Entertainment briefs: Cheesecake specials, Lollapalooza, Ravinia and more
National Cheesecake Day
How sweet it is! National Cheesecake Day is Friday, July 30, so The Cheesecake Factory is celebrating by introducing a new flavor: Coconut Cream Pie Cheesecake, which consists of coconut cheesecake, vanilla custard and a layer of chocolate on a coconut macaroon crust. Plus, on that Friday, the restaurant known for more than 30 flavors of cheesecake will donate $1 for every slice of cheesecake sold to Feeding America. And, for every piece of Coconut Cream Pie Cheesecake sold from July 31, 2021, through July 29, 2022, the restaurant will donate 25 cents to Feeding America, a hunger relief organization.
The Cheesecake Factory has locations at 930 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, (847) 955-2350; 2020 Spring Road, Oak Brook, (630) 573-1800; 53 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, (847) 619-1090; and in Chicago, Orland Park and Skokie; thecheesecakefactory.com/.
Backyard BBQ
In the mood for barbecue but don't feel like grilling? Pinstripes' second monthly Summer Backyard BBQ happens from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 30. The $40 per person price gets you all-you-can-eat balsamic barbecue ribs, mini cheeseburgers, pesto chicken, housemade mac and cheese, Parmesan potato chips, Brussels sprouts, watermelon, salad, cookies, brownies, and, of course, beer from local breweries. Advance ticket purchase is required.
Pinstripes is at 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook, (847) 480-2323; 7 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook, (630) 575-8700; and 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, (847) 844-9300; pinstripes.com/.
Bitter Jester week 2
Congratulations to punk/metal band VenganzA for taking the win the first night of 2021's Bitter Jester Music Festival in Highland Park last weekend. The contest continues with a new set of artists - Beach Street, Flying Fuzz, Leo Sclamberg, Luscia Jane, The Simsons and Summer Drive - playing outdoors at Port Clinton Square Friday, July 30, along with a solo performance by 9 a.m. and the featured act Marigold. This week, fans will also be treated to a special guest appearance by 5-year-old rock-star-in-the-making Miles the Music Kid in his first public performance. Pizza, craft beer and gelato will be available for purchase, too.
6:45 p.m. Friday, July 30, at Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park. Free admission; for more information on this week's bands and judges, visit bitterjesterfoundation.org.
Brian McKnight under the stars
R&B and soul icon Brian McKnight makes his Ravinia Festival debut this weekend with a show at the outdoor amphitheater Friday, July 30. Platinum-selling artist (and 2003 "American Idol" winner) Ruben Studdard opens the show with his tribute to Luther Vandross. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated patrons; check ravinia.org for updated safety protocols.
7:30 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.) Friday, July 30, at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. $27-$90; ravinia.org.
Fun and educational
Improv Playhouse's Theatre for Young Audiences presents the interactive, educational tale "Ranger Tales: True Stories From America's National Parks" using music and puppetry to share tales from the Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, Everglades National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. "I love that 'Ranger Tales' is engaging for both audience and actor," said cast member Anna Mae Durham in a prepared statement. "This show does a great job in making these topics fun and digestible for everyone."
Performances begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 31, at 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. $5 for children, $10 for adults, $20 for a family of four. (847) 968-4529 or improvplayhouse.com.
Circus 'Salon'
The Actors Gymnasium celebrates a quarter-century of teaching and performing circus acts with a special outdoor Summer Salon 2021. The family-friendly event full of music, circus acts and more happens at Tallmadge Park near 931 Noyes St., Evanston. Free, but donations appreciated. (847) 328-2795 or actorsgymnasium.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, July 31
Broadway veteran
Expect to hear standards from the Great American Songbook when Michael Feinstein and Tony Award winner Betty Buckley perform in concert at the Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Pavilion tickets: $80-$100; lawn tickets: $44-$59; parking: $25. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1
Victory Gardens town hall
Victory Gardens Theater artistic director Ken-Matt Martin hosts a town hall meeting titled "Ask Me Anything With Ken-Matt Martin" at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, on Zoom. Participants will have a chance to ask Martin questions, hear his vision for the future and meet VGT artists. Admission is free. RSVP at victorygardens.org/event/summer-town-halls. "During the first weeks of my tenure at Victory Gardens, I embarked on a 'listening tour' to connect with Chicago artists who have been deeply connected to the Chicago theater community, in order to talk about the history, celebrate the artistry and craft a new future," said Martin in a prepared statement. "These town halls will welcome people together, including those who already love Victory Gardens and any new or curious patrons and artists to express their thoughts, to ask questions and to learn what is in store."
Return to wrestling
WWE Monday Night RAW returns with stars such as Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Alexa Bliss and more at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $20-$65. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2
• Events are subject to change. Please check websites for updated info and COVID protocols.