Best bets: NYE weekend shows from ZEDD, BoDeans, Jeff Dunham, Cedric the Entertainer, Lindsey Stirling
Say farewell to 2023 at one of many concerts happening across the Chicago area this weekend, including ZEDD at Navy Pier, BoDeans at the Arcada, Jeff Dunham at the Allstate Arena, Lindsey Stirling at The Auditorium Theatre and more.
ZEDD on the lakefront
Chart-topping international electro-crossover sensation ZEDD brings his electrifying, genre-bounding show to the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. General admission (18+) starts at $65.99; VIP (21+) tickets are $134.50. navypier.org. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29
BoDeans at Arcada
Roots-rock band the BoDeans make their way to St. Charles’ Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., for a pre-NYE concert of their hits from 40 years of performing, joined by Americana band Turn Turn Turn. $59-$89. arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30
Jeff Dunham
Ventriloquist, comedian and writer Jeff Dunham’s touring show and comedy specials have secured his legacy as an American comedy icon. He and his “friends” visit the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, as part of his “Still Not Canceled” tour. $56. rosemont.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Nostalgic NYE
American English will ring in 2024 at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. The famed tribute band’s set includes an homage to The Beatles’ 1963 royal command performance. Additionally, the band will perform in its entirety “Hey Jude,” a 1970 Beatles record consisting of B-sides and singles including “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Paperback Writer” and “Lady Madonna” among others. Tickets start at $40, $28 for RaueNOW members. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Comedy with Cedric, D.L.
Celebrate the end of 2023 as the “Straight Jokes! No Chaser” comedy tour stops at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, with performances by Cedric the Entertainer, Don DC Curry, D.L. Hughley, Earthquake, Bruce Bruce and special guest Damon Williams. Tickets start at $79. unitedcenter.com. 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Lindsey Stirling in concert
Classically trained violinist/songwriter/dancer/author Lindsey Stirling performs excerpts from her latest album, “Snow Waltz,” at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, on New Year’s Eve. The program includes holiday favorites and Stirling originals. Tickets start at $49. auditoriumtheatre.org. 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
’90s-style New Year’s
The band Fool House headlines a ’90s dance party for New Year’s Eve revelers 21 and older at Joe’s Live, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. Tickets are $30 through Dec. 30 and $35 at the door. (847) 261-0392 or joesliverosemont.com. 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 (doors open at 8:30 p.m.)
Arlington Heights mini-jazz fest
Singer/pianist Yoko Noge, a longtime fixture on the Chicago music scene, pianist/singer/composer Alexis Lombre and guitarist/composer Mary Halvorson are among the musicians headlining Hey Nonny’s second annual Women’s Jazz Festival at 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. It concludes with a 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, concert at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. $10-$60. (224) 202-0750 or heynonny.com. 4-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 4-6 ($1); 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 4-6 ($15-$48); 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. jazz brunch Sunday, Jan. 7 (free entry)
Local comedians honored
The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, hosts the 2nd Annual Comedy Gazelle Awards celebrating the achievements of comedians working in the Chicago area. Chicago-based stand-ups Jerry Hamedi, Blake Burkhart and Brandon Kieffer host the show, which will honor the rookie of the year, most improved comedian, hardest working comedian, best Chicago comedian and biggest hack. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. (773) 697-3830 or thedentheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4