This weekend boasts some notable concerts as part of Tomorrow Never Knows, the big puppet gathering and the opening of Chicago Restaurant Week.
The from-Chicago rapper has a new studio album — 2023′s “The Patience” — and is playing locally at the House of Blues.
8 p.m. Jan. 19 at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St.; limited tickets (ages 17+) at www.houseofblues.com/chicago
Presented by the International Kennel Club of Chicago, the weekend-long event in Schaumburg includes a puppy show, agility demonstrations, advice from breeders and dog experts, and of course the main event — a competition across all three days to crown Bests of Breed and Best in Show.
Jan. 19-21 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg; tickets from $25 at greatamericandogshow.com
Make that “Weeks.” This year’s event spans 17 days and features prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch and dinner at more than 400 restaurants. Plus check out suggestions from the Tribune Food team at chicagotribune.com/dining.
Jan. 19 to Feb. 4, full list of participating restaurants and their menus at www.choosechicago.com.
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Chicago is currently the puppet capital of the world, and if you think that means mostly shows for kids, think again. Most of the busy schedule for the next week is filled with shows very much intended for adults, by puppet artists from all over the world. This weekend’s don’t-miss performance is “Song of the North” Friday and Saturday in the Fine Arts Building, by Iranian American filmmaker and multimedia artist Hamid Rahmanian.
Through Jan. 28 at various Chicago venues; tickets and more information at ChicagoPuppetFest.org
Appearing as part of the current Tomorrow Never Knows festival put on by Lincoln Hall, GMan Tavern, Schubas and Sleeping Village, the experimental pop musician also known as Taja Cheek performs with her band, along with guests Trinity Star Ultra and Lipsticism.
9 p.m. at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport; tickets $25 (ages 18+) at 773-525-2508 and https://lh-st.com/
Chicago’s home for improv is always a hub of activity, from the center bar to shows and teams such as “Improvised Jane Austen,” Devil’s Daughter, “Voila! The Improvised Musical” and the long, long-running Armando Diaz Experience.
Wednesdays through Sundays at iO Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury St.; tickets and more information at ioimprov.com