Club Hopping 07.13.12
July 11, 2012 6:38PM
Nicki Minaj (shown at a London performance earlier this week) headlines the Chicago Theatere on Jully 16. | GEtty Images
Updated: August 14, 2012 6:14AM
TRIBUTE DAY AT TASTE
The secondary (still free) stage at Taste of Chicago is programmed with daily themes. Saturday’s is likely to be a hoot: It’s Tribute Day, featuring a mix of sincere homages and tongue-in-cheek covers. Folkies from the Old Town School go first, paying tribute to Woody Guthrie (it’s the centennial year of his birth — and Saturday’s the actual birthday!), followed by Grana Louise singing Koko Taylor blues (1:20-2:20 p.m.), Frieda Lee with a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (2:40-3:40 p.m.), Glory Days as Bruce Springsteen (4-5 p.m.), the Waco Brothers singing Johnny Cash songs (5:20-6:20 p.m.) and, the piece de resistance, country chameleon Robbie Fulks and a whole set of Lynyrd Skynyrd (6:40-8 p.m.). Music starts at noon July 14 on the Bud Light Stage at Taste of Chicago, Grant Park. Admission: free. Call (312) 744-3316; tasteofchicago.us. — Thomas Conner
MAZE featuring FRANKIE BEVERLY
Still a healthy draw this far after the band’s ’70s-’80s soul heyday, Maze and its notable leader have a deeply devoted fan base. But if their post-Philly soul isn’t enough for you, how about the acts along for the ride this time out? The current tour also features the great Patti LaBelle, the O’Jays, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and a comparative R&B youngster, the Milwaukee-born Tank. At 6 p.m. July 14 at Charter One Pavilion, 1300 S. Lynn White Dr. on Northerly Island. Tickets: $55.75-$150.75. Call (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com. — TC
NICKI MINAJ
After her controversial exorcisms on stage at the Grammys, flamboyant rapper Nicki Minaj showed up earlier this month at the BET Awards performing two songs in a much more conventional manner, with strings. That doesn’t mean she dulled it down, even joining G.O.O.D. label rising star 2 Chainz (now on tour opening for Minaj) to dance around to her own club beats. The tracks from “‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” are getting raves on the road in a show definitely theatrical enough for this venue. At 7:30 p.m. July 16 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Tickets: $45-$75. Call (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com. — TC
