CLOSER to FINE
We sit down with Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls, one half of a folk rock duo making a comeback after their hit song was featured in the Barbie movie. The band appears at Ravinia with Melissa Etheridge on August 11 as part of a multi-city concert tour. pg10
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
EXTRAORDINARY LIVING & SALES
BY SUSAN MAMAN
LUXURY NEW CONSTRUCTION
766 Elder Crt, Glencoe | 1171 Hohlfelder Rd, Glencoe | 245 Old Green Bay Rd, Glencoe | 314 Hawthorn Ave, Unit D, Glencoe 414 Sunset Ln, Glencoe | 65 Aspen Ln, Glencoe^ | 766 Elder Crt, Glencoe | 111 Cary Rd, Highland Park 72 Woodley Rd, Winnetka* | 44 Woodley Rd, Winnetka** | 1228 Westmoor Rd, Winnetka*
INVALUABLE & TRANSPARENT ADVICE
“This is now the second time we’ve worked with Susan and she was outstanding. Susan is very responsive, hustles & has your best interests in mind.”
Lisa & Bill Sligh, Winnetka Buyer & Seller
“We’ve worked with Susan Maman for some time and she is truly an outstanding and very dedicated agent who works tirelessly and is super responsive. She helped us to sell a house in Glencoe as well as purchase and sell our home in Highland Park and it’s been an outstanding experience.”
Olga & Igor Boguslavsky, Glencoe Seller Highland Park Buyer & Seller
“There are real estate brokers and then there is Susan. Not sure where to start. Caring, thoughtful, wise, emphathetic, remarkably knowledgeable of the market, organized, funny, always available….she understands that supporting her clients in making good decisions is more important than just getting to another closing.”
Stanley & Vivian Nitzberg, Glencoe Buyer & Seller
“We cannot say enough great things about Susan. She has tremendous experience, which was so valuable in all steps of our home buying process, especially during what was a very competitive time for buyers.“
Craig McCaw, Glencoe Buyer
HOPE FOR NEW HOME BUYERS
CrossCountry Mortgage’s Shimmy & Tom Team a boon for local buyers.
BY MONICA KASS ROGERS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
Like so many trying to purchase a home today, single-mom Lisa T. ran into challenges along the way. Under contract to buy a home in Wilmette that was perfect for her and her two children, Lisa was packing for both the move and a much-needed family vacation, when she got news that her lender (a well-known bank) was unable to approve the loan.
Luckily for Lisa, Tom Fishwick, Senior V.P. of Mortgage Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) and business partner Shimmy Braun at CCM’s local Shimmy & Tom branch, were able to save the day.
“I’d worked with Lisa’s real estate agent on several transactions before,” says Fishwick, “and hearing Lisa’s plight, we moved quickly to help.”
Glencoe-based Fishwick speedily reviewed everything, “making it possible for Lisa to close on the house within 10 days of our initial conversation,” says Fishwick. “We were even able to save her vacation! Lisa signed all of the closing paperwork using an online notary from her hotel in Madrid.”
Success stories like Lisa’s are welcome news for potential home buyers at this time in America. Mortgage rates have finally dipped to 7 percent from the record-breaking 8 percent highs reached in October 2023.
“And there is growing optimism that 7 percent+ rates will be behind us by the end of the year,” says Fishwick. “At this point, traders are expecting that the Federal Reserve will lower rates at least once—maybe twice, before the end of the year. If inflation numbers stay on track, we can expect those rate cuts to continue throughout 2025. We can’t hope for the record lows of the pandemic, but it is reasonable to expect that a 30-year fixed will ultimately settle at 6 percent or slightly lower.” Given this landscape, potential
“New buyers are eager to get out of the high rent market,” says Fishwick. “And we offer a $4,000 first-time buyer credit for qualified borrowers to help with closing costs.”
CCM’s reach is assuring. The company was named America’s #1 Retail Mortgage Lender by Scotsman Guide and being nationwide brings with it strengths.
“Having the backing of a #1 mortgage company gives us access to a wide range of products as well as top tier technology that helps make the application to closing process both painless and very fast,” Fishwick explains.
CCM brought Braun and Fishwick in to open the new branch in January 2023, to expand its footprint in the Midwest. But nationwide strengths aside, it’s the team’s personal touch and local experience that offer clients the biggest benefits.
homebuyers frequently come to Fishwick and Braun for reassurance, strategic advice, and some crystal-ball gazing, to keep their dream of homeownership alive.
“For conventional financing, homebuyers are often pleasantly surprised that they will get the same rate with 5 or 10 percent down as they would with 20 percent down,” he says. “Competition in the mortgage insurance industry has made low down payment financing quite affordable. For those with good credit, the cost of mortgage insurance is cheaper than ever before and so there is not the same pressure for a buyer to wait for a bigger down payment, as has traditionally been the case.”
Fishwick also offers good local refinancing news.
“Illinois is a relatively inexpensive state for refinances,” he says. “Some states charge expensive mortgage tax and title fees that we do not see here in Illinois. We are offering a program through CCM: Buy Now, Refinance Later that guarantees that the lender costs will be waived on a future refinance to help buyers who are purchasing now. Once rates do come down, the market will be very active again and a lot of buyers are happy to get into a home now before prices to continue to increase, knowing that they can straighten out their rate in the future.”
Of the demographic groups most active now, millennials and other firsttime homebuyers are getting a lot of attention and incentive to jump into this market.
“Braun and I have worked together for 22 years and have closed more than 3 billion dollars in loan volume,” says Fishwick. “We have very similar styles and work interchangeably as a team so that we can offer coverage seven days a week. That’s really important, because in this market, speed is critical. A new listing can have multiple offers in a day, and we provide a quick response around the clock.”
