Weekend picks: Get the blues at Chicago fest
Serious blues
Shemekia Copeland, Irma Thomas and Toronzo Cannon are just some of the headliners for the Chicago Blues Festival this weekend at Grant Park near the intersection of Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard, Chicago. No admission charge. (312) 742-3918 or chicagobluesfestival.us. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, June 10 to 12
Awesome again
The latest family-friendly 4D film “Lego Nexo Knights: The Book of Creativity” makes its debut this weekend at the Legoland Discovery Center Chicago at Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. Tickets start at $15.30 if purchased online. (847) 592-9700 or legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 12
Party in the park
Close out your workweek with Miller Lite Party in the Park Fridays at Arlington Park. Murley, a funk-blues-rock band from the Northwest suburbs, headlines the party at 4 p.m. Friday, June 10. Dance to their catchy jams while you sample food and drink specials, along with a chance to join the “Pool Party” by teaming up with fellow guests to bet on the races. At Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. For admission tiers, call (847) 385-7500 or visit arlingtonpark.com. 4 p.m. Friday, June 10,
Classical evening
Pianist Shani Diluka presents a classical concert featuring works by Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and others in Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Admission is $10. No lawn sales. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. Gates open at 5 p.m.; concert at 6 p.m. Friday, June 10
'misplaced/displaced'
See works by Wheaton-based painter Danielle Crilly in the new “misplaced/displaced” art exhibit at Re-invent Gallery, 202 Wisconsin Ave., Lake Forest. Crilly has a refugee-related theme in many of her works. Free; donations accepted at exhibit's opening reception for the Renew not-for-profit organization in Wheaton. (224) 544-5961 or reinventlf.com. Open during regular gallery hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Sunday by appointment; through Saturday, July 16. Opening night reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 10
Opera crossover
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performs pop, opera and other classical crossover favorites with special guest soprano Renée Fleming tonight at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $75-$375; $15-$20 parking. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 8 p.m. Friday, June 10
Comedy combat
More than 40 comics compete locally in The World Series of Comedy starting Wednesday, June 8, at the Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or rosemont.zanies.com or theworldseriesofcomedy.com. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, June 10; and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Comedy by Chang
Catch up with comedian Eliot Chang (“Chelsea Lately,” “Minority Report”) as he continues his run of standup performances this weekend at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $23 plus a two-item purchase. (630) 524-0001 or stcharles.zanies.com. 8 p.m. Friday, June 10; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Funny moves
Comic actors from The Second City and dancers from the modern dance troupe Hubbard Street Dance Chicago team up for a revival of the critically acclaimed collaboration “The Art of Falling” for a 10-performance run starting Thursday at Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. $30-$99. (312) 334-7777 or hubbardstreetdance.com. 8 p.m. Friday, June 10 and 17; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, June 11 and 18; 3 p.m. Sunday, June 12 and 19; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16
Immature humor
Comedian Bert Kreischer (“Bert the Conqueror,” the Travel Channel's “Trip Flip”) shows off his standup routines dealing with his life as a “man-child” starting Friday at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, June 10; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, June 11; and 7 p.m. Sunday, June 12
Steve Knecht at Moe's
Downers Grove native Steve Knecht may not have had a lot of direct exposure to music in the late '90s, but listeners can definitely pick out the post-grunge influences in his punk-steeped pop-rock. The student of Berklee College of Music in Boston has been spending time playing up and down the East Coast, but he is back on some local stages with the Steve Knecht Band, featuring the talents of fellow Berklee students Gary Zucker of Glenview and Antonio Macomber, of Portland, Maine. Catch them when they hit Moe's Tavern along with the Frozen Ground Blues Band as part of their “Chaos and Confusion Tour” Friday. at Moe's Tavern, 2937 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $5. (773) 227-2937 or moestavernchicago.com. 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 10.
Dairy Breakfast and Stock Show
Live music, dairy demonstrations, wagon rides, a farm-style breakfast and hands-on activities are all featured at the Dairy Breakfast and Stock Show. Area 4H members will have their livestock projects judged during the event - and don't forget to pick your winner. It all happens on Saturday at Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. $10; $5 kids ages 2 to 10. (847) 724-5670 or glenviewparks.org/event/dairy-breakfast. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Going green
Learn about making the world a healthier place at Aurora GreenFest at the Prisco Community Center and McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. The family event features healthy living activities, a community trade show, a children's eco-village, an auto and bike expo, food and more. Free. auroragreenfest.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Japan Festival 2016
Celebrate the culture and traditions of Japan at Japan Festival 2016 at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Event features authentic Japanese fare, art, music, martial arts demonstrations, flower arranging, Taiko (Japanese drums), Minyo (Japanese folk dance) and more. $5 for ages 18 and older at the door. japanfest-chicago.org. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 12
1940s journeys
Learn about journeys behind enemy lines of occupied France during World War II as part of the special historical “Rails to Victory” train events this weekend at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. $15-$16.50. (847) 697-4676 or foxtrolley.org. 10:30, 11, 11:30 a.m., 2, 2:30, 3 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12
A day at the fair
Step back in time to the late 19th century at the Spring Valley Country Fair at the Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. This old-fashioned community fair showcases livestock exhibits, farm equipment, games, a bake sale, music and more. $3 per person; $12 per family; free for ages 3 and younger. parkfun.com. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12
Who you gonna call?
