagren (oil).

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Through Oct. 30: “Awakening the Extraordinary,” works by photographer Joe Lekas. Gallery Talk will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9.

The Great Frame Up of Northbrook

601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook. (847) 480-0400. Through Oct. 15: 10” x 10” juried art exhibit featuring works by local artists.

Perspective Group and Gallery

1310-1/2B Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.perspectivegallery.org. (224) 200-1155. Through Sept. 30: “Two Landscape Studies: Natural and Urban; Dunescape and Architexture: The Chicago Series,” a photographic exhibition featuring the work of fine art photographers Anthony Iacuzzi and Peter Panayiotou. Oct. 4-28: “Street Art: Dublin,” photographs by Marie DeLean, and “Women Through the Decades,” photographs by Laura S. Friedlander. Opening reception from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 6.

Re-invent Gallery

202 E. Wisconsin Ave., Lake Forest. www.reinventlf.com. (224) 544-5961. Through Sept. 29: “Inspiration,” paintings by Shota Kawahara, a resident of Osaka, Japan.

Services for Adults

Staying in Their Homes, Celebrating Experience: A Gallery of Art by Older Adults, 1123 Emerson, Suite 200, Evanston. (847) 864-7274. www.SASIathome.org. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays or by appointment. All art is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting SASI. Through Nov. 4: Works by Robert Leopold, Delores Rix and Howard Tyner.

Zia Gallery

548 Chestnut St., Winnetka. www.ziagallery.net. (847) 446-3970. Through Oct. 12: “American Industry and Urban Landscape,” photorealistic paintings by Rick Dula, and photographs of Outer India by Nevada Wier.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

The Caroling Party

The professional caroling group will hold auditions Oct. 4 in Evanston for singers in all voice ranges. Seeking attractive, energetic performers who are good sightsingers working in a pop style. You must have a car and provide your own costume. For the audition, prepare one a cappella Christmas solo of your choice. You may also be asked to sightsing an arrangement. The Caroling Party is an equal opportunity employer, actively seeking qualified minority members. For an audition appointment and information, e-mail your name and phone number to PLupoMusic@aol.com.

CenterStage in Lake Forest

Will hold auditions for “Miracle on 34th Street,” the radio show, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 29 and 2-6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. No appointment necessary. Performances Nov. 30-Dec. 8. Audition information at www.CenterStageLakeForest.org or call (847) 234-6062.

Seeking crafters and artists

St. Norbert Craft & Gift Market, Northbrook, seeking crafters and artists for its Dec. 2 holiday show. $125 per space. Visit www.stnorbertcraftandgiftmarket.org, e-mail kchenning@gmail.com or call (847) 226-7969 for more information or an application.

Canzonetta Youth Orchestra

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

BENEFITS

Northlight Theatre benefit concert

“My Baby Just Cares For Me,” featuring Michael and Angela Ingersoll, 8 p.m. Oct. 1-2 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The husband-and-wife duo will perform classic pop favorites. Tickets: $45; VIP $100 (includes premium seating and a pre-show event at 7 p.m. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org.

Bachtoberfest

The fall fundraiser for the Chicago area’s Bach Week Festival will be held at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Nichols Concert Hall of the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The event includes music of J. S. Bach played on a “Cornucopia of Keyboards” — bayan, harmonium, harpsichord, piano and organ — plus German food and drink. Tickets are $50-$150. Visit https://bachweek.tix.com or call (847) 293-6686.

The Lakeside Singers

Presenting “Steppin’ Out,” a benefit concert of classical, pop, gospel and R&B music, at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and desserts will be served. $75 per person or $500 for a table of eight. Visit www.lakesidesingers.com or call Mary Stewart, (847) 382-5085.

BOOKS & POETRY

Author appearance

Author and attorney Kenneth N. Green will discuss and sign copies of his book, I’m From Division Street, at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. The program will begin after a 9:30 a.m. breakfast. To attend, call the synagogue at (847) 432-8900.

