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Call yourself what you like, Judy does not mind
Updated: August 20, 2012 1:54AM
Here’s Judy’s pick of coming community activities in the Oak Brook/Oakbrook Terrace area, spiced with a little commentary. To suggest an event for her weekly column, send an e-mail to clafortune@pioneerlocal.com.
You say flutist, she says flautist
Come enjoy a performance by Elaine Dame, a Chicago-based jazz vocalist and flautist, at 3 p.m. June 30 at the Oak Brook Public Library, 1200 Oak Brook Road. Dame has performed at many concert venues and jazz clubs in the area. Admission is free. Registration is required; call (630) 368-7725.
Calling oneself a “flautist” or “flutist” is a matter of personal choice, and Ms. Dame has chosen to refer to herself as a flautist. And, personal-choice-wise, in describing her unique talent, I defer to the song by Rodgers and Hammerstein: “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.” (Dear readers, I know that you know that I know that you know how lame this is – but, shhhh).
A welcome guest … I don’t think so
The free Summer Concert Series continues with the Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra from 7-9 p.m. June 28 in Central Park, on Jorie Boulevard and Forest Gate Road in Oak Brook. For more information call (630) 990-4233 or visit www.obpaks.org.
Ah, outdoor summer concerts — once again it’s time to breathe in the fresh air, to socialize with neighbors, to listen to great music and, if you’re Judy Brinkworth, to sign the required pledge “ … to not screech along with the music, to not demonstrate a complete lack of rhythm by trying to dance, and most of all, to not perform the patriotic twirling-baton-on-fire routine that last year set the gazebo on fire.” Meanies.
A nip here, a tuck there?
A program, “Monitoring Monarch Butterflies,” will take place from 10-11 a.m. June 23 at Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road in Oak Brook. Search for its eggs, find out how caterpillars become butterflies and more. This program is for ages 7 and up; under 12 with an adult. To register, call (630) 850-8110.
So how do caterpillars become butterflies? I think it takes a whole lotta trips to the caterpillar plastic surgeon, but I could be wrong. I’ll raise my hand and ask at this program. Look for me, I’ll be the one with a butterfly net over her head — my disguise when I’m asked to leave after my query.
Tall enough so I can’t hear the
whining, either
The annual Taste of Oak Brook will take place from 2-9 p.m. July 3 on the Village of Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 31st Street, between Spring and York Roads. The event will be followed by an award-winning fireworks display. Restaurants in the Oak Brook area will be featured, plus live music from 2-8 p.m., followed by a DJ. For kids, a petting zoo, balloon artists and face painters will be on-hand. In addition, stilt-walkers will appear throughout the day. The rain date for the fireworks display, only, is July 4. For parking information and more details, visit www.oak-brook.org or call (630) 368-5005.
“In addition, stilt-walkers will appear throughout the day.” If only I could put on really tall stilts every day — tall enough that should our daughter dilly-dally about picking up her clothes, I’ll stilt-stand outside her second-story bedroom, lean in, pluck each item off the floor and quickly deposit it on the tippy-top of the trees outside. Quite festive, and it just might hurry her up next time. If only … sigh.
Mercy Maud, I’m shocked!
The Chicago New Arts Trio will perform a program titled “Birds and Flowers” from 3-5 p.m. June 24 at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook. Works by Bach, Mozart, Ravel and others will be featured. This event is for ages 8 and up; under 16 with an adult. For ticket prices, call (630) 206-9566.
Dear Mayslake Peabody Estate: So this concert is titled “Birds and Flowers.” Well, I know nothing about birds and less about flowers, but I can tell the difference between an elm and an oak (something about the leaves?), so how ‘bout featuring my talents (?) at the next concert, which I’m calling “Fifty Shades of Mayslake,” honoring the shade trees at the estate. And, yes, I’m parodying the now infamous book title — I’ll do anything to get people to come. Sincerely, Judy “Don’t Even Ask” Brinkworth.
