Weekend picks: John Heffron brings comedy to Schaumburg's Improv
Funny business
Catch up with the season two winner of NBC's “Last Comic Standing” when comedian John Heffron returns on Thursday at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $19 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3; 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Canine convention
See canines compete for titles, get tips on training and more at the Skokie Valley Kennel Club Dog Show this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $7; $3 kids 12 and younger. (847) 692-2220, rosemont.com or skokievalleykc.org. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6
Happy shopping
Vendors from across the country will feature holiday gifts and crafts at more than 500 booths as Lambs Farm hosts the 35th Annual Holiday Lights Gift & Craft Fair at Arlington International Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Lambs will also sell items from the farm's bakery, country store and thrift shop. Admission is $8 per person. Parking is $7 per vehicle. A portion of the proceeds will help support Lambs Farm's programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Visit holidaylightslambsfarm.com for a coupon for $1 off admission and to enter to win free tickets. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Holiday on the Farm
Crafts, music and a bake sale highlight Holiday on the Farm at the Wood Dale Historical Society, 850 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale. Other events include a white-elephant sale, refreshments, a raffle and more. Free admission; donations are welcome. For information, call Judi at (630) 595-0360 or Ruth at (630) 766-6067. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
Farewell Nutcracker
The Joffrey Ballet retires company co-founder Robert Joffrey's take on Tchaikovsky's classic Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker” this season. See it one last time this month at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $35-$136. (800) 982-2787, joffrey.org or auditoriumtheatre.org. Various dates and times from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, through 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27
A holly, jolly concert
The Elmhurst Historical Museum sponsors the second annual Jolly Old St. Nicholas Concert at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, at 1099 S. York St., Elmhurst. The Elmhurst Damenchor, a women's chorus, will perform traditional German carols. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to the event, where they can have photos taken with St. Nick. Guests can have a cup of cocoa from a hot cocoa bar. Free admission. (630) 833-1457 or elmhursthistory.org. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
Holiday strings
Hunky string players share the holiday spirit with the concert A Well-Strung Christmas at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia. $36.50-$51.50. (630) 937-8930 or bataviafineartscentre.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
Toys on tour
See what happens when a country music star turns his talents toward the creation of a family holiday musical when Kenny Rogers presents “The Toy Shoppe” featuring Alan Thicke at the Belushi Performance Hall at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 452 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $55-$75. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
Crooner Marx at Genesee
Richard Marx, hailing from suburban Highland Park, has an impressive body of work behind him - eleven albums, three No. 1 singles and seven in Billboard's Top 5, plus numerous production and collaboration credits. Plus, he was one of the major players in the love ballad game in the '80s and '90s. Marx brings his award-winning, silky-smooth musical collection to Waukegan's Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $28-$68; (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
Hooray for Hollywood
Movie memorabilia fans can browse through thousands of collectible items including DVDs, movie magazines, posters, movie stills, celebrity autographs, film books and collectible toys at the Golden Age of Hollywood Show at the Holiday Inn North Shore, 5300 W. Touhy Ave, Skokie. Admission is $5 for adults; free for those under 18 when accompanied by a paying adult. goldenageofhollywoodshow.com. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 5
Skate with Santa
Families are invited to roller skate with St. Nicholas, the Minions and SpongeBob SquarePants at the Skate with Santa celebration at the Orbit Skate Center, 615 S. Consumers Ave., Palatine. Hot chocolate, candy canes and holiday music are also featured. Admission is $6 and includes skate rental. (847) 394-9199 or orbitskate.net. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 5 (for kids ages 10 and younger and their families), and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 (for kids ages 12 and younger and their families)
Mistletoe Market
Holiday shoppers can purchase handcrafted gifts, made by local artisans, at Cantigny's Mistletoe Market, inside the Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 S. Winfield Road, Wheaton. Events continue into the evening with the Holiday Festival, featuring seasonal music from the Canterbury Carollers and musicians from the Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand. Other highlights include horse-drawn sleigh rides ($2 per person), a live reindeer display, face painting ($3 per person) and holiday treats. The Robert R. McCormick Museum will host a Holiday Open House with Community Trees, the annual display of Christmas trees decorated by local nonprofit groups. Activities are free except where noted. Parking is $5; $2 after 4 p.m. cantigny.org. Events run 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Living Nativity
The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit presents two outdoor performances of the Living Nativity at the church, 150 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. Cast includes local actors, musicians and singers. Live animals will also be part of the presentation of the Christmas story. After each performance, guests are invited into the church for complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Handicapped-accessible parking and seating available. Admission is free. (847) 437-5897 or holyspiritlutheranchurchelkgrove.org. 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Classic rock and more
The Lauren Wolf Band has been honing its classic rock vibe with strains of soul, blues and pop since solidifying its sound for its latest album, last year's “Rise Up.” The band, with ties to Naperville, Warrenville and Northbrook, is playing Chicago's Bottom Lounge Saturday along with local acoustic rockers Band Called Catch, folk artist Steve Gilpin, alt.country musician Kevin Daniels and Evan Holmes from indie rock band Exit Ghost. Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., Chicago. $10; (312) 666-6775 or bottomlounge.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Clean and funny
Comedian Brian Regan has built a successful career by performing clean standup routines. Catch him live on Saturday at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $45-$55. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Holiday carols
Singer Michael McDonald performs his hits and other seasonal song favorites in the concert “This Christmas” at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39-$125; $150 VIP meet-and-greet package. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Driven rock night
Pop and folk tunes are nice, but sometimes you need a dose of hard-driving rock 'n' roll to help you get amped up for the weekend. Lombard's Brauerhouse obliges with a night of rock and metal, featuring three big Chicago-area talents: Driven Under, Emperors and Elephants and Arcane Framework, which calls McHenry County home. Brauerhouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $8; (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Give it a try!
