Rock, Pop, etc.
concerts
MEMBERS OF AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY perform in a USO holiday concert. Tue 12/11, 7:30 PM, American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron. 773-929-1031.
ARBOR AVENUE STATION Free in-store performance. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 101 Rice Lake Square at Danada, Wheaton. 630-871-9595.
BAIMEI performs “From China With Love” (benefits the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Fund). Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Park West, 322 W. Armitage. 773-929-5959 or 312-559-1212.
BARRAGE Tue 12/11 through Thu 12/13, 7:30 PM, Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Sat 12/15, 2 and 8 PM, and Sun 12/16, 2 and 7 PM, Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. 773-722-5463 or 312-902-1500.
BLINK-182, 311, BUSH, SUM 41, ALIEN ANT FARM, PETE YORN perform at Q101’s Twisted 8 Ball. Thu 12/13, 5:15 PM, United Center, 1901 W. Madison. 312-455-4500 or 312-559-1212.
JASON BRAUN, ASHLEY SIMONE & GEORGE REBIC Free concert. Sun 12/9, 8 PM, Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln. 312-409-6435.
JIM BRICKMAN, DONNY OSMOND Holiday concert. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Indiana. 773-734-7266 or 312-559-1212.
JACK BRUCE & THE CUICOLAND EXPRESS WITH VERNON REID & BERNIE WORRELL Fri 12/14, 7:30 PM, Park West, 322 W. Armitage. 773-929-5959 or 312-559-1212.
STAS BULANDA & DYNO-CHICAGO Sun 12/9, 3 PM, Eagle Soccer Club, 5844 N. Milwaukee. 773-631-1951.
SUSAN GRACE BURCH Free in-store performances. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 3539 E. Main, Saint Charles. 630-443-8160. Fri 12/14, Borders Books & Music, 1660 Randall, Geneva. 630-262-8747.
RIPLEY CAINE Free in-store performance. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 1144 Lake, Oak Park. 708-386-6927.
AL CARVER BAND Free concert. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 15160 S. La Grange, Orland Park. 708-460-7566.
CELESTIAL STATIC Free in-store performances. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 336 S. Rte. 59, Naperville. 630-637-9700. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 161 Weber, Bolingbrook. 630-771-9560.
JUDY COLLINS Christmas concert. Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Hemmens Auditorium, 150 Dexter, Elgin. 847-931-5900.
RITA COOLIDGE with the Moraine Valley Community College Chorale. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Dorothy Menker Theater, Fine and Performing Arts Center, Moraine Valley Community College, 10900 S. 88th, Palos Hills. 708-974-5500.
BRIAN COSTELLO WITH JON RESH, JOE MENO & THE PHANTOM THREE SYMPHONY TRIO, MISS MIA, KEN KAGAWA, CHAD RASSNER Free Christmas concert. Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, Quimby’s Bookstore, 1854 W. North. 773-342-0910.
DEL SOULS Free in-store performance. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 101 Rice Lake Square at Danada, Wheaton. 630-871-9595.
DISPATCH, LOST TRAILERS All-ages show. Tue 12/11, 7 PM, the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield. 773-472-0449 or 312-559-1212.
FUEL, SEVENDUST, NONPOINT Fri 12/7, 7 PM, Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee. 312-923-2000 or 312-559-1212.
GAMUT DYNAMIC, DANG, DAN HANRAHAN, KAREN MITCHELL, MEA MURPHY, ANDY KOSTRUB, ERIC BEAUMONT perform as part of “Artists Respond to the War” open mike and benefit for the Wicker Park Anti-war Committee. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Center Portion Performance Studio and Gallery, 28501/2 W. Fullerton. 773-227-7316.
AMY GRANT & VINCE GILL WITH THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, RACHAEL LAMPA & NICKEL CREEK perform “A Christmas to Remember.” Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim, Rosemont. 847-635-6601 or 312-559-1212.
HANDSOME FAMILY, DEANNA VARAGONA See Critic’s Choice. Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. 773-728-6000.
HILLBILLIES IN THE CITY Miss Tiger’s Cabaret directed by Eric Hensley, with Lisa Rock, Angelique Evans-Manto, Kerry Lynn McSweeny, Stefan Mantyk, and Robby Nothstine. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 PM, Bijou Theater, 1349 N. Wells. 312-409-8100.
HIP FETISH Free in-store performance. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 1144 Lake, Oak Park. 708-386-6927.
HIP NOZ Free in-store performances. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 1144 Lake, Oak Park. 708-386-6927. Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 336 S. Rte. 59, Naperville. 630-637-9700.
A HOLIDAY CABARET Benefit for Teen Living Programs with Elizabeth Doyle, John Eskola, Tom Michael, Kari Howard, Bob Moreen, Renee Matthews, Daryl Nitz, Margie Gibson, Susan May, Ester Hana, Colleen McHugh, Joanne Schmoll, Carol Moss, Kat Taylor, Audrey Morris, Suzanne Petri, Stephen Rader, Jeremy Rill, Nadine Vorenkamp, Rachel Charson, Joanie Pallatto, Gina Coconatto, Susan Miller, K. McCammond, Summer Kwai, Carlo Chapelle, and Dan Stetzel. Mon 12/10, 7 PM, Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont. 773-883-1090.
DANIEL JOHNSTON See Spot Check; free in-store performance. Fri 12/7, 5 PM, Dr. Wax, 1121 W. Berwyn. 773-784-3333.
LAX Free concert. Fri 12/14, 12:15 PM, Randolph Cafe, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-744-6630.
TEDDY LEE ORCHESTRA performs as part of Chicago WinterDance; free admission. Sun 12/9, 3 PM (with dance lessons at 2 PM), Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-742-4007.
ELLA LEYA Free in-store performance. Sat 12/15, 3 PM, Borders Books & Music, 830 N. Michigan. 312-573-0564. Sun 12/16, 3 PM, Borders Books & Music, 2817 N. Clark. 773-935-3909.
LIFEHOUSE, DOVETAIL JOINT Sold out. Sun 12/9, 7 PM, the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield. 773-472-0449 or 312-559-1212.
NATALIE MERCHANT Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Arie Crown Theater, McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. 312-791-6190 or 312-559-1212.
MOJO & THE BAYOU GYPSIES Holiday concert and dance. Sat 12/15, 7 PM, the Barn, Arabian Knights Farm, 6526 Clarendon Hills Rd., Willowbrook. 630-415-1405.
MONOTRONA, TV SHERIFF & VIDEO APE, PAUL B. DAVIS, SLICKER & JOSH, DOUGG POUND, QUANTAZELLE See Critic’s Choice. Sat 12/8, 9 PM, Heaven Gallery, 1550 N. Milwaukee. 773-342-4597.
MORBID ANGEL, DEICIDE, ZYKLON, SOILENT GREEN, EXHUMED See Spot Check; all-ages show. Sat 12/8, 6 PM, the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield. 773-472-0449 or 312-559-1212.
OPEN MIKE hosted by Rob Anderlik. Thu 12/13, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 101 Rice Lake Square at Danada, Wheaton. 630-871-9595.
SARA OSMER Free concert. Fri 12/7, 12:15 PM, Randolph Cafe, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-744-6630.
HOLLIS RESNIK Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Court Theatre, University of Chicago, 5535 S. Ellis. 773-753-4472.
KENNY ROGERS “Christmas From the Heart: The Toy Shoppe” concert. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Indiana. 773-734-7266 or 312-559-1212.
SERILIAN Free in-store performance. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 161 Weber, Bolingbrook. 630-771-9560.
SEVEN DAY RUN Free in-store performance. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 1500 W. 16th, Oak Brook. 630-574-0800. Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 15160 S. La Grange, Orland Park. 708-460-7566.
LINDA M. SMITH Free in-store performance. Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 1500 W. 16th, Oak Brook. 630-574-0800.
MEMBERS OF STAGE LEFT THEATRE COMPANY Holiday cabaret concert. Fri 12/14, 6 PM, Three Arts Club, 1300 N. Dearborn. 773-883-8830.
TEMPTATIONS Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Indiana. 773-734-7266 or 312-559-1212.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS, RYAN ADAMS & THE SWEETHEART REVOLUTION Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine. 773-275-6800 or 312-559-1212.
Rock, Pop, etc.
clubs
ABBEY PUB 3420 W. Grace: Restaurant featuring popular and traditional Irish music. Fri 12/7, 9 PM, Split Lip Rayfield, Blueground Undergrass, Myshkin’s Ruby Warblers. Sat 12/8, 9 PM, Split Lip Rayfield, Yayhoos, Deke Dickerson & the Eccofonics. Fri 12/14, 9 PM, Llama, Baldwin Brothers, Torben Floor, American Cosmonaut. Sat 12/15, 9 PM, X-Gear Daddies, Martin Zellar, Janet Beveridge Bean, Sara Osmer. 773-478-4408.
ALUMNI CLUB 2251 N. Lincoln: Thu 12/13, 9 PM, Tamara Pierce. 773-348-5100.
ARBOR VITAE 111 W. Jackson, Naperville: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Fri 12/7, Dave Rohbock. Sat 12/15, Patchouli. 630-778-9090.
BAR 3 2138 N. Halsted: Wednesdays, 8 PM, Nicholas Barron/Sticky Lupree. 773-348-3665.
BAR VERTIGO 853 N. Western: No cover; music at 10 PM. Sundays, DJs Stranjah & Marcus B. spin reggae. Mondays, open mike. Tuesdays, DJs spin rock, rockabilly & punk. Wednesdays, DJ Machete & the Faded One, hip-hop open mike. Thursdays, DJs Ivan, Tim Burnz & Fuego tha Burnah. 773-395-3002.
BEAT KITCHEN 2100 W. Belmont: Bar and restaurant with music after 9:30 PM, later on weekends. Fri 12/7, Baseball Furies, Horrors (see Spot Check), Reagan National Crash Diet. Sat 12/8, Tracer, Life at Sea, Gaskit. Sun 12/9, Bucky Halker & the Complete Unknowns, Buddy Mundlock. Mondays, Pat McCurdy. Tue 12/11, Powder House, Utah Carol. Wed 12/12, Irma Garden, Madahari. Thu 12/13, Mistaken Identity, Blue Spruce Band. Fri 12/14, Buddy Revelles, Chiyoko, Palaxy Tracks, Insta. Sat 12/15, Heather’s Damage, Cripplers, Rotten Fruits. Sun 12/16, Troubled Hubble, Division, Little Joe Ghoul. 773-281-4444.
BIG HORSE LOUNGE 1558 N. Milwaukee: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Because We Are Fearless Men, Jesus & the Devil, Dark Yellow. Sat 12/8, Cyrcle, Avocet, Radio Hour. Fri 12/14, Space Cusiobns, Blue Ribbon Brothers, Cooksie. Sat 12/15, Mumbo Jumbo, Jezebelles. 773-384-0043.
BIRD’S NEST 2500 N. Southport: No cover. Tuesdays, 8:30 PM, open mike. 773-472-1502.
BONE DADDY 551 N. Ogden: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Andy & Chris. Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Cantina, Matt Weber & Nora O’Connor. Sun 12/9 and Sun 12/16, 11 AM, Gayle Ritt. Wednesdays, 9 PM, open mike hosted by Matt Weber. Thu 12/13, 9 PM, Rockin’ Billy & the Wild Coyotes. Fri 12/14, 10 PM, D-Funct. Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Lush Budgett. 312-226-6666.
BOOKERS BACKYARD 550 S. McClean, Elgin: Music at 9 PM. Sat 12/8, Rockwell. 847-697-7311.
BOULEVARD CAFE 3137 W. Logan: Music after 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Family Style. Sat 12/8 and Sun 12/9, Professor Louie & the Crowmatix. Sundays, “Grateful Dead jam night.” Wed 12/12, Hushdrops, Sons of the Soil. Sat 12/15, Fareed Haque Group. 773-384-8600.
BOURGEOIS PIG CAFE 738 W. Fullerton: Fri 12/7, 8:30 PM, Maria Hines with Aoife Lyons & Vytis Nivinskas (no cover). 773-883-5282.
BRIXIE’S BROOKFIELD 9526 W. Ogden, Brookfield: Music at 9:30 PM; no cover. Sat 12/8, Guilty, Madluv. Wednesdays, open jam session. Fri 12/14, Stray Toasters. Sat 12/15, Ragweed. 708-387-0050.
BROTHER JIMMY’S BBQ & BOOZE 2909 N. Sheffield: Bar and restaurant with music at 10 PM. Wednesdays, acoustic jam with Arthur Lee. 773-528-0888.
BUMPERS 312 McHenry, Buffalo Grove: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Fluid, X-Side. Fri 12/14, Rubber. Sat 12/15, Money Makers. 847-541-2500.
BURKHART STUDIOS 2845 N. Halsted: Music and spoken-word performances at 9 PM on Sunday nights (followed by an open mike). Sun 12/9, Sabrina, Jessica Juarez. Sun 12/16, Katie Haverly. 773-348-8536.
CADILLAC RANCH 1175 W. Lake, Bartlett: DJs spin Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays, and Tuesdays after 7 PM, Sundays after 6 PM, Wednesdays after 9 PM, and Thursdays after 8 PM. 630-830-7200.
CAL’S 400 S. Wells: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Strange Friends. 312-922-6392.
CALIFORNIA CLIPPER 1002 N. California: Music at 10 PM; no cover. Fri 12/7, Diplomats of Solid Sound. Sat 12/8, Moonshine Willy. Fri 12/14, Fallen Angels. Sat 12/15, Susanna & the Hollywoods. 773-384-2547.
CARY’S LOUNGE 2251 W. Devon: No cover. Mondays, 9 PM, acoustic open mike. 773-743-5737.
CHAMBERS 6881 N. Milwaukee, Niles: Wed 12/12, 9 PM, Rick “Elvis” Saucedo. Fri 12/14, 9 PM, Tony Smith Show. 847-647-8282.
CHARLEY HORSE 39 Orland Square Dr., Orland Park: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Hillbillies From Space. Sat 12/8, Rick “Elvis” Saucedo. Thu 12/13, Cirrus Falcon. Fri 12/14, Busy Fingers. Sat 12/15, Tommy Mac, Turn. 708-460-1771.
CHICAGO SPORTS BAR & GRILL 227 W. Jackson: Fridays, 7 PM, Michael Charles (no cover). Thursdays, 6 PM, open mike hosted by Michael Charles. 312-427-2856.
CLUB FOOT 1824 W. Augusta: DJs spin alternative and rock music nightly at 10 PM; no cover. 773-489-0379.
COCOABEAN EXPRESSIONS 7007 N. Glenwood: Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 PM, open mike for music and poetry. 773-274-6057.
COFFEE & TEA EXCHANGE 1100 W. Thorndale: Thursdays, 8 PM, “Grinder” gay/lesbian music & poetry series hosted by Scott Free (12/13 with Larry Keitz, Samaiya). 773-907-3500.
COYLE’S TIPPLING HOUSE 2843 N. Halsted: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Segway, Uniform. Sat 12/8, East Village Project. Wednesdays, open mike. Thursdays, Acoustolingus. Fri 12/14, Casey Meehan, Kokapelli, Dry County. Sat 12/15, Retire, Modern Day Valiant, Tall Friends. 773-528-7569.
CUBBY BEAR 1059 W. Addison: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Johnny Socko, Fenster. Sat 12/8, Dan Darrah Band, Bryter. Wednesdays, 9:30 PM, open jam hosted by Sam Cockrell & the Groove. Thu 12/13, Earatik Statik, S.P.O., Lo-Tech, 190 Proof, Monkey Wrench Factory. Fri 12/14, Sofa King, Emitter, Josh Holms Band. 773-327-1662.
CUBBY BEAR LINCOLNSHIRE 21611 N. Milwaukee, Lincolnshire: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Rubber, Overtone. Sat 12/8, 10:30 PM, Mike & Joe. Thursdays and Fri 12/14, 8 PM, DJ Retro Russ spins music of the 70s and 80s (no cover). Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Flathead Fillups, Supermint. 847-541-4700.
DAVENPORT’S PIANO BAR & CABARET 1383 N. Milwaukee: Music in the Piano Bar and in the Cabaret Room. In the Cabaret Room: Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Colleen McHugh & Miriam Plotkin; 10:30 PM, Joanne Schmoll Trio (holiday concert). Sat 12/8 and Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Colleen McHugh & Miriam Plotkin; 10:30 PM, Foiled Again Trio performs “Holiday Bizarre.” Sun 12/9, 5 PM, Dina Joy Byrd with Pip Lilly & Dan Stetzel; 7 PM, Neda Spears. Mon 12/10, 8 PM, Felicia Fields. Wed 12/12, 8 PM, Matt Davis & Kara Delay. Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Colleen McHugh & Miriam Plotkin; 10:30 PM, Weird Sisters. Sun 12/16, 7 PM, Foiled Again Trio performs “Holiday Bizarre.” In the Piano Bar: Fridays, 8 PM, George Howe & Daryl Nitz. Saturdays, 8 PM, and Thursdays, 9 PM, Andrew Blenderman. Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, 9 PM, George Howe. 773-278-1830.
