Easy does it: Activities for you to learn, grow and enjoy yourself

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UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - JULY 07: Singer Cee Lo Green performs at CityWalk's "5 Towers" on July 7, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) R:\Merlin\Getty_Photos\118467237.jpg

Updated: November 2, 2011 3:50AM

5 David Koz teams up with Sheila E. and Bobby Caldwell for a jam session at 8 p.m. at the Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, Indiana. Visit ticketmaster.com.

Sade and John Legend perform at 7:30 p.m. at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison. Tickets range from $99.50-$149.50. Call (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com.

6 The 39th Annual Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival, featuring more than 125 artists, is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Dawes Park on Sheridan Road at Church Street in Evanston. Also, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 7. Visit, cityofevanston.org/lakeshore.

The RCX Chicago Radio Control Show is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Odeum Sports & Expo Center, 1033 N. Villa, Villa Park. Tickets are $15, if purchased on line; $20, at the door. Visit,
odeumexpo.com.

7 Prince heats up the silver screen in his debut film “Purple Rain,” airing at 8 p.m. at Cole’s Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee. Admission is free. Call (773) 276-5802.

10 Chicago’s top chefs and mixologists share their talent in support of Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Chicago event from 7 to 10 p.m. in the ballroom at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Tickets are $95. Visit strength.org.

12 The Summer Opera Series returns with the first of three free performances of “Maria de Buenos Aires” at 7:30 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. Additional performances are also at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 and 3 p.m. Aug. 14. Call (312) 742-8497.

13 Break out the tiara, it’s time for the sixth annual Pretty Princess Weekend at Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes, 250 W. Schick, Bloomingdale. The day starts at noon with a Princess Pool party. The Pretty Princess Tea Party and Ball is at 5 p.m. Events run to 10 p.m. The weekend package for an overnight stay for four (two adults; two children) is $149. Call (630) 529-0200; indianlakesresort.com.

14 The Chicago Sinfonietta introduces its new music director Mei-Ann Chen to the city with a free concert titled “Hello Chicago” at 6:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, at Randolph and Michigan. Guest performances by Sones de Mexico Ensemble Chicago and Chinese erhu virtuoso Betti Xiang. Visit chicagosinfonietta.org.

15 Tee off at LaGrange Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 12th Annual Golf Classic at 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. at the LaGrange Country Club, 620 S. Brainard, LaGrange. The cost is $450, includes registration, continental breakfast, barbecue luncheon, 18 holes of golf with cart and caddy and dinner. Proceeds benefit the hospital’s Patient Care Center. Must RSVP by Aug. 5. Call (708) 245-2904.

18 The Chicago Artists’ Coalition reveals its new space during the “Starving Artist” celebration at 7 p.m. at the gallery’s new location, 217 N. Carpenter. Tickets are $125;
$150, if purchased at the door.
Call (312) 491-8888; chicagoartists
coalition.org.

Cool down while sampling frozen treats made locally and across the Midwest at the Chicago Ice Cream & Gelato Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Grand Piazza, 1431 W. Taylor. The cost is $25. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House. Visit chicagoicecreamfestival.com.

20 The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds; U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and U.S. Navy Blue Angels dominate the sky during the 53rd Annual Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach, North Avenue at Lake Shore. Visit explorechicago.org.

24 Ke$ha presents the “Get $lezy Tour” with LMFAO and Spank Rock at 7:30 at Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Lynn White. Tickets range from $35-$49.50. Call (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com.

Learn to rumba during a ballroom dance lesson, featuring music by the Dick Elliott Orchestra, at 6 p.m. at Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling. Call (847) 465-2300.

26 Spend the day exploring the Pilsen neighborhood during a Chicago Tourism Urban Excursions outing from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Buses leave from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph. Tickets are $12, and includes lunch and transportation. Visit explorechicago.org.

29 The beaches close on Labor Day. Quick, get to the lakefront for a swim!

31 Talk about a fun night: our great skyline, live music, cocktails and the Shedd Aquarium’s exhibits. From 5 until 10 p.m. at Jazzin’ at the Shedd. Tickets: $12-$18, adults, $10-$16, children; sheddaquarium.org