There’s so much to do in our region! Here’s a look at what’s coming up this season at some of the many arts venues near you.
October
“Newsies”
Through Oct. 20, see website for times. Underpaid newsboys strike when the owner of a New York newspaper plots to increase revenue, but leaves the boys out of the profit picture. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
“The Addams Family”
Through Oct. 20, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. The quirky Addams family deals with one of the worst things it can imagine – their daughter has grown up and fallen in love with a young man from a respectable family, and she has invited them over for dinner. What could go wrong? Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“Anything Goes”
Through Nov. 2, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. Cole Porter’s classic musical featuring a night club singer, a lovesick stockbroker, a gangster and all-around confusion. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Tribute to the White Album
Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. Christopher Cross, Todd Rundgren, Micky Dolenz, Jason Scheff and Joey Molland celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles classic. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.
Adrian Belew
Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. The singer/songwriter and producer was frontman and guitarist for King Crimson for 30 years. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
1st Friday Art Show
Oct. 4, 5-8 p.m. Featuring work by artists across various media; available for purchase. Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.
Let’s Dance Big Band
Oct. 4, 7 p.m. Dust off your dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of swing-era favorites performed by an 18-member big band. The Listening Room, The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.
Grumpy Old Rock Star Tour
Oct. 4, 8 p.m. Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman of YES plays his solos, early David Bowie and arrangements of Beatles tunes in between sharing insights into his career, which spans more than 50 years. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Bravo Broadway
Oct. 4-5, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2:30 p.m. An evening of Tony-winning favorites performed by stars from the Broadway stage. Friday show at Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org. Saturday show at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Killer Queen
Oct. 5, 8 p.m. The well-established group pays tribute to Freddy Mercury and Queen. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Danzapateado
Oct. 5-6, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Folkloric dancers showcase the varied musical landscape of cultural regions of Mexico. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
Sunday Afternoon Concert
Oct. 6, 2-3 p.m. Isabella Lippi and Sara Sitzer perform duos for violin and cello by Ravel and Kodaly. Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.
Silent Film Night
Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. “The Cat and the Canary” (1927). When an eccentric family gathers for the reading of their uncle’s will in a decaying mansion on the 10th anniversary of his death, murder and madness follow. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Air Force Mid-America Band
Oct. 9, 7 p.m. The 45-piece ensemble’s repertoire ranges from symphonic band masterworks to traditional marches, modern compositions, pops and jazz. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
TUSK
Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. The group entertains with the music of Fleetwood Mac. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
DSO: Inside the Orchestra
Oct. 10, 7:30-9 p.m. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a dress rehearsal, then check out the instrument petting zoo. DuPage Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
“Little Shop of Horrors”
Oct. 10-20, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Meek floral assistant Seymour Kelborn stumbles across a new breed of singing carnivorous plant he names Audrey II, after his coworker crush. Little does he know the plant is intent on global domination. Stage Coach Players, 126 S. 5th St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1940, stagecoachers.com.
“The Odd Couple”
Oct. 11-Nov. 3, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. A fresh spin on Neil Simon’s classic, with female leads as divorced opposites living in the same apartment. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 S. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
DSO: European Explorations
Oct. 12, 7:30-10 p.m. Showcasing music that stretches across Europe from Spain to Germany, with pieces by Ravel, Glinka, Falla and Brahms. DSO, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Blue Oyster Cult
Oct. 12, 8 p.m. For over 40 years, the band has turned out hard rock albums revered by punks, metal heads, sci-fi geeks and horror movie fans. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Da Vinci Concert
Oct. 13, 3 p.m. Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks come to life as his handwriting and sketches are animated through motion graphics that sync to a musical work composed to mark the 500th anniversary of his death. Heartland Voices, ECC Concert Choir, Elgin Master Chorale and Youth Symphony Orchestra. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
Arlo Guthrie
Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Folk music icon Guthrie performs his “Alice’s Restaurant Back by Popular Demand” 52 years after the song came out. Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
3rd Thursday Art Night Out
Oct. 17, 6-8 p.m. Artist Barb Rydz Ross creates vibrant acrylics combining nature and abstraction.
Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Divas3
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. The trio sings the hits of great female singers, such as Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Cher, Dolly Parton, Donna Summer and more. Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1401 W. Wilson St., Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org.
