Weekend picks: Joel McHale, Chicago Golf Show
'Community' comedian
Catch up with Joel McHale, the former host of “The Soup” on E! and star of NBC's “Community,” when he performs a standup comedy set tonight at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $34.50-$69.50. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26
Comedy ranger
Actor and comedian Ken Rogerson (“Rescue Me,” “It's All Relative”) returns to his Chicago-area roots for a standup gig 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, Feb. 24 and 25; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Last chance
See “First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare,” a national touring exhibition that commemorates the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, before it leaves the Lake County Discovery Museum, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Road, Wauconda. Published in 1623, the First Folio is the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays. Free. lcfpd.org/shakespeare. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday; closes Sunday, Feb. 28
Links planning
Find out about the latest golf gear and ideal resorts to visit at the 33rd Annual Chicago Golf Show starting Friday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $5 and $10 Saturday and Sunday; $4 youth ages 12 to 15; no charge for kids ages 12 and under. (847) 692-2220 or chicagogolfshow.com. Noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27; 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28
Sounds of the '60s
North Central College students will direct and stage “Shout! The Mod Musical,” featuring songs from the 1960s, in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $15 adults; $10 students and senior citizens. (630) 637-7469 or northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Feb. 26-28, and 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 1
Force of one
Canadian actor Charles Ross returns to the area with his virtuosic “One Man Star Wars” comedy show on Friday at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $25-$30. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26
Drumming playground
For more than two decades, the international percussion revue “Stomp” has shown that music can be made from all kinds of unconventional instruments. Catch the entertaining cacophony this weekend at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $39.50-$49.50. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Beyond 'Idol'
See how far singer/songwriter Crystal Bowersox has come since she first became known to millions of fans as a former “American Idol” contestant. Bowersox performs tonight at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $29-$50. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26
Rock with Robbie Gold
Highland Park native Robbie Gold's musical story has meandered through touring with pop group Hanson, playing at big venues such as Arlington Park and House of Blues, and being tapped as the Chicago Cubs official Wrigley Field pregame entertainment. But his greatest satisfaction comes from connecting with fans at more intimate bar and club shows. Catch his acoustic pop as he plays a duo show with his bass player Matt Cushing Friday at Schaumburg's The Beer Market, 888 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg. No cover. (847) 517-8300 or facebook.com/TheBeerMarketSchaumburg. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26
New Waco Brothers album
Waco Brothers was born at a time when lead Jon Langford was looking to dabble outside of the punk scene his band The Mekons was heavily embracing. Birthed initially in 1994 for raucous alt-country performances in Chicago, Waco Brothers eventually got around to recording, and over two decades later this side project is still going strong. Catch the band members as they release their newest album - “Going Down in History” - along with The Aunteaks at Fitzgerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $15. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26
Child's play
The Chicagoland Kids Expo promises a petting zoo, inflatable bouncers, talent contests, character appearances and more this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $9; $6 kids ages 12 and under. (815) 806-8844 or chicagolandkidsexpo.com. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28
Family palooza
Slide along an indoor 220-foot zip line, race up a rock-climbing wall, bounce in inflatables and more during the annual Chicago Family Palooza in the mega center and ballroom at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Don't miss the carnival games, trackless train rides, magicians, miniature golf, petting zoo and more. chicagofamilypalooza.com. $8 general admission; $15 activity wristbands. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28
Taffy how-to
Make homemade taffy from molasses at the Taffy-Pulling Party at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Tour the 1890s farmhouse and learn how kids spent their free time more than 100 years ago. For ages 6 and older; those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. $5. Register at (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.com. Hourlong programs begin at 10 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Page turner
