Concerts Dec. 12-18: Matteo Bocelli, For King & Country, Lady A, Classical Blast and more

Friday, Dec. 12

Hey Day Happy Hour: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Music by Jon Allegretto. Free. heynonny.com.

“A Creole Christmas”: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. Presented by Preservation Hall Jazz Band. evanstonspace.com.

For King & Country: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. “A Drummer Boy Christmas.” $57.06. rosemont.com/theatre.

Rendezvous Arts: Christmas O’Carolan: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Celebrate the music of Turlough O’Carolan, featuring Katie Grennan, John Williams, Lauren Hayes and Liam Kantor. $35. gortoncenter.org.

Starkill and Lords of the Trident: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Rochaus, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. With special guest Bachelor’s Grove and more. Tickets start $17. rochaus.com.

Twisted with Sublime and Soul Coughing: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. Reggae. $85.50. livenation.com.

Acid Bath: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave., Chicago. With High on Fire and Weedeater. Tickets start at $83.48. saltshedchicago.com.

Arena of Intergalactic Happiness with Zeds Dead: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, at Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak Road, Chicago. Featuring DJs Dylan “DC” Mamid and Zachary “Hooks” Rapp-Rovan. Tickets start at $45.62. wintrustarena.com.

The Armed: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. “Everything Needs to be Destroyed” Tour, with special guests Prostitute and Latter. $33.52-$46.39. thaliahallchicago.com.

Christian Nodal: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. “Pa’l Cora Tour.” $36.85. rosemont.com/allstate.

Dave Gonzalez: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Featuring Mondo Cortez and The Chicago Blues Angels. $20.63-$33.90. evanstonspace.com.

Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Spectacular: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. A holiday performance including carols, new spins on modern favorites, and an appearance by Santa. Led by conductor Chad Goodman with the Elgin Master Chorale and Integrity School of Dance. Raue tickets: $41.30-$89; Hemmens tickets: $20-$70; call about free tickets for kids 17 and younger. rauecenter.org or elginsymphony.org.

Forever Donna: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. A salute to Donna Summer starring Rainere Martin, with special guest Superstar: A Salute to Luther Vandross. $32.75-$66.75 desplainestheatre.com.

Gary Hoey: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora. “Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour.” Tickets start at $34.15. themusicvenue.org.

Matteo Bocelli: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. “Falling In Love World Tour.” Tickets start at $49.95. geneseetheatre.com.

Not Quite Brothers: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Joe’s Live, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont. Roadhouse country. $20.49. joesliverosemont.com.

Brass From The Past: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at 3D Sideouts, 4018 Roberts Road, Island Lake. Soul. Tickets start at $12.25. 3dsideouts.com.

Studio 64 Old School DJ Dance Party: 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. With DJ Kardiak on Friday and Frankie “Hollywood” Rodriguez on Saturday. Free. arcadalive.com.

Nightcap Music Series: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Music by James Moore. Free. heynonny.com.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Classical Blast’s “Dark Side of Yule”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Rock hits from Metallica, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Evanescence and more mixed with traditional carols, popular classical songs, holiday standards and more. For 12 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $39. rauecenter.org.

Just Surrender: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Rochaus, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. Presenting 20 Years of “If these Streets Could Talk” Party with guest bands. Tickets start at $20. rochaus.com.

A Celtic Christmas featuring On the Lash: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Irish classics. Tickets start at $26. heynonny.com.

Lady A: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. “This Winter’s Night Tour.” Tickets start at $109.30. geneseetheatre.com.

The Midtown Men “Holiday Hits”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Stars from Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” perform a Christmas concert featuring classics and their signature renditions of 1960s music by The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons and more. $62-$72. AtTheMAC.org.

Billie Marten: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. With Núria Graham. $33.52-$46.39. thaliahallchicago.com.

Covington Groove: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora. Album release show with special guest Jim Conry Trio. Tickets start at $18.21. themusicvenue.org.

Davy Knowles: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Blues. $27.27. evanstonspace.com.

Forever Donna: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. A salute to Donna Summer starring Rainere Martin, with special guest Superstar: A Salute to Luther Vandross. $43.25-$78.75. arcadalive.com.

Key: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave., Chicago. “Keyland Uncanny Valley.” $547-$1,255. jamusa.com/venues/riviera-theatre.

The Story of a Song: A 90s Unplugged Experience: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. With Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe, John Hampson of Nine Days and JR Richards of Dishwalla. $46.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Bourbon ‘N Brass Live Jazz: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Jazz with Brian Patti Prohibition Band. $10. desplainestheatre.com.

Poison’d Crue: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3D Sideouts, 4018 Roberts Road, Island Lake. Rock. Tickets start at $12.25. 3dsideouts.com.

Sunday, Dec. 14

The Lennon Project: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. SoundTracks of a Generation presents the songs and life of John Lennon in a chronological soundscape, starring Jay Goeppner. $32.75-$56.75. arcadalive.com.

