Weekend picks: Comedian Brian Regan comes clean at Improv
Cleaner comedy
Comedian Brian Regan is famed for largely eschewing blue content, so he can reach out to more audiences. Regan continues his Improv Comedy Showcase engagement at 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $45 plus a two-item menu purchase. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, June 7
Fox River fun
The City of St. Charles RiverFest returns for its 31st edition this weekend complete with dragon boat races, dancing and even a “Fox Hunt” jewelry competition. It's located downtown and along the Riverwalk in St. Charles. Free admission. (630) 296-7683 or prideofthefox.org. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 7-8, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 10
Singing the blues
Otis Clay, Eddie Floyd and many others headline the five stages at the 2013 Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world, at both Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., and Grant Park, Jackson Street and Columbus Drive, Chicago. Free. Visit cityofchicago.org. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, June 7-9
Picnic in the Park
The Arlington Heights Park District kicks off its summer season with the annual Arlington Heights Picnic in the Park at North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street, Arlington Heights. The celebration includes live entertainment, food vendors, moonwalks and inflatable slide, face painting, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Bookmobile and other family activities. Free admission. (847) 577-3003, ext. 1 or ahpd.org. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 7
Meet the Honey Queen
Head out to Kline Creek Farm's honey house to meet Caroline Adams, the American Beekeeping Federation's 2012 Honey Queen. Guests can learn about the importance of bees to the environment and learn ways to help support them. For all ages. Free; no registration required. Kline Creek Farm is at 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.org. 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 7
Take a ribbing
Slip into a dark shirt and get your taste buds ready for some smoky bones and a cold one at the 15th annual Ribfest Chicago held in the Northcenter neighborhood where Lincoln Avenue, Irving Park Road and Damen Avenue meet. At the three-day barbecue fest, young noshers can head to Kids Square for inflatables, games and activities, while adults watch the Midwest's only sanctioned rib-eating competition. The tunes are nearly continuous with 20 bands performing. Suggested $5 donation. (773) 525-3609 or ribfest-chicago.com. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 7, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9
Bjorn to be mild
The 48th annual Andersonville Midsommarfest offers five stages of live performances from rock to salsa, lots of vendors hawking handmade wares and more than a few Swedish meatballs. Nearly 50,000 people are expected to help celebrate the area's Swedish heritage at the event, which features dances around a Maypole, performances by Nordic folk dancers, a showcase of more than 100 artisans, live music and kids' activities. Families will like the pet parade. The Swedish American Children's Choir, Nordic Folkdancers and Chicago Swedish Men's Chorus round out the Swedish entertainment at Clark Street and Foster Avenue, Chicago. Suggested admission $10, kids younger than 12 and seniors admitted free. (773) 728-2995 or www.andersonville.org/midsommarfest. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 7, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9
Fridays@5
Jump start the weekend with Fridays@5 at Gibby's Wine Bar, 1772 S. Randall Road, Suite 220, Geneva. Every Friday, enjoy a revolving menu of wines by the glass that run $8 to $12 or craft brews that are priced $4 to $7. Grab some light bites from the seasonal Tidbits menu like the artisan cheeses. Live musicians play from 6 to 8 p.m., including an eclectic lineup of local musicians playing jazz, funk, blues and more. No cover. (630) 208-6424 or gibbyswineden.com. Every Friday
Sting in concert
Veteran rock star Sting performs his hits during two shows at Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Rock. $115-$120; lawn $38-$43. Visit ravinia.org. 8 p.m. Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8
Love 1960s style
During her bachelorette party, a bride-to-be and her three friends consider dating, love and marriage in the 1960s-inspired musical revue “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. “I Will Follow Him” and “You Don't Have to Say You Love Me” are among the pop hits featured in the Fox Valley Repertory revival directed and choreographed by Geneva's Kyle Donahue, with music direction by Robert Deason. The show opens June 15. $32, $42. (630) 584-6342 or foxvalleyrep.org. Previews at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 7-8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Still rocking
The Scottish heavy-metal band Nazareth emerged way back in the late 1960s, but the band continues to spur fans to raise their lighters (or is it cellphones these days?) at concerts. The band is probably still best known for its 1975 album, “Hair of the Dog,” a hard-rock classic. The title song was a huge hit, and the band's strident cover of the song “Love Hurts” may be the original power ballad. Nazareth performs at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets start at $29. Go to oshows.com. 8 p.m. Friday, June 7
Wild Child
The rock/hard rock band Wild Child headlines at The Cubby Bear North, at 21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire. The band plays rock guitar anthems from groups such as Kiss and Bon Jovi, along with selections from artists including The Killers and Usher. $5. (847) 541-4700 or cubbynorth.com. 10 p.m. Friday, June 7
Art in Arlington
See the works of 130 juried artists from around the country at the Promenade of Arlington Heights, at Campbell Street and Vail Avenue, Arlington Heights. Media includes ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media, paintings, drawings, photography, printmaking, wood and furniture. The Taste of Arlington Heights features dishes and drinks from many Arlington Heights notable restaurants. Other highlights include live music and art activities for kids. Free admission. (847) 926-4300 or promenadeofartarlingtonheights.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9
Japan Festival
Learn about the history and culture of Japan at Japan Festival 2013 at Elk Grove High School, 500 W. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Events include two entertainment stages, food and kids' activities, demonstrations of Sumo, Japanese flower arranging, a tea ceremony and more. Free. (847) 718-4400 or eghs.d214.org or japanfest-chicago.org. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 8, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Viva la Fiesta!
