Arts and entertainment calendar for Dec. 27

Updated: January 28, 2013 2:50PM

HOLIDAY

Holiday Magic

The holiday lights festival will be held through Dec. 31 at Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. Activities include ice-carving demonstrations, a laser light show, singing to the animals, live music and entertainment, magic shows and more. Several animal exhibits will be open until 8 p.m. during Holiday Magic, and there will be a 6:30 p.m. Dolphin Show each evening of the event. On Dec. 31, families can join in an early countdown to the New Year at the Zoo Year’s Eve celebration, starting at 6 p.m. with holiday music, games and prizes. Holiday Magic activities are free (with the exception of rides and photo opportunities) with paid admission of $15; $10.50 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are free. Car parking is $10. Visit www.CZS.org/events or call (708) 688-8000.

“Viennese Pops New Year’s Eve with a French Twist”

New Philharmonic Orchestra performs Viennese musical selections from Strauss and Stolz, as well as French orchestral pieces and arias featuring coloratura soprano Kiri Deonarine, 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at Dominican University’s Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. $65; $63 seniors; $55 youth. Call (630) 942-4000.

New Year’s Eve singles party

Held 8 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Westin Hotel, 400 Park Blvd., Itasca. Featuring DJ and dancing in the Mahagony Ballroom, raffles, midnight champagne toast. $22; special room rates and dinner/room packages available. Call (847) 266-2706 or visit www.thunderbirdsingles.com.

Twelfth Night celebration

The Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest will host a traditional party that marks end of the holiday season at 3 p.m. Jan. 6 at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Ave.. Oak Park. A quartet of carolers, Ninth Muse, will perform. $25; $20 for members. Reserve online at www.oprfhistory.org or call (708) 848-6755.

STAGE

“The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs”

Jeff-award winner Lance Baker takes on Mike Daisey’s monologue Jan. 10-Feb. 9 at 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays. No show Feb/ 9 at 5 p.m.; added show at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4. $18 general admission. Call (708) 795-6704 or visit www.16thstreettheater.org.

“Das Barbecu”

The musical comedy will be presented Jan. 18-Feb. 2 at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $18; $16 seniors. Call (708) 656-1800 or visit www.jpactheatre.com.

“Singin’ in the Rain”

Through Jan. 13 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The performance schedule is 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. $35-$46, with discounts available for students and seniors. Lunch and dinner theater packages available for $49.75-$68. Call (630) 530-0111 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

“Skylight”

Jan. 10-Feb. 10 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. $45-$65; $35-$45 for previews, Jan. 10-18. Call (773) 753-4472 or visit www.courttheatre.org.

CLASSICAL

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra

“The Glorious Baroque,” 3 p.m. Jan. 27 at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst. The program includes works by Bach and Handel. $29; $27 seniors; $7 students. Call (630) 941-0202 or visit www.elmhurstsymphony.org.

The Twelfth Night: A Celebration in Song

Several Oak Park choral organizations will perform at 4 p.m. Jan. 6 at First United Church, 848 Lake St., Oak Park. Featured will be the Schola Children’s Choir of Grace Episcopal Church, the Unity Temple Choir of Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the Chancel Choir of First United Church, the Pro Musica Choir of the Oak Park and River Forest Children’s Choir, and the Chancel Choir of Pilgrim Congregational Church. The program includes Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” music from Handel’s “Messiah,” and spirituals by American composers. Admission is free, but there will be a collection to benefit the Oak Park Food Pantry. For information, call Dennis Northway, (773) 764-5003.

Unity Temple Concert Series

Held at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park, at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets: $17-$33; proceeds benefit the restoration and upkeep of the historic Frank Lloyd Wright structure. (708) 445-8955. www.utconcerts.com. Jan. 26: Lincoln Trio.

