Weekend picks: Kevin McCaffrey brings standup home to Zanies
Returning home
Comedian Kevin McCaffrey returns to his suburban roots for a series of standup sets at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $20 plus a two-item purchase. (630) 524-0001 or stcharles.zanies.com. 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, and 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Little City artists
Shop for artwork, T-shirts, notecards and other works created by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the Little City Center for the Arts in Palatine at the Little City Art & Craft Showcase in the lower level of the J.C. Penney Court at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg. All proceeds benefit Little City Foundation, an organization that assists people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. (847) 358-5510 or littlecity.org. Free. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 13-14
College creativity
Manifest is a student-run arts festival with more than 100 free public programs involving street performances, live bands, gallery walks, dance performances and more. It happens near Columbia College Chicago along the Wabash Arts Corridor in Chicago's South Loop between 9th and 11th streets. Free. (312) 369-1000 or column.edu/manifest. Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, May 13
Mammals of May
The Elgin Public Museum, at 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin, hosts its Mammals of May Science Night for kids and families. Learn about mammals in various shapes and sizes through experiments, demonstrations and a Mammal Olympics competition. $2. No registration required. (847) 741-6655 or elginpublicmuseum.org. 6 p.m. Friday, May 13
Eclectic pop
Fans of the 1970s British pop group Electric Light Orchestra won't want to miss seeing The Orchestra, a concert featuring former ELO members. The Orchestra performs at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39-$79. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 8 p.m. Friday, May 13
AM Taxi's mixtape
Chicago rock band AM Taxi debuts the new "Semi-Confessional (Mixtape)," which will be distributed digitally and on that perfect mixtape medium, the cassette tape, when they play with Crosstown, The Scissors and Blood People at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $5. (773) 489-3160 or doubledoor.com. 8 p.m. Friday, May 13
Benatar belongs
The four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter behind the hits "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Love is a Battlefield," among others, brings her intrepid style to the Genesee Theatre for "A Very Intimate Acoustic Evening With Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo." Singer-songwriter Todd Kessler, a staple on the Chicago music scene, opens with music from a new solo album awaiting release later this year. At the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $39.50-$95. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday, May 13
Scott Stapp rocks Austin's
Known for his distinctive tones, former Creed singer Scott Stapp was one of the more notable voices making up the palette of modern rock music in the 2000s. Overcoming a somewhat turbulent personal life, Stapp splits his time between devoting himself to outreach programs to help others and his solo musical career. Catch him when he performs at Austin's Fuel Room, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville. $25-$115. (847) 549-1972 or fuelroom.com. 8 p.m. Friday, May 13
'Free' eats
Those who really need to watch what they eat to stay healthy might want to consider paying a visit to the Gluten Free and Allergen Friendly Expo this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel, 1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $15 one-day pass; $25 weekend pass; $5-$7 kids. (630) 473-3202 or (847) 303-4100 or gfafexpo.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15
A day at the farm
Purchase organic plants for your garden and support the work of local farmers during the Organic Plant Sale & Farm Open House at Prairie Crossing Farm, 32400 N. Harris Road, Grayslake. Visitors can take a hayride tour of the farm. Plus, there's a seeding activity for children, live music, a close-up look at farm animals and more. Free. Event runs rain or shine (with some activities depending on the weather). Note: Enter Prairie Crossing via Route 45 at Jones Point Road. Follow signs to the farm. libertyprairie.org. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 14; hayride tours at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Fore!
