No. 6 Marist doesn’t return many starters from the spring season, but the RedHawks have two of the top talents in the area in quarterback Dontrell Jackson Jr. and offensive lineman Deuce McGuire.

Coach Ron Dawczak said Jackson, a Coastal Carolina recruit who has been a highly regarded player his entire career, has impressed in practice this summer.

”He’s been dynamic,” Dawczak said. ”This is his third year on varsity. The reads are quicker. He’s really progressing with the reads and getting rid of the ball. He’s a tremendous athlete and buys time in the pocket and can run, which is a really dangerous element that teams have to account for. He’s just a special player.”

Jackson’s father was a quarterback at Ohio University, and his grandfather is former Proviso East and Thornton basketball coach Troy Jackson.

”We are coming out with the mentality to just dominate on every play and be fierce,” Jackson Jr. said. ”We want to make it to the state championship. If we keep working hard and making each other better at practice, we will get there.”

Jackson will have McGuire, a Northwestern recruit, and three other starters back on the offensive line.

”The line has been playing together for countless years,” McGuire said. ”We all started together as freshmen, and two of us have played together since fourth grade. We’re very close.”

Senior Jaylen Johnson will be the starting running back, and junior Ryan Sims could have a breakout season at receiver. The RedHawks’ offense should be one of the most effective in the state.

”Johnson is a tough, hard-nosed player who will fight to get the tough yards,” Dawczak said.

Marist only returns three starters on defense, so that’s where the question marks will be. Linebacker Jimmy Rolder, who had a knack for making big plays in the spring, said he isn’t worried.

Marist linebacker Jimmy Rolder chases the play at practice in Chicago.Kevin Tanaka/For the Sun-Times

”The chemistry is good with all the younger guys,” Rolder said. ”Even though we lost a lot, the talent is there. It’s a new defensive line coming in, looking to prove what they can do.”

Seniors Jayson Harris and Aidan Smith are expected to step up and anchor the defensive line. Nick Verzoni, Johnny Nestor and Sammy Laurencell are the names to watch in the secondary.

The RedHawks play in the best conference in the state, the East Suburban Catholic/Chicago Catholic Blue, so the season will be challenging. But imagine if Marist and Brother Rice saunter into the ”Battle of Pulaski” undefeated in Week 9. A victory in that game would give either team a massive boost heading into the state playoffs.

”A state championship is always the ultimate goal,” Dawczak said. ”But we don’t focus on that. We just need to be as prepared as we can each week to win that game, then have that build throughout the season. Hopefully by doing that, we’re giving ourselves the best chance to be successful to reach that ultimate goal.”

MARIST SCHEDULE

Aug. 27 vs. Curie

Sep. 3 vs. Richards

Sep. 10 vs. Nazareth

Sep. 17 at Mount Carmel

Sep. 24 at Marmion

Oct. 2 at Loyola

Oct. 8 vs. Montini

Oct. 15 at Carmel

Oct 22 vs. Brother Rice

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Family, friends and fellow police officers from across the state arrived at St. Rita of Cascia Chapel Thursday morning to bid farewell to Chicago police Officer Ella French, who was killed during a traffic stop earlier this month.

Officers congregated on the lawn of the Catholic parish an hour before the funeral proceedings were set to begin and members of the media filmed people walking into the chapel at 7740 S. Western Ave.

A large American flag hung at the end of two fire trucks’ areal ladders on the corner of 77th Street and a Western Avenue with people openly embracing each other’s with hugs.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot arrived around 9 a.m. but did not stop to speak to reporters.

Officers came from all over to pay tribute to French. Cars from at least a dozen agencies were spotted, in addition to the Chicago Police Department. Others there included the Elgin, Cicero, Bolingbrook, Berwyn and Riverside police departments, as well as the Cook County sheriff and Illinois State Police.

CPD’s bagpipes and drums kicked off the ceremony, marching from church parking lot to the east lawn. Police officers stood at attention and saluted as they marched by.

French and her partner, Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., were shot after pulling over a vehicle about 9 p.m. near 63rd Street and Bell Avenue on Aug. 7. Someone in the car shot at both officers, and they returned fire, hitting at least one suspect, police said.

Yanez Jr., shot twice in the head and once in the shoulder, is continuing to recover.