POP/FOLK/JAZZ

FitzGerald’s

6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. (708) 788-2118. www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. Tuesdays, 9 p.m.: Open mic in the SideBar. Dec. 27, 8 p.m.: Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra, Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts, Luella & the Sun (rock). $10. Dec. 27, 8 p.m.: Country Night in Berwyn celebrates the holiday, in the SideBar, $5. Dec. 28, 9 p.m.: Soul Vendor plus Velvet Jimis, Bumpus (rock/soul). $10. Dec. 28, 9 p.m.: Cannonball in the SideBar (rock). Free. Dec. 29, 8 p.m.: Robbie Fulks Raps Up 2012 (roots/rock). $15. Dec. 30, 6 p.m.: Shout Section Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.: New Year’s Eve Dance Party with the Becca Kaufman Orchestra, $25. Jan. 4, 9 p.m.: Pezband, Tomorrow the Moon (rock). $10. Jan. 5, 8 p.m.: Savoy Brown (blues). $25. Jan. 6, 6 p.m.: Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Jan. 9, 8 p.m.: Chicago Singer Spotlight, $8. Jan. 11, 9 p.m.: Ralph Covert’s Acoustic Army (rock). $10. Jan. 12, 9 p.m.: Webb Wilder, Falling Stars (rock). $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Jan. 13, 6 p.m.: Chicago Grandstand Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Jan. 13, 8 p.m.: John Fullbright in the SideBar (folk rock). $15. Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Revolutionary Swing Orchestra (jazz). $10; $5 ages 17 and under. Jan. 17, 8 p.m.: Bad Sneakers Orchestra (rock). $10. Jan. 18, 9 p.m.: Rico Birthday Bash (world music). $10. Jan. 20, 6 p.m.: Chicago Outskirts Big Band (jazz) $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Jan. 25, 9 p.m.: Marcia Ball (blues). $20. Jan. 27, 6 p.m.: John Burnett Orchestra with Frieda Lee (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Feb. 1-2, 9 p.m.: C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band (zydeco). $15. Feb. 3, 6 p.m.: Chicago Grandstand Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Feb. 6, 8 p.m.: “The SideBar Sessions” with New Standard Quintet (jazz). $5. Feb. 7, 8 p.m.: James McCandless with Ron Lazzaretti (folk/rock). $10. Feb. 8, 9 p.m.: Terrance Simien (zydeco). $15. Feb. 10, 6 p.m.: Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Feb. 13, 8 p.m.: “The SideBar Sessions” with The Peter Lerner Quartet (jazz). $5. Feb. 15, 9 p.m.: Tributosaurus becomes The Band (rock/tribute). $20. Feb. 16, 9 p.m.: Deacon Blues (rock/tribute). $15. Feb. 17, 6 p.m.: Limited Edition Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Great Postmodern Nightmare Big Band (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Feb. 20, 8 p.m.: “The SideBar Sessions” with Jarod Bufe Quartet (jazz). $5. Feb. 24, 6 p.m.: John Burnett Orchestra (jazz). $10; $5 for ages 17 and under. Feb. 27, 8 p.m.: “The SideBar Sessions” with BakerzMillion (jazz). $5.

Oak Park Public Library

Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Jan. 24, 7 p.m.: Folk music concert by Dennis Stroughmatt.

Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah

Presented at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 and 3 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $30-$74. Call (312) 431-2357 or visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org.

ART GALLERIES

Expressions Graphics

29 W. Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 386-3552. www.expressionsgraphics.org. Through Dec. 28: “Holiday Lights” print show.

Gallery Pink

149 Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 648-3131. www.gallerypink-elkinsstudio.com. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. Through Jan. 27: “Holiday Lights,” works by outsider artist Howard McClain; ceramic artists Kristi Sloniger, Gina Lee Robbins, Michelle Kuo, Mei Wu and Ann Primack; wood sculptor Jim Lawrence; photographers John Padour, Marsha Pallazzola and Tom Palazzola; and paper cutter Richard Shipps.

North Riverside Mall Theatre

7501 W. Cermak Road, Riverside. www.classiccinemas.com. January: Oil paintings by local artist Tanya Gadbaw.

Oak Park Art League

720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-9853. www.opal-art.com. Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Through Dec. 28: “Anything Goes.” Jan. 11-Feb. 1: “Beginnings.” Artists’ reception will be 7-9 p.m. Jan. 11.

