Weekend picks: Kool & the Gang brings the funk to RiverEdge

Good times

Expect to hear song hits like "Celebration," "Funky Stuff," "Ladies Night" and more when Kool & the Gang performs in concert with guest Thomas McClary, a founder of The Commodores, on Friday at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. $45. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24

Midsommar mirth

Geneva Swedish Days bills itself as the "Granddaddy" of Illinois festivals. It features a host of family-friendly activities with live music, a carnival, Kids' Day fun, a parade, Sweden Väst, Geneva's Got Talent, multiethnic food plus shopping in a historic downtown. Festivities continue through the weekend near the intersection of Third and State Streets, Geneva. No admission charge. (630) 232-6060 or genevachamber.com. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 26

Adapting ideas

The Chicago Abilities Expo provides people living with disabilities and caregivers a major showcase for new products and helpful workshops. The expo returns Friday to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Free admission, but advance online registration is suggested. (847) 303-4100 or abilities.com/chicago. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 24; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 25; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 26

Summer in Long Grove

Long Grove's Summerfest is just around the corner. While it typically is a haven for summery strawberry treats, it also has a good range of local musical talent. Catch sets by Mount Prospect folk rocker Dennis Caravello (the 2014 winner of the Suburban Chicago's Got Talent competition), Aurora's Kevin Presbrey, long-standing local jam band Mr. Blotto, EDM/power-pop rockers Frisky Taylor and more. See visitlonggrove.com for the full weekend schedule. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, June 24; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 25; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 26, in downtown Long Grove. Tickets cost $5 each day or $10 for a three-day pass (available online only). visitlonggrove.com.

Patchouli plays

The folk/acoustic duo of Bruch Hecksel and Julie Patchouli, known onstage as Patchouli, performs at a Waukegan Public Library Summer Courtyard Concert, in front of the library at 128 N. County St., Waukegan. In the event of rain, the concert will move indoors to the Bradbury Room in the library. Guests can bring a picnic lunch or purchase lunch on-site. Free. (847) 623-2041 or waukeganpl.org/concerts. Noon Friday, June 24

Rev up for Motoblot

Motoblot 2016 rolls into Chicago's Cobra Lounge this weekend, and it's drawing some of the area's best punk, rock and ska with it. Chicago punk rockers Naked Raygun headline the three-day music and hot rod festival, which also features Droids Attack and Black Tusk, plus many other local bands including Flatfoot 56, the North Avenue Stompers, The Crombies, Death and Memphis, The Beer Nuts and more. Don't miss the ride-in motorcycle and hot rod show and the Miss Motoblot pinup contest. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, June 24; noon to 3 a.m. Saturday, June 25; and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday, June 26, at Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. Single-day tickets cost $12 each; $30 for a VIP weekend pass. (312) 226-6300 or motoblot.com.

Tribute time

Most tribute bands cover just one group, but Four by Four features performers recreating music of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees and Motown on Friday at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia. $34.50-$46.50. (630) 937-8930 or bataviafineartscentre.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24

Folk and gospel

Tickets are scarce to see Bob Dylan and his band in his first Ravinia Festival performance since 1964. The singer-songwriter shares the bill with gospel and R&B great Mavis Staples tonight at 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $130-$160 pavilion seating (extremely limited); $54 lawn seating. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24

American English

The Beatles tribute band American English headlines the Palatine Park District's Sounds of Summer Concert at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Guests are invited to bring picnic baskets with food, along with chairs for seating. Free. Weather hotline for event is (847) 705-5123, Ext. 431. palatineparks.org. 8 p.m. Friday, June 24

Continued comedy

ABC may have canceled her sitcom "Cristela," but comedian Cristela Alonzo continues to force a comedy career via her "To Be Continued" podcast and live standup performances. See Alonzo several Zanies locations: at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 524-0001; then at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, (847) 813-0484. $25 plus a two-item purchase. zanies.com. 8 p.m. Friday, June 24, in St. Charles; and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, in Rosemont

Big Martin's house

Actor/writer/producer Martin Lawrence ("Big Momma's House," "Bad Boys") returns to his standup comedy roots for two shows this Friday and Saturday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $48.50-$253.50. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25

Oscar winner

Mo'Nique has a wide acting range from comedies like "The Parkers" to her Academy Award-winning turn in "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire." See her do standup comedy this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $43 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, June 24; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Sunday, June 25

