Music events: Subdudes raising money for special rec

Rock & ribs

If the 50,000 pounds of ribs from two dozen restaurants aren't enough to get you to Ribfest Chicago this weekend, consider the stellar music lineup. Friday's slate includes The Legendary Shack Shakers, a rockin' alt-country outfit known for its intense live shows. On Saturday, local favorites The Waco Brothers, led by Chicago music icon Jon Langford, will tear up the stage. Sunday includes a performance from quirky indie band Tapes 'n' Tapes. And that just scratches the surface. Ribfest is 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 10; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, at 4000 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is requested. Go to ribfest-chicago.com.

Music for a cause

Fan-favorite band The Subdudes will play a special concert this weekend to benefit the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County, which provides recreation services and opportunities to children with disabilities. Here's a chance to hear some great live rock while helping people in your own backyard. The Subdudes perform with The Usuals at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Cubby Bear Lincolnshire, 21661 N. Milwaukee, Lincolnshire. $40. For information, call Carolyn Chambers or John Buckner at (847) 816-4866.

R&B master

R. Kelly, the wildly popular and often controversial R&B artist, will perform in the suburbs this weekend behind his 2010 record, “Love Letter,” which paid tribute to the soul and R&B stars who influenced Kelly during his career. Kelly is known for powerful live performances, so fans should line up for this one. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $49.50 to $125. Go to ticketmaster.com.