Updated: November 12, 2012 11:09AM

HALLOWEEN

Ghost story for adults

Writers at Wright features author Mark Z. Danielewski and a group of actors presenting a theatrical reading of The Fifty Year Sword at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. Chris O’Riley, host of National Public Radio’s “From the Top,” will be the pianist. Admission is $10. Visit www.utrf.org.

The Tale of the Tombstones

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest will host its 21st annual cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Forest Home Cemetery, 863 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park, with the theme, “Parks, Preserves and a Deadly Excursion.” The walk features costumed interpreters who portray both the notable and obscure people who are buried at the West Side cemetery. Tours leave every 10 minutes, the last one leaves at 2 p.m. This is a two-hour walking tour; dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. Rain date is Oct. 28. Admission: $15; $10 for members. Call (708) 848-6755 or visit www.oprfhstory.org.

“Fright Light”

The Halloween-themed laser show, suitable for all ages, will be presented at 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 28, at the Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. The music playlist includes “Monster Mash,” “Ghostbusters” and “The Addams Family” theme song. $10; $5 for children and seniors. Call (708) 583-3100 or visit www.triton.edu/cernan.

Howl-O-Ween Extravaganza

Concert with a Cause and Costume Ball featuring live music by Tributosaurus, 7-11:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at The Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Standard tickets $75 (includes entry to event, food, beer/wine, Halloween services (fortune teller, tarot card reader, photo booth, face painting) and event swag bag; VIP package $125. Proceeds benefit West Suburban PADS’ Support Center and the Emergency Shelter Program. Visit www.westsuburbanpads.org.

“Fright at Night”

The haunted house is open Oct. 26 at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. Hours are 6-7 p.m. for ages 12 and under; 7-9 p.m. for ages 13 and up. $5 at the door. Visit www.oakparkconservatory.com or call (708) 386-4700.

“Nosferatu”

Theatre organist David Rhodes will play accompaniment to the classic 1922 silent film “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St., Oak Park. Admission: $20; $10 for those in costume. Call (708) 386-8036 or visit www.graceoakpark.org.

“Spirits in the Night”

The Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest presents a two-hour haunted house walking tour on Nov. 1, featuring costumed interpreters who will tell the stories of former inhabitants of the locations. The tour also includes an authentic Edwardian wake at the final stop of the tour, the 1913 Cheney Mansion. $25; $20 for members; $10 for children 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult). Reservations are required; visit www.oprfhistory.org or call (708) 848-6755. After reservations are made you will be assigned a group departure time between 7 and 8:30 p.m.; times will be assigned in the order they are received.

Halloween Fun Night

Halloween-themed games, crafts, stories, and refreshments will be presented in a family-friendly atmosphere at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Oak Park Dole Branch Library, 255 Augusta St., Oak Park. Costumes encouraged, but not required. Best for ages 4-10 with an adult. Register online at www.oppl.org/events/calendar or call (708) 386-9032 beginning Oct. 12.

Halloween Swing Dance

With music by The Gina Knight Orchestra, Oct. 27 at the Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. Swing lesson at 7:30 p.m.; open dancing at 8:30 p.m. Costume contest and more. $12; $10 students. Visit www.willowbrookballroom.com or call (708) 839-1000.

STAGE

“Damn Yankees”

Presented by Rising Stars Theatre Co. Nov. 3-11 at the Stahl Family Theatre 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $17; $15 seniors and children. Visit www.risingstarschicago.com or call (773) 736-2490.

“The Dead”

Nov. 8-Dec. 9 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $45-$65; $35-$45 for previews, Nov. 8-16. Call (773) 753-4472 or visit www.courttheatre.org.

“Dearly Departed”

Through Oct. 28 at Circle Theatre, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. After the patriarch keels over, members of the Turpin family try desperately to pull themselves together to plan the funeral, but family and neighborhood dynamics keep getting in the way. Performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $24-$28; $26 for students and senior citizens. Visit www.circle-theatre.org or call (708) 660-9540.

The Free Readers Ensemble

Presenting “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, adapted by John McCrite, at 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at The Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Free admission. For more information, visit www.freereaders.com.

“Jitney”

Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, kicks off its 2012-13 season with August Wilson’s “Jitney,” through Oct. 14. Peformances are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $45-$65. Call (773) 753-4472 or visit www.CourtTheatre.org.