Artimus Pyle Band & Blackfoot
Oct. 18, 8 p.m. A former drummer with Lynyrd Skynyrd honors the music of Ronnie Van Zant; with special guest Blackfoot. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Billy Gardell
Oct. 18, 8-10 p.m. Known for his roles in the television shows “Mike & Molly” and “Young Sheldon,” Gardell shares stories about his rough childhood, wild adolescence and new family life. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Kenny G
Oct. 19, 8 p.m. Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G combines elements of R & B, pop and Latin with a jazz foundation. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Engelbert Humperdinck
Oct. 20, 3 p.m. An evening with the iconic entertainer. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Silent Movie Night
Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (1920). When the good doctor and his somnambulist arrive in town, mysterious murders begin to occur. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Fall Spectacular
Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ECC Arts Center with the Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo and Steel Bands. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
Bobby’s Biggest Hits
Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. Christopher Kale Jones, who starred as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys,” recounts Bobby Darin’s story of a short life lived in the spotlight; songs include “Dream Lover,” “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond the Sea.” Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Marshall Tucker Band
Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. B.B. Borden, Marcus Henderson, Tony Black and Rick Willis join lead guitarist and vocalist Chris Hicks for an evening of your favorite Marshall Tucker tunes. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
4th Friday Art Show at The Dole
Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m. This regional event features an artist solo exhibit, a juried photo contest and art exhibit, vendor artists, live music and a cash bar. Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.
Ruben Studdard
Oct. 25, 8 p.m. The music of Luther Vandross lives on through Studdard’s tribute. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Paula Poundstone
Oct. 25, 8-9:30 p.m. The humorist and author is known for her clever, observational humor and spontaneous wit. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
UFO – 50th Anniversary Tour
Oct. 25-26, 8 p.m. Frontman Phil Mogg’s last shows with the band. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Family Movie Jamboree
Oct. 26, 9 a.m. Enjoy a screening of “Monsters, Inc.,” face-painting, a dress-up photo booth, crafts and treats. “Monsters” costumes encouraged. RSVP. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
John Hiatt
Oct. 26, 7 p.m. Hiatt entertains with “Have a Little Faith” and “Cry Love,” among others. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
Swan Lake
Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. The Russian Ballet Theatre’s new production of Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic. Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.
Farewell Angelina
Oct. 26, 8 p.m. Named after a haunting Bob Dylan song, the all-female country group blends harmonies with blazing double violins and guitars. Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock, (815) 338-5300, woodstockoperahouse.com.
DSO: Arabian Nights
Oct. 27, 2-3 p.m. The family concert for Halloween includes selections with a Middle-Eastern flair from Nielsen, Mussorgsky, Saint-Saëns and Korsakov. Come in costume if you like. DSO, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Chamber Music Concert
Oct. 27, 3-5 p.m. The Elgin Symphony principal players perform a masterpiece of chamber music, “Octet in E-flat Major for Strings, Op. 20,” composed by Felix Mendelssohn at age 16; also “String Quintet No. 4 in G minor, K516,” by Mozart. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Paul Anka
Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. Anka sings Sinatra as well as the hits that have spanned his career. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Live Dead ’69
Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Woodstock; featuring original Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten, performing the Dead’s Woodstock set and an all-star tribute to The Flying Burrito Bros. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Tiffany
Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. The youngest female artist to top the Billboard charts with her debut album, Tiffany performs classic hits and newer edgy pop songs. Prairie Center, Schaumburg, (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org.
November
Nothin’ Up My Sleeve
Nov. 1, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The family-friendly variety show offers up magic, juggling and comedy entertainment with a Halloween theme; non-scary costumes welcomed. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
ESO: Inside the Music
Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. Music Director Andrew Grams and the orchestra explore Ravel’s “Mother Goose” ballet at this casual and relaxed event. ESO, Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
The Fab Four
Nov. 1, 8 p.m. The Fab Four play music from every era of the Beatles. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
First Fridays Improv
Nov. 1 & Dec. 6, 8-9:45 p.m. Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of improvisation, where audience suggestions and stories are turned into hilarious sketches. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
Eddie B
Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Eddie’s comedy is smart, passionate and brutally honest. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
ESO: Bolero! Chabrier, Edwards & Ravel
Nov. 2-3, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Special guest violinist Adele Anthony and the orchestra perform works from these composers. ESO, Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
The Music of Cream
Nov. 3, 7 p.m. Ginger Baker’s son Kofi, Jack Bruce’s son Malcom and Eric Clapton’s nephew by marriage, Will Johns, come together to pay homage to Cream. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
“Lion King Jr.”
