How are plants better than humans at everytihng? Find out a free, engaging talk on Feb. 22 at Waubonsee College that looks at how plants are better at all sorts of things, including extreme living, working with others, changing the planet and even enslaving the human race to their will. Free event.

THROUGH FEB. 24

Love, Lies & the Doctor’s Dilemma, Riverfront Playhouse, 11 S. Water St., Aurora, 8 p.m. One little white lie leads to another, identities are mixed, doors are slammed and laughter reaches a new high in this farce. Information: (630) 897-9496.

THROUGH MARCH 18

Cabaret – Live at the Paramount, 23 E. Galena Blvd. , Aurora. This is one of the most well-known Broadway musicals of all time, and it’s because of the extraordinary songs, universal appeal and a spellbinding story that still holds true in today’s world. Nominated for a total of 26 Tony Awards over three decades and winning a total of 12 including Best Musical and Best Revival of a Musical, Cabaret is exactly what musical theatre should be: entertaining, enlightening, provocative, edgy and a continuing reflection of our own lives. Information: (630) 896-6666.

FEB. 15

Trek with a Naturalist, Aurora West Forest Preserve, 40W032 Hankes Rd., Aurora, 3:30 p.m., free (registration required). This monthly program is designed for those who like active hiking. Each month features an invigorating hike at a different forest preserve. The naturalist will interpret the ecology of the preserve during the hike. This program is for ages 18 and above. Information: (630) 232-5980.

PechaKucha Batavia Night, Fermilab’s Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Rd. & Pine St., Batavia, 7 p.m., $5. PechaKucha means “chit-chat” in Japanese. PechaKucha 20×20 is a simple presentation format where you show 20 images (slides), each for 20 seconds—a total of only 6 minutes, 40 seconds. The format keeps presentations concise and fast-paced; the images advance automatically and you talk along to the image. Information: (630) 840-2787.

Journalist Sam Weller, ECC Writers Center Reading Series, Arts Center, Building H, Room H142, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, 7:30 p.m., free. Weller is the two-time Bram Stoker Award-winning, authorized biographer of legendary writer Ray Bradbury and an associate professor in the Department of Creative Writing at Columbia College Chicago. Information: email Rachael Stewart at rstewart@elgin.edu.

Country star Easton Corbin, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street, St. Charles, 7:30 p.m.  His self-titled debut album released in 2010 and spawned back-to-back hits “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It;” making him the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1. Information: (630) 962-7000 or www.arcadalive.com

FEB. 16

Shades of Buble: A 3-Man Tribute to Michael Bublé, Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 W. Main St., Batavia,  7:30 p.m. With three voices singing songs like “Feeling Good,” “Moondance,” “Come Fly With Me,” “Home,” “Everything,” “Fever,” “Save the Last Dance for Me” and many more, the show brings the swinging standards and pop hits of Michael Bublé to the stage. Information: (630) 937-8930.

FEB. 17

Scarlet performed by Ballet 5:8, Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. The production uses classical ballet and film to bring a story inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter to life. Scarlet features original choreography by Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Slager, film elements directed by choreographer and film producer Preston Miller, spoken word by Chicago-based artist Kylla Pate, and a score by American modernist composer Charles Ives.

FEB. 18

Waterline Writers Poetry Reading, Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St., Batavia, 7 p.m., $5. Each event is a unique opportunity to hear diverse, talented writers reading original published and not-yet-published work. If you are a writer, it’s a place to share your very best with an enthusiastic audience. Information: (630) 777-6474 or email waterlinewriters@gmail.com.

Laughs and Lyrics Valentine Edition ~ Clean Comedy Show, Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin, 7 p.m. A Gut Busting Comedy Show with “Jammin” Jay Lamont and Friends and sing along with the Great Gospel singer Brian Courtney Wilson as he performs his Hit Single “Worth Fighting For” and much more.

FEB. 20

Coffee with a Cop, ArtSpace Lofts, 51 S. Spring St., Elgin., 6 p.m. All are invited to meet with Elgin officers meetings designed to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve.

FEB. 22

How Plants Are Better at Just About Everything than Humans, Waubonsee Community College Auditorium, 4S783 State Rt. 47, Sugar Grove, 7 p.m., free. This engaging talk will look at how plants are better at all sorts of things, including extreme living, working with others, changing the planet and even enslaving the human race to their will. Free event. Information: (630) 466-2360.

Still Not Friday Comedy, Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, 8 p.m. The best and brightest rising stars of the legendary Chicago comedy scene take the stage at Two Brothers Roundhouse for this free weekly showcase, every Thursday night. No cover. Must be 21. Information: (630) 264-2739.

FEB. 23-25

Three the Hard Way, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main Street, St. Charles, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. By Lisa Eisenstein directed by Ann Keen. 630.587.8521 Information: (630) 587-8521. or visit www.steelbeamtheatre.com

FEB. 24

Golden Dragon Acrobats, Fermilab Ramsey Auditorium, S. Kirk Rd at Pine St., Batavia, 7 p.m. The Golden Dragon Acrobats are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.

Bridal Showcase, Eastside Community Center, Shannon Hall, 14 N. Van Buren St., Batavia, 9 a.m. The Batavia Park District’s inaugural Bridal Showcase offers a chance  to meet photographers, caterers, florists, and more! The first 50 brides will receive a special gift at this free event. Information: (630) 406-5282.

FEB. 25

Metropolis Oboe Quartet, Fermilab Ramsey Auditorium | S. Kirk Rd at Pine St. Batavia, 2:30 p.m. Aficionados and newcomers alike will experience music as never before in this memorable display of high-caliber music complemented by the ensemble’s energy and love for what they do.

FEB. 26-MARCH 4

Restaurant Week, select St. Charles Restaurants, hours vary. Bring a discount card to participating restaurants, bistros, eateries and grills in St. Charles and save 20% off your total bill, including fine dining, ethnic cuisine, contemporary and beyond. Minimum of $20.00 pre-tax bill required. Does not include alcohol. 18% gratuity applied to pre-discount bill. Gratuity not included. Not valid with other offers. Some restrictions may apply. Information: (630) 377-4443.

MARCH 2

First Fridays Aurora, Downtown Aurora. Enjoy a night of art, fun, music, dance, and community at local businesses and venues. Multiple venues in downtown Aurora open with art, music, and more. Free entrance, free art viewing, free trolley rides, free fun. Information: (630) 256-3167.

MARCH 3

Kane County Flea Market, Kane County Fair Grounds, 525 South Randall Road, St. Charles, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Hundreds of dealers inside, outside, and under sheds. Information: (630) 377-2252.

–Kane County Calendar of Events Feb. 15 – March 3–