Two suspects were taken into custody shortly after the shooting, according to police communications from the scene. A third suspect, a woman, was arrested the next day.

Emonte Morgan, 21, is charged with first-degree murder of a peace officer, two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Eric Morgan, 22, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice.

Judges have ordered both men held without bail.

Archdiocese of Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich watches as pallbearers carry the casket for Chicago Police Officer Ella French into St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel for her funeral, Thursday morning, Aug. 19, 2021. Officer French was fatally shot and her partner was critically wounded while in the line of duty on Aug. 7 in West Englewood.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Pallbearers carry the casket for Chicago Police Officer Ella French into St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel for her funeral, Thursday morning, Aug. 19, 2021. Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Hundreds of Chicago police officers and other law enforcement officers gather outside St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel for the funeral of Officer Ella French, Thursday morning, Aug. 19, 2021. French was fatally shot and her partner was critically wounded while in the line of duty on Aug. 7 in West Englewood.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

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WASHINGTON — Police were investigating a report Thursday of a possible explosive device in a pickup truck outside the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill and have evacuated multiple buildings on the sprawling Capitol complex, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

U.S. Capitol Police said officers were “responding to a suspicious vehicle near the Library of Congress,” and that it was an “active bomb threat investigation.”

The building is near the Capitol and the Supreme Court. Police have also evacuated congressional offices nearby, encouraging people to remain calm and use the underground tunnels if necessary to leave the area. Staffers were seen walking quickly out of nearby buildings at the direction of law enforcement. Congress is on recess this week.

The law enforcement officials said investigators on the scene were working to determine whether the device was an operable explosive and whether the man in the truck was holding a detonator. Police were sending snipers to the scene, according to the officials.

The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The area was blocked off by police cars and barricades, and multiple fire trucks and ambulances were staged nearby. Also responding were the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police, FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The White House said it was monitoring the situation and was being briefed by law enforcement.

The incident comes months after a pipe bomb was left at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee in Washington a day before thousands of pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in January.

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KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan protesters defied the Taliban for a second day Thursday, waving their national flag in scattered demonstrations, and the fighters again responded violently as they faced down growing challenges to their rule.

A U.N. official warned of dire food shortages and experts said the country was severely in need of cash while noting that the Taliban are unlikely to enjoy the generous international aid that the civilian government they dethroned did.

In light of these challenges, the Taliban have moved quickly to suppress any dissent, despite their promises that they have become more moderate since they last ruled Afghanistan with draconian laws. Many fear they will succeed in erasing two decades of efforts to expand women’s and human rights and remake the country.

On Thursday, a procession of cars and people near Kabul’s airport carried long black, red and green banners in honor of the Afghan flag — a banner that is becoming a symbol of defiance. At another protest in Nangarhar province, video posted online showed a bleeding demonstrator with a gunshot wound. Onlookers tried to carry him away.

In Khost province, Taliban authorities instituted a 24-hour curfew Thursday after violently breaking up another protest, according to information obtained by journalists monitoring from abroad. The authorities did not immediately acknowledge the demonstration or the curfew.

Protesters also took the streets in Kunar province, according to witnesses and social media videos that lined up with reporting by The Associated Press.

The demonstrations — which come as Afghans celebrated Independence Day and some commemorated the Shiite Ashoura festival — were a remarkable show of defiance after the Taliban fighters violently dispersed a protest Wednesday. At that rally, in the eastern city of Jalalabad, demonstrators lowered the Taliban’s flag and replace it with Afghanistan’s tricolor. At least one person was killed.

Meanwhile, opposition figures gathering in the last area of the country not under Taliban rule talked of launching an armed resistance under the banner of the Northern Alliance, which allied with the U.S. during the 2001 invasion.

It was not clear how serious a threat they posed given that Taliban fighters overran nearly the entire country in a matter of days with little resistance from Afghan forces.

The Taliban so far have offered no specifics on how they will lead, other than to say they will be guided by Shariah, or Islamic, law. They are in talks with senior officials of previous Afghan governments. But they face an increasingly precarious situation.

“A humanitarian crisis of incredible proportions is unfolding before our eyes,” warned Mary Ellen McGroarty, the head of the U.N.’s World Food Program in Afghanistan.

Beyond the difficulties of bringing in food to the landlocked nation dependent on imports, she said that drought has seen over 40% of the country’s crop lost. Many who fled the Taliban advance now live in parks and open spaces in Kabul.

