Time to plan the final week of 2015. Here’s some of what we recommend:
Mon 12/28: The eleventh annual Alex Chilton Birthday Bash tonight at the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western) features a slew of local bands that will gather to belt out interpretations of songs written or cowritten by the cofounder of cherished Memphis power-pop outfit Big Star and blue-eyed-soul act the Box Tops. Bands include Certain Stars, Patrick Potts, Simeon Peebler, Deadly Bungalows, and others. 9 PM
Tue 12/29: Comic Ron Funches of Undateable fame performs stand-up tonight at Zanies (1548 N. Wells). 7:30 and 9:30 PM
Tue 12/29: The folks of the Moth StorySlam are all about shared human experience through storytelling. This time around at Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse) ten people picked at random share their experiences, inspired by the theme “Joy.” 8 PM
Wed 12/30: John Oliver, the host of Last Week Tonight, brings his British wit to the Chicago Theatre (175 N. State) stage. 7 and 10 PM
Thu 12/31: Well, 2015 was a hell of a year, but now it’s time to move on—why not do so in style? This year the city offers everything from a masquerade ball to a seafood feast to a night of improv, not to mention the traditional countdowns, balloon drops, and, of course, champagne toasts at midnight. Some of our top New Year’s Eve picks include a dinner at Longman & Eagle, Slo’Motel at CAA, and Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind: New Year’s Eve.
Check out Chicago’s best New Year’s Eve events. And for more stuff to do this week—and every day—check out our Agenda page.