Featured Events in Evanston in April, 2025 (May Updated)

What would you do if your home away from home of 30 years was gone tomorrow? As the heart of its local community, Southside Bar has seen just about everything. So why should its last day before demolition be any different? A beautifully touching slice of life story, this new student-written folk musical from Northwestern University immerses audiences into 1997 rural Kentucky. As locals and visitors alike navigate relationships old and new, unrequited love, and small-town drama, they must also figure out what the future holds: for Southside, their community, and themselves. Information Source: Los Angeles Theatre Initiative | eventbrite

Embark on a revitalizing spiritual journey in April with Spirited Away . It begins with Claude T. Smith’s Eternal Father, Strong to Save , the official hymn of the United States Navy, featuring colorful interplay and variations on the well-known tune. A musical hosanna to Dr. Eric Wilson, Director of Bands at Baylor University, Paul Dooley’s triptych Canticles showcases the composer’s rhythmic vitality, lyrical melodies, and harmonic colors in a series of playful dances and a rejuvenating prayer for winds. Joe Hisaishi’s vibrant score to Spirited Away , the tale of a girl trapped in the spirit world, is transformed into a dazzling suite for winds. Chamak , a new work by Indian American composer Reena Esmail, finds inspiration in the writing of Kabir and presents three movements based on traditional Hindustani ragas — a framework for improvisation and composition in Indian classical music. Yasuhide Ito’s stirring symphonic poem Gloriosa concludes the program, evoking the fervent prayers and suffering of early Christians in Japan with a fusion of Gregorian chant and Japanese folk music. Program Claude T. Smith Eternal Father, Strong to Save Paul Dooley Canticles Joe Hisaishi Spirited Away Reena Esmail Chamak Yasuhide Ito Gloriosa About Northshore Concert Band Northshore Concert Band (NCB) is a 100-member symphonic band active in the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in 1956, the Band is internationally known and respected for its musical excellence, leadership in community music, and commitment to music education. NCB presents 10-12 concerts per season, including a four-concert subscription series housed a Northwestern University's Pick Staiger Concert Hall and Loyola Academy's McGrath Family Performing Arts Center. The Band's musical leadership is provided by Dr. Mallory Thompson, Artistic Director, and Daniel J. Farris, Assistant Conductor. Learn more at northshoreband.org . Northshore Concert Band’s ticketing and attendance policies comply with city and state public health guidelines and procedures established by our venue partners. Programs and artists are subject to change. We will promptly notify ticket holders of any protocol and programming updates via email. For the latest information, visit northshoreband.org . Information Source: Northshore Concert Band | eventbrite

Read It and Meet Book Club meetings are each led by a guest host, a different leader or personality from the Evanston community, who chooses the book to be discussed and leads the conversation. The goal is to gather a book-loving community to meet people behind the scenes or in the spotlight by engaging in thoughtful conversation about a meaningful work of literature or nonfiction. Attendance requires purchasing the book from our store and three free books are made available to attendees who may not be able to purchase a book. Participants are expected to have read the book in advance! These meetings are not intended to be lectures about the books, but rather discussions by people who’ve done some homework! We will read Robin Wall Kimmerer's new and already beloved book The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World . This meeting will be led by Kim Vigue, the Executive Director of the Gichicagamiin Indigenous Nations Museum (formerly Mitchell Museum of the American Indian). Kim selected this book because she loves how Robin Wall Kimmerer elevates Indigenous scientific knowledge and because the book aligns with the focus of the Gichicagamiin Museum. Kim has served as Communications Director for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education and managed public health programs for various government agencies. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for Northwestern University’s Block Museum and Visionary Ventures, a nonprofit organization that aims to develop equitable housing for Chicago’s Native community. Kim is also the Managing Partner and Founder of Wolf River Consulting. She is a citizen of the Oneida Nation and a descendant of the Menominee Tribe and lives in Glencoe. At the meeting, Kim will give a short book talk, followed by discussion with the other members. About the ticket levels: Book club admission plus 1 copy of the book: $22 Admission + Scholarship book donation (helps make free copies available for some attendees): $28 Scholarship admission (free to register, 3 attendees will be selected at random from this list 10 days before the date of the book club meeting and the book will be available for them to pick up at the store. Winners must agree to attend the meeting.): Free If you would like to attend but do not wish to purchase a copy of the book, you can select the "$20 Certificate" option , which gives you credit of equal value that can be used on any items in the store. This must be redeemed on or before April 14. The meeting will take place on April 14 at 6:00 PM, with an informal Happy Hour from 5-6 PM. Books will be available for pickup in-store. Information Source: Bookends & Beginnings | eventbrite

