Northwest suburban arts & entertainment

Includes plays, films, festivals, art exhibits and receptions, concerts, dance shows and more. Deadline is two weeks before event.

"The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee": Runs through Sunday, July 19, Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Tuneful, offbeat, heartwarming tale follows the story of six pubescent outcasts who are overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves. For ages 13 and over. $32-$55. (847) 634-0200 or MarriottTheatre.com.

Hanover Park Community Center Gallery: Through Sunday, July 5, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. A show of 20 photographs by Bartlett artist Ted Nyquist is on display. For information, (630) 837-2468.

June 14

"Steel Magnolias": 3 p.m. Sunday June 14, Fisher-Wright house, 815 Center St., Des Plaines. Share the laughter and tears of six strong women fighting for their lives and dreams. $18; $15 students and seniors. (847) 391-5399.

Arts Alive concert: 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Rolling Meadows Library, 3110 Martin Lane, Rolling Meadows. The BG Singers perform. Free, tickets available at the Welcome Desk or call (847) 259-6050.

A capella group: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, YSH Northbrook Community Synagogue, 2548 Jasper Court, Northbrook. A cappella group Listen Up performs. Event includes a silent auction, light supper and dessert. $36 per person. R.S.V.P. to office @aysh.org or call (847) 509-9204.

Small aircraft tours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Windy City Flyers at Chicago Executive Airport, 1098 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Board new aircraft from Cirrus, Diamond, Piper, Cessna and Beechcraft while manufacturer reps answer questions about new technologies, amenities and ownership. Helicopter rides, $35 and youth aviation displays. For information, call Liz, (847) 808-1188.

Concert in the park: 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Capannari Ice Cream, 10 S. Pine St., Mount Prospect. Featuring "Middle 8," a Chicago-based quartet. Bring a picnic blanket and dinner.

June 15

Battle of the Bands: 7-10 p.m. Monday, June 15, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring American Art, Lake Zurich High School; Central Axis, Palatine High School; Rolling Thunder, John Hersey High School; and Transfluenta, William Fremd High School. Hosted by the Palatine and Salt Creek Park districts and the village of Palatine. For information, (847) 991-0333.

Chicago Outskirts: 6:45 p.m. Monday, June 15, Town Square, corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg. Concert hosted by the Schaumburg Township District Library. All women jazz ensemble. Free. stdl.org.

Monday night concerts in the park: 7:30 p.m. June 15-July 27, Veterans Memorial Band Shell at Lions Memorial Park, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Jimmy John's will be on site offering sandwiches and goodies for purchase. For information, visit mppd.org.

June 16

Matt Wilhelm: 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, Town Square, corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg. X Games medalist Matt Wilhelm performs hosted by the Schaumburg Township District Library. Free. stdl.org.

Trent Arterberry Think Bigg: 11-11:45 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Kindergartners though fifth-graders will enjoy a performance featuring storytelling, mime. music and puppetry. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Culver's Frozen Custards: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, Indian Trails Public Library District, 355 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling. Kevin Weasler of Culver's of Buffalo Grove will explain how Frozen Custards are made and the ingredients involved. There will be a tasting following the demonstration. Registration required; call (847) 459-4100 or visit www.indiantrailslibrary.org.

Encore! Afternoon: 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington. Heather Braoudakis performs classic and contemporary songs in the patriotic spirit. To register, (847) 382-1300 or barringtonarealibrary.org.

June 17

Live at the Lake Summer Entertainment Series: 7 p.m. Wednesday June 17, Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, Lee Street, north of Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. Harris Kal: The Game Master Show. Nonstop interactive entertainment for teams of audience members to play Top Ten Trivia, Music Mania, Family Feud and more. Free. For information (847) 391-5705.

Family Entertainment Series: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, Munao Fountain Plaza, in the Arboretum of South Barrington, corner of routes 72 and 59 in South Barrington. Featuring musician and author Jim Gill. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets. Free. sbpd.net.

Sounds of Summer Series: 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring the Palatine Concert Band. Bring a lawn chair, picnic. Free. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations.

