Write to laugh Mike Lawrence has made a name for himself doing standup comedy and writing for TV shows like “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Black and White” and “The Jim Gaffigan Show.” Catch him live this weekend at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl...

Legendary Staples at Symphony Center Chicago treasure Mavis Staples is a slow-burning highlight on our music scene - her gospel roots informing her rhythm and blues persona for years locally and nationally before inspiring her to dabble in hip-hop, ...

Planetary genders? Laugh at the battle of the sexes when "Men are from Mars - Women are from Venus Live!" returns for another run starting Tuesday at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. $65. (800) 775-2000 or b...

“Fraulein M.” author Caroline Woods signs copies of her novel at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Anderson's Bookshop, 26 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange. For a place in the signing line, purchase the book from Anderson's in LaGrange. (708) 582-6353 or anders...

The 12th edition of the Black History Family Festival will return to the Gail Borden Library in Elgin on Saturday, Feb. 4. This year's focus will be "Celebrating African Americans in Education." The festival takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is...

Retired folks I know spend a fair amount of time, at least a lot more than when they were working, in two places - the library or the recreation center. This intrigues me as I edge ever closer to that retirement age. If you live in St. Charles and w...

Enchanted elegance The Russian National Ballet Theatre brings a touring production of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet "Swan Lake" on Sunday to College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $56; $46 youth. (630) 942-4000 or a...

Hold the beef Some of the world's top bull riders compete at the PBR: Professional Bull Riders Chicago Invitational this weekend at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $18-$130. (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 6:45 p.m. Saturda...

Country show Country music artist Aaron Watson performs in concert at Joes' Live, in MB Financial Park, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. Zane Williams also performs. Concert is for ages 21 and older. General admission is $15. (847) 261-0392 or joesliveros...