Updated: March 11, 2013 5:17PM

HOLIDAY

“Bah, Humbug!”

Piccolo Theatre’s annual holiday Panto presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in a whole new way, with music, jokes and magic, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at 600 Main St, Evanston (inside the Main Street Metra station). $25; $22 seniors; $15 students; $10 children 9 and younger; $65 family (two adults, two children). Call (847) 424-0089 or visit www.piccolotheatre.com.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”

Through Dec. 23 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview. $30. Call (847) 834-0738 or visit www.oillamptheater.org.

Christmas Brass Concert

Presented at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 22 in the Alsdorf Auditorium at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. $17 in advance; $20 at the door; standard parking fee of $20 applies. Call (847) 835-8215 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

Do-It-Yourself Messiah

With holiday carol sing, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. The free event features the Glenview Community Church Chancel Choir, soloists, and the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra. Musical scores will be available. Visit www.gccucc.org or call (847) 724-2210.

Candlelight service of Lessons and Carols

Presented at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 1962 Old Willow Road, Northfield. Lectors, choirs and guest instrumentalists directed by Brend Weiland tell nativity story. Admission is free. For information, call (847) 446-8383.

Holiday Music Series

Held 5-7 p.m. Dec. 20-22 in the Special Events Tent at Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter, 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods (Deerfield). Sunday afternoon, Dec. 23, features a family sing-along with holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate. Call (847) 945-0235 or visit www.orphansofthestorm.org.

Holiday Evening Lamplight Tours

Offered at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and 27 at the Evanston History Center in the Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston. The tour shows how families who lived at the Dawes House celebrated Christmas and decorated their home. Admission $15; $5 for children. Reservations required; e-mail khartzell@evanstonhistorycenter.org or call (847) 475-3410.

Holiday Skating Recital

Featuring skaters from all levels presenting holiday routines, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. Free. Visit www.nbparks.org.

Holiday Hijinks! Storytime

Presented by Nili Yelin,The Storybook Mom at 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse, 682 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park. Free. Visit www.storybookmom.com.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show

Through Dec. 31 at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, a drive-through tour of the estate’s 97 acres decorated in brightly lit holiday figures. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Closed Dec. 24-25. Visitors can enhance their experience by tuning into local radio station 107.1 FM for a dual music and visual experience. $5 per car Monday-Thursday; $10 per car Friday-Sunday. Visit www.cuneomansion.org.

“Merry Kwanzaa”

Presented at 3 p.m. Dec. 26 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston. Admission is free. Call (847) 448-8254.

New Year’s Cosmic Skate

From 8-10 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, including DJ music, a countdown video screen, food and games. Open to grades 6-8. $10; ice skate rental $3. Visit www.nbparks.org.

STAGE

“The Letters”

The political thriller, set in 1930s Russia, will be presented through March 3 at Writers’ Theatre, 664 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe. Performances Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (with select 2 p.m. matinees); Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. $35-$70. Call (847) 242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org.

“Little Women”

Presented through Dec. 30 at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sundays; Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. Dec. 22. $37.50; $32.50 seniors and students. Call (847) 735-8554 or visit www.citadeltheatre.org.

“My One and Only”

Through Dec. 31 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays. $40-$48, with discounts available for students and seniors. Dinner and theatre tickets, $55, are available Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

“Oliver!”

Presented by Light Opera Works with a full 26-piece orchestra, Dec. 22-31 at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. Performances at 8 p.m. Dec. 22, 28, 29 and 31 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23, 26, 27, 29 and 30. $32-$92; $34-$94 New Year’s Eve; ages 21 and younger half-price for Family Matinees on Dec. 26, 27 and 29 (meet the cast after the show). Call (847) 920-5360 or visit www.lightoperaworks.com.

“Sweet Charity”

Presented Jan. 22-March 31 at Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. $35-$70. Call (847) 242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org.

“Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter”

Presented by Next Theatre Company through Dec. 23 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. $30-$40; half-price for young adults (age 25 or younger). Call (847) 475-1875 or visit www.nexttheatre.org.

“The Whipping Man”

Presented by Northlight Theatre Jan. 18-Feb. 24 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Three men reunite in the aftermath of the Civil War — a Jewish Confederate soldier and two former slaves who were raised in his household. $25-$72; $25-$54 for previews, Jan. 18-24. Student tickets $15, subject to availability. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org.

CLASSICAL

Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra

Performing at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $36-$75, with discounts for seniors and youth. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.arsviva.org. Jan. 13, 3 p.m.: Works by Vaughan Williams, Mahler and Beethoven, with soloist Gerard Sundberg, bass-baritone.

