Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
David Sedaris
It’s been 30 years since “This American Life” aired “Santaland Diaries,” and David Sedaris’s latest collection, “The Land and Its People” is his strongest in years. But don’t expect him to read it this weekend at the Auditorium Theatre. Ever the storyteller, Sedaris already has fresh material prepared. 2 p.m. May 17 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $72.80 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Ari Lennox
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter brings her “Vacancy” tour to the Chicago Theatre. In a review, Pitchfork called her latest album “honey-sweet, grown-up R&B.” It’s been three years since Lennox played a two-night stand at the House of Blues on her “Age/Sex/Location” tour. 8 p.m. May 16 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $66.35 at msg.com
Charlie Puth
Back with his fourth album, “Whatever’s Clever,” Charlie Puth rolls into the Rosemont Theatre this weekend. Maybe you know him from his viral YouTube days. Or the Taylor Swift shout-out on “The Tortured Poets Department.” Just like the song he co-wrote and produced for Justin Bieber, he’s likely to “Stay.” 7:30 p.m. May 15 at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $50 at rosemont.com
Soul Asylum
The Minneapolis band plays an acoustic show at Space, a cozy venue in Evanston. See Dave Pirner, Ryan Smith, and Jeremy Tappero perform. Hear stripped-down versions of such hits as “Runaway Train.” 8 p.m. May 15 at Space, 1243 Chicago Ave., Evanston; tickets from $89.08 at evanstonspace.com
Jay Chandrasekhar
Hinsdale native Jay Chandrasekhar performs two nights of stand-up at The Den Theatre. The director-writer-actor is due to appear later this summer in “Super Troopers 3,” the third film following the high jinks of a group of Vermont state troopers. 7:15 p.m. May 15 and 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. May 16 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets (two-item minimum) from $28 at thedentheatre.com
“Rocky” in Concert
Get ready to watch Rocky Balboa run up the steps as the Chicago Philharmonic plays the film’s iconic theme, “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti. The film turns 50 this year, and yep, it still packs a punch. 7:30 p.m. May 16 at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $60 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Anime Central
Love anime and manga? Head to Rosemont for this Japanese pop culture convention featuring voice actors, artists, and more. Get creative: Expect cosplay and an anime music video contest. Through May 17 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets from $90 (children 6-12 are $25, under 6 free) at acen.org
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Raise money for breast cancer research as you walk or run the lakefront. Opt for a 5k run or walk or a one-mile walk. Either way, you’ll be raising money toward the event’s $350,000 goal. 8:30 a.m. May 16 at Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Monroe Ave.; full details at komen.org
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Giveaway
Starting this week, learn about a featured plant in the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden and take a seedling home. This Chicago Botanic Garden program lasts all summer, featuring a variety of mostly edible plants. This week’s selection, however, is the Tarahumara sunflower. Volunteers or staff will offer care tips. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays through Sept. 27 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe; details at chicagobotanic.org
Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club
Love a good model train? Head to the Clarendon Park Community Center for a spring open house of the Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club, established in 1947. Learn about the hobby and this Chicago Park District program’s STEM offerings for elementary students. Noon-4 p.m. May 16 at Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave.; details on the free event at garfieldcentral.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
