Aziz Ansari: From our list, you’d think Chicago is hosting a comedy festival this weekend. Aziz Ansari is one of those guys who can do it all: act, direct, write and be funny. He won an Emmy Award for “Master of None” and will release his film “Good Fortune,” co-starring with Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, later this year. 7 p.m. March 9 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets $29-$119 at azizansari.com
Rita Rudner: Longtime comedian and Las Vegas fixture Rita Rudner brings her quiet brand of deadpan humor to Skokie. Now 71, she’s still making crowds laugh. 8 p.m. March 8 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; tickets $39.50-$59.50 at ritarudner.com
Jeff Ross: Roastmaster general Jeff Ross offers “Take a Banana for the Ride,” his one-man tour that aims to show a softer side. Considering the guy has roasted everyone from Tom Brady to Cleopatra (see: “Historical Roasts”), that shouldn’t be too hard. 7:15 p.m. March 7-9 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets $46-$60 (2 drink minimum) at roastmastergeneral.com
Raanan Hershberg: If you happen to be feeling anxious or maybe incredulous or just all-around aggravated, maybe it would help to see that reflected on stage. Raanan Hershberg is your guy. His stand-up will either wind you up or feel like catharsis. 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. March 7-8 at Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; tickets $30 (ages 21+, 2 item minimum) at chicago.zanies.com
Marcus Monroe: Or maybe silly is what you need, with a side of juggling? Milwaukee native Marcus Monroe brings his loopy brand of comedy to Oak Park. 7 p.m. March 7-8 at Comedy Plex, 1128 Lake St., Oak Park; tickets $20 at comedyplex.com
Disturbed: The Chicago metal band celebrates the 25th anniversary of their platinum debut album, “The Sickness,” with a show at the United Center. The band will play the album in full, as well as other hits. Three Days Grace and Sevendust will also perform. 6:30 p.m. March 8 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $164.50-$264.50 at disturbed1.com
“MBIZO! A Gathering for Johnny Dyani”: The legacy and music of Johnny “Mbizo” Dyani, a South African musician who died backstage at 39 following his performance at the 1986 Berlin Jazz Festival, will be celebrated in a performance conducted by Adam Zanolini and Ben LaMar Gay. Presented by the Chicago Humanities Festival and the Art Institute of Chicago as part of a series exploring artists from Africa and the African diaspora, the show brings together musicians Dee Alexander, Nicole Mitchell, Fred Jackson, Ernest Dawkins, Sharon Udoh, Ivan Taylor, JoVia Armstrong and Naydja Bruton. 8:30 p.m. March 8 at Constellation, 3111 N. Western Ave.; tickets $25 at chicagohumanities.org
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: The 67-year-old dance company pays tribute this weekend to Judith Jamison, the renowned dancer and choreographer who died last year at 81, with an excerpt from “Cry.” The solo ballet, choreographed by Alvin Ailey for his mother, was first danced by Jamison. The company also will perform several other pieces, including “Many Angels” (choreographed by Chicago native Lar Lubovitch) and, of course, its signature piece, “Revelations.” 7:30 p.m. March 7, 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 8, and 3 p.m. March 9 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets $50-$134 at ailey.org
“The Magic School Bus — Lost in the Solar System”: If Ms. Frizzle is a star in your home, zoom over to Lincolnshire to see Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen’s beloved series brought to life on stage. The show, based on fourth book, follows Ms. Frizzle’s class into outer space after they get lost on the way to the planetarium. Through March 29 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire; tickets $16.75 at marriotttheatre.com
Siamsa na nGael: Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration early with Celtic music, dance and storytelling. Originally created 26 years ago to celebrate Old St. Patrick’s Church, this year’s Siamsa na nGael will honor St. Brigid and women’s leadership. 7:30 p.m. March 10 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets $30-$60 at cso.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
