Here are some other events happening from April 28 to May 4 in the Region.
Smokey the great
His given name is William, but everyone knows him as legendary singer-songwriter, record producer, record executive and co-founder of Motown Records, the great Smokey Robinson, who will perform in concert at 7 p.m. April 28 at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary. Tickets start at $100-$119. At 5400 W. 29th Ave. on the Hard Rock Live main stage. 219-228-2383; hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com/entertainment.
With hit singles like “Who’s Loving You” “My Guy,” “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “My Girl,” “Get Ready” and “Ain’t That Peculiar,” Smokey Robinson’s career distinction was recognized with a 2006 Kennedy Center induction honor, as well as his two Hollywood Walk of Fame stars, solo, and a second star shared with his group The Miracles.
Horns to herald
The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra salutes the music of the Mariachi band for two concerts at 7:30 p.m. May 4 and 5 at Living Hope Church in Crown Point. Tickets are $10 for students and $40-$75 for adults. At 9000 Taft Street in the church auditorium. 219-836-0690; nisorchestra.org.
Maestro Kirk Muspratt is the guide for the orchestra audience as they are musically transported to Mexico with a festive concert featuring the award winning Mariachi Acero de Las Vegas.
Founded by East Chicago’s own Erik Ramirez, Mariachi Acero will perform with the NWI Symphony sharing songs like Mi País, La Bikina, El Jinete, Como Han Pasado Los Años and Popurri Veracruzano.
Having a ball
Marian Theatre Guild presents the Chicago sports stage comedy favorite “Bleacher Bums” at 8 p.m. April 29 and 3 p.m. April 30 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Whiting. Tickets are $18 for students and seniors and $20 for adults with the option at add the Saturday night preshow dinner for $38. At 119th St. and Lincoln Avenue in the church auditorium. 219-473-0713; Search Marian Theatre Guild on Facebook.
Written by Chicago actor claim-to-fame Joe Montegna, this show became a Chicago storefront theater sell out for decades starting in the early 1980s and based on a bunch of varied but die-hard Cub fans. Opening weekend performances is April 22 and 23, and for the first time post-pandemic, the nonprofit Marian Theatre Guild and show director Jayme Emerson welcome the return of the preshow dinner theater option.
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for The Post-Tribune.