“This is really Afghanistan’s hour of greatest need, and we urge the international community to stand by the Afghan people at this time,” she said.

Hafiz Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Kabul, said some food has flowed into the capital, but prices have gone up. He hesitated to pass those costs onto his customers but said he had to.

“It is better to have it,” he said. “If there were nothing, then that would be even worse.”

Two of Afghanistan’s key border crossings with Pakistan, Torkham near Jalalabad and Chaman near Spin Boldak, are now open for trade. However, traders still fear insecurity on the roads and confusion over customs duties that could push them to price their goods higher.

Amid that uncertainty and concerns that the Taliban will reimpose a brutal rule, which included largely confining women to their homes and holding public executions, many Afghans are trying to flee the country.

At Kabul’s international airport, military evacuation flights continued, according to flight-tracking data. However, access to the airport remained difficult. On Thursday, Taliban fighters fired into the air to try to control the crowds gathered at the airport’s blast walls. Men, women and children fled. Fighter jets later roared overhead, but no airstrike accompanied their pass.

Overnight, President Joe Biden said that he was committed to keeping U.S. troops in Afghanistan until every American is evacuated, even if that means maintaining a military presence there beyond his Aug. 31 deadline for withdrawal. In an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America” aired Thursday, Biden said he didn’t believe the Taliban had changed.

“I think they’re going through sort of an existential crisis about do they want to be recognized by the international community as being a legitimate government,” Biden said. “I’m not sure they do.”

Indirectly acknowledging the resistance they face, the Taliban on Thursday asked preachers to urge congregants to remain in the country and counter “negative propaganda” against them.

The Taliban have also urged people to return to work, but most government officials remain in hiding or are themselves attempting to flee.

The head of the country’s Central Bank warned that the supply of physical U.S. dollars is “close to zero,” which will batter the currency, the afghani. The U.S. has apparently frozen the country’s foreign reserves, and the International Monetary Fund cut off access to loans or other resources for now.

“The afghani has been defended by literally planeloads of U.S. dollars landing in Kabul on a very regular basis, sometimes weekly,” said Graeme Smith, a consultant researcher with the Overseas Development Institute. “If the Taliban don’t get cash infusions soon to defend the afghani, I think there’s a real risk of a currency devaluation that makes it hard to buy bread on the streets of Kabul for ordinary people.”

Still, Smith, who has written a book on Afghanistan, said the Taliban likely won’t ask for the same billions in international aid sought by the country’s fallen civilian government — large portions of which were siphoned off by corruption. That could limit the power of the international community’s threat of sanctions.

“You’re much more likely to see the Taliban positioning themselves as sort of gatekeepers to the international community as opposed to coming begging for billions of dollars,” he said.

There has been no armed opposition to the Taliban. But videos from the Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, a stronghold of the Northern Alliance militias that allied with the U.S. during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, appear to show potential opposition figures gathering there.

Those figures include members of the deposed government — Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who asserted on Twitter that he is the country’s rightful president, and Defense Minister Gen. Bismillah Mohammadi — as well as Ahmad Massoud, the son of the slain Northern Alliance leader Ahmad Shah Massoud.

In an opinion piece published by The Washington Post, Massoud asked for weapons and aid to fight the Taliban.

“I write from the Panjshir Valley today, ready to follow in my father’s footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban,” he wrote.

___

Faiez reported from Istanbul, Gannon from Guelph, Canada, and Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Tameem Akhgar in Istanbul, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report.

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Mike Richards, executive producer and the newly named host of “Jeopardy!,” has spoken out for a second time after more of his past offensive comments were resurfaced.

A report from The Ringer published Wednesday included several quotes from a since-deleted episode of Richards’ podcast, “The Randumb Show,” which he hosted in 2013 and 2014 as a way to promote a behind-the-scenes look at CBS game show “The Price is Right,” for which he was a co-executive producer.

Richards, 46, repeatedly used offensive language to describe and denigrate women’s bodies, according to The Ringer’s review of the 41 episodes available online until Tuesday. Richards confirmed in a statement that he has since taken the episodes down.

In his apology, Richards said that it was “humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, thoughtlessness, and insensitivity from nearly a decade ago. Looking back now, there is no excuse, of course, for the comments I made on this podcast and I am deeply sorry.”

