Chicago Theatre

The question prompted by this year's remarkably underwhelming array of (repeat) Lolla headliners (including The Killers, Vampire Weekend and Mumford and Sons) was, “Where are all the headliner-caliber rock bands that have never played Lolla and, you know, are actually good?” At Thursday's sold-out Chicago Theatre show, Paramore had the answer. Tiny Hayley Williams is leading a giant revolution, shooting sweet darts into the hearts and lungs of fans that belt out every cathartic word.

The spotlight on Seth Meyers has been shining so bright these days that he probably feels like reaching for his sunglasses. This spring, he's been all over the news not only for landing the gig as Jimmy Fallon's 2014 replacement on NBC's "Late Night," but also for speculation as to who will replace him as "Saturday Night Live" head writer and "Weekend Update" anchor. And of course, for marrying "Weekend Update" correspondent character Stefon during the show's season finale. So what's next?

Get ready to visit the danger zone, Chicago. The animated troublemakers of FX's spy comedy "Archer" are turning into real live people and coming here in April for the "Archer Live!" Tour. Producers and the voice stars of the series will do a live reading of classic "Archer" scenes, participate in a moderated discussion and take part in an audience Q&A at the event. Those scheduled to participate include H. Jon Benjamin (Agent Sterling Archer), Aisha Tyler (Agent Lana Kane), Amber Nash (Pam Poovey)

If you can't find a reason to laugh this week, it's your own fault. The fifth annual TBS Just For Laughs comedy festival kicks off Tuesday with more than 90 shows over six days featuring hundreds of comedians at multiple venues. We're talking national and international headliners, cast members from hit TV shows and special stagings of popular local productions. To get you started on your road to hilarity, we've rounded up some highlights for each day of the fest. Buy tickets and check out the full schedule at  justforlaughschicago.com . TUESDAY Pete Holmes The former Chicagoan and...

If you're a fan of animated television shows, one of the true delights is attending a live reading of an episode by the show's cast. Fans of the FX series Archer are now going to have a chance to experience that at the Chicago Theatre on April, 5th when the cast of the hilarious animated comedy appear for " Archer Live! " I've posted a video (see above) recorded at the event in Philadelphia earlier this year. The crowd sounds like they're having a helluva good time.

I decided to be a good girl and refrain from tweeting or texting throughout the Wednesday taping of "Conan," as instructed. But they didn't say we couldn't tip you off to what happened during the taping, afterward! Without giving away some of the best segments of tonight's show--there were definitely some great surprises and laughs--here's what to look forward to with tonight's Chicago edition of "Conan," taped at the Chicago Theatre.  ALSO: Want to win a special edition Chicago "Conan" T-shirt?

*** = Recommended shows On sale 10 a.m. Friday Big Gigantic, Monday, Dec. 31 ($45-$50, 18+) at Aragon. Mika, Thursday, Oct. 18 ($25, all ages) at Vic Theatre. On sale noon Friday Converge, Torche, Kvelertak, Thursday, Oct. 18 ($16-$18, all ages) at Metro. Rob Delaney, Friday, Nov. 30 ($20-$25, 21+) at Athenaeum Theater. Hey Rosetta, Tuesday, Oct. 23 ($14, 18+) at Lincoln Hall. Kreayshawn, Rye Rye, Honey Cocaine, Chippy Nonstop, Saturday, Dec. 1 ($21-$23, 18+)

Paramore will kick off its first North American tour since 2010 on Aug. 25. The band will be starting in Houston. The tour supporting the release of the band's upcoming eponymous album makes its way to the Chicago Theatre on May 9. The album drops April 9. Pre-sale tickets will be available exclusively to members of Paramore's fan club and singles club starting at 5 p.m. Monday. Remaining tickets will be available starting Feb. 1. L.A. band Kitten opens the tour. Want more?

***= Recommended shows On sale 10 a.m. Wednesday Oakhurst, Monday, April 9 ($10, 21+) at Martyrs'. Dale Watson, Friday, June 15 ($15, 21+) at Martyrs'. On sale noon Thursday Thrice, Animals as Leaders, Saturday, June 2 ($23.50-$26, all ages) at Metro. On sale 10 a.m. Friday Steve Winwood, Tuesday, May 15 ($45-$99, all ages) at Chicago Theatre. On sale noon Friday ***Bahamas, Saturday, April 7 ($10-$12, 21+) at Schubas.

