Best bets: Soak up some Blues Brothers at Ravinia

Posted July 03, 2012 6:00 am

By Scott C. Morgan

Jim Belushi and Dan Aykroyd appear as The Blues Brothers and perform with The Sacred Hearts at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park.

Blues brothers

Those who don't want pale imitations of iconic fictional Chicagoans Jake and Elwood Blues had better not miss a chance to see original star Dan Aykroyd, along with Jim Belushi (brother of the late John Belushi), starring in The Blues Brothers performing in concert with The Sacred Hearts this Wednesday at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $70 reserved; $27 lawn seating. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 11

Worldly wine

More than 50 wines from around the world are offered as part of tonight's Uncork Barrington 8th Annual Wine Tasting at 201 Spring St., Barrington. $50 (includes a souvenir wineglass). (847) 304-3400 or uncorkbarrington.com. 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 10

Party like it's 1599

Celebrate the rituals and pageantry of Tudor England when the Bristol Renaissance Faire returns this weekend for another season just across the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Head north to 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wis. $19.95. $9.50 kids. (847) 395-7773 or renfaire.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, July 7 through Sept. 2, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3

'Idol' touring

You've seen the likes of Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchezand Josh Ledet on the singing reality TV series, so now see them in person with other finalists when the American Idol Live! Tour 2012 plays Saturday at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $29.50-$65. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, July 7

Cultural China

Ancient Chinese music and dance are showcased on a lavish scale when the Shen Yun Performing Arts returns for a weekend engagement at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. $60-$200. (800) 515-3468 or shenyunperformingarts.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Anime attractions

Die-hard fans of “Japanamation” and other Japanese pop art won't want to miss the weekend-long festival Anime Midwest 2012 at the Wyndham Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle. $35 for a weekend pass; $25 for single-day admission. (630) 226-9700 or animemidwest.com. 3 p.m. Friday, July 6, through 6 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Broadway belter

Tony Award-winning Broadway veteran Idina Menzel (“Wicked,” “Glee”) teams up with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and conductor/composer Marvin Hamlisch for a splashy Sunday concert featuring show tunes and pop hits atthe Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $90 reserved; $10 lawn seating. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 5 p.m. Sunday, July 8

Silly Sullivan

North Central College's Summer Musical Theatre presents the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operetta rarity “Princess Ida,” which lampoons women's education in medieval England. Catch it starting Tuesday at North Central College's Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. $15; $10 for students/seniors. (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, through Saturday, July 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, July 15

American Idol top three finalists Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and Josh Ledet are set to appear as part of the American Idol Live! Tour 2012 at the Allstate Arena on Saturday, July 7. AP File Photo

The Bristol Renaissance Faire returns for a summer full of jousting and other Elizabethan fun.

Tony Award-winner and Broadway veteran Idina Menzel ("Wicked," "Rent") is set to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and conductor/composer Marvin Hamlisch at 5 p.. Sunday, July 8 at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park.

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