Barbara’s Bookstore

2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview. Oct. 3, 7 p.m.: Appearance by young adult authors Libba Bray (The Diviners) and Maggie Stiefvater (The Raven Boys).

Book review luncheon

New York Times best-selling author Lee Woodruff presents Those We Love Most at noon Sept. 28 at the Glen Club in Glenview. $75. Call (312) 960-2325.

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Sept. 30, 2 p.m.: Books on the Chopping Block, a live concert reading of excerpts from the top 10 most frequently challenged books of 2011, will be performed by City Lit Theater Co.

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Oct. 9, 7 p.m.: The Poet Within: An Evening with Jim Reiss. Poet Jim Reiss, nominated for a National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize, will read from his works. An open mic follows.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Oct. 2, 10 a.m.: Literary critic Isabel Soffer leads a poetry discussion. No advance reading is required.

RHINO Reads!

Open mike and featured poets Bryan Borland and Virginia Bell, 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at Brothers K, 500 Main St., Evanston.

Ryerson Woods

Riverwoods Road, between Deerfield Road and Route 22, Deerfield. (847) 968-3321. www.ryersonwoods.org. Friends of Ryerson Woods sponsor Ryerson Reads, a book discussion series focused on environmental literary classics. Book talks are held from 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays in Brushwood, the historic home at Ryerson Woods, and are led by Ben Goluboff, professor of English at Lake Forest College. Fee per discussion is $15; $10 for Friends of Ryerson Woods members. Nov. 14: DIRT: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth by William Bryant Logan.

CHILD’S PLAY

“Fools Tango”

A selection of short comic puppet plays will be presented by Theatre Zarko at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 6-Nov. 11, at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Recommended for children ages 4 and up. $15. Call (847) 350-9275 or visit www.theatrezarko.org.

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Sept. 29, 2 p.m.: Book party for The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch, for children in grades 3-5. Registration is required.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030. www.mitchellmuseum.org. Admission is $5; $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Kids Craft Mornings are informal workshops where children learn to construct simple versions of traditional Native American objects. Workshops are included with museum admission. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. Saturday workshops are at 11 a.m.; Sunday workshops at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29-30: Seminole patchwork. Oct. 6-7: Woven baskets. Oct. 13-14: Woodlands quill boxes. Oct. 20-21: Dream catchers. Oct. 27-28: Northwest Coast masks.

Northwestern University’s Kids Fare

“March with the Band,” 10:30 a.m. Oct. 6 at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Children ages 3-8 are invited to bring their toy instruments and march with the Northwestern University Wildcat Marching Band. Free parking is available in the Ryan Field west lot on Ashland Avenue north of Central Street. Admission: $6 for adults; $4 for children and students. Call (847) 491-5441.

Winnetka Community House

620 Lincoln Ave. (847) 446-0537. www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org. Oct. 8, 11 a.m.: Circus Boy’s Action-Packed Comedy Show. $5. Nov. 6, 11 a.m.: “Schoolhouse Rock Live,” with music from the Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series. $5.

COMEDY

Double-Shot Showcase

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

The Laughing Chameleon

Located in The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Drive, Glenview. (888) 685-2844. www.thelaughingchameleon.com. Showtime is 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; 9 p.m. Fridays. General admission show tickets are $10 and up; two-drink minimum per person. Ages 21 and up entertainment venue for evening shows unless show is specified as all ages. Mondays at 8 p.m.: Funny Monday Showcase, featuring local talent presenting comedy, music, improvisation, magic and illusion. Sept. 27, 8 p.m.: Collin A. Bullock. Oct. 4-6: Larry Reeb. Nov. 1-3: Tim Walkoe.

DANCE

Glenview Square Dance Club

In association with Square Spares & Pairs Club, offering square dance lessons from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at “The Glen” Park Center, Room 201, 2400 Chestnut, Glenview. Couples and singles, all ages, are welcome. Cost is $40 per person for series of 10 lessons; the first lesson is free. For information, call (847) 309-1329 or e-mail janice.cha@sbcglobal.net.