In shape

Get ideas and exercise tips from workshops, lectures and even fitness competitions at The Fit Expo this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $25 daily admission; $40 two-day admission; $10 kids ages 12 and under. (847) 692-2220 or thefitexpo.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 26

Mighty Con Comic Show

Comic book enthusiasts can explore the Mighty Con Comic Show, which features gaming tournaments and contests, along with comics, toys, games, clothing and more, in Building 1 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Each person attending gets a free comic book and backpack at the door. One-day admission is $8 for adults; $12 for a weekend pass; free for kids 12 and younger. Free parking. facebook.com/geekinccomics. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 25, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 26

A hops happening

More than 40 breweries will be on tap for the third annual Craft Beer Festival on Saturday at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. $50 general admission; $70 VIP admission; $15 designated driver admission. (630) 725-2066 or mortonarb.org. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 25

Passion Pit Party

Massachusetts' indie-electronic wizards Passion Pit take the headlining slot at the World's Largest Block Party at Old St. Pat's Church. JD McPherson and Chicago's own 7th heaven also join the party, which helps to raise funds for community outreach with food, raffles and a bags tournament. 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the UIC festival lot, 1145 S. Morgan St., Chicago, between Taylor Street and Roosevelt Road. $30-$90. (312) 831-9369 or worldslargestblockparty.com.

Selena Gomez on tour

Multiplatinum singer and actress Selena Gomez is shedding her childhood persona and tackling meatier and more adult issues with her latest album, "Revival." Catch her when she brings her worldwide "Revival Tour" to Chicago's United Center. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Tickets start at $40.50. (312) 455-4500 or unitedcenter.com.

Country legends

Consider yourself lucky if you have tickets to see Willie Nelson and special guest Kris Kristofferson in concert on Saturday at RiverEdge Park, 360 Broadway, Aurora. Tickets were $50, but concert is now listed as being officially sold out. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25

Upcoming concerts

Kool & the Gang: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, River Edge Park, 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora. $45. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com.

Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Rock, folk, blues, gospel and more. $130-$160. Lawn seats $49-$54. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org.

Megon McDonough with "Show Folk" concert: 8 p.m. Friday, June 24, Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Folk music of the 1960s and beyond, including tunes made popular by Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Janis Ian and others. $30. (847) 677-7761 or skokietheatre.org.

Frank Bang & The Cook County Kings: 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.

Gavin DeGraw, The Fray: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, in pavilion at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $70-$90. Lawn seats $38-$93. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org.

Jimmy Buffett: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland, Tinley Park. $36-$136. (708) 614-1616 or livenation.com.

Selena Gomez: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, United Center, 1901 W. Madison, Chicago. Rock. $40.50-$100.50. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

DuPage Symphony Orchestra with "American Salute!": 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, Cantigny Park, 1 S. 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Ravinia-style outdoor concert. Lawn seating; chairs, blankets and picnics welcome. $30-$35. dupagesymphony.org.

Willie Nelson & Family with special guest Kris Kristofferson: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25, River Edge Park, 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora. $50. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. SOLD OUT.

Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers: 9 p.m. Saturday, June 25, FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $25. fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

90s Night with Foo Fighters and No Doubt: 9:30 p.m. June 25, Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. For ages 21 and older. $8 in advance; $10 at door. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

Zydeco Voodoo at Capannari Concert in the Park: 6 p.m. Sunday, June 26, Capannari Ice Cream, 10 S. Pine St., Mount Prospect. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic dinner; lawn chairs for seating. Free. (847) 392-2277 or capannaris.com.

B96 Summer Bash with Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor and others: 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 26, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $70. For information call (800) 745-3000, or visit ticketmaster.com.

The Adam Ezra Group at Independence Grove Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, Millennia Plaza Amphitheater at Independence Grove, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville. Roots/rock. Parking is $6 per car after 5 p.m. on concert days. Cars are turned away when parking is full. To learn if parking is full or if a concert has been canceled due to rain, call (847) 968-3497. Pack a picnic, or purchase food on-site. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. lcfpd.org.

Michael Bolton: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$125. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.

M&R Rush at "Rockin' in the Park": 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30, MB Financial Park at Rosemont, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Rock. Musical fireworks display after every show. Free. rosemont.com.

Wheaton Municipal Band with "Red, White and Blue Through and Through" concert: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30, Memorial Park, 208 W. Union, Wheaton. Free. wheatonmunicipalband.org.

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