He adds that “having been active in the market for so long, we have developed strong relationships with local real estate agents, attorneys, and financial planners. We have had repeat business with many clients, and building on that trust, are now working with clients’ children as the next generation readies for homeownership.”
And always, says Fishwick in closing, “We work with a focus on honesty and integrity and welcome the opportunity to connect with new clients every day.
For more information, visit tomfishwick.com or email tomf@ccm.com.
Tom Fishwick of CrossCountry Mortgage Photography by Monica Kass Rogers
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS
The Center for Conservation Leadership is making an impact on the North Shore.
Recently, Lake Forest Open Lands’ (LFOLA) Center for Conservation Leadership (CCL) was awarded two separate grants with the Illinois Coastal Management Program (ICMP).
ICMP is a non-regulatory division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environmental, economic, and social value of Illinois’ Great Lakes Coastal Region.
NOAA, (the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) announced a major grant to fund research at Illinois Beach State Park. The partners in this collaborative effort are the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, and Illinois State Geological Survey, all units of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois; Illinois Department of Natural Resources; and Center for Conservation Leadership (CCL).
This three-year research project will result in baseline data to inform future restorations of globally rare wetlands and important beach plant communities in the park’s North Unit. The University of Illinois will conduct the research and CCL will manage the educational
outreach and community engagement with this research.
“We are thrilled to partner with LFOLA’s Center for Conservation Leadership to bring their Eco-Ambassador program to Illinois Beach State Park, ensuring this federal investment will help foster development of the next generation of environmental stewards from the diverse and vibrant communities neighboring the park” said Cody Eskew, Senior Scientific Specialist at the Illinois Sustainable
Technology Center (ISTC), a unit of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois.
“I’m so excited about getting the community engaged with this important research on our lakeshore right here in Lake County” said Julia Lunn, Director of Engagement at Lake Forest Open Lands and Director of the Center for Conservation Leadership.
CCL will lead the engagement and educational endeavors connecting people of all
ages from the local community with on-site educational events and programming.
Lunn continued, “Additionally, ICMP funded our Coastal Area Connections program. This funding opportunity will allow CCL to offer boat building workshops, guided bird hikes, art, and poetry workshops along the lakeshore. This supports our mission to break down barriers to nature and connect a broader range of Lake County residents to the natural world.”
The partnership between LFOLA and ICMP runs deep as well.
“Over the last 11 years, LFOLA and ICMP have collaborated on many successes in our shared partnership towards a healthy, resilient and connected Illinois Coastal Community,” said Ryan London, President and CEO of Lake Forest Open Lands. “We are thrilled to partner again on these two meaningful initiatives which will inform our future. The Lake Michigan coastal lake-plain and ravine habitat communities are globally significant local gems, and their future is dependent on Lake County resident’s ability to understand, connect and protect these wild and special places.”
Lake Forest Open Lands’ Center for Conservation Leadership
Chef Thierry Lefeuvre
NORTH SHORE DOINGS
EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 4
WILMETTE ART FAIR
WHERE: Downtown Wilmette
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy the Wilmette Art Fair. Grab breakfast at your favorite downtown spot before exploring thousands of paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, and more on Wilmette and Central Avenue. Become living art with face paintings and create a masterpiece at a live painting class. Take a break from the day with a cold beer or sangria near the live music stage and be sure to look for the Kid Friendly Art Tent and Live Art Demo to interact with artists. amdurproductions.com
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 7
MARKET & MUSIC
WHERE: Clarkson Park
Enjoy concerts, kids’ entertainment, a market, and food and drink on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Clarkson Park in Northfield. The community market features food sales from a featured local business and beer/wine. There will be kids’ entertainment from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., and a concert will conclude the night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each week. northfieldparks.org
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 11
LES MISÉRABLES
WHERE: Deerfield Performing Arts Center
Through an exceptional license, Les Misérables is coming to Deerfield. Presented by Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park, this acclaimed production—winner of eight Tony Awards and
known as the world's most popular musical—boasts an impressive 44-person cast and a 21-piece orchestra. Renowned producer, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, has personally authorized these performances. A portion of proceeds will support the Highland Park Shooting Response Fund, making this event both a cultural highlight of the season and a worthy cause. Tickets are available now. uptownhp.org
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 28
HIGHWOOD EVENING GOURMET MARKET
WHERE: Everts Park
Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market has returned, running every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The market features a variety of 60 incredible food, beverage, and artisan craft vendors alternating each week. In addition, the Highwood Historical Cocktail Tours will be held during the market on August 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food and cocktails will be available to purchase at each stop. Live music will also be featured during the market. A calendar of musicians and themed nights is available online. celebratehighwood.org
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 29
FOOD TRUCK MONDAYS
WHERE: Kenilworth Park District
Enjoy Food Truck Mondays weekly from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food will be provided by Billy Bricks & Rio Bamba Food Trucks. Music will be provided by The Heavy Sounds and there will also be cornhole league, bocce ball league, margaritas, and family fun. kenilworthparkdistrict.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7
CIRCUSVILLE: PLAY
UNDER THE BIG TOP
WHERE: Chicago Children’s Museum
Bring your kids to the Chicago Children’s Museum to play at the circus! Children can try their hands at all of the vital roles in a circus—star of the show, ticket taker, acrobat, hot dog vendor, and more. Props and costumes for families will be provided. chicagochildrensmuseum.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22
