On Jan. 23 in Batavia, see “Ballroom with a Twist,” featuring popular performers from “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol.”

Arts & Entertainment Calendar

There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at what’s coming up this season in our many arts venues.

On Jan. 23 in Batavia, see “Ballroom with a Twist,” featuring popular performers from “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol.”
On Jan. 23 in Batavia, see “Ballroom with a Twist,” featuring popular performers from “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol.”

November

FVR: Christmas on Broadway
Nov. 13-Dec. 28, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Four star-struck holiday tourists snowbound in a shuttered Broadway theater on Christmas Eve break out props, costumes and set pieces and perform favorite holiday songs. From Fox Valley Repertory. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6342, pheasantrun.com.

Mary Poppins
Nov. 26-Jan. 4, Wed.-Sun., see website for times. The hit Broadway musical based on the classic Disney film, with all of the memorable songs and lavish dance numbers. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.

The Nutcracker
Nov. 29-30, Sat. 2 & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Sugarplum fairies, nutcrackers and delightful dancers will dazzle you in Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, performed by State Street Dance. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, bataviafineartscentre.org.

Holiday on Ice
Nov. 30, 5 p.m. A fun-filled joyous frozen production for the winter holidays. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, oshows.com.

December

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Nov. 14-Dec. 7, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 3 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Musical comedy based on Charles Shulz’ beloved comic strip characters. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

A Christmas Carol
Nov. 28-Dec. 24, see website for days/times. Dickens’ classic holiday tale of miserly Scrooge’s redemption adapted for the stage. Metropolis Performing Arts Center (Metropolis), 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

White Christmas
Dec. 4-14, Th.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. A lively musical production, based on the popular holiday film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, and featuring 17 classic Irving Berlin songs including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and of course, “White Christmas.” Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 4-15, Fri.-Sun, see website for times. Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, with sugarplum fairies, nutcrackers and delightful dancers, performed by the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, ci.schaumburg.il.us.

Second City’s Holiday in the Heights
Dec. 4-31, see website for days/times. Hilarious send-up of all the holiday activities we actually love, and the ones we love to hate. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Second City Dysfunctional Holiday Review
Dec. 5-21, Th.-Sun., see website for times. Get ready to laugh off your seasonal anxieties with a raucous blend of sketches, songs, satire and improv. Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountarts.com.

Reduced Shakespeare Co.: The Ultimate Christmas Show
Dec. 6, 8 p.m. It’s the Annual Holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church, where three members must perform the entire show by themselves when none of the acts show up. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.

Trans Infinity Orchestra
Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Some of Chicagoland’s top musicians, lighting techs and sound engineers create a tribute experience in sight and sound to Trans Siberian Orchestra. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

Legally Blonde Jr.
Dec. 6-21, Sat. 10:30 a.m., Sun. 7:30 p.m. Harvard’s beloved blonde and the FVR Youth Ensemble take the stage by glittery-pink storm in this fabulously fun musical based on the hit 2001 film. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.

Sunday Afternoon Concert: Brass Quintet
Dec. 7, 2-3 p.m. ESO Brass Quintet: Madrigals to Jazz and Everything In-Between. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the concert. Free tickets at Registration Desk. Gail Borden Public Library (GBPL), 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Party Ever
Dec. 7, 5 p.m. Hear all of the great Christmas songs, plus some Ronnettes hits. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

Ho-Ho-Hoey’s Rockin’ Holiday Show
Dec. 8, 8 p.m. Guitarist Gary Hoey rocks out Christmas hits for rockers. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

Lakeside Singers
Dec. 8, 8 p.m. This ensemble of 24 Chicago-area professional singers perform the very best in vocal music in this holiday concert. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Irish American Heritage Singers
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. Irish and Irish-Americans make up this 45-member group that performs traditional Irish and Irish-American music, including holiday selections for this concert. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Tinsel Time with Dave Herzog’s Marionettes
Dec. 11, 10-10:45 a.m. A variety show where puppets sing and dance to celebrate the holiday season. Ages Pre-K and up. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Dec. 11-21, Th. 7:30 p.m.., Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The Dickens classic, told from Jacob Marley’s point of view, with one actor portraying all of the familiar characters. Steel Beam, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.

Frank Sinatra’s 99th Birthday Party
Dec. 12, 8 p.m. An incredible night of food and music featuring Frank Sinatra Jr. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 12, 8 p.m. A festive combination of contemporary and classic holiday music. A Raue holiday tradition. Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.