“Love and Drowning”

16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn, presents the world premiere of Will Dunne’s exploration of near-death experience, through Oct. 27. Ella and Hank Harding have drowned. Or have they? After a boating accident that left them both clinically dead, the resuscitated couple now find themselves at a strange, remote institute where life isn’t what it used to be. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays. $18 for general admission; $10 for student rush tickets (limited amount available day of show only). Call (708) 795-6704 or visit www.16thstreettheater.org.

“The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe: A Love Story”

Presented by First Folio Theatre through Nov. 4 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. Performances at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $26-$37. Call (630) 986-8067 or visit www.firstfolio.org.

“Outward Bound”

Oct. 26-Nov. 10 at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center at Morton College, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $17; $15 seniors. Visit www.jpactheatre.com or call (708) 656-1800.

“Shaw vs. Chesterton:

The Debate”

Through Oct. 28 at Provision Theater, 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. Based on actual debates and exchanges, George Bernard Shaw and G.K. Chesterton — two of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century — square off in a war of words. Performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $28-$32; $15 students. Visit www.provisiontheater.org.

“Singin’ in the Rain”

Nov. 8-Jan. 13 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The performance schedule is 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. $35-$46, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. Lunch and dinner theater packages available for $49.75-$68. Call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

“Sister Act”

Nov. 13-Dec. 2 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Tickets: $28-$103. Call (800) 775-2000 or visit www.broadwayinchicago.com.

“Small”

Oak Park playwright Paul Amandes’ “play in process” will be performed Oct. 17-Nov. 18 at The Open Door Repertory Company, 902 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park. Curtain at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25; $22 seniors; $18 students; $15 for previews, at 8 p.m. Oct. 17-18. Call (708) 342-0810 or visit www.opendoorrep.org.

“Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me”

Oak Park Festival Theatre presents Irish playwright Frank McGuinness’ haunting story of survival through Nov. 11 at the Madison Street Studio Theatre, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25; $20 seniors; $15 students. Call (708) 445-4440 or visit www. oakparkfestival.com.

“Xanadu”

Through Oct. 28 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, at 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. $35-$46, with discounts available for students and seniors. Lunch and dinner packages available for $49.75-$68. Call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

CLASSICAL

Bella Voce

Opening its 30th anniversary season with “Mosaic Masterpieces: Masterworks from William Byrd and Frank Ferko” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division St., River Forest. 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 4 p.m. Oct. 14 at West Suburban Temple Har Zion, 1040 N. Harlem Ave., River Forest. 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

Debussy Festival, celebrating the music of Claude-Achille Debussy, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Gottlieb Concert Hall at the Merit School of Music, 38 S. Peoria St., Chicago. Tickets: $25-$45; free for college students. Call (312) 225-5226 or visit www.chicagochambermusic.org.

Dorolyn Academy of Music

411 South Blvd., Oak Park. (708) 383-7888. www.dorolynacademyofmusic.org. Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m.: 30th Anniversary Celebration, featuring performances by staff and students. $30.

Music@Bethel

Hosting violinist Sharon Chang, cellist Jocelyn Butler and pianist Jeffrey Panko at 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. The program includes music by jazz composer Fred Hersch as well as works by Brahms, Franck and Rachmaninoff. $20; $18 seniors; $5 students. Families (two adults, five children) can buy tickets for $45. Visit www.MusicAtBethel.com or call (630) 279-4040.

Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-2729. ww.19thcenturycharity.org. Oct. 17, 4 p.m.: Avalon String Quartet performs works by Smetana and Ravel. Free-will donations benefit the Oak Park Art League.

New Philharmonic Orchestra

Presenting “Brahms — Blissful and Bold” at 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at Dominican University, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Guest pianist Yeol eum Son joins New Philharmonic to showcase two of Brahms’ works, created at the height of his career. Tickets: $38; $36 seniors; $28 youth. Call (630) 942-4000.

Opus Three Piano Trio

Gasse School of Music in Forest Park presents works from the U.S., Argenina, England, Germany and Turkey at 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at St. John Lutheran Church, 305 Circle Ave., Forest Park. Free. Call (708) 366-3226.

St. Olaf Orchestra

St. Olaf Orchestra from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., will perform at 4 p.m. Oct. 14 at Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park. Tickets: $10; free for students. Visit www.stolaftickets.com or call (800) 363-5487.