“Once the work is done, it’s not yours anymore,” wrote Frank Chimero. “If the thing you make goes anywhere, it’s because other people carried it.” The choice of if, when, and how to share our work with others is a deeply personal decision, both terrifying and exhilarating. How do you make that decision? How does the manuscript in your drawer (or in your head) become a book? This lively talk with Marisa Siegel and Megan Stielstra—senior acquisitions editors at Northwestern University Press and published authors—reframes publication as a vital and informative part of the writing practice, as opposed to rejection/acceptance roulette. They’ll discuss how to know when your writing is “ready,” the different kinds of trade publishing houses and literary magazines out there, and the benefits and drawbacks of being agented, as well demystifying the nuts-and-bolts of the submission process for both book publishing and lit mags: finding your work’s best home, writing a solid query letter, and connecting with the right editors. Ample time will be left for your specific questions. The workshop will take place from 6:00-7:30 PM. Attendees are encouraged to come early for a pre-event Happy Hour at the MiniBar from 5:30-6:00 PM. Marisa Siegel is the author of the chapbook Fixed Stars (Burrow Press, 2022) and her essay “Inherited Anger” appears in the acclaimed anthology Burn It Down (Seal Press, 2019). She is senior acquiring editor for trade at Northwestern University Press, and editor-at-large for The Rumpus. Megan Stielstra is the author of three collections: Everyone Remain Calm , Once I Was Coo l , and The Wrong Way to Save Your Life . Her work appears in the Best American Essays , New York Times , The Believer , Poets & Writers , Tin House , and on National Public Radio. She teaches creative nonfiction at Northwestern University and is a senior acquiring editor with Northwestern University Press. Information Source: Bookends & Beginnings | eventbrite

Join us for an in-depth discussion on U.S. hostage recovery policy with Jon Alterman and Jason Rezaian, the co-directors of the Bipartisan Commission on Hostage Taking & Wrongful Detention . In 2023, the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) launched the commission to explore responses to the growing phenomenon of hostage taking. After two years of work, the commission is preparing to release their report with policy recommendations for U.S. hostage recovery policy, including ideas for strengthening international cooperation, improving the government’s engagement with hostage families and deterring future hostage taking. Speakers Jon Alterman is Senior Vice President, Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security & Geostrategy and Director of the Middle East Program at CSIS. He has previously served at the U.S. Department of State and has taught Middle Eastern studies and history at Johns Hopkins University, the George Washington University and Harvard University. Jason Rezaian is the Director of Press Freedom Initiatives at The Washington Post and chair of the advisory board for the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. He previously wrote for the Post ’s Global Opinions section, and from 2012 to 2016, he served as the paper’s correspondent in Tehran. In July 2014, he was arrested by Iranian authorities and imprisoned until his release in January 2016. Rezaian’s memoir, Prisoner: My 544 Days in an Iranian Prison , was published in 2019 and he adapted the book as a nine-episode podcast. The event will be moderated by Danielle Gilbert , Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University and the sole academic to serve on the commission. This event is co-sponsored by the Institute for Policy Research . A reception will follow the program. Please note that 720 University Place is not an ADA-accessible space. Increasing physical access to buildings and facilities is a goal of the University, but not all buildings and venues have been updated. Information Source: Northwestern Buffett Institute for Global Affairs | eventbrite

In this Bookends & Beginnings collaboration, Meg’s famous Wine and Lit class takes a deep dive into Stephanie Danler’s runaway hit, Sweetbitter. Included in the price of admission is a copy of the novel and a full-length wine class that will explore 7 of the wines that Tess experiences in this whirlwind account of her life in New York’s fine dining scene. Things to note: • One week cancellation policy, but book is not refundable • We’re within two blocks of both the Main Street Metra and Main Street “L” • Please eat prior—we’ll taste through 6-7 wines in the class Information Source: The Wine Goddess | eventbrite