He continued: “The podcast was intended to be a series of irreverent conversations between longtime friends who had a history of joking around. Even with the passage of time, it’s more than clear that my attempts to be funny and provocative were not acceptable, and I have removed the episodes. My responsibilities today as a father, husband, and a public personality who speaks to many people through my role on television means I have substantial and serious obligations as a role model, and I intend to live up to them.”

Representatives for Sony Pictures Television, which produces “Jeopardy!”, declined to comment.

Richards also twice praised “average” white male TV hosts, who he said made it seem like he, too, had the potential to host a show one day, according to The Ringer. (In addition to producing, Richards earlier hosted several shows, including “Beauty and the Geek” in 2008 and “Pyramid.”)

“Jeff Probst had a daytime talk show, which I was cheering for because I like, you know, the average white-guy host,” Richards said, according to The Ringer. “I cheer for him to succeed because I feel like through his success I could have some success hosting.”

He later said former “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest “actually made the world a safer place for what I like to call the skinny white host, like (‘The Price is Right’ announcer) George (Gray) and I.”

After the long-running syndicated quiz show spent the past seven months rotating 16 guest hosts at the podium once manned by late host Alex Trebek, Richards got the permanent nod earlier this month to host the nightly show. “The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik will host primetime specials and tournaments on ABC, starting with a college championship next year.

Richards’ apology this week follows a statement he issued August 9 to “Jeopardy!” employees regarding resurfaced discrimination lawsuits against him by “The Price is Right” models during his work on the show.

One 2010 complaint came from a model who claimed Richards fired her because she had become pregnant, according to reports from Variety and Deadline. She was awarded more than $8 million in damages and the case was later settled after an appeal. Richards was named in the lawsuit but not listed as a defendant.

Another lawsuit alleged a model was harassed on the set and wrongfully terminated, but the case was also settled out of court after Richards was removed as a defendant.

“I want to address the complicated employment issues raised in the press during my time at ‘The Price is Right’ ten years ago,” Richards wrote in a statement obtained by The Ringer and Deadline.

“These were allegations made in employment disputes against the show. I want you all to know that the way in which my comments and actions have been characterized in these complaints does not reflect the reality of who I am or who we worked together on ‘The Price is Right.’ I know firsthand how special it is to be a parent. It is the most important thing in the world to me. I would not say anything to disrespect anyone’s pregnancy and have always supported my colleagues in their parenting journeys.”

Contributing: Elise Brisco

Read more at usatoday.com

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Most people know Bridgeport, Chicago as home to Guaranteed Rate Field (home of the Chicago White Sox), but it also has so much more than that!  Bridgeport is a diverse community bubbling with a wide variety of restaurants both old and new.  We’ve put together the 10 best restaurants for you to try next time you find yourself at a game – or just needing something new!  Whatever you’re in the mood for, we are sure you can find it in this bustling neighborhood! 

Here are our top 10 picks, in no particular order.

Kathy De’s Deli

Located at: 3642 S Parnell Ave Chicago, IL 60609

Why we picked it: One of the best delis around!  It’s affordable, and the portions are huge (you’ll actually get two meals for the price of one).  It is a deli (says so in the name) so you can expect the usual soup and sandwiches, but they also have daily specials such as Meatloaf Wednesday’s!  Make sure you go early, this stuff sells quickly! Parking can be tough during game days but on other days there is often plenty of street parking.

A Place by Damao

Located at: 2621 S Halsted St #1 Chicago, IL 60608

Why we picked it: This is a Sichuan must-try.  Although small, and located in a stripmall, don’t be fooled – it is absolutely worth the trip!  You may want to just limit your group size, however, because seating is limited.  A Place by Damao was opened by a then 24-year-old chef, Aishan “Damao” Zhong and partner Mori Guo, and brings new life into Bridgeport.  The dining experience is truly unique, as is the menu featuring items such as Rabbit Shreds, Pork Brain, Pigs Foot, and more.  

Min’s Noodle House

Located at: 3235 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Why we picked it: Come for the food, stay for the impeccable customer service.  And when you go (not if), order the bao buns!  They are as large as your face and filled to the brim (as bao buns should be).  You’ll be able to choose your level of spiciness here so don’t be afraid – but if you do love spice you’ve come to the right place.  Great food, great service, and great prices make Min’s an easy choice.

