MUSIC
THE BRIEFS: Rock doesn’t get much more authentic than it does from this loud, snarly combo. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Fireside Bowl, 2648 W. Fullerton Ave. Call 773-486-2700 for information.
BIG HEAD TODD & THE MONSTERS: Earnest, rootsy rock like the type played by this trio never goes out of style. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Riviera, 4746 N. Racine Ave. $20; 312-559-1212.
VANDERMARK 5: Reedist Ken Vandermark and his cohorts are back in town for another extended residence. 10 p.m. Tuesday, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. $3; 773-276-3600.
THE RADIATORS: Pure, graceful Southern rock. 9 p.m. Saturday, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. $18.50; 312-923-2000.
RAY CHARLES: See a living, breathing R&B legend. 8:30 p.m. Monday, Arie Crown Theatre, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. $40-$60; 312-559-1212.
CANNIBAL CORPSE: Brilliantly executed death metal. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. $20; 312-923-2000.
THEATER
“BATTLE OF THE BANDS”: Two brothers decide to reunite their band. Through May 5, Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. $28-$33; 773-871-3000.
“FLAMING GUNS OF THE PURPLE SAGE”: Defiant Theatre’s satire of westerns is tacky fun. Thursdays-Sundays through May 4, the Viaduct, 3111 N. Western Ave. $15-$20; 312-409-0585.
“PROOF”: David Auburn’s work about a young woman’s complicated life. Through Sunday, Shubert Theatre, 22 W. Monroe St. $22-$65; 312-902-1400.
“KISS ME, KATE”: Cole Porter’s music and lyrics carry the day. Through Sunday, Oriental Theatre, Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 24 W. Randolph St. $32-$75; 312-902-1500.
