Weekend picks: Comedian Brandon Vestal, music and egg hunts

Sooner or later

Comedian and Oklahoma native Brandon Vestal ("Last Comic Standing," "Laughs") returns for another run of standup gigs starting Thursday at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $20 plus a two-item purchase. (630) 524-0001 or zanies.com. 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 6 and 7; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, April 8

Prairie View Arts Invitational

Shop for artwork from 25 professional artists at the Prairie View Arts Invitational at the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 1828 Old Naperville Road, Naperville. Enjoy free champagne, live music and a taco truck on opening night. There will be a bake sale, a soup lunch and a raffle on Saturday. All proceeds go to the not-for-profit Youth Outlook organization. Free. prairieviewarts.com. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 7, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 8

Celebration of Culture

Learn about traditions from across the globe at the Celebration of Culture in the pavilion at 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Enjoy dance performances, music, games, activities, arts and crafts and cultural exhibitors. Free. Presented by the Elk Grove Park District and Community Character Coalition. elkgroveparks.org. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7

Animal house

Famed TV animal expert Jack Hanna shares loads of travel stories and brings along a few wild beasts for his touring "Into the Wild Live" tonight at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $26-$36. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 7 p.m. Friday, April 7

Beer and wine

The Prairie Center's Arts Foundation's Spirits of the Prairie wine-tasting event has added craft beers into the mix of restaurant nibbles and entertainment excerpts tonight at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $35-$40. (847) 895-360O or prairiecenter.org. 7 p.m. Friday, April 7

'Baby' mama

Tony Award-nominated actress Liz Callaway ("Baby," "Anastasia") reflects on her career in musicals on stage and screen in her intimate concert "Broadway and Beyond" tonight at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $40-$45; $35 students. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7

Comedy by Cole

Former Chicagoan Deon Cole ("Black-ish," "Barbershop") shares his standup comedy skills this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $28 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, April 7; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, April 8; 7 p.m. Sunday, April 9

Martini Room's speak-easy

Take it way back to the 1920s prohibition era with Martini Room's Speakeasy beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8. The evening features The Fellas jazz trio and a classic burlesque show. Specialty drinks include: the Giggle Flapper, Bathtub Gin, M.R. Sazerac, Moonshine Shooter and more. Prices vary. To get in, gotta know the password. $20 for a last-minute Speakeasy password. Martini Room is at 161 E. Chicago St., Elgin. (847) 741-0349 or martiniroomelgin.com.

'Simply Elton'

Brian Harris performs a musical tribute to legendary rocker Elton John in "Simply Elton" at Frankie's Blue Room, 16 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $7. For ages 21 and older. (630) 416-4898 or simplyelton.com. 8 p.m. Friday, April 7

Dance EGGstravaganza

Meet the Easter Bunny and learn the latest dance steps at the Easter Dance EGGstravaganza in the food court at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside. The annual celebration features dance performances, music, face painters, a balloon artist, games, prizes and more. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance. Free. northriversideparkmall.com. 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8

Sunny days

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and many more characters come to the rescue seeking missing musical instruments in "Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music." The touring family show plays this weekend at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $21-$88; $10 parking. (888) 732-7784 or searscentre.com. 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8; 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9

Illusionary visions

See feats of shrinkage, teleportation and more risky-looking stunts when "The Magic of Bill Blagg Live!" arrives Saturday at College of Lake County's Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. $30-$35; $29-$34 seniors; $12-$15 youth. (847) 543-2300 or jlcenter.clcillinois.edu. 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8

El Famous release

El Famous is not known for being subtle. Performance videos of the metalcore band show it at its best - Streamwood resident Kevin Singleton aggressively spitting truth with fiery guitars and brilliant rhythms by Brandon Minor, Kevin Andrew, Jay Lovell, Armin Maksumic and Ted Sofios - and show why El Famous is considered a major influence on the local scene. The band's second full-length album, "The Life Of Living With Regret," builds on that solid base, particularly "Bruno," "The Eulogy" and the album's title track, all of which roll out beautifully sung vocal melodies mixed into the high-energy riffs. El Famous presents the new songs at a release show, where they'll be joined by Lowcountry, GraveSend, Face The Fire and Welp. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. $10-$15. (773) 281-4444 or beatkitchen.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8

Classical winner

The New Philharmonic was just awarded the 2017 Illinois Council of Orchestras' Professional Orchestra of the Year Award. Check out the prizewinning ensemble with guest violinist David Taylor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra this weekend at the College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $49. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8; 3 p.m. Sunday, April 9

That's the ticket!

