Sunday picks: Bocelli aims for joy in holiday concert
Andrea Bocelli
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performs his blend of classical and pop to the Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, with the World Festival Symphony and guest vocalist Katherine Jenkins. Tickets cost $75-$350. Parking is $20 (cash only). (800) 745-3000 or allstatearena.com. 7:30 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 2
'Once Upon a Christmas'
Lisle's “Once Upon a Christmas” celebration features holiday crafts, music, brick-oven baking, a blacksmith, model trains and Santa Claus at the museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School Street, Lisle. Free. (630) 968-0499. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Native American art
The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian hosts a Native American Holiday Bazaar at the museum's Central Street building, 3009 Central St., Evanston. Native American artists from across the Midwest will display and sell their traditional, handmade works including drawings, beadwork, corn husk dolls, pottery, children's quilts and more. Admission to bazaar is $5 for adults (includes admission to the museum). Free for kids 12 and younger and for museum members. (847) 475-1030 or mitchellmuseum.org. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Nutcrackers of the week
This weekend sees the addition of two contrasting approaches to Tchaikovsky's classic Christmastime ballet, one seen on a national scale and one that's locally produced. On the local side, Schaumburg Dance Ensemble presents its take on “The Nutcracker” at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $26; $18 students/seniors. (847) 895-3600 or prairiecenter.org. The touring Moscow Ballet brings its “Great Russian Nutcracker” to the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $26-$85.50. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 9 in Schaumburg; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in Rosemont
Candlelight at the Inn
Experience the tradition of winter visits with neighbors, as practiced by families in the 1800s, at the Candlelight at the Inn event at Garfield Farm Museum, on Garfield Road, off Route 38, Campton Hills. Hospitality, food, music and a bake sale are featured. Free; donations welcome. (630) 584-8485 or garfieldfarm.org. 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Liza times 3
About Face Theatre celebrates the holiday season with the world premiere of “We Three Lizas,” a musical by Scott Bradley (book and lyrics) and Alan Schmuckler (music and lyrics) about Conrad and Reggie, who wish for youth, wealth and beauty and wind up with Liza Minnelli bearing holiday gifts. Danielle Plisz plays Liza Then and Bradley plays Liza Now in the production, which includes a preshow “cocktail hour” featuring guest artists. See it at the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago. $25. (312) 335-1650 or steppenwolf.org. 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
'They're Playing Our Song'
Liberty Town Productions presents “They're Playing Our Song,” Marvin Hamlisch and Neil Simon's hit 1970s Broadway musical about two quirky songwriters who fall in love. The show takes place at Libertyville High School, 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville. $10-$20. Visit libertytownproductions.com. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Shake it up
Band of Horses and Alabama Shakes bring their rock/roots/holiday show to the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $50. (312) 462-6300 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2