Jim Peterik & The Ides of March Christmas Show
Dec. 13, 8 p.m. Holiday show, with original and classic seasonal music, plus some of the group’s hits, like “Vehicle.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

Fox Valley Orchestra (FVO): Winter Song
Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. Charles King, guest chorus master; Maura Brown, violin. Humperdink: Prelude to Hansel & Gretel; Hely-Hutchineson: Carol Symphony; Vivaldi: The Four Seasons: Winter; Anderson: Sleigh Ride; Mathias: Sir Christemas; Mendelssohn: Vom Himmel hoch; Berlioz: The Shepherd’s Farewell; Susa: A Christmas Garland. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, foxvalleyorchestra.org.

ESO: Magical Holiday Concerts
Dec. 13-14, Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Stephen Squires, resident conductor. A truly magical experience awaits you at the ESO holiday concerts. Featuring your favorite holiday music, the concerts are perfect for the whole family. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 13-21, Fri.-Sun., see website for times. Sugarplum fairies, nutcrackers and delightful dancers will dazzle you in Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, performed by the Judith Svalander Dance Theatre. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.

DSO: Christmas ’Round The World
Dec. 14, 2 & 4 p.m. Barbara Schubert, conductor. Join the DuPage Symphony Orchestra for a family-friendly, heartwarming concert of music of the season. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets: (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.

FVO: Winter Song
Dec. 14, 3 p.m. Crimi Auditorium, Aurora University, 407 S. Calumet Ave., foxvalleyorchestra.org.

Sing-Along Messiah
Dec. 14, 4 p.m. The Voices In Harmony choir joins the McHenry County College Chorus, a 25-piece orchestra, soprano soloist Kirsten Leslie and the audience in performing Handel’s great masterwork. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians with Al Pierson
Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. The Lombardo Orchestra is the longest-running dance orchestra in the world, with over 500 hit songs – more than any other in the world. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Family Film: Smurfs Christmas Carol
Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. When Grouchy refuses to get into the Christmas spirit, he soon finds himself visited by the Smurfs of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Then, join us to make handmade origami ornaments. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

George Winston
Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. This pianist plays a variety of musical styles, seasonal favorites and selections by Vince Guaraldi from the “Peanuts” specials. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

LeAnn Rimes One Christmas
Dec. 18, 8 p.m. The country singer performs holiday favorites and selections from her new album One Christmas – Chapter 1. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

A Very Electric Christmas
Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Nutcracker soldiers with candy canes, naughty Rats, an electric Christmas tree surrounded by presents, glow worms, dancing flowers and other creatures that light up the stage, along with timeless Christmas songs from stars like Nat King Cole, Tchaikovsky & Mariah Carey – plus a few surprises. From Lightwire Theater. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.

The Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 20-21, Sat. 3 & 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, performed by the Berkshire Ballet Theatre. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

Robin Zander Band
Dec. 20-21, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. The Cheap Trick lead singer with his own Rock ‘N Roll band and Cheap Trick hits. Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

FVO: Sing-Along Messiah
Dec. 21, 3 p.m. Join the Fox Valley Orchestra and Chorus in a performance of Handel’s masterpiece. BYO score or purchase at event. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, foxvalleyorchestra.org.

“Ed Hall’s Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night”
Dec. 23, 8 p.m. Four National Fingerstyle Guitar Champions will present unique and entertaining arrangements and popular holiday favorites. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, woodstockoperahouse.com.

Winter Film Festival: Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return (2014)
Dec. 26, 2-4 p.m. Dorothy wakes up in post-tornado Kansas, only to be whisked back to Oz to try to save her old friends from devious villain Jester. PG, 88 minutes. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

The BoDeans
Dec. 27, 8 p.m. Over the past 20 years, Waukesha boys Sam Llanas and Kurt Neumann have forged a signature sound of heartfelt lyrics, passionate harmonies and ringing guitars, with hits like “Closer To Free” and “Good Things.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

Winter Film Festival: Maleficent (2014)
Dec. 29, 2 p.m. A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

New Year’s Event Comedy Show
Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Featuring Steve Cochran. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

FVR: Christmas on Broadway
Dec. 31, 4 & 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve special performances of this holiday musical revue. Pheasant Run, St. Charles, (630) 584-6342.