Actor and comedian Jon Lovitz ("Saturday Night Live," "Newsradio") is out to get plenty of laughs when he performs standup on Saturday at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $35-$45. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, April 8

Bunny on ice

Ice skate with the Easter Bunny at the Egg Slide at the ice arena at the Triphahn Center, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras. Admission and skate rental are free. No registration is required. heparks.org. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9

Spring Valley Concert Band

The Spring Valley Concert Band performs pieces like "Angels in the Architecture" by Tichelli, "Holocaust Suite" by Gould and "Smetana Fanfare" by Husa during its spring concert at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The program will feature 28 instrumental music students from District 54 and their instructors. Tickets cost $5 at the door. svcb.net. 3 p.m. Sunday, April 9

Upcoming concerts

Biffy Clyro, O'Brother: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Rock. $24. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra with "All That Jazz" concert: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31 St., Oak Brook. $7-$25. (630) 941-0202 or elmhurstsymphony.org.

Dan Baird & Homemade Sin, The Belvederes: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Rock. $15. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

BJ The Chicago Kid, Pell, Mykele Deville, Owen Bones (DJ set): 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at The 1st Ward at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., Chicago. $5-$15. (773) 537-4440 or chopshopchi.com.

Focal Point: 7 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $7, $50 for four VIP tickets. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

Sugarpulp (EP release), The Threads, Bloom and DJ Kirk: 8 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison, Chicago. $6. Rock. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.

JC Brooks (album release), Bassel and the Supernaturals: 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at The 1st Ward at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., Chicago. $15-$40. (773) 537-4440 or chopshopchi.com.

Charlie Foxtrot: 9 p.m. Friday, April 7, at H.O.M.E. Bar, 1227 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Rock. $7. (847) 577-4663 or homebarchicago.com.

It Takes Two: 9 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Trophy Room, 170 W. Ontario St., Chicago. $8.58. (312) 600-6920 or wamilive.com.

Hi Infidelity: 10 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $8. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

Morgan Page, Nathan Scott, DangerWayne: 10 p.m. Friday, April 7, at PRYSM Nightclub, 1543 N. Kingsbury, Chicago. House. $15-$25. (847) 987-0950 or prysmnightclub.com.

Dream Council, Oliver Kiss: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Rivers Edge Bar & Grill, 12 N. River St., Batavia. Free. (630) 406-9200 or theriversedgebatavia.com.

Corky Siegel featuring Chamber Blues and the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Chicago blues. $35. (847) 622-0300 or elgin.edu.

Daylight Sinners, Ember Oceans, Scotch the Filmmaker: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison, Chicago. $7-$10. Indie, rock. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.

Judas Beast: 9 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. Iron Maiden/Judas Priest tribute. $8-$10. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.

Boy Band Review: 9 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $8. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.

Deekline & Keith MacKenzie at Afterlife: 10 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. House, electronic. $5-$10. (630) 291-5986 or afterlifechi.com.

The Bronx, Dave Hause, The Mermaid: 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 10, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $5-$100. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

StereoViolet, Invisible Cartoons, JARO: 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago. Indie, rock. $8. (773) 278-6600 or subt.net.

Overclocked, Last Fantastic Nasty: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison, Chicago. $3. Rock. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.

Easter egg hunts

Egg-citing Crafty Kids Fest: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Courts Plus, 186 S. West Ave., Elmhurst, (630) 833-5064, www.courts-plus.com. Spring fun and games, including eggshell mosaics, bunny crafts and an egg hunt. Dress for outdoor fun and messy projects. Register online. $12 members/$15 nonmembers.

Breakfast with the Bunny: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Lake Zurich Retired Firefighters Association Hall, 77 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, lakezurich.org/599/Breakfast-with-Bunny-Egg-Hunt. Before the annual egg hunt, head to the Bunny Hutch (Lake Zurich Retired Firefighters Association Hall) for a buffet and a visit by the bunny. Bring your camera. $5 kids 2 and older and $7 adults.

Hop 2 It!: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8, at The Sanctuary Church, 1251 Windham Parkway, Romeoville. Glow-in-the-dark egg hunt, bounce houses, crafts, face painting, petting zoo and interactive Easter story. Go to hop2itfamilyfun.com to reserve your free tickets. No Easter basket required.

