Summer concert series kicks off at Oak Park Arms
The Caught Off Guards will take the stage during a free summer outdoor concert series from 5 to 7 p.m. June 5, July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18 at the Oak Park Arms Senior Living Community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park.
Before becoming a main act in the community, the Caught Off Guards was a backing band or live karaoke band for other performers. The eight band members first met at an open-mic session at the NAMI drop-in center in Oak Park, enjoying funk, R&B, jazz and blues.
In case of rain, the concert moves into the facility’s ballroom. Information is at 708-386-4040.
Leyden art students win scholarships
Artists from Leyden High School received more than $2 million in college scholarships at this spring’s highly regarded Illinois High School Art Exhibition at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago.
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More than 4,000 attendees viewed the art of about 1,000 top students from more than 125 high schools in the exhibition, now in its 13th year.
Scholarship recipients were Bethanie Nambo, Isabel Gonzalez, Avi Rios, Estefania Jimenez, Sarai Molina, Hong (Senti) Nguyen, Nevena Doncheva, Antonina Saminska, Alexa Vargas, James McHugh and Olga Kruszecka. Several students were recognized with multiple scholarship offers.
Americana duo Crowes Pasture perform in La Grange
Wesley’s Place Live Music Venue in La Grange will feature an acoustic evening with New England duo Crowes Pasture at 7 p.m. June 12 at the First United Methodist Church of La Grange, 100 W. Cossitt Avenue.
The songwriting team of Monique Byrne and Andy Rogovin won the Country/Bluegrass Song at the 2024 International Acoustic Music Awards, among other honors.
“They’re songs are inspirational,” said Wesley’s Place Director Ed Ellis of La Grange. “We’re thrilled they are able to join us on their spring tour.”
Folk singer songwriter Mark Dvorak will host the evening and perform an opening set. Tickets to the family-friendly show are $20 and available at the door. Advance reservations can be made at www.wesleysplacemusic.com
Midewin hosts 30th anniversary open house
The public is invited to help celebrate National Trails Day with an event planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 6 at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie on Ill. 53 in Wilmington.
The American Hiking Society began National Trails Day in 1993. It brings together volunteers, partners and federal land managers to accomplish trail stewardship projects to make sure trails are well-maintained, easy to follow, accessible and safe.
The 30th anniversary open house includes interpretive stations at locations around the prairie, with attendees invited to bike, drive or hike from each trailhead to learn about the bison project, prairie restoration and how grazing and agriculture help restoration efforts. The Illinois Natural History Survey Traveling Science Center will be open at the Welcome Center.
June 6 also has been designated as an additional recreation fee-free day by the Forest Service. All standard recreation amenities on Forest Service land can be used by the public for free. Other dates are available at www.fs.usda.gov
‘Mary Poppins Jr.’ coming to Oakbrook Terrace
Young thespians will perform “Mary Poppins Jr.” this month at Mario Parente Theatre, 1S325 Ardmore Ave. in Oakbrook Terrace
The show, presented by the Academy of Music and Art in Westmont, takes place at 7 p.m. June 11-13 and 3 p.m. June 14.
Tickets cost $25 per person, plus a $2.85 ticket fee. All patrons, no matter how young, must have a ticket. Buy online at academyofmusicandart.com or by calling 630-654-8426.
Shredding, electronics recycling bring backpacks to kids
Anyone who needs to recycle electronics or shred sensitive documents can do so while supporting DuPage County students in need during the 13th annual Drive, Drop & Donate event hosted by the DuPage Credit Union.
Participants can bring their items from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 12 to the Naperville Operations Center, 1515 Bond St. They’ll be asked for a donation of at least $10 per service, with all of the proceeds supporting the credit union’s We’ve Got Your Back fundraiser.
Since starting this program in 2014, the credit union has been able to provide more than $125,000 in supply kits and backpacks to students. Details are at dupagecu.com/shred.
Antique fair moves to Wheaton
Fans of antiques can enjoy the pursuit of their hobby from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 6 at the fourth annual Fox Valley at the Fairgrounds Antiques Show.
The show, held for decades at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, has found a new home at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton. Food will be sold, and comfortable seating and an ATM will be available.
Parking is free. An admission fee of $10 will go toward historical preservation projects. Anyone younger than 15 may attend for free. It’s presented by the Chicago Suburban Antiques Dealers Association. Information is at casada.com.
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