Myrna Petlicki

Myrna Petlicki is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune.

John-Mark McGaha (left to right), John Michael Dias, Michael Ingersoll, and Eric Gutman star in “Let’s Hang On: A Rock ‘n Soul Party” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, June 1 and 2. (Provided by Artists Lounge Live)

Artists Lounge Lives presenting four performers singing diverse genres at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

May 15, 2026 at 10:02 a.m.

Four fabulous performers will share some of their favorite songs from a diverse range of genres when Artists Lounge Live presents, “Let’s Hang On: A Rock ‘n Soul Party” at...

Oak Park and River Forest High School junior Mark Jung won the Hemingway Foundation Scholarship for his essay, “A Map of Home.” (Mark Jung)

Two from Oak Park and River Forest High School net Hemingway Foundation writing awards

May 13, 2026 at 2:36 p.m.

Two promising young writers from Oak Park and River Forest High School have been honored by the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park.

Fashions are in the forefront in the 1920’s display at “A Walk Through Time,” a decade-by-decade history, at the La Grange Area Historical Society’s Samuel Vial House, May 14-Oct. 10. (Sarah Parkes)

La Grange Historical Socety offers ‘immersive’ Walk Through Time

May 4, 2026 at 3:13 p.m.

Visitors can stroll down memory lane and glimpse life in the 1890s through the 1970s at a new decade-by-decade history exhibit in the La Grange Area Historical Society’s Samuel Vial...

The First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield’s first church building. (First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield)

First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield set to celebrate 150 years since its founding

April 30, 2026 at 5:04 p.m.

It’s a joyous time at the First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield as they celebrate its 150th anniversary. Three events on May 2 and 3 commemorated the occasion.

Participants are ready to hop on the trolley for the 2nd Annual Women-Owned Business Whistle Stop Trolley Tour in Downtown Highland Park on May 7. (Sandy Saldano)

Highland Park hosting second annual Women-Owned Business Whistle Stop Trolley Tour

April 27, 2026 at 4:48 p.m.

Downtown Highland Park boasts more than 140 women-owned businesses. You can visit 33 of them at the 2nd Annual Women-Owned Business Whistle Stop Trolley Tour, 4-9 p.m. May 7.

The Orion Ensemble, left to right, Florentina Ramniceanu, Judy Stone, Diana Schmück, Kathryne Pirtle, will perform May 10 at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston. (Cornelia Babbitt)

After 35 years of making music, Orion Ensemble to give last concerts before disbanding

April 27, 2026 at 2:55 p.m.

After 35 years of making music, the Orion Ensemble plan to give their last concerts before disbanding.

The story behind why there are 12 bathrooms in the century-old River Forest house owned by Alex and Gen Jones is among those featured in the May 3 Spring House Walk presented by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. (The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest)

Historical Society House Walk focuses on five River Forest homes and their fascinating backstories

April 24, 2026 at 4:04 p.m.

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest will offer an opportunity to visit five stunning, historically significant homes.

Buffalo Grove native Stephanie Shum pursues two diverse theater careers. (Jeff Kurysz)

Buffalo Grove native following lifelong love of acting with role in new play being premiered in Chicago

April 20, 2026 at 3:14 p.m.

Stephanie Shum was looking for a way to make friends when her family moved from Canada to Illinois when she was nine, settling in Buffalo Grove.

Nancy Matsumoto will share stories about her grandparents’ history when she presents, “Japanese Tanka Poetry and its Key Role in one Chicago Family,” April 27 at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park. (Travis Khatchatoorian)

Program about a family’s experience with WWII Japanese internment camps and tanka poetry set in Oak Park

April 21, 2026 at 4:28 p.m.

Nineteenth Century Charitable Association event features writer Nancy Matsumoto and the story of her poet grandparents who endured internment.

More than two dozen craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries will offer samples of their
beverages at the 10th Annual Long Grove Craft Beer Fest on April 25 in Brothers’ Field.
(Courtesy of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association)

Long Grove will welcome beer tasters during its 10th Annual Long Grove Craft Beer Fest

April 13, 2026 at 3:29 p.m.

Beer lovers won’t want to miss the 10th Annual Long Grove Craft Beer Fest where they will be offered unlimited tasting samples from more than two dozen outstanding craft breweries,...

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