LOST & FOUND
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
Experience plant conservation success stories through art and science this summer at Chicago Botanic Garden. Engage in hands-on experiences, art installations, After Hour Buzz events, and other engaging activities inspired by restoration stories of plants once lost and forgotten. Original art pieces will be on display throughout the garden including “A Summer Journey,” “Gleanhouse and Prismatic Landscape,” “Color Writing,” “Rhizomatic,” and “Through The Eye of the Unicorn.” These pieces represent conserving what has been lost over the years through development, natural disaster, and expansions. Tickets are included with the cost of admission. chicagobotanic.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24
SUNSET YOGA
WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s (LFOLA) Mellody Farm Nature Preserve while relaxing into a gentle, restorative yoga session that will incorporate breathwork and mindfulness. All abilities welcome! Instructor, Ana Holland Krawec, is a certified 200 RYT instructor, a Reiki healing master, and Sudarshan Kriya Breathwork instructor. Her practice focuses on adaptive yoga, incorporating gentle movements, restorative poses, breathwork, and mindfulness to help students work on core strength, flexibility, and balance and to find tools for becoming centered and peaceful. This program is for adults only and takes place in the evenings. lfola.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26
FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS
WHERE: Ravinia District Food Truck Thursdays return to downtown Ravinia this summer. A variety of food trucks and vendors will sell their wares from 4:30 p.m. until dusk each Thursday night throughout the summer. These evenings will also include live music, food, beer, and wine tastings from local restaurants. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs or dine
on a picnic bench in Jens Jensen Park. Each Thursday will feature a different theme of music and its respective performers. enjoyhighlandpark.com
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 11
LAKE BLUFF FARMERS MARKET
WHERE: Lake Bluff Village Green
Enjoy the Lake Bluff Farmers Market Friday mornings through October 11. The market will be open from 7 a.m. to noon. A variety of local vendors will be selling their offerings— from food and beverages to flowers and dog treats. There will also be live music and children’s entertainment. business.lflbchamber.com
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 13
“SHTETL IN THE SUN”
WHERE: Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
In the late 1970s, photographer Andy Sweet took numerous photos of Holocaust survivors living hopeful and joyous lives in South Beach, Florida. Through his images, it provides a poignant display of life after tragedy. The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s exhibit, “Shtetl in the Sun: Andy Sweet’s South Beach 19771980,” celebrates Sweet’s work as a tribute to those who lived during that time. The exhibit will run through October 13. ilholocaustmuseum.org
NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 25, 2025
“KENILWORTH CENTENNIAL HOMES” WHERE: Kenilworth Historical Society
Explore the history of Kenilworth’s oldest homes and celebrate their architectural significance with a dynamic exhibit that chronicles the
evolution of residential development in the village. The homes featured in this exhibit were built between 1889 and 1924. kenilworthhistory.org
AUGUST 8
SIT & KNIT
WHERE: Northfield Public Library
Spend the afternoon with fellow knitters in the Community Room at Northfield Public Library. From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. adults of all levels of experience are welcome. Basic supplies will be provided and library staff will be present to assist. Registration is required. wnpld.org
AUGUST 4
GO GREEN WILMETTE BIRD HABITAT WORKDAY
WHERE: Gillson Park
From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., join Wilmette Go Green to work with and learn about native plants. Participants are required to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Bring gardening gloves and drinking water. Tools are provided by the Wilmette Park District. This event is for all ages. wilmettepark.org
AUGUST 4
JUNK IN THE TRUNK
WHERE: Metra Parking Lot
Discover unique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds at Highwood’s "Junk in the Trunk" event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This fun and exciting shopping experience supports local vendors and promotes sustainable consumption. If you have items to sell, you are invited to set up a table and join a vibrant community of vendors. This is the perfect opportunity to turn your pre-loved items into extra cash while connecting with others who share your passion for unique and eclectic finds. highwoodchamber.com
Lake Forest Open Lands' Conservation Cocktails: Conserving & Restoring Indigenous Lands
AUGUST 5
ARCHITECTURAL
WALKING TOUR: EARLY SETTLERS HOMES
WHERE: Winnetka
Enjoy a one-hour walking tour of the oldest homes in the community. Beginning at Clinton House at 548 Willow Street at 4 p.m., participants will weave through the oldest neighborhoods on the east side of the village. Tickets are $30 per person and the capacity is 16 people per tour. Registration is required. winnetkahistory.org
AUGUST 5 TO 6 NATIVE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., join Trickster Cultural Center for a 2-day program that immerses you in Native American views of the natural environment—helping them understand their roles and duties within nature. Guided by a dedicated team of leaders (including elders, veterans, storytellers, and plant experts) campers ages 8 to 14 explore the four sacred elements— Water, Land, Air, and Fire—through daily focused activities, culminating in a comprehensive review of the day's lessons. lfola.org
AUGUST 6 TO 10
“QUEEN: WE WILL ROCK YOU” SUMMER MUSICAL THEATER
WHERE: Gorton Center
Join the Gorton Drama Studio for their production of "Queen: We Will Rock You!" These weekday kid-focused shows for youth aged 7 to 17 offer an optional acting workshop afterward. Performances are August 6 at 11 am, August 7 at 12:30 pm. and August 8 at 11 am. The student cast brings the story to life with passion and energy. From the moment the curtain rises, you’ll be swept away by the dynamic performances, stunning choreography, and power-
ful vocals that pay homage to Queen’s timeless hits. An adult must accompany children under the age of 7. Kids over the age of 7 must come on their own. Tickets on sale now. gortoncenter.org
AUGUST 7
TASTE OF RAVINIA
WHERE: Jens Jensen Park & Dean Avenue
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with the return of Taste of Ravinia. This free event will run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and bring together the community, farmers, chefs, and local businesses. There will be “farmers-market-to-table” cooking demos by Maya Rotman-Zaid, live music, family activities, the farmers market, and meet and greets with Highland Park officials, law enforcement, and the fire department. The Farmer’s Market will run as scheduled from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., live music will start at 12:30 p.m., and the Taste of Ravinia will begin at 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Ravinia Business District merchants will offer open houses and specials. Some will have on site booths at Jensen Park. raviniafarmersmarket.com
