Weekend picks: Under the Streetlamp makes most of Motown
Harmony time
Those former “Jersey Boys” stars who make up the ever-popular ensemble Under the Streetlamp are back again to sing Motown melodies and more this weekend at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $48. (847) 622-0300 or tickets.elgin.edu. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13
Cookery combo
Chef demonstrations, showcases of the latest kitchenware products and samplings of all sorts of hors d'oeuvres are just some of the activities included in The Great American Cooking Expo this weekend at Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. $15. See thecookingexpo.com. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13
Meet a legend
Chicago Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita discusses and signs copies of his book “Forever a Blackhawk” at Barbara's Bookstore, 810 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge. Free. Call (630) 920-1500. 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
It's a mystery
Meet published mystery authors including Raymond Benson (author of past James Bond 007 novels), Michael Harvey (“The Chicago Way”), Jeffrey Small (“The Breath of God”) and Robert Goldsborough (“Three Strikes You're Dead”) at the Vernon Area Public Library District's Love is Murder mystery writer's panel. The authors will discuss their newest works, along with their thoughts on publishing. Audience members can ask questions of the authors and network with other attendees. Book signings will follow the discussions at the library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. Free. Registration is required. (847) 634-3650 or vapld.info. 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Jan Brett and the 'Swedish Christmas Extravaganza'
Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville presents an author event with children's author and illustrator Jan Brett at Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St., Naperville. Brett will read from and sign copies of her two new books, “Home for Christmas” and “The Night Before Christmas” deluxe book and DVD edition. A “Swedish Christmas Extravaganza” is being thrown as part of the event. Tickets are required and come with the purchase of either of the new titles at Anderson's Bookshop. Children's tickets (ages 10 and younger) are an additional $2 each. (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com. 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Boomer nostalgia
“The Wonder Bread Years,” Pat Hazell's one-man show about growing up in post World War II America, comes to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $35-$40. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
White City ballet
Thodos Dance Chicago remounts choreographers Melissa Thodos and Ann Reinking's one-act ballet “The White City: Chicago's Columbian Exposition of 1893” alongside other works this Saturday at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $40; $38 seniors; $30 kids. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Laugh Out Loud tour
The Second City brings its Laugh Out Loud tour of the company's greatest hits from its 50-year history to Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39. (630) 584-6342 or foxvalleyrep.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Wry Sedaris
Celebrated author and essayist David Sedaris (“When You Are Engulfed in Flames,” “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk”) returns to Chicago for an evening of new readings and a book signing this Saturday at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $42.50-$57.50. (800) 982-2787 or auditoriumtheatre.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Root's music
Pittsburgh-based band Rusted Root, known for adding African and Latin rhythms to traditional rock music, will perform an intimate club show at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. Mr. Blotto opens. Tickets cost $30. Go to viper-alley.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Influential band
Before forming the legendary Chicago noise-rock band The Jesus Lizard in the early '90s, singer David Yow and bassist David Wm. Sims played together in an influential band called Scratch Acid, which emerged from the 1980s punk scene in Austin, Texas. The band's angular, abrasive take on punk sounded like nothing else at the time, and though never a huge commercial success, Scratch Acid continues to be beloved by rock connoisseurs. The band reunited for shows celebrating the 25th anniversary of Chicago label Touch & Go Records a few years ago, and it's playing a special show at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. $21. See metrochicago.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
‘Goodnight Moon'
Chicago Children's Theatre presents “Goodnight Moon,” a new musical by David Kersnar and Mark Messing, based upon Margaret Wise Brown's beloved children's book, at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $25-$35. (773) 871-3000 or Victorygardens.org. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13
Clara's world
Historian and actress Leslie Goddard portrays Clara Barton, Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross, in a first-person presentation at the Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Advance tickets cost $5-$6. Tickets at the door cost $6-$7. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.museum. 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13
Sounds of Simon
In light of his acclaimed 12th solo album “So Beautiful or So What?,” legendary pop and folk singer/songwriter Paul Simon tours in concert this Sunday at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $52-$127. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13