Actual fun

5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22

Business after hours at Brown Cow  

For members unable to attend lunches, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce is starting to host networking events in the evenings. Free, but RSVP requested. 366-2543, kathleen@exploreforestpark.com. 7347 W. Madison

7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22

Abe in pop culture

The latest presentation in the Lincoln exhibit at the Oak Park Public Library is called
The Abe We Know Now. It’s a multimedia show that’s got everything from episodes of The Simpsons to ads for sleep medications. Veterans Room, second Floor, main branch at 834 Lake, 383-8200

8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22

Free improv show by Swift Kick

For five Oak Parkers, thinking on your feet is an art form. See the playful art of Daniel Hoppe, Dan Rocha, Bruce DeViller, Antoinette Rabinowitz and Brian Rabinowitz -all better known as Swift Kick – as they take the stage, and your prompts, for the Oak Park Art League’s Performing Arts Festival. Free. 720 Chicago Ave. www.opal-art.com, 386-9853

2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23

Film on the doc who treated Lincoln‘s assassin

Watch the 1936 film Prisoner of Shark Island and learn more about the controversial Dr. Samuel Mudd who helped set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth. Hosted by film historian and Wednesday Journal theater critic Doug Deuchler, who will lead a discussion afterward. Veterans Room, second Floor, main branch at 834 Lake, 383-8200

6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday: Jan. 23

Live music in the arts district

Sharon Dodgson, acoustic singer and songwriter, is the headliner this week for Burgers, Beers and Bands night at the Buzz Café. In the Oak Park Arts District at 905 S. Lombard. 660-0894, www.thebuzzcafe.com

Friday, Jan. 23

6:30 to 10 p.m.

Band night for the debate team

To raise money for the OPRF debate team’s trip to Harvard next month, team captain Brendan Burke is organizing a band jam with two bands he’s in – Dove Tale and Cox Force – and three bands other debaters are in: Crosstown, Panic at the Alamo, and Sir Realism and the Royal Fuzz. $5. Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake, Oak Park.

9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

The Replays at the Alehouse

Local music vets The Replays – Paul Jacobson, Tom Moher, Dave Muriello and Andy Teitelman – will rock the Avenue Alehouse and introduce their newest member: Liz Kearney, on vocals.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

Cavatina Duo at Unity Temple

World-renowned Forest Parkers Eugenia Moliner and Denis Azabagic will play Unity Temple. Husband-and-wife team Moliner, on flute, and Azabagic, on guitar, deliver baroque, classical and contemporary music, $15-30. www.utconcerts.com, 1-800-838-3006. 875 Lake, Oak Park.

Saturday, Jan. 24

Kids’ day at the Festival of Performing Arts

Storytelling, music and African drums for the Oak Park Art League’s Performing Arts Festival. Free. 720 Chicago Ave. www.opal-art.com, 386-9853

2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25

Civil War medicine at the library

For grades 5 and up, a look at medical tools in the time of Lincoln. Phil Lauricella will portrays a Civil War doctor and involve audience members in “operations.” Free. This program is not for the squeamish. Veterans Room, second Floor, main branch at 834 Lake, 383-8200

2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25

Hooliganism, the book signing

River Forest Mike Houlihan will be at Borders in Oak Park promoting his book Hooliganism. Houlihan’s stop in Oak Park is one part of a documentary that he’s filming. If you’d like to be a part of his documentary, bring along your funniest Irish story. 1144 Lake.

3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25

Turtle Island Quartet at Dominican

 Two-time Grammy winners for best classical crossover album – the Turtle Island Quartet – will be do their signature show on John Coltrane. In Lund Auditorium at Dominican University’s Performing Arts Center, 7900 W. Division, River Forest. Tickets $33. www.dom.edu/pac, 488-5000