Self-proclaimed bigmouth Morton Downey Jr. returns to Chicago at 8 p.m. Saturday to holler about capital punishment and whatever else comes to mind. It`ll cost $15-$18 to see and hear Downey-who once did a talk show here-do his thing at the Riviera Theatre (4746 N. Broadway). Call 769-6300.
Seeing stars
Richard Simmons jumps into town this weekend to promote that community he and Barbara Eden are talking about on all those TV commercials. He`ll also introduce his new salad dressing, publicize his soon-to-open exercise salon and promote some future TV appearances. Whew!
Simmons makes the TV and radio rounds Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, he`ll sign autographs at Carillon Square (13450 S. Weber Rd. in Plainfield)
from 1 to 4 p.m.; Eden will join Simmons for the Saturday autograph session only.
Simmons won`t exactly be burning off the calories going to his appearances. He`ll be traveling in a 32-foot-long white limousine that, we`re told, is the world`s longest limo on four wheels.
Singer Judy Collins is here Friday to hype her book ”Trust Your Heart,” now out in paperback. Also be on the lookout for Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame; he`ll be here Wednesday and Thursday to promote his upcoming film, ”The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.” Neither, however, have scheduled any public appearances.
TV newsman/bluesman Harry Porterfield will host and perform at ”Night of a Chameleon” on Wednesday. Also appearing at the benefit for Chameleon Productions, a fledgling North Side theater company, will be Milt Trenier and an assortment of local musicians. Tickets for the 6 p.m. benefit at Traffic Jam (401 W. Ontario St.) are $20; call 907-2188. No word on whether Traffic Jam co-owners Kevin Butler and Dan Hampton will be there too.
But a few blocks away on Wednesday, another new restaurateur-Oprah Winfrey-is planning to greet customers when the Eccentric, 159 W. Erie St., opens its door to the public at 5 p.m.
