The 630 | November 2015

By Naperville Magazine
November 2015 View more 630

Courtesy Paramount Theatre

Jack Hanna

November 1, 3 p.m.
Are your kids wild about animals? Then bring the whole family to downtown Aurora for a wild afternoon with “Jungle Jack” Hanna and his animal pals. From lions to lemurs, gorillas to geckos, everyone’s favorite animal expert has brought the wonder of the animal kingdom to multiple generations, introducing furry, feathery and just plain fascinating creatures on The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and on his own Emmy-award winning TV programs Animal Adventures and Into the Wild. And now, Jungle Jack’s bringing his hat, his khakis and his coolest animal friends to the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora for one-show-only. Animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna is one of the most visible and respected ambassadors between the human and animal worlds. His hands-on approach and experience with wildlife has won him widespread acclaim as an author, television personality, conservationist and Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. A dynamic orator, Hanna now enjoys speaking across the country, sharing his globe-trotting experiences with thousands of people through his special window into the animal world. Author of 11 books—and counting—his timeless tales continue to captivate audiences of every generation. Tickets to Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live! are $35 for adults, $20 for children 12 and under. For more information, go to ParamountAurora.com.

Healing Field of Honor

November 6 through 12
The Healing Field of Honor, a patriotic display of American flags honoring all those who serve or have served in the U.S. military, returns to Rotary Hill. The event is co-sponsored by Operation Support Our Troops and the Naperville Park District. People will have the opportunity to purchase a flag, dedicate a flag to a veteran and/or become a sponsor. This year marks the beginning of the U.S. Department of Defense “Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program” to thank, honor and highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. The Naperville Healing Field Committee will pay tribute to veterans of this era through the 2015 Healing Field of Honor “50 Years of Healing,” which will include a display of flags on Rotary Hill and a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Flags for the Healing Field of Honor “50 Years of Healing” may be purchased for $30, with the option of dedicating a flag with a Tag of Honor for $5. Flags can be picked up from the field on the final day of the event or shipped for an additional $5. To purchase a flag, make a donation or become a sponsor, visit www.healingfield.org/naperville or contact Anna Zimmerman, Fundraiser Chair, at annaz@wowway.com. Additionally, flag order forms are available at the Naperville Park District Administration Building at 320 W. Jackson Ave. The proceeds from this memorial will go to the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

November 7, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
November 8, 2:30 p.m.
Based on the best-selling children’s book by C.S. Lewis, this full cast stage production by David Payne Drama is the fantasy story of four children who enter the magical world of Narnia. This spectacle for the whole family features wonderful costumes, a magical set and a full-size Aslan puppet voiced by British actor David Payne. The excitement continues after the show when the cast – still in full costume – meets the audience to sign autographs and provide photo-ops. Belushi Performance Hall at the McAninch Arts Center. For more information, visit www.atthemac.org/events.

Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon and Marathon

November 8
Runners will take to the streets for the Naperville Half Marathon and Marathon. Highlights for the 2015 event include:

• Start, finish and race village areas near the heart of downtown Naperville
• A course that offers every runner a tour of central Naperville
• A flatter course in the second half for full marathon runners
• Improved gear check and post-race food amenities
• A unique post-race celebration experience in downtown Naperville.
• Don’t miss out on one of the fastest growing endurance races. Participants must be 18 years or older on race day, November 8, 2015, to register. For more information and to register, visit naperville26.com.

Courtesy Paramount Theater

Josh Turner

November 12, 8 p.m.
People Magazine calls him one of Country’s Hottest Stars. His debut single “Long Black Train” went gold. His hit “Why Don’t We Just Dance” was the most-played song of 2010. It’s no wonder low-voiced country star Josh Turner is one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Don’t miss this CMA and Grammy nominee when Josh Turner rocks Aurora’s Paramount Theatre performing No.1 songs like “Your Man,” “All Over Me” and “Time is Love.” Joshua Otis “Josh” Turner, born in 1977 and raised in unincorporated Hannah, South Carolina, is a successful, young American contemporary country music singer. In 2003, he signed to MCA Nashville Records. That same year, his debut album’s title track “Long Black Train” was his breakthrough single release. His second album, Your Man (2006) accounted for his first two number one hits: “Your Man” and “Would You Go with Me,” while 2007’s Everything Is Fine included a No. 2 in “Firecracker.” Haywire, released in 2010, produced his biggest hit, the No. 1 “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and another number one in “All Over Me”. It was followed by Punching Bag (2012), whose lead-off single “Time Is Love” was the biggest hit of 2012 according to Billboard Year-End. His newest single from 2014 is “Lay Low.” The Paramount is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. For tickets and information, go to ParamountAurora.com, call the box office at 630.896.6666.