The Johnny Gabor Band: Wednesday, June 17, The Best Garden Cafe, 1090 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. For information, (847) 537-9111.

Celebrity Bartender event: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, Vittorio De Roma Italian Bistro, Palatine. Mayor of Palatine Jim Schwantaz is the celebrity bartender. For information, (847) 991-7006.

Free Summer Concert: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, North School Park, Eastman Street and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Arlington Heights Community Concert band performs light-classical music, marches, show tunes and theme concerts. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, Alcohol and dogs not allowed. For weather cancellations, call (847) 577-3003, ext. 1.

June 18

Artist reception: 7-8 p.m. Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Artists reception for June Lobby artist, Christine Thornton's Art Studio. (847) 259-9150.

Free summer concert series: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, Virginia Mary Hayter Village Green, on Prairie Stone Parkway, off Route 72 in the Prairie Stone Business Park, Hoffman Estates. Featuring Bill O'Connell's Chicago Sykliners. Contemporary arrangements of swing hits from the 1930's-today. Free, bring a blanket and picnic. Concessions available. For information, hoffmanestatesarts.com.

Music, movie and more: 7 p.m. Thursdays June 18-July 30, Veterans Memorial band Shell in Lions Memorial Park, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Tribute band concert at 7 p.m. followed by a movie at dusk. Bring a picnic or purchase a meal deal for $12 that includes four hot dogs, chips and drinks packed in a recyclable tote. For information, visit mppd.org.

"Rent": 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18-Saturday June 20; and Thursday, June 25-Saturday, June 27, Bartlett High School auditorium, 701 Schick Road, Bartlett. Pulitzer prize-winning musical by Johathan Larson presented by Introspect Theatre. $10. (847) 754-8409

June 19

"Steel Magnolias": 7:30 p.m. Friday June 19 and Saturday, June 20; 3 p.m. Sunday June 21, Fisher-Wright house, 815 Center St., Des Plaines. Share the laughter and tears of six strong women fighting for their lives and dreams. $18; $15 students and seniors. (847) 391-5399.

Sounds of Summer Series: 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring American English. Bring a lawn chair, picnic. Free. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations.

Open Mic Night: 8:30 p. m. Friday, June 19, Knights of Columbus hall, 15 N. Hickory, Arlington Heights. Variety of music including blues, classic rock, folk, more. Open door, no admission or cover charge. Bands interested in performing, contact Bob Bolash at robertbolash@qatt.net.

June 20

Clearbrook's Client Summer FunFest: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, Clearbrook Commons, 320 Campbell St., Rolling Meadows. For information or to volunteer, call Nanci, (847) 385-5016.

Car Trek 11: 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20, Woodfield Mall, parking area B2, near Firestone Tire Center. Brand-X Rallye Team hosts gimmick rallye loosely based on the latest Star Trek movie. Rallye school for beginners at 6:30 p. m. First car off at 7:30 p.m. For information, call Jeff, (708) 280-3369 or brandxrallyeteam.com.

Elk Grove Hometown Parade: 6 p.m. kickoff, Saturday, June 20, Elk Grove Blvd., from Tonne ending at Lions Drive by Elk Grove High School. Fireworks and RotaryFest entertainment follow.

Prairie State Art Festival: 11:15 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Juried art competition. $6-$10 includes full day of racing. (847) 385-7410 or arlingtonpark.com.

Unity Day celebration: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, Virginia Mary Hayter Village Green, Prairie Stone Parkway off Route 72 in the Prairie Stone Business Park, Hoffman Estates. Hosted by the Cultural Awareness Commission to celebrate the village's 50th anniversary. Ethnic goods, family-friendly activities, live performances, more. For a complete schedule of events or for information, call (847) 781-2606 or hoffmanestates.org.

June 21

Free Summer Concert: 7 p.m. Sunday, June 21, North School Park, Eastman Street and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The Associates perform Mowtown, classic rock, blues, R&B, swing, jazz, country and more. Bring a blanket or lawn Chair, Alcohol and dogs not allowed. For weather cancellations, call (847) 577-3003, ext. 1.

