Regional entertainment: CMAs hit the suburbs, Elmo learns magic in 'Sesame Street Live!'
CMA kudos
Congratulations to Sam Alex, who earned a nomination for Daily National Broadcast Personality of the Year at this year's Country Music Association Awards for his nationally syndicated “The Sam Alex Show.” The Hoffman Estates High School graduate, who recently moved back to Buffalo Grove from Nashville with his family, is also the founder of the Camp Broadcast summer education program based in Highland Park. The 56th Annual CMA Awards will be presented Wednesday, Nov. 9, airing at 7 p.m. on ABC.
Open Sesame!
When magician Justin comes to Sesame Street, Elmo is inspired to learn some tricks, bringing the entire gang along on a ride through science, illusion, colors, dance and music. The family-friendly “Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic” turns the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, into the whimsical children's world for seven performances this weekend. Tickets start at $15; preshow meet-and-greet VIP add-ons are also available. rosemont.com/theatre. 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8; and 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9
Wines aplenty
Sample wines from around the world, chat with seasoned sommeliers, and indulge in food and beverages during the sixth annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest in Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the door; VIP packages are $80. Some proceeds will benefit the Wrightwood Neighbors Association. Buy tickets at chicagoevents.com/events/lincolnparkwinefestival. 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9
An immigrant's tale
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre opens its 25th season with the Midwest premiere of the multidisciplinary “Refuge,” a play with music and puppetry examining the immigration crisis. Created by Satya Jnani Chávez and Andrew Rosendorf, and translated by Mari Meza-Burgos, “Refuge” chronicles a young Honduran girl who crosses the U.S. border into Texas. Managing and casting director Christopher Pazdernik said in a prepared statement that the bilingual piece reflects Evanston's Latino population and “is a beautiful way to honor their history and experiences.” Previews at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8 and 14-15, and 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at 721 Howard St., Evanston. Opens Oct. 16. $30-$65. Masks required. (773) 939-4101 or theo-u.com.
Love Shack
With 46 years of unique, groundbreaking and much-beloved music, the B-52's are packing it up for now. The band plays the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago, for two nights, joined by KC and The Sunshine Band and The Rezillos. Tickets start at $99 at msg.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8
Jazzy brunch
Main Street Social in Libertyville kicks off its fifth annual Harvest Fest on Saturday with a special brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. accompanied by Chicago jazz musician Charles Heath. Stick around for the Harvest Wine Open House from 2-5 p.m. when patrons will have the chance to sip wines from Orin Swift, Stags' Leap, Duckhorn and Frank Family. Main Street Social is at 608 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, (847) 549-3490, mainstreetsoc.com/.
'Ghostbusters Live in Concert'
Get into the Halloween spirit with a screening of the comedy thriller “Ghostbusters” accompanied by the Chicago Philharmonic playing the award-winning music from the movie. The performance will be conducted by Maestro Peter Bernstein, son of Elmer Bernstein, who originally composed the movie's score. A reception will precede the concert with themed drinks, a costume contest, a replica Ecto-1 and trick-or-treating for all ages at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. $34.75-$94.50 at mytickets.auditoriumtheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
MUSE is back
With its mind-blowing stage show and anthemic hits, Grammy-winning English rock band MUSE shares its recent album “Will of the People” when it takes the stage at Chicago's Riviera Theatre with “The Simulation Theory World Tour.” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave., Chicago. Tickets start at $250; VIP packages are also available, including merch and a preconcert party. jamusa.com.
You know Who
The legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Who bring the goods to Chicago for a midweek blowout at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., with special guest Steven Page. Tickets for “The Who Hits Back! 2022 Tour” stop range from $43 to $302 and can be purchased at unitedcenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12
• Events are subject to change. Please check with the venues before attending.