About five years ago, at the same time mega-collector Charles Saatchi began glutting himself on contemporary British art, some Chicagoans also decided it was the hottest thing. Viewers can judge for themselves in the collaborative show of 15 young British artists that has just opened at the Rhona Hoffman Gallery, 325 W. Huron St. (312-951-8828), and Gallery 312, 312 N. May St. (312-942-2500). The exhibition will continue through June 1.
– Alan G. Artner
TV: WITNESS PROGRAM HONORED
Television awards shows have become a genre unto themselves, and the season seemingly knows no end. “VH1 Honors” pays tribute at 8 p.m. Sunday to Witness, an international program founded by the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights in partnership with singer Peter Gabriel and the Reebok Foundation. Much of liberal Hollywood will be on hand as presenters, including Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Jimmy Smits, Anthony Edwards and Timothy Hutton. But it’s the music that will keep viewers tuned in. Natalie Merchant, Michael Stipe, Pete Townshend, even cocky old Rod Stewart will perform live.
– Gary Dretzka
CLASSICAL: TENORS OF THE TIMES
Chicagoans soon will have the rare opportunity of hearing two of the Three Tenors in concerts within four days of one another. Placido Domingo will join Daniel Barenboim and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a special concert celebrating Barenboim’s 25-year association with the CSO at 8 p.m. Thursday. And Domingo’s fellow Spanish superstar, Jose Carreras, absent from the city for much too long, will sing a recital of songs by operatic masters at 8 p.m. May 6. The only one missing from this Tenorfest is a guy named Pavarotti. Oh, well–two out of three ain’t at all bad. (312-435-6666)
– John von Rhein
JAZZ: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DUKE
The best way to celebrate Duke Ellington’s birthday on Monday is by hearing his music live, and it’s sure to turn up during the “47th Street Jazz Revue,” starting at 8 p.m. at the Jazz Showcase, 59 W. Grand Ave. Presented by the Sutherland–a fabled 47th Street hotel that has been refashioned as an arts center–the event will feature trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and alto saxophonist Phil Ashley (both from Detroit), backed by a Chicago rhythm section. Trumpeter Malachi Thompson and singer Dee Alexander also will perform. (312-536-3739)
– Howard Reich
THEATER: PIPPIN’ BOUNCES BACK
Stephen Schwartz’s 1972 valentine to youth, “Pippin,” is set 1,000 years ago (Pippin is the son of Charlemagne), but the ethos is all early ’70s. Though often derided by critics in revival, “Pippin” has a beautiful and accessible score. To help launch his new Music Theatre Foundation, Travis Stockley has assembled a great local cast for a concert performance Monday at the Royal George Theatre. E. Faye Butler, in Ben Vereen’s emcee role, will be joined by John Reeger, Alene Robertson, Barbara Robertson and Paula Scrofano. William Warfield is host. (312-988-9000)
– Sid Smith
More Top Picks Best Led Book Lights For Kids
ROCK: LIPS AFIRE
If nothing else, the Flaming Lips’ wigged-out psychedelic concoctions demonstrate that rock is still capable of bedazzling even the most jaded hipsters among us. The Lips’ appearances at the Double Door would be reason enough to venture out Monday and Tuesday, but the addition of Australian visionary Richard Davies–a true kindred spirit of the Lips, his backing band for a rare U.S. concert a few years ago–makes these dates a must-see. This is Davies’ first tour of North America, and he’ll be backed by a four-piece band of his own this time. (312-549-4140)
– Greg Kot