Smokey Robinson to perform at Morton Arboretum

Smokey the bear?

Legendary Motown artist Smokey Robinson plays nature. The star who scored hits such as "Tears of a Clown," "Ooh Baby, Baby" and "The Tracks of My Tears," headlines at the Morton Arboretum's concert series that supports planting and protecting trees for a healthier and more beautiful world. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member isn't the only big name trilling at the Lisle venue. Grammy Award-winning Keb' Mo' takes the stage the day before Robinson. The singer-songwriter embraces multiple genres, including pop, blues, rock, folk and jazz. Enjoy both performances on the concert lawn among the arboretum's majestic trees and landscape.

Keb' Mo' with special guest, the subdudes, at 7 p.m., Friday, July 24. Tickets are $45 in advance; $47 day-of. Smokey Robinson, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Tickets are $50 in advance; $52 day-of. Discounts available for arboretum members. Purchase at mortonarb.org, call (630) 725-2066 or in person at the Arboretum Visitor Center, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL.

Freebie

Moonwalk memoir

The Mount Prospect Community Band will play outer space-themed music in its program, "One Small Step For A Man - One Giant Leap For Mankind," Monday, July 20, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first landing on the moon. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating and to be prepared to move inside to the Lions Park gym in the event of rain.

7:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, at Veterans Memorial Bandshell at Lions Park, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Free. (847) 640-1000.

This afternoon

"The King of Vodka"

Linda Himelstein, author of "The King of Vodka: The Story of Pyotr Smirnov & the Upheaval of An Empire," will be on hand at Centuries and Sleuths bookstore to sign copies of her book and discuss its topic.

2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Centuries and Sleuths bookstore, 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243.

"The King and I"

North Central College's summer musical theater program presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1951 musical about a 19th-century British governess who develops a somewhat tenuous relationship with the king of Siam.

2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $15 or $10 for students and seniors. (630) 637-7469.

This evening

Local "High School Musical 2"

Noble Fool Theatricals' Yough Ensemble will present a stage version of Disney's "High School Musical 2," the hit sequel to the made-for-TV movie about high school students who sing, dance, perform and play sports.

7 p.m. on Sundays, July 19 and 26, at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $15.(630) 584-6342.

This week

"Best Friends Forever"

Jennifer Weiner, best-selling author of "Good in Bed," "In Her Shoes," and other novels, will discuss her new book "Best Friends Forever" at Stevenson High School's performing arts center, bringing with her the charm and wit that have made her novels successful.

7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 20, at Stevenson High School's performing arts center, 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire. Free with registration. Those who register must pick up tickets in advance at the Vernon Area Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Register at vapld.info or call (847) 634-3650.