Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Max Amini
Days after announcing an awareness initiative highlighting the ongoing situation in Iran, Max Amini plays the Chicago Theatre. Amini, called “the most popular standup you probably haven’t heard of” by the New York Times, is an Iranian American from Tucson, Arizona, and part of the global comedy scene. 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 8 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $33.50 at msg.com
Trae Crowder
Best known for his “liberal redneck” viral videos, Trae Crowder brings his stand-up to the Den Theatre. Expect the Celina, Tennessee, native to deliver his sharp-witted left-leaning rants with his distinct Southern accent. 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. March 7 at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets from $27 + two-item minimum at thedentheatre.com
Lucy Darling
Need a little magic? A little humor? Savvy crowd work? Lucy Darling, aka Carisa Hendrix, delivers both. The Calgary-based entertainer has a healthy social media following and a full touring schedule. Catch them live this weekend with Mark Ettinger. 8 p.m. March 7 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $52.25 at msg.com
“Turn It Out With Tiler Peck & Friends”
New York City Ballet principal dancer and Instagram ballerina Tiler Peck brings her show to Chicago — a show called “pure dance at its breathtaking best” by The Guardian. Peck will be joined by fellow NYC Ballet dancers (including her husband, Roman Mejia), tapper Michelle Dorrance, and Lex Ishimoto of “So You Think You Can Dance.” The show features four numbers choreographed by Peck, Alonzo King and others. 7:30 p.m. March 7 and 3 p.m. March 8 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $40.98 at auditoriumtheatre.org
“Dancing with the Stars: Live!”
The real stars of “Dancing with the Stars” — the professional dancers who make all the celebrities look good — appear at Rosemont Theatre. Watch Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Jenna Johnson, Pasha Pashkov, Val Chmerkovskiy, Haley Bills and more perform live. 7:30 p.m. March 6 and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. March 7 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $79.05 at rosemont.com
The Renaissance Orchestra
Billed as Southern juke joint-inspired soul, jazz, and groove, The Renaissance Orchestra will light up Ramova Theatre this weekend. Expect big sound, big emotion, as trombonist William Bilal leads a genre-bending crowd of musicians. 7:30 p.m. March 6 at Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.; tickets (ages 21+) from $62.84 at ramovachicago.com
Konstantinos Argiros
The Greek pop star plays a night at the United Center to benefit The Hellenic Initiative, a philanthropic organization supporting economic development in Greece. Argiros has brought his high-energy show to major venues globally, including Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and London’s Royal Albert Hall. Check out his latest single, released last month, “Ax Kardia Mou” — “Oh, My Heart.” 8 p.m. March 7 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $48.25 at unitedcenter.com
“The Shape of Bones”
“Filled with the kind of intense scenes that serious Chicago actors live to play,” according to a Tribune rave review, “The Shape of Bones” continues its run through March 22 at Theater Wit. Stocked with accomplished actors and following the story of a 12-year-old boy who falls under the sway of a charismatic pastor, the show is a knock-out. “Not only will you not be bored for a moment, you may have to remind yourself to breathe.” Through March 22 by The New Theatre Project at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets from $25 at thenewtheatreproject.com
“The Gondoliers”
A secret king, mistaken identities and accidental polygamy: It’s classic Gilbert and Sullivan. The University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra provides live music for the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s 66th production this weekend in Hyde Park. 7:30 p.m. March 6-7 and 2 p.m. March 8 at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St.; tickets from $12 at gsocchicago.org
Polar Plunge
Miss the big Polar Plunge last weekend? You can still get in on the freezing fun this weekend at Gallagher Way and at other area locations throughout the month. Dive into a cold pool just outside Wrigley Field, jump in the Lake next weekend at Gillson Beach in Wilmette, or find another Polar Plunge near you. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois. 9-11 a.m. March 7 at Gallagher Way, 3635 N, Clark St.; registration $100 at plungeillinois.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
