Best bets: Local live music to warm up cold winter nights

Posted December 29, 2025 11:39 am

Music in the air

Guitarist and band leader Scott Tipping celebrates the release of his second album, “The Fade,” Friday, Jan. 2, at The Venue in Aurora. Courtesy of Bright Soul Photography

• Wheaton guitarist Scott Tipping celebrates his birthday with the release of his sophomore album, “The Fade,” at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway Ave., Aurora, with special guest Phil Angotti. Tipping began working on the album two years ago, shortly after the car accident that hospitalized him two days after Christmas in 2023. The album “represents the start of new things,” said Tipping in a prepared statement. “It became something very uplifting and reminded me of the gratitude I have for my community.” $23.86-$29. themusicvenue.org. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2

• Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, hosts its annual Women’s Jazz Festival featuring performances by vocalist/songwriter Joanie Pallatto; bassist Marlene Rosenberg and her trio; the vocal quartet Somaluna; cellist and composer Tomeka Reid; vocalist Christy Bennett; keyboardist Hana Fujisaki and others. $26-$59. (224) 202-0750 or heynonny.com. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Jan. 6-8; 4 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9; and noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10

On Sunday, Jan. 4, welcome 2026 at The Morton Arboretum with your four-legged pal during Dog Admission Day. Courtesy of John Weinstein

Winter fun at Morton Arboretum

• The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, ushers in 2026 by welcoming human guests and their canine pals for Dog Admission Day. Tickets for dogs are $5 each, in addition to general arboretum admission, which is $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for seniors and kids 4-17. mortonarb.org. 7 a.m. to sunset Sunday, Jan. 4

• The arboretum’s first chamber music concert of the year features Black Oak Ensemble, a string trio consisting of violinist Desirée Ruhstrat, violist Aurelien Fort Pederzoli, and cellist David Cunliffe. The concert takes place at the Thornhill Education Center, located on the west side of the arboretum. $44. mortonarb.org. 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4

Free admission to Brookfield Zoo

Meet Amelia Gray, the newest addition to Brookfield Zoo’s polar bear community, during free admission days at the zoo located at 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield. brookfieldzoo.org/visit. Free days: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, through Feb. 28 (except for Jan. 19 and Feb. 16)

Magician Justin Purcell, standing, performs at the Chicago Magic Lounge. Courtesy of Trainman Photography

Magic in the moment

Magician John Purcell, a founding Chicago Magic Lounge company member, brings his show “Magic is People” to the club at 5050 N. Clark St., Chicago, for an extended run. The show celebrates the connection between the performer and the spectator, which is where the real magic happens. Tickets start at $42. (312) 366-4500 or chicagomagiclounge.com. 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 7 through March 25

Comedy awards

The 2025 Gazellies, an awards show highlighting the achievements of Chicago-area comedians, takes place at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Five years ago, Chicago comedian Jerry Hamedi, editor of The Comedy Gazelle, an online comedy magazine, established the awards, which recognize best local comedian, best rookie, hardest working and most improved stand-up. The show also features performances by local favorites. $20. (773) 697-3830 or thedentheatre.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7