June 22

Tenors 3: 6:45 p.m. Monday, June 22, Town Square, corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg. Concert hosted by the Schaumburg Township District Library. Classically trained trio perform a diverse musical landscape of opera, Broadway and ethnic tunes with theatrical flare. Free. stdl.org.

June 23

Battle of the Bands: 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, Town Square, corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg. Hosted by the Schaumburg Township District Library. Free. stdl.org.

June 24

Touched by Africa: 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St. Venture to Kenya, Africa with a slide presentation by nature photographers Walt and Carol Anderson. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35 or phpl.info.

Live at the Lake Summer Entertainment Series: 7 p.m. Wednesday June 24, Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, Lee Street, north of Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. Scribble Monster, musical playtime to sing, dance, play and be creative with Scribble Jim and Scribble Jayne. Free. For information (847) 391-5705.

Family Entertainment Series: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, Munao Fountain Plaza, in the Arboretum of South Barrington, corner of routes 72 and 59 in South Barrington. Featuring AC Rock. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets. Free. sbpd.net.

Sounds of Summer Series: 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring the Palatine Children's Chorus. Bring a lawn chair, picnic. Free. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations.

County Fair: Wednesday, June 24-Sunday, June 28, Church of the Holy Spirit, Schaumburg. Food, live musical entertainment, free parking and admission.

Free Summer Concert: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, North School Park, Eastman Street and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Navy Ceremonial Bans performs traditional marches, patriotic tunes and contemporary classics. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, Alcohol and dogs not allowed. For weather cancellations, call (847) 577-3003, ext. 1.

June 25

Live at the Lake Summer Entertainment Series: 7 p.m. Thursday June 25, Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, Lee Street, north of Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. Des Plaines Park District Community Concert Band performs classics, movie scores and popular hits. Free. For information (847) 391-5705.

Open Mic Night: 8:30 p. m. Friday, June 26, Knights of Columbus hall, 15 N. Hickory, Arlington Heights. Variety of music including blues, classic rock, folk, more. Open door, no admission or cover charge. Bands interested in performing, contact Bob Bolash at robertbolash@qatt.net.

June 26

"Steel Magnolias": 7:30 p.m. Friday June 26 and Saturday, June 27; 3 p.m. Sunday June 28, Fisher-Wright house, 815 Center St., Des Plaines. Share the laughter and tears of six strong women fighting for their lives and dreams. $18; $15 students and seniors. (847) 391-5399.

Sounds of Summer Series: 8 p.m. Friday, June 26, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring Skip Towne & The Greyhounds. Bring a lawn chair, picnic. Free. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations.

Grave Conversations Cemetery Walk: 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 26; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, St. John Lutheran Church, one block south of Golf and Linneman roads, Mount Prospect. Hosted by the Mount Prospect Historical Society and Sponsored by Friedrichs Funeral Home, the event features local residents portraying men and women from Mount Prospect history. $10 benefits the historical society's educational and preservation efforts. (847) 392-9006 or mtphist.org.

Friday Night Live at Metro Square: 6:30-9 p.m. Fridays, June 26, July 17 and July 31, Metropolitan Square, Market Street and River Road, Des Plaines. Live entertainment sponsored by the Special Events Commission city of Des Plaines. (847) 299-4120.

June 28

"South Pacific": 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, Glenbrook South High School, 4000 W. Lake Ave., Glenview. Glenview Theater Guild presents matinee performance hosted by the Buffalo Grove Auxiliary 89- Jewish War Veterans. $17. Anita, (847) 883-8753 or Shirley, (847) 821-0118.

Free Summer Concert: 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28, North School Park, Eastman Street and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Deuce performs a mix of Chicago soul with blues, funk, jazz and rock. Bring a blanket or lawn Chair, Alcohol and dogs not allowed. For weather cancellations, call (847) 577-3003, ext. 1.

June 29

Limited Edition Big Band: 6:45 p.m. Monday, June 29, Town Square, corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg. Concert hosted by the Schaumburg Township District Library. Big Band, jazz, and dance arrangements. Free. stdl.org.

