Arts and Entertainment

Music

“The Nutcracker” Midwest Ballet Theatre, 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov.22 and 23, Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Guest artists are Anne Milewski and Sean Stewart, soloists with American Ballet Theatre. Tickets for Nov. 22 and 23 are $14 adults, $13 seniors and students age 12 to 18, $12 children under 12. For ticket information, call (630) 971-9751.

Chamber music concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, North Central College, Koten Chapel, 329 E. School St., Naperville. The DuPage Symphony Orchestra will perform music of 18th century composers. An informal reception will follow the performance. Tickets are $18 adults, $8 students. For tickets, call (630) 778-1003.

Open mic 7 p.m. Sundays, Starbucks Coffee, 1001 W. 75th St., Woodridge. Free.

Holiday concert “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” Sweet Adelines chorus, Choral-Aires Chorus and the Brotherhood of Harmony Chorus, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Road. $18 adults, $15 seniors, children and groups. Tickets available at the door or in advance by contacting Connie Harr at ch1234@att.com.

Marshall Vente Duo 5 to 11 p.m. Mondays, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 244 S. Main St., Naperville. (630) 305-0230, www.sullivansteakhouse.com.

Jim Guter music Duos, 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; Trio, 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Timpano Martini Bar and Chophouse, 22 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (630) 753-0985.

Live club music Dueling Pianos, 8:30 p.m. Thursdays; Michael Heaton, Fridays; DJ Vizza, 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, Club Mamalu, 10 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (630) 416-3310.

Stomp concert Friday to Sunday, Nov. 28 to 30, Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Performance times are 8:30 p.m. Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Stomp is an eight-member percussion group that uses unconventional instruments, such as wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans and hubcaps. Tickets are $47.50, $37.50 and $32.50. Saturday 8 p.m. concert tickets are $49.50, $39.50 and $34.50. For tickets, call (630) 896-6666, www.theparamounttheatre.com.

Chorus seeks new members The Choral-Aires, an award-winning Sweet Adelines Chorus, invites local women who like to sing, to attend a series of guest nights to prepare for the group’s Dec. 13 Christmas show, “Let There be Peace on Earth,” presented with the Brotherhood of Harmony Chorus. Guest nights are held from 7 to 10 p.m. each Monday, through Dec. 8, at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 Spring Road. Community members are invited to join the chorus during its practice. For information, call Jane Toftey at (630) 665-8387, www.choral-aires.org.

Art

Photography exhibit "The Power of Music: Photographic Portraits of Americans and their Musical Instruments, 1860-1915," through Dec. 14, Naper Settlement, Heritage Gallery, 523 S. Webster St. Photographer is musician and historian Mark Gardner. www.napersettlement.museum.

Spanish photo exhibit “The Lure of Language: A Personal Portrait of Mexico, Spain and Costa Rica,” through Dec. 23, Aurora University, Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures at Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora. Features photographer Denise Hatcher. (630) 844-7843.

“Root and Shadow” exhibit Through Jan. 2, Aurora University, Dunham Hall, Schingoethe Gallery, 1400 Marseillaise Place. Features Christian Arrecis, Myongbeom Kim and Kim Strom. Reception Nov. 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more informtion, call (630) 844-7843.

“Sacred Ecology” exhibit Through Dec. 19, North Central College, The Gallery of Oesterle Library, 320 E. School St., Naperville. Features watercolor paintings by local artist, Nancy Reid.

theater

“City of Angels” Theatre-on-the-Hill, weekends, through Nov. 23, Bolingbrook Performing Arts stage, 375 W. Briarcliff Ave. Performance times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $15 adults, $12 students and seniors. For tickets, visit www.tothbolingbrook.com.

“Metamorphoses” Nov. 21 to 23, Lewis University, Philip Lynch Theatre, Route 53, Romeoville. Show times are 8 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. $10 adults, $9 seniors and students. For tickets, call (815) 836-5500.

