Weekend picks: Comedian Tony Rock comes to Schaumburg

Funny spot

Catch up with comedian Tony Rock (HBO's "Def Comedy Jam," Oxygen's "Can You Tell?") when he returns to town for a series of standup performances starting Thursday at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $17 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5; 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Drake Bell in Downers

Drake Bell, who played a music-loving teen (and performed the theme song) on the hit Nickelodeon series "Drake & Josh," shows off his actual musical chops at the Tivoli Theater, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove Thursday, Nov. 5. Joining him are Liberty Deep Down, Marcello & Mike, Shorewood musician Lindsay Kent, Glen Ellyn singer-songwriter Emilie Rose Danno and 2015 Illinois State Battle of the Bands winner Clear Confusion. General admission tickets start at $25; VIP meet-and-greet tickets start at $45. brownpapertickets.com. 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5

'Mindy' on screen

Glen Ellyn native Aaron Williams and his Aaron Williams Band have had a busy year. Not only is Williams the founder and organizer of the Homegrown Music Festival, which brought a slew of DuPage musicians, artists and fans to Lisle this July, but the band wrote and performed the title track for the locally produced feature film "Mind Over Mindy" (which enjoys a gala screening at Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville Thursday, Nov. 5). "Mind Over Mindy" screening, featuring a performance by the Aaron Williams Band, meet-and-greet with cast and crew and more, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 N. Route 59, Naperville. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; mindovermindy.com.

Modern master

Celebrate the amazing artistic achievements of Tony Award-winning modern dance choreographer Twyla Tharp when her company's 50th Anniversary Tour plays a string of performances starting Thursday at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $33-$103. (800) 982-2787 or auditoriumtheatre.org. 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 5-7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Pretty decor

Find decorative items for your home at the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka 2015 show and sale this weekend at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. $15-$20 three-day admission. (847) 446-0537 or thewinnetkashow.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Something fishy

See displays featuring alligators, an octopus and more while getting ideas for your home aquarium at the Aquatic Experience Chicago this weekend at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $10 daily tickets; $30 all-day tickets (includes all seminars); $99 weekend pass. (847) 303-4100 or aquaticexperience.org. Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Ready, set ... shop

Kick off your holiday shopping at the fifth annual Wilder Mansion Holiday Market at the historic mansion in Wilder Park, 211 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Find one-of-a-kind items including jewelry, handbags, hats, glass, ceramics, gourmet food, candles and more. More than 50 artisans and culinary food vendors will be on hand. Free admission. rglmarketingforthearts.com. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

First Friday Art

Meet artist Jeanne Garrett and see photographs from her travels across the globe at the First Friday Art event at Moon Art Gallery, 15 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Garrett's exhibit also includes her photos from the Reagan/Bush campaign in Illinois in the 1980s. Refreshments will be served. Garrett's art will be displayed for the entire month of November. Free. (708) 431-1420 or moonfineartgallery.com. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

SpinOff 2015

See Chicago and world dance premieres, as well as excerpts from works-in-progress, at the free SpinOff 2015 contemporary dance series at various Chicago venues through Saturday, Nov. 21. Opening weekend features the world premiere of "And We Shall Be Rid of Them" by Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, at the Dance Studio in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 W. Washington St., Chicago. SpinOff 2015 was created by emerging and established artists from the Midwest. For a full schedule, visit cityofchicago.org/dcase. 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7; performances runs through Nov. 21

Your eyes only

Scottish pop star Sheena Easton ("Morning Train (9 to 5)," "Strut") performs in concert on Friday at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $29-$69. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

Impersonator extraordinaire

See if William Shatner, John Madden or former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton pop up in the upcoming shows of comedian and impressionist Frank Caliendo this week: first at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, $38-$48, (847) 263-6300 or genesee theatre.com; then at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, $50-$60, (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, in Waukegan and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in Aurora

Back in 'Control'

R&B superstar Janet Jackson returns to the Windy City with her "Unbreakable World Tour" at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $50-$200. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

Structural choreography

Jessica Lang Dance presents a repertory program featuring the world premiere piece "Tesseracts of Time" that was created as part of the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial tonight at Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. $35-$125. (312) 334-7777 or harristheaterchicago.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

Heads up

Watch participants roll, smash and launch pumpkins with a trebuchet built by Vernon Hills High School's science department at a Pumpkin Launch in Century Park North, 1401 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills. Take part in other pumpkin-related activities, too. While the pumpkin launch is sold out, it's free for spectators to watch. (847) 996-6800 or vhparkdistrict.org. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

Hammer head

Pianist Joaquín Achúcarro teams up with the Lake Forest Symphony under conductor Vladimir Kulenovic to perform music of Beethoven, Hayden and Grieg this weekend at College of Lake County's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $35-$59. (847) 543-2300 or lakeforestsymphony.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Boost the Boosters

