4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
What to do in Chicago: Blues Fest, the ‘Grand National Tour' and Jeremy Piven doing standup
Kendrick Lamar and SZA: You got a taste during the Super Bowl, but now you can see the full show. Kendrick Lamar and SZA bring their 'Grand National Tour' to a sold-out Soldier Field. Expect the two to trade off sets before performing together during the nearly three-hour show. Rolling Stone called it 'a spellbinding display of star power.'
Chicago Blues Festival: Mavis Staples caps off the Chicago Blues Festival on Sunday, but in the meantime, you have dozens of reasons to head downtown. Catch Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram Friday in a B.B. King tribute, along with D.K. Harrell and Jonathan Ellison with the B.B. King Centennial Band. Or, see him Saturday night when he headlines on his own.
57th Street Art Fair: If you'd like to browse some art and also work in some blues, head to Hyde Park. Now in its 78th year, the juried fair offers the opportunity to browse the works of more than 150 artists. Buddy Guy's Legends also hosts a stage.
Jeremy Piven: Evanston native Jeremy Piven brings his stand-up routine to The Vic. Perhaps best known for his Emmy Award-winning performance as a Hollywood agent in HBO's 'Entourage,' Piven has had a long acting career that started with training at the Piven Theatre Workshop, founded by his parents, Bryce and Joyce Piven.
Caamp: The folk-rock band's two-night stand at the Salt Shed coincides with the release of their new album, 'Copper Changes Color.' Following an initial burst of success a few years back, the Ohio-bred Caamp canceled shows in 2023 to work on their mental health. This international tour marks their return — and clearly they've been missed.
Ravinia Festival: Get thee to the Metra! Ravinia kicks off its summer season this weekend with Heart on Friday and Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe on Saturday. Ann and Nancy Wilson return to Ravinia with the rest of Heart, marking the 50th anniversary of the release of their debut album, 'Dreamboat Annie.' Then, on Saturday, Jones and Monáe light up Highland Park as only they can. Get there early for LGBTQ+ dance party Queen!
Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals: Last month, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter released a new song, 'Before the Rain Dried.' Now he's on a world summer tour that stops at the Auditorium Theatre before rolling on to a couple dozen other venues, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Lincoln Park Greek Fest: Maybe you've been to Greektown, but have you enjoyed the filoxenia — hospitality — of the Lincoln Park Greek Fest? Centered around St. George Greek Orthodox Church, the festival offers a mix of traditional Greek music and folk dancing, Greek food and a lot of the standard fixings of a Chicago summer festival.
Ribfest Chicago: Smoke will rise in Northcenter this weekend, as crowds gather to binge on barbecue. It's the 25th annual Ribfest, featuring more than 20 food vendors, whiskey tastings, live music and kids entertainment.
Dinopalooza Dino Derby: Faster than a nanotyrannus? Break out your best dinosaur duds and head to the Field Museum for its Dino Derby. The winner gets a $1,000 cash prize. It's part of Summer of Sue, the museum's 25th anniversary celebration of its beloved display. While you're there, see the Jabberworcky Marionettes' dinosaur puppets, see show off your dino smarts during live game shows, participate in arts and crafts and more family fun.
