Community Corner

Get Out: Guitars, Salamanders, Mardi Gras

Our weekend planner for things to do around Naperville.

What a cornucopia of events is happening in town this weekend. One thing about Naperville is that there is always something to do right in our own back yard. This weekend offers some interesting openings, book signings and performances.

Friday

Sports fans may want to make a stop at Anderson’s Bookshop. Former NFL player, Tim Green will be reading from his book The Big Time. A former Atlanta Falcons defensive end, Green has become a bestselling author and a lawyer. In his latest book he writes about the struggle to reach his dreams as he discovers the identity of his real father.

Rock and roll lovers and fans of guitars need to head over to North Central College’s Schoenherr Art Gallery at the Fine Arts Center where a number of classic guitars will be on display. The guitars are part of the collections of Marguerite and Rich Waters of Crystal Lake and David Kelsch of Naperville. Included in the show are more than 60 Fender Statocasters, Gibson Les Pauls, and don’t miss the Flying Vees.

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Tying in with the guitar art exhibit on the campus, there will be a concert from critically acclaimed American classical guitarist Jason Vieaux. Absolute Sound magazine said that Vieaux is one of "the leading guitarists of his generation.” The New York Times said he is one of the "stars of the guitar world."

SATURDAY

Let the good times roll Saturday night and help a local nonprofit at the same time. Locals are invited to the Naperville Jaycees Mardi Gras Charity Gala benefiting KidsMatter. The event will bring the French Quarter to Northern Illinois University’s Naperville Campus. Enjoy a Cajun-style dinner, open bar, live music., plus silent and live auctions.

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Children will enjoy the performance of Ferdinand the Bull, based on Munro Leaf’s treasured 1936 children's book The Story of Ferdinand. The matinee performances will take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and last for an hour.

For more theater options, the original stage play My Occasional Torment will be performed Saturday night. It is described as a serious play about love, aging and romance. The play celebrates romance not only surviving, but also thriving within marriage.

Sunday

The weather is much better than two weeks ago, so why not hit the trail for the Frozen Buns Run. The 5-kilometer run will go through the Danada Forest Preserve trails and help raise funds for ActionAid a non-profit organization that does work in more than 40 countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas.  This is a timed race and USATF certified.

If the kids don’t mind lizards and snakes take them to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center where they will learn about frogs, toads and salamanders that are native to our area through a program for ages 13 and up.

 


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