Incoming

They would appear to be some type of performing bugs from earth, Captain. Most illogical. Rosemont, Illinois is the place to be this weekend whether you fancy Mr. Spock or the Fab Four. FAN EXPO Chicago, a celebration of sci-fi, horror, super heroes and villains, returned to the Donald Stephens Center today while Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago opens across the street tomorrow at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. In previous years when these two events have coincided, I’ve sat on a bench between the two buildings, observing the culture clash while eating lunch.

FAN EXPO Chicago (AKA Wizard World) is a major attraction for self-professed nerds, graphic novel readers, art lovers, and anyone who embraces the more adventurous paths of modern culture. They’ll find aisle after aisle of corporate and independent vendors selling imaginative and fun merchandise. There’s also a masquerade ambience as people in elaborate costumes pose for strangers with cell phones and cameras. Where else are you going to see Batman and Princess Leia sipping 32-oz. Cokes together? This year’s celebrity guests include Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Susan Sarandon, Giancarlo Esposito, Henry Winkler, Barry Bostwick, and Katee Sackhoff.

Meanwhile, Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago will once again have WXRT radio personality Terri Hemmert serving as Master Of Ceremonies, along with special guests Patti Boyd, Mark Rivera, and Gregg Bissonette. Lads From Liverpool is the trio of Joey Molland from Badfinger; Terry Sylvester from The Hollies and The Swinging Blue Jeans; and Billy J. Kramer. They’re not to be confused with the band Liverpool, whose late night concerts on the Main Stage have been a top attraction at The Fest for years. After years of performing on the smaller Apple Jam Stage, local acts My Sweet George and Phil Angotti and Friends have earned a promotion, and will appear on the Main Stage tomorrow night.

Kaleidoscope Eyes, a band that has played Fest For Beatles Fans - Chicago in the past, drew a packed house, or I should say a packed park last Friday night at the outdoor Fred P. Hall Amphitheater in Palatine. The Second Hand Soul Band, whose previous date was postponed due to rain, will perform at at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater tomorrow night from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

Dead Letter Office - A Tribute To R.E.M. takes the stage at 8:00 pm tomorrow night at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

Local power pop act The Embryos will be at the Northman Riverwalk Beer And Cider Garden tomorrow for a 3:00 to 5:00 pm gig. The venue, located at 233 E. Riverwalk in downtown Chicago, has been doing a great job of showcasing local rock and roll talent in a outdoor party setting.

The Printer’s Row Art Festival returns to the south end of downtown Chicago for its fifth year this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 90 juried artists and artisans will be showcasing their work.

Chicago-based instrumental band Outronaut will perform at State and Adams in downtown Chicago this Sunday at 2:00 pm.

The Ripleys will perform songs by The Beatles, Cheap Trick, U2, Elvis Costello, and other well-known rock acts at a 9:00pm Edison Park Fest After Show this Saturday at The Curragh at 6705 Northwest Highway.

Congratulations to Frank Carr and The Famous In The Future comedy group on serving up another successful YippieFest celebration of counter-culture entertainment this past weekend at PrideArtsChicago on Chicago’s north side. I was there for a few hours on Saturday, checking out some impressive performances and hanging out with long-time friends on the Chicago theater scene.