Patch Picks: North Central College's Cornerstone Week

is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year. Since a 150th Anniversary only comes along once, the college has a wide variety of events planned throughout the year that will be tied to the celebration.

Next week marks the College’s Cornerstone Week, when the festivities begin and the college goes full-tilt into party mode. From walking tours, to musical performances, locals have the opportunity to take advantage of the town-gown relationship.

With so many events happening on the campus, here are a few we think are the highlights.

If you love jazz and are budget minded, “A Great Evening of Jazz” is an event you shouldn’t miss. The event showcases all the student jazz ensembles of the North Central College Jazz Studies Program. The event will be held on May 18 at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $5/adults, $3/students and senior citizens.

If you’ve lived in Naperville for a while, yet know very little about the college, this is a chance to learn more. The public is invited to a free screening at 7 p.m. May 18, in Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., of the first segment of a five-part documentary capturing North Central's 150-year history, produced in conjunction with Naperville Community Television.

Another musical event that is pleasing to the pocket book will present the College's Women's Chorale performing at 7:30 p.m. May 19, in Wentz Concert Hall. Tickets are $5/adults, $3/students and senior citizens.

The college’s upcoming arts season will include a number of big name musical acts including the Beach Boys and the Charlie Daniels Band. On Saturday, May 21, at 8 p.m., the rock band The Ides of March performs in Pfeiffer Hall, 320 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $35, $30 and $25.

The strong relationship between the city and the college will be represented at the college’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in Wentz Concert Hall on May 20. The event will include the presentation of Sesquicentennial Medals to people and groups that have helped shape the College and Naperville community. A reception begins at 5 p.m., with a program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

For more information and to buy show tickets visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix or call 630-637-SHOW (7469).

A number of Sesquicentennial events and projects are planned throughout 2011 and into 2012. To learn more about the events visit northcentralcollege.edu/150 for additional details about Cornerstone Week and other Sesquicentennial information.