12 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 7, 2015 4:48PM
Andrew Bird plays his annual Gezelligheid shows this week. Photo via the artist's Facebook.
Music, food, pedway tours and more await you in this week's events guide.
MONDAY DECEMBER 7
COZY CONCERT: Hometown violinist and pop musician Andrew Bird plays the first of four Gezelligheid (think cozy) concerts at the Fourth Presbyterian Church tonight at 8 p.m. These special intimate concerts have become something of a tradition for Bird, playing almost every holiday season for years. Tickets are $42.50.
BOURBON DINNER: Warm up with dinner and a bourbon tasting from Chicago Reader Monday night at RM Champagne Salon from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The four course prix fixe dinner prepared by chef Anthony Dirienzo will be specially paired with Woodford Reserve cocktails. Tickets are $65. 21+
TUESDAY DECEMBER 8
GET YOUR ARCHITECTURE ON: The Chicago Architecture Biennial only has one month left to go, but there are still plenty of events connected to it you might not want to miss. Tuesday night's lecture is Making of the Lakefront Kiosks and will explore designs for the four lakefront kiosks commissioned by the Chicago Architecture Biennial therough both competition and local collaboration. The lecture is at the Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater at 6 p.m. The event is free but RSVP if you plan to attend.
BRITISH INVASION: The 1975 have been swiftly building a Stateside following over the last 2 years. A couple EPs were followed by a debut album that solidified their melding of Britpop rock hooks with slight dance rhythms, creating a concoction that quickly entranced a legion of fans. They play The Riv Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m., and while the show is sold out there are still tickets available at various online resellers.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9
BEER + LEARNING: The Field Museum and Revolution Brewing team up once again for an evening of learning paired with brews and snacks. Emily Graslie of The Brain Scoop will lead a discussion with Associate Curator of Zoology, Janet Voight about life at the bottom of the ocean. Tickets are $22. 21+
CHRISTMAS TOUR: The husband and wife duo Johnnyswim's roots are in a country twang, but their debut Diamonds injected a whopping dose of "big rock production" into the mix. But the basis of what makes them successful is the lovely blend of Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano's voices; their pairing draws listeners into the songs and keeps them there. Their 2nd Annual Christmas Tour brings them to Thalia Hall at 7 p.m., and tickets are $25.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 10
PEDWAY TOUR: Former Chicagoista Margaret Hicks kicks her Pedway Tour into holiday gear with the Holiday Pedway Tour Extravaganza. On Thursdays at 4 p.m. and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. join Hicks as she shows you the best holiday decorations downtown without ever going outside. For more bold tour-goers, join her Winter Tour that is completely outdoors and comes with the option of battery operated heated coats from Milwaukee Tool Company. For a complete list of tour times and to reserve a spot, visit
chicagoelevated.com.
DANCE: Hubbard Street Dance presents a program of all-female choreographers opening Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. and running through Sunday matinee. The Season 38 Winter Series features the premiere US production of Solo Echo from Crystal Pite along with world premieres from Penny Saunders and Yin Yue. Company member Robyn Mineko Williams will also present her trio, Waxing Moon. Tickets start at $30.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 11
IRISH MARKET: Northcenter gets into the holiday spirit with Chicago’s Irish Christmas Market all weekend. The Northcenter Town Square will be transformed into a European outdoor marketplace complete with live entertainment and products from more than 25 vendors. Free.
TAP FUNDRAISER: The 1st Annual ARC ANGEL event benefiting The American Rhythm Center and Chicago Human Rhythm Project takes place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. inside the Fine Arts Building. The fundraiser will have refreshments along with a raffle and ugly sweater contest, plus performances from CHRP ensemble BAM!, Founder and Artistic Director Lane Alexander's Tap 2 and more. Tickets are $10.
Photo by Marc Monaghan.
NUTCRACKER: This weekend Hyde Park School of Dance presents their annual presentation of The Nutcracker with dancers ranging from the age of 4 to grandparents. This year they’ve added a Holiday Bazaar with an opportunity to meet characters from the show, make holiday crafts and shop for gifts from local vendors. They’ll also have a hot chocolate bar and other treats available. The bazaar opens on Saturday, but showings of The Nutcracker begin Friday night at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 for seniors, $10 for children age 5-18).
DIVA CHRISTMAS: Emmy Award Winning Actor/Comedian Leslie Jordan joins Amy and Freddy for the annual tradition show, How The Diva Stole Christmas. See the fabulous story at Hydrate at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are $30.