“My Three Angels” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Dec. 6, Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 S. Water St. Mall, Aurora. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students. For tickets, call (630) 897-9496, www.riverfrontplayhouse.com.

“A Christmas Carol” 10 a.m. Nov. 21, 24, 28 to 30, Dec. 1 to 4, 6, 9 to 12, and 15 to 20; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. All ages. Dinner or breakfast buffet offered before performances on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 10, 17 and 20. Show only tickets are $9. For tickets, call (630) 530-0111.

“Yohan” Silk Road Theatre Project, 8 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22; 2 p.m. Nov. 22 and 23, North Central College, Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. For tickets, call (630) 637-7469.

Bob Newhart live performance 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets are $60.50 and $50.50. For tickets, call (630) 896-6666, www.theparamounttheatre.com.

Nature events

“Going on a Gnome Hunt” 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Feb. 28, Morton Arboretum, Children’s Garden, Interstate 88 and Route 53, Lisle. Children can search for gnomes hiding among the trees. Free, drop-in activity. (630) 725-2066, www.mortonarb.org.

“The Holiday Railroad” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 to Jan. 4, Morton Arboretum, Visitor’s Center, Interstate 88 and Route 53, Lisle. View multi-level model garden railroad that winds through a holiday wonderland display. (630) 725-2066, www.mortonarb.org.

“Cool Kids Nature Hike” 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Nov. 28 to February,  Morton Arboretum, Children’s Garden, Interstate 88 and Route 53, Lisle. All ages take a 20-minute hike through Children’s Garden. Refreshments served after hike. Additional hike at 12:30 p.m. on weekends. Free, drop-in activity. (630) 725-2066, www.mortonarb.org.

“Tree Treats” 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, Morton Arboretum, Children’s Garden, Interstate 88 and Route 53, Lisle. Decorate trees naturally using items that winter animals can eat. Free, drop-in activity. (630) 725-2066, www.mortonarb.org.

Fine artisan boutique “Christmas at the Mill,” Friday to Sunday, Nov. 21 to 23, Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook.  Handmade gifts, decorative items, strolling carolers and decorated Christmas trees. Friday features a wine and cheese preview party from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is $6. Saturday and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no admission charge. www.grauemill.org.

“School’s Out: Hidden Treasures” 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Grades 1 to 5. Treasure hunt using maps, compasses, puzzles and secret codes. Bring sack lunch and drink. $45 per child; $40 for Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Members. Register at (630) 420-6010.

Santa’s Secret Workshop 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Grades kindergarten to 5. Learn about holiday traditions, make gifts and write letter to Santa. Refreshments served. $25 per child; $24 for Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Members. Register at (630) 420-6010.

Miscellaneous

Open gym Naperville Park District, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, River Woods School gym, 2607 River Woods Drive, Naperville. Ages 18 and up. All participants must show an I.D. when they sign in. $4 residents, $6 non-residents, collected at the door. (630) 848-5000, www.napervilleparks.org.

Anime Club Fountaindale Public Library District, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, Bolingbrook library, 300 W. Briarcliff Road. Grades 6 to 12. Register at (630) 759-2102.

Weekly themed storytimes 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 47 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.

Family Fun Night Fountaindale Public Library District, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, Romeoville library, 201 Normantown Road. All ages. Register at (815) 886-2030.

Dancing in Naperville Swing lessons, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; Salsa lessons, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Frankie’s Blue Room, 16 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (630) 416-4898.

Harry Potter Magical Extravaganza Fountaindale Public Library District, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, Romeoville library, 201 Normantown Road. Grades 3 to 6. Register at (815) 886-2030.

Bar trivia Myles Above Productions Inc., 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Spats Bar, 28331 Dodge St. Warrenville. Comedy show and interactive trivia questions. Prizes awarded. (630) 728-3813.

Teddy Bear Tea 10 a.m. and noon, Friday, Nov. 28, Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet. All ages. Includes brunch and appearance by Santa. Photo opportunities available. $17.50 adults, $15 ages 12 and under. For tickets, call (815) 726-6600.

