21 things to do in Chicago Aug. 13-19

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Theater

Missy Wise Vanderzee and Kevin Webb star in “Sunday in the Park” running Aug. 13-Nov. 11 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St.

Sunday in the Park - actors Missy Wise Vanderzee and Kevin Webb - Photo by Kyle Bode.jpg — Missy Wise Vanderzee and Kevin Webb star in “Sunday in the Park” running Aug. 13-Nov. 11 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St.

Kokandy Productions presents Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s masterpiece, “Sunday in the Park with George.” The musical considers poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art in a moving study of enigmatic painter Georges Seurat. Derek Van Barham directs. From Aug. 13-Nov. 11 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. Tickets: $55.20, $65.87. Visit kokandyproductions.com.
Matthew Libby’s drama, “Sisters,” explores the familial bond between Matilda and her AI sister Greta as their relationship begins to be tested like never before. Brenda Barrie and Chloe Johnston star; Jessica Thebus directs. From Aug. 13-Nov. 8 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe. Tickets: $75+. Visit writerstheatre.org.
“Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” is a tribute to the life and music of the rock and roll pioneer from his start in Texas to his meteoric rise and untimely death at the age of 22. Joey Chelius stars as Holly; Matthew D. Carney directs. From Aug. 19-Oct. 18 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets: $85-$150. Visit drurylanetheatre.com.

Luke Nowakowski and Isabella Ruano star in “West Side Story,” running from Aug. 13-30 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie.

Music Theater Works stages Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical, “West Side Story.” Set in 1950s New York, it’s the story of two warring gangs — the Jets and the Sharks — and the young lovers caught in the middle. From Aug. 13-30 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $19.50-$106. Visit musictheaterworks.com.
The Sweetest Season: A Gathering of Indigenous Creativity is a celebration of Chicago’s native and indigenous artistic community. Features a diverse array of events for all ages including a workshop for children and families, panels, a plant-pressing workshop, a poetry reading, an art exhibition and a performance of Arigon Starr’s “The New Adventures of Super Indian,” about a reservation boy with super powers who fights evil forces. From 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Admission is free except for “Super Indian” ($10). For a full list of events, visit goodmantheatre.org.
Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman took inspiration from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in creating the musical comedy, “I Love You Because,” a modern-day version of looking for Mr. Right. Scott Shallenbarger directs. From Aug. 14-Sept. 13 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Rd., Glenview. Tickets: $55. Visit oillamptheater.org.
Over the course of one night in Tim Venable’s “Adolescent Salvation,” three teens banter, bicker and push each other to the edge of danger. Guillermo Cienfuegos directs. From Aug. 14-Oct. 3 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets: $18-$46. Visit theaterwit.org.
Nova Entertainment presents RJ Silva’s “Hail Mary/Maria,” a Filipino coming-of-age story about a shy kid who seeks help navigating his first crush. Adam Reed directs. From Aug. 14-22 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets: $25-$60. Visit theaterwit.org.

Dionna Griffin-Irons stars in “This Is My Moment,” running from 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13-15 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St.

“This Is My Moment” is Dionna Griffin-Irons’ solo show blending essays, satirical songs and poetic prose to tell the real life story of a woman who has experienced the best life has to offer. Anthony Irons directs. At 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13-15 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $38. Visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.

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Music

Gregory Alan Isakov performs at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park.

Since the release of his 2023 album, “Appaloosa Bones,” singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov has been recording a series of song collaborations with fellow artists including Sylvan Esso, Noah Kahan, Nathaniel Rateliff, Shovels & Rope and Jeremiah Fraites (of The Lumineers). For his Ravinia performance, he’ll be joined by the Chicago Philharmonic for an evening of music and storytelling. At 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Tickets: $59-$134. Visit ravinia.org.
The Salt Shed and the Empty Bottle present the return of the World’s Largest Karaoke Party, an event that gives audience members the chance to live out their rock star dreams. Singers are chosen at random through an on-site sign-up process. From 4-10 p.m. Aug. 15 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. Admission is free. RSVP at saltshedchicago.com.
Hometown Celebration is a benefit for the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund featuring performances by The Linburgers (Matt Spiegel and Curt Morrison of Tributosaurus), Ike Reilly, Dag Juhlin, Michael McDermott, Heather Lynne Horton and more. At 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets: $26, $31. Visit metrochicago.com.