DEJA VU BAR ROOM 2624 N. Lincoln: DJs spin after 10 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, DJs spin. Mondays, DJ Freddie O. Thursdays, 10 PM, Bandoleros. 773-871-0205.
DELILAH’S 2771 N. Lincoln: DJs spin weeknights after 9 PM; no cover. 773-472-2771.
DOUBLE DOOR 1572 N. Milwaukee: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Nortec Collective, Scapegoat Wax. Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Trailer Hitch, Last Vegas, Monster Trux. Wed 12/12, 9 PM, Flatline, Disonic, Blackout. Thu 12/13, 9 PM, Enslaved, Electric Wizard, Debris, Diabolic, Scar Culture. Fri 12/14, 10 PM, El Vez (Christmas show), Casolando. Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Dave Pirner & Dan Murphy. 773-489-3160.
DUKE O’BRIEN’S 110 N. Main, Crystal Lake: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 9 PM weeknights. Fri 12/7, Hidden Agenda. Sat 12/8, Lisa Rene Band. Wednesdays, open mike hosted by Larry Welch (no cover). Thursdays, David Sarkis. Fri 12/14, Video Stars. Sat 12/15, Libido Funk Circus. 815-356-9980.
DURTY NELLIE’S 55 N. Bothwell, Palatine: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays (on two stages), 8 PM Sundays, 9 PM Mondays, and 9:30 PM Tuesdays through Thursdays. Fri 12/7, Stray Toasters. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, benefit for the A.D.D. Foundation and Toys for Tots with music on two stages; on the main stage: Crazy Diamond, Tracer X, Second Dimension, No Love Lost, Fog Hill, Rachel Katzman, Felix Jones Band; on the acoustic stage: Dave Tamkin, Chris Michaels, Paul Allodi, Me & Him & A Guy Named Moe. Sun 12/9, Jim Henning & James Wayman (no cover). Mondays, open mike hosted by Paul Allodi (no cover). Tuesdays, 45s. Wednesdays, “Battle of the Bands” playoffs. Thu 12/13, Sofa King. Fri 12/14, Mike & Joe. Sat 12/15, Jack Straw, Oucho Sparks. 847-358-9150.
ELBO ROOM 2871 N. Lincoln: Music at 10 PM on weekends, 9 PM on weeknights. Fri 12/7, Bellsize, Treeline, Sherman, Regarding Angels. Sundays, Sumo. Mon 12/10, Down the Line, Blind Rivet Season. Tue 12/11, Bart Fritsche, 40 Hour Sunday. Wed 12/12, Bleeding Turnips, Tugboat. Thu 12/13, Swimmer, Bumpus. Fri 12/14, Rusk, Superbig, Johnny Letcher. Sat 12/15, Hundo, Sister Child, I Decline, Trading Brains, Mary Prankster. 773-549-5549.
EMERALD ISLE 6686 N. Northwest Highway: Music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7, the Blast. Fri 12/14, Mr. Meyers. Sat 12/15, Cryin’ Souls. 773-775-2848.
EMPTY BOTTLE 1035 N. Western: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, the Go, Greenhornes, They Come in Threes. Sat 12/8, Milemarker, Aereogramme (see Spot Check), AM/FM. Mon 12/10, Morris Minors, Unibrow, Everybody Uh-Oh. Thu 12/13, L’Altra, the Race, Dose One. Fri 12/14, Angels of Light, Bride of No-No, Virgil Shaw & the Killer Views. Sat 12/15, Evil Beaver’s Rock Star Christmas karaoke show with Buzz Kilman, Patty Elvis, Jim Derogatis, Local H & others. Sun 12/16, 8 PM, Zu, DKV Trio. 773-276-3600.
ESPRESSO BREWERY COMPANY 1455 W. Lake, Addison: Music after 8 PM. Sat 12/8, Breakin’ Strings. Sat 12/15, Guilty. 630-916-6242.
ESPRESSO BREWERY COMPANY Maple & Rte. 53, Lisle: Music at 7:30 PM. Fri 12/7, Amy Luetgert. Fri 12/14, Tom Van Dorn. 630-435-5288.
ETHIO CAFE 3462 N. Clark: Fridays, 10 PM, “Hip-hop Cafe” with E3, Diz Crown, Vision & others. Thursdays, 9 PM, “Saba’s Speakeasy” music and poetry open mike and open turntables. 773-929-8300.
EXIT 1315 W. North: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM nightly. Sundays, DJs spin goth & industrial. Mondays, DJs spin punk rock. Wednesdays, DJs spin new wave. 773-395-2700.
FEATURES BAR & GRILL 10 W. Chicago, Naperville: Music in Club Mamalu; no cover. Fridays, 9:30 PM, Michael Heaton Band. Saturdays, 9 PM, DJs spin hits from the 70s and 80s. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 PM, dueling pianos. 630-416-3310.
FIRESIDE BOWL 2646 W. Fullerton: All-ages shows nightly. Fri 12/7, 6 PM, Fourth Rotor, Canadian Riffle, Zygota, Calvary; 10 PM, the Shame, Callaghan, Rules of Attraction. Sat 12/8, 7 PM, Boy Lion, Knuckleduster, Schatzi, Spitalfield. Sun 12/9, 5 PM, Mad Caddies, Rise Against, the Exit, Yellowcard. Mon 12/10, 7 PM, Koufax, Garrison, the People, St. Monroe. Tue 12/11, 7 PM, Rival Schools (see Spot Check), Ultimate Fakebook, Honor System. Wed 12/12, 6 PM, Small Brown Bike, 12 Hour Turn, Pilot to Gunner, Frontside, Holden’s Catch. Thu 12/13, 6 PM, Shooting Blanks, the Break, Whisper Campaign. Fri 12/14, 10 PM, Afflictions, Pearly Sweets & the Platonics, Ponys. Sat 12/15, 5 PM, Kung Fu Rick, Remains of the Day, Systemic Infection, Calvary; 10 PM, Fruit Bats, Lesser Birds of Paradise. Sun 12/16, 7 PM, Crush Kill Destroy, Ming, Parts Missing, Emily Shrine. 773-486-2700.
FITZGERALD’S 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans. Tue 12/11, 7 PM, open stage hosted by Link Freeman, with Mark Anderson & friends. Wed 12/12, 8 PM, “Chicago Singer Spotlight” with Beki Hemingway, Nancy Anteveski, Seth Hoff, and Dayna Malow. Fri 12/14, 9:30 PM, Beatle Brothers. 708-788-2118.
FIZZ BAR & GRILL 3220 N. Lincoln: Mondays, 9:30 PM, open mike. Tuesdays, 8:30 PM, Steve Z. sings the songs of Frank Sinatra. 773-348-6000.
FLATLANDER’S Milwaukee & Half Day Rd., Lincolnshire: Restaurant and bar with music at 9 PM. Wed 12/12, open mike. 847-821-1234.
FRANKIE J’S 4437 N. Broadway: Wed 12/12, 7 PM, “Verbatim Verboten” cabaret hosted by Kurt Kolar. 312-409-1887.
FRANKIE’S BLUE ROOM 16 W. Chicago, Naperville: Music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7, Maggie Speaks. Sat 12/8, Public I. Thursdays, 7:30 PM, DJs spin music of the 70s and 80s (no cover). Fri 12/14, Domestic Problems. 630-416-4898.
GALLERY CABARET 2020 N. Oakley: Music at 10 PM on weekends, 9 PM on weeknights. Fri 12/7, Moco Magana. Sat 12/8, Brother Noompsi, Subconscious, Freeform Flows. Wed 12/12, Mike Wilson & Mary Godfrey Wilson & friends. Fri 12/14, Better Boyfriends, Chicago Typewriter. Sat 12/15, Yard Gnomes. 773-489-5471.
GENTRY 440 N. State: Cabaret acts perform nightly. Fri 12/7 and Fri 12/14, 5:30 PM, Jeff Roscoe; 9 PM, Denise Tomasello & Russ Long. Saturdays, 10 PM, Jen Porter. Sundays, 9 PM, open mike hosted by Beckie Menzie. Mon 12/10, 9 PM, Beckie Menzie. Tue 12/11, 5:30 PM, Geoffrey Cuellar; 9 PM, Beckie Menzie. Wed 12/12, 5:30 PM, Jeff Roscoe; 9 PM, Ginger Tam & Russ Long. Thu 12/13, 5:30 PM, Jeff Roscoe; 9 PM, Denise Tomasello & Russ Long. 312-836-0933.
GENTRY ON HALSTED 3320 N. Halsted: Fri 12/7, 7:30 PM, Allen Nichols; 9:30 PM, Khris Francis. Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Jeff Roscoe; 10 PM, Khris Francis. Sun 12/9, 6 PM, Honey West & Russ Long; 9:30 PM, Khris Francis. Mondays, 7:30 PM, Jeff Roscoe; 9:30 PM, Nan Mason & Bill Underwood. Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Justin Hayford; 9:30 PM, Khris Francis. Thu 12/13, 7:30 PM, Jared Michaels; 9:30 PM, Khris Francis. Fri 12/14, 7:30 PM, Steve Kimbrough & John Paluch; 7:30 PM, Khris Francis. Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, Weird Sisters; 10 PM, Khris Francis. Sun 12/16, 6 PM, Honey West & Beckie Menzie; 9:30 PM, Khris Francis. 773-348-1053.
GIN MILL 2462 N. Lincoln: DJs spin after 9 PM Thursdays through Saturdays. 773-549-3232.
GRIFFIN’S PUBLIC HOUSE 2710 N. Halsted: No cover. Tuesdays, 9 PM, open mike. Thursdays, 10 PM, Hack ‘n’ Wheeze. 773-525-7313.
GUNTHER MURPHY’S 1638 W. Belmont: Music after 10 PM on weekends, 9:30 PM on weeknights. Fri 12/7, Air This Side of Caution, Roscoe Plush. Sat 12/8, Gareth Woods, Gary Stier. Thu 12/13, Three Card Guts, Los Shut Up. Fri 12/14, Difference, Kevin Lee, Mark Watson. 773-472-5139.
HARD ROCK CAFE 63 W. Ontario: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Big Bang Music Theory, Echosend, Jen Porter. Sat 12/8, 9:30 PM, Lounge Puppets. Thu 12/13, 9:30 PM, Sammy Ray & the Texas Flood (Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute). Fri 12/14, 10 PM, Juleps. Sat 12/15, 9:30 PM, Sweet Jane. 312-943-2252.
HARRIGAN’S 2816 N. Halsted: Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Bookstore Cowboys. 773-248-5933.
HEARTLAND CAFE 7000 N. Glenwood: Bar and restaurant with music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Michael Kelsey. Fri 12/14, Jenny Choi. Sat 12/15, Family of Souls. 773-465-8005.
THE HIDEOUT 1354 W. Wabansia: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Rebecca Gates & the RG Consortium (see Spot Check), Aluminum Group. Sat 12/8, 9 PM, “Hurray for Hanukkah” with the Shame, Eric Roth & the Silver Schmateez, John Greenfield’s Rock Band, Ellen Rosner, Geoff Greenberg, Vernon Tonges, Tuffets, Kim, Al Rose, Gregg Gillam, Cheryl Trykv, Carlos Ortega. Sun 12/9, 9:30 PM, Silverbacks, the Bomb. Mon 12/10, 9:30 PM, Leroy Bach & Edward Burch (no cover). Wed 12/12, 9 PM, Kingsbury Manx, Mansion. Thu 12/13, 9:30 PM, Puerto Muerto, Swamp Sugar, Thin Man. Fri 12/14, 10 PM, Cheer-Accident, Grand Ulena. Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Archer Prewitt, Edith Frost. 773-227-4433.
HOG HEAD McDUNNA’S 1505 W. Fullerton: Music at 9:30 PM. Sat 12/8, Yvonne Doll & the Locals, Stank Willie, Shirley King. Thu 12/13, Mother’s Little Helper. Fri 12/14, Friends of Pete, David Stagel & the Burning Daylight. 773-929-0944.
HOTHOUSE 31 E. Balbo: Fri 12/7, 9 PM, Love Chaos with Big Man, Katherine Chronis, S’yen U, Suzette, and Joe Roarty. Sun 12/9, 5 PM, Asian American Artists Collective with Pintig, I Was Born With Two Tongues, Pacifics, Mango Tribe, Gina Magsombol, Mia Park & others. 312-362-9707.
HOUSE OF BLUES 329 N. Dearborn: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Bumpus, Gertrude, Punsapaya. Sat 12/8, Meshell Ndegeocello (see Critic’s Choice), Chocolate Genius. Sun 12/9, 6:45 PM, Kottonmouth Kings, Primer 55, Bionic Jive, Mix Mob. Tue 12/11, Method Man, Redman, Noreaga. Wed 12/12, Tantric, Hoobastank. Fri 12/14, 7:15 PM, Virginia Coalition, Red Wanting Blue. 312-923-2000 or 312-559-1212.
ISAAC HAYES 739 N. Clark: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Sam Savage. Sun 12/9, Kwame Wan Afrika. Sun 12/16, Roots Rock Society. 312-266-2400.
JOE’S 940 W. Weed: Bar and restaurant with music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, American English (Beatles tribute band), RPM, Nina Storey. Sat 12/8, Then Again, Friends of Pete. Fri 12/14, Hairbangers’ Ball. Sat 12/15, Voices, Skinny, Whiskey Kitchen. 312-337-3486.
LAKEVIEW LINKS 3206 N. Wilton: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Underwater People, Brother Six. Sat 12/8, Nadas, Javier Mendoza, Ingram Hill. Sundays, 7 PM, Hack ‘n’ Wheeze. Wed 12/12, Five Year Jacket. Thursdays, Arthur Lee. Fri 12/14, Harmony Riley, Air This Side of Caution. Sat 12/15, Something for Joey, Hoochie Suit. 773-975-0505.
LIAR’S CLUB 1665 W. Fullerton: DJs spin nightly at 9 PM. Sundays, Machine Gun Etiquette DJs spin old school punk and glam. 773-665-1110.
LYONS DEN 1934 W. Irving Park: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Second Seed, Turn. Sat 12/8, Old #8. Sun 12/9, 9 PM, Joe Armstrong Band, Al Rose & the Transcendos. Tue 12/11, Wax Buddah, Lubriphonic (no cover). Wed 12/12, 9 PM, Fizgig, Kam (no cover). Thu 12/13, 9:30 PM, Sonic Voodoo (no cover). Fri 12/14, Lucius Warbaby, Genral Patton & His Privates, Animus, Tension Wire. Sat 12/15, King Candy, Time Bomb Taxi, Punsapaya. 773-871-3757.
MARTYRS’ 3855 N. Lincoln: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Funkadesi, Karma Sutra, DJ Warp. Sat 12/8, Mr. Blotto. Tue 12/11 and Wed 12/12, 9 PM, Jorma Kaukonen & Jack Casady. Thu 12/13, 9 PM, Daybirds, Butterfat Mastermind, Popfly. Fri 12/14, Drums & Tuba, Ancient Greeks, Magnesium. Sat 12/15, Boduli, Ludi Ritan, Bob & Buco. 773-404-9494.
McNALLY’S IRISH PUB 122 S. York, Elmhurst: Sat 12/8, Roadhouse Dogs. Sat 12/15, Hurricane Blue. 630-941-7100.
McNALLY’S IRISH PUB 201 E. Main, Saint Charles: Music at 9 PM. Sat 12/8, Hurricane Blue. Fri 12/14, Cirrus Falcon. Sat 12/15, 7Deez. 630-513-6300.
METRO 3730 N. Clark: Fri 12/7, 6:30 PM, Blank Theory, Red River, Meqqa, Ditchwater; 11:59 PM, Remy Zero (sold out). Sat 12/8, 6:30 PM, From Zero, Stereomud, Lennon. Sun 12/9, 6:30 PM, Catch-22, Riddlin’ Kids. Wed 12/12, 6:30 PM, Flickerstick. Fri 12/14, 9 PM, Mighty Blue Kings, Underbelly. Sat 12/15, 9 PM, Mighty Blue Kings, Anne Harris. Sun 12/16, 9 PM, Cracker, Steepwater Band. 773-549-0203.
MICHAELS’S JAZZ BISTRO 530 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn: Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Amy Kelly Band. 630-446-4001.
MIKE DITKA’S Tremont Hotel, 100 E. Chestnut: Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 PM, John Vincent (tribute to Frank Sinatra). 312-587-8989.
