This Week’s Highlights Are In ✨

This issue is sponsored by Roycemore School

Do MORE with your summer at Roycemore! From outdoor adventures and STEAM activities for preschoolers, to improv, entrepreneurship, and forensic science for teens, Roycemore is excited to offer a range of transformative educational camps for ages 3-17 this summer in Evanston. Register your student today!

In this issue:

• Featured events

• Kids and family events

• Upcoming concerts and live music

• Trivia and game night roundup

• Weekend preview

• Save the date

  
  

Make sure to check the event before heading out in case of changes or cancellations!

Featured Events

Monday, April 21

Jazz Small Ensembles

Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $6.00 General/$4.00 Student
Location: McClintock Choral and Recital Room

Enjoy an evening of jazz celebrating the legacy of Bobby Timmons and Billy Strayhorn. You’ll hear soulful compositions that blend gospel, blues, and classic jazz, performed by Northwestern’s talented student ensembles under the direction of Derrick Gardner and Kevin Fort.

Seun Kuti w. Imperial Boxmen

Time: 8:00 PM
Cost: $35.00
Location: Evanston SPACE

Seun Kuti is a Nigerian musician, singer, and songwriter renowned for his captivating performances and socially conscious music. He is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Seun has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy as the leader of his father’s former band Egypt 80.

Tuesday, April 22

Tuesday Repair Cafe

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library

Work alongside volunteers to bring your broken household items back to life—whether it’s small appliances, electronics, jewelry, or more. The Repair Café promotes skill-sharing, sustainability, and community connection while keeping waste out of the landfill.

Northwestern Baseball vs UIC

Time: 3:30 PM
Cost: $11.00 - $13.00
Location: Rocky & Berenice Miller Park

Cheer on the Wildcats as they take on UIC at Miller Park.

Harmony and Healing: Celebrating Music, Mind, and Memory

Time: 4:30 PM
Cost: $75.00
Location: Nichols Concert Hall

Join the Institute for Therapy through the Arts and Northwestern’s Music and Medicine Program for an afternoon celebrating the healing power of music. Hear from medical and music therapy experts, enjoy live performances, and experience remarks by honoree Renée Fleming, recipient of the ITA Lamplighter Award.

Language Cafe

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library

Join others for casual language conversation practice and intercultural exchange. Bring your own study materials and engage with fellow language learners in a relaxed setting. A separate English practice session for Spanish speakers is also available.

Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra

Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $8.00 General/$5.00 Student
Location: Galvin Recital Hall

Discover the rich history of the Hammond B-3 organ in this tribute concert by the Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra. Guest keyboardist Reggie Thomas joins the ensemble for performances of jazz classics like Horace Silver’s “Soulville,” Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo,” and Oliver Nelson’s “Hoe Down,” celebrating the instrument’s deep roots in jazz.

Olive Klug w. Wasp Eater

Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $20.00 - $25.00
Location: Evanston SPACE

Olive Klug blends classic folk with modern storytelling to explore identity, love, and growth, emerging as a bold new voice in contemporary folk music.

Wednesday, April 23

Lee Street Beach Sauna Sessions

Time: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $20.00
Location: Lee Street Beach

Start your day with a 30-minute sauna session by the lake at Lee Street Beach. Quiet time is observed during the early sessions: 7:00 AM & 7:30 AM. Bring water, a towel, and comfy clothes for easy changing.

Ladies' Social Bike Ride with Kelly

Time: 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Mack's Bike & Goods

Join Kelly for a casual group ride on the 4th Wednesday of each month, starting from Mack’s Bike & Goods. These 5 to 10 mile rides are designed to bring together badass ladies for a fun and supportive evening on bikes.

Open Mic on the Guitar Works Stage

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (list opens at 6:00 PM)
Cost: Free
Location: Guitar Works

Share original songs, try out new material, or enjoy an evening of live music in a casual setting. Performer sign-up begins at 6:00 PM, and all styles and skill levels are welcome.