January

Winter Film Festival: Rio 2 (2014)
Jan. 2, 2-4 p.m. It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their kids when they’re hurtled to the wilds of the Amazon. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Chicago Comedy Tour
Jan. 2, 8 p.m. WGN favorites Pat Tomasulo, Ana Belaval and Mike Toomey present a hilarious night of non-stop laughs. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Denny Diamond & The Diamond Trio Band
Jan. 3, 7 p.m. The uncanny similarity of this singer’s voice to the unique baritone of Neil Diamond has made him a popular performer throughout the Midwest for nearly a decade. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

ESO Master Class: Philippe Quint
Jan. 9, 4-5:30 p.m. Witness the learning process as this award-winning American violinist works with area students on technique and musicianship. Free. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Veronica’s Room
Jan. 9-Feb. 8, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. This chilling mystery thriller by the author of Rosemary’s Baby explores the thin line between fantasy and reality, madness and murder. Steel Beam, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.

Mary Mack’s Holiday Recovery Comedy Show
Jan. 10, 7 p.m. Folk humorist and comedian Mary Mack is a favorite on radio shows around the country. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Mike Toomey’s TV and Me
Jan. 10, 8 p.m. See how the role television played in this comedian’s childhood has shaped his adult life, with over 200 slides and soundbytes from TV shows and his dead-on impressions of celebrities. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

ESO: Passionate Drama
Jan. 10-11, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Andrew Grams, music director; Philippe Quint, violin. Smetana: Sarka Barber: Violin Concerto; Dvorak: Symphony No. 7 in D minor. Hemmens, Elgin, elginsymphony.org.

Only Owls: Traveling Art Exhibit
Jan. 10-March 8, visitor center hours. Forty artistic representations in pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor and woodcut, from the Woodson Art Museum. Owl facts and artifacts by the Conservation District complement the exhibit and blend art and natural history. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Glacial Park, 6316 Harts Road, Ringwood, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.

Chicago Harp Quartet
Jan. 11, 2:30 p.m. Presenting unique and charismatic performances of harp ensemble chamber music. Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.

Classic Films: Royal Wedding (1951, NR)
Jan. 12, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. A brother-and-sister dance act (Fred Astaire, Jane Powell) whose New York show has recently closed, are asked to perform in England at the time of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding, and each develops a British love interest. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Tommy
Jan. 14-Feb. 15, Th.-Sun., see website for times. The Who rock opera, about Tommy, the catatonic teen who’s catapulted to fame as the blind “Pinball Wizard.” Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.

Private Lives
Jan. 15-Feb. 15, Th.-Sun., see website for times. A divorced couple runs into each other honeymooning with their new spouses, fall back in love and elope, and their abandoned spouses show up. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Close to You: Tribute to The Carpenters
Jan. 17, 8 p.m. The Carpenters’ beautiful, memorable songs performed by singer Lisa Rock and her 6-piece band. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

Winter Blues Bash 2015
Jan. 17, 5 p.m. Five different blues groups perform: Altered 5, Aaron Williams Hoodoo, Alex Wilson Band, Reverend Raven, and Jim Liban. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900.

Sunday Afternoon Concert: Silvan Negrutiu
Jan. 18, 2-3 p.m. A free performance by this internationally acclaimed pianist. Refreshments/meet-and-greet follow. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Below Stairs
Jan. 18, 2 p.m. Lecturer Leslie Goddard portrays British servant Margaret Powell, whose best-selling 1968 memoir, Below Stairs, inspired the 1970s series “Upstairs, Downstairs.” $10. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.

Lewis Black: The Rant is Due: Part Deux
Jan. 22, 8 p.m. Humorous observational rantings of the popular comedian, former regular on “The Daily Show” and frequent star on TV’s Comedy Central. Egyptian, DeKalb, egyptiantheatre.org.

Ballroom with a Twist
Jan. 23, 8 p.m. A rotating roster of celebrity hosts and fabulous young dancers and singers, from TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dancing With the Stars” and “American Idol,” pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with the energy and intensity of the latest styles. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, bataviafineartscentre.org.

DSO: Chamber Music
Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m.The DSO Brass Quintet in an informal performance, instrument demonstrations, question-and-answer session. Free. Naperville Public Library 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade, Naperville, (630) 961-4100, naperville-lib.org.

Switchback
Jan. 31, 8 p.m. Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack perform their unique American Roots-Celtic Soul music blend on mandolin, guitar and bass. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.

February

Patsy Cline: She’s Got You
Feb. 5, 7 p.m. A spellbinding performance from powerhouse Broadway vocalist Jenny Lee Stern, celebrating one of country music’s greatest stars. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Creedence Revived
Feb. 6, 7 p.m. Cover band plays all of the great hits in this tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.

Married Alive
Feb. 6, 8 p.m. A funny and touching new musical that looks in on two married couples, one newlywed and one old-ly wed. From Williams Street Rep. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

Gallic Glory
Feb. 6-7, 8 p.m. Barbara Schubert, conductor; North Central College Concert Choir and Women’s Chorale. Poulenc: Gloria in G major; Ravel: Le tombeau de Couperin; Ravel: La valse. Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville, dupagesymphony.org.