MISTO 1118 W. Grand: Restaurant. Saturdays, 10 PM, Donny Greco & Gary Filip. 312-226-5989.
THE MUTINY 2428 N. Western: Music after 10 PM; no cover. Fri 12/7, Mezodigm, Staalmate, Rhineland Bastards. Sat 12/8, Leroy Fix, One Million Monkey, Gelflings. Sun 12/9, Dang, Double Shot. Tue 12/11, Conscious Pool, Krum & Leach. Wednesdays, karaoke hosted by Teri Garcia. 773-486-7774.
NERVOUS CENTER 4612 N. Lincoln: Fri 12/7, 9:30 PM, Lozenge, Modern Adventures in Non-Stick Cookware. Fri 12/14, 9:30 PM, Heavy Petting, Found Object, Sonorous Hat. Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Bob Falesch. 773-728-5010.
NEVIN’S LIVE 1450 Sherman, Evanston: Fri 12/7, 5:30 PM, Ethan Semone & the Dark Room Chemicals (no cover); 9 PM, Lovelies, Starball, Jupiter. Sat 12/8, 9:30 PM, Hoochie Suit, Chris Greene & New Perspective, Blue Moon Risin’. Mondays, 9 PM, “Sound Reflections” with DJs Teebot & Anomaly. Tue 12/11, 9 PM, Brian & Eddie Orchestra. Thu 12/13, 9 PM, Ness, America’s #1 Sweetheart, Pillowmints, Libido Grande. Fri 12/14, 5:30 PM, Ethan Semone & the Dark Room Chemicals (no cover); 10 PM, Ether. Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Dan Darrah Band; 11 PM, Bill Quateman. 847-869-0450.
NO EXIT 6970 N. Glenwood: Thu 12/13, 7 PM, Cosmic Cabaret hosted by Brian Imig with Rebecca Pavlatos, Harrison Bankhead & Mwata Bowden. 773-743-3355.
THE NOTE 1565 N. Milwaukee: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Yum-Yum (see Spot Check), Wes Hollywood Show, America’s #1 Sweetheart. Sat 12/8, 10 PM, the Lust, Piss Bucket, Manservant, Chinese Downhill. Sundays, 10 PM, Dirty MF & the Smoking Section. Mondays, 10:30 PM, DJ Ray. Wed 12/12, 10 PM, Blue Nova, Stories for Boys, Julius Caesar. Fri 12/14, 10 PM, Helen Stellar, Iffy, Personals. Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Baldwin Brothers, Jenny Choi. 773-489-0011.
ORBIE’S INTERNATIONAL CAFE 525 Torrence, Calumet City: Fridays, 9 PM, Barbie Doll Patton. 708-891-3900.
PEEK INN 2825 W. Irving Park: Music after 10 PM. Sat 12/8, Rock Bottom. 773-267-5197.
PHYLLIS’ MUSICAL INN 1800 W. Division: Music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7, Stockboy, Naughty Candy, Love of Nothing. Sat 12/8, Painscale. Sun 12/9, Trapeze. Wed 12/12, Ohm. Thu 12/13, Prairietown. Fri 12/14, Crackpot, Violet Time. Sat 12/15, Bible of the Devil. 773-486-9862.
POPS HIGHWOOD 214 Green Bay, Highwood: Music at 8:30 PM. Thursdays, Turnstyles. 847-266-1313.
PRODIGAL SON BAR & GRILL 2626 N. Halsted: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Pegasus, Bosco & Jorge, Runner. Sat 12/8, New Constitution, Phantom Three, Bleed. Mon 12/10, Cardinals, Kindness, Douser, C.H.E.D. Tue 12/11, Half Stachon, Violently Ill, Scrounge for Change, Blower. Wed 12/12, 1000 Rubs, Distances. Fri 12/14, Mexican Cheerleader, Cougars, Textbook. Sat 12/15, Dorks, Role Models, M.O.T.O., Look Ahead. 773-248-3093.
RED LINE TAP 6970 N. Glenwood: Thursdays, 9 PM, open mike hosted by Pat Hall. 773-743-3355.
REDHEAD PIANO BAR 16 W. Ontario: Fridays, 8 PM, Gene Garcia; 11:45 PM, David Crawford. Saturdays, 8 PM, Kenny Phelps; midnight, John Zamojcin. Sundays, 8:30 PM-2:30 AM, John Zamojcin. Mondays, 8 PM, Tom Linsk & Lisa McCloury; 11:45 PM, Peter Miletic. Tuesdays, 8 PM, John Zamojcin; 11:45 PM, Phil Baron. Wednesdays, 8 PM, Kenny Phelps; 11:45 PM, Gary Filip. Thursdays, 8 PM, Tom Linsk & Lisa McCloury; 11:45 PM, Arturo Santana. 312-640-1000.
REILLY’S DAUGHTER 4010 W. 111th, Oak Lawn: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Foam Rubber. 708-423-1188.
ROCKHOUSE GRILL 2212 Algonquin, Rolling Meadows: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Dropmouth, Bunkerhill, Linus Whip. Sat 12/8, Krembone, Madcap Theater with the Liberty Band. Wednesdays, open mike. 847-392-6446.
ROOSTER BLUES 811 W. Lake: Music after 8:30 PM. Sat 12/8, R.U.R. Mondays, open mike. Tuesdays, Nick Peraino & Blue Moon Rising. Thu 12/13, Audio ID. Fri 12/14, British Export (Beatles tribute band). Sat 12/15, Descarga, Radio Novela, Et Al. 312-733-6577.
SCHUBAS 3159 N. Southport: Fri 12/7, 7:30 PM, Daniel Johnston (see Spot Check), Che Arthur; 10:30 PM, Del Rey, Taking Pictures. Sun 12/9, 8 PM, Paper Airplane Pilots, Boxstep, Skating Club. Tue 12/11, 9 PM, Bill Mallonee & Vigilantes of Love, Punctured Bicycle. Wed 12/12, 9 PM, Love as Laughter, Detachment Kit, Mazarin. Thu 12/13, 9 PM, Chris Lee (see Critic’s Choice), Steve Shelley, Rabbit Rabbit, Geoff Greenberg. Fri 12/14, 7:30 PM, Dan Wilson, Wes Cunningham; 10:30 PM, Mason Jennings, Brad Peterson. Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, Don Conoscenti, Graves; 10:30 PM, Verbow, Box-o-car. 773-525-2508.
SEASON TICKETS 50 N. Barrington, Streamwood: Music at 10 PM. Sat 12/8, Insomnia. Sat 12/15, Statik. 630-372-2900.
6ODUM 2116 W. Chicago: Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Carsten Nicolai (see Critic’s Choice). Sat 12/15, 8:30 PM, Illusion of Safety, Bloodyminded, Vertonen, Mechanik, Dan Chambers. 773-227-3617.
SMOKE DADDY 1804 W. Division: Sundays, 9:30 PM, Torturing Elvis. 773-772-6656.
SUBTERRANEAN CAFE & CABARET 2011 W. North: Music in the upstairs Cabaret Room at 10 PM. Sat 12/8, Pacewon, J.U.I.C.E., Rise & Shine, Earatik Statik, Prime, Stizo, Rude One, Doc West. Tuesdays, “606” hip-hop open mike and DJ-mix competition. 773-278-6600.
TIME OUT 1130 Lake, Hanover Park: Music at 9:30 PM. Sat 12/8, Storm Crow. Sat 12/15, Social Wreck. 630-213-1006.
TINY LOUNGE 1814 W. Addison: Music at 10 PM. Sun 12/16, Ruben Waters Loves You. 773-296-9620.
TRACE 3714 N. Clark: Tuesdays, 9:30 PM, open mike hosted by the Polyrhythmic Arts Collective. 773-477-3400.
T’S 5025 N. Clark: Thursdays, 9 PM, open mike with Toy Band. 773-784-6000.
UNCOMMON GROUND CAFE 1214 W. Grace: Music after 8 PM. Fri 12/7, Real Caulfields, F.M. Smith, Randy Rademaker. Sat 12/8, Second Hand Poets. Sun 12/9, Tristan Kramer. Mondays, open mike hosted by Kevin Spiegel & Travis Dow. Wednesdays, 7 PM, C.H.A.T. music showcase. Thu 12/13, Jennifer Peterson. Fri 12/14, Jonathan Rundman, Beki Hemingway. Sat 12/15, Cameron McGill, Martha’s Trouble. Sun 12/16, Eli, Stuart Davis. 773-929-3680.
UNDERGROUND LOUNGE 952 W. Newport: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Fin, Boar’s Nest. Sat 12/8, Dirty South, Stories for Boys. Thu 12/13, 3 Card Monty, Fuzzbusters. 773-327-2739.
UNDERGROUND WONDER BAR 10 E. Walton: Saturdays, 8 PM, Pete Special Duo. Sundays, 8 PM, Daniel Roughan; 10 PM, Heather Horton Band; 1 AM, Pete Special. Thursdays, 7:30 PM, Joe Thomas; 10 PM, Joe Thomas Band; 1 AM, Koko Brunson. 312-266-7761.
WALTER PAYTON’S ROUNDHOUSE 205 N. Broadway, Aurora: Music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7, Smalls. Sat 12/8, Deja Vu. Fri 12/14, the Blast. Sat 12/15, Four Man Band. 630-264-2739.
WEEDS 1555 N. Dayton: Music at 9 PM; no cover. Saturdays, open stage. 312-943-7815.
WILD HARE 3530 N. Clark: Reggae and Afro-Caribbean music nightly at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7, Zeleke, U & I, Michael Black. Sat 12/8, Lazo, Ras Kelly, Doggie. Sun 12/9, Stagalag. Tue 12/11, Dub Dis, Devon Brown. Wed 12/12, Indika, Ras Kelly, Doggie. Thu 12/13, Rico. Fri 12/14, Stagalag. Sat 12/15, Roots Vibration, New Flavor. 773-327-4273.
WISE FOOLS PUB 2270 N. Lincoln: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Fat Time. Sat 12/8, Homunculus. Tuesdays, Hello Dave. Wed 12/12, 40 Hour, Sunday, Starcandy. Thu 12/13, Cedarcase. Fri 12/14, Knee Deep Shag, Starcandy. Sat 12/15, Old #8. 773-929-1300.
dance
ALUMNI CLUB 2251 N. Lincoln: Fridays and Saturdays, 10 PM, DJ Ed Vantage. 773-348-5100.
ALUMNI CLUB 15 W. Division: DJ Eddie & DJ Breeze spin Fridays and Saturdays after 9 PM. 312-337-4349.
ARTFUL DODGER 1734 W. Wabansia: Wednesdays through Saturdays and Mondays, DJs spin music for dancing after 10 PM. 773-227-6859.
AURA 640 N. Dearborn: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Thursdays, DJs Laura B & Jen Jameson. 312-266-2114.
BABALU 1645 W. Jackson: DJs spin merengue, bachata, house, and disco 9 PM-5 AM on Saturdays. 312-733-3512.
BAR THIRTEEN 1944 W. Division: DJs spin 7 PM-2 AM Sundays through Fridays and 8 PM-3 AM Saturdays. 773-394-1313.
BAR 3 2138 N. Halsted: DJs spin after 9 PM. Thursdays, DJs spin acid jazz, funk, Afrobeat, house, two-step, and soul. 773-348-3665.
BERLIN 954 W. Belmont: DJs spin 11 PM-4 AM Fridays, 11 PM-5 AM Saturdays, 11 PM-4 AM Mondays and Tuesdays, and 10 PM-4 AM Wednesdays and Thursdays. Fridays, DJ Greg Haus spins trance, acid house, and breakbeat. Saturdays, DJ Dion. Sundays, DJs spin funk, punk, shoegazer, and glam. Mondays, DJ Boa spins synthpop, hardwave, and retro music. Tuesdays, DJ Ralphi Rosario spins deep house. Wednesdays, “women’s night” with DJ Dion. Thursdays, DJ Michael Serafini spins progressive house. 773-348-4975.
BETTY’S BLUE STAR LOUNGE 1600 W. Grand: DJs spin after 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Jim Curd, Steve Melvage. Saturdays, DJ Spin. Mondays, DJs Brian G & BJAK. Tuesdays, DJ Brian Borden. Wed 12/12, DJs Brian G & Frique. Thursdays, Hedonizm DJs spin. 312-243-1699.
BIG WIG 1551 W. Division: DJs spin 8 PM-2 AM nightly, 8 PM-3 AM Saturdays. Fridays, Andre Harris spins hip-hop and house. Saturdays, DJ Nique spins house. Sundays, DJ Uncle Milty spins hip-hop, R&B, and house. Mondays, DJ Roki spins hip-hop. Tuesdays, DJs Defcut Don, ST3V3, and Shaka 23 spin techno and house. Wed 12/12, Matrix, Fierce, Bass by the Pound DJs spin jungle and drum ‘n’ bass. 773-235-9100.
BIOLOGY BAR 1516 N. Fremont: DJs spin 9 PM-4 AM Fridays, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Saturdays, DJs spin “rock, pop, alternativo.” Mondays, “House of Tut” drag night; DJs spin hip-hop, R&B, and house. Wednesdays, DJs Mustafa Rocks & Jay Too spin hip-hop, disco, soul, and R&B. Thursdays, DJs John Styles & Phat Mike, Donnie Devoe. 312-266-1234.
BLACK BEETLE 2532 W. Chicago: DJs spin 10 PM-2 AM Saturdays and Thursdays. Thursdays, DJ Orin. 773-384-0701.
BUZZ CLUB 308 W. Erie: DJs spin after 9 PM Fridays, 9:30 PM Saturdays, 6 PM Sundays and Wednesdays, and 10 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fri 12/7, DJ Joe Fioretti. 312-475-9800.
CHERRY RED 2833 N. Sheffield: DJs spin after 10 PM Thursdays through Saturdays. 773-477-3661.
CHROMIUM 817 W. Lake: DJs spin after 9 PM. Fridays, DJs spin progressive house. Saturdays, DJs spin salsa, merengue, house, and hip-hop. 312-666-8106.
CIRCUIT NIGHTCLUB AND REHAB LOUNGE 3641 N. Halsted: DJs spin after 9 PM. Saturdays, DJ Hugo, DJ Lulu. Sundays, Paula Sinclare, Miss Foozie & Her Floozies. Mondays, Disco Bingo hosted by Daisy Mae. Tuesdays, 10:30 PM, DJ Lulu hosts karaoke. Wednesdays, DJ Lulu, DJ Luis. Thursdays, 11 PM, Miss Ketty & Her Latina Review, DJ El Prieto. 773-325-2233.
CIRCUS 901 W. Weed: DJs spin 9 PM-4 AM Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 9 PM-5 AM Saturdays; members of the World Famous Flying Wallendas perform circus acts on weekends. Fridays and Saturdays, DJs Victor Rocha & Mike Pierce, DJ Martin “Boogieman” Luna. Sundays, DJ Lee spins drum ‘n’ bass. Tuesdays, Leddie Garcia. 312-266-1200.
CLUB MERCURY 221 W. Van Buren: Restaurant and nightclub; DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM on weekends. Fridays, Neural Intoxications and Soulamytes (12/7 with Johnny Fiasco). Saturdays, Citron. Sundays, DJ Vic Lavender. 312-427-1774.
CLUB 950 2122 W. Lawrence: DJs spin new wave, industrial, and electronica after 9:30 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays. Fridays, DJ Richard. Saturdays, DJ Abe. Tuesdays, DJs Danko & Al. Wednesdays, DJ Richard. Thursdays, DJ Danny. 773-878-8241.
CLUB 720 720 N. Wells: Tuesdays through Fridays, 7 PM-4 AM, and Saturdays, 8 PM-5 AM, DJs spin house, Latin & Caribbean, rock en espanol, hip-hop, and house. 312-397-0600.
COCKTAIL 3359 N. Halsted: DJs spin in the bar after 9 PM. Fridays, Freddie Bain. Saturdays, Millie & Tilly. Tuesdays, Michael Serafini/Keith Ware. Thursdays, Timmy Loop. 773-477-1420.
THE COPA 1637 N. Clybourn: DJs spin downtempo electronic music Thurdays and Fridays until 2 AM and Saturdays until 3 AM. 312-642-3449.
CROBAR THE NIGHTCLUB 1543 N. Kingsbury: DJs play dance music Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays after 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Jerry Bonham, John Curley & Chad Sommer, Hiroki & Artek. Saturdays, DJs Teri Bristol & Psycho Bitch. 312-413-7000.
DANNY’S 1951 W. Dickens: Mon 12/10, 10 PM, Ambivert, DJs Bob & Ray_rod. 773-489-6457.
DIG 1551 N. Sheffield: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM Thursdays through Saturdays. 312-377-1727.
DJ JESSE DE LA PENA performs at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Auxiliary Council benefit. Fri 12/7, 9 PM, W Chicago Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Dr. 312-654-5672.