Celebrate the importance of parents and children reading together at the WTTW Readers are Leaders tour, in the dining pavilion of the Macy's wing at Gurnee Mills, 6170 Grand Ave., Gurnee. Hosted by WTTW children's performer Miss Lori, the program features an appearance by Curious George, songs, stories and audience participation. Kids receive a goody bag with a book. Refreshments will be served. Free. (847) 263-2414. interactive.wttw.com. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Musical whodunit
Watch as a musical “murder mystery” unfolds during the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra's concert for youth titled “The Composer is Dead.” Various sections of the orchestra will be inspected to determine who “killed” famed classical composers Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. The program takes place at Waukegan High School's Trapp Auditorium, 2325 Brookside Ave., Waukegan. $5 for adults; free for students when accompanied by a paying adult. (847) 360-4740 or waukegansymphony.org. 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
South Side pride
The Mahdi Theatre Company teams up with Madison Square Garden Entertainment for “Bronzeville The Musical,” which features stories, songs and more inspired by Chicago's historically African-American neighborhood. See the show Saturday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $53.50-$128.50. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Singing praises
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra joins with The Lakeside Singers and soloists Robert Sims and Tammy McCann to perform “The First Concert of Sacred Music,” which was originally created by the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The concert is Saturday at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. $40-$5. (630) 637-7469 or finearts.northcentralcollege.edu. 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Mutts gathers the pack
Mutts members have been performing in various side projects since the start of the year, but they join forces this weekend to kick off the band's performing season by headlining an intimate special event at Chicago's Schubas. The blues-rock trio will be joined by a cappella punk rock choir The Blue Ribbon Glee Club and indie rockers SAYERS. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $8-$10. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
LBC acoustic
West suburban hometown heroes Adam Krier and Stubhy Pandav of local favorites Lucky Boys Confusion visit Palatine for an acoustic storytellers set Saturday. Hear the prolific performers discuss their influences, play their favorite LBC songs and talk about what makes them relevant to the band's history. Power popster Ryan Powers and singer-songwriter Josh Bryant open for the duo at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $10-$12. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com. 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
New life for Afterlife
The boys from Wheaton are back, and they're bringing Afterlife with them. The weekend dance party took a brief hiatus, but the Kings of Class, Bobby de Maria and Erik (DJ Tsunami) Johnson, have given it new life at Annex Nightclub, which celebrates its grand opening this weekend at the site of the former Red Dog nightclub, one of Chicago's venerable institutions for house music in the '90s. Get out on the dance floor Saturday night to mixes by local artists Kings of Class, RJ Pickens, DJ Goodsex, DangerWayne and more. Annex Nightclub, 1958 W. North Ave., Chicago. Free cover until 11 p.m. (773) 278-4646 or annexnightclub.com. 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Elegant illusions
Magician Jeanette Andrews performs interactive magic, suitable for an adult audience, during An Afternoon of Elegant Illusions at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Andrews uses philosophy and psychology in her magic to challenge all five senses. Free. Register for this Sundays on Stage program at (630) 879-1393, Ext. 200, or batavia.lib.il.us. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28
Community concert
The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band performs its Winter Concert at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. The program includes classical selections and songs from film. The band is also hosting a food drive and will collect nonperishable food and toiletry donations to support the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry. Free admission. To reserve tickets, call (847) 718-7702 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or email ahccbtickets@gmail.com. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door. arlingtonheightsband.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb 28
Oscar bash
Get glammed up for the Academy Awards at Variety's 11th Annual Awards Party as a benefit for the charity Variety of Illinois. The festivities are on Sunday at the Hollywood Blvd. Cinema, 1001 W. 75th St., Woodridge. $50 (includes appetizers, champagne toast, dinner, dessert, silent auction, raffles and swag bag). (630) 427-1880 or hollywoodblvdcinema.com. 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28
Upcoming concerts
Trinity Community Philharmonic Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Trinity International University's Arnold T. Olson Chapel, 2065 Half Day Road, Deerfield. Classical. Tickets are $8 for general admission; $5 students and seniors. Call (847) 317-8021 or purchase tickets at the door. Visit tiu.edu.
Aiming for Average, Red Light Compliance, Ghost Sector, The Freedom Paradox, Landspeeder: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Ashbary Coffee House, 8695 Archer Ave., Willow Springs. $7 with drink purchase. (708) 401-4238 or facebook.com.
