Sound check: Daughtry, Post Malone, Birthdayy Partyy, USO benefit and more
Stevie Nicks under the stars
Travel the "Edge of Seventeen" with legendary songwriter Stevie Nicks as the former Fleetwood Mac artist spends two nights at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. General lawn admission starts at $85, with reserved pavilion seating running $190-$280 at ravinia.org. 8 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.) Thursday and Saturday, Sept. 8 and 10
MadKap 'Make Believe'
MadKap Productions presents "Falling for Make Believe," a musical by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart that tells the behind-the-scenes story about lyricist Hart's struggle with alcoholism, his sexual identity and his troubled relationship with composer Rodgers. Performances begin Friday, Sept. 9, at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. COVID-19 precautions: masks required. (847) 677-7761 or skokietheatre.org.
Surrender to Cheap Trick
Shine up your old brown shoes and put on a brand new shirt because Cheap Trick is coming back to town. Rockford's legendary band will rock the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan, with their classics (and probably embed a few earworms). Tickets range from $45-$125, with a VIP seating/merch package also available at the box office at (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
'Mr. Entertainment'
Don't miss musical superstar Wayne Newton as he celebrates more than 60 years on stage (including his signature song "Danke Schoen") with his tour stop at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Tickets for the Sunday show are $49 at desplainestheatre.com. 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11
Erykah Badu at Ravinia
Jazzy neo-soul singer and actor Erykah Badu takes the Ravinia Festival stage for a Sunday night show that'll help you send off your weekend on a high note. She'll be joined by Ravyn Lenae, an R&B singer-songwriter based out of Chicago. 7 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.) Sunday, Sept. 11, at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. General lawn admission starts at $44; reserved pavilion seating is $125-$155. ravinia.org.
Blockbusters at Buffalo Creek
Spread a blanket and stretch out under the stars as the Lake County Symphony Orchestra brings the magic of the music of stage and screen to Long Grove with the "Broadway & Hollywood Blockbusters" concert at Buffalo Creek Brewing. BCB will be selling beverages; guests are encouraged to pack a picnic for this family-friendly evening. 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove. $20; free for kids 12 and younger. lakecountysymphonyorchestra.com or buffalocreekbrewing.com/.
Rock with Daughtry
Former "American Idol" finalist Chris Daughtry and his platinum-selling eponymous band head to Waukegan this weekend with his "Dearly Beloved Tour," spotlighting his latest musical release, bringing hard-rock band Pop Evil along for the ride. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $45-$85 for general seating; $179 for premium tour package; Preshow Experience package runs $349. geneseetheatre.com.
• Events are subject to change. Please check with venues before you go.