Arlington Heights party rock cover band Exit 147 will be joined by rock band Train Wreck for the annual Hersey Booster Bash at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Exit 147 has been making a name for itself since 2007, playing classic rock favorites through current hits. Get some great food, hear some great music and support a great cause. 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Event lanyards are $20 and include admission, two drink tickets and appetizers, with all proceeds going to the Hersey Booster Club; cover at the door is $10. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

Tiny soldiers

See hundreds of small-scale soldiers and armaments when toy soldier enthusiasts display their vast collections at the annual Toy Soldier Show in the Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. The show is both an exhibit and sale. Free admission with paid $5 parking. cantigny.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Folk legends

See folk music icons Peter Yarrow & Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary in concert on Sunday at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $45-$55. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Season opener

The 85-member Palatine Concert Band opens its 61st season with a concert of classical, jazz and more at the Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. $5-$8. (847) 202-5222 or cuttinghall.org or palatineconcertband.org. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov 8

'The Art and Life of Frida Kahlo'

Get an in-depth, historical perspective on famed Mexican self-portrait artist Frida Kahlo in "The Art and Life of Frida Kahlo" in the next Naper Settlement History Speaks Lecture Series in Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.org. $7 adults; $6 kids ages 4-12. Reservations recommended. 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Crotchety character

Actress Vicki Lawrence famously played the elderly Mama as a young woman on "The Carol Burnett Show" and "Mama's Family." See if she's mellowed when Lawrence's memorable character appears on Sunday at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39-$59. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Concerts

Thundertones: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Wheaton College, Pierce Memorial Chapel, corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. The Thundertones are the a cappella group for the Wheaton College Men's Glee Club. Free. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu.

Chicago Master Singers "Brahms Requiem" concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (Divine Word), 2001 Waukegan Road, Techny. Classical and more. $15-$48. chicagomastersingers.org.

The Weeknd: The Madness Fall Tour: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. R&B. $39.50-$199. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Sheena Easton: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Pop and more. $29-$69. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com.

Harry Hmura Blues Band: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.

After Funk: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Thirsty Whale, 1700 S. Randall Road, Algonquin. Funk. (847) 458-8555 or thirstywhalebar.com.

Guitarist Davy Knowles: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $30-$40. (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu.

Veterans Day Sock Hop with The Bronx Wanderers: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $19-$35. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com.

Eddie Money: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Raue Center, 26. N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Rock. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org.

24th Street Wailers and The Belvederes: 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Rock, blues, R&B and more. $10. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

Sharon Lewis & The Texas Fire: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.

Jeff Haeger: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, Naperville, 25 E. Benton St., Naperville, Jazz standards by pianist, vocalist and composer Jeff Haeger. Freewill offering taken during intermission. (630) 355-1024 or loveandjustice.org.

Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Folk. $45-$55. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com.

Trio Melange: 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Soprano Susan Dennis, pianist Rosemary Schroeder and guitarist Quentin Dover form Trio Melange. Classical, jazz, country and folk music traditions of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia and Africa. $15 adult; $10 kids younger than 12. (847) 695-7096.

Palatine Concert Band: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Classical, jazz and more. $5-$8. cuttinghall.org or palatineconcertband.org.

Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band with "The Greatest Generation" concert: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Buffalo Grove High School Theater, 1100 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. Features soloist Wayne Messmer performing as both a vocalist and a narrator; jazz singer Leah Novak performing as soloist and leading a trio singing hits from the famed Andrews Sisters; solo violinist Michael Kleinerman performing the theme from "Schindlers List"; Howard Green playing the music of Artie Shaw; plus the debut of a BGSB commissioned symphonic band arrangement of "Brother Can You Spare a Dime." A collection of World War II memorabilia will be on display during the event. Tickets for adults cost $10 in advance/$12 at the door; $8 for seniors and students. (847) 459-2518 or tickets.bgsb.org.

Don Henley: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Country, rock. (312) 462-6300 or ticketmaster.com.

Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra with violinist Rachel Barton Pine: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Elgin Commmunity College's Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $13-$24. (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu or eyso.org.

Wheaton College Percussion Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at Wheaton College's Edman Memorial Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Tickets cost $5-$10 and are available only at the door. Free for all students and Wheaton College ID holders. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu.

Ninth Annual Veterans Celebration Concert: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at St. Charles North High School, 255 Red Gate Road, St. Charles. Songs from each branch of the U.S. armed forces will be played. Free. Register for tickets at scnmusic.com/veterans/. Priority ticketing and seating will be given to veterans. (331) 228-6416 or scnmusic.com.

Brian Wilson: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $43-$93; VIP tickets $250. (800) 982-2787, ticketmaster.com or geneseetheatre.com.

Frank Sinatra Jr.: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$125. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com.

Elgin Symphony Chamber Ensemble at "Tacos-n-Tchaikovsky" event: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Elgin Symphony Chamber Ensemble performs classic pieces from Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker" and more, followed by the group Run Forrest Run, performing hits from the 1990s. Tacos and margaritas are included with price of ticket ($22). (847) 649-2270 or searscentre.com.

Josh Turner: 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Country. $55-$65. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com.

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