Usually, I just plug live performances in Southern California — i.e., those I can get to. But two of my best pals are playing in or near Chicago and I'd go to these shows if I was there.
One is a one-time-only (for now) appearance by the glamorous, gifted Shelly Goldstein who'll be doing her cabaret show, "How Groovy Girls Saved the World" this Saturday evening at Studio 5 in Evanston, Illinois. It's a delightful assemblage of the kind of songs sung by female vocalists of the sixties like Petula Clark, Mama Cass and Jackie DeShannon, plus some of Shelly's own witty compositions. Tickets are going fast but you may still be able to snag a deuce (that's theater talk) at this website. I've seen her many times and always attend any performance within 2,000 miles of my home. This one, sad to say, is 34 miles too far for me but possibly not for you.
My buddy Frank Ferrante has been getting rave reviews for the new show which Teatro ZinZanni has opened in the heart of Chi. Teatro ZinZanni is an outfit that stages dinner shows with gourmet food, a great live band, luscious surroundings and wonderful entertainment between the courses. Your genial/outrageous host Caesar is your guide and Caesar is Frank when he's not being Groucho. This show isn't as urgent a go-see as Shelly's because Caesar will be Caesaring through the end of September but don't miss it, either. Info and tickets can be found at this website. It's an evening you won't soon forget.