Weekend picks: Ezra's Kevin Griffin hits City Winery
Aha, it was 'Good'
Kevin Griffin, the distinctive voice behind Better Than Ezra's hits “Desperately Wanting,” “In the Blood,” “King of New Orleans,” “Breathless” and more over the last two decades, is bringing two solo performances to Chicago's City Winery. A pair of great local acoustic openers are joining him on stage - Ryan Powers on Friday, and Rolling Meadows' David Paige on Saturday (sold out, but there's a waitlist available). City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $28-$40. (312) 733-9463 or citywinery.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20-21
Strings attached?
Be wowed at how inanimate creations come to life when international and local troupes assemble for the second Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival starting Thursday at various Chicago locations. Prices vary by production. (312) 554-9800 or chicagopuppetfest.org. Various times through Sunday, Jan. 29
Baby lambs
Ooh and ahh at the season's new lambs - with a chance to perhaps watch babies being born - and learn the role livestock played on farms in the 1800s in the lambing program at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Free. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.com. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday, Jan. 20-23, and Thursday, Jan. 26
Folk rock luminaries
The Lumineers busted on to the scene (as much as this richly textured and low-key Americana band can bust anywhere) in 2012 with their infinitely catchy hit “Hey Ho,” and they just haven't stopped, rolling out critical and commercial hits such as “Stubborn Love” and “Submarine.” The Colorado folk rockers bring their “Cleopatra World Tour Continues” to Rosemont this weekend. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $29-$60; single-seat tickets are still available. (847) 635-6601 or rosemont.com/allstate/events/the-lumineers/. 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20
Faculty concert
The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music presents a baroque chamber concert as part of its Faculty Recital Series in Pierce Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College, at the southeast corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Lee Joiner, associate professor of violin, performs on the baroque violin. Tickets are available only at the door. $5-$10; free for students and Wheaton College ID holders. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20
Political laughs
The Capitol Steps find humor from this most recent election season with the touring revue “What to Expect When You're Electing” starting Thursday at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $32.50-$45.50. (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20; 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22
Jazzy evening
Oakton Community College celebrates its upcoming performing arts season as the school's music faculty, members of the Niles West High School Jazz Band and other musicians perform at “Jazzin' Around,” a night of jazz in the college's Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. $5-$8. (847) 635-1900 or oakton.edu/tickets. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20
He's got talent
Fans of comedian and musician J Chris Newberg, a contestant on “America's Got Talent,” can see him live starting Wednesday at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Standing comic
Fans of actor and comedian Jimmy Shubert (“King of Queens,” “Last Comic Standing”) won't want to miss his live standup sets this weekend at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $25 plus a two-item purchase. (630) 524-0001 or stcharles.zanies.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Sports card extravaganza
Thirty tables of collectible baseball, basketball, football and hockey cards, along with wax boxes and complete card sets, are part of the Sports Card Collectible Show at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. Free. Guests can buy, sell and trade. For information, call Corky at (847) 815-5810 or email collectibles2@yahoo.com. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Living history show
See re-enactors portraying people from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and other historical periods at the American Heritage Living History Show, in Robinson Hall at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. This juried show will feature merchants, artisans, craftsmen, seminars and demonstrations. $7 adults; $5 if in period dress; $10 for a weekend pass. facebook.com/americanheritagelivinghistoryshow. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22
Home and garden
Check out the latest in home improvement products and services to help with remodeling, repairing and beautifying homes and gardens at the Oak Brook Home & Garden Show at the Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The free event features displays, seminars and more. Free valet parking. (630) 953-2500 or oakbrookhomeshow.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22
Going places
Start planning future vacations at the 12th annual Travel & Adventure Show, which features keynote celebrity speakers such as Rick Steves, Samantha Brown, Pauline Frommer and more this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $15 one-day admission; $22 two-day admission. (847) 692-2220 or (203) 878-2577 or travelshows.com/shows/chicago. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22
Star-crossed lovers
Critically acclaimed singers Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau tackle the title roles of Gounod's “Roméo et Juliette” in Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher's production that was seen last season at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD simulcast can be seen live Saturday and via a taped encore Wednesday at locations in Addison, Batavia, Bloomingdale, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deer Park, Evanston, Gurnee, Lincolnshire, Mount Prospect, Naperville, Niles, Rosemont, South Barrington, Vernon Hills, Warrenville, Woodridge and more. Prices vary by venue, but largely $22-$24. Sung in French with English subtitles. For exact locations and ticket prices, visit fathomevents.com. 11:55 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21; encore taped screening 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25
Crumply characters
The 2017 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival continues with the return of Montreal-based Théâtre Puzzle and its show “Plastique,” which shows all kinds of creatures that can be made with plastic bags. Performances begin Thursday at Vittum Theatre, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago. $17; $12 youth ages 14 and under. (312) 554-9800 or chicagopuppetfest.org. 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21 and 22; 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23
Infinity
The rock cover band Infinity, a group that specializes in tributes to the legendary band Journey, performs at the Round Lake Civic and Cultural Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. $10. villageofroundlakebeach.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Full moonwalk
Celebrate the life, music and showmanship of the late Michael Jackson when the “MJ Live” tribute tour rolls into the Rosemont Theatre Saturday with all the spectacle one would expect. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $22-$154. (847) 671-5100 or rosemont.com/theatre/events/mj-live/. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Not 'Out of Love'
Australian soft-rock duo Air Supply brings their infectious, love-laden tracks to Waukegan's Genesee Theatre Saturday. The Romantics, nearly 30-year veterans of the American rock scene, join them with time-honored hits “What I Like About You,” “I Can't Tell You Anything” and more. A Lost In Love VIP Experience package is available, featuring premium seating and a VIP swag bag. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $39-$85; $162 for VIP. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Country duo
Country fans keen on “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” “If I Didn't Have You” and more won't want to miss Thompson Square in concert on Saturday at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $50-$70. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Classical concert
Conductor Vladimir Kulenovic leads the Lake Forest Symphony in its concert performances of “Immortal Beethoven” featuring his Symphony No. 4 plus music of Haydn and Hindemith this weekend at College of Lake County's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $30-$59; $15 students. (847) 543-2300 or lakeforestsymphony.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22
Upcoming concerts
Lost Years, Punk Goes Country, Let 'Em Hang, John Tudela: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Krew Rock Lounge, 6319 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $5. (708) 317-4413 or krewrocklounge.com.
