Weekend picks: Cameron's 'Avatar' inspires Cirque spectacular – Chicago Daily Herald
‘Avatar’ spectacle
Cirque du Soleil finds inspiration from James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar” for the touring indoor spectacular “Toruk — The First Flight” starting Wednesday at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $46-$140. (800) 745-3000 or unitedcenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, Aug. 3-5; 3:30 p.m. Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; and 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7
Funny stuff
Comedian Tim Walkoe was certified as one of “America’s Funniest People” on the former TV show of the same name. See him live doing standup this week starting Wednesday at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or rosemont.zanies.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 3-4; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Top talent
Find out which of the top 10 finalists will be the 2016 winners of Suburban Chicago’s Got Talent at the Taste of Arlington Heights on Saturday, which follows the Mane Event on Friday at the intersection of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street in Arlington Heights. Free. (847) 253-1703 or arlingtonhcc.com or dailyherald.com/entertainment/talent. Mane Event runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, and Taste of Arlington Heights runs from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Evening entertainment
Only a few weeks remain for the free weekly summer event Friday Night Live, which features family-friendly activities in downtown Des Plaines. Bring your chairs and a picnic to enjoy the music of the all-girl band Serendipity, which performs hits from the ’60s to today at the Metropolitan Square, 633 Metropolitan Way, Des Plaines. Free. (847) 827-4406 or desplaines.org. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5
Adler After Dark
The Adler Planetarium hosts its Adler After Dark: Family Edition after-hours program where visitors will receive full access to all museum exhibitions and unlimited sky shows (including “Planet Nine”). Highlights include telescope viewing, live entertainment. a kiddie-cocktail bar (and an adult version), hands-on experiments, special character visitors and more. $10-$15. The planetarium is at 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. adlerplanetarium.org. 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5
Good vibrations
The Beach Boys merged hearty harmonies with bouncy surf rock in a way few other bands could at the time. They pair up with the masters of Motown R&B and funk, The Temptations, for a night of legendary music at Aurora’s RiverEdge Park. The show is sold out, but we all know there are ways around that. At RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora. $45, but sold out. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5
Teen beats
Canadian heartthrob-on-the-rise Shawn Mendes got an inauspicious start as a Vine star, where he posted 6-second snippets of covers of famous tunes on the video-sharing app. Just a few years later, the soon-to-be-18-year-old is slinging his own pop-heavy tunes, such as the ridiculously catchy “Stitches,” now in front of throngs of screaming youngsters (and most likely their folks). His world tour, with hand-picked opener and friend James TW, hits the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $38. (847) 671-5100 or rosemont.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5
Doo Wop Project
The five-member Doo Wop Project, featuring current and former stars of the Broadway shows “Jersey Boys” and “Motown: The Musical,” performs tunes from the 1950s to today, including songs by Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse, at the Lakeside Pavilion at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Free. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5
See rising comedian Mal Hall this weekend as he draws from his multiethnic heritage for some of his standup humor at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two-item purchase; 18 and older show. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7
Purple reign
Prince tribute band “The Purple Xperience” returns Friday to celebrate the memory of the late Grammy Award-winning musician at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $25-$59; $10 kids 15 and younger. (630) 962-3000 or arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5
‘Inside Out’
See an outdoor screening of the 2015 Disney/Pixar family film “Inside Out” as Lake Zurich hosts its Movies in the Park series in Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. This rated-PG film includes the voice talents of Amy Poehler and Lewis Black. Free. (847) 438-5141 or lakezurich.org. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5
Dog Days
Canines and their human friends are invited to spend quality time together during the eighth annual Dog Days at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Event features entertainment for all ages, a Bark Park dog play area, dog rescue organizations, kids’ crafts, “wiener dog” races, vendor exhibits and sales and more. All dogs must have current vaccination tags. Free with paid $10 parking fee. cantigny.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Corn and crafts
Love sweet corn? Then you’re in luck as it’s the 60th Annual Cornfest and Craft Fair Saturday at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows, Kirchoff and Meadow drives, Rolling Meadows. The meal includes hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon and all-you-can-eat sweet corn. Plus, there’s a craft fair, live music, a bounce house, rescued exotic wildlife animals and a raffle. Adults $13; seniors $10; kids 4-10 $6; free for kids 3 and younger. (847) 255-5510 or communitychurchrm.com. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6; craft fair runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
Hometown Picnic
Take part in old-fashioned games and contests at the Hometown Picnic at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Step back in time with an apple pie-baking competition and a vintage baseball game. The Lemont Quarrymen will take on the Springfield Long Nines at 1 p.m. Visitors can bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. All activities, including the game, are free with paid $8-$12 admission. Free for Naperville residents and members. napersettlement.org. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Tap, tap
More than 80 beers from local and national breweries, from Chicago’s Revolution Brewing to California’s North Coast Brewing Company, will be on tap at the sixth annual Wheaton Brew Fest at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. $45 general admission (includes commemorative glass and 32-taste pass); $75 VIP early admission at noon; $20 designated drivers; $35 VIP designated drivers (admission at noon). 21 and older only. (630) 510-4989 or wheatonbrewfest.com. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Rockin’ the Cabin
