Lifestyle

Best bets: Air and Water Show, the 'seventh Python', the Wiggles

Posted August 10, 2009 11:00 pm

Daily Herald Staff Report

The Midwest Bonsai Society's 33rd Annual Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition grows at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe this weekend.

By air, by sea

Be taken aback by the might of the U.S. military this weekend at the 51st Annual Chicago Air and Water Show. Watch formations and routines by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs and more along Chicago's lakefront at North Avenue Beach in Chicago. (312) 744-3315 or chicagoairandwatershow.us. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15 and 16

A better bonsai

Specialized gardeners from around the world come to town this weekend for the 33rd Annual Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Take a gander at more than 200 bonsai trees and attend some classes or seminars on this popular form of Japanese art and horticulture. Free admission, but parking is $20 per car. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org. Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15 and 16

'Python' plus one

Songwriter Neil Innes is often referred to as "The Seventh Python." See this acclaimed film documentary about the lesser known member of Monty Python's Flying Circus, then stay for a rock music and comedy routine by Mark and Brett Hudson at The Comedy Shrine, 22 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $25 plus a one-drink minimum. (630) 355-2844 or comedyshrine.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

Radio Days

Take a trip back in time this weekend with the IP Radio Theatre. Hear old-time radio comedy routines like "Who's on First" and "It Pays to Be Ignorant" (complete with live sound effects) at the Improv Playhouse, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. $10. $5 kids/seniors/military. (847) 968-4529 or improvplayhouse.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15

Giggles for Wiggles

Those silly singing and songwriting Australians return to town this weekend with their latest touring show,"The Wiggles Go Bananas." Sing and clap along with these men in multicolor shirts at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $18-$38. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 1:30 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15 and 16

Asian abundance

Journey to far-off lands while staying close to home Sunday with the 7th Annual Asian/Pacific American Heritage Festival. Sample cultural dances, crafts and food from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Polynesian islands and more at the Central Park Concert Center, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Free admission. (630) 355-4322. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16

Poor 'Butterfly'

Full-fledged tragic opera comes to the Arcada Theatre with a production of "Madama Butterfly." Puccini's beloved 1904 opera about a Japanese geisha who is abandoned by her American Navy husband plays for one Saturday performance at 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$89. (630) 587-8400 or thearcada.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15

Blondie & Benatar

Rock out with stars of the 1970s and 1980s when Pat Benatar ("Love is a Battlefield," "Heartbreaker") and Blondie ("Heart of Glass," "One Way or Another") grace the Pavilion stage Monday at the Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $25-$30 lawn; $55 Pavilion. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17

Mighty metal

Atlanta-based metal band Sevendust may be the headliner Thursday at The Fuel Room at Austin's Saloon and Eatery, but be sure to check out Janus and Dirge Within as the opening bands. Janus is a local band, and set to release their first album in September. Catch them all at 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville. $22-$100. (800) 745-3000 or austinsaloon.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20

Catch "The Wiggles Go Bananas" at the Rosemont Theatre this weekend.

Pat Benatar performs at the Ravinia Festival with Blondie on Monday in Highland Park.

Catch the 51st Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend along North Avenue Beach in Chicago. Daily Herald file photo

Catch "The Wiggles Go Bananas" at the Rosemont Theatre this weekend.

See traditional Chinese dances at the 7th Annual Asian/Pacific American Heritage Festival in Naperville.

Songwriter and pop satirist Neil Innes is the subject matter of the documentary "The Seventh Python" at The Comedy Shrine in Naperville.

Catch the 51st Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend along North Avenue Beach in Chicago. Daily Herald file photo

Catch "The Wiggles Go Bananas" at the Rosemont Theatre this weekend.

Local band Janus opens for Sevendust at The Fuel Room at Austin's Saloon and Eatery in Libertyville.

See traditional Hawaiian dances at the 7th Annual Asian/Pacific American Heritage Festival in Naperville.

The IP Radio Theatre performs old-time radio comedies this weekend in Libertyville.

Catch the 51st Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend along North Avenue Beach in Chicago. Daily Herald file photo

Blondie performs at the Ravinia Festival with Pat Benatar on Monday in Highland Park.

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