Little Anthony and the Music: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Includes a six-piece rhythm section and four background singers. $66.75-$108.75. desplainestheatre.com.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”: 3:30, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Featuring the Chris White Trio and Choir. $27.27. evanstonspace.com.

Celebrating Frank Sinatra’s 110th Birthday: 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Featuring Dakota Horvath. Free, two-drink or equivalent minimum requested. desplainestheatre.com.

Brothers Sinatra Holiday Special: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Featuring the classic songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and more. Tickets start at $20. heynonny.com.

John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora. Blues and jazz. $23.86-$29. themusicvenue.org.

The Nielsen Trust: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Featuring Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick and his family, with special guest The Vaughan Building. $46.75-$88.75. arcadalive.com.

Oppressed Affliction: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Rochaus, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. CD Release Show with special guest bands Thrilling Brilliance, Svntn, Ivent Horizon and Dream Alazia. Tickets start at $12. rochaus.com.

SML & SML (XL): 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. A new quintet composed of luminaries from Los Angeles’ jazz, improvised and indie music scenes. $29.37. thaliahallchicago.com.

Monday, Dec. 15

War of Ages: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Rochaus, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. With special guest bands Soulkiller, Ghosts of Minerva, Soluna and more. Tickets start at $22. rochaus.com.

Leo Kottke: 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 15-16, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Acoustic guitar. $40.54. evanstonspace.com.

Protomartyr: 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. 10 Years of The Agent Intellect with Accessory. $39.96-$59.68. thaliahallchicago.com.

Rod Wave: 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 15-16, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. “The Redemption Experience Tour.” Tickets start at $90.44. unitedcenter.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Pete Ellman Big Band: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora. With Batavia High School and Hinsdale Middle School. $13.07. themusicvenue.org.

Sixpence None The Richer’s “O’Night Divine: A Sixpence Christmas”: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. A family-friendly evening of Christmas classics. Tickets start at $66.63. thaliahallchicago.com.

Bourbon ’n Brass Indie Nite, Battle of the Bands: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Local bands will perform. $10. desplainestheatre.com.

Classical Blast “Dark Side of the Yule”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Melds traditional Christmas music with rock music by bands such as Metallica, Evanescence, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Joni Mitchell and others. Tickets start at $24. heynonny.com.

Niles Metropolitan Chorus & Musica Lumina Orchestra Handel’s “Messiah”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. The first part of Handel’s “Messiah” with several arias and choruses, including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” $52.75. desplainestheatre.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Pink Martini’s All-Stars present “A Season of Stars”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at The Auditorium, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Thomas Lauderdale’s globe-trotting “little orchestra” Pink Martini is back with a new holiday show. $49-$189. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Snooze: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Rochaus, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. With special guest bands When We Was Kids, The Skies Are Shifting and more. Tickets start at $14. rochaus.com.

Arcada Theatre Live Blues: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Blues with Sean McKee Band. Free; two-drink or equivalent minimum requested. arcadalive.com.

Bourbon ‘N Brass Live Jazz: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. Jazz with Eric Schneider. $5; two-drink or equivalent minimum requested. desplainestheatre.com.

Cool Yule, A Holiday Jazz Collection with Elaine Dame: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Jazz vocalist Elaine Dame performs reimaginings of classic holiday favorites and hidden gems. Tickets start at $20. heynonny.com.

“Spending Christmas With Alicia Witt”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. A classically trained, award-winning pianist, Alicia Witt performs a festive evening of Christmas music. $33.90-$47.17. evanstonspace.com.

Steel Panther: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. With special guest The Violent Hour. $56.75-$108.75. arcadalive.com.

The Lemonheads: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. “Love Chant World Tour” with Erin Rae. $59.68-$79.50. thaliahallchicago.com.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Handguns: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Rochaus, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee. Guest bands include Commit This to Memory, Glory Days, Carousel Kings and more. Tickets start at $20. rochaus.com.

Peanuts Jazz With The Chris White Trio: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Annual tribute to the music of Vince Guaraldi. $29. gortoncenter.org.

Arcada Theatre Live Jazz: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Jazz with Harold Dawson & Friends. Free. arcadalive.com.

Christmas Wizards — Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner St., Des Plaines. $46.75-$78.75. desplainestheatre.com.

John Bush: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. “Celebrating the songs of Anthrax 1993-2003,” with special guests Category 7. $46.75-$78.75. arcadalive.com.

Mixed Doubles: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Kelly Hogan, Scott Ligon, Casey McDonough and Nora O’Connor will come together to mix repertoires and tell tales, musical and otherwise. $33.90. evanstonspace.com.

The Peppermint Patties Christmas Cabaret: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Featuring close harmony arrangements of favorite Christmas songs as well as jazz standards, retro hits, a cappella numbers and musical theater favorites. Tickets start at $20. heynonny.com.

JD McPherson: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. “Socks: A Rock N’ Roll Christmas Tour,” with Melissa Carper. $39.96-$66.63. thaliahallchicago.com.