Gios Cafe & Deli

Located at: 2724 S Lowe Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Why we picked it: If you’re in need of authentic Italian food, look no further than Gios.  Not only will you feel like you’re sitting in Italy, but time will feel that way too as you’re encouraged to sit, relax, and eat!  You can also impress a date by bringing your own bottle of wine and making up how much it costs, because Gios is BYOB! 

Han 202

Located at: 605 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616

Why we picked it: Like Gio’s, Han 202 is also BYOB!  They have a prix fixe menu that is $35 for four courses, which has to be one of the cheapest (but also best) prix fixe menus around!  The first choice is between 5 different salads, followed by a ton of appetizer options, then entrees (to name a few: duck breast, mongolian beef, lobster tail, and seared red snapper), and finished with dessert!  They also have a small sushi menu ranging from $7 to $13.  Han 202 does take reservations, which are encouraged.

Zaytune Mediterranean Grill

Located at: 3129 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608

Why we picked it: Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday, Zaytune is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner.  Everything is fresh and custom made here – even their flatbread!  They have veggie options too for your vegetarian and vegan friends, so bring everyone.  The portions are huge here so consider sharing – but don’t forget to order their pita!

Ajo

Located at: 752 W 33rd St, Chicago, IL 60616

Why we picked it: Truly a gem, Ajo – think Chipotle bowls but more flavor, variety, and size!  And just to emphasize it one more time – the flavor is unbeatable.  You can build your own bowl here or you can choose one that is on the menu.  In addition, you can feel good about the food you’re eating as it is fresh, local, and organic!  Try adding plantains or their pineapple salsa for something new!

Franco’s Ristorante

Located at: 300 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616

Why we picked it:  Whatever you decide to order – make sure to get the spicy pesto cream sauce on it (it tastes good on anything).  It’s a quiet, comfy place that is ideal for date nights or a friends night out.  They serve very traditional Italian entrees and meat dishes (try the Vesuvio), although they do have vegetarian options too.  If it’s a nice night, check out their outdoor patio!  

35th Street Red Hots

Located at: 500 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Why we picked it: There are a myriad of different hot dog places in Chicago, but this one has to rank among one of the best.  And although it’s a hot dog place, their shrimp and burgers are also good (trust us).  Plus, three words – hand cut fries.  They are cash only, but there is an ATM!  Fast service, easy parking, and one of the best street dogs you’ll encounter.

Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken

Located at: 2520 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Why we picked it: Great spicy chicken, as the name signals.  Just be careful, even ‘mild’ is rather spicy.  They also have grilled cheese, salads, soup, and a bunch of sides.  The sides are everything you could want with your fried chicken – macaroni and cheese, fries, corn, and wontons but filled with cheese or curry!  Their dessert is a must-try too – french toast sticks that taste like cheesecake.

Featured Image Credit: Franco’s Ristorante on Facebook

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Kanye West is bringing “Donda” home.

Kanye announced Wednesday that he will hold his third public listening event for the yet-to-be-released “Donda” album on Aug. 26 at Soldier Field. The news was announced straightforwardly via the artist’s Instagram account in a now-deleted post. By Thursday morning, every post on West’s IG had been deleted and the image of a loading icon was set as his profile photo.

Tickets go on sale at noon Aug. 20 via Ticketmaster. Show time is 9 p.m. According to Variety, the event will also be livestreamed via Apple Music, while the album still does not have an official release date.

Kanye’s previous listening events (both in Atlanta, and famous for his taking up residence at Mercedes-Benz Arena) featured two distinct versions of the album, which leads fans to expect a third version for the Soldier Field date.

The album is named for Kanye’s mother, Donda West, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 58 after plastic surgery complications.

Throughout the album’s rollout, Kanye has remained mum about the project except through minimalist IG posts, including this one of a dove in a window following the second listening party:

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The Bears plan to have Justin Fields play in Saturday’s exhibition game against the Bills, coach Matt Nagy said Thursday.

Fields will practice Thursday but the Bears will be “cautious with the reps” because of a groin injury, Nagy said.

Fields did not practice Wednesday, though he wore his helmet and spun a football in his hands during most of it. He threw a few passes at the start of practice and participated in a contest with his fellow quarterbacks at the end of it, tossing balls into trash cans in the end zone.