AUGUST 8
ARCHITECTURAL
DIVERSITY WALKING TOUR
WHERE: Winnetka
Explore Winnetka’s array of architectural styles from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The tour will begin at 457 Ash and make 12 stops representing particular architectural styles. This is the shortest walking tour offered at less than a mile and a great option for those interested in less walking and more learning. winnetkahistory.org
AUGUST 8, 15, 22, & 29
AUGUST SCAVENGER
HUNT: GRAPHIC NOVELS
WHERE: Evanston Public Library
Hunt for some of your favorite Graphic Novel
characters throughout the Children’s Room. Kids can grab a clue sheet at the desk and search around the Children’s Department to find them all. Names and phone numbers can be written on the back of the sheet and turned in at the front desk to be entered into a raffle. The chosen card will win a prize. epl.org
AUGUST 9
CONSERVATION
COCKTAILS: CONSERVING & RESTORING INDIGENOUS LAND
WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
Join Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA) for its popular Conservation Cocktails series! Jolie Krasinksi with The Conservation Fund will present Conserving and Restoring Indigenous Land. The Conservation Fund works to secure priority lands and waters in the Midwest and across the United States that support Native community goals and often ensure access for traditional, ceremonial, educational and subsistence activities. lfola.org
AUGUST 10
RAGDALE PUBLIC TOUR
WHERE: Ragdale Campus
Ragdale, the nationally acclaimed artists’ retreat on the former country estate of English architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, offers tours of the historic Ragdale House, visual artist studios, and exquisite gardens. Participants will learn about the Shaw family history and the artists’ residency program that serves nearly 150 artists and authors each year. Tours are from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Admission is $10 per person and online reservations must be made in advance. ragdale.com
AUGUST 11
VINTAGE CAR SHOW
WHERE: The Lot
From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., come out and see an exciting
lineup of vintage cars, including commercial vehicles, muscle cars, early automobiles, and the Batmobile of Klairmont Kollections Auto Museum. In addition, acclaimed radio DJ veteran Eddie “V” of “The Eddite and Jobo Morning Show” will be on site spinning contemporary hits, hosting giveaways, and announcing the winner of the Best of Car Show at 3:30 p.m. Up to 200 vehicles will be displayed along St. John’s Avenue.
enjoyhighlandpark.com
AUGUST 14 TO SEPTEMBER 22
THE CHICAGO ALLIANCE OF VISUAL ARTISTS
ANNUAL MEMBER SHOW
WHERE: North Shore Art League
The Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) will hold its annual show on the 1st and 2nd floor galleries of the North Shore Art League (NSAL). More than 100 works of art will be displayed. During the run of the show, there will be a Show & Tell Salon from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 29 and a Learning Symposium from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on September 22. The Symposium will feature two speakers sharing their experiences. Everyone is welcome to attend and an RSVP is required for both events. RSVP emails can be sent to events@wearecava. org. Non-members can pay the $10 admission fee for one or both events through PayPal.
AUGUST 15 TO 25
THE PROM
WHERE: McGrath Family Performing Arts Center
The Highland Park Players present its closing show of the season, The Prom Performances will be held August 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on August 24 and 25. A preview performance will be held on August 15 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy this seven-time
Tony Award nominated musical. highlandparkplayers.org
AUGUST 16 TO 18 46TH ANNUAL MID-AMERICAN BONSAI EXHIBITION
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
The Midwest Bonsai Society’s August Exhibition will showcase its 46th year with an exhibition that runs from noon to 5 p.m. on August 16, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 17 and 18. It is one of the largest regional shows in the nation. Centered at the Chicago Botanic Garden's (CBG) Permanent Bonsai Collection—which features over 150 world-class trees—it’s a showplace of Bonsai from across the Midwest and beyond. National enthusiasts bring their trees to be judged in the main hall at the Garden's Regenstein Center. There will be 30 vendors selling trees, tools, pots, stands, suiseki, scrolls, soil, fertilizers, and more. The exhibition will include plenty of workshops and lectures, including a Children's Bonsai Styling workshop. The show is free, but CBG parking and entry fees apply. midwestbonsai.org
AUGUST 16 TO 18
EVANSTON ART & BIG FORK FESTIVAL
WHERE: Downtown
Evanston
Enjoy the artistic and food delights the city of Evanston has to offer. From noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, browse thousands of art pieces from 150 juried artists showing paintings, jewelry, sculptures, mixed media, photography, and more. Take a break at the extensive tasty food area, try a painting class, or visit the Kids Art Zone. Entry is free. amdurproductions.com
AUGUST 20
AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB
WHERE: Lake Bluff Library
Join Carol at the library for a monthly book discus-
sion from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. August’s book will be The Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson. This book club is an adult program and they will meet in the Spruth Room. lakeblufflibrary.org
AUGUST 24 TO 25
PORT CLINTON ART FESTIVAL
WHERE: Highland Park From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy the weekend with paintings, sculptures, mixed media work, and more. There will be thousands of art pieces from 260 of the best artists in the country. Kids can check out the Kids Art Zone. There will also be cold beer, specialty coffee, tasty treats, and live music. amdurproductions.com
SEPTEMBER 14 TO OCTOBER 6
RIGOLETTO
WHERE: Lyric Opera Chicago
Partake in an evening showcasing Giuseppe Verdi’s sensation, Rigoletto. Sung in Italian with projected English titles, the breathtaking piece is based on Victor Hugo’s play. Composer Music Director Enrique Mazzola, a much-acclaimed Verdian, brings astounding intensity to the story of Rigoletto, a court jester who is tragically consumed with the vengeance of his daughter Gilda’s dishonor. lyricopera.org
SEPTEMBER 27 100TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
WHERE: Community House
Celebrate North Shore Art League’s 100th anniversary at 6 p.m. with a festive gala, held on the second floor of the Community House in Winnetka. Enjoy libations, live art, music, and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are on sale now.
northshoreartleague.org
To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.