Before the new remake of “Ghostbusters” debuts this summer, see the original 1984 film directed by the late Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd on Wednesday, June 8, and Sunday, June 12, at select movie theaters in Batavia, Bolingbrook, Crystal Lake, Deer Park, Elgin, Evanston, Gurnee, Lake in the Hills, Lincolnshire, Lombard, Mount Prospect, Naperville, Niles, Northbrook, Schaumburg, Skokie, Vernon Hills and Warrenville. Prices vary by venue, but largely $9.75 and $6.75 for kids and seniors. Visit fathomevents.com for exact locations. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Festival farewell
Don't miss the final live broadcast from the Ravinia Festival of the popular American Public Media radio program “A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor” on Saturday at the Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $35-$65 pavilion seating; $10 lawn seating. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 4:45 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Lucky Boys in the sand
Lucky Boys Confusion headlines a day of sun and sand as Sideouts Bar & Eatery hosts its annual Bands in the Sand music festival. Check out the hard-rocking suburban natives as they roll out new music to cap off a day of volleyball and drink specials, also featuring Lake County's Gina Gonzalez and the Wingmen, Moon Money Band and 9-Spot. At Sideouts Bar & Eatery, 4018 W. Roberts Road, Island Lake. $10 for general admission; VIP packages are available. (847) 526-7174 or sideouts.com. 5 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Brass band's silver anniversary
The Illinois Brass Band celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special concert at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. The program features selections from the band's concerts during the last 25 years and the premiere of “Fanfare of Commemoration” by Andrew Wainwright. The piece was commissioned specifically for the anniversary concert. Former Illinois Brass Band members are invited to bring their musical instruments to join the group in the final number. Free; donations accepted. illinoisbrassband.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11
Laugh master
The multitalented comedy genius Mel Brooks is on hand for a special screening of his 1970s western spoof “Blazing Saddles” on Sunday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $78.50-$93.50. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, June 12
Here's the scoop
Enjoy ice cream sundaes and play old-fashioned games at the Batavia Ice Cream Social, during Batavia Flag Day, at the Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Other highlights include the formation of a human flag, soapbox derby races, raffles, music performances by the Batavia Community Band and an All Things Batavia Red/White/Blue Market. Free. bataviaflagday.com. 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 12
Upcoming concerts
The Fortunate Sons at West Dundee's Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Friday, June 10, Grafelman Park, 4th and Main streets, West Dundee. The Fortunate Sons are a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band. Free. dtpd.org.
Blondie with The Smithereens: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Rock. $53-$73. (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com. For information, visit geneseetheatre.com.
The Cure: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, at UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago. $55-$85. uicpavilion.com.
Andrea Bocelli: 8 p.m. Friday, June 10, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Classical, pop and more. $75-$375. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Nightrain... The Guns N Roses Experience: 8 p.m. Friday, June 10, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St Charles. Rock; tribute to Guns N Roses. $15, Kids are free. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
Red Elvises: 9 p.m. Friday, June 10, FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Tribute to Elvis Presley, surf rock, disco and more. $15. fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Mike Wheeler Blues Band: 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 South Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Leah Turner: 10 p.m. Friday, June 10, Lucky Star, 1175 W. Lake St., Bartlett. Country. $5. (630) 830-7200 or luckystarbar.com.
Illinois Brass Band: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11, First United Methdist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, The band celebrates it's 25th anniversary, featuring brass band classics from band's first 25 years and more. Free. illinoisbrassband.org.
Steely Dan with Steve Winwood: 7:15 p.m. Saturday, June 11, First Merit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Lynn White Drive, Chicago. Rock. $39.95-$199.95. (312) 540-2668 or livenation.com.
The Cure: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago. $55-$85. uicpavilion.com.
Afterlife, featuring Kings of Class, GoodSex, Ramage, FLO, Zack Joseph, Amy Unland, Gabriel Blu and more: 10 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. House, EDM. Free before midnight. housemusicsavedmylife.com.
Jeanie B!: Noon Sunday, June 12, in the red bandshell at Cantigny Park, 1 S 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Kids' concert. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. Free with paid $10 parking fee. (630) 668-5161 or cantigny.org.
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma with members of Chicago Symphony Orchestra in “A Distant Mirror”: 3 p.m. Sunday, June 12, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $70-$99. (800) 223-7114 or (312) 294-3000 or visit cso.org.
Organ soloist Katie Moss: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12, Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Free; a freewill offering will be taken. (847) 358-4600 or clcpalatine.org.
Groundspeed: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 12, Capannari Ice Cream, 10 S. Pine St., Mount Prospect. Part of Capannari Ice Cream's Concerts in the Park series. Bring a picnic dinner, lawn chair for seating. Free. (847) 392-2277 or capannaris.com.
Florence and the Machine: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridegland, Tinley Park. Indie rock. $21-$160. (708) 614-1616 or livenation.com.
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: 8 p.m. Sunday, June 12, in pavilion at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Rock, pop. $80-$100. Lawn seats $38-$43. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org.
R-Gang at Independence Grove Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, Millennia Plaza amphitheater at Independence Grove, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville. motown, funk, sould, R&B. Picnic baskets welcome. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating. Parking is $6 per car after 5 p.m. on concert days for all preserve visitors. Cars are turned away when parking is full. To learn if lot is full or if concert has been cancelled due to rain, call (847) 968-3497 or lcfpd.org.
Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lutrell, James & the Drifters: 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $25. (773) 525-2501 or lh-st.com.
Libido Funk Circus at “Rockin' in the Park” concert series: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont, Rock. Food and beverage tents on the park's great lawn. Musical fireworks display after show. Free. rosemont.com.
Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.