Oak Park Conservatory

615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 386-4700. www.oakparkconservatory.org. Jan. 1-Feb. 27: “The Beauty of Nature,” watercolors by Susan Becker, and art glass by Oak Park artist Jim Katovich.

Oak Park Public Library

834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Through Dec. 30: “Streams,” ink on paper by Keith J. Taylor.

Prairie Title Company

6821 W. North Ave., Oak Park. Exhibits are presented by the Oak Park Area Arts Council; call (708) 386-9853 or visit www.opal-art.com. Through Jan. 8: Works by Aldo Romeo, Tim Leeming, Phil Malhiot and Sallie Wolf.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Variety show auditions

Saint Peter and Paul Lutheran Church, 250 Woodside Road, Riverside, will hold auditions 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 29. Seeking variety acts for a Feb. 9 Mardi Gras fundraiser for the 2013 Appalachia Service Project Trip. Call (708) 442-5250.

Call for artists

Amdur Productions, an art festival production company, has issued its annual call for artists. Artists can apply online at www.amdurproductions.com. All applications must be received by midnight Jan. 11; late applications will be accepted through Jan. 18 for an additional processing fee. Festivals include: Barrington Art Festival, May 25-26; Promenade of Art Arlington Heights, June 8-9; The Art Center’s Festival of Fine Craft, Highland Park, June 22-23; Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival, Glencoe, July 5-7; Buffalo Grove Invitational Art Festival, July 13-14; North Shore Festival of Art, Skokie, July 27-28; Glencoe Festival of Art, Aug. 3-4; Art at the Glen Town Center, Glenview, Aug. 10-11; Lincolnshire Art Festival, Aug. 17-18; Port Clinton Art Festival, Highland Park, Aug. 24-25; Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival, Sept. 7-8; Highwood Last Call Starving Artist Art Fair, Sept. 21-22; The Inside Show, Highland Park, Nov. 22-24.

BOOKS & POETRY

Author appearance

Jared Diamond, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel, appears at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park, to share stories from The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies? A reception and signing with Diamond will be held at Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., immediately following his presentation. Tickets are $21.50, with proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library. Purchase tickets online at http://jareddiamondinoakpark.eventbrite.com/

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243. www.centuriesandsleuths.com. Jan. 19, 2 p.m.: Mystery Discussion Group discusses Return to the Same City by Paco Ignacio Taibo. Jan. 27, 2 p.m.: Jeanette Conant discusses and signs A Covert Affair: Paul and Julia Child in the OSS in World War II.

Dominican University

Anti-racist writer and activist Tim Wise will present a lecture as part of a week of activities honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 in the Martin Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Wise is the author of five books, including White Like Me: Reflections on Race From a Privileged Son and, most recently, Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat From Racial Equity.

Oak Park Public Library

Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org.Jan. 16, 1 p.m.: Discussion of In the Garden of Beasts by Eric Larson.

Oak Park Public Library

Dole Branch, 255 Augusta, Oak Park. (708) 386-9032. Jan. 15, noon: Brown Bag Book Group discusses The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall. Jan. 27, 2 p.m.: Inspiration: Living Life Mindfully book group discusses Learning to Fall: The Blessings of an Imperfect Life by Phillip Simmons.

Oak Park Public Library

Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. Jan. 3, 7 p.m.: Graphic Novel Discussion Group discusses Ghost World by Daniel Clowes.

CHILD’S PLAY

Oak Park Public Library

Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. Jan. 2, 3 p.m.: “Brave,” rated PG.

DANCE

Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

1306 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 369-8330. www.colum.edu/dancecenter. Jan. 18-19, 8 p.m.: Peformance by Double Edge Theatre, a Massachusetts-based ensemble working in a unique form of devised physical theatre incorporating choreography, aerial flight, puppetry and circus arts. $30.

