Community news: Concerts in Oak Park and La Grange, Leyden artists lauded, more

Oak Park Arms kicks off a free summer outdoor concert series featuring The Caught Off Guards from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 5, July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18 at 408 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park. The eight-member band formed as a backing or live karaoke group after meeting at an open-mic session at the NAMI drop-in center, and they blend funk, R&B, jazz and blues for residents and visitors; rain will move performances to the ballroom. Information is available at 708-386-4040. Leyden High School students earned more than $2 million in college scholarships at the Illinois High School Art Exhibition held at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago, drawing over 4,000 attendees to view work by about 1,000 top students from more than 125 high schools in its 13th year; recipients include Bethanie Nambo, Isabel Gonzalez, Avi Rios, Estefania Jimenez, Sarai Molina, Hong (Senti) Nguyen, Nevena Doncheva, Antonina Saminska, Alexa Vargas, James McHugh and Olga Kruszecka. Americana duo Crowes Pasture performs at Wesleys Place Live Music in La Grange at 7 p.m. June 12, hosted by the First United Methodist Church of La Grange at 100 W. Cossitt Avenue; tickets are $20 at the door, with advance reservations at www.wesleysplacemusic.com. Separately, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington hosts a 30th anniversary open house for National Trails Day on June 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., featuring interpretive stations and opportunities to bike, drive or hike, while learning about the bison project and prairie restoration; June 6 was designated as an additional recreation fee-free day by the Forest Service.