Great Lakes Options (11)

Blues Brothers

Chicago will be singing the blues May 30 through June 2 when the city hosts the largest free-admission music festival in the world. Bo Diddley and Pinetop Perkins are two of the more than 70 troubadours scheduled to perform at the 19th-Annual Chicago Blues Festival. This year's fete honors the legendary Muddy Waters, who electrified the Mississippi Delta sound with his innovative guitar licks on hits such as "Rollin' Stone" and "Got My Mojo Working." Open from noon to 9:30 p.m., the fest takes place on six stages in the city's Grant Park. For more information, call (312) 744-3315.

Out of Africa

Journey on safari without leaving the state. Through July 21, the Canton Museum of Art presents "The Soul of Africa," 40 bronze sculptures of wildlife created by artist Bart Walter. Focal points of the exhibit include life-sized replicas of cheetahs, as well as lions, hippos, elephants, warthogs and a giraffe. A video featuring the artist with Masai tribesmen as well as his close encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda will also be screened. Call the museum at (330) 453-7666 for times and ticket information.

Litte red Corvette

The Stingray. Now, that's a classy chassis. It's just one of the more than 2,000 beauties that will make an appearance at Corvettes on the Isthmus in Madison, Wis. Members of more than 174 auto clubs across the country congregate in the state May 10 through 12 at the city's civic center along with some of the sportiest cars ever made. Highlights include an indoor swap meet, low-speed racing, an auction and a scenic tour of the state. Call (608) 839-9014 for times and admission prices.

A jaunt to Paris

Paris on the spur of the moment? It's doable, even if everyone you know is a party-pooper. This month, Best Friends in Paris travel agents, based in Chicago, will customize a weeklong excursion according to your hobbies and interests, whether your preferences run to cooking classes or shopping soirees at designer boutiques. Tours are conducted by an experienced guide. Other trips are scheduled for June and October. Cost, excluding airfare, is $3,590. For more information, visit www.bestfriendsinparis.com or call 1-866-799-3202.