Weekend picks: April Macie brings laughs to Zanies Rosemont
April this March
Catch up with comedian April Macie ("Vegas Is My Oyster," "Snoop Dogg's: Bad Girls of Comedy") when she returns to perform six standup shows at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com/rosemont. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 31; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Fab re-creations
The 2010 Broadway concert revue "RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles" returns to celebrate all things "Fab Four" starting Tuesday for an eight-performance run at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $32-$72. (800) 775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1; and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Lunch with Chris Hayes
Chris Hayes, political commentator and host of "All In With Chris Hayes" on MSNBC, discusses his new book, "A Colony in a Nation," at a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, the Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. Admission is $42. The dress code is business casual. No denim is allowed. For reservations, and for a signed copy of the book, call The Book Stall at (847) 446-8880. thebookstall.com.
Play time
Families can have lots of fun meeting costumed characters, going on rides, petting animals and more at the 2017 Kids Expo. See more than 100 exhibitors this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $9; $6 kids 12 and younger. (847) 303-4100 or chicagolandkidsexpo.com. 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 31; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 1; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Book, music with Oates
John Oates, part of the music duo Hall & Oates, discusses his new book, "Change of Seasons: A Memoir," at 7 p.m. Friday, March 31, in Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Oates will perform some songs, take questions from the audience and sign copies of his book. Each ticket includes a copy of the book. Event is sponsored by Anderson's Bookshop of Naperville. Books purchased from vendors other than Anderson's will not be permitted in the signing line. andersonsbookshop.com.
Laugh it up with Improv Festival
"Saturday Night Live" alum Rachel Dratch, Dan Harmon, creator of the TV show "Community," and Scott Adsit from "30 Rock" and "Big Hero 6" are part of a lineup of more than 145 improv groups for the 20th annual Chicago Improv Festival runs through April 2 in Chicago. Shows will be held at Stage 773, Athenaeum Theatre, The Annoyance Theatre and Second City's e.t.c. Theater. Tickets run from $5-$35; see chicagoimprovfestival.org for full schedule.
Mirthful McDonald
Hear jokes on topics like marriage and more when comedian Heather McDonald returns for a series of standup shows and a podcast taping this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two-item purchase; $48 VIP meet and greet on Sunday. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, March 31; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, April 1; and "Juicy Scoop" podcast show at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Step to it
"Riverdance," the international blockbuster Celtic music and dance revue, returns along the banks of the Fox River as part of the group's ongoing 20th Anniversary World Tour for a five-performance run this weekend at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $40-$60. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 8 p.m. Friday, March 31; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1; and 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Legendary Aretha
Musical legend and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin plans to belt out her hits at a rescheduled show at the Chicago Theatre Friday, March 31. Tickets from the postponed performance will be honored at the door. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $49.50-$149.50. (312) 462-6300 or thechicagotheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday, March 31
Local Skyline
Aaron Williams, founder of the Homegrown Arts and Music Festival and former Lombard resident, has teamed up with Lisle's BaseCamp Pub for a monthly showcase to give some love to local artists. The first edition of the Skyline Music Concert Series features Hatter's Riddle, The Kings Rising, Eraserhead and some new tunes from From the Start. Keep an eye out for more local music from this monthly concert series. BaseCamp Pub and Eatery, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $5. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com. 9 p.m. Friday, March 31
Sniff and seek
Bring your family and Fido out to find canine treats inside of plastic eggs as part of the annual Doggy Egg Hunt at the Al Hattendorf Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. $15 per dog; preregistration required; all dogs must be leashed. (847) 364-7224 or elkgroveparks.org. 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1
All-Animal Expo
Get an up-close look at a variety of creatures including reptiles, birds (including canaries and parrots), hedgehogs, rabbits, tarantulas and many others at the All-Animal Expo in Building 1 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. About 70 to 80 vendors will be on hand with pet-related items like cages, bedding, toys and decorative items. $5; free for kids 10 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. allanimalexpo.com. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Lake County showcase
American Arson headlines Waukegan's The MIC for a night of rock and punk, along with fellow Detroit rockers Man Eating Lion and Pennsylvania rock band North Winds. They're joined by a showcase of quality Lake County acts, including Dead By Friday, Heavenfaced and No Witness, No Crime. Catch the entire set for $5 at the door. The MIC, 405 Washington St., Waukegan. $5. (708) 227-4541 or facebook.com/events. 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Smithereens in Schaumburg
Thirty-seven years into their tenure as a band, the '60s-influenced garage rockers The Smithereens are still going strong. They bring their hits, including "Only a Memory" and "A Girl Like You," to the Maggie Atcher Theatre at Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts this weekend. The Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $38-$40. (847) 895-3600 or villageofschaumburg.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1
'Shine' on classic
Pianist Natasha Paremski tackles Rachmaninoff's challenging Piano Concert No. 3 (featured in the film "Shine") in performances with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra this weekend at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $30-$65; $10 students. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2
'Floor on Fire'
Rock out when singer-songwriter Taylor Dayne ("Tell It to My Heart," "Love will Lead You Back") shares a concert bill with the trio Exposé ("Let Me Be the One," "Season's Change") at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $34.50-$74.50. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Comedy by Crystal
