Entertainment

Weekend picks: Elgin Symphony Orchestra presents 'Hungarian Rhapsody'

Posted January 05, 2018 5:00 am

By Scott C. Morgan

Bella Hristova is a guest soloist with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in performances in Schaumburg and Elgin. Courtesy of Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Classical favorite

Violinist Bella Hristova is the guest soloist for Elgin Symphony Orchestra concerts titled "Hungarian Rhapsody" this weekend at two locations: first at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg; $30-$45; $10 students. Then at Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $30-$65; $10 students. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, in Schaumburg; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, in Elgin

Rustic holiday

Dreaming of a rustic summer hideaway? Then visit the Lake Home & Cabin Show to get ideas or see the latest trends this weekend at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive., Schaumburg. $12; $5 youth ages 5 to 15. (847) 303-4100 or lakehomeandcabinshow.com. 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7

Ember Oceans back home at Nellie's

Ember Oceans has maintained its place as a rising star on the Chicago-area indie pop scene with catchy songs, a champagne-bubbly energy, and a fun, tropical aesthetic. But growth is a part of life, and the Palatine foursome is tackling adulthood head-on, injecting their newer songs with more mature emotion and bringing a darker and funkier rock vibe into the mix. Catch some of their new songs when the guys play an all-ages hometown show at Durty Nellie's, joined by the sugarcoated croonings of August Hotel and The Giving Moon's bouncy jams. 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $10. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.

Palatine's Ember Oceans headlines an all-ages show at Durty Nellie's Friday, Jan. 5. Courtesy of Ember Oceans

Folk tribute

Relive an important cultural moment with the tribute concert "Live in Central Park [Revisited]: Simon and Garfunkel" tonight at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $40-$45. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5

Kevin Webb, left, plays Edgar Allan Poe and Ryan Lanning plays The Raven in Black Button Eyes Productions' Chicago area premiere of the musical "Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe." Courtesy of Cole Simon

Poe-inspired premiere

Edgar Allan Poe, whose life was animated by professional success and personal sorrow, inspired the musical "Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe" by composer/lyricist/writer Jonathan Christenson. Black Button Eyes' Chicago-area premiere, directed by Ed Rutherford, stars Kevin Webb as Poe. The ensemble includes Libertyville native Jessica Lauren Fisher. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago. $30. See blackbuttoneyes.com.

Energetic humor

Comedian Eliot Chang was a regular on "Chelsea Lately" and has been in multiple Comedy Central specials. Catch him starting this weekend at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 524-0001; then at Zanies at 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago. (312) 337-4027. $22 plus a two-item purchase. zanies.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, in St. Charles; 8 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, Jan. 7 to 10, in Chicago

Humor, eh?

Experience humor from north of the border when Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotz returns for another run of standup performances starting Thursday at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5; and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6

Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotz returns to perform standup at the Improv Comedy Showcase in Schaumburg. Associated Press, 2015

Family bonds

Living in rural Illinois and struggling with postpartum depression, new mom Cal seeks help - first from her husband and then from her recently widowed brother - in "Cal in Camo," a family drama by Rivendell Theatre Ensemble member William Francis Hoffman. Rivendell presents the play's Midwest premiere, directed by Hallie Gordon, artistic director for Steppenwolf for Young Audiences. Ashley Neal, Keith Kupferer and Eric Slater star. Previews at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5; 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at 5779 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago. The show opens Jan. 13. $18-$38. (773) 334-7728 or rivendelltheatre.org.

The King's car

Die-hard fans of the King of Rock won't want to miss a special Elvis Presley Celebration featuring a display of his 1974 Cadillac with an appearance by impersonator Travis Morris on Saturday at the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. $15; $9 kids ages 5 to 12. (815) 385-3644 or volocars.com. Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6

'Post to Present'

Celebrate 60 years since John Falter's painting, "Fox River Ice-Skating," put Batavia on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. The Saturday "Post to Present" event features free skating, entertainment and fire pits at the Batavia Depot Museum pond, 155 Houston St., Batavia. Skate rentals and food available for purchase. downtownbatavia.com. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6

Champagne comedy

Soiree Lyrique performs Johann Strauss II's popular comic operetta "Die Fledermaus" in a special English version on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave., Elgin. $25-$30; $15 students. (847) 622-9988 or soireelyrique.org. 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6

'The Good Fight'

Babes With Blades, an ensemble devoted to telling women's stories and providing them emotional and physical expression up to and including violence, presents the premiere of "The Good Fight" by Anne Bertram. The play centers on the Women's Social and Political Union, a militant, women's suffrage group in early 20th century England, whose members staged hunger strikes following their arrests for demonstrating to secure voting rights. After the women were rearrested after regaining their health, a secret, all-female security team was established to protect suffrage movement leaders while fighting "the good fight." Previews at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago. The show opens Jan. 15. $10-$25. See babeswithblades.org.

Boomer humor

The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre presents "The Baby Boomer Show" featuring comedians Jan McInnis and Kent Rader waxing comic about family, kids and careers in what is described as "clean, stand-up comedy for people born before seat belts." 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $30, $35. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com.

American English plays a Beatles tribute show at the Raue Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, Jan. 6.

