Weekend picks: Battle of the sexes takes spotlight with 'Mars'
Planetary genders?
Laugh at the battle of the sexes when "Men are from Mars - Women are from Venus Live!" returns for another run starting Tuesday at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. $65. (800) 775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, Feb. 15-17; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Modern repertory
The Joffrey Ballet celebrates modern choreographers Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor and Justin Peck in its repertory concert "Game Changers" starting Wednesday at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $34-$159. (312) 386-8905 or joffrey.org. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 15 and 23, and Friday, Feb. 17 and 24; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 and 25; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 and 26
Suburban sci-fi
The suburban sci-fi and gamer convention Capricon 37 returns with the theme "And the Children Shall Lead" starting on Thursday at the Westin Chicago North Shore, 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. $15-$45 daily badge; $75 full-weekend badge. (847) 777-6500 or capricon.org. 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16; 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Seize the day
Disney's musical "Newsies," a Tony Award-winning Broadway stage adaptation of the 1992 film about a New York newsboy strike, was captured for posterity during its touring Los Angeles run. See some of the original stage stars re-create their roles on Thursday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb. 18, at select area cinemas in Addison, Bloomingdale, Deer Park, Lincolnshire, Lombard, Mount Prospect, Naperville, Northbrook, Oak Brook, Rosemont, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Vernon Hills and more. Prices vary by venue, but largely $20. For addresses and prices, visit fathomevents.com. 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16; Saturday, Feb. 18
Dunn Dunn Fest's fifth year
The curtain rises on the annual Dunn Dunn Fest Thursday, bringing together some of the best and brightest musical talent - a solid mix of touring and local acts - to six venues in Chicago this year: Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.; Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave.; Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.; Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia; Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave.; Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted St. The fest, which kicks off its fifth year Thursday, Feb. 16, and runs through Saturday, Feb. 18, features nearly 50 acts, with roughly half from Chicago and the suburbs.
Yellow House Artists
Meet members of the Yellow House Artists during an opening-night reception Friday for the group's winter show "Art Matters," featuring original oil pastel paintings by 24 artists, at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road, St. Charles. Yellow House Artists is a group of artists who paint in oil pastel or oil stick. Artwork will be for viewing and for sale. Free. yellow houseartists.com/#home. Reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; show runs through Saturday, March 25
Battle stations
Meet up with re-enactors and see uniforms and gear from past wars during the Military History Festival this weekend at the Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $20 for a one-day pass; $30 for a three-day pass; $10 for the Saturday ball. (630) 584-6300 or militaryhistoryfest.com. Noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Chicago Saxophone Quartet
The Chicago Saxophone Quartet presents an evening concert at the Arts in Bartlett, 215 S. Main St., Bartlett. The quartet, founded in 1968, has performed in Europe, North America, Asia and at six World Saxophone Congresses. $5 at the door or in advance at the arts center. artsinbartlett.org/. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Symphonic Band
The Wheaton College Symphonic Band will perform a concert in the college's Edman Memorial Chapel, at the corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Tickets cost $5-$10 and are available only at the door. Free to all students and Wheaton College ID holders. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu/. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Monster machines
Cheer on daring drivers of monster trucks like Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, El Toro Loco and more with the return of Monster Jam this weekend at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $22-$65; $15-$20 parking. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19; and 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20
A date with Richard Marx
Pop icon Richard Marx dominated the 1980s airwaves and Walkmans with his smooth ballads "Right Here Waiting" and "Hold On to the Nights," along with slew of more pointed and poppy hits, including "Should've Known Better" and the Grammy-nominated "Don't Mean Nothing." But the Highland Park-raised musician didn't stop there; he picked up a second career writing songs for other musicians, including Keith Urban's smash hit "Long Hot Summer." Marx pays a visit this weekend to Crystal Lake's Raue Center for the Arts for what might be the perfect late-Valentine's Day date (ahem!). At the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $49-$56. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Legendary Staples at Symphony Center
