There’s plenty to do this week. Here’s some of what we recommend:
Mon 12/4: Onstage Josh Gondelman, a New York-based stand-up and a writer on Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, covers his time as a substitute preschool teacher and peppers jokes by sharing how much joy the actual job brought him. He performs at Zanies (1548 N. Wells). 8:30 PM, $15 plus two-item minimum
Tue 12/5: Paula Scaggs and Megan Stalter host Talk Show Presents at the Public House Theatre (3914 N. Clark), featuring performances by comedians, drag queens, musicians, and more, plus a “wildcard” guest performer every month. 8 PM, $10
Tue 12/5: Rap king Jay Z and Chicago’s Vic Mensa play the United Center (1901 W. Madison). The Reader‘s Leor Galil writes of Mensa, “While he’s transparent about his self-doubt over his path in life, his untroubled, sweet performance on the Darondo-sampling ‘Say I Didn’t’ [off his album The Autobiography] shows he’s right where he needs to be.” 8 PM, $115-$225
Wed 12/6: In the work featured in his latest exhibit, “Lost in a Dream,” Zachary Buchner uses the medium of memory foam. The walls of Andrew Rafacz Gallery (835 W. Washington) are adorned with dyed, contoured pieces of the material in various textures. 11 AM-6 PM, free
Wed 12/6: Aaron Weaver‘s onstage stand-up persona is that of the world’s smartest, friendliest bro. So hang out with him and get his absurd take on the cosmopolitan everyman at this album recording at the Comedians You Should Know showcase at Timothy O’Toole’s (622 N. Fairbanks). 7 and 9:30 PM, $5 in advance, $10 at the door
Thu 12/7: Lauded poet Paul Muldoon reads from Selected Poems 1968-2014 at Poetry Foundation (61 W. Superior). Muldoon’s accomplishments include editing poetry at the New Yorker, winning a Pulitzer Prize, and a professorship at Princeton University. He knows what he’s talking about.
For more things to do this weekend—and every day—visit our Agenda page.