BY
The Indigo Girls—Emily Saliers and Amy Ray—are having a moment.
Since the release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie in the summer of 2023, in which the duo’s “Closer To Fine” was heard repeatedly, to today, when they are prominently featured in Tom Gustafson’s Glitter & Doom and Alexandria Bombach’s doc Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All, Indigo Girls are hotter than ever.
And that’s just the half of it.
In addition to a well-received performance on the Today show, Indigo Girls are embarking on a multi-city concert tour, which includes an August 11 appearance at Ravinia with Melissa Etheridge. In the midst of their super busy schedule, Saliers was generous enough to make time for an interview.
In the introduction to my review of Alexandria Bombach’s documentary Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All, I talk about how since the summer of 2023, when “Closer To Fine” was featured prominently in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie, to today when we are speaking, Indigo Girls are having an amazing year. So, I’d like to begin by asking you to say what it meant to you to have “Closer To Fine” heard in Barbie.
First of all, it was a huge surprise to be asked. And it was an honor because both Amy and I adore Greta Gerwig’s work. It just kind of fell out of the sky, this massive gift. We knew it was going to be in the trailer, but we didn't know it was gonna be in the film. We certainly didn't know that was going to be featured in its own way in terms of its content in the movie. It was so exciting and so gratifying because we love Greta’s work. I loved the movie, too. I thought it was amazing on so many levels. The issues it delved into, the way it looked, how stylized it was, how funny it was, how clever, and the dancing. The whole thing was like this big experience. So, to have “Closer To Fine” included in something that I really loved so much as a piece of art was fantastic. Then, of course, there was a spike in interest, I think, in the Indigo Girls’ music. What a gift that was to come out of nowhere and take hold. I think we’re still feeling the repercussions of that in a positive way.
As I mentioned, I enjoyed the doc It’s Only Life After All. How did it feel to be the subject of a documentary and have your life and career highlighted that way?
We met Alexandria, the director, through Kathlyn Horan who was one of the producers on the documentary. We had lunch together and she said, “I’d like to make a documentary about y’all. I can see that that’s never been
done before.” In our conversations, we were clear with Alexandria that we wanted it to be not so much just about us, but about our community. About a community that has gone through these things together. I think she handled that very deftly and respectfully. Instead of feeling like, “Here’s a movie about y’all,” it feels more like here’s a movie about the power of music and community. And for us to go through our hard times in life together. The fact that it landed within the scope of the time of Barbie and Glitter & Doom, was just kind of like, “Wow! What is happening?” This is like the giving season for the Indigo Girls.
I’m glad you mentioned Glitter & Doom. When I interviewed Amy in 2023 about her solo album (If It All Goes South), I asked her about the possibility of a stage musical consisting of Indigo Girls songs, and that’s when I learned about Glitter & Doom. The movie not only incorporates many Indigo Girls songs, but you also appear in the movie as the character of The Dream. What was that experience like for you?
We read the script—we get script submissions sometimes—but this one really stood out. We loved the story. Then we heard the music, Michelle Chamuel’s arrangements and production, and how our music was arranged, produced, and performed in a way that we’d never heard before. That was really exciting for us, and we loved it. We love Tom (Gustafson) and Cory (Krueckeberg) who codirected the film (written by Krueckeberg).
member, I was like, “Oh, who wrote this song? It’s pretty. This is really working.” It was the experience of being outside and inside at the same time and I don't get to experience that a lot. It was really cool.
Indigo Girls are touring with Melissa Etheridge. How did this amazing combination come to be?
To be a cameo—Amy, I think, was terrified. Amy will tell you she does not like to act. I think she did an amazing job. For me, it was exciting. I was in high school theater, and I don't mind that. We had a different experience of actually being in the film. We both love the movie and it just premiered in a theater in New York. It’s so well done. It's a colorful and well- directed film with the songs. The actors are captivating. I love the story. Again, it was this wonderful piece of art that someone was creating that they invited us to be part of with our music. That feels good.
Glitter & Doom also includes a song from your 2017 solo album Murmuration Nation. What does that inclusion mean to you?
When I heard the way it’s treated in the movie, it was so thrilling. I wrote that song, “Match,” with Kristen Hall, one of the original members of Sugarland. It takes a seed of a song that was written so long ago for fun with a friend, and it makes it become this whole world of its own in the context of the movie. I love the way it was treated musically. In a way, it's like sitting outside of something and hearing something beautiful, but then it's connected to you because you created it. It's hard to articulate, but I thought it was really cool that they included a solo song from each of us in the whole body of work for the movie. For me, sitting there as an audience
It is so cool! We've never done anything like this with Melissa. Of course, we have such respect for her career and her music. She was doing one of those rock cruises and we got invited to be on that, and we couldn't do it. But the seed was planted. After all these years, there was interest from both parties to play some shows together. Then it turned out to be playing summer sheds together. She’ll have her thing and we'll have our band, and we'll do some stuff together. Then it turned into this run of shows. When we first announced to a crowd that we were doing shows with Melissa Etheridge, it was in the Northeast somewhere, people screamed [laughs]! It was like, “Okay, this is a good decision.” We've been in touch with each other about doing a song together or whatever the case may be. It’s the first time we've done something like this with a storied artist like Melissa and we're both so excited. I’m sure you don’t need to be reminded, but it’s been four years since the release of the Indigo Girls’ Look Long album. Is there a new Indigo Girls album in the works?
