Chicago Humanities Festival’s spring programming kicks off this weekend, bringing speakers and writers from all walks of life to the Loop for a weekend of compelling talks. (Various venues in the Loop, Fri–Sun, see site for full lineup. $10–44)
Today marks the beginning of Bach Week, the annual seven-day tribute to the Baroque composer. See a candlelight performance by the Bach Week Festival Chamber Orchestra (a local orchestra supergroup), complete with champagne and chocolates for concert-goers. (Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave in Evanston, Fri 7:30pm. $10–80)
If Bach’s not your thing, try the complete opposite with hardcore punks Pissed Jeans. They’re the exact band your mother forbid you from listening to in middle school: noisy, rowdy and fun as hell. (Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave, Fri 9pm. $10)
The crotchety, political, too-accurate stand-up Lewis Black brings his Rant, White and Blue Tour to the Chicago Theatre tonight. Tickets are still available, so grab ‘em while you can. (Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Fri 8pm. $39–75)
NYC cabaret group the Skivvies returns to Uptown Underground this weekend, performing mostly-nude choreography to pop tunes. They’ll be joined by several Hamilton Chicago cast members—your Hamilton fanfic is about to come to life. (Uptown Underground, 4704 N Broadway, Sun 8pm. $30)
Nnamdi Ogbonnaya plays with several local groups, but he's also a formidable solo artist. Ogbonnaya showcases his latest solo release, DROOL, at Lincoln Hall this weekend, joined by a stacked lineup of Chicago hip-hop talent. (Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave, Sun 8pm. $10)
Opa! Celebrate Greece’s 194th Independence Day with the Greek Independence Day Parade on Halsted Street. It’s no Athens, but Chicago’s Greektown just might be the next best thing. (Halsted and Randolph Sts, Sun 2:30pm. Free)
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