Golf enthusiasts are invited to the Head to the Hills Family Golf Fest at the Palatine Hills Golf Course, 512 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Festival features games, instructional golf clinics, contests and raffles. Food and beverages available for purchase. Free. (847) 991-0333 or palatineparks.org. 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Twistin' the Night Away
Chester Gregory, an acclaimed Broadway veteran who started out in Chicago's theater scene, performs the music of Jackie Wilson, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke in his revue, "It's a Man's World," at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. $34. (847) 214-7188 or elgin.edu/arts. 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14
'Living Color' duo
Tommy Davidson and David Alan Grier, two stars of the 1990s FOX-TV comedy show "In Living Color," share a standup comedy bill at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $38-$48. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Trumpet man
Trumpeter Rex Richardson performs the "Rextreme Concerto," a new piece by composer James Stephenson written specifically for its guest soloist in two concerts this weekend by the Lake Forest Symphony under the baton of conductor Vladimir Kulenovic at the Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $35-$59. (847) 543-2300 or lakeforestsymphony.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15
Tennessee native
Fans of country hit songs such as "Take a Back Road," "Watching You" and "These are my People" won't want to miss Rodney Atkins in concert on Saturday, May 14, at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 Benton Ave., Naperville. $65-$85. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu. 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14
Breweriana Show
The Bullfrog Chapter of the Brewery Collectibles Club of America hosts its Spring Beer Can and Breweriana Show at the American Legion Hall, 514 S. Main St., Wauconda. See a wide variety of breweriana, including beer cans. Admission is $1. For details, call Ken at (847) 202-1877 or see bcca.com. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 15
How does your garden grow?
Learn about gardening, raising butterflies and other nature-related activities during the "God's Little Acre" planting and blessing event at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3201 Meadows Drive, Rolling Meadows. The church is planting vegetables to help those in need. Highlights include a picnic, crafts and a take-home plant for kids. Free. (847) 398-7122 or tlcrm.com. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15
20th Annual Museum Day
Elmhurst celebrates its 20th Annual Museum Day, where guests can ride a complimentary trolley to three Elmhurst museums, the Elmhurst Public Library and the Wilder Park Conservatory. The all-ages celebration features exhibits, tours, games, food trucks and more. Participating venues include the Elmhurst Art Museum at 150 Cottage Hill Ave.; the Elmhurst History Museum at 120 E. Park Ave.; and the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art at 220 Cottage Hill Ave. Free. elmhurst.org. 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 15
ESO Family Concert
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra Family Concert Series presents the Pidluski String Quartet - with Eric Pidluski and Jen Leckie on violin, Loretta Gillespie on viola and Sara Sitzer on cello - at the Gail Borden Public Library District, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Concert includes folk selections from Central America, Africa, Asia and other locations. Before the concert, guests are invited to try out instruments at a musical instrument petting zoo. Meet the musicians and have refreshments following the concert. Free. Tickets are available at the Gail Borden Public Library or at library district's Rakow branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin. (847) 742-2411 or gailborden.info. Preconcert musical instrument petting zoo at 1 p.m.; concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15
German heritage
Music director Lawrence Rapchak leads the Northbrook Symphony in music of Fasch, Weber and Schumann for the concert "Royal Treasures from Saxony" on Sunday at Glenbrook North High School's Sheely Center for the Performing Arts, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook. $30-$45; $8 kids and students with ID. (847) 272-0755 or northbrooksymphony.org. 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15
'It's De-Lovely'
Expect an outpouring of jazzy melodies and innuendo-filled lyrics in the intimate concert "Joan Curto Sings Cole Porter, From Major to Minor" at North Central College's Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $30-$35. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu. 6 p.m. Sunday, May 15
Upcoming concerts
Small Potatoes: 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, at the Westmont Public Library, 428 N. Cass Ave., Westmont. Folk, country, blues and more. Free. (630) 969-5625 or westmontlibrary.org.
Organist Tom Trenney: 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, at First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights. Free. (847) 255-5900 or fpcah.org.
The Knights of Columbus and AMVETS Post 66 present "An Evening With Elvis" with Ronnie "Elvis" Navarra: Cocktails at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. (concert follows dinner) Friday, May 13, at St. Joseph The Worker Church social hall, 185 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Tickets cost $25. All proceeds benefit community outreach programs. (847) 942-9580.
31st Annual Suzuki Concerto Concert: 7:15 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Wheaton College's Pierce Memorial Chapel, corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Advanced violin, viola, cello and piano students perform concerto movements by Beethoven, Hindemith, Schuman, Saint Sans, Levitin, Bach and Haydn. A string ensemble will play the Mendelssohn Octet. Free and open to the public. (630) 752-5567 or wheaton.edu.
