Smooth as silk: Silk Road Chicago: Summer 2006 will offer workshops and concerts until Sept. 30 that cover everything from Japanese calligraphy to Indian choreography. For a complete schedule of events, call 877-CHICAGO or see www.silkroadchicago.org .
All the world's a stage: Single tickets are now on sale for the 2006-'07 performances of The Center of Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park. Among the highlights are comedian Bill Cosby ( Sat., Sept. 30 ) , pianist Jim Brickman ( Sun., Dec. 10 ) , group Ladysmith Black Mambazo ( Sat., Feb. 17 ) and actress Lily Tomlin ( Fri., May 11 ) . Call 708-235-2222 or see www.centertickets.net .
To Hellman and back: Writers' Theatre opens its 15th season with Lillian Hellman's Another Part of the Forest, directed by William Brown, which runs at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, from Tues., Oct. 3, through Sun., Nov. 26. See www.writerstheatre.org or call 847-242-6000.
Rhythm of the night: On Wed., Oct. 4, 8:30-10:30 p.m., at Old town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, Luna Negra Dance Theater Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro and Afro-Peruvian singer Susana Baca discuss their collaboration and the creation process regarding the piece Mi Corazón Negro. The second part features Trio Perú and Perú Profundo, who specialize in Peruvian folkloric dance and music. Call 773-728-6000.
Picture this: The David Weinberg Collection will open Fri., Oct. 6 at 300 W. Superior, Suite 203, with, 'Reflections on a City,' a show of photographs. See www.d-weinberg.com .
Urban renewal: Sulzen Fine Art Studio, 2720 W. Saint Georges Court, will display the urban paintings and photography of Julie Sulzen and Dan Zamudio on Oct. 6-8, 14, 21 and 28. See www.sulzenfineartsstudio.com, e-mail jsulzen@yahoo.com or call 312-409-4618.
Snakes alive!: The 6th Annual North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade Show will take place Sat.-Sun., Oct. 7-8, at the Convention Center at Tinley Park Holiday Inn Select at 18501 S. Harlem, Tinley Park. Call 708-932-8044, e-mail info@narbc.com or see www.narbc.com .
A space about race: 'Wanna Be Part of the Human Race,' an exhibit by Shane Huffman—which includes a 12-foot-long sculpture made from fiberglass, cellophane and adhesive—will be shown at the Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell, until Sun., Oct. 8. See www.hydeparkart.org or call 773-324-5520.
Jazz it up: Project VIDA will host a 'Jazzy Affair' on Mon., Oct. 16, 5:30-9:30, at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. Shore Dr. The event will feature Lisa Porter & Her Jazz Trio and the guest speaker will be Rae Lewis-Thornton. Tickets are $75 each. Call 773-522-4570.
Trade in full: Chicago Women in Trades needs volunteers for its 25th-anniversary fundraiser, 'Building For Our Future,' which will be held Nov. 3 at Plumbers Hall, 1380 W. Washington. Call 312-942-1444 or see www.chicagowomenintrades.org .