Best bets: Walker Hayes, Jo Koy, Expo Chicago, AfterImage Film Festival and more
Muddy birthday bash
Bluesman Mud Morganfield honors his late father with the “Muddy Waters 110th Birthday Blues Jam” at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Morganfield will play favorites by his dad, joined by Bob Stoger and Waters' former bandmates John Primer and Rick Kreher. Tickets are $39 at desplainestheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7
Koy Comedy
Comedian Jo Koy, recently seen in last year's movie “Easter Sunday” based on his life experiences with his colorful family, heads to the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, for a night of standup and hilarious stories with his “2023 Jo Koy World Tour.” Tickets are $49.50 at unitedcenter.com. 8 p.m. Friday, April 7
'Fresh Up' at the Art Institute
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., showcases works by textile-based, multidisciplinary artist Gio Swaby as part of its new exhibition, “Gio Swaby: Fresh Up,” a reference to a Bahamian phrase used to compliment someone's style or confidence. This marks the first solo museum show by the Bahamas native, who examines Blackness and womanhood in works often consisting of life-size portraits incorporating embroidery and piecing that makes visible hidden knots and threads. $19-$35. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday through Sunday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. artic.edu. Saturday, April 8, through July 3
Pino Farina release show
With the fresh new single “Nobody's Home” out Friday, April 7, (and a video premiere the following day), The Pino Farina Band heads to Rookie's RocHaus, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee, for a night of original alternative and classic rock favorites. Jam-influenced rock band Local Motive rounds out the evening's lineup. Tickets start at $17 for general admission, with reserved stool and table packages available at rochaus.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, April 8
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City Cruises offers Easter brunch and dinner cruises on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The river cruise aboard the Chicago Odyssey includes a three-course meal from $89.90 (child) to $129.90 (adult, window table). It departs from 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive at the Chicago River Esplanade. The lake cruise aboard the Odyssey Lake Michigan includes a buffet brunch from $84.90 (child) to $124.90 (adult, window table). The cruise leaves from Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 321-1241 or cityexperiences.com/Chicago/city-cruises. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9
Expo Chicago opens
Expo Chicago, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art showcased at museums, hotels and unused commercial spaces around the city, marks its 10th anniversary this year. Expo Art Week exhibitions include a group show titled “Boil, Toil + Trouble” at 400 N. Peoria St.; “Art on the Mart - Derrick Adams,” consisting of projections beginning April 14 along Chicago's Riverwalk; “Gio Swaby: Fresh Up” at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave.; screenings at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; along with exhibitions at The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 435 N. Michigan Ave.; National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.; and The National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., among other venues. It's presented in cooperation with Choose Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. expochicago.com. Monday through Sunday, April 10-16
Walker Hayes in Rosemont
Chart-topping country artist Walker Hayes kicks off his 23-show “Duck Buck Tour” next week at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, supported by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress and platinum-selling breakout singer BRELAND. Tickets start at $33 at rosemont.com. 8 p.m. Thursday, April 13
AfterImage Film Festival
With a lineup of critically acclaimed features, shorts, documentaries, indie and foreign-language films, as well as Chicago-area premieres, the AfterImage Film Festival presents its third edition at the Charlestowne 18 Cinema, 3740 E. Main St., St. Charles, starting with an opening-night party at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 13. A $60 all-festival pass includes all regular screenings; individual screening tickets are $13. afterimagefilmfestival.com. Thursday through Sunday, April 13-16
Art in Evanston
Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St., Evanston, debuted two new exhibitions earlier this month. “23,” a reference to the number of chromosomes in each cell, features bold, colorful works by Matthew Dicks. “All The Water That Ever Was, Now Is,” by artist and writer Rebecca Keller, consists of large paintings and sculpture centered on the idea of water as a common resource and a mutual responsibility. Free. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (847) 475-5300 or evanstonartcenter.org. Now through May 7