In rock ‘n’ roll’s reunion summer, the Monkees are also back on the bandwagon. Now celebrating their 30th anniversary tour, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork — but not Mike Nesmith — take the last train to Clarksville (er, Star Plaza) for an 8 p.m. Friday concert. Star Plaza is at Interstate Highway 80 and U.S. Highway 30 in Merrillville, Ind.; phone 312-734-7266.
WHITE HOUSE ON THE ROAD
The saying goes, “Make no little plans,” but obviously John and Jan Zweifel of Evanston weren’t listening. With the help of volunteer artisans, they spent 34 years building a miniature replica of the White House. They carved tiny pieces of furniture using the same woods used in the originals, and sewed drapes and bedspreads that duplicate the real ones. The house is furnished with clocks that tick and TV sets that work, and the walls are decorated with scaled-down paintings that reproduce the details of the ones in The White House. The White House in Miniature and artifacts from America’s First Ladies are on display beginning Saturday and through Sept. 8 at North Pier Chicago, 435 E. Illinois St.; admission is free; 312-836-4326.
– Nancy Maes
THE WIT OF WALT WILLEY
You’ve seen him on the daytime soap opera “All My Children” as the heartthrob Jackson Montgomery. Now you can see Walt Willey work his humorous charm during performances at two Zanies locations. Willey will be performing at Zanies in St. Charles in the Pheasant Run Resort at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and at Zanies in Vernon Hills, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the box office or by calling 630-513-1761 (St. Charles) or 847-549-6030 (Vernon Hills).
– Thakka Malone
CULTURE FROM JAPAN
For the 41st year, Chicago’s Midwest Buddhist Temple is playing host to its Japanese cultural festival called Ginza Holiday. Six master craftspeople from Tokyo will be there to demonstrate ancient techniques that include creating dolls, paper crafts and furniture. Two dance companies and three drum groups will perform, and aikido, judo and karate schools will present self-defense techniques. Food stands will offer Japanese fare such as chicken teriyaki and shaved ice topped with sweet azuki beans. The festival runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. The temple is at 435 W. Menomonee St.; admission is $3.50 for adults, free for children; 312-943-7801.
– Nancy Maes
THE POLITICAL `WIGWAM’
The Democratic National Convention will be in Chicago soon, which means it’s time to brush up on your knowledge of political science. In conjuction with the DNC, The Chicago Historical Society, at Clark Street and North Avenue, will host a book signing on Thursday along with an exhibit, “Politics, Parades, and Protests.” Alderman Edward Burke and R. Craig Sautter will remember Chicago’s 1968 Democratic National Convention as they sign copies of their new book, “Inside the Wigwam: Chicago Presidential Conventions 1860-1996” ($19.95). The exhibit will be open from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation and book signing. Admission is free; 312-642-5035.
– Thakka Malone
CRAFTING UP A STORM
One hundred and thirty-eight carefully chosen craftspeople will exhibit pieces in metal, glass, porcelain, fiber and other media at the 12th annual American Craft Exposition. It features the work of 10 artists who are represented in the White House Collection of American Crafts and many who bring a sense of humor to their artistic endeavors. Specific items include a leather and steel chair called “The Big Bopper” which incorporates a pair of boxing gloves, and a broken-heart brooch inscribed “Been There, Done That.” A benefit preview party runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday; admission is $50. The exhibition runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 24 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 25; admission is $8, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, Lincoln St. at the lakefront, Northwestern University campus, Evanston; 847-570-5096.
– Nancy Maes
