The indie rock collective Ra Ra Riot, described as the next Arcade Fire due to their use of the unconventional instrumentation found in many indie rock bands, met in 2006 at Syracuse University.

A month-long exhibit in black-and-white abstract style by artist Rachel Dora-Ann of Berwyn will open Saturday, Dec. 6.

She has titled the exhibit “Through the Eyes,” showcasing her “Double Negative” series. An opening day reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Black Box Diamond gallery, 1756 W. Algonquin Road, Hoffman Estates.

Preps, gangstas, anime kids, scenesters, bohemians, geeks — what do they all have in common? In the Noble Fool Theatricals Youth Ensemble production of “Godspell,” they all come together in an alley setting to relate Jesus’ parables. The six groups comprised of 38 local kids and teens from across the suburbs are taking the stage at Pheasant Run Resort for four weekends beginning Saturday, Nov. 29.

Sure, stories about aging, death, failed marriages and disgraced presidencies are the last thing you want to see when you’re struggling to keep food on the table. But when it’s this good, it’s worthwhile to give art a chance this holiday season.

Interview with James Franco, co-star of Gus Van Sant's "Milk."

Film chronicles the life and times of the slain San Francisco politician.

It’s a Western, a war picture, a romantic comedy, a family drama, a history lesson. Yes, “Australia” is all those things and more – too much more.

The co-founders of the newest musical group at Elmhurst College hope to amplify awareness of the Chamber Orchestra, described as an “intimate ... fearlessly energetic ensemble” by Deborah Ryan-Hennel.

A winning family show is playing at Pheasant Run this holiday season, where Noble Fool Theatricals pays loving tribute to “A Christmas Story” and the quest of 9-year-old Ralphie for an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle.

Artistic director John Gawlik brings a sure directorial hand to a cast that smoothly blends veteran actors with young charmers, most drawn from Noble Fool’s Performing Arts Academy.

The show is faithful to the 1983 film favorite that captured a holiday season in Ralphie’s circa 1940s childhood, in which he fought for his heart’s desire against a world warning him, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

The St. Charles Singers, an internationally acclaimed choir lauded by none other than British choral composer John Rutter, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a three-part series performed in both its hometown and Wheaton.

The professional chamber choir of some 30 voices will launch the season in December with “Candlelight Carols,” featuring special guest Michelle Areyzaga. Areyzaga, an alumna of the ensemble and rising international soprano, will return as soloist in a set of six carols for soprano and choir.

Writers from the Fox Valley will participate in the first Wayne Book and Author Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Wayne’s Old Village Hall, 430 Railroad St., behind the police station. Admission is free.

Sponsored by the Wayne Historical Preservation Society, the inaugural event has been organized by Tim Hall of Wayne, who is celebrating the release of a nonfiction novel, “Full of It: The Birth, Death, and Life of an Underground Newspaper.” Taking part is Gene McCormick, also of Wayne, author of “Rain on the Sun” and additional titles, who will read from a work in progress. McCormick said a partial list of other area writers includes Gabriella Filippi of Wayne; Pulitzer-nominated George Rawlinson of Elgin; Rachel Gies of St. Charles, reading from her newest novel, “The Darkness Within”; and Jason Behrends of St. Charles; plus special guest Alex Bledsoe, author of the best-selling fantasy/mystery novel “The Sword-Edged Blonde.”

Click below to listen to Britney Spears' newest album, "Circus," a week before its Jive Records release (legally!), courtesy of Imeem.com! Click here for a GateHouse News Service review of "Circus."

As the holiday shopping überbonanza prepares to launch into full blitzkrieg mode, some of pop’s brightest stars are releasing new albums. Both Beyoncé and Britney take a few chances, but while Britney brings little new to the table, Beyonce's alter ego rips up the dance floor.

Roots rock songwriter Vernam Cipher will perform Saturday evening, Nov. 29, at John’s Restaurant and Tavern at the corner of Winfield and Jewell roads in Winfield.

On a frigid evening Friday, fans of The “Twilight Saga” novels braved the cold to see, at long last, the vampire, Edward, and his beloved Bella in “Twilight."