Music

Best Bets: ‘Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah’ returns to Chicago’s Auditorium

Posted January 07, 2025 10:17 am

The inspirational “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” returns to Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre this weekend. Courtesy of Andy Argyrakis

Hot ‘Messiah’

“Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” the reimagined version of George Frideric Handel’s 1741 oratorio, returns to the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. The production, which marks the commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, begins with a video homage to the civil rights leader followed by the performance featuring a 70-member choir; solo vocalists Alfreda Burke (soprano), Rodrick Dixon (tenor) and Karen-Marie Richardson (alto); a chamber orchestra and the Chicago Collective Rhythm Section along with Chicago Symphony Orchestra violinist David Taylor, CSO cellist Richard Hirschl and pianist Alvin Waddles. Tickets start at $39. (312) 341-2300 or auditoriumtheatre.org. 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12

Salute to the King

Elvis Presley tribute artist Jimmy Holmes and The Change of Habit Band salute the rock ’n’ roll legend in honor of the 90th year of his birth at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $49-$59; $34.30-$41.30 for Raue NOW members. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11

Jenniffer Weigel brings her solo show, “I’m Spiritual D@mmit!,” to the Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park.

From skeptic to spiritual

Journalist, author and podcaster Jenniffer Weigel performs her solo stage show, “I'm Spiritual D@mmit!,” at the Wayfarer Theaters in Renaissance Park, 1850 2nd St., Highland Park. Adapted from her book “Stay Tuned: Conversations With Dad From the Other Side” detailing her relationship with her late sportscaster father Tim Weigel, the show chronicles Weigel’s journey from “skeptical journalist to spiritual adventurist.” $20. wayfarertheaters.com/movie/im-spiritual-dmmit. 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13

Rock ’n’ roll ‘Odyssey’

The quintet Mortal Fools performs a rock set inspired by Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. This marks the latest in the band’s sets based on classic literature. Previous gigs have been inspired by John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and William Shakespeare’s sonnets. $12-$15. (847) 492-8860 or evanstonspacemusic.com. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15

Trailer Fest 2025

Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas & Entertainment, 401 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling, invites film lovers to get a sneak peek at some of the year’s most anticipated blockbuster films at Trailer Fest: Taste of 2025. The $2 admission includes the trailers, trivia contests and complimentary bites of new menu items. cinergy.com/wheeling. 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15

Check out polar bears during Brookfield Zoo’s free admission days on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 27. Courtesy of Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society

‘reZOOlutions’ 2025

Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield, invites the community to embrace New Year’s “reZOOlutions” during free admission days on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 27. Parking and attraction fees still apply. brookfieldzoo.org.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.