“Again, anything could happen,” Nagy said. “But I think [Wednesday] giving him the day off to help him was good and he feels good. … We wanted to be able to sacrifice that day of practice to be able to get him right for Saturday.”

Nagy said that Fields’ injury was mild enough that he could have played Wednesday were it a game.

“He’s competitive,” Nagy said. “He wants to be out there. That’s the beauty of these guys but at the same time sometimes we gotta protect him from himself and make sure, and he understands it, he gets it.”

The Bears are holding a light practice Thursday. They won’t practice Friday.

Andy Dalton will start and play at least halfway into the second quarter, Nagy said. Fields will take over from there and figures to play into the fourth quarter.

The rookie was electric in the Bears’ first exhibition game, going 14-for-20 for 142 yards and one touchdown. He ran five times for 33 yards and another touchdown.

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Welcome to our highlights for concerts, festivals and live music in Chicago. From free shows at Millennium Park to large festivals like Ravinia and Lollapalooza, and intimate shows at small local venues, our guide has all the latest music entertainment. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on concerts and events.

Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival

A$AP Rocky performs on stage during Rolling Loud at Hard Rock Stadium in July in Miami Gardens, Florida. Getty Images

WHAT: Hip-hop will be celebrated in a big way this weekend with the return of Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival, billed as “the premier hip-hop music festival in the Midwest.” The fest boasts 80 acts including A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, Bennett, Baby Keem, Gunna, Joey Purp and more.

WHEN: Running Aug. 20-22

WHERE: Douglass Park, 1401 S Sacramento Dr.

TICKETS: GA and VIP tickets are on sale at www.TheSummerSmash.com. For updated information regarding the venue’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit thesummersmash.com

John Hiatt and Jerry Douglas

John Hiatt (left) and Jerry DouglasPatrick Sheehan

WHAT: Singer-songwriter John Hiatt and dobro player Jerry Douglas recently released their first collaborative album, the terrific “Leftover Feelings,” which will be a highlight of their Ravinia concert. The album, recorded at the legendary RCA Studio B in Nashville, showcases the deep talents of both Americana giants, who have each been making music for decades.

WHEN: At 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24

WHERE: Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park.

TICKETS: $40-$110. For updated information regarding the venue’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit ravinia.org.

Ruido Fest

WHAT: Rudio Fest returns with a star-studded lineup that includes Cafe Tacvba, Panteon Rococo and Caifanes. It’s one of Latin music’s largest festivals, and the roster also includes Moenia, Ambar Lucid, Ivy Queen, Los Amigos Invisibles, La Dona, Lido Pimienta, Little Jesus and many more.

WHEN: From 3:30-10 p.m. Aug. 20 and 1-10 p.m. Aug. 21-22

WHERE: Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph.

TICKETS: $65+. For updated information regarding the festival’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit rudiofest.com.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Jason Isbell and the 400 UnitAlysse Gafkjen

WHAT: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit tour behind the recently released album “Reunions,” produced by Dave Cobb and featuring another batch of great songs penned by Isbell. Opening the show is up-and-coming country singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer, a former background singer, who is gaining notice in Nashville for her ability to bring life, truth and a wild imagination to her original songs.

WHEN: The outdoor concert gets under way at 7 p.m. Aug. 22

WHERE: Wintrust Field, 1999 S. Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg

TICKETS: $45+. For updated information regarding the venue’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit wintrustfield.com.

Sunny War

Sunny WarFlorencia P. Marano

WHAT: Sunny War is a remarkable singer-songwriter who once lived on the margins of society but is now establishing herself as a roots music revolutionary. Her impressive guitar work and haunting vocals are a perfect match for her incisive songs, which lie somewhere between folk, punk and early blues and touch on everything from police violence to alcoholism to love found and lost.

WHEN: 9 p.m. Aug. 21

WHERE: FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn.

TICKETS: $10. For updated information regarding the venue’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey StirlingSydney Takeshta Photo

What: Platinum-selling artist Lindsey Stirling, known for her futuristic violin-driven electronic music and unique live show; her music incorporates elements of classical music, hip-hop, pop and dubstep. Also on the bill: electro-pop artist Kiesza.

When: 7 p.m. Aug. 20 (rescheduled from Aug. 10)

Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.

Tickets: $23+

Visit pavilionnortherlyisland.com.

Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret

What: Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret reopens with Joan Curto’s “Back in Business” (8 p.m. Aug. 5-8, $30), featuring vocalist Curto with Beckie Menzie (piano), Jim Cox (bass) and Tim Davis (percussion). Other performers in the Cabaret include Cathy Glickman and Anna Palermo with “Judy and Liza, Don’t Tell Mama” (8 p.m. Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Aug. 15, $25) a tribute to Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli; singer-songwriter Kelly Tansor (8 p.m. Aug. 19, $10) performing songs by Billy Joel, Regina Spektor, Olivia Rodrigo and more; and David Edelfelt with “Broadway Baritones: The Men, the Music, the Magic” (8 p.m. Aug. 20-22, $25). Cabaret shows require advance tickets and a two drink minimum for each show. The Piano Bar has a variety of performances each week that do not require advance tickets. Masks optional for the vaccinated; the non-vaccinated must wear a mask.

Where: 1383 N. Milwaukee. Visit davenportspianobar.com.

House City Series

DJ TraxmanCourtesy Chicago Park District

What: The Departments of Cultural Affairs and Special Event’s tribute to house music continues with House City, a new series of free events popping up throughout the summer in the neighborhoods that helped create the house music genre over 35 years ago.

When/Where: vent dates and communities are July 23 in South Shore, July 31 on the Southeast Side, Aug. 14 in Humboldt Park, Aug. 28 in Englewood, Aug. 29 in Lakeview, Sept. 12 in South Shore and Sept.19 in Bronzeville. DJs playing include Traxman, Lori Branch, Deeon, Elbert Philips, Duane Powell and more.

Info: For locations and times, visit chicagohousemusicfestival.us

Chris Foreman Courtesy Origin Records

Chris Foreman at the Green Mill

What: The Green Mill has reopened and that means the return of Chris Foreman, a Friday night fixture at the popular jazz club. Foreman, a jazz organist blind since birth, is a master on the Hammond B3 and regarded as Chicago’s best. His playing is a blend of blues-gospel and jazz honed in his professional experience, which has included work with Hank Crawford, Albert Collins, Bernard Purdie, The Deep Blue Organ Trio and The Mighty Blue Kings.

When: 5-7:30 p.m. Fridays

Where: The Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway

Cost: No cover charge

Visit greenmilljazz.com

Ravinia Festival

What: The Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in the country, returns with reduced capacity. As usual, the lineup is a varied slate of music from classical to pop, jazz and rock. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns for a six-week run with conductor Marin Alsop leading seven concerts in her first season as Ravinia’s chief conductor. Also on the roster are: Garrick Ohlsson, Cynthia Erivo, Counting Crows, Kurt Elling, Brian McKnight, John Hiatt and the Jerry Douglas Band, The Roots, John Legend, Madeleine Peyroux, Midori, Joshua Bell, Pinchas Zukerman, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Joffrey Ballet.

When: July 1-Sept. 26

Where: Highland Park

Tickets: prices vary

Visit: ravinia.org.

Grant Park Music Festival

Independence Day concerts will kick off the Grant Park Music Festival season.Patrick Pyszka

What: The Grant Park Music Festival is fully open for capacity audiences in the seated area and the lawn.

When: Through Aug. 21

Where: Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph.

Admission: free

Visit: gpmf.org

Summer Nights with Northlight

What: Summer Nights with Northlight is a cabaret series held at Evanston restaurants to benefit Northlight Theatre. The performers are Alexis J. Roston and Kelvin Roston Jr. (June 10, Good to Go Jamaican, 711 W. Howard), Linda Solotaire (July 27, Sketchbook Brewing Company, 4901 Main, Skokie) and Heidi Kettenring (Aug. 24, Peckish Pig, 623 W. Howard).

When: Performances times are 6 p.m.

Tickets: $60 includes light dinner and select drinks. Visit northlight.org.

Tuesdays on the Terrace

“Tuesdays on the Terrace” at the MCA in Chicago.Copyright MCA

When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays June 1-Aug. 31

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art’s outdoor sculpture garden, 220 E. Chicago

What: Tuesdays on the Terrace returns to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s outdoor sculpture garden. The popular jazz concert series features an array of Chicago jazz musiciansFirst up on June 1 is Alexis Lombre’s Ancestral Awakenings. Free with advance reservations. Visit mcachicago.org.

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