Baroque Band

The period instrument orchestra performs at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. The program features recorder soloist Piers Adams in works by Vivaldi, Albinoni and Telemann. $35; $30 seniors; $15 students. Visit www.baroqueband.org.

Lake Forest Symphony

Performing at the College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. All concerts begin at 8 p.m.; pre-concert talks by musicologist Jim Kendros at 7 p.m. $32-$54, with discounts for seniors and students. Call (847) 543-2300 or visit www.lakeforestsymphony.org. Jan. 25-26: “Sizzling Strings.” The program includes Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” as well as works by Grieg, Borodin and Stravinsky.

Lake Shore Symphony Orchestra

Performs Brahms’ Second Symphony and other works, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Northside College Preparatory High School, 5501 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago. $20; $15 seniors and students. Call (312) 409-5670 or visit www.lsso.org.

Midwest Young Artists Center

878 Lyster Road, Highwood. (847) 926-9898. www.mya.org. Dec. 22, 7 p.m.: MYA faculty member and cellist Amanda Dennis plays selections from Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. $5 donation suggested.

Music of the Baroque

“Mozart Celebration,” with Jane Glover, conductor, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $27-$75. Call (312) 551-1414 or visit www.baroque.org.

The Newberry Consort

Presenting “My Heart’s in the Highlands: Songs & Poems of Robbie Burns,” 3 p.m. Jan. 27 at Northwestern University’s Lutkin Hall, 700 University Place, Evanston. $32 in advance; $35 at the door. Visit www.newberryconsort.org or call (773) 669-7335.

Opera in Cinema Series

At the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. Featuring film versions of famous operas performed by opera companies throughout the world. $20 per screening. Call (847) 251-7424 or visit www.wilmettetheatre.com. Jan. 8, 7 p.m.: “Carmen.” Jan. 27, 2:30 p.m.: “La Boheme.” Feb. 10, 2:30 p.m.: “Don Carlo.”

Pilgrim Chamber Players

Performing with guest soloist Michele Areyzaga, soprano, at 3 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $20; $15 seniors; $8 students. Call (847) 433-0972 or visit www.pilgrimplayers.org.

Winter Chamber Music Festival

Presented from Jan. 11-31 at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Call (847) 467-4000 or visit www.pickstaiger.org. Jan. 11: Bienen School faculty and guests perform works by Ravel, Brahms and Mendelssohn. $22; $10 students. Jan. 13: Bienen School faculty and guests perform works by Ravel, Blanc and Dvorak. $22; $10 students. Jan. 18: The chamber orchestra A Far Cry performs works by Golijov, Arvo Part, Biber and Walton. $24; $10 students. Jan. 20: The Calder Quartet performs works by Andrew Norman, Ravel and Bartok. $22; $10 students. Jan. 25: The Escher String Quartet performs works by Prokofiev, Shostakovich and Beethoven. $22; $10 students. Jan. 27: Bienen School faculty and guests perform works by Saint-Saens, Prokofiev and Schumann. $20; $10 students. Jan. 31: Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and the New Century Chamber Orchestra perform works by Mendelssohn, William Bolcom, Villa-Lobos and Strauss. $30; $10 students.

POP/FOLK/JAZZ

Bertucci’s Italian Steakhouse

246 Green Bay Road, Highwood. (847) 432-6663. Music at 8:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Dec. 22, 8 p.m.: Sheri Star performs easy listening music in the bar. Dec. 31, 10 p.m.: The Basement Band. Dinner reservations required.

Blues Bar

2 W. Busse Ave., Mount Prospect. (847) 788-9977. www.blues-bar.com. Music from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., unless noted otherwise. Dec. 21: Larry Pascale Duo. Dec. 22: Deezguize. Dec. 28: One Sweet Jane. Dec. 29: X-Side.

The Celtic Knot Public House

626 Church St., Evanston. (847) 864-1679. www.celticknotpub.com. No cover unless noted otherwise. Dec. 22, 9:30 p.m.: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Dec. 30, 5-8 p.m.: Eric Lugosch. Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. GPS.

Cubby Bear North

21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire. (847) 541-4700. www.cubbynorth.com. Music at 10 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Dec. 21: Darmata, $5. Dec. 22: Samadhi Vibe, $5. Dec. 28: Stache, $5. Dec. 29: Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press, $6. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with Lucky Boys Confusion. Ages 21-plus. $25 general admission; $60 VIP package.

