Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4

This Weekend’s Can’t Miss Event: First Midwest Bank Half Marathon & 10k

Friday, January 31, 2014

Fractured Fairytales Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights, IL 708-754-2601 Come read or act out your original fairytale or a re-do on a classic one. Family friendly, both adults and children welcome to read or perform. 6:30-9PM

A Night With The Orland Park Improv Old Village Hall Commons, 14413 Beacon Avenue, Orland Park, IL 708-403-7275 AGE: 18 & Up 8-10PM

Jerry Rossen Public Auction Will County Fairgrounds, 710 West Street, Peotone, IL 708-997-0245 6PM

Saturday, February 1, 2014 Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra: Tribute To Ella Fitzgerald Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center, Dorthy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 708-974-5500 This special program presents many of Ella’s original big band arrangements graciously made available by the Smithsonian Institution’s Jazz Program with the assistance of the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation 7:30PM

Snowshoe Under The Stars: Astrono-Monee Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee, IL 708-534-8499 Bring the whole family for an outdoor hiking adventure on snowshoes! Enjoy a two-hour winter walk, exploring nature’s wonders of the season. We’ll investigate tracks and other signs of animal activity, and maybe encounter some animals during our trek! Please dress for the weather and be prepared to hike in snowy conditions over uneven natural terrain for approximately 2-3 miles. 5:30-8:30PM

Gaelic Park Presents The Merry Ploughboys Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL 708-687-9323 Direct from Dublin, The Merry Ploughboys will perform Irish rebel songs, ballads, and more, in a highly anticipated show. The cost will be $20 per person. The Merry Ploughboys are Irish enthusiasts, and enjoy classical as well as contemporary approaches of music making. With the sounds of the fiddle, bluegrass banjo, bodhran, bass guitar, piano accordion, and the distinct sounds of the mandolin, The Merry Ploughboys will definitely rouse the crowd’s high spirits with not only music but also a reverence for Ireland. 7:30PM doors open; 8:30PM show starts

Sunday, February 2, 2014 PARAGON MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET Will County Fairgrounds 710 West Street, Peotone, IL 269-323-9483

Gift Ideas Under $30 From 10 Stores in the Chicago Southland!

‘Tis the season for giving! We are all in search of the perfect gift for loved ones which we all know can be quite the task! The Chicago Southland has dozens of unique shops and venues with items under $30 that you will be proud to wrap with a shiny red bow and place underneath the tree. From theater tickets, to gourmet goodies and everything in between, we are certain you will find the perfect gift right here in the Chicago Southland.

Eclectic Attic

11 S. White Street, Suite #200, Frankfort
Where Retail, Resale and Artisans Merge Under One Roof

Hand-painted wine glasses: $20  
Pair this with a bottle of your loved ones favorite wine and you are sure to see a smile.

Crochet head wraps: $10
Bundling up in this cold Chicago weather doesn’t have to be fashion-less!

Leather charm bracelets: $10
A charm bracelet with a twist, you can’t go wrong.

Assortment of scarves: up to $17
With so many colors and styles to choose from, it might be a challenge picking just one!

Freedom Hall

410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
Presenting music concerts, comedy and theatrical productions in the Nathan Manilow Theatre

Cherish the Ladies, Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 11AM: $13 per ticket
Critics say it best;”It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do”, the Boston Globe, “An astonishing array of virtuosity”, the Washington Post, “Expands the annals of Irish music in America, the music is passionate, tender and rambunctious”, The New York Times. For the past twenty eight years, Cherish the Ladies have proven themselves worthy to live up to these accolades and in doing so have become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music.

Are You My Mother?, Friday, March 14, 2014 at 7PM: $8 per ticket
At long last, Baby Bird emerges from her shell and expects to be greeted by her mother’s song. But her mother is not there. Where is she? Why isn’t she home? Based on P.D. Eastman’s classic picture book for young readers, Are You My Mother? is ArtsPower National Touring Theater’s enchanting musical about an adventure that overflows with love, dedication & friendship.

Art 4 Soul

18135 Harwood Avenue, Homewood
Sharing the talents of many artists with a unique collection that will touch your heart, spirit and soul

Flower lidded glass jars containing 2 headbands and 8 hair ties: $20
This is the perfect gift for that little girl in your life that is looking for a little extra pizzazz.

“Hello My Name is” Glass: $14 
Who needs a name tag when you can carry around this awesome glass?

Big Manly Soap by Duke Cannon: $10
This is THE gift for the man in your life that has a good sense of humor (and could use a little extra soap).