DJ MADRID performs at the museum’s “First Fridays” reception. Fri 12/7, 6-10 PM, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. 312-280-2660.
DOUBLE DOOR 1572 N. Milwaukee: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Nortec Collective, Scapegoat Wax. 773-489-3160.
DRAGON ROOM 809 W. Evergreen: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays on three levels. Fridays, DJs Twilite Tone, Vince Lawrence, Jason Christopher & Wayne Williams. Saturdays, Pharris Thomas, Vince Adams, Mark Fuller, Vaughn Woods, Jaytoo, D-Double, Legacy, Steele. Sundays, DJ Word & Mustafa Rocks. Thursdays, Eddie Mills, DJ Sheldon spins hip-hop, R&B, and reggae, DJ Question spins jazz and R&B. 312-751-2900.
D’VINE 1950 W. North: Restaurant and wine bar. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 PM-3 AM, DJs spin acid jazz, ambient, house, and funk. Thursdays, 7-10 PM, DJs spin Brazilian jazz. 773-235-5700.
EMPTY BOTTLE 1035 N. Western: Sun 12/9, 9 PM, Chicago Underground Quartet (see Post No Bills), DJs Josh Abrams, Fred Wells & Jacob Ross. 773-276-3600.
ENCORE 171 W. Randolph: DJs spin 7:30 PM-11 PM Fridays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and 9 PM-1 AM Wednesdays. Fridays, DJ Cache 22 spins R&B, hip-hop, soul, and house (no cover). Wednesdays, “Therapy” DJs spin. 312-338-3788.
EXCALIBUR 632 N. Dearborn: DJs spin 5 PM-4 AM nightly, 5 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Sat 12/8, Georgie Porgie (benefit for Toys for Tots). 312-266-1944.
FUEL 3724 N. Clark: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 PM, DJ JC. 773-248-3330.
FUNKY BUDDHA LOUNGE 728 W. Grand: Mondays, 10 PM, Blue Groove Lounge DJs Jesse de la Pena, 33 1/3, Nonstop & De La spin hip-hop, reggae, and original breaks. 312-666-1695.
GET ME HIGH LOUNGE 1758 N. Honore: DJs spin after 9 PM. Fridays, DJ AM/PM. Saturdays, DJ Hiroki. Mondays, Eric Daley. Tuesdays, Doc, Mickey International. Wednesdays, DJ Hello Kitty. Thursdays, Gary Guy & Kevin Maxey. 773-252-4090.
GIRLBAR 2625 N. Halsted: DJs spin until 2 AM Sundays and Tuesdays through Fridays, and until 3 AM Saturdays. Fridays, Desire (dance performance). Tuesdays, 9:30 PM, open mike. Wed 12/12, 9 PM, Ellen Rosner, Stolie, Little Roach. Thursdays, DJ Beth. 773-871-4210.
GLOW 1615 N. Clybourn: DJs spin from 10 PM-4 AM Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Wednesdays, DJs Vince Lawrence, Eric Ross, Martin “Boogieman” Luna, DJ Flipside. 312-587-8469.
HANGGE UPPE 14 W. Elm: DJs spin 9 PM-4 AM nightly, 9 PM-5 AM Saturdays. 312-337-0561.
HARRY’S VELVET ROOM 56 W. Illinois: DJs spin 11 PM-4 AM Saturdays and Thursdays. 312-527-5600.
HOUSE OF BLUES 329 N. Dearborn: Sat 12/15, 9 PM, “Kissmas” dance party with Afro Man, City High, Dante Thomas, Rob Base. 312-527-2583 or 312-923-2000.
JILLY’S RETRO CLUB 1009 N. Rush: DJs play dance music of the 70s and 80s after 8 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays. 312-664-1001.
JOY-BLUE 3998 N. Southport: DJs spin house, disco, funk, hip-hop, and techno after 10 PM Thursdays through Saturdays. 773-477-3330.
KATACOMB 1916 N. Lincoln Park West: DJs spin hip-hop, old school funk, trip-hop, and acid jazz from 9 PM-4 AM Thursdays and Fridays and 9 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fridays and Saturdays, DJs Brent, Jig & Ryan spin hip-hop, funk, soul, and R&B. 312-337-4040.
KUSTOM 1997 N. Clybourn: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM Thursdays and Fridays, 9 PM-3 AM Saturdays. 773-528-3400.
LAVA LOUNGE 859 N. Damen: DJs spin 10 PM-2 AM. Fridays, DJs Cache 22, Shon Dervis & Shaky Shawun spin funk, soul, old school, and R&B (no cover). Sundays, “Miles Ahead” with DJ Luke Finn. 773-772-3355.
LIAR’S CLUB 1665 W. Fullerton: DJs spin nightly at 9 PM. Sundays, Machine Gun Etiquette DJs spin old school punk and glam. Mondays, DJs Mike O’Connell & Scott Lucas. Tuesdays, DJs Rich Gonshak & Kevin Loftus. 773-665-1110.
LITHIUM 1124 W. Belmont: DJs spin 7 PM-2 AM Tuesdays through Fridays, 7 PM-3 AM Saturdays, and 8 PM-2 Am Mondays. Fridays, Derrick Wize spins house. Saturdays, DJ Troy spins hip-hop and dance. Mondays, “alt.mondays” with DJ Gene Lopez. Tuesdays, Uncle’s Living Room (metal night). Wednesdays, Bartender’s Choice. Thursdays, Leddie Garcia, DJ Gene Lopez. 773-477-6513.
LUSH LIFE 226 E. Ontario: Fridays, 7 PM-3 AM, DJ Kwest. Saturdays, 10 PM-4 AM, DJs spin hip-hop and reggae. Sundays, Tha Afterset Players with Marz play acid jazz. 312-649-5874.
MANHOLE 3458 N. Halsted: DJs spin nightly until 4 AM (until 5 AM Saturdays). 773-975-9244.
MASHED POTATO CLUB 316 W. Erie: Restaurant with DJs nightly after 5:30 PM. 312-255-8579.
MICHAELS’S JAZZ BISTRO 530 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn: Sundays, 9 PM, DJ Roger Chavez/Suspect 86 spins trance. 630-446-4001.
MISSION 209 E. Chicago, Elgin: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Fridays and Saturdays. 847-488-0320.
MORETTI’S RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR 6727 N. Olmsted: DJs spin dance music Thursdays after 10 PM. 773-631-1223.
NEO 2350 N. Clark: DJs spin dance music 10 PM-4 AM nightly, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fridays, Rob Kokot spins synth pop. Saturdays, DJ $#&@!. Wednesdays, Jeff Moyer spins electronic dance. Thursdays, Dave Roberts spins new wave. 773-528-2622.
NIKEETA’S 633 E. Sibley, Dolton: Thursdays, 8 PM, DJ Mike D. spins hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and house. 773-377-5002, ext. 4287.
NOCTURNAL 1111 W. Lake: Saturdays, 9 PM-3 AM, DJs DVS & Mix. Thursdays, 9 PM-2 AM, DJ Earl Pleasure. 312-491-1931.
THE NOTE 1565 N. Milwaukee: DJ Tankboy spins funk and disco house late Fridays; DJ Form spins hip-hop and drum ‘n’ bass late Saturdays. Tuesdays, DJ Alo spins hip-hop and soul. 773-489-0011.
THE ORIGINAL MOTHER’S 26 W. Division: DJ Joe spins pop, hip-hop, and house 8 PM-4 AM Tuesdays through Sundays (5 AM Saturdays). Wednesdays, DJ El Papichulo & DJ Lugo Rosado. 312-642-7251 or 312-642-7252.
LE PASSAGE 1 Oak Place: DJs spin nightly 10:30 PM-4 AM Wednesdays through Fridays, 10:30 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fri 12/7, DJs Mood & Oscar McMillan. Saturdays, DJs Mood & Carvajal. Wednesdays, DJ V. Thu 12/13, DJ Romain, DJs Mood & Oscar McMillan. Fri 12/14, DJ Vince Lawrence, DJs Mood & Lady D. 312-255-0022.
THE (PROP) HOUSE 1675 N. Elston: DJs spin 11 PM-4 AM Sundays and Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 PM-5 AM Saturdays; three separate rooms feature hip-hop and reggae, Latin and house music, and progressive dance and old school. Thursdays, Ralphi Rosario. 773-486-2390.
RED DOG 1958 W. North: DJs spin a mix of funk, house, and dance music 10 PM-4 AM Fridays and Mondays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fridays, DJ Jesse de la Pena, Lil’ John. Saturdays, DJs Twilight Tone, 33-1/3 & Steve Bravo. Mondays, DJs, Mark Grant, Lego, Dave Britton & Psycho Bitch. 773-278-1009.
REDNOFIVE & FIFTH FLOOR 440 N. Halsted: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Mondays through Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fri 12/7, Jason Dunne, Chris Capcick, Christopher Robin (upstairs); Karl Meier, Mercedes Ben, Tetric, Marko Katic, DJ Mani, Josh Werner (downstairs). Sat 12/8, Duane King, Sean Carnahan, Chad Sommer, Frique & Majid. Tue 12/11, DJ Dynasty, DJ Tim Xavier, Martin “Boogieman” Luna. Thu 12/13, John Acquaviva. Sat 12/15, D:Fuse. 312-733-6699.
RIVE GAUCHE 306 N. Halsted: Thu 12/13, 10 PM-4 AM, “Shattered Thursdays” with DJ Adam Freeland, Draco, and DJ Poolside. 312-738-9971.
ROOSTER BLUES 811 W. Lake: Music after 8:30 PM. Sundays, DJ Khaaliq & DJ Papa G spin hip-hop, reggae, deep house, and R&B. 312-733-6577.
6ODUM 2116 W. Chicago: Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Carsten Nicolai (see Critic’s Choice). 773-227-3617.
SLICK’S LOUNGE 1115 N. North Branch: Fridays, 7-10 PM, DJ INC spins soul, funk, and disco; 10 PM-4 AM, DJ Tone B. Nimble spins hip-hop. Saturdays, 7 PM-7 AM, DJs Justin Long & Sativa spin house. Sundays, 7 PM-midnight, DJs Lee Collins & Sadar spin disco & House; midnight-4 AM, DJs Tone B. Nimble, Norman Rockwell & Shon Dervis spin hip-hop, dancehall, house, and soul. Tuesdays, 7 PM-4 AM, DJs Derrick Carter, Diz & Matty spin house. Wednesdays, 7 PM-4 AM, DJ Hiroki spins house, hip-hop, and progressive. Thursdays, 11:30 PM-4 AM, DJ David Balquiedra spins soulful house. 312-932-0006.
SMART BAR 3730 N. Clark: DJs spin nightly after 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Ra Soul, Darrell Woodson. Sat 12/8, DJ Heather, Shani. Sundays, DJs Aleks, Chris & Joanna. Tuesdays, DJ Scary Lady Sarah. Wednesdays, DJ Rekliner & DJ Brendan spin mod, 70s and 80s metal, and British punk & new wave. Thursdays, DJs Stax, Chris Bacchus, Justin Reed & Striz. Fri 12/14, DJ Colette, Synergy. Sat 12/15, Justin Long, J-Dub. 773-549-4140.
SPIN 800 W. Belmont: DJs spin after 10 PM. Fridays, DJ Timmy Loop & VJ Ken (no cover). Saturdays, DJ Jungle Jorge & VJ Nickole. Sundays, DJ Timmy Loop & VJ Whon. Mondays, “Revival” with VJ Tyrone (no cover). Tuesdays, VJ Whon. Wednesdays, DJ Freddie Bain & VJ Ken. Thursdays, “best of the 80s” with DJ Julian & VJ Steven Farias (no cover). 773-327-7711.
SPY BAR 646 N. Franklin: DJs spin 10:30 PM-4 AM Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays, and 9 PM-2 AM Wednesdays. Sundays, 10 PM-3 AM, “Whiplash” fetish night with Scary Lady Sarah, DJ Chilli Winters. 312-587-8779.
SUBTERRANEAN CAFE & CABARET 2011 W. North: DJs spin nightly in the Lounge. Fridays and Saturdays, DJs Verb & Pure spin Motown, old school, and funk. Sundays, DJ J.B. Mondays, open mike with Greg Golden. Tuesdays, DJs Artek, Norm, Mary Jane & Verb. Wednesdays, Electrix DJs spin drum ‘n’ bass, house, and electronic music. Thursdays, DJ Minnesota Fabric spins rare groove. 773-278-6600.
TEN56 1056 N. Damen: DJs spin nightly after 10 PM. Fridays, DJ Karlito. Saturdays, DJ Mass Transit. Sundays, RB & Ronny. Mondays, DJ Dan. Tuesdays, DJ Springa. Wednesdays, DJ Mystr E. Thursdays, Doyonne & Gina Spandex spin goth. 773-227-4906.
TRANSIT 1431 W. Lake: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM Thursdays and Fridays, 9 PM-3 AM Saturdays. 312-491-9729.
UNDERGROUND LOUNGE 952 W. Newport: Music after 9 PM. Sundays, DJ Mungo spins R&B, funk, and old school. 773-327-2739.
VOODOO NIGHTCLUB 601 Mall, Schaumburg: DJs spin “high energy dance music” after 7 PM Tuesdays through Fridays and after 9 PM Saturdays. Tuesdays, DJ Alex Perez, DJ Mercurio. Thursdays, salsa and merengue with DJ El Papichulo & DJ Ric Martinez. 847-969-1602.
ZENTRA 923 W. Weed: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fri 12/7, Mark Farina, Justin Long, Sativa, Shon Dervis. Sat 12/8, James Curd, PNS, Tobias, Andre Harris. Thursdays, DJ Jesse de la Pena, Vince Adams, D-Double, Jay Too, DJ Steele. Fri 12/14, Derrick May, Justin Long, Sativa, Shon Dervis. Sat 12/15, Christian Smith, Mike Wade. 312-787-0400.
folk & country
concerts
PHIL COULTER Christmas concert. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, Joliet. 815-726-6600 or 312-902-1500.
KILTARTAN ROAD CHRISTMAS with Kathy Cowan, Joseph Sobol & Tom Orf. Sun 12/9, 4 and 7 PM (4 PM show sold out), Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. 773-728-6000.
CHRIS McINTOSH & ALVIN McGOVERN, BITTERSWEET XMAS BAND, SANDY ANDINA, MINSTROSITY, NATURAL BOB & MICKY HOLDSWORTH, KAREN MOONEY, DENNIS HULT, JIM SIMONIS perform in a Yuletide celebration. Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Second Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry. 773-271-7127.
MIDWAY RAMBLERS CAJUN BAND Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Social Center, Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox. 773-282-7035 or 630-833-3515.
LEE MURDOCK & THE BLUE WATER BAND, NANCY LUBECKER “The Christmas Ship” concert. Sun 12/16, 7 PM, Greenleaf Grill, 301 Greenleaf, Gurnee. 847-949-5355.
MUSTARD’S RETREAT Sat 12/8, 8 PM, David Adler Cultural Center, 1700 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville. 847-367-0707.
JAMIE O’REILLY AND MICHAEL SMITH perform “Songs From an Irish Catholic Childhood” accompanied by Paul Amandes. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox. 773-282-7035.
PHIL PASSEN & TOM CONWAY Free in-store performance. Fri 12/14, noon, Borders Books & Music, 150 N. State. 312-606-0750.
REVELS CHICAGO performs A Celtic Celebration of the Winter Solstice. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Sat 12/8, 2 and 8 PM, and Sun 12/9, 2 PM, Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University, 600 Emerson, Evanston. 847-467-4000.
KENNY ROGERS “Christmas From the Heart: The Toy Shoppe” concert. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Indiana. 773-734-7266 or 312-559-1212.
DOUG STONE Christmas concert. Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Paramount Arts Centre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora. 630-896-6666 or 312-559-1212.
TAMARACK Benefit for Maple Street Chapel Preservation Committee. Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Maple Street Chapel, Maple and Main, Lombard. 630-629-2630.
VOICES OF WINTER Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Ridge Academy, 2501 W. 103rd. 773-779-7059.