Easter Egg Hunt: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St., Batavia. Meet the Easter Bunny before the hunt. Meet at the pavilion by 9:45 a.m. Group leaders will divide children into age groups and take them to their separate hunt areas. The hunt begins at 10 a.m. Bring your own basket. Bring a nonperishable food item or paper product to be donated to the Batavia Food Pantry. Parking space is limited. Free.

Easter Eggstravaganza: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Varble Park, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville, (630) 230-1028. Games and activities begin at 9:30 a.m. Kids 2-4 will hunt from 10 to 10:15 a.m. and kids 5-7 will hunt from 10:20 to 10:35 a.m. The Easter Bunny starts it off and each child will be allowed to find seven eggs. There will be three special eggs added to each hunt for kids to find and win a basket filled with toys. Bring a basket and your camera for a picture with the bunny or purchase an instant print for $2. If it is raining, the event will be in the gym. Registration is not required.

Hound Egg Hunt: 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8, at Towne Sqaure in Palatine, palatineparks.org/rccms/. Dogs can hunt for eggs filled with treats and have their picture taken with the bunny. Event includes souvenir photo with the bunny, eggs, raffle entry and a goody bag. All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs must be wearing a current rabies tag to participate.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Easter Story and Egg Hunt: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 304 W. Palatine Road, Prospect Heights. Crafts, snacks and an egg hunt. Bring your own basket. Free.

Traditional Egg Hunt 2017: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Lisle Community Park Bandshell, 1825 Short St., Lisle, (630) 964-3410, lisleparkdistrict.org/specialevents.html#egghunt. Kids will hunt for eggs by age groups (2 and younger, 3-5, 6-10) in different areas of the park. Prizes will be given to those who find the golden eggs. Kids can pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny. This is an outdoor event so dress for the weather. Residents: $7; nonresidents: $10; day of: $10.

Mooseheart Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Mooseheart Child City & School, two miles north of 1-88 at IL-31/IL-56/S Lincolnway, Mooseheart, (630) 906-3601, mooseheart.org/2017/02/03/easter-egg-hunt/. Egg hunt at 11 a.m. is for kids from toddlers to age 8. Plus, pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house and face painting. Bring your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny. Free and open to the public.

Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles, (630) 513-4326. Parents and kids ages 9 and younger should arrive at the park 15 minutes early to receive instructions and make their way to the designated egg hunt age group location. Meet at River View Miniature Golf Court Yard. Bring a basket. Children are limited to 10 eggs each. Registration is not required. Free.

Wheaton Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1420 S. Gables Blvd., Wheaton. Bring your own basket. After the hunt, there will be doughnuts and crafts. Bring your camera to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Free.

Third Annual Community Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. The egg hunt is open to kids 10 and younger. Stick around for activities after the egg hunt. $5.

Wood Dale Park District's 2017 "Eggcellent" Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Wood Dale Park District, 111 E. Foster Ave., Wood Dale. Grab your Easter basket and head to Franzen Grove to search for eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny. Groups will be divided by age. Bring your own basket. There will be special prizes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park district. Register at apm.activecommunities.com//eggcellent-egg-hunt/5386. Preregistration: $1 or $2 on the day of the event.

Bunny Bash: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Activities include face painting, egg hunts, games, moon jumps, train rides, crafts and concessions. Pony rides and a petting zoo available. Preregistration by April 7 costs $12 for kids 3 and older. Day-of registration costs $15 for kids 3 and older. Free for kids 2 and younger and adults. (847) 490-7015 or ParkFun.com.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1808 Miller Road, Crystal Lake. Kids will hunt for more than 4000 eggs in their age groups for treats, prizes and basket giveaways. Meet the Easter Bunny. Hunt starts promptly at 10:30, so arrive early to register for prizes. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, 950 Hart Road, Batavia. Hunt is for toddlers through third grade. Includes craft time. Free.

Grayslake Park District Annual Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Central Park, Library Lane, Grayslake. For kids 7 and younger. Preregistration is required at www.glpd.com. Residents: $6; nonresidents: $8.

Photos with the Easter Bunny: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights. Bring your pets and kids for photos with the Easter Bunny (small donation required), raffles, egg hunt, bake sale, adoption eggstravaganza and more. The Buddy Foundation is a not-for-profit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray, abused and abandoned cats and dogs. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit thebuddyfoundation.org. Free.

