Exciting Local Events: Dance, Music, Awards, and Celebrations

Swing Dance Soiree in Oak Park

Swing dance enthusiasts have an opportunity to enjoy the Spring Soiree Dance. This event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 12 at Oak Park Arms Senior Living, located at 408 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park. Attendees will experience live music from the Swing Set Big Band, featuring tunes from the 1950s and 1960s. Hors d’oeuvres are available from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by music and dancing from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required to manage space and refreshments. For more information or to register, call 708-386-4040 or visit www.oakparkarms.com.

Jazz Vocalist Performance in La Grange

Alyssa Algood, a jazz vocalist, will perform at First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, located at 150 S. Ashland Ave. The concert will occur at 7 p.m. on June 16 on the church lawn, weather permitting. Visitors should bring a lawn chair or blanket and snacks for the evening. Algood’s performance will include jazz standards and her original compositions, with piano accompaniment. This event is part of a monthly concert series hosted by the church. For more details, visit FPCLG.org.

Oak Park & River Forest Symphony Premieres Piano Concerto

A new piano concerto will debut during a performance by the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest. This event is set for 4 p.m. on June 14 at Concordia University’s chapel. Pianist Mio Nakamura will premiere “Piano Concerto No. 1” by orchestra principal cellist Alexander Groesch. The program also features violinist Nikki Chooi playing Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1” and Suk’s “Märchen.” A reception follows the concert, and a pre-concert talk begins at 3 p.m. Free parking is available at 1124 Bonnie Brae. Tickets are $30 until June 13, with a $5 increase on the concert day. Students, including college attendees, receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased at SymphonyOPRF.org, by calling 708-218-2648, or emailing [email protected].

Elmwood Park Resident Wins Student Success Award

Dylan Ramirez of Elmwood Park received the 2026 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Gregg Chadwick Student Success Award, recognizing exceptional volunteer service. Ramirez completed two years of psychology studies at Triton College in River Grove and plans to continue his education at a four-year university to work with adolescents. He received a $1,000 scholarship at the association’s awards banquet on June 5. During his time at Triton, Ramirez was president of several organizations promoting mental health and civic engagement. He stated his surprise and pride at receiving this recognition.

Juneteenth Celebration at Elmhurst Church

A worship and community celebration for Juneteenth is planned from 9:30 a.m. to noon on June 14 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, located at 125 W. Church St. in Elmhurst. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. and is marked as a federal holiday on June 19. The free event includes worship, a jazz combo performance by Evon Sams, games, a bouncy house, lunch, and Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream. Participants should bring a dish to share and register via the church’s website at stpeterselmhurst.org or call 630-530-6000.

Teen Driving Ambassadors Awarded Scholarships

The SafeLIGHT Foundation’s Teen Ambassador Program recognized 17 participants from nine area high schools with a $2,500 scholarship each. These ambassadors are tasked with spreading information on responsible driving through social media and school events. High schools represented include Mother McAuley, Morgan Park, Lyons Township, Whitney Young, Southland College Prep, and the Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy. The foundation accepts applications for the next class, having awarded a total of $138,000 to over 50 teens. Visit safelightfoundation.com for more information.

Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Wheaton

The 40th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games will occur at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 12 and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 13. Enjoy Highland dancing, children’s activities, the largest North American bagpiping championship, the caber toss, and more. The festivities include a classic British car show and a Scottish petting zoo. A World Cup watch party featuring Scotland versus Haiti takes place at 8 p.m. on June 13. Event proceeds benefit Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care. Children 11 and under enjoy free entry, with free parking available. Tickets can be bought online at chicagoscots.org.

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