Hard Drive Live 2016 Tour with Sick Puppies, Red Sun Rising, Stitched Up Heart, Hudson: 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, at House of Music and Entertainment, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Rock. For ages 21 and older. $18 general admission. (847) 577-4663 or homebarchicago.com.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo: 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Rock. (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com. For information, visit geneseetheatre.com.
Aterra Tale, Arsenal Road, Dragonfly Red, Cetan Clawson: 9 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Brauerhouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. Rock, alternative rock. $5-$8. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
Christian Collin Blues Band: 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues, rock. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlem avenuelounge.com.
Suburban Cowboys: 10 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Country covers. $7. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.
3 Pill Morning, They Never Say No, Emperors and Elephants, Eternity Fallen: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Penny Road Pub, 545 Penny Road, Barrington. For ages 21 and older. $10. pennyroadpub.com.
Rodney Atkins: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Country. $65-$85. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu.
Sneezy, Lay Down Loner, Red Jr., Namorado: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Fusion rock, indie rock. $12-$22. (773) 489-3160 or doubledoor.com.
Beatle Bros 30th Anniversary: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Tribute to the Fab Four. $10. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Twista, Mic One, Gee Dubb Beasto, Kat Fantasma: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at The Loaded Buffalo, 2061 W. Maple Ave., Mundelein. Hip-hop. $20-$99. (847) 949-0858 or loadedbuffalo.com.
Otto Mann, Western Settings, Lost Years, The Bigger Empty: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Quenchers Saloon, 2401 N. Western Ave., Chicago. Punk. $8. (773) 276-9730 or quenchers.com.
The Crane Wives, Wild Skies, Jared Rabin: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Indie-folk, Americana. $10. (773) 281-4444 or beatkitchen.com.
Brian Lupo Band: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Rockin blues guitar. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Afterlife featuring Snowmass, Arvii Mala, Goodsex, Sean Strange, Nikho and more: 10 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. $5, free before midnight. House, EDM. (773) 278-4646 or annex nightclub.com.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra Family Concert Series with the Pidluski String Quartet: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave, Elgin. Quartet performs folk works from Central America, Africa, Asia and other locations. Before the 1 p.m. concert, families are invited to the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the concert. Free. (847) 742-2411 or gailborden.info.
Pianist Reginald R. Robinson: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Forest View Educational Center Theater, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Ragtime. $20 adults; free for kids in grades K-12 when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets available at the door or at nscommunityconcerts.org. (847) 718-7702.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. and The Next Dimension: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39-$89. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
Northbrook Symphony Orchestra with "Royal Treasures From Saxony" concert: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the Sheely Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook. Classical. $8-$50. (847) 272-0755 or northbrooksymphony.org.
North Suburban Wind Ensemble: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Vernon Hills High School, 145 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. The ensemble performs "Fantasie Pastorale Hongroise," featuring flute soloist and band member Laurel Kaiser; "Star Wars Trilogy Medley," featuring the original movie scoring; and more. Tickets cost $5 and are available at the door. northsuburban windensemble.com.
"Joan Curto Sings Cole Porter, From Major to Minor": 6 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the Madden Theater at North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Cabaret. $30-$35. (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu.
Andrew McKnight: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Fatman Bowl, 13860 Rockland Road, Green Oaks. The Lake County Folk club hosts McKnight in a concert of folk and Americana selections. $10-$15. thelakecountyfolkclub.org.
The Dead Woods, Draft Week, The Flips: 8 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Township, 2200 N. California Ave., Chicago. Rock. $8. (773) 384-1865 or township chicago.com.
Cyndi Lauper: 8 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Pop. $40-$95. (312) 462-6300 or thechicagotheatre.com.
Carrie Underwood: 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $46-$79.50. (800) 745-3000 or ticket master.com.
Harry Connick Jr.: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Jazz pop. $49-$95. (312) 462-6300 or thechicagotheatre.com.
Paul Anka: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $65-$175. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
• Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with the venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, see dailyherald.com/calendar.