Doggie Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Batavia Park District Bark Park. Let your dog hunt for Easter eggs filled with doggy treats starting at 11:30 a.m. All dogs must be leashed during the event. Preregistration is requested, but we will accept registration at the gate to the Bark Park starting at 11 a.m. There will be pet-friendly vendors on-site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Anderson Animal Shelter. $10.

Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Easter egg hunt for kids 10 and younger. Free coffee and crafts. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and must bring their own basket. Held rain or shine. (847) 358-4600 or www.clcpalatine.org. Free.

Spring Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Burr Ridge Village Center, 440 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge. Kids and their families are invited to visit with the Easter Bunny at Barbara's Bookstore, hunt for eggs, meet furry friends at the petting zoo, enjoy a balloon artist and crafts and more. Register for the egg hunt at the welcome table to get a free tote to collect eggs. Totes will be available to the first 250 kids who register. Registration for kids 5 and younger is from 11:30 a.m. to noon and for ages 6 to 12 is from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Free.

Bunny Photos & Fun: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Enjoy photos with the bunny, a face painter and a balloon artist, kids' crafts, prizes and more near the gazebo. Crafts and games sponsored by Bright Horizons and The Little Gym. Enter for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree. Photos will be available for download from our Facebook page; personal cameras are welcome. Free.

Egg Hunt, Easter Bunny & Bob James magic: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at Wolff's Flea Market, 1775 N. Rand Road, Palatine. Flea market style egg hunt. Kids can find one egg hidden in the market and redeem it for a present and candy. Noon to 1 p.m.: Bob James Magic Show. 1 to 3 p.m.: Visit with the Easter Bunny. Kids admitted free; free for adults by showing a coupon from wolffs.com. Email wolffsflea@aol.com or call (847) 524-9590. Free.

Lake Zurich Annual Egg Hunt: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Lions Park, 81 E. Main St., Lake Zurich. Kids 2-10 can join in the free community egg hunt. Jump in the moon bounce, dance to a DJ and play games. The hunt begins promptly at noon, rain or shine. Bring a basket. Free.

Doggie Egg Hunt: Noon Saturday, April 8, at the Cabin Nature Center White Oaks Dog Park, 111 S. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale, wdparks.org/calendar-details.aspx?ID=149. Bring your dog to search for eggs filled with a dog treats. Dress your dog in Easter gear for the costume contest to be held after the hunt. $2 per dog.

Underwater Eggstravaganza: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Buehler YMCA, 1400 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, (847) 359-2400, buehlerymca.org. Underwater egg hunt. Kids 4 and younger must have a parent/guardian present in the pool for the egg hunt. Bring a basket. $8 members; $16 nonmembers.

Doggie Egg Hunt: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at James O. Breen Community Park, Campton Hills and Peck roads, St. Charles, (630) 513-4330, st-charlesparks.org/vw-systems/Calendar/calendar.asp. When your dog touches one of the plastic eggs with their nose, into your basket it goes. Dogs must be kept on a nonretractable leash (max 6 feet), have current vaccines and visibly wear tags. Pet-friendly vendors will be on site. Kids 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, 16 years or older, at all times. $4 per dog (early bird rate until April 7); $7 per dog the day of the event.

Easter Egg Hunt in the Pool: 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Elmhurst YMCA, 211 W. First St., Elmhurst, (630) 929-2456, elmhurstymca.org. Easter egg hunt in the pool. $5 per family for members; $10 per nonmember family.

Palatine Jaycees Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Noon Sunday, April 9, at Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. The Palatine Jaycees will hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids 9 and younger. Meet the Easter Bunny. There is no preregistration. Free.

Capannari's Easter Egg Hunt: Noon Sunday, April 9, at Centennial Green, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Kids 2-7 can hunt for 5,000 Easter eggs in Centennial Green. Meet the Easter Bunny. Free.

Community's Annual Children's Easter Egg Hunt & Easter Celebration: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at the Community Nursing & Rehab Center, 1136 N. Mill St., Naperville. Egg hunt starts promptly at 2:15 p.m. outside (weather permitting) or inside and goes until 2:30 p.m. RSVP to activity director Sherri Walton-Peterson at (630) 355-3300, ext. 231, or email swalton-peterson@CNRCLLC.com. Free.