Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Cardi B
Cardi B released her new album — “Am I the Drama?” — in September. She gave birth to a fourth child in November. Made a cameo appearance in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show in February. And now, she’s on a tour of 30+ cities, stopping this weekend at the United Center. It’s sold out, but there’s always the resale market and you might be able to win the money back: Some shows have featured an on-stage twerk-off. 7:30 p.m. March 21 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets at unitedcenter.com
“On Cinema Live”
Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington bring their “Certified Five Bags of Popcorn” tour of “On Cinema” to Thalia Hall. The tongue-in-cheek movie review show has nothing to do with movies — but you already knew that. 7 p.m. March 21-22 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets (ages 17+) from $122.23 at thaliahallchicago.com
Mae Martin
Maybe you know Mae Martin from last fall’s Netflix thriller, “Wayward.” Or perhaps you know Martin from the podcast “Handsome,” co-hosted by Tig Notaro and Fortune Feimster. See Martin perform at the Riv this weekend as part of their “Possum” tour, pegged to an upcoming Netflix stand-up special. 7 p.m. March 20 at the Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave.; tickets from $41.24 at jamusa.com
“The Bald and the Beautiful Live”
Fans of “The Bald and the Beautiful” podcast take note: See Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova, alumni of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” at Chicago Theatre this weekend. Come see them “do slightly more than sitting in front of a green screen and talking.” They’ve promised “dancing, acting, costumes, props, wigs, music, narrative plot structure, well-rehearsed line reads, on-stage love triangles, off-stage platonic squares, two hospital beds at opposite ends of the stage. … This is a virtuosic feat that we’re endeavoring to accomplish, and it could fail spectacularly. And you want to be there for that.” Indeed! 7:30 p.m. March 21 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets at msg.com
Gary Owen
A couple weeks ago, comedian Gary Owen got married and released a YouTube special, “No Hard Feelings.” Now, he’s playing the Chicago Theatre. The Cincinnati native has cultivated a following over the past 25+ years since he made his first television appearance on “The Wayans Bros.” 8 p.m. March 20 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $58.95 at msg.com
Kybba
Call it basshall, call it baile funk. Whichever, plan to dance. Hear the viral hit “Ba Ba Bad” this weekend at Ramova Theatre, as the Italian-born, Amsterdam-based DJ known as Kybba takes over the house. 9 p.m. March 21 at Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.; tickets (ages 18+) from $46.28 at ramovachicago.com
“Madama Butterfly”
Looking for a modern twist on Giacomo Puccini’s problematic 1904 classic? Director Matthew Ozawa’s production of “Madama Butterfly” transports the plot into the metaverse. Naval Officer B.F. Pinkerton is now the VR avatar for a lonely man who’s into Japanese anime and manga. A Tribune review said it makes for a “consistently potent and challenging evening.” Through April 12 at Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive; tickets from $55 at lyricopera.org
Bach in the City
Led by music director Richard Webster, Bach in the City will perform Malcolm Bruno’s reconstruction of J.S. Bach’s “St. Mark Passion.” Soloists will include soprano Hannah De Priest, countertenor Ryan Belongie, tenor Oliver Camacho, and bass David McFerrin. The chorus, featuring more than 40 singers, will be accompanied by a period-instrument orchestra. 7:30 p.m. March 20 at St. Vincent De Paul Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave.; tickets from $10 at bachinthecity.org
Women’s Makers Market
Shop for home goods, jewelry, apparel, beauty products, and more — all made by Chicago women. Support more than 40 local artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs through the Women’s Makers Market, each Saturday in March at Navy Pier. Noon-6 p.m. March 21 in the Food Experience Corridor, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; details on the free event at navypier.org
“Glow Wild”
Usher in spring with a nighttime outing: Brookfield Zoo Chicago lights up this weekend with the “Glow Wild” lantern festival. See handcrafted lanterns depicting mythical worlds and global wildlife traditions. Watch for sensory-friendly nights and discounted value nights. 6-10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through May 10 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield; tickets from $9.95 at brookfieldzoo.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
