UPCOMING EVENTS
The following are our Editor's Picks of concerts, theatrical productions, family activities and other noteworthy events occurring over the next few months. 

	Fabyan Japanese Garden Winter Walks Wednesdays, January 11 & February 8 and Saturdays, January 21 & February 18 at the Fabyan Japanese Garden, Rt. 31 at Fabyan Pkwy., Geneva This Winter Walk includes history of the Fabyan’s Japanese Garden along with facts about Japanese gardens in all seasons and includes a glimpse into the past from photos of the historic collection. Call 630 377-6424 for more information.
	Preston Jackson: Inside the Outside January 22 through February 17 at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst As a painter and sculptor, Preston Jackson tells the stories of African-Americans and communicates their universal truths to all members of society. Call 630 617-6110 for more information.
	Unnecessary Farce February 1 - March 4 at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook Doors slamming, clothes flying and bagpipes bleating add to the mayhem in the Chicago premiere of this comedy. Call 630 850-2363 for tickets.
	Ramona Quimby Monday, February 6 at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E Galena Blvd., Aurora Ramona’s sister Beezus is a pain, her Aunt Bea may marry a dork, and her dad just lost his job–she even thinks her teacher hates her. Growing up isn’t easy, but with the help of her loving family and friends, Ramona faces these challenges. Call 630 896-6666 for tickets. Photo by Jean-Marie Guyaux
	The Color Purple Wednesday, February 8 at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy., University Park This national Broadway tour of “The Color Purple” is a family saga that tells the story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Call 708 235-2222 for tickets.
	Celtic Fire Friday, February 10 at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E Galena Blvd., Aurora Dancers take the stage with speed, youth and exuberance as they perform reels, jigs and slow airs to traditional Irish music featuring fiddles, pipes, accordion, whistles and guitar. Call 630 896-6666 for tickets.
	Arrival: Music of ABBA Friday, February 10 at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn This 12-member ABBA tribute ensemble performs ABBA’s greatest hits. Call 630 942-4000 for tickets.
	The Acting Company's Julius Caesar Saturday, February 11 at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville The Acting company performs Shakespeare’s classic story about pride and envy, arrogance and honor, and opportunity and strategic errors. Call 630 637-7469 for tickets. Photo by Richard Termine
	The Peking Acrobats Saturday, February 11 at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E Galena Blvd., Aurora This acrobatic performance defies the laws of gravity, physics and body mechanics in an exploration of the full extent of human potential. Call 630 896-6666 for tickets. Photo by Brittany App
	Lorna Luft: The Legend, The Music, The Memories, "Songs My Mother Taught Me" Sunday, February 12 at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E Galena Blvd., Aurora Born to legendary entertainer Judy Garland, Lorna Luft is a celebrated live performer, stage, film and television actress, best selling author, recording artist and Emmy nominated producer. Call 630 896-6666 for tickets.
	New Philharmonic's Valentine's Pops Sunday, February 12 at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn This program features romantic selections from Broadway, opera, film and television. Call 630 942-4000 for tickets.
	The Art and Science of Memory Thursday, February 16 at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst Speaker Joshua Foer is the author of “Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything,” which describes how he trained and competed to be become the 2006 U.S.A. Memory Champion. Call 630 617-3390 for more information.
	The Mystical Arts of Tibet Saturday, February 18 at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest This performance for the entire family utilizes traditional dances, Tibetan multiphonic chanting, and other music to channel inner spirituality and enlightenment that invoke peace, harmony, and the ways of creative living. Call 708 488-5000 for tickets.
	Patricia Barber Saturday, February 18 at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn Patricia Barber performs a mix of Green Mill favorites, including material from her Cole Porter CD. Call 630 942-4000 for tickets.
	Emperor of the Maladies Sunday, February 19 at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst Speaker Siddhartha Mukherjee is the winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for his book “Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography Of Cancer,” which traces the history of cancer from its first documented appearances through the epic battles in the 20th century to cure, control and conquer it. Call 630 617-3390 for more information.
	Il Voce Sunday, February 19 at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E Galena Blvd., Aurora This group, comprised of a soprano, coloratura soprano, tenor and baritone performs unique interpretations of romantic, classical, pop and opera favorites. Call 630 896-6666 for more tickets.
	The Art of Dining February 23 - 26, Thursday - Sunday at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest This comedy explores the psychology of food. Call 708 488-5000 for tickets.
	45th Annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival February 24 - 26, Friday - Sunday at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst The 45th Elmhurst College Jazz Festival features performances by The Hamilton Trio, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and more. Call 630 617-5534 for more information.
	No Tune Like A Showtune: The Music and Lyrics of Jerry Herman Sunday, February 26 at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville Joan Curto performs interpretations of the songs of Jerry Herman. Call 630 637-7469 for tickets.
WORTH GOING DOWNTOWN FOR
	JELLIES Through May 28 at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago Learn about sea jellies and how their simple bodies have allowed them to survive for millions of years. Call 312 939-2438 for more information.
	Penelope Through February 5 at the Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St., Chicago This new play by Edna Walsh is an eloquent, funny riff on life, love and the war at home with four men locked in a do-or-die competition to win Penelope’s love. Call 312 335-1650 for tickets.
	Morbid Curiousity: The Richard Harris Collection January 28 - July 8 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St., Chicago This exhibit explores the iconography of death and showcases nearly 1,000 works from Richard Harris’ collection, including Rembrandt, Mapplethorpe, Durer, Goya, and Jasper Johns. Call 312 744-6630 for more information.
	American Idiot February 7 - 19 at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph St., Chicago This hit musical tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia, featuring hits based on Green Day’s multi-platinum album. Call 312 977-1700 for tickets. Photo by Paul Kolnik
	Rodger and Hammerstein's South Pacific February 14 - 26 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St., Chicago This musical tells the romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Call 800 775-2000 for tickets. Photo by Joan Marcus