***= Recommended shows On sale 10 a.m. Wednesday Ryan Shaw, Friday, June 29 ($12-$15, 21+) at Martyrs'. On sale 10 a.m. Friday Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Rachel Farley, Saturday, Aug. 18 ($29.50-$59, all ages) at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Dream Theater, Crimson Projeckt, Saturday, June 23 ($29-$69, all ages) at Chicago Theatre. Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Wisin and Yandel, Friday, Aug. 3 ($29.50-$199.50, all ages) at United Center.

Based on his character Aldous Snow in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek" - not to mention his years of highly publicized, drug and alcohol addiction-related controversies and much-discussed marriage to/divorce from Katy Perry - it would be easy to erroneously label Russell Brand as a loose cannon. He does celebrate stand-up comedy's potential for mayhem and chaos, claiming, "mundanity and structure is against our nature. " Still, 10 years sober and without any regrets, the English comedian (appearing June 12 at the Chicago Theatre as part of the TBS "Just For Laughs" festival)

Well, we're happy to say we told you so. Today Milwaukee Summerfest announced its Emerging Artists Series, and several of the names are familiar: RedEye 2013 Rock 'n' Vote finalists AboveWaves (June 27), and 2011 finalists Aktar Aktar (June 27). That's not it for the Chicago representation, either. Gemini Club (July 2), Blah Blah Blah (June 26), Great Divide (July 5) and Bonzie (July 6) will also appear on the U.S. Cellular Connection stage June 26-July 7. Other highlights on the calendar include Kitten (who just opened for Paramore at Chicago Theatre)

The question prompted by this year's remarkably underwhelming array of (repeat) Lolla headliners (including The Killers, Vampire Weekend and Mumford and Sons) was, “Where are all the headliner-caliber rock bands that have never played Lolla and, you know, are actually good?” At Thursday's sold-out Chicago Theatre show, Paramore had the answer. Tiny Hayley Williams is leading a giant revolution, shooting sweet darts into the hearts and lungs of fans that belt out every cathartic word.

 *** = Recommended shows On sale 10 a.m. Friday “American Idol” Live 2013 Top 11, Saturday, July 6 ($33.50-$66, all ages) at Allstate Arena. Bill Cosby, Friday, Oct. 25 ($38-$78.50, all ages) at Chicago Theatre. Lil Wayne, Saturday, Aug. 10 (Prices TBD, all ages) at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. ***Portugal. The Man, Thursday, June 20 ($29.50-$32, 17+) at House of Blues. On sale noon Friday Austra, Diana, Saturday, Aug. 31 ($15-$18, 18+)

When Jim Gaffigan plays the Chicago Theatre this weekend, it will be a homecoming of sorts for the Northwest Indiana native. His comedy makes no effort to hide his love for the simple things of Midwestern life. He talks openly about his love of food and laziness, which has tuned him into one of the most successful comedians in the business. And then there's the Gaffigan who has lived in New York City since he was 19, been on numerous sitcoms, appeared in a Broadway play and just wrote his first book, "My Dad is Fat," which hits shelves May...

If you're a fan of animated television shows, one of the true delights is attending a live reading of an episode by the show's cast. Fans of the FX series Archer are now going to have a chance to experience that at the Chicago Theatre on April, 5th when the cast of the hilarious animated comedy appear for " Archer Live! " I've posted a video (see above) recorded at the event in Philadelphia earlier this year. The crowd sounds like they're having a helluva good time.

Good news: You can still get tickets to Fiona Apple's concert July 10 at Chicago Theatre ($45-$75). Great news: The wait is over for new material from the singer-songwriter, whose first album since 2005's "Extraordinary Machine," "The Idler Wheel is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do," arrives June 19. Today Apple dropped the album's first single "Every Single Night. " The song beautifully and disturbingly encapsulates the relentless pursuit of satisfaction with Apple's trademark psychological chaos, plus some yelps...

Get ready to visit the danger zone, Chicago. The animated troublemakers of FX's spy comedy "Archer" are turning into real live people and coming here in April for the "Archer Live!" Tour. Producers and the voice stars of the series will do a live reading of classic "Archer" scenes, participate in a moderated discussion and take part in an audience Q&A at the event. Those scheduled to participate include H. Jon Benjamin (Agent Sterling Archer), Aisha Tyler (Agent Lana Kane), Amber Nash (Pam Poovey)

Paramore will kick off its first North American tour since 2010 on Aug. 25. The band will be starting in Houston. The tour supporting the release of the band's upcoming eponymous album makes its way to the Chicago Theatre on May 9. The album drops April 9. Pre-sale tickets will be available exclusively to members of Paramore's fan club and singles club starting at 5 p.m. Monday. Remaining tickets will be available starting Feb. 1. L.A. band Kitten opens the tour. Want more?