It’s kind of floating in the ether. Everything is meeting at this juncture where we have the documentary and Glitter & Doom, and then Barbie happened, and we're doing a lot of symphony shows and touring. At the same time, Amy has a 10-year-old-daughter and I have an 11-year-old-daughter. We’re feeling the pain of missing life. So, we're trying to orchestrate how to keep our lives in balance with home life and touring. Then Amy had a super long tour with her solo band. And I'm writing for musical theater. To answer your question, as we're getting older we just seem to be getting busier with these projects that are all wonderful. We have talked about the next album, and we started tossing around ideas, but we're going to take a little bit of a mental break this summer and spend time with our family. Then I’m sure we’ll be refreshed after that and from the tour with Melissa and Amos Lee and start to really focus in on when we can do the next album. There will be a next album, it’s just been such a busy time.
For tickets to the August 11 show at Ravinia, visit ravinia.org.
Emily Saliers and Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls will perform at Ravinia on August 11. Photography by Jeremy Cowart
CLOSER
GREGG SHAPIRO THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
Penthouse Interior
Expansive Terraces
EDITED BY LOLA EISERMAN ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
Evanston’s LeTour has been enchanting diners with its contemporary French and Moroccan fare for a little more than a year. James Beard Award-winning Chef DEBBIE GOLD, the executive chef at AMDP (LeTour, The Barn steakhouse) leads the kitchen, creating menus that thoughtfully present LeTour's take on Moroccan tagine, French steak frîtes, Basque "burnt" cheesecake, and more. The restaurant represents a full-circle moment for Gold, who reunited with restaurateur Amy Morton for the project. The duo created the restaurant in a circular space and named it LeTour, meaning “round.” When she's not in the kitchen, here's how the awardwinning chef keeps current in a flavorful world.
#ON MY NIGHTSTAND
I just finished reading Ester: Australian Cooking by Mat Lindsay with Pat Nourse. I ate at the restaurant when I was in Sydney in 2016. I Ioved the simplicity of flavors and the creativity of using a woodfire oven. A few weeks ago, I started reading the Autobiography of Mark Twain. I was intrigued when I heard a radio program talking about how Samuel Clemens (known by his pen name Mark Twain) did not want his autobiography to be released until 100 years after his death. Going back in time and being immersed in Clemens’ world is amazing.
#ON MY MOBILE
Bloomberg, CNBC, Reuters, and Entrepreneur. On Instagram, I follow @businessbulls, @indprestaurants, @culinaryvegetableinstitute, @soulandsmoke, @middletonmadeknives, @thetrotterproject, @ nokidhungry, @themadfeed, @pastagrannies, @harvard_business_review, and @nytimestravel ... just to name a few.
#IN MY EARBUDS
This American Life podcast always has something interesting to listen to. I also feel like I learn something every time I tune into Neil deGrasse Tyson's StarTalk podcast. When driving I love listening to Radio Classics—radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio.
Coming Soon
993 Elm Ridge Dr, Glencoe
A stunning property on a half acre, lies a home that is truly a one-of-a-kind residence inside and out. Classic details harmonize perfectly with modern conveniences, creating a living space that is both timeless and functional with five bedrooms, five and a half baths. Outside, an expansive deck overlooks the pool, separate hot tub, and an outstanding treehouse complete with electric and heating. The lovely green space and gardens that surround the home create a serene and picturesque setting. This delightful enclave of Glencoe is steps from downtown, schools, transportation, and parks, including the Chicago Botanic Gardens and Lake Michigan. This property offers a unique blend of elegance, comfort, and entertainment possibilities, making it a truly exceptional place to call home.
Please reach out to Glo or Zack for more information on this gorgeous home.
TWISTERS
A film about tornadoes features impressive special effects but the plot is lacking.
Before tornado movies threaten to become a cottage industry, just remember that in spite of both the bad ones and the forthcoming plans for more that are being assembled on the drawing boards as we speak, the only one that ever reached blockbuster status was the 1996 action epic Twister.
BY REX REED
RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 2 MINUTES
RATING: 2 stars
In the realm of tornado movies, we now have Twisters
Erroneous publicity misleads us to consider it a sequel, which it isn’t. In fact, Twisters has nothing whatsoever to do with Twister, aside from the fact that it consists primarily of the same computer-generated special effects and it also takes place in Oklahoma—where the Richard Rodgers-Oscar Hammerstein corn is no longer high as an elephant’s eye, but on its way to almost total crop destruction thanks to not one but an army of lethal, never-ending new twisters that seem to arrive every ten minutes, and the wind comes sweeping down the plain with pulse-pounding noise and lifealtering force.
There is also something of an obstacleriddled romance, but nothing as interesting as the one in Twister. (You can’t improve on Helen Hunt and the late Bill Paxton, and only a fool would try.)
The new female centerpiece is Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a lovely would-be scientist who grew up obsessed with weather, first shown in a prologue as a college student, placing some kind of gizmo inside the heart of a ferocious tornado in a dangerous project designed to record enough scientific data to give folks in the paths of devastating storms a better chance to prepare and run for their lives in advance of weather patterns. The research
fails, killing three of her best friends who are blown away to Tornado Heaven, leaving Kate so depressed and disillusioned that she retires from studying the weather forever.
Five years later, she’s a meteorologist in a Manhattan research lab, safe and far away from the dangers of Oklahoma twisters. An old boyfriend named Jeb (Daryl McCarmack), one of the few survivors of the college tragedy five years earlier, appears suddenly and for reasons known only by the screenwriter, talks Kate into returning to Oklahoma to track another deadly storm. Subplots about Jeb’s secret job working for a crook and a brief, aborted attempt to revive their stale romance are deleted fast between lightning flashes, ear-splitting wind tunnels, and hail the size of billiard balls, while Kate falls in with a new heartthrob named Tyler, played by drop dead Glen Powell, the fastest rising glamour-puss movie star since the young Robert Redford first appeared on the scene.
