The 630 | April 2016

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April 2016 View more

NMAG0416_630_NCC-Temptations-1_800pxThe Temptations

April 1, 8 p.m.
For more than 50 years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. The history of The Temptations is that of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, began their musical life in Detroit in the early ‘60s. However, it was not until 1964 that Smokey Robinson wrote and produced “The Way You Do the Things You Do” that turned The Temptations into stars. An avalanche of hits followed, many of which, attained immortality. Beyond the singing, The Temptations became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns. Then, in the ‘90s, another Temptation explosion with a series of acclaimed records: “For Lovers Only,” a collection of love standards, termed an instant classic by critics, remains among the most cherished of all Temptations recordings. “Phoenix Rising” went through the roof and was a platinum-plus hit featuring “Stay,” the Narada Michael Walden-produced song that topped the charts. “Ear Resistible” nailed a Grammy and a legion of new fans. “Awesome,” released in 2001, is The Temptations at their freshest, strongest, and most appealing. “Reflections” was released in 2005 and was nominated for a Grammy and brought the world The Temptations’ versions of Motown’s greatest songs. North Central College, Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton, Ave. Naperville. For more info, visit northcentralcollege.edu.

NMAG0416_630_Nick Offerman_800pxNick Offerman

April 6, 7 p.m.
Anderson’s Bookshops welcomes Nick Offerman to Naperville to celebrate the paperback release of “Gumption.” The star of “Parks and Recreation” and author of the New York Times bestseller, “Paddle Your Own Canoe,” returns with a second book that humorously highlights figures from our nations history. “Gumption” focuses on 21 individuals from U.S. history that Offerman refers to as “Great Americans,” including George Washington and Willie Nelson. Offerman will speak and take a few questions from the audience, then move into the signing portion of the evening. Please note that there will be no photo opportunities at this event. Purchase tickets online at www.NickOffermanAndersons.brownpapertickets.com and bring your printed ticket to the event.

You will receive your book at the event. Books will not be available for pick up before that time. Anderson’s Bookshop is not responsible for changes made by the author to the guidelines prior to or during the event. North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.

NMAG0416_630_NCC-David-Sanborn_Credit_Scott-Chernis_800pxDavid Sanborn

April 9, 8 p.m.
One of the most distinctive saxophonists in contemporary music since the late ’70s, Sanborn has released more than 24 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and produced eight Gold albums and one Platinum album. In 1975, Sanborn released “Taking Off,” his solo album, but his inspirations started long before then, when he was inspired in high school by the great Chicago blues artists near his hometown of St. Louis. Having contracted polio at age 3, Sanborn was introduced to the saxophone as part of his treatment therapy. By age 14, he was able to play with music legends, including Albert King and Little Milton. Sanborn went on to study music at Northwestern University and the University of Iowa with the great saxophonist JR Monterose. His career skyrocketed when he joined the Butterfield Blues Band and played Woodstock with Paul Butterfield. Sanborn also toured with Stevie Wonder and recorded for Wonder’s “Talking Book” album, played with The Rolling Stones, and toured and recorded with David Bowie. Sanborn continues to be one of the most active musicians of his genre and pushes the limits with music that challenges the mind. Having inspired countless other musicians, Sanborn was a seminal influence in reintroducing the saxophone as a prominent instrument in contemporary rock, pop and R&B genres. 8 p.m., North Central College, Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $60 and $50. Call the North Central College Box Office at 630.637.SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix

Holi – The Festival of Colors

April 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holi—The Festival of colors, announces the passing of winter and arrival of spring. The festival welcomes the arrival of spring and celebrates the new energy of the season and breathes a joyful atmosphere of social merriment. Vedic Cultural Society invites all members of the public, from people with understanding of festival to ne’er-do-wells who simply get a kick out of chucking organic dyed powder at strangers, to celebrate the festival of color. People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind. The festival promotes friendship while offering an opportunity to forgive and forget. Bags of organic, safe, dry colors will be available for a small donation of $ 2 each. For safety and health reasons, participants will only be allowed to throw colored powder available at the festival. Grand Pavilion Riverwalk, downtown Naperville. For more info, visit www.simplyvedic.org.

NMAG0416_630_NCC-Kansas_800pxKansas

April 16, 8 p.m.
Kansas has spent more than four decades as a part of the soundtrack of the lives of multiple generations of music lovers. This garage band from Topeka released its debut album in 1974 after being discovered by Wally Gold. The band has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-platinum albums, one platinum live album and a million-selling gold single, “Dust in the Wind.” Kansas appeared on the Billboard charts for more than 200 weeks throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. In 2000, Kansas went back into the studio with original band member and songwriter Kerry Livgren to produce “Somewhere to Elsewhere,” the first album featuring all six of the original players in 20 years. In 2009, Kansas celebrated its 35th anniversary with a symphonic concert, accompanied by the Washburn University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Larry Baird. The DVD release “There’s Know Place Like Home,” captured this unique live performance and featured special guests Livgren and Steve Morse with spectacular lighting and high-resolution clarity. The band, which is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, keyboardist David Manion, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale and original guitarist Richard Williams, continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world. Along with touring, Kansas continues to remain a fixture of classic rock radio and has reached a whole new audience through their unmistakable presence on the popular video games “Rock Band” and “Guitar Hero” and through songs included in various television shows such as “Supernatural” and “South Park” and with films “Old School” and “Anchorman.” North Central College, Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton, Ave., Naperville. For more info, visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Naperville Bites and Sites

