March 1 - March 31
Envisioning Joliet: Burnham, Bennett and Beyond
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/723-5201
www.jolietmuseum.org
This exhibit showcases more than 150 artifacts from Chicago's World Columbian Exposition of 1893, and identifies links between planner Daniel Burnham and Joliet.
March 1 - April 21
Project Next Generation
Joliet Public Library
150 North Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/740-2662
A free after school program for teens in 6th -10th grade. Focus will be on video filming and editing. Monday and Wednesdays 4 - 6pm Registration required.
March 1 - April 25
Jammer Book Buddies
Joliet Public Library
Main Library - 150 North Ottawa Street, Joliet
Black Road Branch - 3395 Black Road, Joliet
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
A reading incentive program for kids in grades K-8th sponsored by the Joliet JackHammers. Participants can earn up to 8 free vouchers for JackHammer games.
March 2, 6, & 13
Spanish Computer Basics
Joliet Public Library
150 North Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Learn about the parts of a computer and basic operations in Microsoft Word. This free class is conducted in Spanish. 9:30am – 12pm. Registration required.
March 3
Hairspray - Best Musical Winner! 8 Tony Awards 2003
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Tickets: 815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
It's 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire - to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network - all without denting her 'do! Don't miss HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s musical-comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. As The New York Times says, “If life were everything it should be, it would be more like HAIRSPRAY. It’s irresistible!” Tickets: AA, A $55, B, C $45. 8pm.
March 4
John Prine
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Tickets: 815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
John Prine is one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, “A songwriter’s songwriter,” (Rolling Stone) and, “A born story teller,” (NY Times). They give him Grammys as a folk artist, but you can't really categorize a genius as big as John Prine. Three of his songs, “Angel from Montgomery,” “Paradise,” and “Hello in There” appear on Folk Alley’s 100 Most Essential Folk Songs. He’s won the Best Contemporary Folk Album Grammy twice, for The Missing Years (1991) and Fair and Square (2005). He’s a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a BBC Radio Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and recipient of two Americana Music Awards. His latest release is Standard Song for Average People (2007), an International Bluegrass Music Awards Recorded Event of the Year nominee. Tickets: AAA $89.50; AA, A $59.50; B, C $49.50. 8pm.
March 4 – 7
"Beauty & the Beast" by Providence High School
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park
201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet
815/485-2136
www.bicentennialpark.org
Thursday-Saturday 7pm, Sunday 2pm. Tickets $8 adults, $5 students and seniors. Tea Party with Belle Sunday 12:30pm. Tickets available through the high school.
March 6
Prom Fashion Show
Joliet Public Library
3395 Black Road, Joliet
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Come watch as girls strut their stuff showing off Prom n’ Aid’s prom dresses from 6 – 8pm. Girls who attend will receive a free prom dress. For girls in 7th – 12th grade. Call for more information.
March 6
Mad Hatter Tea Party
Joliet Public Library
150 North Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Kids in grades K – 3rd are invited for a special tea party at 11:30am. (Wear a crazy hat for the occasion.) Registration required.
March 8 - March 13
Teen Tech Week
Joliet Public Library
3395 Black Road, Joliet
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Check out the website for activities and contests. Teens in 6th – 10 th grade.
March 13
Author Fair
Joliet Public Library
3395 Black Road, Joliet
815/740-2660
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Come to the library and meet over 25 published authors of children and adult books. Check out the website for more info. Co-Sponsored by Des Plaines Valley Public Library District. 11am – 3pm.
March 13
Inventors Day - FREE ADMISSION
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/723-5201
www.jolietmuseum.org
Free admission day sponsored by Yellow Book. Explore 100 years of inventions through free crafts and activities.
March 13 & 14
Pioneer Festival and Pancake Breakfast
Pilcher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet
815/741-7277
www.jolietpark.org
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with 100% pure maple syrup! Then visit our maple syrup making demonstrations and try your hand at pioneer chores.
$8.00 adults / $5.00 child; 8am – 12pm.
March 14
One Night Of Queen
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Tickets: 815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
The UK’s hottest and most successful rock show “One Night Of Queen” celebrates the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen. One Night Of Queen is a stunning live concert recreating and celebrating the music of Queen. Since winning ITV’s “Stars In Their Eyes” Gary Mullen has been recognized world-wide as the closest thing to Freddie. His voice, persona, and portrayal sends a shiver down your spine and leaves your hairs standing on end. The band and production recreate the excitement and atmosphere of a live Queen concert to unmatched perfection. Tickets: AAA $65; AA, A $45; B $38; C $28. 6pm.
March 14
Caching In!
Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet
815/727-8700
www.reconnectwithnature.org
Discover the latest outdoor craze, geocaching, at this all-age family program.
Easter Egg Hunt for Rosie. 1pm.
March 16 & 17
Patty Waszak Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate Dinner Theatre
15 South Richards Street, Joliet
815/722-2465
www.jacobhenrymansion.com
Complimented by a traditional Irish meal of corn beef and cabbage, this variety show will feature your favorite Irish songs. As with any Patty Waszak show audience participation is a must with sing-a-longs, dancing and an array of hilarious Irish flavored jokes.
