Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Maria Bamford
Maria Bamford performs intimate shows — famously, her 2012 “Special Special Special” was performed in her living room for only her parents — so it’s no surprise that she’s playing four shows at the Den Theatre when she could pack a much larger venue. Yes, the focus is often on the comedy that stems from her mental state. (Google ranks “What is Maria Bamford’s diagnosis?” as its top question “people also ask” about her.) But her humor is just as brilliant in the way it illuminates relationships and skewers Midwestern ways, as only a true Midwesterner could. At 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 27-28 at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets at thedentheatre.com
Vir Das
Comedy doesn’t always translate across cultures, but that’s certainly not the case for Vir Das. The global sensation — born in India, educated at Knox College in Galesburg — won an International Emmy Award for his Netflix special, “Landing.” Part of the special centered on the fallout after nationalist politicians filed police reports against him for “vilifying” India in his stand-up. The attempt to silence him clearly backfired, and now, he brings his “Hey Stranger” world tour to the Chicago Theatre. At 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $44.90 at msg.com
Rene Vaca
It’s been a few years since Rene Vaca won the “StandUp NBC” competition. Since then, he’s built a steady following — and a busy touring schedule. Check out his crowd work on YouTube. At 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $73.05 at msg.com
“WWE Elimination Chamber”
Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, LA Knight, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams and Jey Uso will compete in WWE’s annual “Elimination Chamber,” a match held inside a steel cage. Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Alexa Bliss, Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Asuka, Kiana James and Raquel Rodriguez are set to square off. It’s certainly not the first time United Center has hosted World Wrestling Entertainment. In fact, here’s some trivia: SummerSlam was the first major event held in the arena after it opened in 1994. At 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $233.45 at unitedcenter.com
“Monster Jam Freestyle Mania”
Get your earplugs out, because Monster Jam is back in Rosemont. This time, they’ve upped the stunt factor, bringing along Freestyle Motocross bikes for a team competition. Expect such fan favs as Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Megalodon, Sparkle Smash and Zombie. And if you really want to get up close, consider special tickets offering meet-and-greets, autographs, and photo opps with the trucks. At 7 p.m. Feb. 27, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 28, and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. March 1 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $26.55 at rosemont.com
Jonathan Richman
Modern Lovers founder Jonathan Richman plays Thalia Hall this weekend, following on last summer’s album, “Only Frozen Sky Anyway.” In a review, Pitchfork said the album uncovers “new emotional depths in his music,” as it explores mortality — a disconcerting notion for “the eternally young-at-heart power-pop troubadour.” At 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets from $39.96 at thaliahallchicago.com
Punchis Banda Rave
A live brass band mashed up with EDM? Yes, please. Billed as “tradición meets rave, banda meets bass,” this dance party features Banda La Enkantadora, Vanguardia, DJs Ella, Orozco, and more. At 9 p.m. Feb. 27 at Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted; tickets from $34.95 at ramovachicago.com
Trinity Irish Dance Company
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with an outing to see Trinity Irish Dance Company. Now more than 35 years old, the Chicago-based dance group will perform new work by tap choreographer and MacArthur grant recipient Michelle Dorrance and guest choreographers Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland. At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $40.98 at auditoriumtheatre.org
“Be Like Blippi!”
If “The Excavator Song” made your year-end playlist, take note: Blippi is in town this weekend. Or, perhaps we should clarify, given the controversy surrounding Blippi switching: professional actors performing as Blippi and pals are in town this weekend. In any case, expect a full hour of live fun with dancing, singing and, of course, “a great big boom.” At 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; recommended for ages 2-6; tickets from $38.75 at msg.com
Chicago Children’s Theatre 20th Birthday Bash
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Chicago Children’s Theatre opens up for free educational programming and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of designs for its upcoming production of “Goodnight Moon.” Participate in art, music and dramatic play during this free event. From 1-3 p.m. Feb. 28 at Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave.; RSVP for the free event at chicagochildrenstheatre.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