Weekends through November
Discover Naperville’s history, architecture, culture and people while enjoying a variety of food and drink from locally owned and operated restaurants, pubs, and shops. Spend a few hours and enjoy a different perspective of Naperville. This guided, narrated, food-tour includes mouth-watering tastings from one-of-a-kind specialty food shops and ethnic eateries as well as an insider’s view of Naperville’s rich history, treasured architecture, and neighborhood restaurants. The tours take place every weekend from April through November. Tours depart 11:30 a.m., rain or shine, at the 5th Avenue Station Building. The cost is $46 per person and includes all food tastings at six food locations in the historic, downtown and train station areas. For more info, visit www.napervillefoodtours.com.

The Champion of Trees 10K

April 24, 8 a.m.
Tap into the championship spirit as you soar through a springtime morning surrounded by trees from around the world at the Morton Arboretum. The challenging USATF-certified course follows the Arboretum’s east side main route through rolling terrain. Join the sixth annual 10K, part of the Arboretum’s extended Arbor Day celebration. This race will use a B-tag™ timing strip. Runners will receive a technical T-shirt, complimentary post-race beer and recovery food. Live music from Run Forrest Run. Complimentary photo booth prints will be available following the race, along with food specials in the Ginkgo Restaurant. Free admission to explore the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres, including the award-winning Children’s Garden. Awards for top overall male and female winner, plus top three male and female winners in each age division. For more info visit, www.mortonarb.org.

Naperville Women’s Half Marathon and 5K

April 24, 7 a.m.
The City of Naperville will play host to the newest community event for female runners of all ability levels with the inaugural Naperville Women’s Half Marathon and 5K presented by Naperville Running Company. This unique format, offered to women only, will turn the streets of Naperville into a show of force as the fitness movement continues to expand because of their involvement. Everybody receives a women’s cut technical short sleeve t-shirt and a drawstring backpack; Half Marathoners receive a 3” finisher medal, while the 5K will receive a 2” finisher medal. The event will feature two competitions for all ability levels of running or walking in either the Half Marathon or 5K. The third, and most exciting competition of the day, will showcase some of the fastest female runners in the world on a closed three-lap 5,000-meter course. This unique format will offer a $5,000 prize purse and will both start and finish on the track in the North Central College stadium at the completion of the Half Marathon. The North Central College Women’s Elite Cup will showcase to half marathoners and 5K finishers just how fast women can cover the 5,000 meter distance when cheered on by thousands of spectators. The Naperville Women’s Half Marathon starts at 7 a.m. with the 5K starting at 7:20 a.m. Runners and walkers will travel through some of the most famous neighborhoods and boulevards in the city, as the event cruises through areas like downtown Naperville, 5th Avenue Station and the North Central College. The finish of all events and the post event celebrations will take place in the stadium of North Central College from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with food, refreshments and live entertainment. The race will benefit two favorite local charities, Little Friends and 360 Youth Services.

Arbor Day

April 29
As the champion of trees, The Morton Arboretum’s signature holiday is Arbor Day. This year, Arbor Day is on Friday, April 29. Join the Arboretum for exciting Arbor Day programming. For a complete list of activities visit www.mortonarb.org.

  • Dress Like a Tree, Get in Free: Enjoy free admission to the Arboretum when you dress like a tree. Whether it’s a simple green t-shirt, a green hat and brown clothes, or full-blown masterpiece, just dress up and share your excitement about creating a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Don’t miss the Tree-rific Kids’ Costume Contest at 10:30 a.m. in Arbor Court.
  • Arbor Day Plant Sale: This sale takes place Arbor Day weekend in a tent in the Visitor Center parking lot and is one of the largest seasonal plant sales in the Chicago region. It offers more than 100,000 plants, including hundreds of species and varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, ferns, vegetables, and herbs. The plants are specially chosen by the Arboretum’s expert staff and many are grown at the Arboretum. Expert Plant Geniuses are available throughout the sale to answer questions, suggest plants, and help shoppers narrow their choices. Purchases at the Arbor Day Plant Sale support the Arboretum’s work as the champion of trees, leading scientific research, conservation, education, and outreach about trees in our region, as well as the care of the Arboretum’s 1,700-acre living laboratory. Members only Friday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m. to noon. Open to the public Saturday, April 30, noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nonmembers must pay Arboretum admission.

Moscow Festival Ballet “Sleeping Beauty”

April 29, 8 p.m.
“The Sleeping Beauty” ballet is a well-known fairy tale about a baby princess, condemned at her christening by an evil fairy to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday. She is saved by the gift of the good Lilac Fairy, who declares the princess will only sleep until awakened by the kiss of a prince. The fairy tale is complete with a king and queen, fairies both good and evil, a beautiful princess and dream prince, magical stage effects, and courtly splendor. “The Sleeping Beauty” was choreographed in strict association with Russian composer Tchaikovsky’s music. There are themes developed and resumed throughout the ballet, and each act is a unity unto itself. North Central College, Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton, Ave., Naperville. For more info, northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.