Neighborhood Tidbits

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February 2013 View more

Century Walk Audio Tour

Ongoing

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Get a free Naperville history lesson on your smartphone while you tour the Century Walk public art. Just scan the new QR codes on each plaque to listen to audio tours or go to m.centurywalk.org. During the past year, the Century Walk Corporation has been creating a series of free audio tours to accompany more than 40 pieces of public art on display in downtown Naperville. The goal of the audio tours is to capture the most important and interesting details about each sculpture, mural, mosaic and relief in a recorded audio message. Using new QR code technology, a Century Walk visitor can now scan the black and white code found in the corner of each artwork plaque with a smartphone to instantly listen to the audio tours. The audio tours, which can also be accessed by the “Audio” tab on the Century Walk mobile website, were compiled by Naperville residents John and Carolyn Roscich from Jini Leeds Clare’s coffee table book, Century Walk: Art Imitating History. The Roscich’s read their scripts in a recording studio and the files were posted on the Century Walk website. There are now 40 audio tours available, one for each of the first 40 pieces of Century Walk art. All but three pieces in the collection are clustered along two miles of sidewalk in downtown Naperville. Additionally, a recommended walking route has been created on Google that gets you from one end of the collection to the other using the most efficient path at: https://goo.gl/maps/66qOS. The audio tour QR code plates were created and installed by Imprint Enterprises.

The Century Walk Corporation, founded in 1996, is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing public art to Naperville to add beauty to the town, build community and bridge generations through a diverse collection of murals, mosaics, sculptures, and other public arts. For more information about Naperville Century Walk, contact Brand Bobosky, Century Walk founder, 630.355.5553, or visit www.centurywalk.org or the mobile site: m.centurywalk.org.

 

Xilin Eighth Annual Lantern Festival

February 2, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Eighth Annual Lantern Festival celebrating the Chinese New Year will be held at Pfeiffer Hall on the campus of North Central College, 313 E. Benton Ave. The New Year Variety Show features Chinese modern and traditional ethnic dance, martial arts, and music. The festival is a collaboration of the Xilin Art Center, North Central College, and the Wanma Dance Company of Tibet, directed by Wanma Jiancou, who will be the artistic director of the Xilin Art Center in 2013. Jiancou will partner with the Xilin Art Center to produce innovative, exciting and professional programs. The highlights of the annual Lantern Festival are the brilliant costumes, vibrant music played with traditional Chinese instruments, and exciting dances, presented by the Xilin Art Center. Set against a multimedia backdrop with spectacular lighting effects, the performances will take the audience on a mystical adventure to the East. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with family and friends during this annual event. Tickets are $10, $15, $20 and $25. For tickets, call 630.355.4322 Ext. 104, or visit www.xilin.org for more information.

 

The “Hard-Water Classic” Ice-Fishing Tournament

February 9, Noon to 3:30 p.m.

The “Hard-Water Classic” Ice-Fishing Tournament has been rescheduled to Feb. 9 because of the mild weather. The tournament will take place on Silver Lake at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Registration is $15 a person in advance at www.signmeup.com/86766. Check-in is at Silver Lake from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and tournament fishing is from Noon to 3 p.m. The event entrance is on Butterfield Road a quarter mile west of Winfield Road. Anglers 16 and older who are not legally disabled must have valid Illinois fishing licenses in their possession, and all must follow all district and state regulations and bring their own gear and bait. For details, call 630.876.5931.

 

Mardi Gras: Bids for Beads Fundraiser

February 9, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Come enjoy the Cajun-style appetizers from Heaven on Seven, jive to the tunes of Love and Money, sip a hurricane and bid the night away to benefit the Naperville Jaycees. All proceeds from the event at the VFW Hall in Naperville, will be donated back into local non-profit organizations through the Jaycees. Tickets are $45 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Bidding online is now underway. For online bidding, to purchase tickets, and for more information visit www.naperjaycees.org.

 

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show

February 9 to 17, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

February 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The 105th Chicago Auto Show rolls into town in February at Chicago’s McCormick Place on Lake Shore Drive. North America’s largest auto show, the 2013 Chicago Auto Show spans more than one million square feet of contiguous one-floor space displaying multiple world and North American introductions and a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans and concept cars. Nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display, plus hundreds of interactive, aftermarket, accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, antique and collector cars. The show also features several indoor test tracks and outdoor ride-and-drive opportunities. Visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

 

Snowshow and Cross-country Skiing at Morton Arboretum

Now through March 15, weather permitting

Explore 3.5 miles of groomed ski trails on the grounds of The Morton Arboretum via snowshoe or cross-country skis on days with four or more inches of snow on the ground. Equipment is available for rent in the Arbor Court or bring your own. Cross-country ski rentals and snowshoe rentals are available for two hours, or all day, on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental fee doesn’t include Arboretum admission fee.

An Evening with Branford Marsalis

March 1, 8 p.m.

National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and Tony Award-nominee Branford Marsalis is one of the most revered and forward-thinking instrumentalists of his time. Leader of one of the finest jazz quartets today–the Branford Marsalis quartet–and a frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Marsalis recently recorded “Four MFs Playin’ Tunes” with his quartet. On this new album, the song takes center stage. The band members bring their considerable musical expertise to bear as they focus on each tune as an important musical entity unto itself and not merely a vehicle for showcasing individual talent. Tickets for the 90-minute performance are $50 and $60, Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Visit www.northcentralcollege.edu or call 630.637.SHOW.