Triton College

Performing Arts Center in the Robert M. Collins Center, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 456-0300. www.triton.edu. Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m.: Chamber music concert. Members of the concert band will present a program of works written for small combinations of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments.

POP/FOLK/JAZZ

The Agape Ringers

Performing at 4 p.m. Oct. 14 at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. The program includes works by Handel and Rossini, contemporary songs of worship, compositions for handbells, and various folk and pops favorites. Free-will offerings accepted. Visit www.agaperingers.org.

FitzGerald’s

6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 788-2118. www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Open mic in the SideBar. Oct. 11, 8 p.m.: Exposure with Heather Treadway, Trevor Parker and Johnny & the Beloveds (rock). $5. Oct. 14, 6 p.m.: Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Oct. 17, 8:30 p.m.: Uncle Lucius CD release show (rock). $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Oct. 18, 8 p.m.: Ron Lazzaretti CD release show, plus James McCandless (roots). $10. Oct. 18, 9 p.m.: Expo ‘76 in the SideBar (rock). Free. Oct. 19, 9 p.m.: Pat McLaughlin and his Nashville Band, plus special guests Cannonball (rock). $15. Oct. 20, 9 p.m.: Rico, plus The Shams Band (rock). $10. Oct. 21, 6 p.m.: The Brienn Perry Orchestra (jazz). $15; $5 for ages 17 and under. Oct. 25, 8 p.m.: Country Night in Berwyn, $5. Oct. 26, 9 p.m.: Anna Fermin (roots). Oct. 26, 9 p.m.: Cannonball in the SideBar (rock). Free. Oct. 27: FitzGerald’s annual Halloween Bash. Oct. 28, 6 p.m.: John Burnett Orchestra (jazz). $10; $5 age 17 and under. Nov. 1, 8 p.m.: Anne Hills CD release show for “The Songs of Tom Paxton,” with Gary Cleland and James Robinson Parran (rock). $15. Nov. 2, 9 p.m.: American English (Beatles tribute). $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Nov. 3, 9 p.m.: The Del Moroccos plus Bellfuries (rockabilly). $12. Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Jazz Community Big Band, an 18-piece big band, based in Norridge, plays in a fundraising event for the Bill May Jazz Education Fund. $10; $5 for 17 and under. Nov. 10, 9 p.m.: The Red Elvises (rock). $15. Nov. 14, 8 p.m.: Chicago Singer Spotlight, $8. Nov. 17, 9 p.m.: Ronnie Baker Brooks with special guest Big Head Todd (blues). $20. Nov. 21, 8:30 p.m.: Tributosaurus becomes The Who (Vol. 2). $20. Nov. 23, 9 p.m.: The Bad Examples (rock). $10. Dec. 1, 9 p.m.: Go Long Mule (rock). $10.

Oak Park Arms Retirement Community

408 S. Oak Park Ave. (708) 386-4040. www.oakparkarms.com. Oct. 15, 7 p.m.: Monday Night Concert Series presents “American Masters,” performed by pianist Bobby Schiff. Free.

ART GALLERIES

Ferguson Art Gallery

At Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest. www.cuchicago.edu. Through Oct. 28: “A Contemporary Re-Envisionment of Dutch Portraits,” works by photographer Tom van Eynde.

Oak Park Arms Retirement Community

408 S. Oak Park Ave. (708) 386-4040. www.oakparkarms.com. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Through Nov. 18: Works by Oak Park Art League member Bobbie Raymond. Wine and cheese reception at 7 p.m. Oct. 12.

Oak Park Art League

720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Oct. 12-Nov. 16: Second annual Carriage House Gallery National Juried Exhibition. Opening reception will be held from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 12.

Oak Park Conservatory

615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 386-4700. Hours are 2-4 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Through October: Paintings by Chicago resident Marilyn Fitzmaurice.

Oak Park Public Library

834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Through Oct. 31: “Iterations: 20 Years of Self Referential Work,” by Janice Elkins.

Park District of Oak Park

Hosting an opening reception from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 13 in Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Ave., Oak Park, for Leonard Ursachi’s sculpture, “Well,” which will be on view through 2015. Visit www.pdop.org.

