JAN. 24

Lecture: “Careers After Congress” with Matt Debros, Aurora University’s Perry Theatre, 349 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, 7 p.m., free. Faculty speaker, Matt Debros, PhD, Assistant Professor of Political Science presents research challenging this conventional wisdom and provides an alternative framework in which special interests help guarantee — not destroy — representative government in America. Call (630) 844-4924 for registration information.

Video Lab: Green Screen Shootout, Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Main Library Studio 270, Elgin, 6-8 p.m. Learn how to add green screen effects to your videos. Grades 9-12. No registration. www.facebook.com/events/205310803362694/

JAN. 25

Jimmy John’s Community Event for DimoStrong, Jimmy John’s, 400 S Randall Rd,  Elgin, 4-8 p.m. To raise awareness of autoimmune diseases, Jimmy Johns will donate a portion of the net sales to the www.facebook.com/events/212615142644656/

JAN. 26

Quantum Engineering for Next-Generation Technologies, Fermilab Ramsey Auditorium, South Kirk Rd at Pine St., Batavia, 8 p.m. This lecture will focus on the remarkable development of a new generation of quantum technologies — an area of research at the border between science and engineering. Presented by Dr. David Awschalom, University of Chicago.

Drink Write Drink! ELF Edition, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, 5 p.m. Kick-off the Elgin Literary Festival and network with fellow writers. Information: www.facebook.com/events/180183402574345/

JAN. 26-27

Elgin Literary Festival, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, 5-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.  A free celebration of the written word for readers and writers of all ages. The Festival aims to highlight book culture and provide writers and readers a place to create and appreciate the art of writing. Information: (847) 931-6019.

JAN.. 27

Super SciTech Saturday: Frozen Fractals, SciTech Hands-On Museum,  18 W. Benton St. Jerry Zimmerman of Fermilab, alias “Mr. Freeze,” will be the special guest at SciTech’s January Super Saturday. His cryogenic show wows audiences of all ages. Up to four children admissions to the general museum are free with a paying adult. Hands-on activities available for $1 or all activities for $5. Information: (630) 859-3434.

Strata at the Roundhouse, Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, 9 p.m. Relive songs from the dance era that featured artists like Dion, Wilson Pickett, Chuck Berry, Paul Anka, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Crank up your air guitar and enjoy the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Santana, The Doors, CCR, Grand Funk and Eric Clapton. Sing along to your favorite bands like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Grass Roots, Bob Seger and the Georgia Satellites. 

Board Game Night: Elgin Area Tabletop Group Meeting, Blue Box Cafe, 176 E. Chicago Street, Elgin, 5-9 p.m.  Bring a group or join a game. Games will be provided but feel free to bring one of your own.

As always, The BBC will have great food and coffee drinks for sale. Information:  www.facebook.com/events/1502539449824625/

JAN. 27-28

Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s John Williams: A Tribute to Steven Spielberg, Hemmens Cultural Center , 7:30 p.m. A program of John Williams’s film scores from Steven Spielberg movies conducted by ESO Music Director Andrew Grams. With music from E.T., Jaws, Close Encounters and more, this evening is sure to entertain. A cash bar will be available for this and every ESO concert.

JAN. 28

Cave Hike at Devil’s Cave, Red Oak Nature Center, 1385 N. River Rd., North Aurora, 2-3 p.m., free. Join the experts at Red Oak Nature Center for a free hike through the woods, enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, and then head to Devil’s Cave. Fun for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register early for this popular event. Information and registration: (630) 897-1808.

John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. The party is is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. Information: (630) 584-6300 or visit www.pheasantrun.com/entertainment/mainstage-theater.aspx

FEB. 2

Cristian Pastorello on Piano, Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora, 7:30 p.m. Register online. Information: (630) 844-4924, First Fridays Aurora, Downtown Aurora, Enjoy a night of art, fun, music, dance, and community at local businesses and venues in downtown Aurora on the first Friday evening of the month. Multiple venues in downtown Aurora open with art, music, and more. Free entrance, free art viewing, free trolley rides, free fun. For more information and for a map of participating venues call (630) 256-3167.

Mom & Son Date Night, Pottawatomie Community Center – Multipurpose Room, 8 North Avenue, St. Charles, 6-8 p.m., $16 resident, $24 non-resident. A parent must be registered for this event. One parent may accompany multiple children from the same household. Advance registration required. Fee is per person. A light dinner of pizza, salad and Cars themed treats will be provided. Information: www.stcparks.org or call (630) 513-6200.

FEB. 5

Lecture: Jane Davis “Ethical Considerations”, Aurora University’s Perry Theatre, 349 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, 7 p.m. The lecture will explore the realities of applying those ethical considerations in a government-run animal shelter environment with limited resources. The constraints of various shelter types will be described. Case studies from both companion and large animal populations will be described, and attendees will be challenged to work through some actual cases together. Register online for this free lecture. Information: (630) 844-4924.

Find Your Voice and Maybe Even a New Career, Waubonsee Community College, 4S783 Rt. 47 – Bldg A, Rm 152,  Sugar Grove, 6-8 p.m. Explore the fun, rewarding possibilities of the voiceover industry in this very unique experience! Discover current trends, the different types of voiceovers and tools for success. Then, take a shot at voicing a real script. Your expert, a professional voice actor from Voices For All, will take notes and offer coaching to improve your delivery. You’ll receive a more complete professional evaluation later. $49. Only 12 spots available. Information: (630) 466-2350.

Wine & Canvas at the Farm, Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora, 6:30 p.m.  Pinot Noir meets the palette as an instructor guides you through your own custom canvas creation. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine, snacks, a few friends and enjoy a lively, social and creative night out. Must be 18. Information: (630) 892=1550.

FEB. 7-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. 8

Rocket Girls: The Unsung Heroes of NASA w/ Nathalia Holt, Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora, 7:30 p.m. Holt is the author of “Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars” and “Cured: The People Who Defeated HIV” and a former fellow at the Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT and Harvard University. “Rise of the Rocket Girls” tells the stories of women, known as “human computers” who broke the boundaries of both gender and science and offers a unique perspective on the role of women in science: both where we’ve been and the far reaches of space to which we’re heading. Information: (630) 844-4924.

FEB. 9-11

The Old House New House Home Show, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main Street, St. Charles. The Mega Center and Ballroom will be brimming with displays from 300 award-winning contractors, talented designers, creative craftsmen, national brands and industry innovators. Information: (630) 515-1160.

FEB. 10

Winter Wonders , Campton Community Center, 5N082 Old LaFox Road , Campton Hills. A cure for winter blahs with indoor and outdoor activities for all ages! The free spirit sled demo team will perform, meet Huskie dogs. This event will take place with or without snow.  Information: www.villageofcamptonhills.org or call (630) 584-5700.

FEB. 15

Trek with a Naturalist, Aurora West Forest Preserve , 40W032 Hankes Rd. , Aurora, 3:30 p.m. This monthly program is designed for those who like active hiking. The naturalist will interpret the ecology of the preserve during the hike. This program is for ages 18 and above. Advance registration is required for this free event by emailing programs@kaneforest.com or by calling (630) 444-3190.

–Kane County Calendar of Events Jan. 24 – Feb. 15–