Best Bets: Elmhurst Art Museum showcases Chicago-based artists in new exhibition
Elmhurst art exhibition
The Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst, presents the first major museum exhibition of Chicago-based artists Mayumi Lake and Bob Faust, both of whom are inspired by the principle of Shakkei, or “borrowed scenery,” a philosophy that “incorporates organic features and architectural designs.” “Shakkei: Work by Mayumi Lake and Bob Faust” consists of large-scale, kaleidoscopic works by Lake and Faust individually in separate galleries, along with the artists’ recent collaborations. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, $5 for kids. (630) 834-0202 or elmhurstartmuseum.org. Saturday, Sept. 6, through Jan. 4, 2026
Music in Millennium Park … and beyond
• The National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates the late singer Selena Quintanilla, known as the queen of Tejano music for popularizing the style, during a tribute concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Free. nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org. 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
• Lyric Opera of Chicago artists from the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center join the Lyric Opera Orchestra for a free concert showcasing highlights from the upcoming 2025-2026 season at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. The concert also includes members of the Joffrey Ballet performing excerpts from its upcoming production of “Carmen.” lyricopera.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7
• Artist’s Lounge Live presents “Friends in Low Places: Brandon Bennett Sings Garth Brooks,” featuring Bennett channeling the award-winning country star in concert at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $40. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Chicago native Roger McGuinn (“Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” “Eight Miles High”), a founding member of The Byrds, headlines the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $36.24-$159.80. (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10
• The new music chamber ensemble Nova Linea Musica begins its second season with a concert at Guarneri Hall, 11 E. Adams St., Chicago, featuring Illinois pianist/composer Conrad Tao performing “Hot Air,” which combines classical and jazz music. The concert also includes a world premiere commission by Chris Mercer. $10-$40. guarnerihall.org. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10
Cultural celebration
Mandala South Asian Performing Arts hosts its seventh Mandala Makers Festival at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. The multidisciplinary showcase of South Asian performing artists includes classical and contemporary dance; classical, folk and contemporary music; Bollywood dance; and electronic dance music. Free to $68. mandalaarts.org. Performances begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5; 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7
New exhibition highlights climate change
The South Asia Institute, 1925 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, showcases works by Canadian-Pakistani artist Faisal Anwar in a new, immersive exhibition “Faisal Anwar: Common Sky,” which examines climate change through interactive installations, digital art and kinetic sculpture. Free. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. (312) 929-3911 or saichicago.org. Thursday, Sept. 11, through Dec. 13
Art on the Mart returns
Art on the Mart, the digital art showcase that transforms Chicago’s architectural landmarks into larger-than-life canvases displaying works by artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are affiliated with the nonprofit organization Arts of Life, returns with the show “City Circle Heart.” artsoflife.org. 7:30-8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, from Thursday, Sept. 11, through Oct. 5