Music events: Local Lee returns

See local bands

Three young bands from the area will get the chance to show their chops on stage during a special show in Arlington Heights this weekend. Katy May, a sophomore at Huntley High School, will get things started. She'll be followed by Jack Ave., a rock band founded by brothers Sam and Tom Kelly, who attend Prospect High School in Mount Prospect. The headliner is Holiday House, featuring singer Andrea Donahue and a rising band that hails from Berwyn. 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the Metropolis Ballroom, 6 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. $20. Go to metropolisballroom.com.

Hudson returns

Chicago native Jennifer Hudson will showcase her amazing voice during a performance in the suburbs this weekend. Hudson first came to the public's attention via “American Idol,” but she became a superstar with her Oscar-winning turn in the musical “Dreamgirls,” which had her stealing scenes from fellow diva Beyoncé. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $33, $80. Go to ravinia.org.

DeWyze show

Suburban native Lee DeWyze will perform live next week at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. DeWyze grew up in Mount Prospect and won last year's “American Idol” crown. His performance is free with paid admission to the park, so enjoy a few roller coaster rides then take a seat for some locally grown pop songs. Lee DeWyze performs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, in the Southwest Amphitheatre at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. Free with park admission. Call (847) 249-2133.