Best bets: Brad Garrett, Bill Cosby, Lee DeWyze
Idol homecoming IIThe homecoming concert celebrations continue for Mount Prospect native and 2010 "American Idol" winner Lee DeWyze. If you missed DeWyze as part of "American Idols Live!" at the United Center, then line up fast to see him return Friday to the site of his earlier reality-TV triumph at Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. $8-$35. (847) 385-7427 or arlingtonpark.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24Gray galleriesMasterworks by the likes of Ingres, van Gogh and Kandinsky are part an exhibit titled Gray Collection: Seven Centuries of Art, which goes on public display for the first time starting Saturday in the Richard and Mary L. Gray Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $18; $12 teens, students and seniors; kids under age 14 admitted free. (312) 443-3600 or artic.edu. Exhibit begins 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011Comedy legendWith hit albums and hugely popular TV sitcoms stretching back to the 1960s, Bill Cosby is undoubtedly a living comedy legend. Catch him locally for two shows Saturday at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $50-$95. (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org. 5 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25Grin and GarrettBrad Garrett may have been a lovable loser on the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," but he reveals an edgier side of his comic persona doing stand-up Saturday at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. For mature audiences only. $39.50. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25Blues and rootsComposer and musician Taj Mahal is not only known for his roots in American blues, but for exploring other global cultures for musical influences. Catch Taj Mahal in concert Saturday at College of DuPage's McAninch Art Center, Fawell and Park Blvds., Glen Ellyn. $38-$48. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25Juggling jestersThe Gizmo Guys are not only famous for their juggling skills, but for their comic timing and quick-witted repartee. Don't drop the ball on your chance to see them Sunday at College of Lake County's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $25. (847) 543-2300 or jlcenter.clcillinois.edu. 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26Gershwin noshEver wonder what British stage star Gertrude Lawrence served American composer George Gershwin for his 1927 London visit? Find out when the Forge Club recreates that special Savoy Hotel menu complete with live musical accompaniment for a George Gershwin Birthday Dinner Sunday at 634 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. $48.50 per person (sans beverages, tax and gratuity). (847) 634-5590 or forgeclub.com 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26British invasionDo your part to help inflate the ego of British actor/comedian/writer Ricky Gervais ("The Office," "Extras") by catching one of his eagerly anticipated stand-up performances next week at two Chicago locations: Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. $50. (773) 929-5959, then at the Chicago Theatre, 175. N. State St. $39.50-$50. (312) 263-1138 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Park West; 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, at the Chicago TheatreFalse13332000Comedian Brad Garrett performs at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. False