7 things to do around Chicago: ‘Carmen,’ Psych Fest and a double dose of Questlove

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

The Roots: A concert by hip hop group The Roots will be followed by a separate DJ set by Questlove, all in the cavernous, brand-new Salt Shed in West Town. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. March 18 at Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets (17+) $50-$115 at www.saltshedchicago.com

“The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing”: This new work by composer Justine F. Chen and librettist David Simpatico for Chicago Opera Theater is about the British computer scientist Alan Turing, who both paved the way for modern computing and was prosecuted in 1952 for his homosexuality. 7:30 p.m. March 23 and 3 p.m. March 25 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.; tickets $25-$165 at chicagooperatheater.org

Chicago Psych Fest: Jeff Parker is headlining both nights of the fest this year. He’ll be joined by Tim Kinsella and Jenny Pulse, the Elijah McLaughlin Ensemble, and DJ Psyche Prissy Pie on Friday. Saturday’s lineup features Joshua Abrams as a special guest, Plastic Crimewave Syndicate with Bil Vermette, Brain Waiver and DJ Sister Golden Haze. 8 p.m. March 17-18 at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.; tickets $20-$25 for one night or $35 for a two-night pass, more information at hideoutchicago.com

Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention: Don’t miss this event if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo or just want to celebrate the ones you’ve already got. You can get tattooed by artists from around the world, watch seminars and demonstrations about various techniques, or enjoy live entertainment, including starts from “America’s Got Talent” and the Ringling Bros. March 17-19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets are $25 per day or $50 for a three-day pass, free for children under 12, more information at villainarts.com

Dog-Friendly Market at Midwest Coast Brewing: Bring along your furry best friend and enjoy a drink as you browse this market featuring items for your pets. Vendors include Chicago Dog Co., Farm To Pet, Cosmicos Pet Bakery, Leo’s Natural Dog Food and Art by Embee. Noon to 4 p.m. March 19 at Midwest Coast Brewing Company, 2137 W. Walnut Street; free, more information at eventbrite.com

“Shamrock Shenanigans”: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish stand-up comedians in Wicker Park. March 17-18 on the Heath Mainstage at Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; thedentheatre.com

“Carmen”: Lyric Opera’s production of Georges Bizet’s opera can’t miss with this cast, writes critic Hannah Edgar for the Tribune. Mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges more than fills the title role. “If you’re looking for a better-acted Carmen, I suspect you’ll be searching for a while.” Through April 7 at Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive; $141-$320 at 312-827-5600 and lyricopera.org