Glenview Square Dance Club

Dancings the first and third Fridays of each month, September to May, at the Glen Grove School, 3900 Glenview Road, Glenview. Round dancing, cued by Howard and Anna Hoffman, starts at 7:30 p.m. Square dancing, at the Plus level, starts at 8 p.m. Call (847) 945-0370 or visit www.glenviewsquares.com.

Lodge Hall

1799 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. Classes by BallroomChicago.com. For information, call (847) 757-2227 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com. Oct. 1, 8 and 15: Basic tango, 7-8 p.m., $10 per person, per session; intermediate tango, 8-9 p.m., $10 per person, per session.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Harvest Fest

The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce will host Harvest Fest from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Northfield Farmers Market, 6 Happ Road, Northfield. The event will feature children’s activities and food.

Northbrook Autumnfest

Presented by the Northbrook Park District from 3-7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Meadowhill Park, Northbrook, with activities and entertainment for all ages. Free. Visit www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2995.

FILM

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Oct. 3, 1 p.m.: “The Ides of March” will be screened and discussed.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. All films shown at 1 and 7:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Oct. 3: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” starring Audrey Hepburn.

Turner Classic Movies Series

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

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Sept. 29, 2 p.m.: Screening of “Snow White and the Huntsman,” rated PG-13.

Wilmette Theatre

1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. Sept. 28-30, 7 p.m.; Oct. 1-2, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Oct. 3, 7 p.m.; and Oct. 4, 4:30 p.m.: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and the 12-minute short feature, “Terry Gilliam’s Lost Animations.” Sept. 28 and Oct. 1-3, 4:30 p.m.: “Monty Python’s Life of Brian.”

LECTURES

Chicago history lecture series

Hosted by Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. Dessert served at 7 p.m. followed by lecture by Myra Loris at 7:30 p.m. $15 per lecture. Call Sandy Bradbury, (847) 729-9365. Oct. 17: “All Roads Lead to Chicago — The Gents Who Made It Happen,” a focus on the entrepreneurs and industrial giants (Armour, Field, Ward, McCormick and others) who made Chicago the commercial center of the world in the late 1800s. Nov. 14: “Urban Phoenix: The Fire and The Fair,” a look at the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Oct. 2, 7 p.m.: Page to Stage — Why Hamlet? A Dark Prince for a Modern Age,” a discussion about Writers’ Theater of Glencoe’s fall production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m.: “La Bohème: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know,” a Friends of the Glenview Library lunch and lecture moderated by opera aficionado Robert Yaffe. $15. Reservations to Kathleen Butler, (847) 998-8005. Oct. 11, 7 p.m.: Lyric Opera of Chicago lecture series features “Simon Boccanegra” by Giuseppe Verdi.

Lyric Opera lecture

The Lyric Opera Lecture Corps of Chicago will present an introduction to “Elektra” by Strauss at 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. Composer information, story insights and musical highlights will be presented by Christine Casey. Call (847) 272-6224 or visit www.northbrook.info.

TOURS & OUTINGS

Evanston History Center

Ninety-minute walking tours begin at 11 a.m. at the Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston, and will take place rain or shine. Admission for each tour is $20; $15 for EHC members. Reservations recommended. Call (847) 475-3410 or e-mail khartzell@evanstonhistorycenter.org. Oct. 6: “Evanston’s Lakefront.” Oct. 20: “Burnham in Evanston,” a tour of the neighborhood where architect Daniel Burnham lived and worked.

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society

Hosting an afternoon tour of the extensive arts and crafts collection at Crab Tree Farm, 982 Sheridan Road, Lake Bluff, from 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 6. $50. Reservations required; call (847) 234-5253. Visit www.lflbhistory.org for more information.

