Weekend picks: Catch TV funnyman Mike Lawrence in Rosemont
Write to laugh
Mike Lawrence has made a name for himself doing standup comedy and writing for TV shows like “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Black and White” and “The Jim Gaffigan Show.” Catch him live this weekend at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, (847) 813-0484. $25 plus a two menu-item purchase. zanies.com. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Battle stations
Meet up with re-enactors and see uniforms and gear from past wars during the Military History Festival this weekend at the Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $20 for a one-day pass; $30 for a three-day pass; $10 for the Saturday ball. (630) 584-6300 or militaryhistoryfest.com. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Suburban sci-fi
The suburban sci-fi and gamer convention Capricon 37 returns with the theme “And the Children Shall Lead” at the Westin Chicago North Shore, 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. $15-$45 daily badge; $75 full-weekend badge. (847) 777-6500 or capricon.org. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
The Toy knight
Kids (and parents) who love “The Lego Batman Movie” won't want to miss all the photo opportunities and displays as part of Lego Batman Movie Days this weekend at the Legoland Discovery Center at Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. $19. (847) 592-9700 or legolanddiscoverycenter.com/Chicago. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Feb. 18-20, and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26
February flowers
Marvel at rare orchids when the Batavia Orchid Society hosts its annual Chicago Suburban Orchid Show and Sale at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Orchid societies from across the Midwest will showcase orchid displays for judging. Don't miss orchid-care demonstrations, books and gardening supplies. Admission and parking are free; donations are welcome. See bataviaorchidsociety.org/ or facebook.com/bataviaorchidsociety. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Take a dip
Get a laugh and give plenty of applause to the fundraisers braving frigid waters as part of the Lake Michigan Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on Saturday at Clark Street Beach, 1811 Sheridan Road, Evanston. $100 fundraising minimum; no admission charge for spectators. (847) 370-7370 or soill.donordrive.com. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Dunn Dunn Fest's fifth year
Dunn Dunn Fest brings together some of the best and brightest musical talent - a solid mix of touring and local acts - to six venues in Chicago this year: Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.; Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave.; Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.; Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia; Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave.; Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted St. The fest, in its fifth year, runs through Saturday, Feb. 18, and features nearly 50 acts, with roughly half from Chicago and the suburbs. Visit dunndunnfest.com for tickets and the full weekend schedule.
Monster machines
Cheer on daring drivers of monster trucks like Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, El Toro Loco and more with the return of Monster Jam this weekend at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $22-$65; $15-$20 parking. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Modern repertory
The Joffrey Ballet celebrates modern choreographers Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor and Justin Peck in its repertory concert “Game Changers” at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $34-$159. (312) 386-8905 or joffrey.org. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Taking Tupperware to the top
Actress and historian Leslie Goddard portrays Brownie Wise, the woman who convinced Earl Tupper to sell his Tupperware products through home parties, in the “Original Tupperware Party Lady” program at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Wise helped Tupper make Tupperware into a multimillion-dollar business. Refreshments will be served. $12 adults; $10 history center members; $5 students 18 and younger. (630) 469-1867. 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Planetary genders?