June 30

Radio Poetry: 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, Town Square, corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg. Hosted by the Schaumburg Township District Library. Interactive evening of music, poetry and drama. Free. stdl.org.

July 1

Live at the Lake Summer Entertainment Series: 7 p.m. Wednesday July 1, Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, Lee Street, north of Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. Ken Schultz, They Flying Fool. Fire-eating, bowling ball juggling, balancing acts and more. Free. For information (847) 391-5705.

Family Entertainment Series: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, Munao Fountain Plaza, in the Arboretum of South Barrington, corner of routes 72 and 59 in South Barrington. Featuring the Flying Fool, Ken Schultz. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets. Free. sbpd.net.

July 8

Live at the Lake Summer Entertainment Series: 7 p.m. Wednesday July 8, Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, Lee Street, north of Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. Dave Rudolf's "It's a Jungle Out There" Grammy nominated family entertainer presents an interactive program about animals, jungles and dinosaurs. Free. For information (847) 391-5705.

Family Entertainment Series: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, Munao Fountain Plaza, in the Arboretum of South Barrington, corner of routes 72 and 59 in South Barrington. Featuring Dave Rudolf. Bring your own lawn chair and blankets. Free. sbpd.net.

Sounds of Summer Series: 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring the Palatine Concert Band. Bring a lawn chair, picnic. Free. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations.

July 10

Sounds of Summer Series: 8 p.m. Friday, July 10, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring The Neverly Brothers. Bring a lawn chair, picnic. Free. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations.

Free summer concert series: 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, Community Church of Rolling Meadows, 2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Held in conjunction with an old fashioned ice cream social.

July 15

Live at the Lake Summer Entertainment Series: 7 p.m. Wednesday July 15, Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, Lee Street, north of Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. Barefoot Hawaiians perform professional, authentic Polynesian-style of dance and drumming. Free. For information (847) 391-5705.

July 16

Live at the Lake Summer Entertainment Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, Lee Street, north of Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. Des Plaines Park District Community Concert Band performs classics, movie scores and popular hits. Free. For information (847) 391-5705.

July 17

Barefoot Hawaiians: Noon-1 p.m. Friday, July 17, Towne Square Park, 150 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. Authentic Polynesian-style performance troupe. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations. For information, (847) 991-0333.

Friday Night Live at Metro Square: 6:30-9 p.m. Fridays, July 17 and July 31, Metropolitan Square, Market Street and River Road, Des Plaines. Live entertainment sponsored by the Special Events Commission city of Des Plaines. (847) 299-4120.

July 22

Live at the Lake Summer Entertainment Series: 7 p.m. Wednesday July 22, Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, Lee Street, north of Touhy Ave., Des Plaines. Irish Heritage Singers perform patriot and folk songs by Irish-American composers, traditional Irish music and pub songs. Free. For information (847) 391-5705.

July 24

Sounds of Summer Series: 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring Mojo & The Bayou Gypsies. Bring a lawn chair, picnic. Free. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations.

July 29

Sounds of Summer Series: 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Featuring Summer Serenade. Bring a lawn chair, picnic. Free. (847) 705-51234, ext. 274 for weather related cancellations.

July 31

Friday Night Live at Metro Square: 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, July 31, Metropolitan Square, Market Street and River Road, Des Plaines. Live entertainment sponsored by the Special Events Commission city of Des Plaines. (847) 299-4120.

Aug. 2

Flea Market: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, Yesterday's Farm Museum, 850 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale. Hosted by the Wood Dale Historical Society the market will feature about 60 booths selling anything from antiques and collectibles to garage sale items. Refreshments available for purchase. For information or to participate as a vendor, call Ann, (630) 766-4216 or Judi, (630) 595-0360.

Aug. 7

"Joseph UK": 8 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 7 and 14, Saturdays, Aug. 8 and 15; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays Aug. 9 and 16, Cutting Hall theater, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. uactheatre.com.

Opera in Focus: 4 p.m. Wednesdays; 1:30 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Park Central, 3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows. Choreographed rod puppets perform to the music of operas. $12 adults; $11 seniors; $7 children under age 12. Visit operainfocus.com. (847) 818-3220.