Sam Smith tops hot Chicago tickets this weekend

While there are a lot of suburban entertainment options this weekend, here are five events well-worth the drive into the city:

<h3 class="briefHead">1. Grammy favorite Sam Smith. </h3>

The English singer-songwriter behind the hit "Stay With Me" is up for six Grammys - including all the biggies: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist. His Friday concert is officially sold out, but there are tickets out there for the grabbing. The show's at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago. Tickets cost $38.50-$84. uicpavilion.com

<h3 class="briefHead">2. The return of 'Stomp.'</h3>

The internationally acclaimed percussion revue "Stomp" returns with new routines and odd objects at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. See it at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Jan. 21-23; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24; and 2 and 7: 30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. broadwayinchicago.com.

<h3 class="briefHead">3. Chris Tucker at the Chicago Theatre.</h3>

The actor/comedian best known for his "Rush Hour" films with Jackie Chan brings his standup tour to Chicago for an 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, performance at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Tickets cost $55.50-$75.50. ticketmaster.com

<h3 class="briefHead">4. Puccini's tragic 'Tosca.'</h3>

Puccini's classic 1900 opera returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago in a new production by director John Caird for a 10-performance run starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. $20-$399. lyricopera.org.

<h3 class="briefHead">5. Bulls vs. Heat.</h3>

Catch this key matchup between old rivals at noon Sunday, Jan. 25, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Tickets cost $16-$400. ticketmaster.com.