Guests are invited to try playing a variety of musical instruments as the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts hosts a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Metropolis faculty will demonstrate the instruments and answer questions. Free. metropolisarts.com/sopa. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Horns aplenty
Hear all kinds of popular and classical tunes that have been transcribed or written entirely for horns when Canadian Brass plays two Sunday shows at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $40-$50. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu. 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Upcoming concerts
The Shades: 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Drum & Monkey, 1435 W. Taylor St., Chicago. Acoustic pop. (312) 563-1874 or facebook.com/drumandmonkeyus.
Stellar EP release party and show: 5:30 p.m. party and 7 p.m. show Friday, Dec. 4, at BaseCamp Pub & Eatery, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. Punk rock. Local band celebrates the release of its first EP. All ages. Pizza and pop will be served. Free. (331) 777-4712 or thebandstellar.com.
The Singers: 6 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Professional 40-member choir performs classical and holiday tunes and more. $10. (847) 266-5000 or ravinia.org.
Palatine Concert Band's Annual Holiday Concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Classical music, holiday selections and a visit from Santa Claus. $8 adults, $5 student/seniors, free for kids 12 and younger. palatineconcertband.org.
The Blind Boys of Alabama's Christmas Show: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Dominican University Performing Arts Center, 7900 W. Division, River Forest. Gospel. $26-$56. events.dom.edu.
Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at College Church, 335 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton. Classical and more. $17. (630) 415-3066 or gewchorale.org.
St. Charles Singers with the 32nd Annual “Candlelight Carols” Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles. Traditional holiday songs and more. $35 adult general admission, $30 seniors 65 and older, $10 students. (630) 513-5272 or stcharlessingers.com. Tickets are also available at Townhouse Books, 105 N. Second Ave., St. Charles (checks or cash only). Tickets may also be purchased at the door, depending on availability.
Richard Marx: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Pop/rock. $28-$68. (800) 982-2787, ticketmaster.com or geneseetheatre.com.
North Central College Jazz Faculty Christmas Concert: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Madden Theatre in Wentz Fine Arts Center at North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $20-$25. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.
Jared Rabin, Glass Mountain, Mad Bread: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Folk, acoustic, bluegrass. $8. (773) 404-9494 or martyrslive.com.
Cory Branan, Bittersweet Drive: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Country punk. $15. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com.
Nigel Mack & The Blues Attack: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Naperville Men's Glee Club with “Christmas Presence Advent Concert”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1450 Green Trails Drive, Naperville. Holiday music. Other performers include soprano Mary Elliott and vocalists from St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville. $12-$15. For tickets, call (630) 448-0518 or see napervillemensgleeclub.org. Tickets also available at the door prior to the concert (cash or check only).
Lauren Wolf Band, Band Called Catch, Steve Gilpin, Kevin Daniels, Evan Holmes: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., Chicago. Classic, folk and acoustic rock. $10. (312) 666-6775 or bottomlounge.com.
New Orleans Suspects: 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Funk, jazz, blues, rock and more. $15. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Driven Under, Emperors and Elephants, Arcane Framework: 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Brauerhouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. Hard rock, metal. $8. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
The Verve Pipe, Matt Hires: 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Alternative rock. $24. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com.
Canadian Brass: 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Brass ensemble performs baroque and Dixieland tunes, classical and new compositions. $40-$50. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.
BG Singers Encore!: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights. Encore!, the traveling vocal ensemble of the Buffalo Grove Singers, performs holidays tunes, Broadway selections and more. Free. Register at (847) 259-3500, ext. 35, phpl.info or by visiting the library's information desk.
Illinois Brass Band's “Holiday Classics” Concert: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Holiday favorites, jazzy updates of classics and more. $6-$12. Tickets available at Cutting Hall box office in advance or on the day of the performance. (847) 202-5222 or illinoisbrassband.org.
Fox Valley Men of Harmony with “Marshmallow World Holiday Concert”: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland, Elgin. Songs of the season performed in four-part harmony by Fox Valley Men of Harmony and local quartets. Show includes audience singalong. The Crystal Lake South High School Madrigal Group also performs. $10. (630) 587-6383.
The Queers, Top Shelf Lickers, The Mystery Actions, Bremer & the No Goods, The Retirement Club: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., Chicago. Punk rock. $15. (773) 537-4441 or 1stwardevents.com.
Acappellago with “Escape to A New Beginning” holiday concert: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. New music for Christmas as well as fresh arrangements of classic favorites. $15-$17. acappellago.org.
The Empty Pockets, Nate Jones, Mark Croft: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Americana rock. $25-$35. (312) 733-9463 or citywinery.com.
“A Carpenters' Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Vocalist Lisa Rock and her six-piece band performs holiday tunes once recorded by Karen and Richard Carpenter. $30-$35. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.
Michael Bolton: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Pop, rock. $48-$68. (800) 982-2787, ticketmaster.com or geneseetheatre.com.
Luke Winslow-King: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Blues, jazz guitar. $10-$12. (773) 281-4444 or beatkitchen.com.
Rhett Miller, Nora O'Connor, Gerald Dowd: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Americana rock. $25-$32. (312) 733-9463 or citywinery.com.
David Paige, Lillie Lemon: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Ballydoyle, 5157 Main St., Downers Grove. Alternative rock. (630) 969-0600 or ballydoylepub.com/downers/.
Glam Camp, Ocean Days: 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Indie rock. No cover. (773) 227-3530 or whistlerchicago.com.
Information is provided by the entertainment venues. Check with the venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.