Weekend picks: Laugh with Leno at the Genesee, Paramount

Funny talk

Catch up with former “Tonight Show” TV host Jay Leno when he performs standup at two locations this week: First at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com, $48-$128; then at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com, $89-$109. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in Waukegan and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in Aurora

'Breaking Bad' man

Comedian Bill Burr, famed for playing Patrick Kuby on the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” takes to the stage to share his standup act for three shows starting Thursday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $45-$55. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 29-31

Freaky Deaky dance

Nestled within the confines of Toyota Park, 7000 Harlem Ave., in Bridgeview, you'll find the freakiest fall festival this side of Sleepy Hollow. Freaky Deaky is growing into one of the biggest Halloween events in the Midwest, and a look at the lineup shows why: It features headliners Bassnectar, 2 Chainz, Armin van Buuren, Big Gigantic, Pretty Lights, Carnage and more - plus loads of local talent including Delusive, Mario Florek, Milk n Cooks, Midnight Conspiracy and DJ GoodSex. This year it also offers killer new staging, a creepy costume contest and an expansion across three days instead of just one. Three-day general admission tickets start at $189 plus fees; single-day tickets start at $89. freakydeakyhalloween.com. 2 to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1

'Intrinsic' art

See works by Addison artist Annette Perone Leiber at a free artist's reception for her solo art show, “Intrinsic,” in the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Gallery at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst. The show includes 75 works of art including paintings, mixed media sculpture and watercolors. Leiber has her pieces in collections across the country - including in the White House. The show runs through Friday, Dec. 4, in the EAG Gallery at the museum. The first Friday of each month is the museum's free admission day. Regular admission is $7-$8 and free for EAM members, students and kids younger than 18. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed Monday. elmhurstartistsguild.org. Free reception runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30

Tell us a scary story

Professional storytellers like Bill Oberst Jr., Carol Birch, Oba William King, Jim May and Megan Wells share ghost stories, fables and spooky tales from the late acclaimed science-fiction writer Ray Bradbury, a Waukegan native, at the 10th Annual Ray Bradbury Storytelling Festival at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $7.50. geneseetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30

Story spinner

Get ready to laugh at plenty of quirky and wryly observational tales by spending An Evening with David Sedaris. The best-selling author of books such as “Naked” and “Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls“ appears tonight at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $54-$69. (800) 982-2787 or auditoriumtheatre.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30

Vocally assured

Hear some heavenly harmonies with the Grammy Award-winning Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension in concert this weekend at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $50-$60. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

Local native

See why former Chicagoan Drew Michael won a previous Laughing Devil Comedy Festival in New York by catching one of his standup gigs this weekend at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

Lombard's costume ball

Halloween is upon us. While plenty of night life establishments welcome costumes this weekend, Lombard's Brauerhouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard, takes it one step further with the evening's entertainment also dressing up ... as their favorite bands. Check out a full night of music as Bleach goes grunge as Nirvana, The Sailor Kicks suits up as Cake, This Obsession plays as Alkaline Trio and Fersher as Sublime. The Brauerhouse of Horrors Costume Ball is an 18-and-older event. $7 in advance; $10 at the door. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com. 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30

'Gremlins' at midnight

Show up late Friday night to see miniature monsters wreak havoc in a small town in a midnight showing of the 1984 comedy/fantasy film “Gremlins.” Watch it at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. The film, directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, is rated PG. $5. (630) 968-0219 or classiccinemas.com. Midnight Friday, Oct. 30

Sacred vs. flesh

Richard Wagner's “Tannhäuser” is inspired by the medieval German legend of the poet and songwriter torn by his Christian faith and pagan pleasures. See this epic 1845 opera in a revival of the Metropolitan Opera's traditional 1977 production as part of the Live in HD series on Saturday at select movie theaters in Deer Park, Mount Prospect, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, Crystal Lake, Bloomingdale, Addison, Woodridge, Warrenville, Naperville, Rosemont and more. Prices vary by venue, but largely $24, $22 seniors and $18 students. fathomevents.com. 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; encore screening at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4

'Lamplight Stories'

Take part in an outdoor evening of ghoulish tales at the Lamplight Stories program at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Participants are advised to dress for the weather. The program is for ages 15 and older; those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. These scary stories are not recommended for younger children. Free. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.com. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

'The Headless Horseman'

See a staged radio drama of Washington Irving's classic tale “The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow” at the Improv Playhouse, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The 60-minute adaptation is suitable for all audiences. Improv Playhouse will celebrate Halloween with treats, a costume contest and a few surprises. Advance tickets costs $12 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets at door cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for students ($2 off for those wearing a Halloween costume). (847) 968-4529 or improvplayhouse.com. 7:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