Frank Mantooth Jazz Festival

Held Feb. 2 at New Trier High School, 385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka. Daytime concerts are free of charge and will feature The Adam Kromelow Trio at noon and the Eastman School of Music Jazz Ensemble at 4 p.m. The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Dennis Mackrel, performs at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Visit www.ntjazz.com.

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Jan. 6, 2 p.m.: “The Life & Songs of Woody Guthrie,” presented by Mark Dvorak and Lynn E. Malnekoff.

Globe Cafe

1710 Orrington Ave., Evanston. www.hotelorrington.com. Dec. 26: Jon Spiegel’s Tremolux and Friends: A Boxing Day Event, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; singer/songwriter and guitarist Larry Mesirow, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Lake County Folk Club

Events are held at 7 p.m. Sundays at In-Laws Restaurant, 720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. Concert admission is $12; $10 for Lake County Folk Club members and seniors; $5 for teens. No admission charge for Open Stage and Song Circle. Visit www.thelakecountyfolkclub.org. Dec. 23: Song Circle.

The Laughing Chameleon

Located in The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Drive, Glenview. (888) 685-2844. www.thelaughingchameleon.com. Dec . 20-22, 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.: All American Dueling Pianos. $10 online, $12 at the box office.

Madame ZuZu’s Teahouse

682 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park. (847) 926-7434. www.madamezuzus.com. Dec. 22, 8:30 p.m.: Matthew Ferris: An acoustic evening with Matt Loewenstein.

Mayne Stage

1328 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park, Chicago. (773) 381-4554. www.maynestage.com. Dec. 20, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Dragapella group The Kinsey Sicks presents its holiday show, “Oy Vey in a Manger.” $25; $35 reserved. Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: The Siegel-Schwall Band Holiday Concert. $20 in advance; $25 day of; $30 reserved. Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m.: New Year’s Eve with JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound. $65 reserved VIP seating includes champagne toast at midnight, party favors and signed poster; $45 general admission. Feb. 9, 9 p.m.: Angel D’Cuba CD release party for “Heritage.” $12 in advance; $17 day of; $22 reserved. Feb. 23, 8 p.m.: Thiefs (jazz). $15 in advance; $20 day of; $25 reserved. Feb. 28, 8:30 p.m.: Solo performances by guitarist Eric Johnson. $33 general admission.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300. www.northshorecenter.org. Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular. $20.50, $37, $51.

S.P.A.C.E.

1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: Delbert McClinton (blues/rock). $40-$85. Dec. 22, 8 p.m.: Deep Blue Organ Trio (jazz). $12/$15. Dec. 29, 8 p.m.: Ezra Furman & His Band (pop). $12/$15. Dec. 31, 6 p.m.: The Flat Five (pop/rock). $15-$35. Dec. 31, 10 p.m.: Alejandro Escovedo & the Sensitive Boys with Nicholas Tremulis (roots/rock). $65-$95. Jan. 1, 7 p.m.: “The Songs of Hank Williams,” featuring Nick Tremulis, Ingrid Graudins, Don Stiernburg, John Rice,TC Furlong, Stuart Rosenberg and others (country). $18/$22. Jan. 4, 8 p.m.: Susan Werner (folk). $20-$40. Jan. 5, 8 p.m.: Otis Clay CD release show (soul). $15-$35. Jan. 6, 7 p.m.: Nellie McKay (pop/jazz). $15-$35. Jan. 11, 8 p.m.: Chris Smither, $22/$25. Jan. 12, 7 p.m.: Megon McDonough & Friends performing the music of Dan Fogelberg. $15/$20. Jan. 12, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.: Seth Glier in the Studios at SPACE, $10/$15. Jan. 13, 7 p.m.: Words & Music,” hosted by Ingrid Graudins. $12/$15. Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Teitur (folk). $15/$18. Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Kelly Joe Phelps (blues). $15/$18. Jan. 18, 8 p.m.: Booker T Jones (blues/rock). $28-$68. Jan. 19, 8 p.m.: Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater (blues). $15/$18. Jan. 20, 3 p.m.: “Songs of a Catholic Childhood,” a show from Jamie O’Reilly and Michael Smith. $18/$20. Jan. 20, 7 p.m.: Aoife O’Donovan and Gabe Kahane, backed by Casey Foubert. $12/$15. Jan. 25, 8 p.m.: Kelly Hogan (country). $14/$16. Jan. 26, 7 p.m.: The Jill & Julia Show. $18-$38. Jan. 27, 7 p.m.: Sixpence None the Richer (pop/rock). $22/$25. Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.: Albert Lee (country/rock). $17/$20. Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m.: An Acoustic Evening with Lucinda Williams, featuring Doug Pettibone (country/blues). $35-$85. Feb. 1, 8 p.m.: Shawn Colvin with Meg Hutchinson (folk). $38-$78. Feb. 2, 8 p.m.: Shawn Colvin with Matt the Electrician (folk). $38-$78. Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m.: Chicago Farmer CD release show with Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts (folk). $10/$12. Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Tift Merritt (folk). $22/$25. Feb. 8, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Judy Collins (folk). $40-$85. Feb. 10, 7 p.m.: Buckwheat Zydeco, $28/$30. Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Joe Robinson (jazz/blues). $10/$12. Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.: The Del Moroccos (rockabilly/R&B). $12/$15. Feb. 15, 7 p.m.: James Lee Stanely in The Studios at SPACE (folk). $20. Feb. 16, 8 p.m.: Andy McKee, $22-$42. Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.: An Acoustic Evening with Martin Sexton, $32-$68. Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.: New Orleans Suspects (rock/funk/blues). $18/$20. Feb. 22, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Suzanne Vega (folk). $28-$60. Feb. 24, 7 p.m.: Red Baraat (funk). $15/$18.