WHISTLE PIG, JOHN & ELLEN WRIGHT, TACIT HOUNDS BLUEGRASS BAND, RITA RUBY & VAL MINDEL, HALF DAY BLUEGRASS BAND, CHICAGO BLUEGRASS JAM BAND, STEVE & JENNY MOSS, RITA & THE WHITE SHOES, DAVE BRAGMAN & BRUSHFIRE, WHISKEY HOLLOW JAM BAND, MISTER CHARLES BEVEL perform at the 2nd annual Chilly Chili Bluegrass Festival. Sat 12/8, 6:30 PM, American Legion Hall, 1030 Central, Evanston. 847-251-0574.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS, RYAN ADAMS & THE SWEETHEART REVOLUTION Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine. 773-275-6800 or 312-559-1212.
folk & country
clubs
ABBEY PUB 3420 W. Grace: Restaurant featuring popular and traditional Irish music. Fri 12/7, 9 PM, Split Lip Rayfield, Blueground Undergrass, Myshkin’s Ruby Warblers. Sat 12/8, 9 PM, Split Lip Rayfield, Yayhoos, Deke Dickerson & the Eccofonics. Sun 12/9, 2 PM, Street Corner Blue (no cover); 8 PM, Irish jam session. Mondays, 8 PM, Chicago Barn Dance Company. Tuesdays, 8 PM, open stage. Wed 12/12, 8 PM, Daghda. Thu 12/13, 7 PM, Sons of the Never Wrong, Holiday Belles. 773-478-4408.
ARBOR VITAE 111 W. Jackson, Naperville: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Sat 12/8, Carol Kinsey. 630-778-9090.
BONE DADDY 551 N. Ogden: Sat 12/15, 11 AM, Chris Walz; 10 PM, Lush Budgett. 312-226-6666.
CALIFORNIA CLIPPER 1002 N. California: Music after 10 PM; no cover. Sat 12/8, Moonshine Willy. Sun 12/9, Cruelest Aprils. Wednesdays, DJ Brian spins blues, gospel, country, and honky-tonk. Sun 12/16, Can-Ky-Ree. 773-384-2547.
CAROL’S PUB 4659 N. Clark: Country music at 9 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, Diamondback. Sundays, open jam with Diamondback. 773-334-2402.
CHIEF O’NEILL’S PUB 3471 N. Elston: Bar and restaurant with music at 10 PM on weekends. Sundays, 4-8 PM, and Tuesdays, 8-11 PM, traditional Irish session. 773-473-5263.
DURTY NELLIE’S 55 N. Bothwell, Palatine: Sun 12/16, 8 PM, Whitey O’Day (no cover). 847-358-9150.
FAT BEAN 2959 Artesian, Naperville: Sat 12/15, 8 PM, On the Mainline. 630-922-9821.
FIFTH PROVINCE PUB Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Burren Ceili Band. Sat 12/8, Dooley Brothers. Fri 12/14, Dyed in the Wool. Sat 12/15, Fast Eddie. 773-282-7035.
FITZGERALD’S 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn: Thu 12/13, 8 PM, Switchback (Christmas show). Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Charlie Robison, Riptones. 708-788-2118.
FOLK-LORE CENTER & ACORN COFFEE BAR 29 W 140 Butterfield, Warrenville: Music at 8 PM. Sat 12/15, Ed Hall, Eric Lugosch. 630-393-1247.
GALLERY CABARET 2020 N. Oakley: Music at 10 PM on weekends, 9 PM on weeknights. Sundays, open mike hosted by Fred. 773-489-5471.
GUNTHER MURPHY’S 1638 W. Belmont: Music after 10 PM on weekends, 9:30 PM on weeknights. Sat 12/8, Gareth Woods, Gary Stier. Wed 12/12, Gan Bua (no cover). 773-472-5139.
HIDDEN SHAMROCK 2723 N. Halsted: Sundays, 3-6 PM, traditional Irish jam session. Tuesdays, 9:30 PM, Whiskey Hollow Bluegrass Band (no cover). 773-883-0304.
HOTTI BISCOTTI 3545 W. Fullerton: Music at 7:30 PM. Sat 12/8, Dayna Malow. Wed 12/12, Maya. Thursdays, 7 PM, spoken word and music open mike with Soul People. Fri 12/14, Second Hand Poets. Sat 12/15, Marq Seven. 773-486-4093.
INNER TOWN PUB 1935 W. Thomas: Sundays, 9 PM, and Thursdays, 10 PM, open mike. 773-235-9795.
JT COLLINS PUB 3358 N. Paulina: Sun 12/16, 9 PM, Whiskey Hollow Bluegrass Band (no cover). 773-327-7467.
KATERINA’S 1920 W. Irving Park: Tue 12/11, 8 PM, Ben Porter. 773-348-7592.
MARTYRS’ 3855 N. Lincoln: Mon 12/10, 8:30 PM, Gan Bua (no cover). 773-404-9494.
MASTHOUSE 528 E. Calhoun, Woodstock: Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Sons of the Never Wrong, Sonny Jones & Jerry Gentry. 815-338-5164.
McNALLY’S IRISH PUB 122 S. York, Elmhurst: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Shamus O’Kane. Fri 12/14, Anish. 630-941-7100.
McNALLY’S IRISH PUB 201 E. Main, Saint Charles: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Salthill Mines. 630-513-6300.
NEVIN’S LIVE 1450 Sherman, Evanston: Sun 12/16, 8 PM, the Lash (no cover). 847-869-0450.
SCHUBAS 3159 N. Southport: Sat 12/8, 7 and 10 PM, Over the Rhine, Kim Taylor. Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, Don Conoscenti, Graves. Sun 12/16, 8 PM, Paul Geremiah. 773-525-2508.
SEANCHAI 2345 W. Belmont: Sundays, 8 PM, Chicago Rovers. 773-549-4444.
SMOKE DADDY 1804 W. Division: Thursdays, 9:30 PM, Urban Hog Wranglers. 773-772-6656.
TWO WAY STREET COFFEEHOUSE 1047 Curtiss, Downers Grove: Music at 8:45 PM. Fri 12/7, open mike. Fri 12/14, Jim Wearne. 630-969-9720.
blues, gospel, r&b
concerts
ERWIN HELFER Free in-store performance. Sat 12/15, 1 PM, Jazz Record Mart, 444 N. Wabash. 312-222-1468.
DONNIE McCLURKIN & CECE WINANS WITH THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF GOD CHOIR “Christmas glory” black-tie concert; free admission. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester. 773-256-4180.
JOEL PATERSON Free in-store performance. Sat 12/8, 2 PM, Jazz Record Mart, 444 N. Wabash. 312-222-1468.
FRANK RAVEN BAND Free in-store performance. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 3232 Lake, Wilmette. 847-256-3220.
blues, gospel, r&b
clubs
ANDY’S 11 E. Hubbard: Bar and restaurant. Fridays, 9 PM, Katherine Davis Group. 312-642-6805.
ARTIS’S 1249 E. 87th: Music after 9 PM. Sundays, J.W. Williams & the ChiTown Hustlers. Mondays, Billy Branch & Sons of Blues. 773-734-0491.
BLUE CHICAGO 736 N. Clark: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Sat 12/8, and Mondays, Big Time Sarah & the BTS Express. Tue 12/11, Lindsey Alexander Band with Zora Young. Wed 12/12, Big Time Sarah & the BTS Express. Thursdays, Willie Kent & the Gents with Patricia Scott. Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15, Allen Batts Band with Patricia Scott. 312-642-6261.
BLUE CHICAGO ON CLARK 536 N. Clark: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Lindsey Alexander Band with Zora Young. Sundays, Johnny B. Moore Band with Shirley Johnson. Tue 12/11, Charlie Love Band with Nora Jean. Wednesdays, Willie Kent & the Gents with Patricia Scott. Thursdays, Johnny B. Moore Band. Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15, Johnny B. Moore Band with Nellie Travis. 312-661-0100.
BLUE CHICAGO STORE 534 N. Clark: Saturdays, 8 PM, Gloria Shannon Band. 312-661-1003.
B.L.U.E.S. 2519 N. Halsted: Music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Jimmy Johnson. Sun 12/9, Marty Sammon Band. Mon 12/10, Willie Kent & the Gents with Bonnie Lee. Tue 12/11, Big Ray & Chicago’s Most Wanted, Big Time Sarah. Wed 12/12, Pistol Pete. Thu 12/13, New Orleans Beau & the Big Easy. Fri 12/14, Joanna Connor. 773-528-1012.
BOULEVARD CAFE 3137 W. Logan: Thursdays, 10:30 PM, Sugar Blue (no cover). 773-384-8600.
BRIXIE’S BROOKFIELD 9526 W. Ogden, Brookfield: Music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7, Chicago Flyers. Wednesdays, open stage hosted by Brother John & others. 708-387-0050.
BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS 754 S. Wabash: Bar and restaurant with music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7, 5:30 PM, Jim Green (no cover); 9:30 PM, Bob Margolin, Vanessa Davis & the Mojo Kings. Sat 12/8, 6:30 PM, Harmonica Hinds (no cover); 9:30 PM, Bill Perry, Eric George Band. Sun 12/9, John Primer. Mon 12/10, jam hosted by Brother John. Tue 12/11, Dion Payton. Wed 12/12, Big James & the Chicago Playboys. Thu 12/13, Walkin’ Cane. Fri 12/14, 5:30 PM, Nick Moss (no cover); 9:30 PM, Eddy Clearwater, Jimmy Burns. Sat 12/15, 6:30 PM, Jon McDonald (no cover); 9:30 PM, Michael Burks, Gordon Bonham Band. 312-427-0333.
CALIFORNIA CLIPPER 1002 N. California: Music after 10 PM; no cover. Mon 12/10, DJ Ethan. Wednesdays, DJ Brian spins blues, gospel, country, and honky-tonk. 773-384-2547.
CARMICHAEL’S CHICAGO STEAK HOUSE 1052 W. Monroe: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 5:30 PM, Dan Gillogly. 312-433-0025.
CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE 423 E. 43rd: Music after 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, John Primer & the Real Deal Band. Thursdays, Vance Kelly & the Backstreet Blues Band. 773-624-3240.
CHORD ON BLUES 106 S. First, Saint Charles: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays. Fri 12/7, the Buzz. Sat 12/8, Bob Margolin. Fri 12/14, Roomful of Blues. Sat 12/15, Anthony Gomes. 630-513-0074.
CLUB MALCOLM 744 E. 83rd: Wednesdays, 8 PM, L.V. Banks & His Swinging Blues Band. 773-723-1600.
COTTON CLUB & ALL THAT JAZZ 1710 S. Michigan: Live jazz and blues at 10 PM, midnight, and 2 AM on weekends. Mondays, 8 PM, open mike with Carolyn Albritten. Wednesdays, 8 PM, open mike hosted by Deborra. 312-341-9787.
CRUISER’S 38498 Sheridan, Beach Park: Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Howard & the White Boys. 847-244-4991.
DEEP BLUE Prairie Rock Brewing Company, 1385 N. Meacham, Schaumburg: Music at 9 PM. Sat 12/15, Joe Moss Band. 847-605-9900.
FANTASY LOUNGE 4400 N. Elston: Tuesdays, 9 PM, open mike with Liberty Blues Band. 773-685-8083.
FITZGERALD’S 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn: Sat 12/8, 9:30 PM, Siegel Schwall Band (Christmas show). 708-788-2118.
FLAMINGO 6644 S. Cottage Grove: Mondays, 8 PM, Killer Ray Players with Jimmy Pryor, Crumar with Harmonica George. 773-684-6800.
FLATLANDER’S Milwaukee & Half Day Rd., Lincolnshire: Restaurant and bar with music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Skip Towne & the Greyhounds. 847-821-1234.
FRANKIE’S BLUE ROOM 16 W. Chicago, Naperville: Music after 9:30 PM. Sat 12/15, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials. 630-416-4898.
FUEL 3724 N. Clark: Thursdays, 10 PM, Stank Willie (no cover). 773-248-3330.
GALLERY CABARET 2020 N. Oakley: Music at 10 PM. Tuesdays, open jam with Fish & the Bluefins. 773-489-5471.
GATEWAY BAR & GRILL 7545 N. Clark: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Fri 12/14, Gloria Shannon Band. 773-262-5767.
HARLEM AVENUE LOUNGE 3701 S. Harlem, Berwyn: Thursdays, 8:30 PM, open jam with Big Ray (no cover). 708-484-3610.
THE HIDEOUT 1354 W. Wabansia: Tuesdays, 9:30 PM, Devil in a Woodpile (no cover). 773-227-4433.
HOG HEAD McDUNNA’S 1505 W. Fullerton: Sat 12/8, 9:30 PM, Stank Willie, Shirley King, Yvonne Doll & the Locals. 773-929-0944.
HOTHOUSE 31 E. Balbo: Mondays, 8 PM, Yoko Noge’s Jazz Me Blues. 312-362-9707.
HOUSE OF BLUES 329 N. Dearborn: Live music on the Back Porch Stage at 10 PM. Fri 12/7, Chicago Red Hots. Sat 12/8, Jimmy Burns. Sundays, 9:30 AM, noon, and 2:30 PM, gospel brunch; 10 PM, Matthew Skoller Band. Mon 12/10, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers. Tue 12/11, Roomful of Blues. Fri 12/14, No Mercy Band. Sat 12/15, Roy Hightower. 312-923-2000 or 312-527-2583.
ISAAC HAYES 739 N. Clark: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Sam Savage. Sat 12/8, Billy Branch. Mon 12/10, Marshall Titus. Tue 12/11, Casey Jones. Wed 12/12, Pete Special Band. Thu 12/13, Matthew Skoller. Sat 12/15, Vance Kelly. 312-266-2400.
KATERINA’S 1920 W. Irving Park: Sat 12/8, 9 PM, Erwin Helfer. 773-348-7592.
KINGSTON MINES 2548 N. Halsted: Music at 9:30 PM. Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 PM, pianist Detroit Jr. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Eddy Clearwater, J.W. Williams & the ChiTown Hustlers with Kid Dynamite. Sundays, Charlie Love & Lindsey Alexander. Mondays, blues jam hosted by Frank Pellegrino Band. Tuesdays, Sam Cockrell & the Groove with Nellie Travis. Wednesdays, Andre Taylor & the Blues Alley Cats, Howard Scott. Thu 12/13, Vance Kelly (live radio broadcast). Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15, Big James & the Chicago Playboys. 773-477-4646.
KOKO TAYLOR’S CELEBRITY 1233 S. Wabash: Music after 9:30 PM. Sundays, 8 PM, blues jam hosted by Joe Barr & Soul Purpose Band. 312-566-0555.
LADY BLUE 2953 W. Madison: Sundays, 9 PM, Super Percy & Pamela Zachary. 773-826-0317.
LEE’S UNLEADED BLUES 7401 S. South Chicago: Music after 9 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, Johnny Drummer & the Starlighters. Sundays and Mondays, Vance Kelly & the Backstreet Blues Band. 773-493-3477.
MY FRIEND LOUNGE 10815 S. Michigan: Sundays, 6 PM, Elmore James Jr. & the Broom Dusters. 773-624-6336.
NICK’S 1516 N. Milwaukee: Music at 10 PM; no cover. Sat 12/8, Rockin’ Johnny Band. Sat 12/15, Dave Specter. 773-252-1155.
111 CLUB 111 W. 111th: Sundays, 9 and 11 PM and midnight, Killer Ray, Jimmy Pryor & Crumar with Harmonica George. 773-821-9165.
PHYLLIS’ MUSICAL INN 1800 W. Division: Music at 9:30 PM. Sun 12/16, Smilin’ Bobbie & His Blues Machine. 773-486-9862.
POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE 2934 N. Sheffield: Music at 9 PM on weekends, 8:30 PM on weeknights. Tue 12/11, Mississippi Heat. 773-472-1000.
POPS HIGHWOOD 214 Green Bay, Highwood: Music at 8:30 PM. Sat 12/8 and Wed 12/12, Keith Scott Band. Fri 12/15, Mississippi Heat. 847-266-1313.
PUSH RODS 15600 S. Dixie Hwy.: Thursdays, 10 PM, midnight, and 1 AM, Killer Ray Allison, Jimmy Pryor, Crumar, Mr. Shorty Mack. 312-719-3094.
RESERVATION BLUES 1566 N. Milwaukee: Music at 10 PM Fridays through Sundays and 9:30 PM Wednesdays and Thursdays. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Mississippi Heat. Sundays, blues jam hosted by Tom Holland’s Big Blue (no cover). Wed 12/12, Rockin’ Johnny. Thu 12/13, Michael Coleman. Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15, Ann Rabson, Eddy Clearwater. 773-645-5200.
ROSA’S LOUNGE 3420 W. Armitage: Music after 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7, Sat 12/8, and Tuesdays, Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band. Wednesdays, Sugar Blue. Thursdays, pro jam hosted by Eddie Taylor Jr. with Ariyo. Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15, Pinetop Perkins & Bob Stroger. 773-342-0452.
SAMMY K’S 335 N. McLean, South Elgin: Fri 12/7, 10 PM, Howard & the White Boys. 847-695-6666.
SMOKE DADDY 1804 W. Division: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 PM Sundays through Thursdays. Fri 12/7, Felix & the Cats. Sat 12/8, Steve Cushing & the Chicago Blues All-Stars. Mondays, Rockin’ Johnny Band. Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15, Billy Flynn Band with Mark Naftilin. 773-772-6656.
jazz
concerts
JACKIE ALLEN & JUDY ROBERTS Free admission. Tue 12/11, 12:15 PM, Randolph Cafe, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-744-6630.
