Five Good Things - What to do in Evanston this Weekend

FAMILY

Family Karaoke/Poetry Slam

If you love playing Rock Band at home this is a great opportunity for the kids to show off their voices. Come prepared to belt out your favorite songs, or, if you're particularly ambitious, show off your best rhymes with a poetry slam. Admission includes music by Phat Katz Karaoke, a slice of pizza and a soft drink.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater
1655 Foster Street
October 16, 6:00 p.m.
$5 per family

Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies Concert

When you say Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies take over the Evanston Masonic Lodge it sounds like the Illuminati are plotting a coup against the Shriner's. While there won't be anyone overturning tiny cars this weekend, there will be a rollicking Louisiana Bayou style Halloween party with music, dancing, comedy, and plenty of noise. The concert benefits autism awareness, so go ahead and plunk down the extra money for the VIP Package. Regular admission is $25, but for $100 you not only contribute money towards an important cause, you also get dinner with the band before the show and on-stage seating during the concert.

Evanston Masonic Temple
1453 Maple Avenue
October 16, 7:30 p.m.
$25

An Evening Under the Harvest Moon

Dress up for an elegant evening with Chicago band "How far to Austin" (ahem, 1175 miles). The Northshore University Healthcare System's annual benefit concert this year is raising funds for the pediatric department and infant special care unit. You'll enjoy live music, cocktails, hors d'ouvres, and a silent auction all while raising money to help uninsured families get the care their children desperately need.

The Park West
322 West Armitage Avenue
October 16, 7:30 p.m.
$100

Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers

It's impossible not to find yourself humming quietly for the rest of the night after seeing a Gilbert and Sullivan production. The Gondoliers takes place in Venice where a couple of hard working men suddenly learn one of them is actually the heir to the throne of Barataria. Since this is a musical, there can't just be a quiet crowning ceremony followed by learning to conduct affairs of state. Come see the singing shenanigans to find out what happens next.

Chute Auditorium
1400 Oakton Street
October 15-16, 7:30 p.m.
$12-22


Haff: The Man and the Falling Girl

Think more Avenue Q and less Muppets when going into this puppet show. Michael Montenegro presents two puppet shows aimed at adults. In one, a man is literally torn in two. The second show is an adaptation of a Dino Buzzati short story about a woman falling from a skyscraper.

Noyes Cultural Center
927 Noyes Street
October 15-16, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
$20