Catch up with actor and comedian Billy Crystal as he reflects on his showbiz career in a new touring show. Also on the bill is special guest Bonnie Hunt. Crystal performs two shows this weekend at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $39.50-$150. (312) 462-6300 or thechicagotheatre.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and 7 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Horse power
Marvel at the strength and daring of horses and their trainers when the touring troupe Cavalia brings the big-tent spectacle "Odysseo" to the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago. $34.50-$269.50; $19.50-$214.50 kids; $29.50-$269.50 seniors. (866) 999-8111 or cavalia.com/chicago. 23 performances between Saturday, April 1, through Sunday, April 23
Royalty- and superheroes-free
Kids 12 and younger who come dressed in a superhero or princess costume get free admission to the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo, on Sunday, April 2. Besides touring the museum's collection of cars, visitors can meet costumed characters from Costumers with a Cause, a volunteer organization that works with children's charities. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Note: Most of the Costumers with a Cause characters will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (815) 385-3644 or volocars.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Songs of spring
The Mt. Prospect Community Band performs songs from World War 1 and tunes about spring and love during its Centennial Spring Concert at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mt. Prospect. Advance tickets cost $7; $9 at the door. (847) 640-1000 or mppd.org. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Funk masters
The Commodores ("Brick House," "Three Times a Lady") share a concert bill with The NuBlu Band featuring Carlise Guy tonight at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$89. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com. 5 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Upcoming concerts
Canto Zenzero, "The Singing Gingers": 7 p.m. Friday, March 31, St. Paul United Church of Christ, 144 East Palatine Road, Palatine. Trio of sopranos performs a concert of classical selections, Broadway tunes and more. Reception follows concert. Free; donations are welcome. (847) 358-0399.
Wheaton College Women's Chorale: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, College Church, 335 E. Seminary, Wheaton. Tickets are $5-$10 and are available only at the door. Free to all students and Wheaton College ID holders. (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu.
Winger: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, Joe's Live, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont, Rock. Tickets start at $15. For ages 21 and older. joesliverosemont.com.
Mallrats: 9 p.m. Friday, March 31, Trophy Room, 170 W. Ontario St., Chicago. '90s alternative. $5-$8.58. (312) 600-6920 or trophyroombar.com.
Pistol Pete Band: 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Pianists Derek Chung, Sophia Li, Jarrett Takaki and Grace Tu with inaugural 88 Keys to Cure Benefit Concert: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Free; donations welcome. Proceeds will benefit the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Visit 88keystocure.org.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2, Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Classical concert features pianist Natasha Paremski. $12-$30. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org.
The Smithereens: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Rock. $38-$40. (847) 895-3600 or villageofschaumburg.com.
Taylor Dane with Expose: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Rock. $34.50-$74.50. (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com. For information, visit geneseetheatre.com.
Mackey's Funkin' Birthday featuring Steady Flow, Thinner Teed, Happy Time: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1, Mackey's Hideout, 2601 S. River Road, McHenry. $10. (815) 363-7040 or mackeyshideout.com.
Shemekia Copeland: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1, SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. R&B, soul. $22-$42. (847) 492-8860 or evanstonspace.com.
Son Volt, Anders Parker: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. Alt-country. $25-$37. (312) 526-3851 or thaliahallchicago.com.
Lake Forest Symphony with "Fratres": 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Program features Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev and Lake Forest Symphony principal trumpet David Inmon. Classical, Baroque and Renaissance selections. $35-$59. lakeforestsymphony.org.
Coco Montoya: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, Buddy Guy's Legends, 700 S. Wabash, Chicago. Blues rock. $20. (773) 973-7736 or buddyguy.com.
Bijou at Afterlife with Kings of Class, Nikho, WILFDNG, DangerWayne, Nu Luc, SENDIN, Sherm: 10 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. Electronic. $5-$10. (630) 291-5986 or afterlifechi.com.
NIU Steel Pan Studio: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 2, Dellora A Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles. Concert includes music from a variety of genres, all performed on custom-made steel pan instruments. $10-$15. eventful.com.
Mt. Prospect Community Band: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2, Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mt. Prospect. Concert features tunes from World War I and songs about spring and love. Advance tickets cost $7; $9 at the door. (847) 640-1000 or mppd.org. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2.
The Regrettes, Active Bird Community: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 2, Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $10-$12. Punk. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com.
Crystal Fighters, Machineheart: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 2, Concord Music Hall, 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $20-$22. (773) 570-4000 or concordmusichall.com.
Bob Moses - 101.1 WKQX No-Dough Show: 6 p.m. (doors, show at 8 p.m.) Monday, April 3, BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. Free, but tickets are first come, first served. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.
Biffy Clyro, O'Brother: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Rock. $24. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.
Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra with "All That Jazz" concert: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31 St., Oak Brook. $7-$25. (630) 941-0202 or elmhurstsymphony.org.
Dan Baird & Homemade Sin, The Belvederes: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Rock. $15. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.