The hot sparks between these two are leavened by their constant hostility. Kate and her crew aim to make a difference; Tyler is a storm tracker who is in it for excitement and adventure.
References to the twister in The Wizard of Oz are annoying gimmicks inserted to inject some humor into the proceedings, including Tyler’s crew of storm chasers, with names like Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion. But clearly, the only true wizards in Twisters are not in Kansas anymore—or Oz. They’re the fearless computer geniuses who have conjured up the fantastic special effects in this movie and made them work—the tractors flying through deafening decibel levels of howling wind
and rain, the towns razed and obliterated by airborne trucks, barns, farmhouses, trees, chickens, and even a rodeo. The thunderous effects they create would keep the Weather Channel in business for years.
The sets, lighting design, and computergenerated special effects are superb, enhancing the viewer’s fascination with the subject matter. By comparison, the humans in Twisters are so unimportant and so undeveloped they seem like interlopers. The onedimensional plot is tedious and the charm, good looks, and style of the two leads are the only elements of the film that try but fail invigorate.
There don’t seem to be any limits to Glen Powell’s charisma. Even his smile is in Cinemascope and Technicolor, and he can act, too, although the benign script by Mark L. Smith is so mired in technology about pollen counts, anchor funnels, velocity measurements, and silver oxide, and Lee Isaac Chung’s mediocre direction is so camouflaged in technical obscurity that they don’t give Mr. Powell much of an opportunity to show what he can do. The love-affair part of the film is so wholesomely family oriented that it’s about as sexy as an algebra book. There isn’t even one single kiss.
Fortunately, there is nothing bland or dull about the action sequences, which add up to a whale of an entertainment. I guess my scoreboard reads: Twisters, 10. People: 0. In the end, Kate prepares to return to New York, Tyler wants to know when she’ll come back, and there’s evidence that a lot of unfinished business is waiting to be solved. Twisters 2, anyone?
ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
Affordable Luxury Pre-Owned Vehicles
Our publisher takes a McLaren Artura on the road for a test run. Find out how this vintage sports car aficionado got converted to the thrill of a new hybrid supercar.
BY JOHN CONATSER
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
I have a confession to make. In my years of loving cars (which has been since birth), my brand of choice has been the vintage—Jaguars, Lotus, Porsche (think Esprit, 911s, the iconic air cooled, and the unmistakable super cars of the ‘80s when I was a teenager).
But when our media partner, McLaren Automotive, presented me with the opportunity to take the new McLaren Artura for a glorious long weekend “test drive,” I was hardly going to turn down the opportunity (and this was before McLaren’s recent Formula 1 win at the Miami Grand Prix).
From the moment I sat inside this turbocharged dream machine, I was hooked. The curves and winding wonders of Sheridan Road will never be the same. It was truly one of the best driving experiences of my life.
What’s amazing is that its twin-turbocharged V6 engine is paired with an electric motor to provide 671 horsepower—easily taking you from zero to 60 in less than three seconds. As an air-cooled Porsche-phile driving an electric car for the first time, I was shocked to find myself driving in electric mode the majority of the time.
WEEKEND READS
GREAT ESCAPES
Lake Forest Book Store owner Eleanor Thorn shares a few of her favorite books to close out your end-of-summer reading list.
BY ELEANOR THORN
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
DREAM DRIVE
Curious to know more about what was under that hood, I did a little digging on the history of this legendary race car brand and what makes the Artura so special.
I found out that Bruce McLaren founded his eponymous car company in 1963, producing his first model—the McLaren M1A— within the first year. He made just 24 models before coming out with the M1B, which entered the Can-Am Championship and claimed 43 victories (besting its arch-rival, my beloved Porsche). Two years later, McLaren created its first Formula 1 entry, which debuted at the Monaco Grand Prix.
From there, the story grew even more compelling. Bruce McLaren died in a car
Things Don’t Break on Their Own by
This novel set on the oceanfront cliffs of Maine artistically weaves together historical and contemporary fiction: families, secrets and ghosts.
accident in 1970, bringing the company to a halt. Fortunately, it was picked up by an entrepreneur and continued evolving. McLaren drivers went on to win the Formula 1 world driver’s championship several times before the company set its sights on creating a car for the likes of drivers like me—a road-legal vehicle capable of going over 200 miles per hour.
Flash forward to 2024 and the McLaren Artura I had the pleasure of driving. This high-performance, hybrid supercar is sculpted to harness airflow to the max. Everything about its aerodynamic design is light as a feather, gliding like air on the open road. I was equally impressed with the interior,
Sarah Easter Collins
A completely absorbing literary thriller centered on sisters, lovers, and a dinner party gone very wrong.
Next up in the hugely popular All Souls series–Diana Bishop is forced to travel to the darkest corners within herself and her family.
An intimate look into the extraordinary life of one of the most well known figures of the 20th Century.
which has all the luxury features you’d want in a fine automobile paired with the power of a racing machine.
If you’re lucky enough to purchase one, ask your McLaren Automotive dealer about the 60th Anniversary Options. From paint finishes that evoke the legendary Triple Crown (a victory held only by McLaren) to emotive “Speedy Kiwi” branded elements and pedals, it’s the ultimate way to pay tribute to a man who sparked an automotive revolution. With that, happy driving. See you on Sheridan Road.
For more information about McLaren Chicago, visit mclarenchicago.com.
Tiger, Tiger: His Life, As It’s Never Been Told Before by James Patterson
Patterson attempts to answer the question “How did Tiger Woods become the GOAT, and how did he fall so spectacularly?”
Lake Forest Book Store is located at 662 N. Western Avenue in the historic James Anderson building. For more information, call 847-2344420 or visit lakeforestbookstore.com.
