March 19--You're downtown. And ... no way ... it's Captain America! One of two things is about to happen: an apocalypse, or C2E2. The annual convention hits Chicago again, for a weekend that will revel in nerdcore in a magnificent way. There will be celebs galore, including stars from World Wrestling Entertainment, household names such as John Cusack and Edward James Olmos, even Melissa Benoist (yes, Supergirl) will be on hand. But as we all know, the real deal will be the costumes. Last year's big contest was won by a person with a Groot ("Guardians of the Galaxy") costume. Your outfit defines your allegiance, and creativity reigns. But yeah, the stars are pretty cool, too.
Chicago Tribune critics guide you through the best events happening in and around Chicago. See a gallery-width Golden Gate Bridge made entirely of Lego blocks and welcome trumpeter Marquis Hill home to Chicago at the Jazz Showcase. Plus, "West Side Story" returns in this week's theater openings.
Kristin Cavallari: KCav (wife of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler) talks about Chicago not being conducive to her career in her book "Balancing in Heels." She also complains about needing vitamin D to deal with the endless Chicago gloom and having to deal with her own eyebrows for wont of a suitable aesthetician. But, the book contains life and style tips aplenty. She will talk, and sign copies. Details: 2 p.m. Saturday, Anderson's Bookshop, 123 Jefferson, Naperville. $26 (includes a copy of the book); www.brownpapertickets.com
Windy City Soul Club: This remarkable dance party is DJed by a cadre that is like all the cool kids we all knew and hated -- the ones ahead of every trend, who knew every cool song. The WCSC deejays spin (vinyl, naturally) everything from Stax to Motown, Northern soul to obscure Chicago gems. Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600 or www.emptybottle.com
Zakir Hussain and the Masters of Percussion: Tabla master Zakir Hussain has jammed with the Grateful Dead and George Harrison, and at one time wanted to be a rock star. Fortunately for world music, he chose to focus on what he does best: play the tabla. Details: 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; $25-$75; www.cso.org
Dave McDonnell Group: As this quartet launches into tracks from their new album "Eidetic," coming out April 1st on Whistler Records, listen to McDonnell unfurl long, adventurous melodies on alto sax while Jason Adasiewicz's vibraphone adds otherworldly overtones. It's a match made in jazz combo heaven. Details: 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, The Whistler, 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.; No cover (21+); www.whistlerchicago.com
Spring Equinox Tape Fair: Cassette tapes are making a comeback, if you haven't heard. This event gathers music labels that specialize in cassettes, for an all-you-can-spool shindig of tape grazing. Hairy Spider Legs (the best label name ever) offers rarities and artists with quantities of obscure cool sufficient to give even the most devoted hipster pause. Details: 4 p.m. Sunday, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. 773-276-3600 or www.emptybottle.com
Build-our-own-Bungalow: Frank Lloyd Wright-designed bungalows are revered today as examples of his prairie style architecture. Now you can build your own Chicago bungalow out of Legos and other studio materials at the Chicago Architecture Foundation. This workshop is free for Chicago Public Schools students (grades 3 and up) with valid ID. Details: 12 p.m. Sunday, Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave.; $20 non-members, $15 CAF members; www.architecture.org
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of an old Chicago favorite, Eli's Cheesecake, honor St. Joseph's Day with a traditional zeppole and get schooled in California wine:
A spoonful of sugar helps the weekend go down easier, as Mary Poppins used to say. Kind of. Let the kids experience the beloved character in the flesh and not just in Disney's classic film and more:
For things that go bump in the night, try "10 Cloverfield Lane." If J.J. Abrams' monster thriller is too much for the little ones, Disney's "Zootopia" is still going strong at the box office. Check out our reviews for the best flicks currently in theaters. And if you'd rather stay home, here's a list of DVDs released this week.
Here's a look at the most interesting new releases hitting streaming services this week and the weekend's best bets on broadcast TV and cable:
"Pee-Wee's Big Holiday": You ready for more Pee-Wee Herman? Why not? This new special debuts, with all those names you know: Judd Apatow, Mark Mothersbaugh, Paul Reubens. (Netflix, Friday)
"Daredevil": You know the drill. Blind lawyer by day, superhero by night. (Netflix, Friday)
"Yukon Men": As another season of harsh living and icy danger returns, we find ourselves wondering: Is there anyone left in Alaska who hasn't been on a reality TV show? (Discovery Channel, Friday, 9 p.m.)
"Party Over Here": The new late-night sketch comedy series, executive produced by The Loney Island comedy trio (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone), continues its maiden run with another half-hour of much-needed laughter. (Fox, Saturday, 10 p.m.)
"The Passion": The live musical trend continues with a new production focused on the final hours of Jesus Christ's life, with Tyler Perry hosting straight from New Orleans on Palm Sunday. Chris Daughtry and Trisha Yearwood star, giving "Jesus Christ Superstar" a run for its money. (Fox, Sunday, 7 p.m.)
Source: Contra Costa Times, Netflix
