Best bets: Buddy Holly, David Bowie tributes, Chocolate Weekend, Cirque FLIP Fabrique
Buddy Holly revisited
The Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, hosts John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party,” which re-creates the final concert performed by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson) hours before a fatal airplane crash claimed their lives on Feb. 3, 1959. Mueller channels Holly in this celebration of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll. Tickets start at $40 ($28 for RaueNOW members). (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
A night of norteño music
Los Allegres del Barranco, the popular norteño ensemble featuring singer/guitarist Armando Moreno, singer/accordionist José Moreno, bassist José Carlos Moreno and drummer Cristóbal Reyes, whose professional debut was a 2005 quinceañera party in Culiacán, Mexico, headlines the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $49.50. (847) 671-5100 or rosemont.com/theatre. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
For chocolate lovers
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, hosts its Chocolate Weekend to celebrate the cacao tree and the tasty treats made from its beans. Local vendors selling chocolate in its various incarnations include: Gindo’s Spice of Life in St. Charles; Roselle’s Happy By Chocolate; Sweet Street in Lombard; and Oak Park’s Blackout Baking Co., among others. $12-$17 for nonmembers. Advance, timed-entry reservations required. mortonarb.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4
Circus time at the MAC
The McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, presents the contemporary circus performance ensemble Cirque FLIP Fabrique performing its family-friendly, 75-minute show “BLIZZARD.” Incorporating a variety of disciplines — including juggling, acrobatics and the aerial arts — “BLIZZARD” tells the story of friends who embark on a whimsical winter adventure. Tickets are $39-$49 at (630) 942-4000 and atthemac.org. 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
David Bowie tribute
Complexions Contemporary Ballet honors the late David Bowie with its ballet “Star Dust,” choreographed by Dwight Rhoden and featuring the singer/songwriter’s 1969 song “Space Oddity,” 1983’s “Modern Love” and “Lazarus” from his last album, “Blackstar.” Performances take place at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $30. auditoriumtheatre.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3
Art Institute premiere
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, presents “János Megyik Photograms,” the first U.S. museum exhibition devoted to works by Hungarian sculptor János Megyik, who during the 1980s made a series of large-scale photograms based on his sculptures. After 60 years, Megyik began experimenting with the camera-less technique known as the photogram, which involves placing objects on photographic paper and exposing them to light, which darkens the exposed areas and reveals shadow-like images. $32 for adults; $26 for seniors, teens and students; free for kids and members. artic.edu. Saturday, Feb. 3, through July 8
Genesee goes country
Country singer/songwriter and Academy of Country Music Award-winner Chris Janson (“Good Vibes, “Done”) headlines the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Tickets are $33-$69. geneseetheatre.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4
Circus play
The Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, recently remounted “Circusville,” a behind-the-scenes glimpse of circus life that allows youngsters to juggle and tightrope walk. Timed, dated admission is $21; free for ages 1 and younger. chicagochildrensmuseum.org. Through Sept. 7