The suburbs are loaded with fun things to do. Here are our TribLocal editors top picks for this weekend.
Prom-O-Rama: Fashion Show For A Cause
On February 12, 2012 from 2-4pm at Prom-inspired fashion will hit the runways and raise funds and awareness for the Batavia organization Suicide Prevention Services from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 in Shannon Hall at Batavia Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St. Prom-O-Rama includes live music, fashion show and dance performance. Tickets are $3 and free for students with an ID. Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase for items donated by participating businesses. Admission and raffle ticket sales will all benefit Suicide Prevention Services. For more information, email Batavia MainStreet at downtownbatavia.com or call 630-761-3528.
Visit the Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts’ help desk for one on one help 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Lane, Grayslake, on Saturday, February 11. This free service is open to anyone with an interest in computers.
A meeting of the group immediately follows.
Lake Forest: His and Hers Valentines Dinner
Bring your sweetheart and team together to make a “love-ly” dinner. Our menu includes Savory Mushroom Cups, Pork Medallions with Pinot Noir Cherry Sauce, Hasselback Potatoes, Sauteed Baby Artichokes, and Guinness Stout Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache. All you need to add is candlelight and champagne! Advance registration is required. Cost is $70 per two-person station.
Winnetka: Jazz Vespers at Winnetka Congregational Church
This program’s featured artists will be the Victor Goines Quartet. Victor Goines is a charter and current member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (under the direction of Wynton Marsallis) and is well-known as a saxophone and clarinet virtuoso. He is also Professor of Music and director of Northwestern University’s Jazz Studies Program. An added feature to this program will be the return of Tammy McCann to perform with the Quartet. Suggested donation is $10 per person.
The Morton Arboretum will host a Truffle Making Workshop from 11 a.m. to noon at the arboretum, 4100 IL Route 53, Lisle. Visitors can learn how to design truffles and choose the perfect toppings such as sugar and spice, nuts, coconuts and dried fruits. The event, which also will take place at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., is for ages 16 and older. The event is $28 and space is limited. To register, call 630-725-2066.
The Paper Crown Gallery will host its first concert in “The Great Jambino” musical series, featuring Juniper Mays and The Electric Boogaloo. The concert will be from 9 to 11 p.m., Feb. 11 at Paper Crown Gallery, 1518 E. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights. Tickets are available now.
Music from 17th and 18th Century Italy – Performed by the Antiqua Baroque Consort
The Antiqua Baroque Consort presents a concert of Italian Baroque music, featuring selections by Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti, Vivaldi, Frescobaldi, and Torelli. Additional works by Handel will also be featured. The performance will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. The performance is free and open to the public.
Candidate Forums for State Senate and DuPage County Board
Looking to learn more about the upcoming elections in the western suburbs? The Elmhurst League of Women Voters will host a candidate forum from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 at Elmhurst College, 190 S. Prospect Ave., to help educate voters about issues and races. League volunteers will also be on hand to register voters starting at noon. All sessions are free and open to the public.
‘Chef in the Store’ with Carmelina Brands
Join Carmelina Brands® Executive Chef, Giacomo Pagano, at the Evanston Whole Foods, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, as he demonstrates his own taste of Italy. Enjoy dishes prepared with Carmelina Brand tomatoes and beans and leave with a recipe card to try from home. Free of charge.
Rock Against Cancer Benefit Concert
In memory of the two Maine West students who have passed away this year, Sundust brings you Rock Against Cancer, a benefit concert where all the profits go to the ABTA (the American Brain Tumor Association). The event will take place at the Des Plaines Theater, 6: 30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
Hey, as fun as ‘Computer Help Desk’ and ‘Dupage County Board Candidate Forum’ sound – my guess is most people feel than can do better than many of the items on this list for fun things to do! Well, they are not wrong, suburban residents can head up to Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest to see Sirens – a fun romantic comedy that has been getting great reviews. And, if you want to get off the hook for that Valentine’s gift – a ticket for a loved one is a great idea!