Lake County’s hard-rocking Greywall’s dark and complex songs heavily channel Tool at its percussion-driven best, never more than on the metal-esque “Wait” and “Babies.” But if you’re expecting a singly influenced sound, you’ll be surprised when they slow it down for the beautifully melodious and almost ballad-like “Skies.” Greywall pairs with the solid and catchy rock of Werewolves at Hour 30 at KC’s Cabin in Spring Grove Saturday. The local lineup also features Lake Zurich’s The Z Chord; The Mississippi Stranglers from McHenry and Wauconda; and Kenosha’s The First Rule. At KC’s Cabin, 309 IL Route 173, Spring Grove. $8. (815) 675-2205 or kcscabin.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Contemporary country
Country singer Alan Jackson shares the bill with Lauren Alaina for an outdoor concert Saturday at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. $55. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Rock everyday
Those who missed the heyday of the metal band KISS in the late 1970s and early ’80s won’t want to miss the tribute band Mr. Speed preform at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $25; $10 kids 15 and younger. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Wheaton Municipal Band
The Wheaton Municipal Band performs a tribute to the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra, along with Bing Crosby tunes and more, in Wheaton College’s Edman Memorial Chapel, at Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Free. wheatonmucicipalband.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug 6
Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan
The gypsy-jazz band Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan performs a free concert in Towner Green, on Old McHenry Road, downtown Long Grove. The concert is sponsored by the Long Grove Arts & Music Council. (847) 634-0888 or lgamc.org. 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7
Country icon
Tickets are almost sold out to catch Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Dolly Parton in concert at the Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $115-$150 pavilion seating; lawn tickets and terrace seating are sold out. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7
Power trio
Neko Case, k.d. lang and Laura Veirs collaborated on “case/lang/veirs,” a concert featuring 14 songs where lead vocals are shared equally. See these singer-songwriters in person at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $29.50-$60. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7
Upcoming concerts
Summer Stomp Music & Camping Festival: Noon Friday, Aug. 5, to noon Sunday, Aug. 7, at McHenry Extreme Sports and Event Park, 1911 W. Fernview Lane, Holiday Hills. $80 for the weekend; $50 for Saturday only. mackeyshideout.com.
Second Time Around at Hawthorn Woods Summer Concert: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, Hawthorn Woods Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Food vendors are on-site. Free. (847) 438-5500 or vhw.org.
Johnny Russler & The Beach Bum Band: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, Grafelman Park, 4th and Main streets, West Dundee. Caribbean/reggae. Free. dtpd.org.
Doo Wop Project: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, Lakeside Pavilion at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Music of the 1950s to today. Free. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org.
Shawn Mendes, James TW: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $38. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
The Purple Xperience: Prince tribute, led by Dr. Fink: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tribute to legendary rocker Prince. $19-$59. Kids younger than 15 are $10. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
Pistol Pete Blues Band: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
The Falconaires Orchestra at 1940s USO-Style Dance: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in the Main Hall at Historic Methodist Campground, 1250 Campground Road, Des Plaines. Luis Galvez will perform hits from Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Bobby Darin, Julio Iglesias and others. The orchestra plays tunes made famous by Benny Goodman, Xavier Cugat, Harry James, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller. Advance tickets are $8; pay $10 at the door. Order tickets Monday through Friday at (847) 207-9438. Visit facebook.com/falconairesorchestra.
Gwen Stefani: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland, Tinley Park. $19.95-$99.95. (708) 614-1616 or livenation.com.
Alan Jackson: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Country. $55. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com.
Bryan Ferry, Laura Pergolizzi: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. $38-$90. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org.
Kiss Family Night (tribute) with Mr. Speed: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Rock; Kiss tribute band. $25. Kids ages 15 and younger are $10. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
Marianas Trench: 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Taste of Lincoln Avenue festival, at Lincoln and Fullerton streets, Chicago. $10 admission at gate. Visit tasteoflincolnchicago.com.
The Kidz Bop Kids: Life of the Party Tour: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, First Merit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Lynn White Drive, Chicago. $35. (312) 540-2668 or livenation.com.
Anderlik, Otto & Church at Capannari’s Concert In The Park: 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, Capannari Ice Cream, 10. S Pine St., Mount Prospect. Bluegrass, blues, acoustic. Free. (847) 392-2277 or capannaris.com.
Dolly Parton: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, in pavilion at Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $115-$150; lawn seats $38-$43. (847) 266-5100 or ravinia.org.
Rascal Flatts: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland, Tinley Park. $30.75-$60.50. (708) 614-1616 or livenation.com.
Joel Crouse and Levon at “Country in the Park”: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Country. Food and beverage tents will be on the park’s great lawn. Fireworks follow concert. Free. rosemont.com.
Josh Groban: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, First Merit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, 1300 S. Lynn White Drive, Chicago. $37.75-$159.75. (312) 540-2668 or livenation.com.
Barbra Streisand: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $99-$510. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Meghan Trainor: The Untouchable Tour: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $27.95-$57.95. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
Libido Funk Circus at Carol Stream Summer Concert: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, Ferraro Town Center, Gary Avenue at Lies Road, Carol Stream. Soul, funk and disco. Food and beer concessions begin at 6 p.m. Free. carolstream.org.
Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.