CYRUS CHESTNUT performs music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Thu 12/13, 7 PM (free in-store performance), Borders Books & Music, 830 N. Michigan. 312-573-0750. Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Harold D. McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, Park and Fawell, Glen Ellyn. 630-942-4000. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Governors Hwy. and Stuenkel Rd., University Park. 708-235-2222.
CHICAGO JAZZ ORCHESTRA WITH ERNIE ANDREWS under the direction of Jeff Lindberg; benefit for Toys for Tots. Fri 12/14, 7 PM, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S. Lake Shore. 773-616-3813 or 312-559-1212.
CHICAGO UNDERGROUND QUARTET, DAVID BOYKIN GROUP, FRED ANDERSON TRIO, ERIC ROTH TRIO perform at WNUR’s Chicago Sounds Jazz Fest; see Post No Bills. Sat 12/8, 3-10 PM, Regenstein Recital Hall, Northwestern University, 1965 South Campus Dr., Evanston. 847-491-2305.
LORRAINE DENHAM & TIM TOBIAS Free in-store performance. Fri 12/7, 5 PM, Borders Books & Music, 150 N. State. 312-606-0750. Sat 12/15, 2 PM, Borders Books & Music, 2817 N. Clark. 773-935-3909. Sun 12/16, 1 PM, Borders Books & Music, 830 N. Michigan. 312-573-0750. Sun 12/16, 4 PM, Borders Books & Music, 2210 W. 95th. 773-445-5471.
ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STEEL BANDS under the direction of Joe Sennefeldt. Sun 12/16, 6:30 PM, Harry and Phyllis Blizzard Theatre, Visual and Performing Arts Center, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan, Elgin. 847-622-0300.
T.S. GALLOWAY BIG BAND Free big band dance. Fri 12/7, 7 PM (preceded by dance lessons at 6 PM), Portage Park, 4100 N. Long. 312-427-1676.
BEAU GIBSON & THE NEW ORLEANS HOT JAZZ BAND performs ‘Zat You, Santa Claus? Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Nathan Manilow Theatre, Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood, Park Forest. 708-747-0580.
GUTBUCKET Free in-store performance. Fri 12/7, 5 PM, Jazz Record Mart, 444 N. Wabash. 312-222-1468.
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS Fri 12/7, 5 PM (free in-store performance), Borders Books & Music, 830 N. Michigan. 312-573-0750. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. 312-443-1130 or 312-902-1500.
KEN NORDINE & THE ESSENCE OF COOL Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Harold D. McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, Park and Fawell, Glen Ellyn. 630-942-4000.
ORQUESTA ARAGON, ARTURO SANDOVAL See Critic’s Choice. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114.
WILLIE PICKENS, ED PETERSON, RON COOPER, LARRY GRAY & ROBERT SHY perform as part of “A Jazz Christmas–A Soulful Experience.” Free admission. Sat 12/15, 9 PM, Homan
Square Community Center, 3559 W. Arthington. 773-522-5303.
WILLIE PICKENS TRIO with Ed Peterson & Ron Cooper (Christmas benefit for Centers for New Horizons). Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn. 773-363-6063.
SANTEZ Free in-store performance. Sat 12/8, 1 PM, Jazz Record Mart, 444 N. Wabash. 312-222-1467.
AUDRA WILSON & FRIENDS perform as part of the “Voices of a New Black Millennium” series. Wed 12/12, 8:30 PM, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. 773-728-6000.
jazz
clubs
ANDY’S 11 E. Hubbard: Bar and restaurant. Fri 12/7, noon, Franz Jackson, Tom Hope, Peter Roothan, Wayne Jones & Dan DeLorenzo; 5 PM, Eric Schneider/Greg Fishman Quintet. Sat 12/8, 6 PM, Rich Pardo with Joe Iaco & Chuck Christiansen; 9:30 PM, Von Freeman Quintet with Bettye Reynolds. Sundays, 7 PM, Sam Burckhardt Combo. Mondays, noon, Tom Hope; 5 PM, Chuck Hedges Swingtet; 9 PM, No Am/Pro Jam with Art Davis, Don Stille, John Bany & Charlie Braugham. Tuesdays, noon, Tom Hope; 5 PM, Wallace Burton Group; 9 PM, Men of Note. Wed 12/12, noon, Steve Sandner; 5 PM, Ron Dewar Quintet; 9 PM, Henry Johnson Organ Express. Thu 12/13, noon, Steven Hashimoto; 5 PM, Russ Phillips & the Windy City All Stars; 9 PM, Mike Smith Quintet. Fri 12/14, noon, Eric Schneider, Art Davis, Tom Hope, Rob Amster & Wayne Jones; 5 PM, Eric Schneider/Greg Fishman Quintet. Sat 12/15, 6 PM, Rich Pardo with Joe Iaco & Chuck Christiansen; 9:30 PM, Henry Johnson’s Organ Express. 312-642-6805.
ARBOR VITAE 111 W. Jackson, Naperville: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Fri 12/14, Zach Brock. 630-778-9090.
ARMY & LOU’S 422 E. 75th: Restaurant. Fri 12/14, 6-10 PM, keyboardist and vocalist Fred Barr & guitarist Toby Wallace. 773-483-3100.
BACINO’S 2204 N. Lincoln: Mondays, 6-9 PM, Famous Pizza Gig Quartet with John Lewis, Steve Hashimoto, Heath Chappell & others. 773-472-7400.
BACINO’S 15256 S. La Grange, Orland Park: Sundays, 11 AM-3 PM, Steve Flowers Trio performs at brunch. Thursdays, 6-10 PM, Ray Bailey Trio. 708-403-3535.
BACKROOM 1007 N. Rush: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Detour. Sun 12/9 through Sat 12/15, Bobby Lewis Quartet. Sun 12/16, Carlos Cannon. 312-751-2433.
BAR 3 2138 N. Halsted: Tuesdays, 8 PM, Matt Geraghty Revue. 773-348-3665.
BIG JOE’S 1818 W. Foster: No cover. Sundays, 8 PM-midnight, open jam session with Darren Scorza Quartet. 773-784-8755.
BISTRO AMERICA 12 N. River, Batavia: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Wed 12/12, Scott Lies Trio. 630-406-0008.
BISTRO ULTRA 2239 N. Clybourn: Thursdays, 7:30 PM, Denise La Grassa Duo. 773-529-3300.
BONE DADDY 551 N. Ogden: Sun 12/9, 8 PM, Gingi Lahera & Bradley Williams. Sun 12/16, 8 PM, Gina McLaughlin. 312-226-6666.
SPIRIT CAFE 131 Dundee, Buffalo Grove: Thursdays, 8 PM, Nick Tesker Quartet. 847-465-1526.
BROWN ROOM 7150 S. Exchange: Cafe with live jazz; no cover. Sat 12/8, 2-4 PM, Room Service Jazz Ensemble with Mike Donaby, Thadeus Gaines, Robert Wilkens & Marcus Burks. 773-731-9801.
CALIFORNIA CLIPPER 1002 N. California: Music at 10 PM; no cover. Tuesdays, DJs spin jazz. Thu 12/13, John Beard Quartet. 773-384-2547.
CATCH 35 35 W. Wacker: Piano bar and restaurant. Fridays, 5:30-9 PM, Libby York. 312-346-3500.
CHAMBERS 6881 N. Milwaukee, Niles: Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Buddy Charles. Saturdays, 9 PM, Lou DiGangi Swing Band. Sun 12/9, 5 PM, Judy Roberts & Jackie Allen. Mon 12/10, 8 PM, Bob Centano/Bob Ojeda/Marc Pompe Orchestra. Tuesdays, 7 PM, Jack Carr. Wednesdays, 7 PM, Jerry Owings. Thursdays, 6:30 PM, Jack Carr; 9 PM, jazz jam session with John Bany, Charles Braugham & John Stille. Sun 12/16, 5 PM, Tom Mueller & Arlene Bardelle. 847-647-8282.
CHEF’S STATION 915 Davis, Evanston: Sundays, 11 AM-2 PM, John Kregor/Alex Bednarke Duo. 847-570-9838.
CHICAGO PRIME STEAKHOUSE 1370 Bank, Schaumburg: Music at 8 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, Les Walton Trio. Thursdays, Scott Stenten Duo. 847-969-9900.
CIAO BELLA RISTORANTE 538 Crescent, Glen Ellyn: Music at 8:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays; no cover. Fridays and Saturdays, Toscanellie “Lady T.” Marcelain. 630-469-1080.
COTTON CLUB & ALL THAT JAZZ 1710 S. Michigan: Live jazz and blues at 10 PM, midnight, and 2 AM on weekends. Sundays, 8 PM, East Winds. Mondays, 8 PM, open mike with Carolyn Albritten. 312-341-9787.
DEEP BLUE Prairie Rock Brewing Company, 1385 N. Meacham, Schaumburg: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Frankie Wesson Quartet. Sat 12/8, Ernest Dawkins Quartet. Fri 12/14, Frank Portolese Trio. 847-605-9900.
EMPTY BOTTLE 1035 N. Western: Music at 10 PM. Sun 12/9, 9 PM, Chicago Underground Quartet (see Post No Bills), DJs Josh Abrams, Fred Wells & Jacob Ross. Tuesdays, Vandermark 5. Wed 12/12, 8 PM, Peter Brotzmann & Ken Vandermark; 10 PM, Matthias Schubert (see Critic’s Choice) with Dieter Manderscheid, Jeb Bishop & Michael Zerang. Sun 12/16, 8 PM, Zu, DKV Trio. 773-276-3600.
ENTRE NOUS Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus: Restaurant with music at 6:30 PM; no cover. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Elaine Dame. 312-565-7997.
ERIK & ME 1 W. Illinois, Saint Charles: Music at 7 PM; no cover. Thu 12/13, Sam Burckhardy Duo. 630-377-9222.
ESPRESSO BREWERY COMPANY Maple & Rte. 53, Lisle: Music at 7:30 PM. Sat 12/8, Don Saran Trio. Sat 12/15, Matt Erion Trio. 630-435-5288.
FITZGERALD’S 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn: Sun 12/9, 6 PM, Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners Big Band. Sun 12/16, 6 PM, Lenny King’s Chicago Metropolitan Orchestra. 708-788-2118.
FLY ME TO THE MOON 3400 N. Clark: Sundays and Thursdays, 8 PM, Quiet Storm with Ishma Durah & Nate Griffin. 773-528-4033.
FRANK’S PLACE Hilton Northbrook, 2855 N. Milwaukee, Northbrook: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Fridays and Saturdays, Milt Trenier & Company with Bubba. 847-480-7500.
FRANKIE’S BLUE ROOM 16 W. Chicago, Naperville: Wednesdays, 9 PM, Rhythm Rockets. 630-416-4898.
FUTURE WORLD 1744 E. 55th: Cyber cafe and deli with music at 8 PM. Sat 12/8, Alejandro Urdajanda Trio. 773-256-1570.
GALLERY CABARET 2020 N. Oakley: Music at 10 PM on weekends, 9 PM on weeknights. Mon 12/10, Baked Beans. 773-489-5471.
GATEWAY BAR & GRILL 7545 N. Clark: Music at 8 PM on weekends, 7:30 PM on weeknights; no cover. Fri 12/7, Mike Finnerty & the Heat Merchants. Sat 12/8, Alejandro-Chris Neal Quartet. Wednesdays, Steve Evans Trio. Thursdays, Temple Schultz with Vijay Tellis Nayak. 773-262-5767.
GREEN DOLPHIN STREET 2200 N. Ashland: Fri 12/7, 9:30 PM, Gerald McClendon. Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Rodney Brown & Hot Rod. Sun 12/9, 8 PM, Tom Muellner Quartet (no cover). Mon 12/10, 8 PM, Bill Cochran Quartet (no cover). Tuesdays, 9 PM, Mambo Jazz. Wednesdays, 9 PM, Bill Porter Orchestra with Rich Fudoli. Thu 12/13, 9 PM, Don Walker Quartet. 773-395-0066.
GREEN MILL 4802 N. Broadway: Fri 12/7, 5 PM, pianist Ben Rudolph; 9 PM, David Young & the New Republic; 1:30 AM, Green Mill Quartet. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Dee Alexander Quartet; midnight, Sabertooth Organ Quartet. Sun 12/9, 11 PM, Jenna Mammina Trio. Mondays, 9 PM, Patricia Barber Trio. Tuesdays, 9 PM, Jimmy Sutton’s Four Charms. Wed 12/12, 9 PM, Guitar Madness with John McLean, John Moulder, Neil Alger, Ernie Denov & Dave Onderdonk with Eric Hochberg & Tom Radtke (benefit for Toys for Tots). Thursdays, 9 PM, Alan Gresik’s Swing Shift Orchestra. Fri 12/14, 5 PM, pianist Ben Rudolph; 9 PM, Jason Moran Trio; 1:30 AM, Green Mill Quartet. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Jason Moran Trio; midnight, Sabertooth Organ Quartet. Sun 12/16, 2 PM, Chicago Jazz Composers Collective with Dave Onderdonk; 11 PM, Patricia Barber Trio. 773-878-5552.
HAPPY VILLAGE 1059 N. Wolcott: Mondays, 9 PM, DJs spin swing dance music (preceded by dance lessons at 7 and 8 PM). 773-486-1512.
HEARTLAND CAFE 7000 N. Glenwood: Sat 12/8, 9 PM, Chesley Spring Quartet. 773-465-8005.
HOTHOUSE 31 E. Balbo: Mondays, 8 PM, Yoko Noge’s Jazz Me Blues. 312-362-9707.
HUNGRY BRAIN 2319 W. Belmont: Music at 9 PM. Sun 12/9, Nate Walcott’s Heartbreak Ensemble. Sun 12/16, Dave Rempis, Jim Baker & Jason Roebke. 773-935-2118.
JAZZ SHOWCASE 59 W. Grand: Music at 9 and 11 PM Fridays and Saturdays; 4, 8, and 10 PM Sundays; 8 and 10 PM Tuesdays through Thursdays. Fri 12/7 through Sun 12/9, McCoy Tyner Trio. Tue 12/11 through Sun 12/16, Joey DeFrancesco & Papa John DeFrancesco with Paul Bollenback and Byron Landham. 312-670-2473.
JOE’S BE-BOP CAFE & JAZZ EMPORIUM Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand: Restaurant. Music after 6 PM; matinee performances on Sundays. Fridays, Skinny Williams. Sundays, 11 AM-3 PM, Katherine Davis; 5 PM, Sonny Turner Quintet. Mondays, Ken Chaney. Tuesdays, Franz Jackson & His Jazz Entertainers. Wednesdays, Ken Saydak. Thursdays, Erwin Helfer & the Chicago Boogie Ensemble. 312-595-5299.
JOY-BLUE 3998 N. Southport: Mondays, 9 PM, Long Count Quartet. 773-477-3330.
KATERINA’S 1920 W. Irving Park: Fri 12/7, 9:30 PM, Hinda Hoffman with the Ron Perillo Quartet. Sat 12/8, 9 PM, Erwin Helfer. Wed 12/12, 8 PM, Bobby Broom & Matt Pinizotto. Thursdays, 9 PM, John Brumbach Quartet. 773-348-7592.
LOGO 311 W. Superior: Tue 12/11, 7:30 PM, Yves Francois Swing Band. 312-951-2849.
LUSH LIFE 226 E. Ontario: Fridays and Thursdays, 9 PM, Anne Pringle & Mark Burnell. 312-649-5874.
MAGNUM’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE 225 W. Ontario: Sundays, 5:30 PM, Scott Holman. 312-337-8080.
MAGNUM’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE 1701 W. Golf, Rolling Meadows: Fridays and Saturdays, 6 PM, and Mondays, 5 PM, Scott Holman. 847-952-8755.
MARTYRS’ 3855 N. Lincoln: Sun 12/9, 8 PM, Bobby Broom Trio. Sun 12/16, 8 PM, Zach Brock Quartet. 773-404-9494.
METROPOLE ROOM Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus: Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, 9 PM, Nick Colionne. Mon 12/10, 4:30 PM, Elaine Dame. Tue 12/11, 4:30 PM, Erin McDougald. Wed 12/12, 4:30 PM, Marshall Vente Trio. Thu 12/13, 4:30 PM, Erin McDougald; 9 PM, Spider Saloff. Fri 12/14, 9 PM, Nick Colionne. Sat 12/15, 9 PM, Nanette Frank, Concept, Just Friends, Roz Ellington (studio recording for cable TV program Muzic ‘N Session). 312-565-6665.
