Richard Roeper co-hosts ‘Windy City Weekend’; Roz Varon speaks on benefit for late daughter

This week on “Windy City Weekend,” Richard Roeper and Val Warner welcomed comedian and actor Bill Bellamy.

Known for his quick wit and energy, Bellamy shared what fans can expect from the “Sweetest Day Comedy Jam” at the Wintrust Arena this Saturday, where he will be performing along with Lavell Crawford, Tony Roberts, TK Kirkland, Navv Greene, Kevin Tate, and Skeet Carter.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.wintrustarena.com/events/detail/sweetest-day-2025/.

Roz Varon and Ed Janz

Roz Varon spoke on a benefit honoring her late daughter Friday.

Roz Varon and her ex-husband, Ed Janz, also joined Warner and Roeper to share details about “Stars for Sara,” a heartfelt benefit honoring their late daughter, Sara Janz. The event, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Chicago/Midwest Chapter), will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Des Plaines Theatre.

“Stars for Sara” brings together some of Chicago’s most beloved musicians, media personalities and entertainers for an unforgettable night celebrating Janz’s life and legacy. Proceeds from the evening will support the Sara Janz “Take Your Shot” Memorial Scholarship Fund, helping inspire and uplift future generations of media professionals.

Learn more about the event at https://oshows.com/event/stars-for-sara-a-star-studded-evening-of-music-media-and-memories-to-honor-the-late-sara-janz/.

Roeper’s Reviews: Spend or save

Here’s what to spend money on this weekend.

Roeper may have been the co-host for the day, but he is also a trusted film critic friend. He reviewed a few movies and series that are available to watch now:

‘Black Phone 2’ (in theaters) – SPEND
This supernatural horror sequel film stars Ethan Hawke as a serial killer who was supposedly killed in the previous film in the series.

‘Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy’ (streaming series on Peacock) – SAVE
This miniseries explores the unsettling story of John Wayne Gacy, the infamous serial killer who murdered over 30 young men in the 1970s.

‘Grow’ (in theaters) – SPEND
This heartwarming comedy film takes place in a town where giant pumpkins, family and the chaos of a pumpkin-growing competition are all intertwined, yielding some unexpected results for everyone involved.

A live performance from Lauren Hall

Lauren Hall performed live on ‘Windy City Weekend’ Friday.

Plus, Chicago’s own Lauren Hall stopped by the studio to give a live performance in celebration of her new single, called “Wait.”

You may have seen Hall on “The Voice” Season 17 or performing the national anthem at multiple Chicago Cubs games. Bears fans will get the chance to hear the talented singer at the game this Sunday.

For more information about where you can listen to Hall’s music, visit her website, www.lahallmusic.com.