Stained Glass Coffeehouse

Featuring live music at the Congregational Church of Deerfield, 225 Wilmot Road. Performances begin at 7 p.m. $15 donation; proceeds benefit local and international charities. Visit www.stainedglasscoffeehouse.com. Jan. 12: Maxwell Street Klezmer Quartet.

27 Live

1012-14 Church St., Evanston. www.27live.com. Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: New Year’s Eve with The Bottle Rockets with Louie Zagoras and Rollover. $35 general admission; dinner package $100.

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Jan. 6, 2 p.m.: “An Afternoon of Jazz Standards,” performed by Petra van Nuis and Andy Brown.

Via Gelato

1853 Tower Drive, Glenview. Dec. 21, 8-10 p.m.: Gary Z’s Jazz Combo. Free. (847) 729-7088.

Viper Alley

275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. www.viper-alley.com. (866) 463-3401. Shows are for ages 18-plus, unless noted otherwise. Dec. 31, 9 p.m.: New Year’s Eve with The Prince Experience plus A Thousand Julys. $25-$85. All tickets include a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Age 21 and over event. Jan. 9, 9 p.m: The Wailers, $25-$35. Jan. 17, 9 p.m.: LA Guns, $15-$25. Feb. 8, 8:30 p.m.: Marshall Tucker Band, $27-$70. Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.: Chicago natives Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway present “Sibling Revelry,” a cabaret act that includes show tunes, jazz and pop. $20-$50. March 15, 9 p.m.: The Ides of March. $25-$30.

ART GALLERIES

Anne Loucks Gallery

309 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-8500. www.loucksgallery.com. Through Jan. 31: New paintings by Stephen Pentak and Leslie Wu.

The Art Center Highland Park

1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 432-1888. www.theartcenterhp.org. Through Dec. 30: “The Anastylosis Project,” large-scale, intricately detailed drawings of 12th century buildings by Mary Griep, and “Sacred Spaces,” a juried exhibition of work in all media that depicts places with sacred significance. Jan. 11-26: “In View: Member & Faculty Showcase,” the annual exhibition of works by the teachers, students and members of The Art Center – Highland Park; and “Art is Alive in Highland Park,” works by the finalists and winners of the annual art contest open to Highland Park elementary, middle and high school students and Highland Park resident adults. Opening reception for both exhibits, 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 11.

Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-8215. www.chicagobotanic.org. Admission is free; parking is $20 per car. Jan. 19-April 14: “Woodcut,” prints by artist Bryan Nash Gill, whose book is among the best-selling art books for 2012. The 31 original woodcut prints will be displayed in the Joutras Gallery.

Deer Path Art League & Gallery

Located in the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. (847) 234-3743. www.deerpathartleague.org. Through Jan. 4: “Art is ... for Gifting.”

Dittmar Memorial Gallery

At Northwestern University’s Norris Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-2348. The gallery is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Jan. 18-Feb. 17: “Cultural Collage,” a group exhibition celebrating West African and Native American culture and heritage. The display includes works by bead painter Lanre Buraimoh, mask maker Annette Jackson and sculptor Ning-Chiao Hsu. Opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 18.

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Through Jan. 6: “Living to Create, Creating to Live: Multiple Artists from Arts of Life.” Jan. 7-Feb. 28: “Tropical Breezes, Lake Memories,” works by Glenview artist and illustrator David Westerfield. Westerfield is also an illustrator of children’s books, which will be exhibited in a lobby display case.

