Popular artists flood Southland
It has been a busy summer for First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, and this weekend is no exception. Three big gigs are slated to hit the outdoor venue.
Lots to like at LongHorn Steakhouse
In a nutshell: The LongHorn Steakhouse chain has opened its second restaurant in the Southland. The other is at 95th Street and Pulaski Road in Oak Lawn.
Singles Scene
CROSSROADS: Fellowship of people who gather to share common problems associated with being separated or divorced. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at St. Michael School (enter off 143rd Street and West Avenue) in Orland Park. Information: (708) 361-4535.
Casting Call
GAELIC PARK PLAYERS - Auditions for the classic comedy "Da" by Hugh Leonard will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. There are roles for five males and two females. The play will run from Nov. 7 to 23. Information: (708) 532-0526.
Playing Live
BLUE FOX BAR & GRILL - 6820 W. 179th St., Tinley Park, (708) 342-1211: Noon Friday, Sara Bareilles; Saturday, Ground Control.
'Super Party Gigante' features stand-up, more
The Alsip sketch comedy troupe Big Dog Eat Child hosts its fifth annual "Super Party Gigante" on Friday and Saturday at Ashbary Coffee House in Willow Springs. More than 20 acts will perform over the two-night run.
Son 'married' to prostitute
Dear Marybeth: My 50-year-old son has had bipolar disorder since the age of 16, but was only diagnosed in 2005.
Blue Chip offers bevy of August attractions
The Blue Chip Casino & Hotel in Michigan City, Ind., will offer some interesting promotions and events - including slot and poker tournaments and a gas pump relief program - in August.
A look at Theatre at the Center's 2009 season
Artistic director William Pullinsi, who is coming off Theatre at the Center's most successful season to date, has announced the 2009 season will features four classic Broadway-style musicals and a new comedy.
Tall Grass hosts 'this good earth'
Views reminding people to appreciate, protect and treasure the natural world will be on display through Sept. 27 in "this good earth" at Tall Grass Arts Association in Park Forest.
Hungry? We have you covered
BOTTOMS UP SPORTS BAR & GRILL - 1696 Thornton-Lansing Road, Lansing, (708) 418-3877; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays for the dining room. Lounge hours are 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Mondays to Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Major credit cards are accepted. Inside this older establishment is a fun, friendly, family-owned place that raises the bar on bar food. There are tasty soups, salads, a nice variety of sandwiches and great dinners, with daily specials, including many all-you-can-eat deals. - Susan DeMar Lafferty
Playing Live
BEGGAR'S PIZZA - 9515 W. 191st St., Mokena, (708) 479-7600: Friday, Uncle Lar and Lil Tommy.
Casting Call
KANKAKEE VALLEY THEATRE ASSOCIATION - Auditions for "State Fair" will begin at 6:30 p.m. today and Friday, with callbacks on Saturday in Kankakee. The cast size will be approximately 40 people. Information: (815) 937-9281, (815) 937-5994.
Singles Scene
CROSSROADS: Fellowship of people who gather to share common problems associated with being separated or divorced. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at St. Michael School (enter off 143rd Street and West Avenue) in Orland Park. Information: (708) 361-4535.
Musical 'Mayhem'
With the launch of Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival this year, heavy music fans have what could be a new summer tradition. Southland native band Disturbed is co-headlining the inaugural Mayhem Festival. "It's been like summer camp - barbecues every night, great music and
the most intense crowds we've seen in a while," vocalist David Draiman
said.
Coming of age
My how these little women grow up - in both real and stage life.
'Swing' and a miss
If a film really wants to point out how corrupted the American election system is, I'm not sure trotting out a formula script is going to make an indelible impression.
Bottoms Up raises the bar
In a nutshell: Don't be deceived by what you see on the unincorporated corner of Stony Island Avenue and Thornton-Lansing Road in Cook County when you look at Bottoms Up Sports Bar & Grill. Inside this older establishment is a fun, friendly, family-owned place that raises the bar on bar food.
Weekend includes VWAA, AAW events
AAW - Professional Wrestling Redefined and Vanguard Wrestling All-Star Alliance are among the promotions with shows lined up for this weekend.
Aspiring writer has potential
Dear Marybeth: My 20s have been a challenge, and I feel as if I've become stuck in a rut. I am a single parent still living with my own parents.
Concert series opens with Gaelic Storm
The U.S. Cellular Concert Series will kick off with a performance by Gaelic Storm at 8 p.m. Friday at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago.
Casting Call
OFF-LOOP NON-EQUITY GENERALS - From 12:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dog & Pony Theatre, Greasy Joan Theatre Company, Collision Theatre Company, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company, Steep Theatre and Theatre Seven will be among the troupes seeking non-Equity men and women of all ages and ethnic groups who preferably have not been seen by these theaters. Those auditioning should prepare two contrasting pieces that are two minutes total. A head shot and resume can be submitted to Dog & Pony Theatre Company, P.O. Box 13105, Chicago, IL 60613.
Playing Live
BEVERLY ARTS CENTER - 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: Friday, Gaelic Storm; Mondays through Aug. 25, Cool Jazz Mondays with the Pat Noland Group in the courtyard (Attendees should bring picnic blankets or chairs; the concert will move indoors in case of rain).
Singles Scene
CROSSROADS: Fellowship of people who gather to share common problems associated with being separated or divorced. Meetings are on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at St. Michael School (enter off 143rd Street and West Avenue) in Orland Park. Information: (708) 361-4535.
Southlanders to play in Vans Warped Tour
A summer tradition popular among the younger set is Vans Warped Tour. The popular caravan of punk, rock and other styles of music tends to sell out every year that it rolls in to Tinley Park.
Gifted thespians
This is the 140th anniversary of the publishing of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women."
Finally reopened
In a nutshell: Yes, it's still the Three Brothers Restaurant, although it should be called "Two Cousins" since it is now co-owned by cousins of Albanian descent: Ralph Dardovski and Ed Memeshi, who owned or worked in similar family-style restaurants on Chicago's South Side. Their recent grand opening was delayed two months by unexpected plumbing updates and village and state inspections. Dardovski's wife, Eriona, runs the front desk. Memeshi's sisters work part time. Dardah and Memeshi both said they chose the location because of Homewood's reputation as a friendly town. "This corner is the best location you could get," Memeshi said.
Teacher longs for home
Dear Marybeth: I am an educator who has had 12 years of experience teaching in urban elementary schools. I also started my own day care business.
Four Winds Casino Resort marks a milestone
It seems like only yesterday that the Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., hit the scene, making a big splash with the largest casino in the area at the time.
Hot Pick: Country Club Hills Theater concerts
Rhythm and blues diva Chaka Khan will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, a premium night, at the Country Club Hills Theater, 4116 W. 183rd St., Country Club Hills.Fireworks will follow the concert.
Casting Call
SINGING MEN OF NOTE - The South Cook Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society welcomes new members to its rehearsals at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Harald Viking Lodge, 6730 W. 175th St., Tinley Park.
Playing Live
BEVERLY ARTS CENTER - 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: Mondays through Aug. 25, Cool Jazz Mondays with the Pat Noland Group in the courtyard (Attendees should bring picnic blankets or chairs; the concert will move indoors in case of rain).
Singles Scene
CROSSROADS: Fellowship of people who gather to share common problems associated with being separated or divorced. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at St. Michael School (enter off 143rd Street and West Avenue) in Orland Park. Information: (708) 361-4535.
A fun comedy
It was a story line common to a string of movies starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in the 1930s and '40s.
An uncommon depth
When Christopher Nolan was put in charge of re-imagining Batman with "Batman Begins" in 2005, I was a bit skeptical.
Lush and memorable melodies
More than a decade ago, William Pullinsi directed a stunning production of Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston's "Phantom" at the now-defunct Candlelight Playhouse in Summit.
Freshly made food
In a nutshell: Badda Bing's is a dine-in, carry-out or drive-through, one-of-a-kind, non-chain restaurant, serving Italian beef and sausage and chicken.
Motown memories
Thanks to the auto industry, Detroit became known as Motown.
'Stop Pimpin Yo Mama'
Lorita Johnson, of Dolton, wrote "Stop Pimpin Yo Mama," which also features Calvin Simms, of Harvey; Aretha Friend, of Park Forest; Patrice Bolden, of Alsip; Cathryn Johnson, of South Holland; Jaclie Elrod Walker, of Chicago; and Jerome Boone, of Harvey.
Casting Call
SINGING MEN OF NOTE - The South Cook Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society welcomes new members to its rehearsals at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Harald Viking Lodge, 6730 W. 175th St., Tinley Park. The chorus is as concerned with the quality of musical performance as it is with the enjoyment of being part of this men's singing fraternity. One does not have to be a musical prodigy, or even be able to read music, to be a member of the chapter. The only expectation is that one be able to sing on key and want to have fun doing it. Information: (708) 570-1169, (708) 614-8999.
Playing Live
BEVERLY ARTS CENTER - 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: Mondays through Aug. 25, Cool Jazz Mondays, with the Pat Noland Group in the courtyard (Attendees should bring picnic blankets or chairs; the concert will move indoors in case of rain).
Singles Scene
CROSSROADS: Fellowship of people who gather to share common problems associated with being separated or divorced. Meetings are on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at St. Michael School in Orland Park. Information: (708) 361-4535.
