January 9-11
Seasame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music”
Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet
815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny's new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover 'instruments' they never knew existed.rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together. Tickets: AAA, AA $30; A $20; B, C $15.

January 17 - February 21
Children’s Winter Drama Class
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, Joliet
815/724-3760 (Park)
www.bicentennialpark.org
Held on Saturday mornings, session provides a wonderful introduction to theatre, as well as an expansion of theatre knowledge for students 1st-12th grade. Some of the topics covered include:  creative dramatics, improvisation, pantomime, script work, rhythm exercises, theatre techniques and more.  Held on indoor theatre stage.  1st – 5th grade (9:00am-10:15am, $40) and 6th-12th grade (10:30am-Noon, $45).

January 20 - June 21
President Lincoln and Will County During the Civil War
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/723-5201
www.jolietmuseum.org
Included with General Admission fee.

January 24
52nd Annual Caritas Ball
Venetian Carnivale
University of St. Francis
500 Wilcox Street, Joliet
815/740-3826
www.stfrancis.edu
Caritas, the area's oldest black-tie ball, has raised some $3 million for scholarships and programs at USF.  Caritas 2009 will feature an exotic Venetian Carnivale themed ball, tantalizing Italian cuisine, Orchestra 33 and USF's own computerized auction of must-have items.  Venetian Carnivale is chaired by Al and Tammy Paolucci, all are promised a most memorable event! 6:00pm. $275 per person (Reservations required).

January 31
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Pilcher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet
815/741-7277
www.jolietpark.org
Experience a glimpse of what fugitive slaves endured on their trip to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Participate in hands-on activities; learn about secret codes, the importance of quilts, and why spirituals were sung. All ages; Call for time. ($8 per person).