Sing along with the Evanston Symphony Orchestra, dance along to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, or watch as others perform carols and holiday classics. Other musical options this week in Evanston include piano and string concerts, a tribute to Aretha Franklin, country, jazz and pop.
A Festival of Lessons and Carols
This beloved holiday tradition combines readings and musical gems to portray the Christmas miracle. The program features carol settings from medieval to modern for brass, strings, organ, and choir, including works by Giovanni Gabrieli, Heinrich Schütz, Antonio Corelli, J. S. Bach, Francis Poulenc, and Vaclav Nelhybel.
At Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, 10:40 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 2, free
Dance It Yourself Nutcracker
In an event organized by an ETHS student and a former professional dancer, performers of every size can participate in Tchaikovsky’s classic as sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers.
At Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, 1823 Church St., 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, no charge
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Hullabaloo
35th Anniversary performance featuring historical holiday favorites.
At North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, Saturday, Dec. 1, tickets $25-40
Mike Toomey’s Christmas Special
A regular performer on WGN Morning News, Mike has appeared in concert with such names as George Carlin, Wayne Newton, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Reba McIntyre.
At Evanston Rocks, 1012 Church St., Saturday, Dec. 1, tickets $25
Evanston Symphony Holiday Concert
Symphony is joined by North Shore Choral Society, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Evanston Symphony Holiday Gospel Choir, Evanston Children’s Choir, ETHS Advance Vocal Ensemble, with audience sing-a-long and a visit from Santa.
At Evanston Township High School Auditorium, 1600 Dodge Ave., Sunday, Dec. 2, tickets $10-40
Keyboard Conversations: Commemorating Rachmaninoff and Debussy
The famous Prelude in C-sharp Minor, Clair de lune, and the gorgeous Etudes and Preludes of these beloved composers. Jeffrey Siegel, piano
At Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle, Friday, Nov. 30, tickets $76.50-84
Dolly Varden
Chicago quintet Dolly Varden is built around the singing and songwriting of husband and wife duo Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen, along with Mark Balletto on guitar, Matt Thobe on drums and Mike Bradburn on bass.
At SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Friday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m., tickets $15-28
Typhanie Monique
Typhanie Monique, with her tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin is bringing along a spectacular band. And she’s promised to throw in a couple of holiday favorites, just because … ’tis the season.
At Studio5, 1934 Dempster St., Saturday, Dec. 1, tickets $20-25
Kenny Garrett Quintet
Over the course of a stellar career that has spanned more than 30 years, saxophonist Kenny Garrett has become the preeminent alto saxophonist of his generation.
At SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Saturday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., tickets $22-42 and 9:30 p.m., tickets $22-42
String Serenade by Lisker Music Foundation
Mozart Divertimento No. 1 in D major
Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola
Tchaikovsky String Serenade
At Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Sunday, Dec. 2, tickets $30-40
The Accidentals
Beth Nielsen Chapman is one of the most inspirational women in the industry. May Erlewine is Michigan’s premier singer-songwriter. he Accidentals have been playing music together since they were 15.
At SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave. Sunday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., tickets $18-30
Bars with Live Music
Rhythm Room Bar & Bistro (Century 12), 1715 Maple Ave.
Live music, Friday and Saturday evenings, 7-11 p.m., no cover
Celtic Knot Public House, 626 Church St.
Irish Music Session with John Williams, Sundays, 4-6 p.m.
American Roots Music by The Mudflaps, Mondays, 8 p.m.-midnight
Pete Miller’s Steak & Seafood, 1557 Sherman Ave.
Live jazz, Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.-midnight