North Shore Art League

Hosting its sixth annual “inchworks” fine arts show through Jan. 15 at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka. The show features images no larger than 144 square inches. Call (847) 446-2870 or visit www.northshoreartleague.org.

Perspective Group and Photography Gallery

1310-1/2B Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.perspectivegallery.org. (224) 200-1155. Through Dec. 30: Suzanne Metzel exhibits photographs from her recent series, “Rhythmic Bodies,” and Jeffrie Chirchirillo features photographs from his “Powwow of the New Moon” series.

Zia Gallery

548 Chestnut St., Winnetka. (847) 446-3970. Through Jan. 12: Works by paper-making sculptor and book artist Melissa Jay Craig and painter Jonathan Ricci.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Children’s theatre auditions

Auditions for the Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” will be held 4-6 p.m. Jan. 9-10 at the Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Auditions are open to youth in grades 6-10 and include acting, dancing and singing tryouts. Rehearsals begin Jan. 13, and performances are on weekends in March. For information, visit www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2367.

Evanston arts awards

Nominations are sought for the Mayor of Evanston’s Award for the Arts and the Evanston Arts Council’s Leadership Award. The Mayor’s Award for the Arts is presented to one individual and one arts organization in recognition of their contributions to the Evanston community. Nominations also are being sought for the Evanston Arts Council’s Arts & Business Committee Leadership Award, honoring a business that has supported the arts, or an individual representing a business who provided support with the direct backing and involvement of the business. Nomination forms for both awards are available at www.cityofevanston.org/mayorsaward and at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Jan. 11.

Call for artists

Amdur Productions, an art festival production company, has issued its annual call for artists. Artists can apply online at www.amdurproductions.com. All applications must be received by midnight Jan. 11; late applications will be accepted through Jan. 18 for an additional processing fee. Festivals include: Barrington Art Festival, May 25-26; Promenade of Art Arlington Heights, June 8-9; The Art Center’s Festival of Fine Craft, Highland Park, June 22-23; Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival, Glencoe, July 5-7; Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Festival, July 13-14; North Shore Festival of Art, Skokie, July 27-28; Glencoe Festival of Art, Aug. 3-4; Art at the Glen Town Center, Glenview, Aug. 10-11; Lincolnshire Art Festival, Aug. 17-18; Port Clinton Art Festival, Highland Park, Aug. 24-25; Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival, Sept. 7-8; Highwood Last Call Starving Artist Art Fair, Sept. 21-22; The Inside Show, Highland Park, Nov. 22-24.

Northbrook Community Choir

Begins rehearsals from 7:30-9 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Northbrook Park District Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Teens and adults in all voice parts are welcome to join, with no audition required. Singers do not have to be residents of Northbrook, but registration is required through the park district. Visit www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2367.

Deer Path Art League

Call for artists for Art Fair on the Square, a juried fine art festival to be held Sept. 1-2 at Market Square, Lake Forest. Monetary awards are presented in each of the 16 media categories, and two memorial awards, one for photography and one for abstract art, will also be presented. Application fee $35. Application deadline Feb. 28. For details, artist’s prospectus, and to apply, visit www.zapplication.org.

North Shore Harmonizers

The independent women’s barbershop chorus singing a cappella four-part harmony seeks new members. Any level of musical experience is acceptable. Rehearsals are held at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Augustine’s Church, 1140 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Visit www.northshoreharmonizers.org or call (847) 454-7535.

Canzonetta Youth Orchestra

Seeking musicians to audition for the 2012-13 music season. Directed by Hilel Kagan, Canzonetta is a chamber orchestra that offers specialized instruction for children interested in developing their orchestral skills. Training Orchestra, for 7- to 10-year-olds with beginning orchestral experience, meets from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. The Intermediate Orchestra, for 10- to 13-year-olds with more advanced training, meets from 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays. The Senior Orchestra, for high school students who are advanced musicians, meets from 1-3 p.m. Sundays. All three orchestras rehearse at the Wilmette Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road. There will be at least four concerts throughout the year. To make an audition appointment, call Helia Schramm, (847) 328-0570.

BOOKS & POETRY

Book signing

Author Bruce Scivally will sign copies of his books, Billion Dollar Batman and Superman on Film, Television, Radio and Broadway, 4-6 p.m. Dec. 21-22 at Curt’s Cafe,2922 Central St., Evanston. Visit www.brucescivally.com.