Story Vroom Vroom

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Double Clutch Brewing

Step up or sit back at this monthly storytelling night, where anyone can share a story or just enjoy the show. Expect games, music, trivia, and more in a lively, no-pressure setting—no theme, no scoring, just stories.

Thursday, April 24

Lee Street Beach Sauna Sessions

Time: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $20.00
Location: Lee Street Beach

Start your day with a 30-minute sauna session by the lake at Lee Street Beach. Quiet time is observed during the early sessions: 7:00 AM & 7:30. Bring water, a towel, and comfy clothes for easy changing.

Spring Arts and Crafts Fair

Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Norris University Center

Browse and shop original artwork from the Northwestern community at this free spring fair. You'll find everything from ceramics and jewelry to stained glass and sculpture, plus a chance to make your own themed craft on-site.

Tibetan Monks Meditation from Drepung Monastery

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:45 PM
Cost: Donations encouraged
Location: Heaven Meets Earth Yoga Studio

You can meet and meditate with Tibetan monks visiting from Drepung Monastery, the largest in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Learn about their traditions and practices during this special visit hosted by The Tibet Center in Evanston.

Wine Goddess Book Club

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $75.00
Location: The Wine Goddess

Dive into Sweetbitter with Meaghan and Bookends & Beginnings during this wine-focused book club night. You'll sip your way through six to seven wines featured in the novel while discussing its themes and characters.

Tinsley Ellis - Naked Truth Tour

Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $20.00 - $35.00
Location: Evanston SPACE

Experience Tinsley Ellis in an intimate solo acoustic performance as he brings the raw essence of the blues to life. Drawing inspiration from legends like Muddy Waters and Son House, Ellis showcases his masterful guitar work and heartfelt songwriting from his new album Naked Truth.

Kids and Family Events

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All Week

Time-Together Open Play

Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Tuesday - Thursday
Cost: First visit is free! $12.00/Child or a 10-visit punch pass for $100.00
Location: Chandler-Newberger Community Center

Parents and caregivers can bring children ages birth to five for open play at the Chandler-Newberger Community Center. This program features climbing equipment, blocks, puzzles, a book nook, and more. Little ones will explore while adults can connect with other families.

Monday, April 21

Crown Storytime

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library

Join EPL for a fun session of stories and songs at the Robert Crown Branch! Please register under your child's name only. The button below is for the 10:30 AM session. Click here for the 11:00 AM session.

Tuesday, April 22

Time for Twos

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

Share a fun-filled storytime with your toddler featuring songs, picture books, puppets, and rhymes. Designed for children ages 24 to 36 months with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver.

Frog on a Log Storytime

Time: 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Booked

Frog on a Log is a twice-weekly storytime for children up to age 5 and their caregivers, featuring songs and stories led by Booked’s own Mr. Gus on his ukulele. Kids and caregivers are invited to gather on the rainbow rug for this fun, musical storytime.

Tween Anime

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Robert Crown Branch Library

Join other anime-loving tweens for a fun afternoon of watching and discussing anime, crafting, and enjoying snacks. This monthly club is perfect for kids ages 9 to 11 who want to explore anime culture with friends.

Wednesday, April 23

Let's Learn and Sing in Japanese!

Time: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Location: Evanston Public Library Main Branch

Sing, move, and explore seasonal songs and nursery rhymes in Japanese with Ms. Doremi. This interactive session also includes stories and cultural insights, perfect for little ones ages 0 to 5.

Upcoming Concerts and Live Music

Sponsored by Downtown Evanston

Bring friends and family to explore local businesses while you enjoy sips of wine, bubbly, and other beverages and shopping specials! Your ticket will benefit local nonprofit Black Women of Evanston. 

Click the included links for info and tickets!