District 97, Hood Smoke, Parallel Mind: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Reggie's Music Joint, 2105 S. State St., Chicago. $8-$10. Rock. (312) 949-0120 or reggieslive.com.
Mason's Case (EP release), The Fox and the Hounds, Blood Red Boots, The One Two Three: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Rock. $9. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.
Crystal Bowersox: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $29-$49. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com.
Celtic Tenors: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Celtic, operatic, popular tunes and more. $32-$45, (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org.
Turtle Island Quartet: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, and Saturday, Feb. 27, McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Jazz, bluegrass, classical, jazz and more. $45. (630) 942-4000 or atthemac.org.
Shawn Lacy, Wheelhouse: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, Joe's Live Rosemont, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. Americana, bluegrass, rock and more. $10. Visit joesliverosemont.com.
Marty Sammon Blues Band: 9:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 South Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Suzuki Strings Senior Festival Concert: 10 a.m. Feb. 27, Wheaton College, Pierce Memorial Chapel, corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton, The Community School of the Arts (CSA) at Wheaton College features group performances by CSA's most advanced violin, viola and cello students. Free and open to the public, (630) 752-5567 or wheaton.edu.
Saints N Sinners: Noon Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Joliet Chamber of Commerce Expo, Louis Joliet Mall, 3340 Mall Loop Drive, Joliet. Classic rock. Free. saintsnsinners1.com.
CLC Gospel Choir: 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The concert will include selections from “Gospel Mass” by Robert Ray, gospel songs by historic and contemporary artists and traditional spirituals. $3-$4. (847) 543-2300 or visit clcillinois.edu/tickets.
Elmhurst Choral Union with “Medley of Melodies”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst, 232 S. York, Elmhurst. program features a mix of choruses and solos from classical, Broadway, folk, and popular songs. Freewill donations will be taken. Tickets are not required. Proceeds benefit Elmhurst Choral Unions programs. (630) 758-1100 or elmhurstchoralunion.org.
New Colony Six, Pam Engelhart: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Rock. Dinner show for all ages. $20. VIP tickets $100. (847)358-9150 or durtynellies.com.
Pepe Aguilar: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $60-$175. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Save the Clocktower, Armitage, Rex Rayburn: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison Ave., Chicago. Alternative rock. $5-$7. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.
Skull Fogger, Mexican Werewolf, Let 'Em Hang, Big Sur, F.Y.B.: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Smiler Coogans, 5637 W. Grand Ave., Chicago. $8. Rock. (773) 909-0303 or facebook.com/smilercoogans.
The Cactus Blossoms, Deke Dickerson: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago. Country. $15. (773) 227-4433 or hideoutchicago.com.
“I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues: A Salute to Ella, Judy & Patsy”: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, Musical salute to Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland and Patsy Cline with vocalists Katie Deal, Angela Ingersoll and Karen Marie Richardson. $30-$35. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com.
Arlington Heights Community Concert Band: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. The Arlington Heights Community Concert Band presents its “Winter Concert.” Admission is free. The band is hosting a food drive at the event and will collect nonperishable food and toiletries to support the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry. To reserve tickets, call (847) 718-7702 Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or send email to ahccbtickets@gmail.com. Remaining tickets available at the door. Visit arlingtonheightsband.org.
Baroque cellist Shirley Hunt: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, Byron Colby Barn, 1561 Jones Point Road, Grayslake. Concert is part of the Early Music Series at the Byron Colby Barn, which features highly acclaimed musicians performing music from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Admission is $20 for adults and is available at the door only via cash or check (no credit cards). Youth under age 16 are free. Visit libertyprairie.org.
Double Treble: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora. Concert organist Roderick Demmings Jr. and concert pianist Karl Van Richards, the musical duo known as Double Treble, perform classical selections and more. Free and open to public.(630) 898-5333. Visit doubletreble.org.
Dead Lucid, Burke Valley, Menacerno, Tea, Forgotten Tropics: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $10. Rock. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com.
<i>Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.</i>