Triton College Art Gallery

Located in the Fine Arts Building (J-Building), 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. Oct. 22-Nov. 16: Works by members of the Berwyn Art League, including paintings, photography, drawings and other media. Closing reception at 7 p.m. Nov. 16. Call (708) 456-0300, ext. 3589, or visit www.triton.edu/entertainment.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Oak Park Women’s Exchange

seeks crafters for its 38th annual Holiday Art & Craft Show, to be held Nov. 4 at Oak Park River Forest High School. For an application, visit www.opwe.org.

BENEFITS

Bourbon and Beer Tasting 2012

The benefit for the Pro Musica Youth Chorus will be held from 7-11 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park, featuring whiskey, beer, wine and non-alcoholic offerings, food, live music by Mar Caribe, dance lessons, trivia contest, lawn games and more. Tickets: $60 in advance; $75 at the door; $475 for groups of 10, advance only. Visit www.promusicayouthchorus.org.

BOOKS & POETRY

2012 Barbara Ballinger Lecture

Author Louise Erdrich discusses her newest novel, The Round House, at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. The free lecture is hosted by the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library.

Book Worms Book Club for Seniors

Discussing The Warmth of the Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson from 10:30 a.m.-noon Oct. 25 at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park. Copies of the book are reserved at the Oak Park Public Library Main Branch. Fee is $2 for nonmembers.

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243. www.centuriesandsleuths.com. Oct. 14, 2 p.m.: Jeffrey Siger discusses and signs Target: Tinos (the fourth Inspector Kaldis mystery in modern Greece). Oct. 17, 7 p.m.: Discussion of Some Girls, Some Hats & Hitler: A Memoir of 1938 Vienna by Trudi Kanter at deedee & edee, Premier Dress Shop, 7419 Madison St., Forest Park. Oct. 20, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group will discuss Fourth Day by Zoe Sharp. Oct. 26, 7 p.m.: Leslie Goddard discusses and signs Chicago’s Sweet Candy History. Oct. 28, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (The History Discussion Group) will discuss Munich 1938: Appeasement and World War II by David Favor. Nov. 3, 2 p.m.: Hank Phillippi Ryan discusses and signs The Other Woman and Drive Time. Nov. 4, 1 p.m.: Helen Macie Osterman discusses and signs The Evil Eye (an Emma Winberry mystery). Nov. 16, 7 p.m.: Andrew Vachss discusses and signs A Bomb Built in Hell: Wesley’s Story, The Shaolin Cowboy Adventure Magazine and Blackjack: A Cross Novel. Nov. 17, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group will discuss The Sinners: A Criminal Edition by Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips. Nov. 18, 2 p.m.: Robert Goldsborough discusses and signs Archie Meets Nero Wolfe. Dec. 1, 2 p.m.: Michael A. Black discusses and signs Sacrificial Offerings. Dec. 2, 1 p.m.: M.E. May discusses and signs Perfidy. Dec. 9, 2 p.m.: Clio’s Chroniclers (The History Discussion Group) discusses In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. Dec. 15, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group discusses The Fat Man by Sean Philips. Dec. 16, 1 p.m.: Mystery Writers of America (Midwest Chapter) Christmas celebration with guest Max Allan Collins, author of Target Lancer.

Hemingway Museum

200 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. (708) 524-5383. Oct. 18, 7 p.m.: Ruth Hawkins signs Unbelievable Happiness and Final Sorrow: The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Marriage. Nov. 1, 7 p.m.: Mark Cirino discusses and signs Ernest Hemingway: Thought in Action. Books will be sold in the Hemingway Museum bookstore before and after the event.

Horrorbles

6729 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 484-7370. www.horrorbles.com. Oct. 13, 3-6 p.m.: Julie Adams, star of “The Creature from the Black Lagoon,” signs her autobiography, Julie Adams: The Lucky Southern Star, Reflections from the Black Lagoon.

Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-2729 ww.19thcenturycharity.org. Oct. 15, 1 p.m.: “Rachel Carson: Her Legacy and Her Challenge.” Peggy McGrath discusses Carson, the author of Silent Spring.

Oak Park Public Library

834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Oct. 17, 1 p.m.: Discussion of The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich. Oct. 25, 7 p.m.: Jeff Coen and John Chase will discuss and sign Golden: How Rod Blagojevich Talked Himself Out of the Governor’s Office and Into Prison.

Oak Park Public Library

Dole Branch, 255 Augusta, Oak Park. (708) 386-9032. Oct. 16, noon: Brown Bag Book Group discusses A Lonely Death by Charles Todd. Oct. 19, noon: Read & Reflect Book Group discusses Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach.