Willowbrook Ballroom

8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. www.willowbrookballroom.com. (708) 839-1000. Dec. 30 and Jan. 13, 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Teddy Lee Orchestra, $14. No jeans or gym shoes. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with live music by the Teddy Lee Orchestra. Dance package, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., $35 per person in advance; $45 at the door. Dinner and dance packages available, featuring cocktail reception, multi-course dinner, and champagne toast at midnight. Jan. 2, 9 and 16, 7:30-11 p.m.: Salsa lessons and dancing, $10. No partner needed. Jan. 4, 8 p.m.: Good Time Charley Singles Dance. $6 before 8:15 p.m.; $8 after 8:15 p.m. Jan. 5, 7:30 p.m.: Swing dancing with the Flat Cats Band. $12; $10 students. Jan. 6, 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Steve Anthony Orchestra, $14. No jeans or gym shoes. Jan. 8 and 15, 7:30-10 p.m.: Country and western lessons and dancing. $8. Jan. 11, 7-11 p.m.: “Boppin at the Brook” country and wesern dance. $8. Jan. 18, 8 p.m.: Winter Dance Party featuring tributes to Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. $20 general admission; $25 reserved. Jan. 19, 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.: Annual Salsa Championships and Party. Jan. 20, 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Ballroom dancing to music by The Ron Smolen Orchestra, $14. No jeans or gym shoes.

FILM

First Tuesday Film Club

The Danish film “A Royal Affair” will be screened at noon and 7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Lake Theater, 1022 Lake St., Oak Park. Discussion will follow both screenings. $8.50; $6 seniors and matinee. Visit www.classiccinemas.com.

Movie night

“people v .the state of illusion” will be screened at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Unity of Oak Park, 405 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park. The film features thinkers in the fields of neuroscience, biochemistry, psychology, quantum physics, sociology and consciousness theory. Free. For information, call (708) 848-0960.

Oak Park Public Library

Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. Jan. 9, 1 p.m.: Silence is Golden Film Series features “The Temptress,” starring Greta Garbo.

LECTURES

Oak Park Public Library

Main Library, 834 Lake St. (708) 383-8200. www.oppl.org. Jan. 27, 2 p.m.: “Chicago and the Art of Migration, 1900-1950,” presented by David Stark of the Art Institute of Chicago. Presented in collaboration with the Art Associates of Oak Park and River Forest. Jan. 27, 2 p.m.: Charlie DeWitt of the Lyric Opera Lecture Corps will present the history and music of “Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg.”

ORGANIZATIONS

Oak Park Photography Club

Meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 in the Veterans Room of the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, to view and critique photographs taken by members. All skill levels are welcome.

The Oak Park Writers’ Group

Meetings from 6:30-9 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at the Oak Park Library, 834 Lake St. Writers share their work and discuss it with the group. The Writers’ Group also sponsors a Second Sunday Open Mic, a free performing venue, from 5-7 p.m. the second Sunday of every month at the Eastgate Café, 102 Harrison St., Oak Park. Poets, storytellers, acoustic musicians, comedians, playwrights, singers and dancers are all welcome to perform. E-mail oakparkwritersgroup@yahoo.com.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Bead in Hand

145 Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 848-1761. Dec. 29, 2-4:30 p.m.: Dollapalooza: Necklace Making for Young Beaders and their Dolls (ages 6 and up). $22 fee includes all materials for two necklaces. Advance registration required.

Oak Park Public Library

Maze Branch, 845 S. Gunderson Ave., Oak Park. (708) 386-4751. www.oppl.org. Jan. 8, 7 p.m.: Adult Improv Workshop. All skill levels welcome.

ET CETERA

Cernan Earth and Space Center

At Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. (708) 583-3100. www.triton.edu/cernan. Through Dec. 30: Earth & Sky Shows, 7:30 p.m., and laser shows, 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; children’s show, 2 p.m. Sundays; and Sunday Sampler, 3 p.m. Sundays. Earth & Sky Shows feature “Celebrations of Winter,” a multimedia program that uses slides, panoramic scenes, video, a wraparound film segment and a variety of special effects to illustrate how different cultures throughout the world celebrate the winter season. Laser concerts include the “Winter Wonderlight” laser show, suitable for all ages and featuring music and images related to the holiday season. $8-$10; $4-$5 for children and senior citizens.

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