Robotic touch sensors are not just skin deep
May 2, 2025
As we make our way through spring quarter, there’s no shortage of things to do. This week, enjoy the Northwestern Medical Orchestra’s spring concert, get a preview of the opera based on “The House on Mango Street,” grab seats in the bleachers for Northwestern baseball’s game at Wrigley Field and more. As always, all are welcome!
Get a celebratory scoop
Students and Evanston neighbors are invited to an ice cream social to mark the nearing end of the academic year. The first 300 participants can enjoy ice cream from C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor.
The social is at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at Firefighter’s Park, 2040 Maple Ave., Evanston.
A classic gets classical
Author Sandra Cisneros and composer Derek Bermel come together for a discussion, poetry reading and performance of select arias from the opera the two are writing based on Cisneros’ book “The House on Mango Street.”
The event is at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Register here.
Inside a nexus of trade
Economist Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, administrator of the Panama Canal Authority since 2019, delivers the 43rd annual Patterson Transportation Lecture. Morales will discuss the canal’s role in global trade across time.
Morales speaks at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, in the auditorium of Walter Athletics Center, 2255 Campus Drive, Evanston. Register here.
Masters of art
Join this year’s M.F.A. candidates as they celebrate the opening of their thesis exhibition, “A New State of Matter,” with a reception at The Block Museum of Art.
The reception is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, in The Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Register here.
Student showcase
A student variety show caps off Northwestern’s 2025 Festival of Languages and Cultures. The evening will feature a slate of student performances that represent Northwestern’s various language departments.
The show is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, in room 217, Fisk Hall, 1845 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Learn more about the festival.
Spring sounds
The Northwestern Medical Orchestra presents its spring concert, with a program including George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” selections from Alexandar Borodin’s opera “Prince Igor” and more.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9, in Thorne Auditorium, 375 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. Register here.
For the fans
Head down to Wrigleyville on Friday to see baseball take on Ohio State at The Friendly Confines. And, on Saturday, enjoy fan appreciation day, featuring free admission and $1 hot dogs as the ’Cats face off against the Buckeyes at home.
The ’Cats play at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago. Buy tickets here. They play at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Rocky and Berenice Miller Park, 2750 Ashland Ave., Evanston.
