Entertainment

Weekend picks: Svengoolie, sci-fi, superheroes and more at C2E2

Posted February 29, 2020 6:00 am

By Scott C. Morgan

Rich Koz has been scaring up fun as Svengoolie since 1979. He'll be celebrated with a panel discussion at C2E2. Daily Herald file photo

Stars and superheroes forever

C2E2, the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo is the biggest and best pop culture convention in the Chicago area, bringing a wide array of fun experiences to the South Building at McCormick Place next weekend. Show off your costumes, get a glimpse of celebrities such as William Shatner, George Takei and Karl Urban (hmm, do you sense an enterprising theme there?), and make your credit card sweat bullets with all the cool merch you'll want to buy. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at McCormick Place, South Building, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago. $45 for Saturday, $40 for Sunday; $20 for kids, with Sunday-only pass for $10. Prices go up by $10 on the day of the show; buy in advance at C2E2.com.

Expo aplenty

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors an Everything Expo, which includes more than 65 local businesses and community organization booths, food tastings, demonstrations and more. It's on Saturday at Concorde Banquets, 20922 N. Rand Road, Kildeer. Free admission. (847) 438-5572 or lzacc.com. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29

Aerial acrobats perform during the Circus Spectacular, which returns to the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates for six performances from Friday, Feb. 28, to Sunday, March 1. Daily Herald File Photo

Three-ring show

See acrobats, exotic animals and more when the Circus Spectacular returns this weekend at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $20-$28; $10 parking. (847) 649-2222 or searscentre.com. 10:30 a.m., 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1

Animated stars

See animated TV characters from "Dora the Explorer," "Blue's Clues," "PAW Patrol" and more onstage as part of the touring kids show "Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music" this weekend at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $29-$79; $100-$159 VIP package. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 29 and March 1

Leap Day birthdays

Calling all those with Leap Day birthdays: After waiting for four years, Saturday, Feb. 29, is finally your day. And Olive Garden wants to help all "Leaplings" celebrate with four free dolicinis. Proof of birthday required. For everyone else, take-home entrees - fettuccine Alfredo, five cheese ziti al forno and spaghetti with meat sauce - are $2.29 on Saturday for the first order. All additional take-home entrees are $5. Olive Garden has locations throughout the suburbs. olivegarden.com/.

The movie "Stand!" - starring Marshall Williams and Laura Slade Wiggins - makes its U.S. premiere at the JCC Jewish Film Festival. Courtesy of Eric Zachanowych

Jewish cinema

The JCC Jewish Film Festival screens 52 films across seven venues in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Evanston, Highland Park and Skokie. Individual film tickets are $13; $11 for seniors and students. For more information, call (844) 452-2244 or visit jccfilmfest.jccchicago.org for a full schedule. Various times through Sunday, March 15

History and heritage

The Zion Park District sponsors its 30th Annual Black History Celebration, which features lots of singing, dancing, guest speakers, poetry and more at Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st St., Zion. Free admission. (847) 746-5500 or zionparkdistrict.com. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29

Joyce DiDonato stars in the title role of Handel's Roman-inspired black comedy "Agrippina" in select cinemas as part of The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD series on Saturday, Feb. 29, and Wednesday, March 4. Courtesy of Paola Kudacki/The Metropolitan Opera

Power hungry

American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato is the scheming title Roman empress in Handel's 1709 black comedy "Agrippina." The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD series screens director Sir David McVicar's updated staging on Saturday at select participating cinemas. Ticket prices vary by venue but are largely $19.50-$26. For exact locations and ticket prices, visit fathomevents.com. 11:55 a.m. live relay Saturday, Feb. 29; 1 and 6:30 p.m. taped encore Wednesday, March 4

'Red Kite, Brown Box'

Chicago Children's Theatre presents "Red Kite, Brown Box," a show designed for children with autism or sensory sensitivities. Kids are encouraged to move, talk, sing and interact with specially trained actors during the interactive, 60-minute performances. The audience is limited to 10 children and a caregiver or parent, who will receive a packet to help prepare kids for the experience. Preregistration is required. Noon and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, and through March 21 at 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago. $10. (312) 374-8835 or chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

Antiques and more

Browse or purchase vintage objects and other collectibles at the Kane County Flea Market this weekend at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. $5; free admission for kids 12 and younger. (630) 584-6926 or kanecountyfair.com. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1

The "Grave Digger" is featured in Monster Jam at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

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Oversize trucks with names such as Grave Digger, Megalodon, Pirate's Curse and more are part of the Monster Jam Triple Threat Series this weekend at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $15-$70. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1; 7 p.m. Monday, March 2

Trinity Irish Dance Company performs twice on Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago. Courtesy of Lois Greenfield

Celtic celebration

The Trinity Irish Dance Company performs world-premiere pieces by choreographers Michelle Dorrance, Melinda Sulivan, Colin Dunne and more as part of two repertory program performances on Saturday at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. $35-$78. (312) 341-2300 or auditoriumtheatre.org. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29

Political punsters

The Capitol Steps ensemble, which has been sending up politicians in songs and sketches for 39 years, returns to the McAninch Arts Center for a pair of Leap Day performances. Members of the group will perform material from their latest CD, "The Lyin' Kings," including "76 Unknowns," about the Democratic primary candidates, and "Tweet It," about President Donald Trump's late-night tweeting. The group was founded in 1981 by members of former Illinois Sen. Charles Percy's staff. 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at the McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $42-$49. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org.