Breakfast Club openings Lewis University invites community residents age 55 and older to join its Breakfast Club at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, Route 53, Romeoville. Participants are able to utilize the center’s facilities and socialize with others. Membership is $40 every three months or $150 annually. For more information or to join the club, call Jill at (815) 836-5277.

Clubs

Will County Mothers of Twins Club 7:30 p.m. every fourth Monday except December, Fire Station No. 5, 1706 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook. (815) 773-9561.

Bolingbrook VFW Post 5917, 8 p.m. every fourth Monday except May and December, Levy Center, 251 S. Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook. Contact John Davin, (630) 632-9878, johnd94@sbcglobal.net.

Woodridge Rotary Club Noon Tuesdays, Seven Bridges Golf Club, Route 53, Woodridge. Call John Carey, (630) 960-5417, www.woodridgerotary.org.

Woodridge VFW Post 1578, 7:30 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, Training Room of Woodridge Police Department, 1 Plaza Drive, Woodridge. Call Rob Reichert, (630) 985-0070.

Questioning Youth Center Social group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth ages 16 to 20, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Naperville. For specific location, call (630) 415-2053.

Chorus of DuPage All-male barbershop chorus, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville. Call Jerry Broz, (630) 964-3139.

Rotary Club of Lisle 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Lisle Hilton, 3003 Corporate West Drive. Contact gmiller@lislerotary.org.

Lisle Kiwanis Club 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Hilton Lisle-Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. (630) 964-5282.

Platinum Toastmasters of Lisle 7:30 to 9 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, Lisle Fire Station Training Room, 1005 School St. info@platinum.freetoasthost.org.

Naperville Networkers Business networking, 7:01 a.m. Thursdays, Big Apple Pancake House, 2799 Maple Ave., Lisle. Call Matt Ewald, (630) 678-1700.

Woodridge Toastmasters Club 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday, Woodridge Resource Center, 8274 Janes Ave. Call Tracy Hodge, (630) 357-3278.

Lemont Friendship Garden Club 7 p.m. every fourth Thursday, January through October. For more information, (630) 257-7889. lemontfriendshipgardenclub@live.com.

Support groups

NarAnon Family Group “Stepping into Serenity,” support for family and friends who are close to someone with a drug addiction problem, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays, Linden Oaks Hospital, Room 105, 852 S. West St., Naperville. For more information, call the NarAnon Helpline at (312) 409-0598.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly Chapter 0910, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, call Barb, (630) 724-1209; Chapter 2265, 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays, (630) 969-2430; both at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 75th St., Woodridge.

Overeaters Anonymous Noon Tuesdays, Evangelical Free Church, Room 3101, 1551 Hobson Road, Naperville. Baby-sitting available. Call Peggy, (630) 369-1753.

Teen-Parent Connection Support group for teens with or expecting children, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, DuPage Township Office, 241 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook. Contact Pam DiGioia, (630) 790-8433, Ext. 307, pamelad@teenparentconnection.org.

New Beginnings Support group for divorced, separated and widowed, 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Raphel’s Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville. www.newbeginnings-il.com.

Adult Children of Alcoholics 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1313 N. Mill St., Naperville. www.acoa-chicagoland.org, debbiem6@aol.com.

SHARE Pregnancy difficulties support group, 7 to 9 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 919 S. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 527-3263.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Support group, 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday, Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville. Call Alice Chlumecky, (630) 852-4295, or Gayle Schweinert, (630) 420-8548.

National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders of Glen Ellyn Eating disorder support group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 751 Roosevelt Road, Building 7, Suite 115, Glen Ellyn. Bilingual services offered. For more information, call Dana Castellano, (312) 882-0494, www.anad.org.

Spouse loss support group 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sunrise Assisted Living, 960 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Call Inger Erickson, (708) 234-2850.

Cancer Support Group 7:30 to 9 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, rectory basement west of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. (630) 355-8980, Ext. 124.