MICHAELS’S JAZZ BISTRO 530 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/7, Jeff Marx Trio. Wed 12/12, Airborne. Fri 12/14, Warren Chiasson Trio. Sat 12/15, Henry Johnson & Organ Express. 630-446-4001.
MOOSE LODGE 1799 Green Bay, Highland Park: Sun 12/9, 3 PM, Eddie Barrett & the Goodman Legacy Band with vocalists Gingi & Lou Nocera. 847-446-8700.
NERVOUS CENTER 4612 N. Lincoln: Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Bob Falesch. 773-728-5010.
NEVIN’S LIVE 1450 Sherman, Evanston: Wednesdays, 9 PM, the Ken & Jim Show. 847-869-0450.
NEW APARTMENT LOUNGE 504 E. 75th: Tuesdays, 10 PM, open jam with Von Freeman & friends. 773-483-7728.
NO EXIT 6970 N. Glenwood: Thu 12/13, 7 PM, Cosmic Cabaret hosted by Brian Imig with Rebecca Pavlatos, Harrison Bankhead & Mwata Bowden. 773-743-3355.
PETE MILLER’S STEAKHOUSE 1557 Sherman, Evanston: Restaurant with music at 8:30 PM; no cover. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Erie Street. Mondays, Typhanie Monique Duo. Tuesdays, Bobby Broom Trio. Wednesdays, Frank Catalano Trio. Thursdays, Judy Roberts & Greg Fishman. Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15, Redd Holt Quartet. 847-328-0399.
PHILANDER’S OAK PARK 1120 Pleasant, Oak Park: Fridays, 9:30 PM, King Fleming Trio. Saturdays, 9:30 PM, Rankinfyle. Sundays, 5:30 PM, Kara Kesselring. Mondays, 7:30 PM, Sami Scot. Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Mark Stevens. Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Jackie Allen & Judy Roberts. Thursdays, 7:30 PM, John Wright Duo. 708-848-4250.
PHYLLIS’ MUSICAL INN 1800 W. Division: Mondays, 9 PM, Corey Radford/Scott Anderson Quartet. 773-486-9862.
POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE 2934 N. Sheffield: Fri 12/7, 6 PM, Donny Nichilo; 9 PM, Typhanie Monique Quartet. Sat 12/8, 9 PM, Joanie Pallatto Quartet. Sundays, 8:30 PM, Russell Rowe Trio with McKinley Carter. Mondays, 8:30 PM, Judy Roberts & Greg Fishman. Wed 12/12, 8:30 PM, Jeremy Kahn Trio. Thu 12/13, 8:30 PM, Tito Carrillo Quartet. Fri 12/14, 6 PM, Donny Nichilo; 9 PM, Bobby Lewis Quartet. Sat 12/15, 9 PM, Brienn Perry Quartet. 773-472-1000.
POPS HIGHWOOD 214 Green Bay, Highwood: Music at 8:30 PM. Fri 12/7, Pat Hall & the Fat Guys. Sat 12/8, Ken Chaney Trio. Mon 12/10, Cobra Kai. Tue 12/11, Steve Frisbie, Liam Davis. Fri 12/14, Rankinfyle. Sat 12/15, 9 PM, Franz Jackson Quartet. 847-266-1313.
PRODIGAL SON BAR & GRILL 2626 N. Halsted: Thursdays, 9:30 PM, open mike (no cover). 773-248-3093.
ROSARIO’S RESTAURANT 5956 W. Higgins: Music after 7 PM. Thursdays, Frank Lamphere Trio. 773-775-7525.
RUMORS 4500 N. Lincoln: Saturdays, 10 PM, guitarist Scott Stenten & His Group. 773-271-9944.
SAUSSY 1156 W. Grand: Restaurant. Fridays, 7:30 PM, Denise La Grassa Trio. 312-491-1122.
SLICK’S LOUNGE 1115 N. North Branch: Thursdays, 8 PM, Vince Green & 7th Avenue. 312-932-0006.
SMOKE DADDY 1804 W. Division: Tuesdays, 9:30 PM, Taku Akiyama Quintet. 773-772-6656.
SOPRANOS 2901 N. Sheffield: Bar and restaurant. Saturdays, 9 PM, Frank Lamphere Quartet performs music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin (no cover). 773-871-0990.
TIAWANNAS MEXICAN CANTINA 2115 W. Galena, Aurora: Sat 12/15, 6:30 PM, Zvonimir Tot Duo. 630-264-0634.
UNDERGROUND WONDER BAR 10 E. Walton: Fridays, 8 PM, Kimberly Gordon Duo; 11 PM, Lonie Walker & Big Bad Ass Company Band. Saturdays, 11 PM, Lonie Walker & Big Bad Ass Company Band. Tuesdays, 8 PM, Lonie Walker; 10 PM, Kimberly Gordon Quartet; 1 AM, Mark Madsen. Wednesdays, 8 PM, Brian O’Hern; 10:30 PM-4 AM, Lonie Walker & Big Bad Ass Company Band. 312-266-7761.
VELVET LOUNGE 21281/2 S. Indiana: Music after 9:30 PM. Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, Douglas Ewart & the Inventions. Sundays, 6:30 PM, jam session with pianist Jim Baker, bassist Josh Abrams, saxophonist Dennis Winslett, and percussionist Colby Watkins. Thu 12/13, Dave Rempis. Fri 12/14 and Sat 12/15, Malachi Thompson’s Freebop Band with Ari Brown. 312-791-9050.
VIKING STEAK HOUSE 27 W 150 Roosevelt, Winfield: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-11 PM, jam session with Bruce Oscar Trio (no cover). 630-653-2110.
international
concerts
MAJED AJAMIA, JOEL FRANKEL, JIM KENDROS MARGO ROBINSON Free concerts, lectures, and stories in a program entitled “Cultural Understanding During the Holidays.” Sun 12/16, 2-5 PM, Evanston Historical Society, 225 Greenwood, Evanston. 847-475-3410.
BAMEI performs “From China With Love” (benefits the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Fund). Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Park West, 322 W. Armitage. 773-929-5959 or 312-559-1212.
ENSEMBLE ESPANOL, LAS GUITARRAS DE ESPANA, ALL CITY JR. ENSEMBLE ESPANOL perform at a holiday extravaganza with the Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater. Fri 12/7, 6 PM, Alumni Hall, Student Union Building, Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. Saint Louis. 773-442-4636, ext. 4.
LIRA ENSEMBLE presents its annual “Polish-American Christmas Gala.” Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Regina Dominican Auditorium, 701 Locust, Wilmette. 773-539-4900.
LA POSADA: A MEXICAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION features a holiday sing-along. Sun 12/16, 4 PM, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. 773-728-6000.
international
clubs
BLACK FOREST 8840 Waukegan, Morton Grove: Saturdays, 6 PM, cimbalom player Alex Udvary. 847-965-3113.
CAFE DOLCE 749 N. Clark: Fridays, 10 PM, “Mediterrano” night: bands perform music from the Middle East and Europe. 312-397-0000.
DOUBLE DOOR 1572 N. Milwaukee: Sat 12/8, 10 PM, El Vez (Christmas show), Casolando. 773-489-3160.
HOTHOUSE 31 E. Balbo: Sat 12/8, 10 PM, Chicago Samba. Fri 12/14, 10 PM, William Gomez con Cache Orchestra (preceded by salsa dance lessons at 9 PM). Sat 12/15, 10 PM, Orquesta Latira. Sun 12/16, 8 PM, Las Guitarras de Espana. 312-362-9707.
KATERINA’S 1920 W. Irving Park: Sundays, noon-2 PM, flamenco guitarist Eugenie Danilov. 773-348-7592.
THE NOTE 1565 N. Milwaukee: Thursdays, 10 PM, Chicago Samba. 773-489-0011.
LA PENA 4212 N. Milwaukee: Restaurant with music at 7 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, Tribus Futuras performs Andean music. Thursdays, Ecuadorian vocalist Alex Silva. 773-736-9498.
SLICK’S LOUNGE 1115 N. North Branch: Mondays, 7 PM-2 AM, DJ Eddie “Mozkito” Cruz spins salsa (with dance lessons by Manny Lopez). 312-932-0006.
TANGO SUR 3763 N. Southport: Wednesdays, 8 PM, Argentine pianist Mauro Frosio plays tango. 773-477-5466.
classical
ALEGRE STRINGS performs at a black-tie benefit for Merit School of Music. Sat 12/8, 7 PM, South Shore Cultural Center, 7509 S. South Shore Dr. 312-786-9428.
ALICE MILLAR CHAPEL CHOIR AND BRASS ENSEMBLE AND NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY PHILHARMONIA in a Christmas concert. Sun 12/9, 11 AM (with “prelude music” at 10:35 AM), Alice Millar Chapel, Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan, Evanston. 847-491-5441 or 847-467-4000.
MICHELLE AREYZAGA soprano, with pianist Andrew Lenhart (Handel, Thiman, Ravel, Hoiby, Barber). Fri 12/7, 12:10 PM, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut. 312-787-2729 or 312-787-4570.
BAKER MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHANCEL CHOIR AND SAINT CHARLES FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA perform Bach’s Magnificat in religious services. Sun 12/9, 9 and 10:30 AM, Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, Third and Main, Saint Charles. 630-584-6680.
MEREDITH BARBER, CHRISTOPHER RICHARD, AND COLM FITZMAURICE soprano, baritone, and tenor, with the Irving Park Community Children’s Choir and others in a “Christmas Extravaganza.” Sun 12/9, 2 PM, Irving Park Lutheran Church, 4100 N. Harding. 773-267-1666.
BELLA VOCE Anne Heider conducts a Christmas concert (Byrd, Mouton, Guerrero, Palestrina, and others). Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Alice Millar Chapel, Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan, Evanston. Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, St. Procopius Abbey, 5601 College, Lisle. Sun 12/16, 3 PM, St. Clement’s Church, 642 W. Deming. 312-461-0723.
CAMERATA SOCIETY OF CHICAGO (Brahms, R. Strauss). Sun 12/16, 5:30 PM, Campagnola Restaurant, 815 Chicago, Evanston. 847-475-6100.
CHICAGO A CAPPELLA Jonathan Miller conducts a holiday concert. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Community United Methodist Church, 20 N. Center, Naperville. Sun 12/9, 7:30 PM, Lutkin Hall, Northwestern University, 700 University, Evanston. 773-755-1628 or 800-746-4969.
CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA David Katz conducts a free holiday concert (Tchaikovsky and others). Thu 12/13, noon, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State. 312-554-2012.
CHICAGO CHAMBER CHOIR Timm Adams conducts a program of “seasonal songs.” Sun 12/16, 3 PM, Unity Lutheran Church, 5409 N. Magnolia. 312-409-6890.
CHICAGO CHORAL ARTISTS Marty Swisher conducts a holiday concert (Holst, Vaughan Williams, traditional, and others). Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1509 Ridge, Evanston. Sun 12/9, 4 PM, North Shore Baptist Church, 5244 N. Lakewood. Sun 12/16, 3 PM, St. James Episcopal Cathedral, 65 E. Huron. 312-458-9009.
CHICAGO CHORALE Bruce Tammen conducts Advent evensong. Sun 12/9, 4 PM, Church of Saints Peter and Paul, 3745 S. Paulina. 773-523-3410.
CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan: Fri 12/7, 1:30 PM, and Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Daniel Barenboim, conductor, with violinist Itzhak Perlman and flutist Mathieu Dufour (Bach, Mendelssohn, Boulez, Ravel). Wed 12/12, 7:30 PM, Daniel Barenboim, conductor and piano (Mozart, FurtwĹ ngler). See Critic’s Choice. Thu 12/13, 8 PM, Fri 12/14, 1:30 PM, and Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Daniel Barenboim, conductor, with soprano Jane Eaglen (FurtwĹ ngler, R. Strauss). See Critic’s Choice. “Pre-concert conversations” take place one hour and 15 minutes before performances. 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114.
MEMBERS OF THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Duane Wolfe, conductor, with the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Chicago Children’s Choir, Beverly Neighborhood Choir, and others in a Christmas concert. Fri 12/14, 7:30 PM, Sat 12/15, 3 PM, and Sun 12/16, 3 and 7:30 PM, Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114.
CHICAGO TEMPLE CHOIR performs Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies in a free concert. Sun 12/16, 2 PM, Chicago Temple/First United Methodist Church, 77 W. Washington. 312-236-4548.
CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA OF ST. CLEMENT Randall Swanson conducts Handel’s Messiah in a period-instruments performance. Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, and Sun 12/9, 4:30 PM, St. Clement’s Church, 642 W. Deming. 773-281-0371.
CHORAL ENSEMBLE OF CHICAGO with the Kithara Trio in a holiday concert (Saint-Saens and others). Sun 12/9, 3:30 PM, St. Pauls United Church of Christ, 2335 N. Orchard. 773-935-3800.
CHUTE MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS AND HANDBELL CHOIR Fri 12/14, 12:10 PM, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut. 312-787-2729, ext. 252.
COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY CONCERT BAND in a free holiday concert. Sun 12/9, 7:30 PM, Mainstage Theatre, Performing Arts Building, College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington, Grayslake. 847-543-2300.
COMBINED CHOIRS OF ST. JOHN CHURCH-BAPTIST Randall Johnson conducts Handel’s Messiah. Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, St. John Church-Baptist, 4821 S. Michigan. 773-536-3216.
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY BAND in a free concert. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Chapel of Our Lord, Concordia University, 7400 Augusta, River Forest. 708-771-8300.
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY AND COMMUNITY PIANO PROGRAM FACULTY RECITAL Free admission. Sat 12/8, 6:30 PM, Chapel of Our Lord, Concordia University, 7400 Augusta, River Forest. 708-771-8300.
EMILY DAVIS AND JULIA MILLER flute and guitar (Beaser, Hoover, Liebermann, Piazzolla, Tower, Miller). Sun 12/16, 7 PM, Thoresen Performance Center, Music Institute of Chicago, 300 Green Bay, Winnetka. 847-446-3822.
ELGIN CHORAL UNION in a holiday concert. Sat 12/15, 4 and 8 PM, Harry and Phyllis Blizzard Theatre, Visual and Performing Arts Center, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan, Elgin. 847-214-7225.
ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE CONCERT BAND James Kull conducts a holiday program. Wed 12/12, 7:30 PM, Visual and Performing Arts Center, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan, Elgin. 847-622-0300.
ELGIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Robert Hanson, conductor, with the Saint Charles Singers and vocal soloists (Handel, Messiah). Sun 12/16, 3:30 PM, Hemmens Auditorium, 150 Dexter, Elgin. 847-888-4000.
FAT BEAN 2959 Artesian, Naperville: Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, guitarist Dave Byron. 630-922-9821.
FIRST ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH CHOIR J. David Stech conducts a free Christmas concert (Britten, Praetorius, and others). Sun 12/16, 4 and 7:30 PM, First St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1301 N. LaSalle. 312-642-7172.
FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FESTIVAL CHOIR in a service of lessons and carols for Advent. Sun 12/16, 6:30 PM, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut. 312-787-4570.
MIRIAM FRIED, SARA BITLLOCH, AYANO NINOMIYA, MILA GEORGIEVA, BURCHARD TANG, BRIAN CHEN, MARK KOSOWER, MIGUEL ANGEL CLARES, AND FINGHIN COLLINS violins, violas, cellos, and piano (Barber, Beethoven, Bartok, Mendelssohn). Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Bennett-Gordon Hall, Ravinia Festival, Green Bay and Lake Cook Rds., Highland Park. 847-266-5100.
NORMA GENTILE soprano, sings music of Hildegard von Bingen. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Healing Earth Resources, 3111 N. Ashland. 773-327-8459. Sun 12/9, 4 PM, Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge, Evanston. 847-864-1330.
GLEN ELLYN CHILDREN’S CHORUS in a holiday concert. Sat 12/15, 7 PM, Edman Memorial Chapel, Wheaton College, Washington and Franklin, Wheaton. 630-858-2471.
GLENBARD WEST HIGH SCHOOL MADRIGAL CHOIR performs Renaissance and holiday songs. Sun 12/16, 2 PM, Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst. 630-834-0202.
GREATER BETHESDA BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR Janet Fowler Underwood, conductor, with soprano Jonita Lattimore, contralto Gloria Spencer Brown, tenor Cornelius Johnson, and baritone Kenneth Nichols (Handel, Messiah). Sun 12/9, 4 PM, Greater Bethesda Baptist Church, 5301 S. Michigan. 773-483-6147 or 708-957-3699.
STUDENTS OF GRIFFITH VOICE STUDIO perform “classic holiday favorites.” Sun 12/9, 2 PM, Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst. 630-834-0202.
HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE with pianist Jorge Federico Osorio (Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein, and others). Thu 12/13, 7:30 PM, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University, 1977 South Campus Dr., Evanston. Sun 12/16 (free concert), 3 PM, Highland Park High School, 433 Vine, Highland Park. 847-926-9267.
