The briefs

Big band opens free outdoor summer concert series

The Hoffman Estates Arts Commission and the Hoffman Estates Park District welcome Bill O'Connell's Chicago Skyliners to the Village Green at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, as part of the "Summer Sounds on the Green" concert series. Keeping the big band sounds alive since 1988, the Chicago Skyliners, under the direction of Bill O'Connell, feature contemporary arrangements of swing hits from the 1930s through today. This concert is the first of a series of seven summer shows at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights at the Virginia Mary Hayter Village Green, on Prairie Stone Parkway off Route 72 in the Prairie Stone Business Park.

Admission is free. Bring a picnic (no glass allowed) or Garibaldi's will provide food and

drinks at the concession stand. Information is at hoffmanestatesarts.com.

Workshop on personal safety for women

A Women's Personal Protection Workshop will be held 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Barrington Martial Arts, 123 Barrington Commons, for women and girls 15 and up. To register, call the Barrington Park District at (847) 381-0687. Cost is $25 for Barrington residents and $31 for non residents. Call (847) 382-9599 with questions.

Relay For Life this weekend at Fremd

Cancer Survivors are invited to participate in the American Cancer Society's 2009 Relay For Life of Palatine / Rolling Meadows /Inverness, which will be held at Fremd High School June12-13. The overnight walk/run raises money for cancer education, advocacy, awareness, support and research to help find a cure. For information, contact Taylor Bogdan at (847) 368-1166 or visit RelayForLifePRMI.com.