Weekend picks: Catch Miles Over Mountains in McHenry, Batavia
Miles from McHenry
McHenry-based four-piece acoustic Miles Over Mountains has only been playing together for two years, but the bandmates are well on their way to making a name for themselves. M.O.M. will be playing a set of shows this week, bringing their mix of original songs and bluegrass and Americana classics to Mackey's Hideout in McHenry with The Big Wu and the Stone Rollin' Devils Friday, Nov. 27, and River's Edge Bar & Grill in Batavia Saturday, Nov. 28. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at Mackey's Hideout, 2601 S. River Road, McHenry. $10. (815) 363-7040 or mackeyshideout.com. 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at River's Edge Bar & Grill, 12 N. River St., Batavia. No cover. (630) 406-9200 or facebook.com/theriversedgebatavia.
Cosley's Festival of Lights
See thousands of twinkling lights, visit with the animals and purchase holiday trees and other greenery at Cosley Zoo's 32nd Annual Festival of Lights at 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. On Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 and 12, guests can meet Santa Claus and make seasonal crafts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A $5 donation per family is requested for the craft/Santa event. Printed photos available for $3 each. Free admission during the festival; donations are welcome. (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.org. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Lights are turned on at 3 p.m. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 24 and 31. Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Light Up the Park!
Get into the spirit of the season with outdoor ice skating, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice-carving demonstrations, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a tree-lighting ceremony, plus see more than 80,000 lights twinkling throughout the park at the Light Up the Park! celebration at MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Free admission; skate rental is $8. mbparkatrosemont.com. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Ice skating open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Going green
See more than 70 seasonal wreaths, created by local residents and businesses, at the Festival of the Wreaths at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Vote for your favorite. There will be a silent auction for the wreaths on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29, along with a holiday market and entertainment. Free. (847) 255-1225 or ahmuseum.org. Vote from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Bidding runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29
A Victorian Christmas
Experience a Christmas of long ago at the Victorian Christmas event at the Ansel B. Cook House, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. The Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society welcomes visitors to tour the 1878 Cook House to see a fully decorated Christmas tree, seven Italian marble fireplaces and holiday greenery on the home's oak staircase. Suggested donation is $2 per adult and $1 for seniors and students. (847) 362-2330 or lmhistory.org. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
Competitive crews
Fans of the reality TV competition "So You Think You Can Dance" won't want to miss seeing past contestants performing live and on tour tonight at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $28.50-$78.50. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
Chicago comedian
Pat McGann, the host of WTTW's "The Chicago Stand Up Project," shows off his own standup comedy chops this weekend at the Zanies at MB Financial Park, Rosemont. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Uncle's advice
Comedian Larry Reeb, aka "Uncle Lar," shares politically incorrect observations in his standup routine starting Wednesday at Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $20 plus a two-item purchase. (630) 524-0001 or zanies.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, and 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Ike Reilly at FitzGerald's
Libertyville native Ike Reilly knows how to channel the feel of life in the heartland, with songs that reflect the love, laughs and struggles of the everyman. His band, Ike Reilly's Assassination, plays songs off its newest album, "Born On Fire," and more, along with local alternative rock standouts AM Taxi, at FitzGerald's Nightclub, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $20. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
Brauerhouse rocks Black Friday
After the turkey wears off and you take your post-shopping nap, gather your friends and go celebrate at Lombard's Brauerhouse with local rockers Aaron Williams Band, some of the hardest-working musicians in the area fresh off a show at Chicago's House of Blues. AWB is joined by North of Eight, a West suburban band that rolls folk, blues and rock together into one high-energy package; She Rides Tigers, a boisterous blend of roots rock and Brit pop from Chicago; and Fletcher Rockwell, local kings of the bluesy, foot-stomping, Americana vibe. Brauerhouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $7-$10. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com. 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
Locally copacetic
Local H, one of the Chicago area's best-loved purveyors of alternative rock, has been entertaining fans across the country for 25 years. Starting as a four-piece and meandering through different iterations, the Zion-based band found itself and its solid sound in the mid-'90s, getting a little radio play with "Mayonnaise and Malaise" and really busting into the national consciousness with "Bound for the Floor." The band, currently Scott Lucas and Ryan Harding, released its eighth studio album, "Hey, Killer," earlier this year, and is continuing its impressive and clever live shows with a performance at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $13 in advance, $15 at the door. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com. 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
Spotlight on country music
Hear top country music from the past and present when Hillbilly Rockstarz performs at Cadillac Ranch, 1175 W. Lake St., Bartlett. $5. (630) 830-7200 or cadranch.com. 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27
'Elf' at the Arcada
Catch a free screening of the 2003 holiday film "Elf," starring Will Ferrell, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. The film is rated PG. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Animated music
