FitzGerald's Kicks Off New Acoustic Jazz Series Wednesday in the Side Bar

Berywn's FitzGerald's Nightclub begins their new acoustic jazz series this Wednesday in the Side Bar with a performance by The New Standard Quintet.

Area residents have a new reason to head out on the town Wednesday nights. FitzGerald's Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., has announced a new acoustic jazz series to correspond with their classic cocktail night in the Side Bar. Wednesdays are typically slow nights are bars, not attracting the so-called "thirsty Thursday" crowd, or those who generally only go out on weekends. In an interview with Side Bar bartender Marcus Reidy, he said the idea to have a classic cocktail night at FitzGerald's stemmed from a desire to attract more people in on a mid-week night. There's all the more reason to get a classic drink on Wednesdays at FitzGerald's with the addition of a weekly acoustic jazz act now on the bill in the venue adjacent to the bar. Shows …

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The Week Ahead

Beer and Board Games, Movies and More:The Week Ahead

Looking for things to do this week? Check out these events going on around town.

Click the event name for more details: Chess Open Play Located at the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library, players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to come in for a game of chess. Games start at 5:30 p.m. Chicago on Screen A $10 ticket gets you into the Nineteenth Century Club's Chicago on Screen series. Historian Sarah Marcus views the history of Chicago through television and film, noting how producers of popular culture have depicted the city and its residents.  Using a variety of clips from Scarface (1932) and The Blues Brothers (1980) to His New Job (1915) and High Fidelity (2000), this presentation follows the camera’s focus and reflects on lasting impressions created by flashing images on the screen. Watercolor …

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Oak Park Conservatory Hosts Terrarium Workshop in February

Take a piece of the Oak Park Conservatory to you home at a terrarium workshop held on Feb. 9.

I'll just say this right away, so that you know there's an obvious bias in this article: I love terrariums. There's something about them that is so beautiful. It's like a tiny little slice of nature that sits on your table for the sole purpose of being looked at, and then making you feel better for spending the time looking at it. Apparently, Patti Staley, head grower at the Oak Park Conservatory feels the same way. "It's nice, so many visitors spend time here [in the winter], and this way you get to take home a little part of the conservatory with you," Staley said. On Feb. 9, Staley is running a workshop at the conservatory that lets you create your own from clippings of the beautiful variety of plants that grow there. In these cold, …

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Treat Your Daughter to a Girl's Day Out Today

A girls' afternoon out will feature nail treatment, snacks and a movie. on Jan. 19.

Say Happy Birthday to Ridgeland Common

Party on Sunday to feature ice time, hot chocolate and a picture on the Zamboni.

It's Ridgeland Common's 50th birthday this weekend. What do you do when you get to be that age? How about, throw a party for all your friends—and then some! The Park District of Oak Park will have all the trimmings for a great day, from 1:15 to 4 pm, Dec. 16 at 415 W. Lake St. Party supplies, hats, cup cakes, hot chocolate and popcorn will be served up. Pucks will be served up, too as part of the "chuck-a-puck" contest, as well as other games on ice will be played. Don't forget your cameras so you can get that perfect snap on the Zamboni machine. And of course, bring your skates for a public skate. Admission is $6. Call the park district at 708-383-0002 for details.

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The Week Ahead

Classic Christmas Movies, Ale House Tweeting and More: The Week Ahead

What's up around Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest.

Tweet, Tweet Friends, fans and social media enthusiasts in Oak Park can gather at the Avenue Ale House Monday evening for an after-work tweetup. The event, sponsored by the Village of Oak Park will be from 7 to 10 p.m., at 825 S. Oak Park Ave. Fine Arts Movie Series Continues If it's the first Tuesday in December, that means it's time for a fine arts, foreign art, foreign, documentary, specialty or classic movie at the Lake. This month's film, to be shown on Dec. 4, is The Women on the 6th Floor. This French movie focuses on the lives of a conservative couple in 1960s Paris and how the presence of two Spanish maids turns their world upside down. Showings will be at noon and 7 p.m. Admission is $6 for the matinee; $8.50 for the evening. Get…

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Top 6 Classic Chicago Holiday Events

Looking to make the most out of the upcoming holiday season? These six events will keep you entertained and full of holiday cheer.

Looking for things to do for the holidays in Chicago? Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, remember these Christmas classics. What: This Museum of Science and Industry event began in 1942 with just one tree dedicated to the Allies of World War II. Today, the event includes a 45-foot tall Grand Tree with more than 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments adorning it. Additionally, the event will feature 50 smaller trees representing various cultures and holiday traditions.  Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive When: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, to Sunday, Jan. 6 Cost: included with general admission of $15 per adult More info: Visit the MSI Chicago website What: The rink has brought together …

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Comdey, Free Kids Movie, Bulb Sale and More: The Weekend

Patch's guide to local events and things to do this weekend!

After Hours Improv Showcase: When: 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Oak Park Public Library - Maze Branch, 845 Gunderson Ave., in Oak Park.  What: Kid, teen and adult members of the Improv Workshop show off their skills for a night filled with laughter. Cost: Free Scary Stories by the Fire When: 7-9 p.m. Where: River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave., in River Forest What: Kids and teens in grades sixth and up are invited to the library after-hours to read spooky stories by the fire. Enjoy ghoulish games and some terrifyingly tasty treats. Cost: Free Narrow Gallery Art Opening for Bobbie Raymond When: 7 p.m. Where: Oak Park Arms Retirement Community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park. What: Local artist Bobbie Raymond returns to the Oak Park Arms …

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Park District of Oak Park Celebrates Fall Fest Today

The Park District of Oak Park celebrates its 100th anniversary with hay rides, music and a pumpkin patch today.

Sidewalk Sale Continues through Weekend

No bands - just sales along Madison Street.

It might have been a cool, windy afternoon but that didn't stop shoppers from looking for bargains at the annual sidewalk sale along Madison Street. Most of the shoppers were women, and a few found what they were looking for - or were pretty sure they would find it. Janet Bonney was on vacation and was out bargain-hunting. She found a pair of sandals at Madison Street Shoes, 7500 Madison St., that she'll add to inventory - about 100 pair - of footware. "I'm more than likely going to take these home and keep these for next year," the Forest Park said. Karen Carreras of Oak Park came across Harlem Avenue for the sale. She was looking through the rack outside of deedee and edee, 7415 W Madison, but hadn't found anything. She was hopeful. "…

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