Laugh at the battle of the sexes when “Men are from Mars - Women are from Venus Live!” returns for another run at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. $65. (800) 775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com. 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18; 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Hops happening
Craft-brewed beers, sodas and local wines are featured in the Lake County Craft Beer Festival at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. $45-$55; $10 designated driver ticket. (847) 782-2366 or lcfair.com. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Seize the day
Disney's musical “Newsies,” a Tony Award-winning Broadway stage adaptation of the 1992 film about a New York newsboy strike, was captured for posterity during its touring Los Angeles run. See some of the original stage stars re-create their roles at select area cinemas in Addison, Bloomingdale, Deer Park, Lincolnshire, Lombard, Mount Prospect, Naperville, Northbrook, Oak Brook, Rosemont, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Vernon Hills and more. Prices vary by venue, but largely $20. For addresses and prices, visit fathomevents.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Modern pioneer
France's Ballet de Lorraine tours to the Windy City to perform “Works by Merce Cunningham and Others” as part of an ongoing exhibition tied to the late American choreographer. See it this weekend at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. $30. (312) 397-4010 or mcachicago.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
World premiere opera
Chicago Opera Theater unveils the world premiere of “The Invention of Morel,” a futuristic opera by composer Stewart Copeland (of The Police), at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Sung in English. $39-$125. (312) 704-8414 or chicagooperatheater.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Rock and Raise
Rock Bottom, Jak Tripper, The Wolf Gang and more local bands play a full day of concerts at the family-friendly Third Annual Rock and Raise benefit for Clearbrook at H.O.M.E. Bar, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Don't miss the food and beverage specials and raffles. All proceeds go to Clearbrook, a not-for-profit organization that provides services to people with disabilities. Admission is $10 and is available only at door. Visit clearbrook.org/. 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
'War of the Worlds'
Watch as one of the most famous radio shows in history hits the airwaves again, when RG Productions presents “War of the Worlds” at the PM&L Theatre, 877 Main St., Antioch. The program, part of the radio drama series “The Mercury Theatre on Air,” aired on Oct. 30, 1938. Narrated by Orson Welles, the broadcast reportedly caused panic in many listeners, after it suggested an alien invasion was actually taking place. Live costumed actors and sound effects will be featured. A discussion with the cast and crew follows the show. $10. pmltheatre.com/. Doors open at 1 p.m., show at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Concert for kids
The Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Sixth Annual Children's Concert with the theme “What Makes Music 'Musical' Depends on Your Brain” at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora. Audience participation is encouraged. During intermission, an “instrument petting zoo” will be offered for youngsters to have hands-on experience with string, wind and percussion instruments. Also, kids can sign up to go to the podium to “conduct” the orchestra. Free; donations welcome. fvacademy.org/. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Upcoming concerts
Ship Captain Crew, Skylines, Ugly Sweater Party, Heavenfaced, Heading West: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Subterranean (downstairs), 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago. $10. (773) 278-6600 or subt.net.
Here Come the Mummies, The North 41: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $25. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.
Gerardo Ortiz: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $59. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Todd and the Ten Pins: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Paddy O'Fegans, 204 N. Halsted St., Chicago. No cover. (312) 997-3100 or paddyofegans.com.
Sweet Figurines, 13-Monsters, The Turdles: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $7-$10. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
Judas Beast: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $5. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.
Willie Hayes Blues Band: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues, rock. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Express Yourself with Watermät at Afterlife: 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. $5. (630) 291-5986 or afterlifechi.com.
Third Annual Rock and Raise Benefit: 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, H.O.M.E. Bar, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Rock Bottom, Jak Tripper, The Wolf Gang and more local bands play a full day of concerts at the family-friendly Third Annual Rock and Raise benefit for Clearbrook. Other highlights include food and beverage specials and raffles. All proceeds go to Clearbrook, a not-for-profit organization that provides services to people with disabilities. Admission is $10 at the door. Visit clearbrook.org.
Jim Anderson with “From the Delta to the Prairie”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, Poplar Creek Public Library District, 1405 S. Park Ave., Streamwood. The history of Chicago blues comes to life with urban blues guitarist Jim Anderson. Free. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Register online at poplarcreek.lib.il.us, or call (630) 837-6800.
In The Mood: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Big band music and more. $44-$48. (847) 543-2300 or clcillinois.edu.
“Freedom Song”: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, Connection Church, 28230 N. St. Mary's Road, Libertyville. “Freedom Song,” an African-American gospel music history program by Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries. Written and performed by Michael Edgar Myers and Vikki J. Myers, 'Freedom Song' chronicles the connection between Biblical scriptures and well-known songs about emancipation in the African-American experience. Free. (224) 504-2111 or kit-ministries.com.
Wilco: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 22-23; and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Rock. $49.50-$85. thechicagotheatre.com.
“Game of Thrones” Live Concert Experience: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $19-$291. (312) 455-4500 or unitedcenter.com.
Revolt Coda, Johnny Kilroy, Brandon James, The Giving Moon and Dina Bach: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, Joe's on Weed Street, 940 W. Weed St., Chicago. $8. (312) 337-3486 or joesonweedst.com.
Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.