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
JFK, Jr. by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
GRADE-A ASSISTANT
After a 43-year career in commercial real estate finance, Lake Bluff’s Bill Wein landed a priceless position—
BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT
Lake Bluff Elementary School teacher’s assistant Bill Wein, 69, chuckles each time he recounts the moment—during a Revolutionary War discussion—when one of his second-grade students asked him if he had been alive at the time of Paul Revere’s midnight ride in 1775.
That would have made Wein, “Mr. Bill” to his students, a strikingly youthful-looking 249-year-old, at least.
“The same boy asked me the same question when World War II came up in class,” a grinning Wein says. “I told him, ‘You’re getting closer.’”
Most second acts don’t get more delightful than Wein’s does. The New York native and longtime Lake Bluff resident retired after 43 years in commercial real estate finance in early August 2022. A mere three weeks later, he started serving as a first-grade teacher’s assistant at Lake Bluff Elementary School (LBES), mostly helping students who were struggling to keep up in math, reading, or writing.
“Ten years before retiring, when I was 57, I started thinking, ‘What am I going to do when I have so much free time?’” Wein recalls. “I need structure in my life. I’ve always loved kids, so I figured making sure students understood the fundamentals they’ll need would be my way of giving back. Some retirees volunteer at a hospital or maybe spend time helping a charitable organization; I teach at LBES, 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., five days a week during the school year.
“I’m having a ball.”
Wein, the oldest of 15 TAs at the District 65 school, assisted first-grade teacher Allison Romolo in the 2022-2023 school year after getting his paraprofessional license to teach in Lake County. He had first met with Lake Bluff Middle School Principal Nathan Blackmer to discuss his interest in a teacher’s assistant post. Blackmer then put Wein in touch with administrative leaders at LBES. Wein worked alongside second-
grade teacher Dr. Buffy Stauffer this past academic year.
Another batch of fortunate first-graders will share a classroom with the popular Wein in 2024-2025.
“Those two teachers I got to work with are amaz ing and always patient with their students,” Wein gushes. “The culture at LBES is great. Every morning when I go to school, the staff and faculty are cheerful and happy. The principal, Kel lie Bae, and the assistant prin cipal, Kathleen Turner Kwak, reinforce that culture by being visible and helping out
is a student going around the room to help others log in to their
“The PAWS program,” he continues, “has a lot to do with the school’s positive
So does a teacher’s assistant like the perpetually sunny Wein, who once rescued an exasperated boy from writer’s block by encouraging him to jot down words about his favorite animal, his family’s vacation spot, or his best friend. Another student could solve math problems in his head but had difficulty explaining how he had arrived at each solution. Wein then played a Target 20 numbers game with the
Every day at Lake Bluff Elementary School is a different day, and every day flies by. You get there on a Monday morning and before you know it, it’s lunchtime. And then it’s suddenly Thursday.
with the students when needed.”
LBES’s PAWS program has nothing to do with dogs and everything to do with unleashing model behavior from students. PAWS stands for “practice kindness, act responsibly, welcome challenges, and show respect.” A student demonstrating any of the attributes at any point in a school day gets a PAWS ticket and receives recognition for the sterling manner over the school’s intercom system at 2 p.m. each Friday.
“Say a student, who’s struggling with math, tackles a problem instead of giving up on it,” Wein says. “That student gets a ticket for welcoming a challenge. Another example, this one for practicing kindness,
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
youngster, triggering an aha moment that made both of them beam.
“Every day at school is a different day, and every day flies by,” Wein says. “You get there on a Monday morning and before you know it, it’s lunchtime. And then it’s suddenly Thursday. I’m never bored at school. I was never bored in commercial real estate because every deal was different.”
Wein attended Jamesville-DeWitt High School in DeWitt, New York. His favorite teacher there was Mrs. O’Malley, who taught Spanish and ran a tight classroom.
“You did not want to get caught goofing around or even looking out a window in her class,” says Wein, who took two classes
DESIGN
Linda Lewis PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
taught by O’Malley, one as a sophomore and the other as a senior. “I liked her approach to teaching. I asked her to write a teacher recommendation for my college application.”
Denison University, a small liberal arts school in Granville, Ohio, was Wein’s next stop in academia. He joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and graduated in 1977 with a double major in History and Spanish. DU History teachers Jack Kirby and Don Schilling inspired him and commanded respect. Wein returned to New York and earned his MBA at Syracuse University. Real estate law interested him more than any other concentration did, and he completed an internship at a commercial real estate firm before beginning a four-decade-plus career in the field.
After Wein met his future wife, Melissa, at a party in Maine, their first date was a stroll along a beach on August 1, 1986. They got married on August 1,1987.
The couple moved to Lake Bluff in 1989, raised their two children, and will have visited six continents after their trip to Australia in January, during which the grandparents of one will check out the world’s top professional tennis players at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Bill Wein has set foot in each of his home country’s 50 states.
In addition to travel, Wein likes to work out, bike, walk, play pickleball, and read. He’s certainly enjoying his pastimes this summer, but the amiable Mr. Bill can’t wait to return to the classroom next month and make a difference in the lives of appreciative youngsters in a structured environment.
“I can’t say enough good things about the staff and faculty at Lake Bluff Elementary School and the welcoming atmosphere they’ve created there,” Wein says. “What I like to do, what all teacher’s assistants aim for, is being there for students who need that extra boost. I’m big on providing positive reinforcement for any student.
“A student’s confidence grows from there,” he adds.
Give Bill Wein a PAWS ticket.
Cheyanne Lencioni
John Conatser FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Jennifer Sturgeon ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Gaven Conatser ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ADVERTISING @NSWEEKEND.COM
Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Sherry Thomas, Megan Weisberg
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bill McLean, Monica Kass Rogers, Gregg Shapiro
Chris Geimer ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART
Tom Bachtell, Barry Blitt ILLUSTRATION Monica Kass Rogers PHOTOGRAPHY
