Weekend picks: Christian artists to raise up Sears Centre
Contemporary Christian: Newsboys, Lecrae, Colton Dixon and other Christian music stars are on the bill for the Winter Jam 2014 Tour Spectacular, which plays Saturday at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $10; $15 parking. (888) 732-7784 or searscentre.com. 6 p.m. Saturday, March 29
SATURDAY
Springfest Expo: The Lindenhurst-Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce hosts its SpringFest Expo at Lakes Community High School, 1600 Eagle Way Drive, Lake Villa. Highlights include the Lake Villa Lions Club's pancake breakfast, a stilt walker, activities from the Busy Brains Interactive Children's Museum, bouncy games, local business exhibitors with food, cars and more. Free admission; llvchamber.com. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30
Civil War show: See thousands of historical artifacts from the Civil War, as well as the Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II and other battles, at the National Civil War & Military Extravaganza Show and Sale at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton. Civil War enthusiasts from across the country will be on hand with hundreds of tables of artifacts. See special exhibits on fur-trading items and equipment from World War II. $9 for adults; ages 16 and younger are free with paying adult; zurkopromotions.com. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 29
Knit, knit: Learn about the latest fabric trends, techniques and products at the 2014 edition of the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo starting Thursday at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $8-$12 daily general admission, extra for classes and workshops. (847) 303-4100 or sewingexpo.com. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29
Vintage prints: This year's International Vintage Poster Fair carries the theme of Ideas and Innovation: A Century of Vintage Posters this weekend at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., Chicago. $20 Friday preview benefit; $15 weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday). (800) 856-8069 or posterfair.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 30
Fabulous Frogs: Naturalists from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County conduct a Fabulous Frogs program at the Burnidge Forest Preserve, 38W235 Big Timber Road, Elgin. Get a bit muddy as you help identify frogs by physical characteristics and sound. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, but advance registration is required. Call (630) 444-3190, or email programs@kaneforest.com. 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29
'Lyle Finds His Mother': See the popular children's book character Lyle the crocodile come to life onstage in the musical “Lyle Finds His Mother” at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Based on the popular “Lyle” children's book series by Bernard Waber, the production focuses on Lyle, a giant, green crocodile who lives with a human family in New York City. $15; (773) 761-4477 or lifelinetheatre.com. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30
Lights out!: Switch off the lights to conserve energy and enjoy family activities in the dark at the sixth annual Earth Hour celebration at the Eastside Community Center, 14 N. Van Buren St., Batavia. Earth Hour is an international green event. Highlights at Batavia's celebration include games in the dark, storytelling, yoga by candlelight, a drum circle, crystal singing bowls and more. Free; bataviaparks.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29
'Comedian' star: See why Orny Adams was prominently featured in Jerry Seinfeld's documentary “Comedian” when he continues performances this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $17 plus a two menu-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com. 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, March 29; and 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30
Choral dance: Giordano Dance Chicago teams up with the choral ensemble Bella Voce for Autumn Eckman's “Mist,” which makes its world premiere among returning repertory favorites this weekend at Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. $15-$60. (312) 334-7777 or harristheaterchicago.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29
Hip-hop pioneers: A few heroes from the early days of hip-hop will trade rhymes at a show this weekend in the city. Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie will be among those on the bill — quite a lineup of classic rap artists at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Tickets start at $59; thechicagotheatre.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29
SUNDAY
Memories for sale: The 20th annual World's Fair Memorabilia Show places its focus on the 1933-34 Chicago Century of Progress World's Fair at the Elk Grove Holiday Inn, 1000 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village. $6; $5 seniors; $20 for 9 a.m. preview. (630) 467-0100 or worldsfairshow.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30
Jazz in the afternoon: The 17-member Jazz Consortium Big Band presents a concert at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St., Algonquin. The program features music from legendary big band performers including Glenn Miller, to modern selections by Maynard Ferguson and others. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door; (847) 658-5308 or algonquinucc.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30