Chicago treasure Mavis Staples is a slow-burning highlight on our music scene - her gospel roots informing her rhythm and blues persona for years locally and nationally before inspiring her to dabble in hip-hop, rock and pop. In the last two decades of her trailblazing 67-year career, Staples has worked with other performers, including Bob Dylan, Ice Cube and Ludacris - her acoustic recordings with local musical anchor Jeff Tweedy produced the standout "Wrote a Song for Everyone" - and won her first Grammy for the 2010 album "You Are Not Alone." She brings her legendary spirit to the Chicago Symphony Center with special guest Phil Cook. At Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $35-$75. (312) 294-3000 or cso.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Write to laugh
Mike Lawrence has made a name for himself doing standup comedy and writing for TV shows like "Inside Amy Schumer," "Black and White" and "The Jim Gaffigan Show." Catch him live this weekend at two Zanies locations: 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-4027, then at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, (847) 813-0484. $25 plus a two menu-item purchase. zanies.com. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, in Chicago; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in Rosemont
The Toy knight
Kids (and parents) who love "The Lego Batman Movie" won't want to miss all the photo opportunities and displays as part of Lego Batman Movie Days this weekend at the Legoland Discovery Center at Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. $19. (847) 592-9700 or legolanddiscoverycenter.com/Chicago. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Feb. 18-20, and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26
February flowers
Marvel at rare orchids when the Batavia Orchid Society hosts its annual Chicago Suburban Orchid Show and Sale at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Orchid societies from across the Midwest will showcase orchid displays for judging. Don't miss orchid-care demonstrations, books and gardening supplies. Admission and parking are free; donations are welcome. See bataviaorchidsociety.org/ or facebook.com/bataviaorchidsociety. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Take a dip
Get a laugh and give plenty of applause to the fundraisers braving frigid waters as part of the Lake Michigan Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on Saturday at Clark Street Beach, 1811 Sheridan Road, Evanston. $100 fundraising minimum; no admission charge for spectators. (847) 370-7370 or soill.donordrive.com. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Taking Tupperware to the top
Actress and historian Leslie Goddard portrays Brownie Wise, the woman who convinced Earl Tupper to sell his Tupperware products through home parties, in the "Original Tupperware Party Lady" program at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Wise helped Tupper make Tupperware into a multimillion-dollar business. Refreshments will be served. $12 adults; $10 history center members; $5 students 18 and younger. (630) 469-1867. 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Hops happening
Craft-brewed beers, sodas and local wines are featured in the Lake County Craft Beer Festival at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. $45-$55; $10 designated driver ticket. (847) 782-2366 or lcfair.com. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Modern pioneer
France's Ballet de Lorraine tours to the Windy City to perform "Works by Merce Cunningham and Others" as part of an ongoing exhibition tied to the late American choreographer. See it this weekend at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. $30. (312) 397-4010 or mcachicago.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
World premiere opera
Chicago Opera Theater unveils the world premiere of "The Invention of Morel," a futuristic opera by composer Stewart Copeland (of The Police), at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Sung in English. $39-$125. (312) 704-8414 or chicagooperatheater.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Rock and Raise
Rock Bottom, Jak Tripper, The Wolf Gang and more local bands play a full day of concerts at the family-friendly Third Annual Rock and Raise benefit for Clearbrook at H.O.M.E. Bar, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Don't miss the food and beverage specials and raffles. All proceeds go to Clearbrook, a not-for-profit organization that provides services to people with disabilities. Admission is $10 and is available only at door. Visit clearbrook.org/. 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
'War of the Worlds'
Watch as one of the most famous radio shows in history hits the airwaves again, when RG Productions presents "War of the Worlds" at the PM&L Theatre, 877 Main St., Antioch. The program, part of the radio drama series "The Mercury Theatre on Air," aired on Oct. 30, 1938. Narrated by Orson Welles, the broadcast reportedly caused panic in many listeners, after it suggested an alien invasion was actually taking place. Live costumed actors and sound effects will be featured. A discussion with the cast and crew follows the show. $10. pmltheatre.com/. Doors open at 1 p.m., show at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Concert for kids
The Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Sixth Annual Children's Concert with the theme "What Makes Music 'Musical' Depends on Your Brain" at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora. Audience participation is encouraged. During intermission, an "instrument petting zoo" will be offered for youngsters to have hands-on experience with string, wind and percussion instruments. Also, kids can sign up to go to the podium to "conduct" the orchestra. Free; donations welcome. fvacademy.org/. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Upcoming concerts
Chicago Saxophone Quartet: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Arts in Bartlett, 215 S. Main St., Bartlett. $5. artsinbartlett.org.