A Tribute to James Taylor
Feb. 7-8, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Toronto native Neil Donnell gives a stunningly accurate presentation of more than two dozen classic hits. Woodstock Opera House, (815) 338-5300.

ESO: Much Ado About Music
Feb. 7-8, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Michael Christie, conductor; Michael Sweeney, bassoon. Korngold: Much Ado About Nothing Suite; Mozetich: Concerto for Bassoon and Strings with Marimba; Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major. Hemmens, Elgin, elginsymphony.org.

Classic Films: Saboteur (1942, NR)
Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Alfred Hitchcock’s first film is a wartime thriller involving Nazi sabotage and murder, with the wrongly accused Los Angeles aircraft factory worker on a cross-country chase. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

B-52s
Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. The new wave band with hits including “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” “Roam.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

ESO Master Class: Michael Sweeney
Feb. 13, 4-5:30 p.m. Witness the learning process as the principal bassoonist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra works with area students on technique and musicianship. Free admission, GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Gaelic Storm
Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. The chart-topping, multinational Celtic band, which played in the third-class dancing scene in Titanic, dishes up a hearty serving of its greatest hits. Egyptian, DeKalb, egyptiantheatre.org.

His Way: Sinatra’s Centennial Celebration
Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Entertainer Ron Hawking’s Sinatra tributes are critically hailed. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.

Callipygian Players
Feb. 15, 2:30 p.m. An ensemble of Chicago’s finest period instrument musicians and singers present innovative and exciting concerts of music from the Baroque era (approximately 1600-1750). Fermilab, Batavia, (630) 840-2787.

Peter and the Wolf
Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m. The ESO woodwinds and a narrator present Prokofiev’s classic tale. GBPL, Elgin, (847) 742-2411.

Creole Stomp
Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. Blues, jazz, rock and R&B on fiddle, accordion and washboard create an unforgettable Louisiana sound. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Etta May: Not Just Another Pretty Face
Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. The reigning Queen of Southern Sass, described as Minnie Pearl with a migraine, a regular on the “Bob & Tom Show.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Mr. Big
Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. The rock group’s hits include “To Be With You,” “Wild World,” “Road to Ruin.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

Michael Johnson & John Gorka
Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Johnson is the singer of “Bluer Than Blue” and other landmark songs; Gorka is a musical icon who’s toured with folk artists. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

The Big Meal
Feb. 20-March 15, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The tale of Sam and Nicole, from their first meeting and first kiss to final goodbye. Steel Beam, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521.

ESO: A Night at the Oscars
Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Andrew Grams, music director. Some of the world’s best movie scores. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, elginsymphony.org.

Maxwell Street Klezmer Band
Feb. 21, 7 p.m. Yiddish songs, dance and theater music with clarinet, saxophone, violin, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, percussion and two female singers. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

The Crystal Lake Strikers
Feb. 21, 7 p.m. “An Evening of Percussion” from this group of collegiate and drum corps percussionists. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

Billy Ocean
Feb. 21, 8 p.m. The British R&B singer/songwriter of the 1980s performs, including hits “Suddenly,” “Caribbean Queen,” “When the Goin’ Gets Tough.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.

Mikal Cronin
Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Playing garage-accented pop that reveals more than a passing influence of indie rock of the 1980s and ’90s. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600.

ESO: A Night at the Oscars
Feb. 21-22, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Hemmens, Elgin, elginsymphony.org.

Vicki Lawrence and Mama
Feb. 22, 3 p.m. A featured performer on “The Carol Burnett Show” and star of “Mama’s Family,” in her “two-woman show,” a mix of comedy and music. Paramount, Aurora, paramountarts.com.

The Ugly Duckling
Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. The classic tale told with luminescent puppets. From Lightwire Theatre. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

Bible Bingo
Feb. 26, 8 p.m. The audience plays bingo in this interactive bingo show, with Catholic humor on everything from Adam & Eve to modern sins. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Peter Yarrow
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The songwriter/activist, who produced such Peter, Paul & Mary hits as “Puff the Magic Dragon” and “Day is Done,” performs and talks about his life and career. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, metropolisarts.com.

Jim Belushi
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The alumnus of “Saturday Night Live” and “Second City” with an improvised comedy sketch show, featuring members of the Chicago Board of Improv. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212.

Rare Earth
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The Motown group had ’60s and ’70s hits “Get Ready,” “Losin’ You,” “I Just Want to Celebrate.” Arcada, St. Charles, oshows.com.