Brookfield Zoo hosts Viva la Fiesta!, a celebration honoring Hispanic culture and traditions including authentic fare, local and international bands and dancers, art displays, animal “Zoo Chats” and more. Brookfield Zoo is at First Avenue and 31st Street in Brookfield. Regular zoo admission is $10.50-$15; parking is $10. Visit czs.org. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9
Judy Blume movie event
Best-selling author Judy Blume will attend a screening of the film adaptation of her 1981 young adult novel “Tiger Eyes” at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Blume will also take part in a Q&A session with the audience and will sign copies of the movie edition of her book. The event is being hosted by Anderson's Bookshop. Admission to the event requires the purchase of Blume's book from Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, (630) 355-2665, or from Anderson's Bookshop at 5112 Main St., Downers Grove, (630) 963-2665, along with a $5 event ticket. Visit andersonsbookshop.com. 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8
'What, Never?'
“H.M.S. Pinafore” isn't the first comic operetta by the team of Gilbert and Sullivan, but it is the one that launched the duo into superstardom. Light Opera Works revives this ever-popular 1878 comic operetta for a limited run starting Saturday at Northwestern University's Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. $32-$92; half-price for ages 21 and younger. (847) 920-5360. lightoperaworks.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, June 8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Symphonic scrapers
The Chicago Sinfonietta presents the concert “City-Scapes” this weekend, which features a world premiere “ChiScapes” suite of music inspired by Chicago architecture compiled by composer Jennifer Higdon. Catch it at two locations: North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, $40-$50, then at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, $26-$50, $10 students. (312) 236-3681, ext. 2, or chicagosinfonietta.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, June 8, in Naperville; 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9, in Chicago
Hip-hop happening
Too White Crew brings hip-hop to the House of Music and Entertainment, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. And it only costs $7. Visit homebarchicago.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, June 8
Rolling down the rails
Model train fans can find a variety of pieces for their collections at the Kane County Railroadiana and Model Train Show and Sale at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. The show features model trains and operating layouts. Railroad collectibles include items used by railroads such as lanterns, china, silverware, keys, locks, timetables, train parts and maps as well as books, photography and DVDs on railroad topics. Admission is $5.50, children younger than 12 admitted free. Visit rrshows.com. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Windmill warrior
State Street Dance Studio presents its ballet version of the famed Cervantes tale “Don Quixote” Sunday at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $37. (630) 232-0444 or statestreetdancestudio.com. 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Time to listen
Fareed Haque and Tony Monaco play jazz and blues in “the Listening Room” at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. $20. Visit lakesidelegacy.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9
The 'march king'
Learn about the life of American composer John Philip Sousa, sometimes referred to as the “American march king” for his march compositions, as actor and historian Terry Lynch portrays Sousa at a History Speaks Lecture program at the Naper Settlement's Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. For all ages. $5-$6 in advance; $6-$7 day of the event. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.org. 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Anniversary jazz
The Jazz Consortium Big Band celebrates its second anniversary with cake, CD raffles and a special concert Sunday at Durty Nellie's's Pub, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $10 cover; $5 students ages 17 and younger. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com. 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Danger Zone
Kenny Loggins performs his big 1970s and '80s hits like “Footloose,” “Danny's Song” and more Sunday at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $59-$125. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Girls' night at Ravinia
Enjoy the folk/rock stylings of Joan Baez and the Indigo Girls on a double-bill at Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Tickets cost $55-$65; lawn $27-$32. Visit Ravinia.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Get out your dancin' shoes
Singles and couples are welcome to dance the night away when The Bobby Sanders Orchestra performs a Big Band Dance at the Metropolis Ballroom, 6 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. $15 per person. (847) 392-0918. 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 9
Pitbull/Ke$ha double-bill
The dance beats promise to be loud and powerful during the concert featuring rapper-producer Pitbull and bad-girl popster Ke$ha. Both deliver a glittery, polished and flamboyant brand of music, with Pitbull often adopting the persona of a suave but socially conscious ladies' man while Ke$ha swaggers through lyrics about her partying lifestyle. The pair arrives at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland, Tinley Park. $32 to $138.50. Go to livenation.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9