They're Peppers, too

The band American English performs a Beatles Tribute concert on Saturday at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $20. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6

'Stop the Insanity'

Alternative rock band Social Que headlines the "Stop the Insanity" Suicide Awareness Show to benefit Stand Up Speak Now, a suburban-based anti-bullying organization. The Reggies Rock Club show also features Where's Fernando?, Stratford, When We Was Kids and Infamous Martyrs. Come hear some great local music and support a good cause! 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Reggies Rock Club, 2105 S. State St., Chicago. $10-$12. (312) 949-0120 or reggieslive.com.

West suburban rock band Take the Reins releases its new vinyl albums at BrauerHouse Saturday, Jan. 6. Courtesy of Take the Reins

Take the Reins vinyl release

Courtney Boyers, the vocalist for West suburban-based Take the Reins, knows how to deliver a tender beatdown with soaring melodies that really pack a punch. Good thing, too, since the musicians who played on the band's new album, "Addiction by Subtraction," aren't holding back. The band - rounded out by Matt Benson, Dave Burke and Dan Duffy with Dan Precision stepping in on bass for the recording sessions - embued the recent album with a driving energy that firmly complements Boyers' vocals. The album has recently been given the vinyl treatment, which is available at Take the Reins' Bandcamp site and is being released at the show. The lineup includes Death & Memphis, Blood People and Mystery Actions, so it's going to be a great night to be at BrauerHouse. 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $6-$8. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.

To Chicago - and beyond

Take the kids to explore the wonder of the cosmos during this month's free days at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Illinois residents get free general admission Sunday, Jan. 7, through Friday, Jan. 12, and then again Monday, Jan. 15, through Friday, Jan. 19. Sorry, stargazers, sky shows are not included. (312) 922-7827 or adlerplanetarium.org. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7; open until 6 p.m. on Jan. 15

Concert highlights

• The Obsessives, Bleary Eyed, What Gives, Jaclyn Heuser, The Off Days: 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. $10. (312) 226-6300 or cobralounge.com.

• Ian's Party 2018: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5; 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6; and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago; and Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., Chicago. $12-$15 Friday, $12-$15 Saturday, $10-$12 Sunday and $30-$35 for a three-day pass; 69 bands across two venues and three nights. Check iansparty.com for lineup and schedule information.

Honey and the 45s play Chicago's Lincoln Hall Friday, Jan. 5, with Scotch the Filmmaker, Element and Neon Creek.

• Honey and the 45s, Scotch the Filmmaker, Element, Neon Creek: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $10-$15. (773) 525-2501 or lh-st.com.

• Jonnycatland, Dead Harvest, Aunt Kelly, J Eastman and the Drunk Uncles, As Am I: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $9-$10. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.

• Cloud Zero, From the Start: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at MT Barrels, 1712 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg. Check with venue for ticket information. (847) 285-1169 or mtbarrelsbar.com.

• Still IL, Hitsleep, Out For Hours, Frank Liston: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St., Chicago. $10. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.

• My Double Life, Roxy Swain, Frosting, Gills: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $10. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.

• Pop Punk Night with There Goes the Neighborhood acoustic: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at H.O.M.E. Bar, 1227 E. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Check with venue for ticket information. (847) 749-0253 or homebarchicago.com.

• Jocelyn & Chris Arndt: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $5-$7. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.

• Lucille Furs, The Evening Attraction, Capital Soiree, Cadien Lake James (Twin Peaks), Matt Williams (Post Animal): 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $10-$12. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com.

• CASE, The Slaps: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. $10. (773) 281-4444 or beatkitchen.com.

• American English: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $20-$35. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org.

• Guerrilla Social, Chicago Crossroads Quartet, niiice., What's Our Age Again, She/Her: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $9-$10. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.

• Sons of the Silent Age perform David Bowie's "Berlin" and more, Talsounds and Craftwerc: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. $20-$22; Proceeds benefit patients of NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center. (708) 703-8804 or etix.com.

• Dorothy: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., Chicago. $17.50-$67.50. (312) 666-6775 or bottomlounge.com.

• Lightweights, Burn Rebuild, Fire Fire Fire, Gray Ghost: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Quenchers Saloon, 2401 N. Western Ave., Chicago. $6. (773) 276-9730 or quenchers.com.

• Desmond Jones, The Hacky Turtles: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Tonic Room, 2447 N. Halsted, Chicago. $10. (773) 248-8400 or tonicroom.ticketfly.com.

• Chelusier, Mother Earth, Armadillo, The Recall, Angels of Duality, Evasion: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7 at Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $8-$10. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.

• Dude Same, Juice Cleanse, Girl K: 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Free. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com.

• Ballroom Boxer, Doublespeak: 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Free. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com.

• Courtesy, Desert Liminal, Bell Push: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Free. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com.

• MER's Music Showcase: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St., Chicago. Free. (773) 327-1662 or cubbybear.com.

• Adelitas Way, Deadset Society, Manafest, Late Night Fights, Blacklist Regulars: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at The Forge, 22 W. Cass St., Joliet. $15-$45. (815) 280-5246 or

• Lana Del Rey "LA to the Moon Tour": 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $39.50-$125. (800) 745-3000 or unitedcenter.com.

• Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with the venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings or to add an event, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.

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