The paintings of Samuel Bak transform childhood memories of the atrocities he witnessed during World War II into fantastic landscapes of suffering and loss. “Camp” (1992) is one of the works in “Myth, Midrash and Mysticism,” the exhibition of Bak’s paintings opening Sunday in the Spertus Museum, 618 S. Michigan Ave. The artist will speak about his work with curator Michael Fishbane at 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4, $2 for students and seniors. The show will continue through July 16.
More Top Picks Mulchs
– Alan Artner.
Just like Hawaii
Hit the beach! Catch the rays-or at least pretend summer is really here-at the indoor Evian Pro Beach Volleyball Clinic at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at North Beach Chicago, 1551 N. Sheffield Ave. The $10 admission includes a chance to watch the pros play in their tournament, which starts at 9 a.m. and continues through the start of the championships at 7 p.m. Admission to the tourney alone is $5. Following the tournament will be a reception for fans to volley with hunks who played in the event. Call 312-266-8580.
– Steve Dale.
Or better yet, Dixie
Trombonist Audrey Morrison will lead an all-female sextet in a concert of traditional jazz and good ol’ down-home Dixieland tunes at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. There will be dancing and plenty of Southern-fried hospitality. The free program is part of a series on Women’s History Month. Call 312-346-3278.
– Shirley Henderson
Bats just need better P.R.
What’s the real deal on tarantulas? Will bats actually drink your blood? These and other myths about animals will be cleared up during Animal Author Day, which takes place Sunday when author Jim Aylesworth reads from “The Cat and the Fiddle and More” and “Old Black Fly” at noon and Susan Sussman reads from her book “Lies About Animals” at 2 p.m. at Chicago Children’s Museum, 435 E. Illinois St. An exhibit, “Lies About Animals,” also will be featured at the museum. Admission is $3.50; $2.50 children, seniors. Call 312-527-1000.
– Shirley Henderson
A date with history …
What was dating like in the 17th Century? Is it any easier today? These questions, among others, will be posed to dating expert Andrea McGinty in a post-show discussion following Friday’s performance of Court Theatre’s “The Misanthrope,” Moliere’s 17th Century comedy of unrequited love and unfortunate dating. Joining McGinty is Debby Kotzen, who edits Chicago magazine’s personal advertising section. Find out how much worse it might have been. It happens after the 8 p.m. show at 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Call 312-753-4472.
– Lawrence Bommer
… Or the modern version
Are you under 35 and looking to meet someone special? (In other words, were you sitting home alone on Valentine’s Day?) A Purim Bash for young adults will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday with a performance by Second City (8:30 p.m.), food, music, door prizes and carnival games at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3760 N. Pine Grove St. Purim is a Jewish holiday of merrymaking, so put on your dancing shoes. Admission is $25. Call 708-665-9599.
– Shirley Henderson