CHILD’S PLAY

Illinois Storytelling Festival

Dominican University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science will host the 2012 Illinois Storytelling Festival on Oct. 19 in the Fine Arts Building on Dominican’s main campus, 7900 Division St., River Forest. Three performers will take the stage at 7 p.m., presenting stories for children in grades K-6 and their families. The evening begins with face painting at 6 p.m., followed by a costume parade at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per family or individual. For more information, e-mail info@storytelling.org.

Lake Theater

1022 Lake St., Oak Park. www.classiccinemas.com. Oct. 13, 10 a.m.: Free screening of the 1995 film “Gumby: The Movie,” rated G.

Pumpkin Patch Parade

Maywood Fine Arts 11th annual event, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 13 at 25 N. 5th Ave., Maywood. Festivities begin with a dance performances by Stairway of the Stars students. $15; $10 children, which includes a T-shirt and lunch. Call (708) 865-0301.

COMEDY

Oak Park Public Library

Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.: After-Hours Improv Showcase, featuring performers from Maze’s Kid, Teen and Adult Improv Workshops. Registration required.

DANCE

The Dance Center

Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 369-8330. www.colum.edu/dancecenter. Oct. 11-13, 8 p.m.: Gallim Dance will perform founder and artistic director Andrea Miller’s “Blush” (2009), with movement that draws on Butoh and ballet. $26-$30.

The Joffrey Ballet

Presenting a mixed repertory program, “Human Landscapes,” Oct. 17-28 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Tickets, $31-$152, available at (800) 982-2787 or www.ticketmaster.com. For information, visit www.joffrey.com.

Chicago Dance Chapter of USA Dance

Hosting “Masquerade Ball” Oct. 20 at The Centre at North Park, 10040 Addison, Franklin Park. Viennese waltz lesson by Ela Kasperowicz, Kasper Dance Studio, at 7:30 p.m.; dancing from 8:15-11 p.m. Admission: $8 members; $10 nonmembers; $6 for students with ID. Call (847) 577-9014 or visit www.usadancechicago.org.

Halau i Ka Pono

The Hula School of Chicago, 38 Lake St., Oak Park. www.halauikapono.org. (708) 297-6321. Oct. 13:Hula workshops. Modern Hula (Auana), noon-2 p.m., learn basic feet and hand movements during the first hour and a new hula in the second hour. Suitable for beginners and hula dancers wanting to improve technique. $30. Classical Hula (Kahiko), 2-4 p.m., $30. Both workshops are $50.

Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-2729. ww.19thcenturycharity.org. Oct. 15: English Country Dancing. Advanced session (for experienced dancers), 7-8 p.m.; dancing for everyone (no experience necessary), 8-10 p.m. No partner needed. All dances are taught and called. Suggested donation: $10; $5 for youth and seniors.

Willowbrook Ballroom

8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. www.willowbrookballroom.com. (708) 839-1000. Oct. 14, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Ron Smolen Orchestra, $14. No jeans or gym shoes. Oct. 16, 23 and 30 and Nov. 6, 7:30-10 p.m.: Country and western lessons and dance, $8. Oct. 17, 24 and 31 and Nov. 7, 7:30-11 p.m.: Salsa lessons and dance, $10. No partner needed. Oct. 21, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Teddy Lee Orchestra, $14. No jeans or gym shoes. Oct. 26, 8 p.m.: Good Time Charley Singles Dance. Admission $6 before 8:15 p.m.; $8 after 8:15 p.m. Oct. 28, 4-7 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Steve Cooper Orchestra, $10. No jeans or gym shoes. Nov. 4: Waltz lessons, 12:30-1:30 p.m., $20. Ballroom dancing to music by The Weiss Brothers Orchestra, 2-5 p.m., $14. No jeans or gym shoes. Nov. 11, 2-5 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Steve Cooper Orchestra, $14. No jeans or gym shoes.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

The Village of Elmwood Park

Farmers Market and Arts & Crafts Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 14 in Central Park, 75th Avenue and Fullerton Avenue, Elmwood Park. For information, call (708) 452-3948.

FILM

Hispanic Movie Night

Screening “Pan’s Labyrinth,” rated R, at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 in Room B-140 of Triton College’s Student Center (B-Building), 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. Free.