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Jan. 9, 1 p.m.: Discussion of The Year We Left Home by Jean Thompson. Jan. 9, 7 p.m.: Discussion of The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka.

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Jan. 3, 7 p.m.: BookBites: Reading Social will discuss The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach at The Glenview House, 1843 Glenview Road, Glenview.

Illinois State Poetry Society

Meets at 1 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. New members welcome. Bring 10-12 copies of two of your poems. Visit www.illinoispoets.org.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. Jan. 8 and Feb. 5, 10 a.m.: Literary critic Isabel Soffer will lead a poetry discussion. No advance reading is required. Jan. 9, 10 a.m.: Discussion of Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman. Jan. 10, 7 p.m.: Patrick Cannon discusses and signs Louis Sullivan: Creating a New American Architecture. Jan. 15, 10 a.m.: Discussion of Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan. Jan. 16, 7 p.m.: Books on Tap group discusses The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt at the Landmark Inn. Jan. 21, 10 a.m.: Great Books discussion. Readings are based on the Great Books Foundation’s Seven Deadly Sins Sampler.

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Jan. 10, 10 a.m.: Discussion of To the End of the Land by David Grossman. Jan. 15, 7 p.m.: Novel Night book discussion of Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. Jan. 27, 2-3 p.m.: Author and Holocaust survivor Estelle Glaser Laughlin discusses and signs her book.

CHILD’S PLAY

The Actors Gymnasium

Offering winter camp sessions Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 2-4 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, for young performers interested in circus arts, drama and movement. Fee is $170 per session. Call (847) 328-2795 or visit www.actorsgymnasium.com.

“Cinderella”

Through Jan. 5 at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Performances at 10 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. $15. Visit www.marriotttheatre.com or call (847) 634-0200.

Kids Fare series

Featuring hour-long concerts for children ages 3-8 and their families, at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, unless noted otherwise. (847) 467-4000. www.pickstaiger.org. All Kids Fare concerts begin at 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $6; $4 for children. Jan. 26: “Band Illusions,” featuring the Northwestern University Symphonic Band.

“The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley”

Presented by Winnetka Theatre Jan. 12-27 at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. Performances are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. $12. Call (847) 604-0275 or visit www.winnetkatheatre.org.

“Snow White”

Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences presents a new version of the classic fairy tale, with songs, dances and puppetry, Jan. 19 through February at the Northbrook Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave. Performances are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. $8 in advance; $10 at the door. Call (847) 291-2367 or visit www.northbrooktheatre.org.

Wilmette Theatre

1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424. www.wilmettetheatre.com. Kids Concert Series; tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Jan. 19, 10 a.m.: Human-Tim + Robot-Tim. Feb. 16, 10 a.m.: Little Miss Ann. March 23, 10 a.m.: Super Stolie.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Deer Path Art League

Located in the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. (847) 234-3743. www.deerpathartleague.org. Winter 2013 session starts in January, offering classes in weaving, drawing, oil painting, etching, printmaking, photography, pastels, watercolor and mixed media.

Highland Park Poetry

Offering poetry writing workshops at 7 p.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 in a downtown Highland Park location convenient to Metra and parking. Cost is $75. To register, visit www.highlandparkpoetry.org.

Musical Theater Winter Workshop

Light Opera Works presents Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” open to ages 8-13, Jan. 2-6 at 516 4th Ave., Wilmette. No experience or audition required, and everyone gets a part. $350. Register at www.LightOperaWorks.com/workshop-winter.html or by calling (847) 920-5360.

Writing workshop

Kathleen Anne Fleming, mystery author, presents a writing workshop on the topic “Novels” at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. Visit www.northbrook.info.

COMEDY

Double-Shot Showcase

Stand-up comedy show, 8 p.m. Thursdays at J.J. Java, 911 Foster St., Evanston. $5 suggested donation. Call (773) 991-7379.

Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie. www.gorillatango.com. (773) 598-4549. Through Dec. 29, 9 p.m. Saturdays: “Holy Bouncing Boobies! A Batman Burlesque.” 18 and over. $20.

The Laughing Chameleon

Located in The Glen Town Center, 1830 Tower Drive, Glenview. (888) 685-2844. www.thelaughingchameleon.com. Dec. 26-31: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Week, featuring Sonya White and Friends. $25; New Year’s Eve, $50 for 7:30 p.m. show, $75 for 10:15 p.m. show (includes appetizers, champagne toast and post-show DJ music/dancing).

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. www.northshorecenter.org. (847) 673-6300. Jan. 24-27: The Capitol Steps present political satire. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $45.50-$49.50.

