Take advantage of winter from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Lincoln Park Zoo during “Winter Wonderland.” Free activities include tours to visit the Siberian tigers, polar bears, reindeer, seals and sea lions to discover how cold-climate animals keep warm, demonstrations by Boy Scouts on how humans can survive frigid temperatures, and stories told about the Indians and settlers. Call 312-742-7692.
Nancy Maes
Dancer has his say
When your credentials include being the first African-American male dancer to join the New York City Ballet; working as a choreographer, teacher and artistic director; and founding the Dance Theatre of Harlem, you might have something to say. Arthur Mitchell will comment on the above from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St. Tickets to the lecture are $5. Call 312-255-3510. In conjunction, The Dance Theatre of Harlem (shown at right) will perform at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., beginning Tuesday through Feb. 19. Tickets to the ballet are $15 to $50. Call 312-902-1500.
Shirley Henderson
Composer’s music revived
“We All Rise Together Or Not At All: The Music of William Grant Still” will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Chicago Historical Society, Clark Street at North Avenue. Still was an African-American composer who would be celebrating his 100th birthday in May. Pianist Frances Walker, who documents otherwise forgotten pieces by African-American composers, will perform and answer questions. Sylvia Morris, a violinist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will accompany. The event is free with museum admission: $3, $2 seniors, $1 17 and under. Call 312-642-4600.
Steve Dale
The sound of old men
Now playing at Shattered Globe Theater, 2856 N. Halsted St., “Whisper Into My Good Ear” offers a look at life’s latter days by William Hanley (author of “Slow Dance on the Killing Ground”). His one-act comedy combines two elderly men whose lives raise questions about sexuality, assisted suicide and the capacity for pain. Call 312-404-1237.
Larry Bommer
Looking for E.T.
Filmmakers have imagined creatures from outer space as flesh-eating aliens and endearing extraterrestrials. Scientists know better and will tell all at a free program for all ages called “Looking for E.T.” at 8 p.m. Friday at the Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 N. Riverwoods Rd. (between Deerfield Road and Ill. Hwy. 22), Deerfield. Members of the Skokie Valley Astronomers will look at fact and fiction and, weather permitting, at the night sky through telescopes outdoors. Call 708-948-7750.
N.M.