Nov. 7-9, Thu.-Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m. Children grades K-9 journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again with Simba, Rafiki and a cast of characters in this coming-of-age tale. Metropolis School of Performing Arts, Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Lean on Me
Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. Former Jersey Boys co-stars Michael Ingersoll and Christopher Kale Jones reunite for an evening of rock anthems from The Everly Brothers, The Righteous Brothers, The Beatles and more. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
Pettybreakers
Nov. 8, 8 p.m. The band re-creates the sights, sounds and experience of a Tom Petty concert. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Fleetwood Max
Nov. 8, 8 p.m. A re-creation of the music of Fleetwood Mac at the height of their career. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
A Bronx Tale
Nov. 10, 3 p.m. Chazz Palminteri’s one-man show tells the coming-of-age story of Calogero Anello, a young New Yorker torn between the temptations of organized crime and the values of his hardworking father. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Operatic Delights
Nov. 10, 7 p.m. The Elgin Master Chorale performs melodies from a dozen different operas. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
Comedy Jam with Jim Flannigan
Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. “Clean” comedian Flannigan plays top comedy clubs around the country and hosts the official Chicago White Sox podcast. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
“Beauty & the Beast”
Nov. 13-Jan. 19, see website for times. Belle happens upon an enchanted castle, where a vain prince under a spell must find love before the last petal of a rose drops or he is doomed to remain a beast forever. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
DSO: Inside the Orchestra
Nov. 15, 7:30-9 p.m. Watch the orchestra for the first hour, then visit the instrument petting zoo. DSO, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
America
Nov. 15-16, 8 p.m. Founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell have been making music together for more than 40 years. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
DSO: Remarkable Russians
Nov. 16, 7:30-10 p.m. Violinist Rachel Barton Pine performs Khachaturian’s “Violin Concerto in D minor,” along with other selections from fellow Russian composer Kalinnikov. DSO, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
Satisfaction
Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. An international touring tribute show to The Rolling Stones. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Queen B’s Improv Comedy
Nov. 16, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, the Queen B improv team receives audience suggestions that inspire family-friendly comedy scenes. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Rita Rudner
Nov. 16, 8 p.m. Known for her one-liners, Rudner has the longest-running solo comedy show in the history of Las Vegas. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
3rd Thursday Art Night Out
Nov. 21, 6-8 p.m. Barrington artist Jim Root speaks about his paintings of the Midwest and Maine, inspired by landscapes and fishing villages. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Patty Smyth
Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Known for her band Scandal as well as her solo work, Smyth plays classics like “The Warrior” and “Only the Young.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Fareed Haque
Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. The virtuoso classical and electric guitarist explores his roots, with unique arrangements of classic popular Latin American songs. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Spoonful of Sugar
Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. Diane Penning and Paul Langford celebrate the musical career of Julie Andrews, with solos and duets from “The Sound of Music,” “Mary Poppins,” “My Fair Lady” and “Camelot.” Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Humble Pie
Nov. 23, 8 p.m. The group represents the pinnacle of early ’70s British blues-rock. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Prognosis
Nov. 23, 8 p.m. An all-star tribute to progressive rock, performing the music of Peter Gabriel; Phil Collins; Genesis; YES; Jethro Tull; King Crimson; and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, among others. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
ESO: Bach & Dvorak
Nov. 23-24, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Join guest conductor Jose Luis Gomez for a performance of Bach, Stravinsky and Dvorák, with virtuosic violins and pulsing rhythms. ESO, Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Uncle Louie Variety Show
Nov. 24, 5 p.m. Entertainers bring back memories of growing up Italian. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Deck the Walls
Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Choose an original piece of art for yourself or for a gift; created by artists from the Barrington Cultural Arts Center. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Christmas Bingo
Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. Brush up on your Yuletide trivia and play for prizes in this interactive show. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Sweater
Nov. 29-Dec. 22, see website for times. Second City roasts the chestnuts out of all the things we lovingly loathe about the holiday season. Paramount, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
“A Christmas Carol”
Nov. 29-Dec. 24, see website for times. Wealthy miser Ebenezer Scrooge is full of humbug until he’s visited by three spirits who help him realize the errors of his ways and embrace the kindness and generosity in his heart. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
“The Ballad of CC Scrooge: #Christmas Makeover”
Nov. 29-Dec. 29, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. In this family-friendly production, find out whether three ghosts and an old business associate can change the stone-cold heart of CC Scrooge, a workaholic entrepreneur. Steel Beam Theatre, St. Charles, (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.
Deacon Blues
Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. A tribute to the large repertoire of Steely Dan. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Heartache Tonight
Nov. 30, 8 p.m. Music from over four decades of Eagles music, including “Take it Easy,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Hotel California.” Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Cornerstones of Rock
Nov. 30, 8 p.m. Featuring The Buckinghams, The Cryan Shames, The New Colony Six, The Shadows of Knight, The Ides of March and other surprise guests. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
December
Christmas with the Nelsons
Dec. 1, 3 p.m. Gunnar and Matthew Nelson blend Everly Brothers-style harmonies and Smothers Brothers-style comedy. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Radio Theatre
Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. It’s Christmas Eve 1945 and only a handful of WVL Radio’s employees have braved the blizzard to perform the live broadcast and keep the station afloat. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Celebrate & Sing
Dec. 3-4, 7:30 p.m. An evening of music performed by the ECC’s in-house ensembles: the Concert Band, Concert Choir, Jazz Combo and Steel Bands. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
The 12 Dames of Christmas
Dec. 4, 3 & 7:30 p.m. Emmy nominee Angela Ingersoll captures the sounds of a dozen divas, including Judy Garland, Julie Andrews and Brenda Lee. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
First Fridays Improv
Nov. 1 & Dec. 6, 8-9:45 p.m. Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of improvisation, where audience suggestions and stories are turned into hilarious pieces. Hemmens, Elgin, (847) 931-5900, hemmens.org.