DANCE

Ballet in Cinema Series

At the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. Featuring film versions of familiar ballets performed by dance companies throughout the world. Screenings are at 2:30 p.m. $15 per screening. Call (847) 251-7424 or visit www.wilmettetheatre.com. Dec. 23: “The Nutcracker” from the Bolshoi Ballet, Moscow. Feb. 17: “La Bayadere.” March 3: An Evening with Crystal Pite. March 10: “Notre-Dame de Paris.” March 31: “Ballet’s Greatest Hits.”

BallroomChicago. com

Pre New Year’s Dance, 8-11 p.m. Dec. 29 at Lodge Hall, 1799 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. $10 per person. Free mini lesson, 7:15-7:45 p.m. (with paid admission). Call (847) 579-9361 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com.

BallroomChicago dance classes

Held at Lodge Hall, 1799 Green Bay Road, Highland Park. For information, call (847) 757-2227 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com. Jan. 7, 14 and 21: Basic foxtrot, 7-8 p.m., $10 per person, per session; intermediate foxtrot, 8-9 p.m., $10 per person, per session. Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25: Nightclub 2-step, 7-8 p.m., $10 per person, per session; Hustle, 8-9 p.m., $10 per person, per session.

Fisher Dance Center

807 Ridge Road, Wilmette. (847) 920-9121. www.fisherdancecenter.com. 25th Anniversary Legendary Workshop Series — Includes short, compact day programs for the junior level (8-11 years of age) and senior level (12-18 years of age). Fee is $25 per workshop. Jan. 13: Jazz dance with Joel Hall. Feb. 3: Italian-style contemporary dance with Federica Ciavadini. March 10: Hip-hop and break dancing with Jarret Brown.

Glenview Square Dance Club

Dancing the first and third Fridays of each month, September to May, at the Glen Grove School, 3900 Glenview Road, Glenview. Round dancing, cued by Howard and Anna Hoffman, starts at 7:30 p.m. Square dancing, at the Plus level, starts at 8 p.m. Call (847) 945-0370 or visit www.glenviewsquares.com.

Shoreline Dance Club

Playing recorded music for easy ballroom dancing at the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Lessons are given by professional instructors Bob and Penny Urbon at 7:30 p.m., followed by an evening of social dancing. Adults of all ages and dancing abilities welcome. Attire is dressy/casual. Admission per couple is $25. Call (847) 816-7602 or visit www.ballroomchicago.com/shoreline.htm. Jan. 19: 4-count hustle. Feb. 16: Waltz. March 16: Cha-cha. April 20: Fox trot. May 18: Rumba.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Winter Carnival

Held Dec. 21-Jan. 6 at the Glenview Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Road, Glenview. Activities include daily family public skate sessions, hockey and figure skating lessons, skating exhibitions and more. Dec. 22-23, 2-3 p.m.: Photos on the Zamboni, $5 per person. Dec. 23, 4:45 p.m.: Charity hockey game, $5 per person. Dec. 30 and Jan. 6, 12:40-1:40 p.m.: Sundaes on Sundays, $4 per person. Dec. 31, 5-7 p.m.: Family New Year’s Eve Party, including a kid-friendly New Year’s toast, public skate, entertainment and crafts. Jan. 5, 8-10 a.m.: Pancake breakfast and ice skate with Mickey, $4 per person.

Winter Carnival

Hosted by the Northbrook Park District 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., Northbrook. The free event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, ice sculpture demonstrations, ice skating, sled dog demonstrations, games, a snowshoe obstacle course, sled-decorating contest, DJ music, bonfire and refreshments. Visit www.nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2995.

FILM

“Dinner and a Movie”

Held at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 at Northbrook Community Synagogue, 2548 Jasper Court, Northbrook, featuring “The Frisco Kid” for adults and “An American Tail” for children. Kosher Chinese will be served buffet style. $15 per adult for dinner; no charge for children 12 and under. Reservation deadline is Dec. 21. Call (847) 509-9204 or visit www.northbrookcommunitysynagogue.org.

Evanston Public Library

1703 Orrington Ave. (847) 448-8600. www.epl.org. Jan. 4, 6 p.m.: “Moonrise Kingdom,” rated PG-13.

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Dec. 21, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.: “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” rated PG-13. Jan. 13, 1:30 p.m.: Screening of the documentary “As Goes Janesville.” Discussion with director/producer follows.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. www.northbrook.info. (847) 272-6224. All films shown at 1 and 7:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise. Fred Astaire film series — Dec. 26: “Royal Wedding” (1951). Humphrey Bogart film series — Jan. 2: “Key Largo” (1948). Jan. 9: “Casablanca” (1942). Jan. 16: “Passage to Marseille” (1944). Jan. 23: “In a Lonely Place” (1950). Jan. 30: “The Barefoot Contessa” (1954).

