Weekend picks: New Marina City music release at Wire

Monsters are for real

The Marina City guys have built on their rock-solid foundation of punk-inflected pop with some sexy new tracks on their newest EP, “Terminal.” The recently released single (available for streaming on Spotify), “Dreamers Never Die,” has already earned some powerful buzz, but I assure you the best is yet to come when the album hits Friday, Aug. 11. Catch the driving, harmony-heavy tunes when Marina City celebrates the release at Wire with Early June, Detour North and Arvia. Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $10-$12. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11

Have a ball

Carnival rides, a parade, fireworks and lots of music (like the Gina Glocksen Band) are all a part of the 45th annual Gurnee Days. The community festival, sporting the theme “Let's Play Ball,” starts Thursday at Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. Free, but there are fees for certain events, food and rides. (847) 623-7788 or gurneedays.com. 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Sones de México Ensemble

The Sones de México Ensemble performs traditional and folk Mexican music in the Summer Courtyard Concerts series on the grounds of the Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan. In the event of rain, the concert will move indoors. Guests can bring their own lunch, or purchase a lunch on-site from Dockside Dogs. Free. (847) 623-2041 or waukeganpl.org. Noon Friday, Aug. 11

'Magic of Motown'

The Lakeside WDCB Jazz Series at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage presents its “Magic of Motown” concert. The program is a musical tribute to Motown greats, and features songs made famous by The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and many others. The McAninch Arts Center is at 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Guests can bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Free. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11

Jazz and funk

Dave Koz (“You Make Me Smile”) and Larry Graham (“It's Alright”) headline the “Side by Side Summer 2017” tour tonight at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $39.50-$89.50. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11

Piano man

Grammy and Tony Award-winning rock legend Billy Joel (“New York State of Mind,” “We Didn't Start the Fire”) makes a solo concert return tonight to Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago. $99-$129.50; $195 platinum tickets. (866) 800-1275 or cubs.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11

'Whatcha Say'

Best-selling R&B/hip-hop singer and songwriter Jason Derulo (“Wiggle,” “In My Head”) performs tonight at RiverEdge Park, 360 Broadway, Aurora. $40. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11

Shaped by suburbs

Comedian Michael Palascak built his standup career in Chicago and the suburbs before making the leap to TV in shows like “Last Comic Standing” and “Live at Gotham.” See Palascak close to home starting Thursday at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (630) 524-0001 or zanies.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, and 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Like father, like daughter

Chicago-area folk singer/songwriter Andrew Calhoun and his daughter Casey Calhoun team up for a performance of singing and interpretive dance at the Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. The program includes Scottish ballads, folk songs and 19th century African-American spirituals. $10. (630) 969-9720 or twowaystreet.org. 8:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11

'Guy Code' guy

Fans of the MTV series “Guy Code” and “Money From Strangers” won't want to miss seeing star Chris Distefano performing standup this weekend at two Zanies locations: first at 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago, (312) 337-4027; next at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, (847) 813-0484. $25 plus a two-item purchase. zanies.com. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, in Chicago; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, in Rosemont

Up and away

See stunt-kite performances by the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois, or try making your own at the Kite Festival this weekend at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Free, but weekend parking is $30 per car or van. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.com. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12 and 13

Eat your veggies

Learn about healthy lifestyle tips at Veggie Fest 2017, on the grounds of Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle. More than 100 vendors will have items related to healthy eating and more. Highlights include an international food court, demonstrations, live music, educational speakers and kids' activities. Free. (630) 955-1200 or veggiefestchicago.com. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12-13

Off to the races

The 35th running of the Arlington Million features multiple events surrounding the famed horse race. There's a fashion contest, a guest performance by Cirque du Soleil's “Luzia,” music by the band 7th heaven and more on Saturday at Arlington International Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. General admission: $30; $4 kids. All-inclusive options: $57-$183; $39-$151 young adults; $22-$85 kids. (847) 870-7223 or arlingtonpark.com. 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Rock away summer

Start saying so long to summer with the special Rock the Quarry event featuring music by Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band on Saturday at Harold Hall Quarry Beach, 400 S. Water St., Batavia. $11. (630) 879-5235 or bataviaparks.org. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11

Side Street finals

Congratulations to all the talented musicians who played Side Street Studio Arts' Battle of the Bands this summer. It took a few months, but the contest is down to a hometown battle between two Elgin bands: the emo-punk rock of Mt. Pocono and Accidentally On Purpose, a blend of jazzy, soulful pop. Catch the two bands as they play the Side Street Studio, and make sure you're there to vote for the winner. Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court, Elgin. $5. (847) 429-2276 or sidestreetstudioarts.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Heather Horton plays benefit