Mexican heritage

The music, costumes and choreography of different Mexican regions are faithfully presented and preserved by the troupe Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, which performs Saturday at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $25-$28; $18-$20 kids ages 12 and under. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

Scary symphony

Saint-Saens' “Danse Macabre,” Mussorgsky's “Night on Bald Mountain” and Stookey's “The Composer is Dead” are just three selections in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra concerts “Musical Chills and Thrills” conducted by Andrew Grams this weekend at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $30-$65; $10 students. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1

KISS cover

The Arcada Theatre invites you to Rock and Roll All Nite with a Halloween Party featuring the KISS tribute band Mr. Speed on Saturday at 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $29-$39. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

Double Door's Halloween Bash

The Double Door's annual costume event is now TWO costume events: In the main bar, Archie Powell & the Exports channels Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Valaska plays The Cure, The Noise FM dresses as LCD Soundsystem and Blackbox performs as The Doors. Head downstairs to Door No. 3, where you'll get to experience the legendary CBGB, where The Locals takes on The Ramones, The Sweeps performs as the Talking Heads, Absolutely Not & The Iceberg plays as Blondie and Black Bear/Brown Bear channels The Stooges. Double Door, 1551 N. Damen Ave., Chicago. $15 general admission; $25 for VIP. (773) 489-3160 or doubledoor.com. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

Gourds away

Bid adieu to Halloween at the Pumpkin Drop which features gourds being smashed, rolled and even catapulted into the air today at Keith Mione Community Park, on Midlothian Road between Route 176 and Winchester Road, Mundelein. No admission charge. (847) 566-0650 or mundelein.org. 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1

Shell shocked

Sir David McVicar directs a new production of composer Alban Berg's “Wozzeck” for the Lyric Opera of Chicago starting Sunday. The 1925 expressionistic masterpiece about a mistreated soldier slipping into insanity plays six performances only at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Sung in German with projected English translations. $20-$249. (312) 827-5600 or lyricopera.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1; then 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 7, 12, 16 and 21

Working with animals

Marvel at all kinds of exotic animals onstage when Jack Hanna appears in the Into the Wild Live! tour today at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $35; $20 kids. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1

Illinois Brass Band

The 30-member Illinois Brass Band performs its “God and Country” concert, featuring hymns, patriotic selections, Americana songs and cornet soloist Michael Ackerman, at the First United Methodist Church of Lombard, 155 S. Main St., Lombard. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $12 at the door for adults; $5 in advance or $6 at the door for kids 18 and younger. Purchase in advance at illinoisbrassband.org 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1

Concerts

The U.S. Navy Band's Commodores: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave., Highland Park. The U.S. Navy Band's premier jazz ensemble performs jazz and popular music. Free; limited seating. For information, and to request free tickets, email hpnavyjazz@gmail.com with your name, group affiliation (if applicable) and number of tickets requested.

Blood, Sweat & Tears with Bo Bice: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39-$79. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com.

Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Tickets cost $50; stage tables cost $60. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.

Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.

Wheaton College Conservatory of Music's Family Weekend Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Wheaton College's Edman Memorial Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Performances by the Wheaton College Concert Choir, Men's Glee Club, Women's Chorale and Jazz Ensemble. Tickets only available at the door. $10 general admission; $5 seniors older than 60; free to all students and Wheaton College ID holders. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra with “Musical Thrills and Chills” concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets start at $30. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org.

Arcada's Halloween Party with Mr. Speed Tribute to KISS: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Rock. $29-$39.

Fletcher Rockwell: 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Basecamp Pub & Eatery, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. Americana rock. $5. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.

Kwame Binea Shakedown, Send in the Clones: 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Ballydoyle's Irish Pub, 5157 Main St., Downers Grove. Soul, rock. ballydoylepub.com.

Toronzo Cannon Band: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Funky blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.

Ensemble Aubade at Morton Arboretum's Chamber Concert Series: 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Thornhill Education Center at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Classical; reception follows the performance. $30. (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org.

Illinois Brass Band with “God and Country” concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the First United Methodist Church of Lombard, 155 S. Main St., Lombard. Hymns, patriotic selections and Americana music. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $12 at the door for adults; $5 in advance or $6 at the door for kids and students 18 and younger. illinoisbrassband.org.

Dua Amal: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Pianists Yaron Kohlberg and Bishara Haroni. $30-$52. (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org.

Pianist Michael Fetzer with “Days and Seasons” recital: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. A reception follows the concert. A freewill offering will be taken. (847) 742-2025.

Tanya Tucker: 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles: Country. $39-$99. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com.

Information is provided by the entertainment venues. Check with the venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.