The Lumineers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $29-$60. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
The Waterdawgs: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Frankie's Blue Room, 16 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Rock, pop and country covers. $7. frankiesblueroom.net.
An Evening with Tedeschi Trucks Band: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $19.50 to $109.50. (312) 462-6300 or thechicagotheatre.com.
Journeyman - Tribute to Eric Clapton: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Rock. $15-$30. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
Deep Greens & Blues, Joey Marcantonio, Rotten Mouth, Little Yellow Dog, Dirty T and the Boys, Ugly Sun: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $9-$10. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.
Adjacent Cruise: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Alibi Bar and Grill, 12 N. 3rd St., St. Charles. Rock. No Cover. (630) 443-0011.
Smells Like David Grohl: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Peggy Kinnane's, 8 N. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Rock. No cover. (847) 577-7733 or peggykinnanes.com.
The Usuals, The Mons, Pastaways, The Bad Sons: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $5-$8. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
The Homewreckers: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $5. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.
Sharon Lewis and Texas Fire: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues, rock, jazz and gospel. $6, (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Trinity International University faculty concert: 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Trinity International University's Arnold T. Olson Chapel, 2065 Half Day Road, Deerfield. The Trinity International University Department of Music presents faculty member Joshua Harrison, who performs a double bass recital. $5-$8. Purchase tickets at the door, or call (847) 317-8021.
El Famous, Capital Vices, Davlin, Luca, Ryno: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., Chicago. $5. (312) 666-6775 or bottomlounge.com.
MJ Live - a Michael Jackson Tribute Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. Ricer Road, Rosemont. Pop/rock. Tickets start at $22. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Infinity: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Round Lake Civic and Cultural Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way (off Hook Drive), Round Lake Beach. Rock; a journey tribute band. $10. villageofroundlakebeach.com.
Vocalist Kara Kesselring and Sugarcreek Road: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan 21, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Folk, pop, bluegrass, gospel and Americana. $30-$35. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.
Chyomin, Shakedown Slim, Sails, Aaron Mitchell: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $10. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.
Emerson Drive, GhostRyder, SEMPLE: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, H.O.M.E. Bar, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. $20. (847) 577-4663 or homebarchicago.com.
An Evening with Tedeschi Trucks Band: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $19.50-$109.50. (312) 462-6300 or thechicagotheatre.com.
The Cleveland Orchestra: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Tickets start at $27. cso.org.
Air Supply: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $39-$85. (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com. For information, visit geneseetheatre.com.
Lake Forest Symphony with “Immortal Beethoven” concert: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, Classical. $15-$59. lakeforestsymphony.org.
Covergurl, Orange Star: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $5. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.
Roman Ring, Cokegoat, REIGN, Hellement: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $7-$10. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
Cobalt & the Hired Guns, Jeff Brown & the New Black, Heidi Serwer, Liz & the Lovelies: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $8-$10. (773) 404-9494 or martyrslive.com.
Chachuba, Electric Love Machine: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted St., Chicago. $7-$10. (773) 248-8400 or tonicroom.ticketfly.com.
Afterlife: 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. $5; free before midnight. (630) 291-5986 or afterlifechi.com.
Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents “1-2-3-4 Baroque”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. Baroque, classical. $9-$32. 630-941-0202 or elmhurstsymphony.org.
Frank Turner & Sleeping Souls, Masked Intruder, Arkells, Will Varley: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $28.50-$31. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.
Music of the Baroque with “The Mass in C Minor”: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan 22, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Classical. $27-$75. (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org.
Frank Turner & Sleeping Souls, Masked Intruder, Arkells, Will Varley: 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $28.50-$31. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.
Faculty clarinet recital with Trevor O'Riordan: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, in Pierce Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College, southeast corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Tickets are available only at the door and are $10 for general audience and $5 for seniors older than 60. Admission is free for students and Wheaton College ID holders. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu.
Kings of Leon: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Rock. $29.50-$65.50. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Alter Bridge “The Last Hero Tour,” Nonpoint, Weapons of Anew: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, The Riviera Theatre, 4750 N. Broadway St., Chicago. $30-$34. (773) 275-6800 or rivieratheatre.com.
Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.