Chicago singer/songwriter Heather Lynne Horton and her husband, musician Michael McDermott, play an acoustic concert at St. Petronille Parish in Glen Ellyn. The benefit, which begins at 7 p.m. with music at 8 p.m., will raise funds for Mercy Home for Boys & Girls in Chicago. St. Petronille's Parish Life Center, 420 Glenwood Ave., Glen Ellyn. $25; cash and checks accepted at the door. For information, contact Pete Miscinski at (773) 259-6520 or miscinski@aol.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Alias Elsa

Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, who voiced Elsa in the animated film “Frozen,” performs in concert on Saturday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $39.50-$129.50. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12

Great Midwest Train Show

Browse items from an estimated 180 exhibitors, with more than 500 tables of train memorabilia, at the Great Midwest Train Show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. See both new and used items, including die-cast vehicles, Lionel items, railroadiana, books and more. greatmidwesttrainshow.com. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

French Connection Day

Cantigny Park celebrates French culture with its annual French Connection Day. The festival features music, art, food and family activities. Highlights include a 23-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, strolling mimes and other performers, a French Open air market, storytime, a beer and wine garden and more. Cantigny Park is at 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free with paid $10 parking fee. cantigny.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Pop culture and country

Jonathan Jackson, a singer and star of television's “Nashville,” visits Chicago with his brother Richard Lee Jackson and bassist Jonathan Thatcher in support of their band Enation's recently released fourth album, “Anthems For The Apocalypse.” Hear songs from the new album, as well as previous hits (such as “Everything Is Possible”), when they play Lincoln Hall this weekend. Northwest suburban singer-songwriter David Paige opens with his energetic, '90s-inspired guitar rock. Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $17-$20. (773) 525-2501 or lh-st.com. 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13

Concert highlights

The Locals, AfterSound, Oceanlux, Arcade 88, The Punch: 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Free. (773) 661-6361 or hairpinartscenter.org.

Deja Vu at Hawthorn Woods Concerts in the Park: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Free. vhw.org.

Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners at Island Lake Concert in the Park: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, Water Tower Park, Route 176, Island Lake. Bring chairs, blankets for seating. Free. villageofislandlake.com.

Mark Dvorak with “Let Love Go On” concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Folk. $20. (630) 587-8521.

“Magic of Motown”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, Lakeside pavilion at McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Program is a musical tribute to Motown greats, and features songs made famous by The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and many others. Free. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org.

Dave Koz and Larry Graham: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Jazz, funk and more. $39.50-$89.50. (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com.

Jason Derulo: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. $40. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com.

Billy Joel: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago. $99-$129.50. m.mlb.com.

Werewolves at Hour 30, Bloodman, Welcome to Jonestown: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Liar's Club, 1665 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago. $5. (773) 665-1110.

Andrew Calhoun and Casey Calhoun: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Scottish ballads, folk songs and 19th century African-American spirituals. $10. (630) 969-9720 or twowaystreet.org.

Catfish and the Dogstars, Suspicious Fires, Bubbles Brown: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $8. (773) 404-9494 or martyrslive.com.

Kings of Leon: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. Tickets start at $27. livenation.com.

The Four C Notes: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Group recreates the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Rock. $25-$30. durtynellies.com.

Slaughter, Vixen: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets start at $39. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.

Punchline, Showoff, Starstruck, Bury Me In Lights: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Reggies, 105 S. State St., Chicago. $15-$17. (312) 949-0120 or reggieslive.com.

Downers Groove: 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Quigley's Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Free. (630) 428-4774 or quigleysirishpub.com.

Afterlife featuring Moriarty, Tecko, Bentley Dean, Jame$ Dean, Goodsex, Nikho and more: 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. (773) 278-4646 or annexnightclub.com.

Harpeth Rising: 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, Towner Green, Old McHenry Road, downtown Long Grove. Free. lgamc.org.

The Shams Band, Terry White & Chris Neville: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted St., Chicago. $5; free with RSVP. (773) 248-8400 or tonicroom.com.

Dashboard Confessional, The All-American Rejects: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, in pavilion at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. $70-$80. Lawn $33-$38. ravinia.org.

August Hotel, Glass House Point, Friday Pilots Club, Ember Oceans: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Reggies, 105 S. State St., Chicago. $10-$12. (312) 949-0120 or reggieslive.com.

Bruno Mars: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16 and Friday and Saturday Aug. 18-19, United Center, 1901 W. Madison, Chicago. For ticket information, visit ticketmaster.com.

Southern Uprising Tour with Travis Tritt, Montgomery Gentry, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Outlaws: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, River Edge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. $55. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com.

Coldplay: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus, Chicago. Rock. Tickets start at $66.50. ticketmaster.com.

Libido Funk Circus at Algonquin Summer Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St., Algonquin. Free. (847) 658-2700 or algonquin.org/recreation.

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