ET CETERA

Backstage Evanston

Evanston’s performing arts will be showcased in a sneak peek from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Northwestern University’s Ethel Barber Theatre, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Seventeen Evanston-area music, theatre and dance organizations will present a five-minute performance and offer discounted tickets to their new season’s performances. Entrance vouchers are $20 and redeemable for a special offer of equal value from any participating organization. Visit www.BackStageEvanston.com or call (847) 448-8260.

Kelly Miller Circus

Performances at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 on the field behind the Mikaelian Education Center, 615 Locust Road, Wilmette. $25 general admission; $35 ringside box seating; free for children under age 2. Proceeds support the District 39 Educational Foundation. Visit www.d39foundation.org.

MUSEUMS

Block Museum of Art

At Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-4000. www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. Admission is free; unless noted, admission to all programs is also free. Through Dec. 9: “Shimon Attie: The Neighbor Next Door” and “De-Natured: German Art from Joseph Beuys to Martin Kippenberger, Selections from the James Keith Brown and Eric Diefenbach Collection.” Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m.: “Sites Unseen.” During the 1990s artist Shimon Attie presented a series of temporary installations, including “The Neighbor Next Door,” in public spaces of European cities. Attie will discuss these projects as well as more recent work examining Arab/Israeli relations. Nov. 7, 5:15 p.m.: “Realism and Abstraction in Gerhard Richter’s Work: The Social History of Postwar German Art,” presented by Paul Jaskot, professor of the history of art and architecture at DePaul University, and Christine Mehring, associate professor of art history at the University of Chicago.

Evanston History Center

Charles Gates Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston. (847) 475-3410. www.evanstonhistorycenter.org. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Admission (includes optional house tour): $10; free for members. Through Jan. 28, 2013: “Bedrooms, Bathrooms and Boudoirs,” a look at the evolution of the home’s most personal of spaces and customs from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century.

Highland Park Historical Society Museum

326 Central Ave., Highland Park. (847) 432-7090. www.highlandparkhistory.com. Admission: $5. Through Sept. 29: “The Wildwood Experience: The Origins of Chicago’s Jewish North Shore.” Sept. 30, 4-6 p.m.: Opening of a new exhibit of Prairie Style architecture and landscape in Highland Park. Frank Lloyd Wright, John Van Bergen and Robert Seyfarth will be some of the architects discussed.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. (847) 967-4889. www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Admission: $12; $8 for students and senior citizens; $6 for children ages 5-11. Special exhibitions are free with museum admission. Through Jan. 6, 2013: “Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America,” a creation of the International Spy Museum. The exhibit explores how the United States should balance civil liberties and individual rights during times of conflict, crisis and fear. Oct. 14, 1:30 p.m.: “From Bat Bombs to Facebook: How 20th Century Technology is Transforming 21st Century Spying.” Robert Wallace, former director of the Office of Technical Service at the CIA, will trace the evolution of spy technology since 1945 with examples of operations, spy stories, and images. Real spy gadgets will be displayed and demonstrated. Wallace is the author of multiple books on spycraft and spy technology; a book signing will follow. Free with museum admission; reservations required. Oct. 18, 7 p.m., and Oct. 21, 1:30 p.m.: Pianist Jeanne Golan performs the complete sonatas of Viktor Ullmann, a noted composer of the 1930s and 1940s who was persecuted, imprisoned and murdered by the Nazis. $18 per performance, $14 for museum members, in advance; $23/$19 at the door. Oct. 28, 1:30 p.m.: “Josephine Baker: Singer, Dancer, Spy,” presented by Jonna Mendez, former CIA Chief of Disguise. Free with museum admission.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030. www.mitchellmuseum.org. Admission is $5; $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Free admission for Mitchell Museum members and tribal members; and on the first Friday of every month. Admission includes all exhibits and events, unless stated otherwise. Through Jan. 6, 2013: “Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art.” Through Aug. 25, 2013: “The War of 1812: Fighting for Their Homeland.” Through maps, timelines, document reproductions, and graphics, the exhibit will provide an overview of the causes and significant events of the War of 1812, including Chicago’s Battle of Fort Dearborn.

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