Learn the story behind the creation of the iconic musical, “West Side Story,” presented by musical theater historian and storyteller Charles Troy 1:30 and 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock.

August 9

Algonquin Summer Concerts
7:30 p.m.
Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St., Algonquin
Free

Bring the family to enjoy a performance by multi-genre cover band Spoken Four in the final installment of the 2018 Algonquin Summer Concerts series. Food will be available for purchase from the Toasty Cheese food truck. For more information, call 847-658-2716 or visit www.algonquin.org.

August 10

Bats!
7:30 p.m.
Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills
Free

In this nature program, attendees will learn about bats — and then venture outside to look for the mysterious creatures in the dark. Registration is required. To sign up, and for more information, call 847-381-6592 or visit www.fpdcc.com.

Concert on the Green
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Fox Lake Community Green, 17 E. School Court, Fox Lake
Free

See singer-songwriter and guitarist Paolo Apuli, who recently appeared on the TV show, “Windy City Live,” perform in concert in this edition of the Fox Lake Summer Art Series. For more information, call 847-587-2151 or visit www.foxlake.org.

August 11

Lakemoor Fest 2018 Fishing Derby
9-11 a.m.
Morrison Park Pier, 110 S. Lakeshore Drive, Lakemoor
$2

Kids (ages 15 and under) can try their luck in the 2018 Fishing Derby. Worms will be provided, but participants must bring their own fishing poles. A fishing license is not required. To register, and for more information, call 815-385-1117 or visit www.lakemoor.net.

Audio Wise
9 p.m.
Sideouts Sports Tavern, 4018 Roberts Road, Island Lake
$5

See modern rock cover band Audio Wise and special guest Sun Stood Still perform in concert at this popular area tavern and live music venue. For more information, call 847-526-7174 or visit www.sideouts.com.

August 12

Bella Cain
2:30 p.m.
Broken Oar Marina Bar & Grill, 614 Rawson Bridge Road, Port Barrington
Free

See renowned Top 40 cover band Bella Cain perform live in this session of the ongoing Endless Summer Outdoor Concert Series. For more information, call 847-639-9468 or visit www.brokenoar.com.

August 13

Matinee Mondays
1 p.m.
Johnsburg Public Library, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg
Free

Enjoy a screening of the 2018 romantic comedy, “Book Club” (rated PG-13), starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen. Snacks will be provided. To register, and for more information, call 815-344-0077 or visit www.johnsburglibrary.org.

August 14

‘The Creation of West Side Story’
1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock
$10 (matinee), $15 (evening)

Learn the story behind the creation of the iconic musical, “West Side Story,” presented by musical theater historian and storyteller Charles Troy. Hosted by Musical Theater Charities, Troy’s show combines scans of rare photos, original graphics, edited audio tracks and video clips, live performers and a scripted narrative. To buy tickets, and for more information, call the box office at 815-338-5300 or visit www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

August 15

Creature Feature: Short-eared Owl
9 a.m. to noon
Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake
$6 (residents), $8 (non-residents)

A live short-eared owl will be the featured creature in this session of an ongoing McHenry County Conservation District Just for Kids (ages 5-7) program. The event also includes games, activities and crafts based on the featured creature. A snack will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. To register, and for more information, call 815-338-6223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.

Intermediate Excel ‘16
2-4 p.m.
Huntley Area Public Library, 11000 Ruth Road, Huntley
$10

Topics in this hands-on computer workshop (for ages 18 and up) include creating charts, formula, functions and spreadsheets, working with databases and creating Excel templates. Basic computer and Excel skills are required. Registration is required. To sign up, and for more information, call 847-669-5386 or visit www.huntleylibrary.org.

–McHenry County Calendar of Events August 8 – August 15–