March 17
Engelbert Humperdinck
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Tickets: 815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
It was just over four decades ago that music’s “King Of Romance” emerged as one of the foremost entertainers in the world. It was a little over 40 years ago that he first hit the charts with his smash hit “Release Me (And Let Me Love Again).” The next decade brought such hits as “After the Lovin’,” “Winter World Of Love,” “Am I That Easy To Forget,” “The Last Waltz,” “There Goes My Everything,” “Les Bicyclettes De Belsize,” “This Moment In Time,” “‘Til You And Your Lover Are Lovers Again” and “A Man Without Love.” Tickets: AAA $63; AA, A $53; B $43; C $38. 7:30pm.
March 17 & 24
Tall Tales
Joliet Public Library
Main Library - 150 North Ottawa Street (24th)
Black Road Branch - 3395 Black Road (17th)
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Hear some traditional American tall tales about people like Davy Crocket and Johnny Appleseed, then write some tall tales of your own. For kids in 1st – 4th grade. Registration required.
March 18 – 20
Joliet Catholic Academy's Spring play
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park
201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet
815/741-050
www.bicentennialpark.org
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:00 pm. Tickets $6 adults, $5 students and seniors. Tickets at the door and through the high school.
March 19 - April 25
Visual Arts Honors and Awards Exhibition
Moser Performing Arts Center Gallery
University of St. Francis
500 Wilcox St., Joliet
815/740-3821
www.stfrancis.edu/events
Come see the top works of USF students on display as part of this annual exhibition.
March 19 & 20
English Language and Literature Conference (ELL)
Moser Performing Arts Center Auditorium
University of St. Francis
500 Wilcox St., Joliet
815/740-3852
www.stfrancis.edu/events
This conference covers English studies-related topics, such as literature, language, writing, and film. This year’s guest and keynote speaker is poet Scott Russell Sanders.
March 23 & 30
Family Fun Day
Joliet Public Library
Main Library - 150 North Ottawa Street (23rd)
Black Road Branch - 3395 Black Road (30th)
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Families are invited to the library between 10am- 4pm to play board games, Wii and Dance Dance Revolution.
March 24
Willie Nelson
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Tickets: 815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of “Crazy,” “Red Headed Stranger” and “Stardust.” He has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. In 2009, his releases included Naked Willie, Willie and the Wheel and the critically acclaimed American Classic. Look for a new album, Willie Nelson's Country, this spring. Tickets: AAA $95; AA $75; A $65; B $50; C $40. 7:30pm.
March 25
Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver for TOMS Shoes
Recreation Center
University of St. Francis
500 Wilcox St., Joliet
815/740-3496
www.stfrancis.edu/events
Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes (www.tomsshoes.com), started the shoe company in 2006 on simple premise: with every pair of shoes you purchase, a pair will be given to a child in need. The dynamic entrepreneur, who was featured in a recent AT&T commercial, will share his experiences with TOMS and thoughts on socially conscious business.
March 26
Music at Moser Fine Arts Performance Series featuring The Calumet Chamber Musicians: A Musical Odyssey
Moser Performing Arts Center Auditorium
University of St. Francis
500 Wilcox St., Joliet
815/740-3625
www.stfrancis.edu/events
In this Music at Moser performance, you’ll travel the broad scope of 20th and 21st century music celebrating nature, technology, and the human experience across the world.
March 26
Lock In @ the Library
Joliet Public Library
150 North Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/740-2662
www.joliet.lib.il.us
Teens in 7th – 12th grades are invited to spend the night at the Library. We will be playing games and eating lots of food. Registration and permission slips required. Call for more info.
March 27
REO Speedwagon
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
Tickets: 815/726-6600
www.rialtosquare.com
Kevin Cronin, lead singer and principle songwriter, keyboard player and founding member Neal Doughty, bass player Bruce Hall, lead guitarist Dave Amato, and drummer Bryan Hitt, are REO Speedwagon. Since the release of their first record in 1971, the band has produced 17 critically acclaimed albums including the monumental 10 million seller, Hi Infidelity, had scored 13 Top 40 singles, including the Number One hits “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Keep On Loving You,” and “Time For Me To Fly,” timeless classics including "Roll With The Changes," "Ridin' The Storm Out", "Take It On The Run", "Don't Let Him Go" and "Keep Pushin." Their latest album, Find Your Own Way Home, featured the radio favorites “Needed To Fall” and “Smilin’ In The End.” REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million albums to date. Tickets: AAA $75; AA $60; A $55; B $48; C $38. 8pm.
March 27
USF Visit Day
University of St. Francis
500 Wilcox St., Joliet
800/735-7500
www.stfrancis.edu/visit
High school students and parents are invited to spend the day at USF to find out more about the university, scholarships, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for admission.
March 27 & 28
Tech Inspection (ET Bracket Series competitors)
Chicagoland Speedway
500 Speedway Blvd, Joliet
815/727-RACE
www.chicagolandspeedway.com
March 28
Spring Break Won't Break the Bank
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet
815/723-5201
www.jolietmuseum.org
Enjoy free spring-themed crafts and activities during this reduced admission family day. N - 5pm. All admission is $3.00 on March 28.
