We're midway through the month and winter has finally arrived. There's a fair amount of snow on the ground and it's regularly well below freezing. While I'm sure huddling up away from the cold is on a lot of peoples minds, there is no reason not to brave the outside for just a few moments and head to some fun events this weekend. Whether you need some holiday cheer, gifts, or just want to rock out, this curated weekend has you covered!
THE WHOLE WEEKEND, DECEMBER 15th - 18th
Photo by Cheryl Mann
Joffrey Ballet Presents Christopher Wheldon's The Nutcracker @ Auditorium Theatre, 50 E Congress Pkwy, 7:00PM and additional shows on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00PM
WHAT: A wonderful reworking of a classic ballet
SO WHAT: This world premiere of a brand new Nutcracker by Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon is set during Chicago's 1893 World's Fair and comes to life with a Tony-award winning creative team and storyline by Caldecott Medal Award-winning author Brian Selznick.
The Chicago Philharmonic, led by Joffrey Music Director Scott Speck, provides live accompaniment of the classic Tchaikovsky score for every performance. The full Joffrey company is also joined onstage by over 90 young dancers from the Chicagoland area and young vocalists from four different local children’s choirs. This amazing combination of performers make for a wonderful way to celebrate the winter season.
NOW WHAT: Tickets for the ballet start at $35 and runs though December 30th.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16th
Funny Ha Ha: Wintry Edition @ The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave., 6:30PM
WHAT: A festive installment of this literary humor reading series
SO WHAT: This edition of Funny Ha Ha, h
osted by Claire Zulkey, will feature a bevy of local writers including StoryCorps facilitator and the Reader's "Chicagoans" columnist Anne Ford, Vice writer and Chicago Magazine music critic Brittany Julious, Old Records Never Die author and Men's Health executive writer Eric Spitznagel, The First Time producer and MOTH StorySlam winner Jenn Sodini, Noted bearded filmmaker and Coudal Partners' own Steve Delahoyde, 20x2 Chicago producer and Gapers Block founder Andrew Huff, and Bridgeport's own writer/editor and former Chicagoist editor Chuck Sudo.
NOW WHAT: There is a
$10 suggested donation at the door (admittance is first come, first served) and proceeds will benefit Sit Stay Read
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17th
Reggies Record Fair and Holiday Sale @ Reggies, 2105 S State St., 10:00PM - 4:00PM
WHAT: A sale for all your musical needs
SO WHAT: Reggies is hosting a holiday Record Fair! So if you have any loved ones you really carehow need some vintage vinyl, this will be a great stop on your holiday shopping spree. All forms of music and music related items (equipment, stereo, vintage) are good to sell. A variety of dealers and collectors will be selling their wares as the Wax On Wax Off DJs spin records. There will be food and liquor is on site!
NOW WHAT: Entry is $5 for early bird 10 am entry and $2 for entry at 11 am.
Facets Warehouse Sale @ Facets, 1517 W Fullerton Ave., 11:00PM - 4:00PM
WHAT: A sale for movie aficionados
SO WHAT: Facets is renowned for providing Chicago movie fans with some rentals, screenings, and sales of obscure films. This weekend they will be
emptying out 1000s of rare, out-of-print, and perhaps never-again-available DVDs and VHS tapes at unbelievably low prices. Perfect event to gifts for the film lover in your life or a chance to grab something for yourself.
NOW WHAT: Facets members get in an hour early!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18th
Tony Fitzpatrick Book Signing @ Fitzgerald's, 6615 W Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL. 1:00PM - 4:00PM
WHAT: Jazz, art, Hot Doug's, and a great venue
SO WHAT: This is a celebration of some great Chicago based greats. You can take a look Tony Fitzpatrick's great art from his most recent book The Secret Birds and get it signed while enjoying the best hotdogs from Hot Doug's. Your afternoon will be underlined by the legendary jazz of Frank Catalano. You can also read our review of The Secret Birds here!
NOW WHAT: This awesome event is free, so come and enjoy these Chicago greats!
Here, Chicago Story Show & Potluck @ Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont Ave., 5:30PM
WHAT: Stories and food for the winter season
SO WHAT: Here, Chicago is a long-running creative community event featuring a potluck dinner and true stories told by some of Chicago's most interesting thinkers and doers. We also offer five open-mic spots that anyone from our audience can use to tell a five-minute story. This month's guest tellers include Author Lena Anani, Actor Peter Kim, Organizer Frank Bergh, and Farm Director Stephanie Douglass. Hosted by Janna Sobel and Nnamdi Ngwe.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $11 or free with a prepared potluck dish
Twin Peaks, NOBUNNY, Post Animal @ Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., 7:00PM
WHAT: Pure rock music at an ideal venue
SO WHAT: Twin Peaks are at the top of Chicago's rock scene, cranking out some of the wildest shows and the best tracks. With the release of their second album, they are poised to explode and this just recently added third show will be the best time to see them. Joining them will be
NOBUNNY and fellow local musicians
Post Animal.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are only $22, get them now because they will sell out.