Novelty shot glass: $10
With so many fun sayings, one of these will surely help get the party started!

Briosa Boutique

22 S. White Street, Frankfort
Bringing the latest fashions at affordable prices with personalized service

Blessing Bracelet: $30
This item is so popular people are driving from all over the Chicago suburbs to get them. Made of sterling silver with Swarovski pearls or gemstones, the intention of this bracelet is to increase gratitude worldwide.

Brooches and bracelets: $20-$25
Every woman needs a little pizzazz on their favorite scarf, sweater or jacket! This is the perfect way to do it!

Running for Kicks

7158 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights
Athletic shoes, accessories, education and training

Yurbuds: $30
Sport earphones that are custom fit for extreme athletes, runners, music lovers that won’t fall out, are ultra-soft and comfortable, and have exceptional performance. They come in black, pink, aqua or purple.


 

 

This & That Gifts & Accessories

21 S. White Street, Frankfort
Boutique shop with stylish flair and upscale hospitality

Snowman dip bowl w/spreader: $24
With all of the parties you attend this time of year, this is the perfect hostess gift!

Snowman plate w/mini fork: $15
Purchase a pair and have a girlfriend over for some festive appetizer sampling!

 

Gayety’s Gourmet Chocolates & Ice Cream

3306 Ridge Road, Lansing
A 3rd generation family-owned and operated Ice Cream Parlor and Chocolate Shoppe established in Chicago in 1920

Signature Assortment Box of Milk & Dark Chocolates (6 oz): $14
Beautifully boxed assortment of their most popular trio: Hand-dipped Muddles Pecan Caramels, Chocolate Almond Clusters, and tender Butter Toffee. Beautiful to the eye as they are delicious to eat, they make the perfect gift. Copper boxes and Satin Ribbon make an impressive finish.

Gourmet Chicago Mix Popcorn (One Gallon Tin): $20
Chicago and Popcorn just seem to go together. At Gayety’s you can have your Caramel Corn & your Cheese Corn too! Try their Chicago Mix and find out how good they taste together. One Gallon size is perfect to send to your favorite college student or give as an office / group gift.

The Family Hearth

32 W. Nebraska Street, Frankfort
Honoring home & family life

Keepers of the Light Primitive Candles: $23
A candle is a no-fail Christmas gift for most, especially this time of year! This 22 oz jar candle will burn for 125 hours. Holiday scents include Holly Tree, Mint for You, Gourmet Sugar Cookie, Bergamot and Berries, Bayberry, Caramel Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Bubbly Baked Pumpkin Bread, Banana Nut Bread and Autumn Orchards by “A Cheerful Giver”

Mystic Monk Gourmet Coffee: $12
Ideal gift for that person in your life that appreciates a great cup o’ joe! 12-ounce bag of coffee made by Carmelite Monks in Wyoming comes in whole bean or ground flavors including Jingle Bell Java, Christmas Blend, Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Hermits Bold, Caramel, Hazelnut and Breakfast Blend.

Mystic Monk Gourmet Tea: $8
These delicious teas come in a pouch of 20 bags with flavors such as The Holly and the Ivy, Let it Snow, Peaceful Monk, Monks Wellness blend and more.

Art Corner

18703 Dixie Highway, Homewood
They love what they do, and so will you! Providing custom picture framing and a wonderful array of fine art supplies

3D Floating Frame: $25
This frame conforms to any shape! Baseball, hockey puck, special jewelry or any other precious memento can be proudly displayed.

 Art Kit for All Ages: $20
This is the perfect gift to spark the creative mind.

Marshall Fields 8X10 matted print: $22
We all know and probably loved this Chicago staple that is no longer. This print is sure to bring back classic holiday memories.

 Union Street Gallery

1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights
The premier arts resource for the Chicago Southland serving 3000 people per year through diverse art exhibits, classes and workshops, and art outreach projects.

 The below works of art are from the current Exhibit “Twelfth Month Exhibit & Boutique” which started November 13^th and is up until December 21^st. Over 50 talented local and regional artists were invited to exhibit a wide variety of art and fine craft.

Hand Blown Glass Ornament by Artist Nick Galatte (Monee): $22

Print of Original Painting by Robert Johnson (Palos Heights): $25

Hand-made ceramic dish by Madeline Henry (Union Street Studio Artist, Flossmoor): $24

You can always find the complete list of Festivals and Events here!

What better way to welcome June than with some fun festivals and events in the Chicago Southland? From free movies to fun runs, art fairs and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, there is something for everyone this weekend!

Here are some of the events happening this weekend in the Chicago Southland: