If you enjoy comedy, you could not have picked a more perfect weekend to leave the house. Kevin Hart, George Lopez, Godfrey and Chris Redd come to town lugging bags upon bags of jokes.
But there are a host of shows, festivals and performances to dig into this weekend, so get a shovel.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the venerable Chicago Blues Festival, one the largest gatherings of its kind in the world. It’s free and features some legendary acts.
And speaking of legends, Chicago’s very own Chaka Khan — The Queen of Funk herself — plays for one night in the city.
Either way, it’s a celebration, so raise your glass. You have another massive, insanely fun weekend of events to consider:
Rest.Rise.Move.Nourish.Heal. World Premiere (June 8-10)
Red Clay Dance Company closes its 14th season with some heat! This unique experience is described as “a site-responsive dance ritual.” Founder and Artistic Director Vershawn Sanders-Ward and Company in collaboration with composer/music director avery r. young, filmmaker Jovan Landry, Kelley KFLEYE Moseley and Evelyn Danner are behind this visually stunning performance.
Chris Redd at The Den Theatre (June 8-10)
This Emmy Award-winning Saturday Night Alive alum blesses the Wicker Park venue with his brand of outlandish comedy. Though he is no longer with SNL, he has been doing just fine on his own. Just be prepared to hear some wild stories. Plus, he’s from the area.
Chicago Blues Festival (June 8-11)
The largest free Blues fest in the world is back! Blind Boys of Alabama with Bobby Rush, Los Lobos and Mud Morganfield are the headliners. Even if you aren’t into the Blues like that, this fest always delivers great music and good eats.
Godfrey at the Chicago Improv Comedy Club (June 8-11)
It’s a homecoming for this comedian (well, almost). Godfrey, who grew up in Chicago and went to Lane Tech, will play at this Schaumburg venue all weekend. Dude has been setting stages on fire for years with his cutting, witty, insightful brand of comedy. A must follow on Instagram, by the way.
SLUM VILLAGE at the Chop Shop (June 9)
Do this. Mention “SLUM VILLAGE” to your favorite Hip-hop loving uncle and watch his eyes dance excitedly. Though this iteration of the venerable Detroit outfit is down to a duo, they still make the kind of soulful Hip-hop that induces Kool-Aid smiles. Their newest single with Larry June proves they haven’t lost a step.
Chaka Khan Live at the MCA (June 10)
Speaking of homecomings, none will be as huge and meaningful as this one. Chaka Khan — that’s Ms. Khan to you —returns to the crib to perform at the Museum of Contemporary Art. If you have the bread, go. Where else can you see a bonafide music legend in the flesh?
Curren$y at Metro (June 10)
This supremely prolific New Orleans-born rapper makes the sort of mellow Hip-hop that’s perfect to vibe to. It doesn’t hurt that he has a hefty pack of quality, high-grade music.
George Lopez at The Chicago Theatre (June 10)
There is a reason this man remains one of the most successful comedians, Latino or otherwise, of all time. Though he draws from his experience as a Mexican-American man, his jokes are edgy and universally funny. You remember his show from the early aughts. It had viewers from every demographic on lock.
Kevin Hart at the Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana (June 10)
Kevin Hart is everywhere — big screens, small screens, phone screens. But to see this thoroughly engaging, funny man in person is something else entirely. His staying power proves his comedic chops are as sharp as ever.
The Lox Live in Concert at The Piazza (June 10)
This legendary Hip-hop trio will storm the stage at The Piazza in Aurora, led by lyrical rhyme animal Jadakiss. Expect it to be a bar fest, and we’re not talking about drinks. We’re talking about raw rhymes and grimy beats. Few things in life are as beautiful as that.
Chi-Soul Fest at Navy Pier (June 10-11)
This free two-day festival is a pier-wide celebration of Chicago soul music, from its legends to its traditions. Expect to hear some house, soul (obviously) and even a bit of comedy. Bring your lawn chair and chill.
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