So Mother’s Day is here, and it’s time to show mom that she’s worth more to you than a mimosa and a pecan waffle. Show her some art!
#5: 
Michael Perry at Next Chapter Bookstore:
Why? Because Perry brings wit and charm to the often bland and fuzzy genre of rural memoir, and his Coop: A Family, A Farm, and the Pursuit of One Good Egg is great fun. Because the Chicago Tribune said, “Beneath the flannel surface of this deer-hunting, truck-loving Badger is the soul of a poet." And because even though he spends much of his time walking through pig muck and chicken scratchings, he cleans up nicely when he ventures into the suburbs.
#4: Brew City Bruisers Roller Derby at the US Cellular Arena
Why? Because you’re just not in the mood for Mozart quartets or poetry readings this weekend. Because all your favorite skaters will be there: Melba Toasty, Betty Clobber, Baberaham Lincoln and even Pabsty Cline. And because nothing said Mother’s Day like a thundering gang of helmeted and tattoed women with elbows a-flying.
#3: Sunday in the Park with George at Windfall Theatre.
Why? Um…Stephen Sondheim. Like…duh! Because the grand old man of the American musical turned 80 this year, and he deserves a party.
#2: Heart of the Dog at Moct.
Why? Because Kurt Hartwig is on a roll, having recently transformed the walls of Moct Club and Bar into a heart-wrenching story of wurst, cheese and good-hearted beermeisters. Because you have a thing for modernist Russian literature, particularly stories involving canine-human glandular transplantation. And because Hartwig and performing partner Andy North won’t know which parts they’re playing until you tell them. They are just that crazy!
#1: Amir Elsaffar and Present Music at Turner Hall Ballroom.
Why? Because Present Music has turned Turner into a musical Camp David, presenting musical traditions from all over the Middle East. Because composer Kamran Ince is a PM regular and favorite. Because you won’t hear Betty Olivero’s “Six Yiddish Songs” at your neighbor’s Bar Mitzvah. And because Elsaffar puts a contemporary spin on an ancient Persian musical style. And because like all Present Music events, it promises to be a really good time.
