Actual Fun

Check out this year’s Forest Park Community Guide!

Online edition –>

Take me to the news

6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16

Progressive pajama party

Wine tasting at HouseRed leads to tarot readings, a lap-dance class and a PJ contest at Baubo’s Garden. Then drinks, treats, Twister and a show by pianist Cole DeGenova at Skrine Chops. PJs required; overcoat recommended. $28-$32, info@baubosgarden.com, 771-8900. HouseRed is at 7403 W. Madison, Forest Park.

 

7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16

Mystery author in town for book signing

J.A. Jance will be at Centuries & Sleuths bookstore to promote Cruel Intent, his latest mystery, which is about a dating Web site that turns deadly. $5 fee for signing of book not bought at Centuries & Sleuths. 7419 W. Madison. Forest Park. 771-7243.

 

7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16

Premiere of Far from Freud

Contemporary musical about real life. $20. www.village-players.org, 866-764-1010. At Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison, Oak Park.

 

9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16

Compass Rose Quintet live

An Oak Park band known for its original instrumentals will be playing Trattoria 225 for the arts district’s 3^rd Friday late-night. 225 Harrison, 358-8555.

 

6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17

Free piano recital

Faculty musicians in Concordia University Chicago’s community piano program get together for a show. Chapel of Our Lord, 7400 Augusta, River Forest. 209-3060.

 

7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17

Live jazz at Eastgate Café

Skyler and Zack Pickeren will be entertaining diners and shoppers. Olya Dailey, Eastgate’s hostess and chief foodie, will be cooking up wings with baby mozzarella and fresh veggies. $7.95 for dinner special. No cover for performance. 102 Harrison, at the corner of Lyman.

 

8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17

Polka concert

FreezeDried with New Phaze at FitzGerald’s Nightclub. $10, TicketWeb.com, 866-468-3401. At

6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn

. 788-2118, www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com

 

9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17

3rd Saturday Coffeehouse at Unity Temple with Steel Pudding

Stories and poems of racial pride from Gary, Ind. $3-$5 donation. At 875 Lake, Oak Park. 660-9376

 

 

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan, 18

Recycling of holiday cards

In an afternoon of crafting, kids can turn paper with seasonal greetings into something spectacular to display year-round. At Geppetto’s Toy Box. Call 445-9906 to sign up. 730 Lake, Oak Park.

 

3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18

Free Readers Ensemble at Oak Park Public Library

Local actors’ group interprets Sam Shepard’s Kicking a Dead Horse. Veterans Room, second floor, main branch. 834 Lake, 383-8200. www.freereaders.com

 

4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18

Family concert by Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest

Jay Friedman will be conducting; Carl Grapentine will host. $10 at the door. 218-2648, www.symphonyoprf.com. At Oak Park & River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville, Oak Park