Wynton Marsalis is coming to town with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to help young people get acquainted with the music of the late saxophonist John Coltrane. The musicians will play some of the very early pieces that Coltrane performed as well as music he played with trumpeter Miles Davis and with pianist Thelonious Monk. They will also play some of Coltrane’s avant-garde music and a composition by Coltrane that illustrates the influence of Charlie Parker. But the program will include more than just music. Marsalis will describe how Coltrane’s music developed, the chord changes he used and the concept of free expression. “It’s important for American children to know about Coltrane,” says Marsalis, “because he is one of our major cultural figures.” “Jazz for Young People: Who Is John Coltrane?” 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., $12-$31; 312-294-3000.
— Nancy Maes
Absurd songs
Jim Gill often begins his concerts with a song called “Toy Boat.” People in the audience don’t have any trouble singing along because the lyrics repeat the same two tongue-twisting words of the title over and over again. The absurdity of it all puts everyone in the mood to have some fun. Gill will also sing “Irrational Anthem,” which has lyrics he wrote to the melody of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Gill begins with, “Oh say can you see me slap on my knee” and encourages children and adults in the audience to repeat his gesture, and then sings others that become more and more irrational as the song goes along. The purpose of Gill’s concerts is to have kids and parents play together. Concert with Jim Gill, 2 p.m. Sunday, Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston, free; 847-866-0312.
— Nancy Maes
Survival clues
Children age 8 and up can learn how plants and animals survive the harsh winter months during a program in Crystal Lake. They will follow nature’s clues to find out where animals go, what they eat and where they sleep. Dress for the weather. “Survival Secrets,” 3:30-5 p.m., Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Rd., Crystal Lake, free, registration needed; 815-479-5779.
— Stephanie Price
Skiing by night
Skiers can weave around woodland trails as they ski through the night. Afterwards, they can warm up with hot beverages by a cozy fire. “Candlelight Ski Series,” 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Rd., Oak Brook, free, reservations required; 630-850-8110.
— Stephanie Price
Snowshoe hike
Visit the Monee Reservoir Saturday and discover the life that goes under cover in the dead of winter. Hikers will see such signs of life as tracks as they snowshoe over the ground (if there is enough snow) and learn the history of a means of transportation invented by snowbound Native Americans. With or without snow, it’s still winter, so be sure to dress warmly. After the hike, the family can warm up by gathering around a wood-burning stove at the Visitors’ Center. Hot chocolate, coffee and snacks will be for sale. Winter Wonder Walk, 10 a.m. Saturday, Monee Reservoir, Ridgeland Avenue west of U.S. Highway 50 and south of Pauling Road, just south of Monee, $3, includes showshoe rental; 708-534-8499.
— Pat Harper
Dog sleds
Learn to love winter at the Ice Fest Sunday in downtown Frankfort. Ice sculptors will demonstrate their artistry, and the Chicagoland Alaskan Malamute Club will put their dog sled teams through their paces. Visitors are asked not to bring pets. Winter on the Green Ice Fest, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Breidert’s Green on Kansas Street, Frankfort, free; 815-469-3356.
— Pat Harper
