Best Bets: ESO in concert, Long Grove Cocoa Crawl and Chicago Botanic’s orchid show
ESO in concert
Violinist Geneva Lewis joins the Elgin Symphony Orchestra to perform Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto. The program also includes Antonín Dvořák’s “Othello” Overture, inspired by William Shakespeare’s tragic general, and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3. The performances take place at 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets start at $20. (847) 888-4000 or ElginSymphony.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8
Long Grove Cocoa Crawl
Winter gets a little sweeter during the Village of Long Grove’s ninth annual Cocoa Crawl. The free event features multiple outdoor tents serving complimentary hot cocoa. Boutiques and specialty shops will serve up cocoa-inspired treats, and restaurants, breweries and wineries will offer cocoa-inspired food and drink specials into the evening. A map of participating stores and restaurants is available at the Long Grove Visitor’s Center, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Free. longgrove.org/festivals/cocoa-crawl. Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
A salute to Cher
Las Vegas headliner Annika Starr brings her tribute concert “The Ultimate Cher Show” to the Raue Center, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Starr delivers such hits as “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” “Strong Enough” and “Believe” with the “glitz, humor, and heart that have defined Cher’s legendary career.” Tickets are $63, $41.30 for RaueNOW members. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
Award-winning poet/musician at The Venue
The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora, welcomes singer, songwriter and award-winning poet Jenny Bienemann, who will perform original folk and Americana music inspired by her newest book of haiku, “The Come Back.” General admission is $20, premium admission is $25 in advance; additional $5 at the door. themusicvenue.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
Let the sunshine in
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s 12th orchid show boasts a 1960s and ’70s vibe that includes a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle and floor-to-ceiling sunbeams made of cascading orchids. “The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy” includes more than 10,000 colorful blooms featured in displays that echo the bright colors and patterns that dominated the eras. “We are excited to showcase orchids in Technicolor this year,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president for visitor events and programs, in a prepared statement. “No matter if you lived through this time period or only know it from photos and stories, attendees of all ages will be transported by hearing the songs and seeing the design elements used among the orchids from this groovy era.” The garden is located at 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; select evenings from 5-8 p.m.; and 8:15-9:45 a.m. and 4:15-5:45 p.m. Tuesdays for photographers. Cook County residents: $16.95 adults, $11.95 kids; nonresidents: $18.95 adults, $13.95 kids. Parking: $10 Cook County residents, $12 nonresidents. chicagobotanic.org/orchid. Saturday, Feb. 7, through March 22
Laugh with Colin Quinn
Actor/comedian/author and Broadway veteran Colin Quinn (“Colin Quinn: An Irish Wake,” “Colin Quinn: Long Story Short”) headlines The Den Theater, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $27-$55, plus a two-item minimum. (773) 697-3830 or thedentheatre.com. 7:15 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 11-12