Kathleen Dooley and Her Rockin' Gypsy Band: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-18, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Music, storytelling, comedy and more. Dooley shares songs from her new CD, "Lost in My Skyfront." Performances also include cover songs by artists including Billy Joel, The Eagles, Carole King, Jim Croce and others. $20. Tickets at kathleen-dooley-music.ticketleap.com.
Wheaton College Symphonic Band: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Wheaton College's Edman Memorial Chapel, at Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Tickets are available only at the door; $10 for general admission; $5 for seniors older than 60; free to all students and Wheaton College ID holders. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu.
Richard Marx: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $49-$56. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org.
Mavis Staples: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $35-$75. (312) 294-3000 or cso.org.
Fool House, Coverlicious: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $5. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.
Chicago A Cappella presents "Bound for Glory": 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. Spirituals, contemporary, fusion works and more. $15-$43. chicagoacapella.org.
The Musical Box - "Selling England by the Pound": 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Rock; the exclusive, authorized-by-Peter Gabriel recreation of Genesis "Selling England By The Pound." $39-$79. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
Gerardo Ortiz: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $59. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Dear Dario, Ars Nova, Ode, The Flat Rats: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Joe's on Weed Street, 940 W. Weed St., Chicago. $10-$15. (312) 337-3486 or joesonweedst.com.
Mike & Joe: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Trophy Room, 170 W. Ontario St., Chicago. $12.35. (312) 600-6920 or trophyroombar.com.
Ship Captain Crew, Skylines, Ugly Sweater Party, Heavenfaced, Heading West: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Subterranean (downstairs), 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago. $10. (773) 278-6600 or subt.net.
Here Come the Mummies, The North 41: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $25. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.
Save the Clocktower, Gallery-81, Ember Oceans, Royal Outsiders: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St., Chicago. $6-$8. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.
Todd and the Ten Pins: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Paddy O'Fegans, 204 N. Halsted St., Chicago. No cover. (312) 997-3100 or paddyofegans.com.
Sweet Figurines, 13-Monsters, The Turdles: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $7-$10. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
Judas Beast: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $5. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.
Willie Hayes Blues Band: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues, rock. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Express Yourself with Watermät at Afterlife: 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. $5. (630) 291-5986 or afterlifechi.com.
Third Annual Rock and Raise Benefit: 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, H.O.M.E. Bar, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Rock Bottom, Jak Tripper, The Wolf Gang and more local bands play a full day of concerts at the family-friendly Third Annual Rock and Raise benefit for Clearbrook. Other highlights include food and beverage specials and raffles. All proceeds go to Clearbrook, a not-for-profit organization that provides services to people with disabilities. Admission is $10 at the door. Visit clearbrook.org.
Jim Anderson with "From the Delta to the Prairie": 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, Poplar Creek Public Library District, 1405 S. Park Ave., Streamwood. The history of Chicago blues comes to life with urban blues guitarist Jim Anderson. Free. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Register online at poplarcreek.lib.il.us, or call (630) 837-6800.
In The Mood: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Big band music and more. $44-$48. (847) 543-2300 or clcillinois.edu.
"Freedom Song": 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, Connection Church, 28230 N. St. Mary's Road, Libertyville. "Freedom Song," an African-American gospel music history program by Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries. Written and performed by Michael Edgar Myers and Vikki J. Myers, 'Freedom Song' chronicles the connection between Biblical scriptures and well-known songs about emancipation in the African-American experience. Free. (224) 504-2111 or kit-ministries.com.
Wilco: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 22-23; and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Rock. $49.50-$85. thechicagotheatre.com.
"Game of Thrones" Live Concert Experience: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $19-$291. (312) 455-4500 or unitedcenter.com.
Revolt Coda, Johnny Kilroy, Brandon James, The Giving Moon and Dina Bach: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, Joe's on Weed Street, 940 W. Weed St., Chicago. $8. (312) 337-3486 or joesonweedst.com.
Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.