Red Wanting Blue performs at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park. Tickets: $25, $35. Visit robertswestside.com.

Hailed as “Midwestern rock heroes” by American Songwriter, indie rock band Red Wanting Blue has spent the better part of the last three decades on the road. The songs on the quintet’s 13th studio album, “Light It Up,” are equally gritty and uplifting and an ode to hope and perseverance. At 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park. Tickets: $25, $35. Visit robertswestside.com.

Black Ensemble Theater presents Fridays on the Green, a free outdoor music series featuring the soul-jazz sounds of The McNary Experience featuring Qiana McNary (Aug. 14), jazz saxophonist Mark Allen Felton (Aug. 21) and the Black Ensemble All-Stars featuring performers from the theater’s many productions (Aug. 28). From 6:30-8 p.m. at Clark Street and Sunnyside Avenue. Visit blackensembletheater.org.

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Museums

Andrew Day, Cover for “Let’s Be Neutral Here at Home” sheet music, is among the featured works in “Conceived in Liberty: Cartoons, Caricatures and Illustrations in the Wartime United States, 1812-1918” at the Newberry Library.

“Conceived in Liberty: Cartoons, Caricatures and Illustrations in the Wartime United States, 1812-1918” shows how visual artists cheered, critiqued and satirized the country’s commitment to liberty during times of war. Included are political cartoons, magazine illustrations, caricatures, sheet music covers, broadsides and posters from the Newberry Library’s collection. To Sept. 19 at 60 W. Walton St. Admission is free. Visit newberry.org.

Family fun

The Chicago Air and Water Show returns Aug. 15-16 along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street with North Avenue Beach serving as the show center.

The Chicago Air and Water Show returns with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and other military performers from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. Civilian stunt performers include Kevin Coleman, Susan Dacy, Ed Hamill, Trojan Phlyers Flight Demonstration Team and more. From 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Aug. 15-16 along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street with North Avenue Beach serving as the show center. Admission is free. Visit chicagoairandwatershow.us.
Fan Expo Chicago, the comic and pop culture convention, returns with an all-star lineup including Kurt Russell; Mr. T; Elijah Wood, Sean Astin and Dominic Monaghan from “Lord of the Rings;” Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton and Joe Pantoliano from “The Goonies;” William Shatner, Brent Spiner and Walter Koenig from “Star Trek;” “Halloween” director John Carpenter; and stars from “Smallville,” “Supernatural,” “The Boys” and more. From Aug. 14-16 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont. Tickets: $51+. Visit fanexpohq.com.

Illinois State Fair runs from Aug. 13-23 at Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield.

There’s something for everyone at the Illinois State Fair. Highlights include a carnival and circus, agriculture events and competitions, harness racing, auto racing, rodeo events, monster trucks, a wide array of food vendors and more. Among the Grandstand performers are Lainey Wilson, Ziggy Marley, Wiz Khalifa, The Avett Brothers, Drive-By Truckers, The Chicks, Shinedown and more. From Aug. 13-23 at Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield. Admission: $5, $10, children 12 and under free. Tickets for Grandstand shows vary. Visit statefair.illinois.gov.

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Festival fun

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest kicks off with live music performances at the Cobblestone Jam from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 14 and then continues from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 15 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug 16 at Morse Street and Glenwood Avenue.

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest showcases artists from all disciplines plus children’s art activities, demonstrations, music and more. The festival kicks off with live music performances at the Cobblestone Jam from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 14 and then continues from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 15 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug 16 at Morse Street and Glenwood Avenue. Admission is free. Visit glenwoodave.org.
Printer’s Row Art Fest brings together juried artists from across the country showcasing paintings, street art, jewelry, photography, sculpture, woodworking and more. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 15-16 on Dearborn Street from Harrison Street to Polk Street. Admission is free. Visit amdurproductions.com.
Little Italy Festa includes Italian food, music, cultural performances and exhibits, carnival rides and games, children’s activities and more. Music performers include The Bronx Wanderers, Hugo Valenti, La Tosca, Jersey Girls and many more. From 5-10 p.m. Aug. 13-14 and noon-10 p.m. Aug. 15-16 on Taylor Street from Ashland Avenue to Racine Avenue. Admission: $10 suggested donation. Visit oshows.com.