Oak Park Arms Retirement Community

408 S. Oak Park Ave. (708) 386-4040. www.oakparkarms.com. “Journey Through History … Hollywood Style” film series, hosted by radio announcer Dan Kane. All films are shown at 3:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month and are followed by a discussion. Admission is free. Oct. 12: “Amistad,” starring Anthony Hopkins. Nov. 9: “The Alamo,” starring John Wayne. Dec. 14: “Love Actually,” starring Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson.

Oak Park Public Library

834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Oct. 14, 2 p.m.: GLBT Documentary Film Festival presents “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.” Oct. 15, 1:30 p.m.: Claudette Colbert in Hollywood film series presents “Drums Along the Mohawk” (1939). Oct. 21, 2 p.m.: GLBT Documentary Film Festival features “Inlaws and Outlaws.” Oct. 22, 1:30 p.m.: Claudette Colbert in Hollywood film series presents “The Palm Beach Story” (1942). Oct. 28, 2 p.m.: GLBT Documentary Film Festival presents “Love Free or Die.” Oct. 29, 1:30 p.m.: Claudette Colbert in Hollywood film series features “So Proudly We Hail” (1943). Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m.: Claudette Colbert in Hollywood film series presents “Since You Went Away” (1944). Nov. 12, 1:30 p.m.: Claudette Colbert in Hollywood film series presents “The Egg and I” (1947).

Oak Park Public Library

Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. Oct. 18, 2 p.m.: Screening of “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” rated PG. Oct. 31, 1:30 p.m.: Bogie! Film Series features “The Caine Mutiny” (1954).

LECTURES

McCusker Memorial Lecture

Featuring author Sara Paretsky, 6 p.m. Oct. 24 in Dominican University’s Martin Recital Hall, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest, followed by a reception and book signing from 7-8 p.m. Reservations required; visit www.dom.edu/gslis/events.

Oak Park Public Library

Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Oct. 17, 7 p.m.: Lyric Opera of Chicago lecture on “Simon Boccanegra.”

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation

break :: the :: box lecture series explores creative nonconformity across architecture, art and culture, in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park. For tickets, call (708) 383-8873 or visit www.utrf.org. Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.: “Robert McCarter :: Understanding Architecture.” McCarter, professor of architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, explores key themes that relate to successful building design through the ages. Book signing and reception to follow. $15; $12 UTRF members.

ORGANIZATIONS

Oak Park Photography Club

Meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Veterans Room of the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, to view and critique photographs taken by members. All skill levels are welcome.

The Oak Park Writers’ Group

Meetings from 6:30-9 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at the Oak Park Library, 834 Lake St. Writers share their work and discuss it with the group. The Writers’ Group also sponsors a Second Sunday Open Mic, a free performing venue, from 5-7 p.m. the second Sunday of every month at the Eastgate Café, 102 Harrison St., Oak Park. Poets, storytellers, acoustic musicians, comedians, playwrights, singers and dancers are all welcome to perform. E-mail oakparkwritersgroup@yahoo.com.

Salt Creek Music Teachers Association

Hosting a meeting and performance by guitarist Jason Deroche at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Visit www.saltcreekmusicteachers.org.

TOURS & OUTINGS

Oak Park River Forest Gangster Tour

John Binder, author of The Chicago Outfit, conducts “There Goes the Neighbor Hood” tours of gangster history in Oak Park and River Forest at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14, starting at the Oak Park Visitor Center, 1010 Lake St., Oak Park. The exterior tour visits 15 houses; transportation by minibus with no walking required. $30. Call (708) 848-1500.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Vocal workshop

The Oak Park Concert Chorale, led by Paul Lindblad, will present a vocal techinique workshop from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 611 Randolph, Oak Park. The workshop is suitable for beginners through more experienced singers. Free, but reservations are required. Call (708) 383-4742 or e-mail info@oakparkconcertchorale.org. For information, visit www.oakparkconcertchorale.org.

ET CETERA

Cernan Earth and Space Center

At Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 583-3100. www.triton.edu/cernan. Through Oct. 28: Earth & Sky Shows, 7:30 p.m., and laser shows, 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; Children’s shows, 2 p.m. Sundays; and Sunday Sampler, 3 p.m. Sundays. Note — The 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 show will be replaced by the Monthly Skywatch. $8-$10; $4-$5 for children and senior citizens.

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