Grief support program “Journey to Wholeness,” 10 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Edward Hospital Education Center, 801 S. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 527-5056.

Caregivers support group 2 p.m. every last Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville. (800) 272-3900.

Gam-Anon Gambling problem support group, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle. (708) 802-0105, www.gam-anon.org.

seminars/classes

Aviation career conference 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Lewis University, Route 53, Romeoville. Aviation professionals will discuss aviation security, maintenance, administration, air traffic control and piloting. Free. Register at (815) 836-5434, www.lewisu.edu/aviation.

Cake decorating school Wilton School of Cake Decorating, 7511 Lemont Road, Darien, offers 50 courses throughout the year. Fees range from $75 to $950. (630) 985-6077, www.school.wilton.com.

fundraisers

Luncheon and fashion show fundraiser “Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” Lisle-Naperville Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Saturday, Nov. 22, Hilton Hotel, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for shopping in the “Sugar Plum Shops,” made up of a variety of crafters with jewelry, purses, clothing, candy, music boxes and books. Tickets are available from any member of the chapter, or by calling Marva Maxwell, (630) 964-4692.

Brandon T. Bringas benefit dinner 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville. Dinner, silent auction, talent show. Proceeds support the Brandon T. Bringas Memorial Fund. Spaghetti dinner, dessert table, raffle to win a Chevy HHR. $5. For more information or to volunteer, call Tammy Thomas at (630) 470-9678 or Michelle Bringas at (815) 761-9793.

special events

Friends of Little Friends Hometown Holidays Parade 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Centennial Beach, Jackson Ave., Naperville. Route is east on Jackson Ave., north on Webster St. and west on Van Buren Ave. to Eagle St. Participants include staff and friends of the DuPage Senior Citizens Council.

Hypnotist and Mentalist performance Master hypnotist and mentalist Robinn Lange performs at 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Omega Restaurant and Banquets, 4S40 Route 59, Naperville. Tickets are $25 and $20. For tickets, call (630) 836-9999.

Interest groups

Christmas decorations contest Forest City, owner of The Promenade Bolingbrook, sponsoring a competition seeking the best multi-media home holiday displays with lights syncopated to music. Grand prize is a weekend trip for two to downtown Chicago to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert. Contest runs through Dec. 12 and winners will be announced on Dec. 22. Entries must be digitally-recorded images of the participant’s home light display uploaded to www.symphonyinlights.com. Judges will visit each home prior to judging. Visit www.symphonyinlights.com for contest rules and requirements.

Crafters wanted Crafters needed for the Jane Addams Band Boosters Association’s annual craft show and cookie walk on Dec. 6 at Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook. For more information and application, call Tiffany at (630) 378-4680.

Morton East High School 33rd reunion Class of 1975, 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Michael Anthony’s Restaurant, 6434 W. Ogden Ave., Berwyn. No cover. Cash food and bar. If interested, call Jeannie Mizerka Mikota at (708) 601-2248, jmikota@aol.com.

Bowen High School 40th reunion Class of 1969, 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2009, Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans St., Chicago. $110 per person, $195 per couple may be purchased by sending a check to Phyllis Volk, 250 E. Pearson St., Unit 906, Chicago, IL 60611, payable to Phyllis Volk and indicate Bowen Reunion in the memo section. For more information and “lost classmates” addresses, visit www.freewebs.com/bowen1969reunion, or call Brett Weiss at (630) 248-5405.

St. Eulalia Elementary School reunion Class of 1971. Plans being made. If interested in attending, call Noreen Collins Kuenster, (708) 442-2628.

Harper High School 50th reunion Class of January and June 1959. Plans being made for summer of 2009. If interested in attending, call Cliff Gustafson, (815) 372-9937.

Morton West High School 20th reunion Class of 1989. Plans being made. Looking for “lost classmates.” For more information or to register for the reunion, contact mortonwest89@gmail.com.

Downers Grove North High School 50th reunion Class of 1960. Plans being made for 2010. Send addresses to Rolfe Sick, 8003 Fairmont Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60516.