Conductor Stephen Squires leads the Elgin Symphony Orchestra to perform selections from films such as "Mary Poppins," "Frozen," "Aladdin" and more in the concert "The Magical Music of Disney" on Saturday at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $25-$45. (847) 888-4000 or elginsymphony.org. 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Take a stroll
Visit with Santa Claus, hear live holiday music and dig in to seasonal treats at the Elburn Christmas Stroll, with events taking place on Main and North streets in downtown Elburn. Hayrides, a light display, a live nativity and a raffle round out the events. Raffle tickets cost $5 (or five for $20). (630) 365-2295 or facebook.com/elburnchristmasstroll. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Classic rock
If you love rock hits like "A Horse With No Name," "I Need You" and "Sister Golden Hair," then don't miss the band America in concert Saturday at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$125. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28
Incognito princess
Turner Classic Movies offers a chance to see William Wyler's 1953 classic film "Roman Holiday" starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck on the big screen on Sunday and Tuesday at select movie theaters in Deer Park, Mount Prospect, Lincolnshire, Gurnee, Crystal Lake and other locations. Prices vary by venue, but largely $12.50. fathomevents.com. 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday, Nov. 29 and Dec. 1
Past idol
Former "American Idol" winner Lee DeWyze of Mount Prospect performs in concert with Anna Rose on Sunday at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $25-$65. (866) 777-8932 or evanstonspace.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29
Folk at Fatman Bowl
Folk singer and songwriter Kerry Patrick Clark performs in a Lake County Folk Club-sponsored concert at Fatman Bowl, 13860 Rockland Road, Green Oaks. $10-$12; $5 for teens (suggested donation). (847) 602-8882 for reservations or thelakecountyfolkclub.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29
Upcoming concerts
The Big Wu, Miles Over Mountains, Stone Rollin' Devils: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Mackey's Hideout, 2601 S. River Road, McHenry. Bluegrass, Americana rock. $10. (815) 363-7040 or mackeyshideout.com.
"Steely Dan Night" with Deacon Blues: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Rock, Steely Dan tribute band. $19-$39. oshows.com.
Atif Aslam: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. $39-$99, VIP $150. (847) 649-2270 or searscentre.com.
Aaron Williams Band, North of Eight, Fletcher Rockwell, She Rides Tigers: 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Brauerhouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. Rock. $7-$10. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
Ike Reilly Assassination, AM Taxi: 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, FitzGerald's Nightclub, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Folk rock, alternative. $20. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Hillbilly Rockstarz: 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Cadillac Ranch, 1175 W. Lake St., Bartlett. Country. $5. (630) 830-7200 or cadranch.com.
Funky Mojodaddy: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. Blues, soul and roots-rock. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Local H: 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Grunge rock. $13 in advance; $15 at door. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.
together PANGEA, White Reaper, Flesh Panthers: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago. Rock. $10-$13. (773) 278-6600 or subt.net.
America: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Classic rock. $49-$125. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com.
Megon McDonough with "The Great Women of Country": 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Singer-songwriter Megon McDonough performs hits from artists including Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Reba McIntyre and others. McDonough also performs her own original songs. $30. (847) 677-7761 or skokietheatre.com.
Lee Murdock's "Christmas Ship Concert": 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, 11 W. Maple St., Hinsdale. Ragtime, Irish, blues and folk, along with storytelling. $18-$20. (630) 323-2885.
Miles Over Mountains: 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, River's Edge Bar & Grill, 12 N. River St., Batavia. Bluegrass, Americana rock. No cover. (630) 406-9200 or facebook.com/theriversedgebatavia.
The Zimmermen: 9 p.m. Nov. 28, FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn. Show features two sets of the music of Bob Dylan, with Terry White, Pat Brennan, Andon Davis, John Carpender, Klem Hayes and special guest Dag Juhlin. $15. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Marty Sammon Band: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, Harlem Avenue Lounge, 3701 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn. $6. (708) 484-3610 or harlemavenuelounge.com.
Northbrook Public Library's Fine Arts Fall Concert: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook. Program features an array of instrumentalists and vocalists in library's auditorium. Free. (847) 272-6224 or northbrook.info.
John Hersey High School Charles Dickens Carolers: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, Prospect Heights Public Library, 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights. Holiday tunes. Free. Register by calling (847) 259-3500, Ext. 35, or at phpl.info, or in person at the library's information desk.
Music of the Baroque presents Handel's "Judas Maccabaeus": 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Classical. $38-$75, (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org.
The Irving Sisters with the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 2, Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge. Holiday concert. $20 for seniors; $25 for adults. Free admission for ages 18 and under. parkridgecivicorchestra.org.
Appalachian Christmas Quartet: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 2, West Ridge Community Church, 3300 Encounter Lane, Elgin. Instrumental, Christmas and folk concert, featuring nearly 100 instruments, including hammered dulcimer, Irish whistle, bodhran, mountain dulcimer, accordion and more. For all ages. Free. (847) 488-1800.
Death Cab for Cutie, Best Coast: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Indie rock. $49.50-$59.50. (312) 462-6300 or thechicagotheatre.com.
Gary Hoey with "Ho Ho Hoey! Christmas": 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Rock, holiday tunes. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com.
Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.