OFFBEAT: New 'Oz' golf tournament announced, new owners for famed 'Oz' hats

Even though it's been 70 years since Judy Garland walked down the Yellow Brick Road in MGM's 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz," the film is still making headlines.

OFFBEAT: Local author event in Valpo Saturday includes Bruce Springsteen author

Philip Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Sausage king and singer Jimmy Dean a favorite, including 'Muppets' connection

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Tony-winning actress Katie Finneran called Calumet City home

Like so many readers, I watched the telecast of the 61st Annual Tony Awards on Sunday. This event, honoring the best in live performance, is one of the best ways to get a sneak preview of shows and talents likely to visit Chicago thanks to the thriving theater district.

Funnylady Wanda Sykes

SOMEONE FUNNY: Wanda Sykes is once again touring with her stand-up comedy show, including a June 12, 2010 stop for a performance at The Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind. on The Venue Stage.

OFFBEAT: Wanda Sykes 'at home' on Horseshoe stage

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Movies under the stars in Chicago's Grant Park now only a memory

If I had any idea that the Chicago of City would bring down the final curtain on its popular annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival following last year's 10th anniversary event, I would have made sure to attend all of last summer's movie showings under the stars along the lakefront in Grant Park.

OFFBEAT: 'Star Wars' Chewbacca has co-starred with Bea Arthur, and Gary Railcats are next

Chewbacca, that hairy, hulking giant from "a galaxy far, far away" (aka actor Peter Mayhew) has been booked for some pretty strange show biz gigs during the last three decades.

OFFBEAT: 'Star Wars' Chewbacca has co-starred with Bea Arthur, and Gary Railcats are next

SIDE BY SIDE - - Actor Peter Mayhew is shown arm-in-arm with a costume of his alter ego character Chewbacca, he's portrayed in the "Star Wars" film series. (File Photo)

OFFBEAT: Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster celebrating 20 years

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

FATHER AND SON

Legendary "silent" film funnyman Harpo Marx is shown with his son Bill, who followed in his father's footstep as a musical entertainer.

OFFBEAT: This season's Navy Pier Cirque Shanghai affordable, but less thrilling

This is the fifth summer Navy Pier in Chicago is showcasing the talents of the Asian acrobats of the Cirque Shanghai troupe at the outdoor Pepsi Skyline Stage.

OFFBEAT: This season's Navy Pier Cirque Shanghai affordable, but less thrilling

PROVIDED PHOTO

Dressed for success

June 8 is like a "second" birthday for Las Vegas entertainer Frank Marino.

Dressed for success

FRANK MARINO | PROVIDED PHOTOS Frank Marino has been dressing up and performing as Joan Rivers' stage alter-ego at casinos in Sin City since 1985.

Dressed for success

Joan Rivers and Frank Marino

OFFBEAT: For beauty Candace Jordan, 'once a bunny, always a bunny'

Everyday is a busy day for Chicago socialite Candace Jordan.

OFFBEAT: For beauty Candace Jordan, 'once a bunny, always a bunny'

(NOT) ALL EARS - - Chicago socialite Candace Jordan is shown in her famed Playboy Bunny uniform in this 1976 publicity photo. Jordan, will be wearing a few "hats," rather than ears, for her Thursday, June 10, 2010 social schedule, which has her attending multiple party functions, including a…

OFFBEAT: For beauty Candace Jordan, 'once a bunny, always a bunny'

STILL HOPPING AROUND - - Chicago socialite Candace Jordan, also famed as a former Playboy Bunny in 1976, will be wearing a few "hats," rather than ears, for her Thursday, June 10, 2010 social schedule, which has her attending multiple party functions, including a Macy's 2010 Glamorama ticket…