Vernon Area Public Library

300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-3650. www.vapld.info. Dec. 28, 2 p.m.: “The Last of the Mohicans,” rated R. Jan. 4, 1:30 p.m.: Classic Film Series features “Dr. Zhivago,” rated PG-13 and starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie. Jan. 19, 2 p.m.: “To Rome with Love,” rated R. Jan. 25, 2 p.m.: Classic Film Series features “Wuthering Heights.”

LECTURES

Glencoe Public Library

320 Park Ave., Glencoe. (847) 835-5058. www.glencoepubliclibrary.org. Jan. 14, 1 p.m.: Frank Sinatra (part 2) is the subject of the America’s Musical Theater Legends program.

Glenview Public Library

1930 Glenview Road. (847) 729-7500. www.glenviewpl.org. Jan. 10, 7 p.m.: Lyric Opera of Chicago lecture series features “La Boheme” by Giacomo Puccini. Jan. 31, 7 p.m.: Lyric Opera of Chicago lecture series features “Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg” by Richard Wagner.

Northbrook Public Library

1201 Cedar Lane. (847) 272-6224. www.northbrook.info. Jan. 20, 2 p.m.: Lyric Opera Lecture Corps of Chicago presents “La Boheme” by Puccini. Jan. 29, 7 p.m.: Art historian Jeff Nigro discusses the new Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman and Byzantine Art at the Art Institute of Chicago.

ORGANIZATIONS

Glenview Art League

Hosting a demonstration on giclee by Osio-Brown, 7:15-9 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Westbrook Elementary School, 1333 Greenwood, Glenview Free. Call (847) 724-4007.

ET CETERA

Mid-America Modurail Train Club

Displaying trains, noon-3 p.m. Jan. 19-20 and 26-27 in the basement of the Northbrook Historical Society, 1776 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Free admission. For information, call Jeff Hershman, (847) 498-5595.

S.P.A.C.E.

1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. www.evanstonspace.com. (847) 492-8860. Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.: “Dr. Strangelove,” a staged reading featuring Tim Kazurinsky, Randy Craig, Gary Houston and Warren Leming. $15/$18.

MUSEUMS

Block Museum of Art

At Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-4000. www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. Admission is free; unless noted, admission to all programs is also free. Jan. 11-March 24: “Terry Adkins Recital,” featuring sculpture, photography and video works by the artist. An opening reception will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 12, and Adkins will take part in a 3 p.m. conversation at the reception. March 1, 7 p.m.: Adkins will present “Facets,” a performance with the Lone Wolf Recital Corps, at Regenstein Hall of Music, 60 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Free.

Evanston History Center

Charles Gates Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St., Evanston. (847) 475-3410. www.evanstonhistorycenter.org. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Admission (includes optional house tour): $10; free for members. Through Jan. 28: “Bedrooms, Bathrooms and Boudoirs,” a look at the evolution of the home’s most personal of spaces and customs from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. (847) 967-4889. www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Admission: $12; $8 for students and senior citizens; $6 for children ages 5-11. Special exhibitions are free with museum admission. Through Jan. 6: “Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America,” a creation of the International Spy Museum. The exhibit explores how the United States should balance civil liberties and individual rights during times of conflict, crisis and fear. Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m.: Screening of a new documentary, “Skokie: Invaded, But Not Conquered.” The film examines the personalities and issues connected to the attempted neo-Nazi March in Skokie in the late 1970s. Aaron Freeman hosts the program, to be broadcast on WTTW/Channel 11. Free with museum admission. Reservations required. Jan. 27, 1:30-3 p.m.: Remembrance and Beyond: In Recognition of the International Day of Holocaust Remembrance. Free with museum admission. Reservations required.

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030. www.mitchellmuseum.org. Admission is $5; $3 for senior citizens, students and children. Free admission for Mitchell Museum members and tribal members; and on the first Friday of every month. Admission includes all exhibits and events, unless stated otherwise. Through Jan. 6: “Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art.” Through Aug. 25: “The War of 1812: Fighting for Their Homeland.” Through maps, timelines, document reproductions, and graphics, the exhibit will provide an overview of the causes and significant events of the War of 1812, including Chicago’s Battle of Fort Dearborn. Through Sept. 8: “New Treasures of Our Collection,” an exhibit of 45 recent acquisitions.

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