1st Friday Art Show
Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m. Featuring winter-themed artwork by artists across various media; available for purchase. Dole Mansion, Crystal Lake, (815) 455-8000, lakesideartspark.org.
Nat King Cole Christmas
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Chicago singer Tyrone Martin performs classics such as “The Christmas Song,” “All I Want for Christmas” and many more. Blizzard Theatre, Elgin Community College Arts Center, Elgin, (847) 622-0300, tickets.elgin.edu.
Tower of Power
Dec. 7, 8 p.m. The legendary group represents love, peace and soul power. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
ESO: The Nutcracker
Dec. 7-8, Sat. 2 & 7 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. Local dancers and actors share the stage with seasoned professionals to create a production full of elaborate and enchanting surprises. ESO, Hemmens Cultural Center, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Sinatra Tribute
Dec. 7-8, Sat. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sun. 3-5 p.m. Ron Hawking delivers a 104th Sinatra birthday tribute, “The Song is You.” Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
It’s the Best Time of the Year
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. The Lakeside Singers entertain with jazz, gospel, rock, folk, R&B and other contemporary genres. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Holiday Humbug Comedy Show
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Known as “Uncle Lar,” Larry Reeb is a wise-cracking, politically incorrect relative everyone knows. He’s happy to give tips on everything from marriage to lotteries to children. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Anthony Nunziata in Amore
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Nunziata brings his full tenor voice to great American and Italian love songs. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Jane Lynch, “A Swingin’ Little Christmas”
Dec. 12-14, Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m. Singer-comedian Lynch and sidekick Kate Flannery ring in the holidays with takes on classic holiday tunes as well as nostalgia-inspired originals by bandleader Tony Guerrero. Thurs. show at Batavia Centre, Batavia, (630) 937-8930, bataviafineartscentre.org. Fri.-Sat. shows at Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Christmas at the Silent Movies
Dec. 14, 8 p.m. Holiday-themed silent films – Buster Keaton in “The Frozen North,” Laurel and Hardy in “Big Business” and the first-ever film adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” and “The Night Before Christmas” – are accompanied live with their original orchestral scores. In between films, the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra plays ragtime classics. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/culture.
ESO: Deck the Halls
Dec. 14-15, Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. The holiday concert is a community sing-along for the entire family. ESO, Hemmens, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
English Madrigal Concert
Dec. 15, 3-5 p.m. The award-winning Barrington High School Madrigal ensemble performs a variety of Medieval and holiday tunes at this Renaissance-themed event, complete with elaborate costuming. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
DSO: “Tis the Season”
Dec. 15, 2 & 4 p.m. The annual family holiday concert includes works by German, Rimsky-Korsakov, Respighi and Anderson. Plus, a visit from the big guy in a red suit. DSO, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, Naperville, (630) 778-1003, dupagesymphony.org.
The Lettermen
Dec. 15, 3 p.m. Harmonizing since the early ’60s with hits such as “The Way You Look Tonight” and “When I Fall in Love.” Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.
Sing-Along Messiah
Dec. 15, 4 p.m. Join Voices in Harmony for an afternoon of Handel’s masterwork, accompanied by an orchestra. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Glen Miller Orchestra
Dec. 17, 3 & 7:30 p.m. The most popular big band has been playing swing since 1956. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
Elisabeth von Trapp
Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. A joyous family celebration of festive holiday music from around the world; Ms. Von Trapp tells stories of Christmas in the von Trapp household and in her native Austria. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.
“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 21-29, see website for times. Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim in this interactive, family-friendly show. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Sweater
Dec. 21-31, see website for times. Second City roasts the chestnuts out of all the things we lovingly loathe about the holiday season. Metropolis, Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com
Christmas Carol Sing-along
Dec. 22, 3-4:30 p.m. Bring the family and sing along with favorite traditional carols. Barrington’s White House, Barrington, (224) 512-4115, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
Steve Cochran
Dec. 31, 1 p.m. You can enjoy an afternoon of comedy, music and game shows and be home well before midnight; with Mike Toomey and John DaCosse. Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
American English
Dec. 31, 7 p.m. The tribute band plays selections from “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Let it Be.” Raue Center, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
New Year’s Eve Prince Party
Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Bring in the new year with The Purple Xperience,” a five-piece group from Minneapolis, Prince’s birthplace. Arcada, St. Charles, (630) 587-8400, arcadalive.com.