Tickets are still available to see 2000s powerhouse indie group the Flaming Lips at the Riv this week. If you missed them at Riot Fest last year, you’ll want to check them out—the Lips put on one hell of a concert. (Riviera Theatre, 4746 N Racine Ave, Mon 8pm. $182)
2. Catch some great stand-up comedy
Comedian Myq Kaplan brings his quick-witted quips to Schubas this week. Kaplan has appeared on Conan, Seth Meyers and his own Netflix special, Small, Dork and Handsome. (Schubas Tavern, 3159 N Southport Ave, Wed 8pm. $10)
3. Go to an all-star indie rock show
Power-pop supergroup the New Pornographers are touring their seventh album, Whiteout Conditions, and bringing Neko Case along with them as an honorary Pornographer. Indie singer-songwriter Waxahatchee opens the show. (Metro, 3730 N Clark St, Wed, Fri 8pm. $38)
4. Get your dose of Andrew Lloyd Webber
Paramount Theatre’s much-anticipated all-African-American production of Jesus Christ Superstar opens up this week. You know, just in case you never want Easter weekend to end. (Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd in Aurora, Wed 1:30pm, Wed, Thu 7pm, Fri 8pm. $44–$59)
5. Buckle in for an audio autobiography
No, not a book on tape. The Magnetic Fields perform their latest record, Stephin Merritt’s hefty autobiographical 50 Song Memoir. They’ll perform the whole record over the course of two nights (yeah, it’s long). (Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, Wed, Thu 8pm. $35–$182)
6. Take in excellent Latino films
The Chicago Latino Film Festival kicks off its 33rd year this week, showcasing a selection of features, documentaries and shorts from the Spanish-speaking world. Check out the festival’s website for a full schedule. (Various venues in the Loop, Thu Apr 20–Fri May 4)
7. Take an even cheaper trip to Iceland
Everyone and their mother is going to Iceland lately, but finally, the Taste of Iceland brings Scandanavian country to Chicago. Take in four days of Icelandic cuisine, film, music and art. (Various venues, Thu–Sun. See site for full details)
The biggest comic book convention of the year, Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, kicks off on Friday. Take a deep dive into your nerdiest obsessions for three full days of geeky fun. (McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Fri–Sun 10am–6pm. $30–$50 per day, weekend pass $80)
9. Hear from Chicago’s best and brightest
Lake FX CreativeCon invites Chicago’s artists and creative professionals to meet and learn more about their craft. Take in panels, talks and networking opportunities, while peeking into the future of Chicago. (Various venues, Fri–Sun. See site for full details)
10. Celebrate music and movies all at once
While CIMMfest proper has been pushed to November this year, the fest is hosting a Spring Fling Thing at Chop Shop this weekend. The three-day mini-fest has an eclectic lineup of documentary, live music, dancing and more. (Chop Shop, 2033 W North Ave, Fri 7–11pm, Sat 11am–3pm, Sun 3–9pm. $5–$10 per event, weekend pass $30)
PEACH, a new event series for queer women, launches this Friday with a ‘60s-themed party in Wicker Park. Slo ‘Mo co-founder DJ Tess provides the jams along with DJ All The Way Kay. (The Bedford, 1612 W Division St, Fri 10pm. $15)
12. See Jeff Tweedy in an intimate venue
We love seeing Wilco perform at Pitchfork and Lolla, but there’s nothing like seeing a larger-than-life musician in a small space. Jeff Tweedy makes his annual performance at the Vic this weekend, and tickets are still available (albeit pricey). (Vic Theatre, 3145 N Sheffield Ave, Fri, Sat 8pm. $98–$200)
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