Best Bets: ‘Heroes and Villians’ exhibit inaugurates new gallery at Lake County’s Dunn Museum
‘Heroes and Villains’
The Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, debuts its new gallery space with the exhibition “Alex Ross: Heroes and Villains” showcasing works by the acclaimed comic book artist who “elevated the comic book world to the realm of fine art” by using gouache paints to produce lifelike portraits of Marvel and DC characters. The exhibit marks the largest public viewing of Ross’ art with more than 100 pieces, including full-size portraits of heroes and villains. The museum hosts the artist at a ticketed preview ($125) from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Regular museum admission: Residents: $6 for adults, $3 for students and seniors; nonresidents: $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Additional fee for “Heroes and Villains”: $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. (847) 968-3400 or lcfpd.org/museum. Sunday, June 29, through Feb. 16, 2026
The tragedy of ‘Pagliacci’
The Opera Festival of Chicago concludes its season with Ruggero Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci,” about Canio, the leader of an acting troupe who — after learning his wife Nedda has been unfaithful with the actor Silvio — takes his revenge on stage during a performance. See it at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $25-$50. operafestivalchicago.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29
Comedy tonight
• Actor/comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Melissa Villaseñor (“Barry,” “Toy Story 4”) headlines the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $22-$40, plus a two-beverage minimum. (773) 697-3830 or thedentheatre.com. 7:15 p.m. Friday, June 27, and 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28
• Actor/comedian Billy Gardell (“Mike & Molly,” “Bob Hearts Abishola”) headlines the American Place Casino, 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan. $33.47-$44.13. (773) 477-9515 or americanplace.com. 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Third Coast Percussion turns 20
Grammy Award-winning Third Coast Percussion headlines Rhythm Fest, a daylong celebration of the ensemble’s 20th anniversary taking place at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago. Joining the ensemble is Wilco’s Glenn Kotche, tabla virtuoso Salar Nader and guest artists Clarice Assad, Tyondai Braxton, Michael Burritt, Jlin, Jessie Montgomery and Conrad Tao, among others. General admission is $60, student admission is $30, and VIP tickets are $120. thirdcoastpercussion.com. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28
Magic men
• Limited tickets remain for illusionist Chris Funk (“America’s Got Talent,” “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” and “Masters of Illusion”), who incorporates music and magic into his multimedia show “Redefining Wonder” at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $40. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29
• Ryan Plunkett takes over as artist-in-residence at the Chicago Magic Lounge at 5050 N. Clark St., Chicago. Plunkett performs his show “Old-Fashioned Magic” Wednesdays at the club, which is known for close-up magic. $42, $47.50. (312) 366-4500 or chicagomagiclounge.com. 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, through Sept. 24
Independence Day concert
The Elgin Symphony Brass Quintet performs a free patriotic concert at the Robert G. Soule Amphitheater at Citizens Park, located off Northwest Highway and Lake Zurich Road in Barrington. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs. elginsymphony.org. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 2