Learn more about natural, organic skincare while having a spa-like experience at Walsh! Sign up for a mini-facial, mini-makeover, or both. Each appointment is 20 - 25 minutes long and includes a free gift from Dr. Hauschka. All participants get 20% discounts and a 2nd free gift with purchase on any Dr. Hauschka skincare or makeup that day. $10 of your ticket price also becomes product credit on the day of the event. Each ticket option has the appointment type & time listed, so please select carefully. Information Source: Walsh Natural Health | eventbrite

Holi is a joyful celebration of color, love, and new beginnings! Rooted in Indian tradition, it marks the arrival of spring with vibrant powders, music, dance, and food. At Kellogg, Holi is more than just a festival—it’s a chance to come together as a community, let loose, and experience the magic of color and connection. Whether you’re here for the beats, the bites, or just the burst of color, this event is all about having fun and celebrating with friends old and new. Come ready to play, dance, and get gloriously messy! Wet ticket includes five drink coupons. Options include: Vodka, Gin, Bourbon whiskey, White Label scotch, Tequila, Rum, IPA, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite pale lager, Hard seltzer, red and white wine, triple sec etc Information Source: Kellogg South Asia Club | eventbrite

Unite Against Racism: Cultivating Hope and Inspiring Action in the Era of Authoritarianism Presented by the Equity Institute at YWCA Evanston/North Shore This year’s Unite Against Racism event explores how rising authoritarianism is reshaping vital institutions such as education, healthcare, and political representation. Through a dynamic panel conversation, we’ll examine the growing influence of Christian Nationalism, the anti-DEI movement, and the resegregation of our society—and how these forces threaten our collective futures. Panelists will share their insights and experiences across education, public policy, health, and advocacy to help us make sense of this moment, while offering inspiration and practical strategies for resistance, resilience, and collective action. The conversation will be moderated by Roger Moreano, Director of the Equity Institute. Join us Monday, April 28 at YWCA Evanston/North Shore for an evening of courageous conversation and connection. This event is free and open to all, and attendees can choose to participate in person or virtually via Zoom . Doors open at 5:30 PM with light food and refreshments; the program begins promptly at 6:00 PM and includes time for audience Q&A . Free parking is available. About Unite Against Racism: Unite Against Racism is an annual event presented by the Equity Institute at YWCA Evanston/North Shore. The gathering brings together people and organizations committed to racial justice for powerful conversations that deepen awareness and inspire action. This event is a space for learning, reflection, and movement-building—where solidarity becomes not just a value, but a shared practice. Panelists: Venoncia M. Baté-Ambrus, Ph.D. (she/her/ella) Dr. Baté-Ambrus is a community health psychologist and Executive Director of the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County. With more than 20 years of experience spanning healthcare, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits, she is a champion of health equity, workforce development, and culturally responsive systems change. Her work centers marginalized communities and builds multisector partnerships for lasting impact. Ayanna F. Brown, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Dr. Brown is Vice President of Strategic Growth & Partnerships at Erikson Institute and founder of Thought Spectrum, LLC. With nearly three decades in education, she is a national leader in racial literacy, curriculum design, and research on the intersections of language, race, and equity. Her work supports transformative dialogue in schools and communities across the U.S. and beyond. Connie Mixon, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Dr. Mixon is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University. She teaches courses on American government, urban politics, public policy, and environmental studies. A respected political analyst and award-winning educator, she brings deep expertise in American government, urban politics, and public policy. She is also the co-editor of Twenty-First Century Chicago, now in its fourth edition, and a frequent political commentator in local and national media. QUESTIONS? Contact Roger Moreano (he/him/él), Director, Equity Institute, at rmoreano@ywca-ens.org . ******* About Equity Institute YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Equity Institute is dedicated to promoting racial equity at all levels. In order to do so, we engage with individuals, community groups, and institutions. Our full range of training & education, community engagement programs, racial equity resources, and annual events offers opportunities for all to develop the knowledge and resources to move towards racial equity. About YWCA Evanston/North Shore YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Established in 1931, YWCA Evanston/North Shore is one of 194 local YWCA associations across the country and a part of one of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organizations in the world. Through comprehensive, trauma-informed direct services, education and training, and community partnerships, we advance our mission across four key areas: Domestic Violence, Racial and Gender Equity, Economic Advancement, and Aquatics. These efforts aim to build stronger, more equitable communities and a future rooted in justice and dignity. Learn more at ywca-ens.org. Information Source: YWCA Evanston/North Shore | eventbrite