J Balbin: All of those “colors”, and now “rayo”. Expect a setlist full of hits as Columbia’s reggaeton phenom brings his “Back to the Future”-inspired North American tour to United Center. April 13th, 8pm, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. ; Tickets starting at $41 at jbalvin.com
Sheng Wang: Taiwan-born, Houston Breeding Berkeley-educated stand-up offers his understated brand of observational comedy. Sheng Wang’s seemingly twisted set often hides how brilliantly he writes. April 12th, 7pm, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. in. Tickets starting at $49.50 on shengwangtime.com
C2E2: Have you finished your outfit yet? – Or maybe I just go to Gawk? The Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo will be held at McCormick Place, featuring the cast reunion of “The Lord of the Rings” and the Chicago North Shore classic “The Breakfast Club.” Celebrity nostalgia isn’t yours? There’s still plenty to see in the aisles and aisles of comic books and pop culture. April 11-13, McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive. Tickets starting at $70 at C2E2.com
“Bingo Loco”: Are you ready for the bingo rave? The event promises “not grandma’s bingo” and will instead offer matches that are interrupted by dance-offs, lip-sync fights, confetti showers and more. Past awards include cruises, household appliances and huge inflatable flamingos. April 11th, April 25th, May 10th, May 23rd, MorganMFG, 401 N. Morgan St. feverup.com tickets $35 (ages over 21)
“Book of Grace”: According to Tribune Review, Suzan-Lori Parks’ 2010 production of Suzan-Lori Parks has been renewed with black families patrolling the US-Mexican border in Texas, focusing on black families that “examine the dangers of instability and panic at that moment.” Watch it for the “fearing performance” of the lead actor. Until May 18th, 1650 N. Halsted St. , at Steppenwolf Theatre. Tickets starting at $20 on steppenwolf.org
Anni Difranco: The feminist folk rock crossover musician is touring the eve of the release of her 23rd album. Listen to the title single “Unprecedented” and experience what’s coming. April 11th, 8pm, 1807 S. Allport St. , at Thalia Hall. Tickets starting at $45 (ages 17 and above) on Anidifranco.com
Parsons Dance: The New York-based Contemporary Dance Company is returning to Chicago for the first time in 30 years. The group will perform a wide range of works, old and new, by choreographers such as David Parsons, Trey McIntyre, Monica Bill Burns, Robert Battle and Paul Taylor. Tickets starting at $30 for 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; Parsonsdance.org, April 12, at 7:30pm auditorium.
“Golf Watch Party”: So you can’t do it to the master. Not Tiger Woods either. Instead, head to Wrigleyville and watch the tournament on the big screen of Gallagherway. You can get greens and other golf activities. 2-6pm, Gallagherway, 3635 N. Clarkcent, April 13th. More details on Gallagherway.com’s free event
Handmade Shopping: Consider drinking these two opportunities over a bit while reading homemade products made by Chicago artists and manufacturers. Saturday, the 20-year-old’s Handmade Market (April 12 noon-4pm, empty bottles, 1035 N. Western Ave.; free, Handmadechicago.com) offers affordable jewelry, papercrafts and clothing made by Chicago artists. On Sunday, Hyde Park’s handmade craftsman Bazaar hosts South Side Craft and Food Vendors. While you’re there, check out We Love Soul’s workshop and DJ Sean Alvarez (April 13, 11am to 3pm, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave., free, Eventbrite.com).
Is there anything you can do around Chicago? You will be emailing the event to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