College of Lake County's 36th annual "Salute to Gospel Music" features Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. Courtesy of Verity Records

Singing praise

Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir are the featured guests at College of Lake County's 36th annual "Salute to Gospel Music" concert on Saturday at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $26-$33. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29

Jam-packed Leap Day

Leap Year brings an extra day to February, and BrauerHouse in Lombard is loading it up with live music. Villa Park Punk Night hosts Leap Fest, a celebration of regional punk on the bar stage, featuring Kenosha's Slaughter Party, Stay Up All Night and Fight from Waukegan, Detroit's Hide Behind, and Modern Advances and Real Bad Real Fast, both from the Chicago area. The BrauerHouse Live stage, on the other hand, brings an early show of jumping grooves and hot jams from Tonic Freight Train, Captain Coopersmith and Invisible Cartoons. At 10 p.m. that night, glam metal tribute act Hairbanger's Ball brings favorites from '80s hair rockers Mötley Crüe, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard and more. Tonic Freight Train ($10-$15) at 7 p.m.; Villa Park Punk Night Leap Fest ($5-$8) at 8 p.m.; Hairbanger's Ball ($10-$15) at 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.

Tunes For a Night

Tunes For a Night brings its unifying musical experience to Geneva's Cafe & Barr this weekend. Stacked with artists hand-picked from a number of different musical sources - this performance features Courtney Stone & The Far off Places, Chris Otepka (of Troubled Hubble, The Heligoats & Hemora) and a headlining collaboration between Ben Bollero of Covington Groove, Ryan Cooper of Flowtation and MagnetFunk, Cory Bray of Accidentally on Purpose and Covington Groove and Kevin McMahon of Piece of Cake - the event aims to be an opportunity for fans and musicians to come together in a spirit of camaraderie. Sneaker Heartz, a St. Charles-based nonprofit organization that collects shoes for those in need, will also be on hand accepting donations of lightly worn pairs at the event. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Cafe & Barr, 407 S. 3rd St., Geneva. $5. (331) 248-0440 or cafebarr.com. 

Radius opening

Celebrate Chicago's newest entertainment space - Radius - with Saturday's grand opening concert, featuring electronic artist Dillon Francis, PARTY FAVOR and a DJ set from Party Pupils. The 55,000-square-foot Radius is making a home in a converted steel factory in Pilsen and will feature nine full-service bars, a mezzanine level for VIP packages, lounges, an outdoor area and space for corporate events, weddings and other large-scale outings. 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Radius, 640 W. Cermak Road, Chicago. Tickets start at $35. (312) 767-1355 or radius-chicago.com.

Percussive 'Pack'

The Tap Pack is an Australian tap dancing show that takes its inspiration from the swinging 20th century actor-singers known as The Rat Pack. The tour plays on Sunday at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $45-$50; $40-$45 students and seniors. (847) 895-3600 or prairiecenter.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1

Concert highlights

"Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music": 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 29 and March 1, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $29-$79; $100-$159 VIP package. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com.

Mock Nine, Division Point, Fundamental Kink: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 404-9494 or martyrslive.com.

Tonic Freight Train, Captain Coopersmith, Invisible Cartoons: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at BrauerHouse Live, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $10-$15. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.

Tunes For a Night: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Cafe & Barr, 407 S. 3rd St., Geneva. $5. (331) 248-0440 or cafebarr.com.

College of Lake County's 36th annual "Salute to Gospel Music": 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $26-$33. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com.

AJ Calcagno, Frequilibrium, Primal Moon, Kadooge: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at The 105, 231 S. Washington St., Naperville. facebook.com.

Turbo2K, Tequila Mockingbird: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Q Bar Darien, 8109 S. Cass Ave., Darien. (630) 241-0970 or qbardarien.com.

Dan Tedesco: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. (224) 202-0750 or heynonny.com.

Rematch album release with Knockout Kid, Fluorescents, Stillwell: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St., Chicago. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.

Phillip-Michael Scales, SistaStrings: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 929-3680 or uncommonground.com.

Kamil Bednarek Live In Chicago - "Inaczej Tour 2020": 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Joe's Live, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. (847) 261-0392 or joesliverosemont.com.

Villa Park Punk Night Leap Fest with Slaughter Party, Stay Up All Night and Fight, Hide Behind, Modern Advances and Real Bad Real Fast: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $5-$8. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.

Y&T: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.

Jonfin, Careful Gaze, Parachute Day, Ester: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Burlington Bar, 3425 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago. (773) 384-3243 or theburlingtonbar.com.

Nora Marks, Broken Robots, The God Awful Small Affairs, Casey Elizabeth Weldon: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted St., Chicago. (773) 248-8400 or tonicroom.ticketfly.com.

Radius grand opening featuring Dillon Francis, PARTY FAVOR, Party Pupils, Dos Lokoz: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at Radius, 640 W. Cermak Road, Chicago. Tickets start at $35. (312) 767-1355 or radius-chicago.com.

Hairbanger's Ball: 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at BrauerHouse Live, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $10-$15. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.

Chicago Grandstand Big Band: 6 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

The Off Days, No Object, OldSoul, Jonfin, Division Point: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago. (773) 278-6600 or subt.net.

• Information is provided by entertainment venues and is subject to change. Check with the venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings or to add an event, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.

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