Monday, April 21

• Jazz Small Ensembles at McClintock Choral and Recital Room, 7:30 PM, $6.00 General/$4.00 Student

• Jeffrey and Gabriel Kahane Duo at Galvin Recital Hall, 7:30 PM, $40.00 General/$15.00 Student

• Seun Kuti w. Imperial Boxmen at Evanston SPACE, 8:00 PM, $35.00

Tuesday, April 22

• Pierce Crask at Celtic Knot Public House, 5:00 PM, No cover

• Irish Music Session at Sketchbook Brewing Evanston, 7:30 PM, No cover

• Olive Klug w. Wasp Eater at Evanston SPACE, 7:30 PM, $20.00 - $25.00

• Northwestern University Jazz Orchestra at Galvin Recital Hall, 7:30 PM, $8.00 General/$5.00 Student

Wednesday, April 23

• Ellis Paul w. Sadie Gustafson-Zook at Evanston SPACE, 7:30 PM, $20.00 - $35.00

• Mike Jones Quartet at Prairie Moon Restaurant, 9:00 PM, $7.00

Thursday, April 24

• How to Do Things with Music? at McClintock Choral and Recital Room, 6:00 PM, Free

• Tinsley Ellis - Naked Truth Tour at Evanston SPACE, 7:30 PM, $20.00 - $35.00

• Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 7:30 PM, $6.00 General/$4.00 Student

Friday, April 25

• Symphonic Wind Ensemble at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 7:30 PM, $8.00 General/$5.00 Student

• Steve Rashid and His Smart Outfit at Studio5, 8:00 PM, $35.00 - $45.00

Saturday, April 26

• Guest Presentations at McClintock Choral and Recital Room, 9:30 AM, Free

• Saxophone Concert at Shirley Welsh Ryan Opera Theater, 12:00 PM, Free

• Kirsten Speyer Carithers—Hacking New Music: Lessons from the Archive at McClintock Choral and Recital Room, 4:00 PM, Free

• Contemporary Music Ensemble at Galvin Recital Hall, 7:30 PM, $8.00 General/$5.00 Student

• Steve Rashid and His Smart Outfit at Studio5, 8:00 PM, $35.00 - $45.00

Sunday, April 27

• Arboretum Duo at Regenstein Master Class Room, 12:00 PM, Free

• Guest Performances at Galvin Recital Hall, 1:30 PM, Free

• Irish Music Session ft John Williams & friends at Celtic Knot Public House, 3:00 PM, No cover

• Electroacoustic Performances at Shirley Welsh Ryan Opera Theater, 4:30 PM, Free

• Blue Rose & Rachel Drew with Gerald Dowd (Outposts After Dark Series) at Art Makers Outpost, 6:00 PM, $25.00

• International Contemporary Ensemble at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 7:30 PM, $20.00 General/$5.00 Student

• Composer Presentation: George Lewis at McClintock Choral and Recital Room, 10:00 AM, Free

Trivia and Game Night Roundup

Monday, April 21

• Trivia at Double Clutch Brewing at Double Clutch Brewing, 7:00 PM, No cover

Tuesday, April 22

• Game Night at Evanston Games & Cafe at Evanston Games & Cafe, 4:00 PM, Free

• Trivia Night at Evanston Pour at Evanston Pour, 6:00 PM, No cover

• Bier Hall Bingo at Double Clutch Brewing at Double Clutch Brewing, 7:00 PM, No cover

• Trivia at Bob's Pizza at Bob's Pizza, 8:00 PM, No cover

Wednesday, April 23

• Game Night at The Wine Goddess, 5:00 PM, No cover

• Lit Wits Trivia at Bookends & Beginnings, 6:30 PM, Free

• Evanston Chess Club at Levy Center, 6:30 PM, annual fee of $65.00 Residents/$85.00 Non-Residents

• Trivia at Firehouse Grill at Firehouse Grill, 7:00 PM, No cover

Weekend Preview

Friday, April 25

• SPACE New Lobby Opening Party Night 1

  
  

Saturday, April 26

• City of Evanston Earth Day Fest

• SPACE New Lobby Opening Party Night 2

  
  

Saturday, April 26

• Downtown Evanston Earth Day Clean-up

  
  

Save the Date

Did you do something fun this past week? Or take a great pic of our city? We’d love to hear about it! Send us a note or picture, and we may include it in the newsletter!

Thanks for reading! We’ll be back in your inbox on Thursday.

-Jonathan and Melissa

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