60 years of the arts at Elgin Community College
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60 years of the arts
Help celebrate the 60th anniversary of Elgin Community College at the Fall for the Arts event. Dozens of performances run throughout the day, including storytelling sessions, dance performances and an old-time radio show. Hands-on projects allow guests to make their own drums, T-shirts and candy. Get into the Halloween spirit at the haunted house. Free popcorn and cotton candy will be given out. Other food is available for purchase, including churros, pizza and handcrafted chocolate.
Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Elgin Community College Galleries, Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Free general admission; there is a charge for some food items. (847) 214-7405.
Today
Feeling fruity?
Get your fill of fruit at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Midwest Fruit Explorers Show and Sale. Featured are kiwis, pears, apples, paw paws, grapes and more. Watch as apples are turned into cider during the apple press demonstrations. Visitors can sample and buy the various fruits.
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Free general admission. Parking is $20 per car. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org.
Railroad treasures
Collectors of railroad memorabilia can buy and sell items used by railroads at the 17th Chicago Railroadiana Show and Sale. Look for items including steam and diesel engine parts, switch keys, locks, lanterns, china and silverware from dining cars, timetables and maps. Other items include books, photos and videos on railroad topics.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Admission is $5; free for children younger than 12. (847) 934-4000.
Author appearance
Frances Brent, author of "The Lost Cellos of Lev Aronson," will discuss and sign copies of her book.
2 p.m. today at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. Admission to the program is free with paid $5-$8 museum general admission. Reservations are recommended. Call (847) 967-4889 or visit ilholocaustmuseum.org.
Pianist extraordinaire
Lithuanian-born concert pianist Rudolf Budginas, who trained at the Moscow Conservatory, presents a concert of classical, pop and jazz selections.
3 p.m. today, Oct. 18, at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Tickets cost $25 and are available at the door. Children in grades kindergarten through 12th admitted free with a paying adult. (847) 718-7702 or ahcommunity concerts.org.
This evening
Big dance with a big band
Couples and singles can dance to the music of the 16-piece Bobby Sanders Orchestra during the Big Band Dance. Those not wanting to hit the dance floor are invited to sit and enjoy the concert.
7 to 10 p.m. today at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest, 3400 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Admission is $15 per person. (847) 392-0918.
This week
Hangin' with Mark Curry
Comedian and actor Mark Curry performs Friday through Sunday, Oct. 23-25, at The Improv Comedy Showcase. Curry is best known as the star of the television sitcom "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper."
8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at The Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, inside Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. $19-$22. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com.
Orchestra on parade
The Park Ridge Civic Orchestra opens its season with an "Autumn Classics" concert of classical and miscellaneous selections.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Pickwick Theater, 5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. $20-$25. Call (847) 692-7726 or (847) 823-8861.
Political comedy
The Capitol Steps comedy troupe presents "Obama Mia!" a comedy revue that spoofs politics in sketches and songs.
8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $25.50-$35.50. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com.
Howlin' Halloween Fest
Youngsters ages 3 to 8 can get into the Halloween spirt at the Howlin' Halloween Fest. Highlights include kids' games, Halloween hayrides, face painting, an express train, live entertainment and crafts. Costumes are encouraged.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Lions Memorial Park, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Admission is $4 per child. Free for adults. (847) 632-9333.