Music
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Best bets: Elgin Symphony brings ‘Holiday Spectacular’ to Raue Center, HemmensDec 08, 2025 1:28 pm - The Elgin Symphony Orchestra performs its “Holiday Spectacular” at Crystal Lake’s Raue Center and Elgin’s Hemmens, Naperville comedian Chris Ryan returns for a show at North Central, and the Ruth Page dancers perform their namesake’s “Nutcracker” in the city and suburbs.
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Senior Suburban Orchestra celebrates Johann Strauss II at holiday concertDec 08, 2025 12:43 pm - The Senior Suburban Orchestra's "Family and Friends Holiday Concert" on December 13 celebrates the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II's birth with selections from his works.
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What to stream: Brad Pitt, ‘Spinal Tap II,’ Percy Jackson and lots and lots of Taylor Swift
Dec 08, 2025 5:15 am - A six-episode behind-the-scenes Disney+ docuseries about Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Rian Johnson’s third “Knives Out” movie, “Wake Up Dead Man,” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
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New Philharmonic welcomes 2026 with three New Year’s Eve concerts at the MACDec 08, 2025 12:50 am - New Philharmonic, under the direction of Maestro Kirk Muspratt, is celebrating New Year's Eve with three concerts featuring acclaimed soprano Alisa Jordheim and a program of classical, opera, and popular music.
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McHenry’s snowy owl gets a musical coda: Where you can hear a song inspired by the bird
Dec 07, 2025 9:57 pm - The snowy owl seen in McHenry County last year prompted singer-songwriter and Crystal Lake native Cass Cwik to write a song in its honor.
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Things to do Dec. 5-11: Tree lightings, Dickens in Dundee, Jingle Bell Jubilee and moreDec 05, 2025 12:51 pm - Make plans for Dickens in Dundee, tree lightings, Warrenville Holly Days, Jingle Bell Jubilee, Mundelein Winter Tree Lighting Festival, West Chicago Frosty Fest and more.
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What to know about the Eurovision Song Contest as Israel’s participation sparks walkouts
Dec 05, 2025 6:49 am - The Eurovision Song Contest, which aims to be an upbeat celebration of music and unity, is facing the biggest crisis in its seven-decade history after four countries walked out of the competition over Israel’s participation, and others indicated they could join the boycott.
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Holiday light shows dazzle across the suburbsDec 04, 2025 6:56 am - If you haven’t seen one of the many light shows happening across the suburbs this season, now is the time. Here are the shows currently on display.
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‘Nutcracker’ takes center stage with classic and jazz-style productions across the suburbsDec 03, 2025 10:30 pm - Enjoy twists on the classic ballet, such as “Nutcracker All Jazzed Up” featuring a modern, up-tempo score, and “Duke It Out! Nutcracker,” pitting classical and jazz versions against each other.
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Nelson twins celebrate family legacy during ‘Christmas With the Nelsons’ at the Arcada Theatre
Dec 03, 2025 12:47 pm - Matthew and Gunnar Nelson may be best known for their early-’90s hits “After the Rain” and “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection,” but they’ll be performing Christmas classics at their Tuesday, Dec. 9, show at St. Charles’ Arcada Theatre.