‘Vigil’ by acclaimed author George Saunders kicks off the new Campus Reading Program
May 13, 2026
This week, try your hand at the ancient art of Ukrainian pysanky, catch a performance of “Love & Information” and more. Here’s what to add to your calendar this week. As always, all are welcome!
A storied career
The Black Studies department hosts guitarist, composer and producer Vernon Reid, best known as the founder of the band Living Colour, for the annual Leon Forrest Lecture. Reid will share stories of his unlikely career journey defined by evolving media, community, relationships and encounters with remarkable people — all set against the backdrop of extraordinary social events.
The talk is at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, in the Guild Lounge, Scott Hall, 601 University Place, Evanston.
Students behind the lens
See a screening of new works from the inaugural year of the China-America Reel Ecology program, a collaboration between Northwestern and Tongji University in Shanghai, connecting students from both institutions and supporting their co-authored productions of innovative, cross-cultural and ecologically focused cinema. Following the screenings, filmmakers will participate in an audience Q&A.
The screening is at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at The Block Museum, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. RSVP here.
Batter up
Cheer on softball as the Wildcats play Minnesota in a three-game series.
Games are at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, at The Ballpark at Rosemont, Parkway Bank Sports Complex, 27 Jennie Finch Way, Rosemont. Buy tickets.
In character
Someone can’t get a signal. Someone won’t answer the door. Someone told the police. Someone’s never felt like this before. In the fast-moving kaleidoscope that is “Love & Information,” more than a hundred characters try to make sense of what they know. An in-the-round seating option for this production offers theatergoers a uniquely immersive experience.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, and 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at the Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets.
Learn an ancient art
Hear the history of pysanky — intricately decorated eggs made in Ukrainian culture — and then make your own during a one-day workshop taught by Ukrainian pysanky artist Janet Hundrieser.
The workshop is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, in the Kaplan Seminar Room, Kresge Hall, 1880 Campus Drive, Evanston. Register here.
A tour for the ears
The Symphonic Band presents its first spring concert, featuring the classic “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Modest Mussorgsky, inspired by the composer’s tour of an exhibition of works by the artist Viktor Hartmann.
The concert is at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets.