HIGHLAND PARK STRINGS Francis Akos, conductor, with flutist Eugenia Zukerman (Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Barber). Sun 12/9, 3 PM, Elm Place School, 2031 Sheridan, Highland Park. 847-831-3810.
HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL CHAMBER AND GALLERY SINGERS sing Advent vespers at Holy Name Cathedral, 730 N. Wabash: Sun 12/9, 4 PM (PĹ rt and others, with organ recital by Samuel Soria at 3:30 PM). Sun 12/16, 4 PM (Howells and others, with organ recital by Gary Patin at 3:30 PM). 312-664-6963.
HOTHOUSE 31 E. Balbo: Wed 12/12, 8 PM, guitarist Jeff Parker, keyboardist Jim Baker, cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm, woodwindist Guillermo Gregorio, pianist Amy Williams, percussionist Carrie Biolo, violinist Jen Paulson, double bassist Michael Cameron, and sound artist Lou Mallozzi in a program of music by Cornelius Cardew (see Post No Bills). 312-362-9707.
JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE CHORALE Philip Spencer conducts a free holiday concert (Pergolesi, Rutter, and others). Sun 12/9, 3 PM, Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt, Joliet. 815-280-2223.
JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE Terry Peeples conducts a free concert. Tue 12/11, 7:30 PM, Fine Arts Theatre, Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt, Joliet. 815-729-9020.
LISETTE KIELSON AND PATRICK O’MALLEY perform recorder duets of Telemann in a free performance. Sat 12/15, 2 PM, Gallery Bonfiglio, 5412 N. Clark. 773-293-3138.
LAKESIDE PRIDE CONCERT BAND, BROADWAY CHOIR Sun 12/9, 7 PM, Preston Bradley Center, 941 W. Lawrence. 773-381-6693.
LOYOLA ACADEMY CHAMBER SINGERS, CONTEMPORARY VOCAL ENSEMBLE, STRING ENSEMBLE, AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Kenneth A. Bartosz and Phillip D. Donley conduct a holiday concert. Sat 12/8, 2 PM, St. James Chapel, Quigley Preparatory Seminary, 103 E. Chestnut. 312-787-3532.
LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker: Fri 12/7, Mon 12/10, and Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, Sir Andrew Davis, conductor, with bass
Samuel Ramey, baritone Nathan Gunn, and tenor Kim Begley (Britten, Billy Budd). Sat 12/8, Tue 12/11, and Thu 12/13, 7:30 PM, and Sun 12/16, 2 PM, Mark Elder, conductor, with soprano Elizabeth Norberg-Schulz and mezzo-soprano Alice Coote (Humperdinck, Hansel and Gretel). 312-332-2244.
greg mccullum piano, in a Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert (Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninoff). Wed 12/12, 12:15 PM, Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-744-6630.
METROPOLIS YOUTH SYMPHONY Robert Ian Winstin, conductor. Wed 12/12, 7:30 PM, and Sat 12/15 and Sun 12/16, 2:30 PM, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. 847-577-2121.
ROBERT MOCKUS organ (Handel and others). Fri 12/14, 7:45 PM, Pullman United Methodist Church, 11211 S. Saint Lawrence. 773-785-7344 or 773-928-1824.
MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO ORCHESTRA Frank Winkler conducts a free concert. Tue 12/11, 7:30 PM, Thoresen Performance Center, Music Institute of Chicago, 300 Green Bay, Winnetka. 847-446-3822.
MUSICIANS CLUB OF WOMEN presents soprano Erin Wood in a free recital. Mon 12/10, 12:15 PM, Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 708-442-9453 or 312-744-6630.
NAPERVILLE CHORUS, CHAMBER SINGERS, AND FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA AND YOUNG NAPERVILLE SINGERS Jeordano Martinez, John Warfel, and Anne Kasprzak conducts a Christmas concert. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Pfeiffer Hall, North Central College, 310 E. Benton, Naperville. 630-637-7469 or 630-357-4019.
NORTHBROOK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Lawrence Rapchak, conductor, with soprano Michelle Areyzaga, mezzo-soprano Tracy Watson, baritone Philip Kraus, and the Jubilate Children’s Choir (Bach, Handel, Purcell, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Britten, Humperdinck). Sun 12/9, 4 PM, Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer, Northbrook. 847-272-0755.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY CHORALE, SYMPHONIC CHOIR, AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA in a Christmas concert (Bach, Poulenc). Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, and Sun 12/9, 3 PM, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University, 1977 South Campus Dr., Evanston. 847-467-4000 or 847-491-5441.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SYMPHONIC BAND AND SINGERS in a holiday concert (Bach, Nelson, and others). Fri 12/7, 7:30 PM, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University, 1977 South Campus Dr., Evanston. 847-467-4000 or 847-491-5441.
PACIFICA STRING QUARTET (Dvorak, Janacek, Schubert). Fri 12/7, 7:30 PM, Lutkin Hall, Northwestern University, 700 University, Evanston. 847-467-4000 or 847-491-5441.
JOHN PACKARD AND SARI GRUBER baritone and soprano (Schubert, Schumann, Wolf, Mahler, Ives, Barber, Robson, Heggie, and others). Fri 12/14, 8 PM, Bennett-Gordon Hall, Ravinia Festival, Green Bay and Lake Cook Rds., Highland Park. 847-266-5100.
ITZHAK PERLMAN AND DANIEL BARENBOIM violin and piano (Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven). Sun 12/9, 2 PM, Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114.
PRAIRIE BRASS BAND Dallas Niermeyer conducts a holiday concert. Sun 12/16, 3 PM, John Hersey High School, 1900 E. Thomas, Arlington Heights. 847-523-4467.
PROTEGE PHILHARMONIC in a free Christmas concert (Bizet, Ponchielli, R. Strauss, Tchaikovsky, and others). Sun 12/16, 3 PM, Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-341-1521 or 312-744-6630.
PROTEGE PHILHARMONIC OF CHICAGO in a free performance. Sat 12/8, 2 PM, Chicago Music Mart, DePaul Center, 333 S. State. 312-362-6700.
REMBRANDT CHAMBER PLAYERS (Telemann, Tafelmusik). Sun 12/9, 2 PM, St. Chrysostom’s Church, 1414 N. Dearborn. 847-328-4883.
RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHANCEL CHOIR Judith Hanna conducts Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Sun 12/9, 4 PM, Riverside Presbyterian Church, 116 Barrypoint, Riverside. 708-447-1520.
ST. HILARY CHURCH FESTIVAL CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA Mark Rachelski conducts Benjamin Britten’s Saint Nicolas. Sun 12/9, 4 PM, St. Hilary Church, 5601 N. California. 773-561-3474.
ST. ITA PARISH CHURCH CHOIRS in a free holiday concert. Sun 12/16, 7 PM, St. Ita Church, 5500 N. Broadway. 773-561-5343.
ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH CONCERT CHORALE AND ORCHESTRA, GLEN ELLYN CHILDREN’S CHORUS Carl Grapentine and Emily Ellsworth conduct a Christmas concert (Handel, Bach/Gounod, and others). Sat 12/8, 8 PM, St. Michael’s Church, 1633 N. Cleveland. 877-827-1304.
SASLOW SEXTET (Tchaikovsky). Fri 12/7, 5:30 PM, Judy A. Saslow Gallery, 300 W. Superior. 312-943-0530.
SCHOLA ANTIQUA OF CHICAGO performs Gregorian chant. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Winnetka Congregational Church, 725 Pine, Winnetka. Sun 12/9, 3 PM, St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church, 1039 W. 32nd. 312-208-1159.
JEFFREY SIEGEL piano, in a lecture-concert (Debussy, Ravel, Saint-Saens, Faure, Poulenc). Fri 12/14, 7:30 PM, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University, 1977 South Campus Dr., Evanston. 847-467-4000 or 847-491-5441.
SING-ALONG MESSIAH Philip Simmons, conductor, with orchestra and vocal soloists. Free admission. Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Christian Heritage Academy, 315 Waukegan, Northfield. 847-475-4819.
SING-ALONG MESSIAH James Mack conducts the Chicago Chamber Orchestra. Sun 12/9, 3 PM, First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. 708-386-1081 or 708-383-4983.
SING-ALONG MESSIAH Stephen Alltop, conductor. Free admission. Sun 12/9, 4 PM, North Shore United Methodist Church, 213 Hazel, Glencoe. 847-835-1227.
SING-ALONG MESSIAH featuring the Du Page Symphony Orchestra and vocal soloists. Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, St. Raphael Church, 1215 Modaff, Naperville. 630-830-2237.
SING-ALONG MESSIAH Michael Poulos, conductor, with the North Suburban Symphony of Lake Forest in a benefit for Public Action to Deliver Shelter. Sun 12/16, 4 PM, Gorton Community Center, 400 Illinois, Lake Forest. 847-234-4150.
SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND Ray Forlenza conducts a holiday concert (Tchaikovsky, Sousa, Vaughan Williams). Sun 12/16, 3 PM, Dorothy Menker Theater, Fine and Performing Arts Center, Moraine Valley Community College, 10900 S. 88th, Palos Hills. 708-974-5500.
VIENNA WALTZ ENSEMBLE (Rossini, J. Strauss, Delibes, Diabelli, Rihovsky, Pamer, Possinger, and others). Sun 12/9, 2 PM, Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar, Northbrook. 847-272-6224.
VISIONS chamber ensemble in a holiday concert. Fri 12/7, 7:30 PM, First United Methodist Church, 1560 Hinman, Evanston. 847-864-4531.
WAUKEGAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CNCERT CHORUS with baritone Clifton Davis in a holiday concert. Sun 12/16, 4 PM, Waukegan High School, 2325 Brookside, Waukegan. 847-360-4740.
WHEATON COLLEGE CONCERT CHOIR, MEN’S GLEE CLUB, WOMEN’S CHORALE, HARP ENSEMBLE, AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Paul Wiens, Mary Hopper, Faye Seeman, and Daniel Sommerville conduct a Christmas concert (Schutz, traditional, and others). Fri 12/7 and Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Edman Memorial Chapel, Wheaton College, Washington and Franklin, Wheaton. 630-752-5010.
WILLIAM FERRIS CHORALE Paul French conducts a Christmas concert (Paulus, Gallus, Tye, Hassler, Rachmaninoff, Bartolucci, Waddell, French). Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 690 W. Belmont. 773-325-2000.
WINNETKA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, CHANCEL CHOIR, CHILDREN’S CHOIR, AND BRASS ENSEMBLE Royce Eckhardt conducts a free Christmas concert (Bach, Mendelssohn, Rutter, Vaughan Williams). Sun 12/9, 5 PM, Winnetka Presbyterian Church, 1255 Willow, Winnetka. 847-446-7777.
YOUNG NAPERVILLE SINGERS in a holiday concert. Sun 12/9, 2 and 4:30 PM, Pfeiffer Hall, North Central College, 310 E. Benton, Naperville. 630-369-9679.
ANNA ZAWADZKA, BOGDAN KOSOPUD, GENE SCHLABACH, AND ANNETTE LAMBETA flute, baritone, piano, and mezzo-soprano, with chamber orchestra conducted by Zenon Modrycki (Mozart, Vivaldi, and others). Sat 12/15, 7:30 PM, Arts Center, 200 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. 708-457-2030.
fairs & festivals
ILLEGITIMATE ARTS FESTIVAL ACM Chicago Arts Program, third floor, 3340 N. Clark: Fri 12/14, 6 PM, student musicians perform “free-style jazz to hip-hop.” 773-529-4458, ext. 10.
miscellaneous
MAJED AJAMIA, JOEL FRANKEL, JIM KENDROS MARGO ROBINSON Free concerts, lectures, and stories in a program entitled “Cultural Understanding During the Holidays.” Sun 12/16, 2-5 PM, Evanston Historical Society, 225 Greenwood, Evanston. 847-475-3410.
CHICAGO GAY MEN’S CHORUS Holiday concert. Fri 12/7, 8 PM, and Sat 12/8, 5 and 8:30 PM, Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. 773-935-6860 or 312-902-1500.
EDGEWATER SINGERS Diane Aitken conducts a holiday concert. Sun 12/15, 7:30 PM, Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1244 W. Thorndale. 773-561-4766.
ELMWOOD PARK CIVIC CHORUS Laura Voigt conducts a Christmas program. Sat 12/8, 7:30 PM, Elmwood Park Parks and Recreation Center, 2 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park. 708-453-5847 or 708-453-2992.
FESTIVE SINGERS host a holiday singalong. Sat 12/8, 11 AM, Borders Books & Music, 161 Weber, Bolingbrook. 630-771-9560. Sun 12/9, 11 AM, Borders Books & Music, 3539 E. Main, Saint Charles. 630-443-8160. Sun 12/16, 11 AM, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 101 Rice Lake Square at Danada, Wheaton. 630-871-9595.
DOMINIC GAUDIOUS Free in-store performances. Fri 12/7, noon, Borders Books & Music, 150 N. State. 312-606-0750. Sat 12/8, 2 PM, Borders Books & Music, 2817 N. Clark. 773-935-3909. Sun 12/9, noon, Borders Books & Music, 830 N. Michigan. 312-573-0564. Sun 12/9, 4 PM, Borders Books & Music, 2210 W. 95th. 773-445-5471.
HEALING EARTH RESOURCES 3111 N. Ashland: Fri 12/7, 8 PM, Norma Gentile performs Gregorian chants of Hildegard von Bingen. 773-327-8459.
BENITA HILL Holiday concert. Wed 12/12, 7 PM, Transitions Bookplace, 1000 W. North. 312-951-7323.
IDF MUSICAL ENSEMBLE Free holiday concert by members of the Israel Defense Forces. Tue 12/11, 7 PM, Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3760 N. Pine Grove. 312-372-8500, ext. 2.
KIDS FARE: WINTER WONDERS Children’s holiday concert. Sat 12/8, 10:30 AM, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University, 1977 South Campus Dr., Evanston. 847-467-4000 or 847-491-5441.
LAKESIDE SINGERS Holiday concert under the direction of Robert Bowker. Sat 12/8, 8 PM, Evanston Cultural Center, 610 Grove, Evanston. Sun 12/9, 7 PM, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 220 Plum Grove, Palatine. 847-446-3822.
MELODEERS CHORUS Holiday concert. Sun 12/9, 1 and 3:30 PM, Rolling Meadows High School, 2901 W. Central, Rolling Meadows. 800-222-7552.
MUSICHORALE in a Christmas concert. Sun 12/9, 3:20 PM, Palos Country Club, 13100 Southwest Hwy., Palos Park. 708-423-1124.
NEW CLASSIC SINGERS in a family holiday program. Sat 12/15, 1 PM, and Sun 12/16, 4 PM, Harold D. McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, Park and Fawell, Glen Ellyn. 630-942-4000.
MICHAEL OFFUT Children’s concert of holiday songs and storytelling. Sat 12/15, 2 PM, Thomas Hughes Children’s Library, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State. 312-747-4200.
SCHUBAS 3159 N. Southport: Sun 12/16, 4 PM, children’s show with Ralph Covert. 773-525-2508.
SONGS FOR THE SEASON Local high school choirs perform. Fri 12/7, 12:30 PM, grand staircase, Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan and Adams. 312-443-3600.
SONGS OF GOOD CHEER Holiday
sing-along hosted by Eric Zorn & Mary Schmich; benefits the Chicago Tribune’s holiday fund. Fri 12/14, 7:30 PM, and Sat 12/15, 4 and 7:30 PM, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. 773-728-6000.
VON TRAPP CHILDREN SINGERS Free concert by the great-grandchildren of Captain Georg von Trapp accompanied by author William Anderson. Sat 12/8, 11 AM, Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson, Naperville. 630-355-2665. Sat 12/8, 1 PM, Anderson’s Bookshop, 5112 Main, Downers Grove. 630-963-2665. Sat 12/8, 3 PM, Anderson’s Bookshop, 176 N. York, Elmhurst. 630-832-6566.
WINDY CITY GAY CHORUS, UNISON: WINDY CITY LESBIAN & GAY SINGERS, WINDY CITY SLICKERS, LAKESIDE PRIDE BRASS Holiday concert entitled “Do You Sing What We Sing?” features a carol sing-along. Fri 12/14, 8 PM, and Sun 12/16, 3 PM, auditorium, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State. Sat 12/15, 8 PM, Emanuel Congregation Auditorium, 5959 N. Sheridan. 773-404-9242.
YULETIDE UNPLEASANTNESS HardArt Group concert of music by Messiaen, John Elmquist, a spoof on the Nutcracker Suite & more with Susan Cook, Scott Anderson, John Creeger, and Darren Scorza. Mon 12/10, 7:33 PM, auditorium, Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster. 773-275-6492.