Photo courtesy Rebekah Littlejohn

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: Visions from Cape Breton and Beyond

November 13, 8 p.m.
Since marrying in 2002, two of Canada’s brightest stars have been captivating audiences all over North America with their exceptional musical skills and obvious joy at playing together. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy have received both industry acclaim and a loyal fan following by combining their incredible individual talents, giving audiences a remarkable musical experience each and every night. Now, with their “Visions From Cape Breton & Beyond,” audiences will have an insight into the remarkable place, people, and culture that have shaped their lives, music, and family. Both born into musical families, MacMaster and Leahy entered into their musical careers naturally. Hailing from Cape Breton Island, MacMaster received her first fiddle at age 9, launching a career that has lasted for more than 30 years. Her first recording was released when she was only 16 and she has never looked back. With amazing dedication to her craft, MacMaster has received numerous awards in the United States and Canada, recognizing both her musical talent and importance to Cape Breton’s fiddling tradition and international profile. MacMaster’s performances leave her audiences hollering for more as she wows them with stylistic diversity without losing the traditional Cape Breton groove. Although her stage presence is reason enough to see one of her shows, it’s the elegance with the bow, the intricate technique with the fiddle, and the embrace of the Cape Breton tradition that floor her admirers at countless shows every year. Honing his remarkable talent since age 3, Leahy has spent his entire life with a fiddle in his hand. His initial skills were learned at home from his parents-a fiddle-playing father from Ontario and a step-dancing mother from Cape Breton. With a well-trained ear, it is no surprise that as the musical leader and frontman of “Leahy” for more than 15 years, his own style emerged. Some even say he created a new genre of music known simply as Leahy. Combined with his mesmerizingly strident, exultant and high-energy performances, this style has become Leahy’s musical signature. North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.

Courtesy Paramount Theater

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas By Chip Davis

November 14, 8 p.m.
There’s no better way to kick off the holidays than with the band that changed Christmas music forever. The world-renowned Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis takes favorite songs of the season and beefs them up with their signature new age style dubbed “18th century Classical Rock” and dazzling multimedia effects. With 40 plus years of live performances under their cummerbunds, Mannheim Steamroller is coming back by popular demand to Aurora’s Paramount Theatre and promises to leaves audiences in absolute awe. Grammy Award winning composer and musician Chip Davis is one of the most successful innovators and entrepreneurs in music today. He is the creator of Mannheim Steamroller, the #1 Christmas music artist in history and one of the top best-selling artists of all time with over 40 million records sold. The ultimate holiday tradition, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis will be presented at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. Tickets are $59 and $69. For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com or call the box office at 630.896.6666.

10th Annual Toasting for a Cause

November 16, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The 10th Annual “Toasting for a Cause,” a celebration of food and wine will be held at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 244 S. Main Street in downtown Naperville. This fundraiser will feature a gourmet four-course meal, expertly paired with four exceptional wines. The evening will also feature auction items and a raffle. Guests will also have the opportunity to support the programs of Naperville CARES by becoming CARESGivers during the evening. Naperville CARES is a volunteer-driven organization providing more than $1.7 million in direct financial assistance and over 625 cars to Naperville families since 1999. The mission of CARES is to help local families in financial crisis meet their essential needs by providing emergency financial support and resources. In addition, the CARES Car Donation Program repairs vehicles donated by community members and provides them to eligible households that lack critical transportation to get to work. Reservations are $150 per person or $300 for two. Register online at www.napervillecares.org/events or call 630.369.0200.

Courtesy Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum

November 20 through January 2
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns this November with more lights, sights and sounds that will transform a Chicago-area wintertime walk in the woods into a colorful, inspiring experience like no other. Visitors are invited to walk Illumination’s one-mile path, surrounded by 50 acres of trees bathed in theatrical LED lighting in shades of vivid electric blue, hot pink and neon green. Along the way, a series of “experiences”—programmed lighting, video and sound seamlessly integrated into the landscape–encourage visitors to see trees in a different light. Visitors can interact with trees that respond to voice or touch, find out how a tree responds to a big hug, or control the action of videos projected upon the Arboretum’s towering trees. Brand new experiences in 2015 include dazzling lighting effects on Meadow Lake, and Ornament Hill, where a series of glowing orbs of varying colors and sizes placed on the Arboretum’s Frost Hill create a glittering vista visible from many locations on the trail. Many other fan-favorite Illumination experiences will be updated for the 2015 season, including Hug a Tree, where visitors can hug a tree and watch it respond, Crystal Promenade, where 24 beautiful chandeliers of varying sizes light the forest, and Seasons Greetings, where visitors control the movements of a projected image using towering hemlock trees as a giant movie screen. For more information about Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, visit mortonarb.org/illumination.

Naperville Turkey Trot

November 26, 8 a.m.
Get ready to burn-off all of those extra calories before you eat, at the 18th annual Naperville Turkey Trot. Online registration only and registration is limited to the first 7,500 participants. The Chip timed race begins and ends at Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Avenue, Naperville. The top three overall male and female runners, plus the top three male and female runners in each age group, will receive an award and/or prize. Walkers are welcome, and are asked to finish in one hour. Running strollers will be allowed. However, regular strollers will not be allowed.

Courtesy Naper Settlement

Naper Lights

Starting November 27, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Stroll through the museum grounds at Naper Settlement Thursdays through Saturdays from November 27 through January 1, and experience a magical holiday lights celebration. This free even will take place on the hill between the Martin Mitchell Mansion and Century Memorial Chapel along Aurora avenue.

Little Friends Parade of Lights

November 29, 5 p.m.
Held as part of the Hometown Holidays celebration in downtown Naperville, the Little Friends Parade of Lights features a spectacular collaboration of lights, festive floats and Santa’s arrival in preparation for the busy holiday season. Thousands of people attend this annual parade, which helps to celebrate the holiday season in downtown Naperville. This year’s parade will step off at 5 p.m. Due to construction of the new Water Street development, line-up and staging will begin on Jackson Avenue near the Administrative Offices of the Naperville Park District and the Alfred Rubin Center. The parade will navigate down Jackson Avenue to Main Street, through the heart of downtown, continuing past the Main Street Promenade on Van Buren Avenue, and end at Naper School on Eagle Street.