See Bubba the Alligator, Learn How to Make a Martini

• When: Friday, March 9, 7 p.m.
• Where: 1700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
• Why Go: The annual Exhibition showcases the work of Libertyville artists. The event is brought to the community by Libertyville Fine Arts Month, which this year, is being headed up by the David Adler Music and Arts Center. The event includes wine, hors d'oeuvres and live music.
• Fee: free
• Info: http://­www.­adlercenter.­org

Cirrus Falcon performing at Lovell's of Lake Forest

• When: 8-11:30 p.m. Friday, March 9
• Where: , 915 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest,
• Why Go: Treat yourself to an amazing dinner at Lovell's and
  after dinner relax with a specialty martini in the Captain's Quarters lounge and enjoy all your favorite songs. Voted the Best of the 'Burbs "Best Acoustic Band" for 2008 and 2010, Cirrus Falcon plays all your favorites from the Beatles, Plain White T's, The Eagles, Tom Petty, the BoDeans, Jimmy Buffet and more.
• Fee: Free
• Info: http://­www.­cirru­sfalcon.­com

• When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 9
• Where: Gabe's Backstage, 214 Green Bay Road, Highwood
• Why Go: "Johnny K & Temest Rising" performing a Charity Concert for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Featuring original songs and covers: Clapton, Nickelback, Zepplin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Creed, and Scorpions. Sponsored by Lake Forest Hearing Professionals.
• Fee: $8 in advance, $10 at the door
• Info: johnkoziol@­ymail.­com

2nd Annual “Teacups for Christ” Event

• When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 10
• Where: Village Church of Gurnee, 1319 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee
• Why Go: The event is open to the public, but a reservation is required. Each guest is asked to bring a complete place setting (plate, silverware, bowl, cup and saucer) which will be donated to the Starter Kit ministry at Love INC of Lake County, a non-profit organization that works with local churches to help bridge the poverty gap that exists in our community. Starter Kits are a combination of kitchen and household items that are distributed by Love INC volunteers to families throughout the Lake County area.
• Fee: $10
• Reservations/Info: Linda Dlabay at (847) 648-8308 or at lindadlabay@comcast.net.

• When: Saturday, March 10, 7 p.m.
• Where: Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Dr, Lincolnshire,
• Why Go: Season 9 American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, who hails from Mount Prospect, will perform. DeWyze turned to music at an early age. Soon after realizing his vocal talent, he taught himself how to play guitar and drums. He began performing publicly at local venues at the age of 16. His debut album titled, “Live It Up” was released in November 2010 on for 19 Recordings/RCA Records. During 2011, DeWyze traveled all over the United States on his first headlining club tour.  Lee is currently in the studio writing and preparing material for his next album.
• Fee: $22 - for all ages.
• Info: http://­www.­viper-­alley.­com

Reptile Rampage

• When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 11
• Where: , 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest
• Why Go: Reptile Rampage is a great opportunity for the whole family to spend the day getting up close and personal to some amazing and unique reptiles. Visitors can meet more than 150 animals including “Bubba” the famous American Alligator, the Wildlife Discovery Center's celebrated rattlesnake collection, lizards, snakes of all shapes and sizes, turtles, crocodilians, tortoises, frogs and much more. Visitors will also have the chance to talk with some of the Midwest’s most knowledgeable reptile enthusiasts from local zoos, universities, museums, nature centers, and private collections.
• Fee: $8 per adult and $5 per child
• Info: http://­www.­wildli­fediscovery­center.­org

• When: Sunday, March 11, 2-4 p.m.
• Where: Adlai E. Stevenson II Historic Home, 25200 N. St. Mary's Road, Libertyville,
• Why Go: Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention will be the topic of University of Chicago Medical Center professor Olufunmilayo Olopdade.  The Dialogues in Democracy series of talks is open to the public. Winner of a 2005 MacArthur Genius Award, Dr. Olopade's reserach has focused on understanding familial forms of cancer. As a physician and scientist, she works to translate scientific discoveries into optimal interventions for women at risk of breast cancer. Following her talk, Dr. Olopade will visit with attendees.
• Fee: $15
• Info: http://­www.­steve­nsoncentero­ndemocracy.­org

Lake Forest Dance Academy's 9th Benefit Concert

• When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 11
• Where: 1285 N. McKinley Road, Lake Forest
• Why Go: Euphony Tap Ensemble, Hip Hop Evolution and Prelude Dance Theatre will present group and solo choreography by guest choreographers and company directors. Highlights of this year’s show will include “Muito Incrementado”, a tap piece by guest choreographer Julie Cartier, who is the artistic director of the Cartier Collective and “Up, Jump ‘n Boogie”, a hip-hop piece by Anthony Foster, a longtime friend of LFDA and the artistic director of SoleUnique Dance Company. All of the dances shown will be adjudicated at both the Regional and National level later this spring.
• Fee: $20 per adult and $10 per child
• Info: http://­www.­LFRec.­com

Patch's Ask the Expert: How To Make St. Patrick’s Day Martinis

• When: 6-7 p.m. Monday, March 12
• Where: 101 Center St., Grayslake
• Why Go: Brendan Egan, bartender, and Mike Pruitt, co-owner, will be making the drinks and demonstrating how to make a couple of great martinis. They will show you how to create an Emerald Isle martini and a Dublin Apple martini. Of course, there will be samples of the martinis.
• Fee: free
• Info: RSVP to Noel Hennessy at noel.hennessy@patch.com