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The Nutcracker


Richard Thompson


RING IN 2016 WITH TUNES BRANDI CARLILE


End the year on a high note by seeing alt-country singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile belt out rousing tunes from her latest album, The


Firewatcher’s Daughter. Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St (312-526-3851, thaliahallchicago.com). Dec 30, 31 at 9pm; $52–$202.


SEE ALL THE SENSATIONAL SEASONAL SHOWS A Christmas Carol


Even the most miserly Scrooge is sure to crack a smile during the Goodman Theatre’s annual production of Charles Dickens’s classic Christmas tale of redemption. Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St (312-443- 3800, goodmantheatre.org). Nov 14–Dec 27 at various times; $20–$107.


The Nutcracker


It’s your last chance to see Robert Joffrey’s production of The Nutcracker—next year, the dance company will celebrate its 60th season by unveiling a new version of the classic holiday ballet. Auditorium Theater, 50 E Congress Pkwy (312-341-2300, auditoriumtheatre.org). Dec 4– 27 at various times; $23–$121.


Andrew Bird


Chicago-born violin and whistlin’ virtuoso Andrew Bird holes up in a church to present four intimate concerts complete with gezelligheid (Dutch for cozy-fun-togetherness). Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut St (jamusa.com). Dec 7–10 at 7pm; $42.50–$47.50.


Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Home Alone CSO turns in a live performance of John Williams’s score to one of our favorite holiday movies about


negligent parents in the Chicago suburbs. The movie will be shown at the same time. Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave (312-294-3000, cso.org). Dec 11 at 7pm, Dec 12, 13 at 3pm; $35–$98.


B96 Jingle Bash


Local Top 40 radio station B96 hosts a cavalcade of pop stars at its annual holiday concert, including Demi Lovato, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jason Derulo, Pentatonix and more. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL (847-635- 6601, ticketmaster.com). Dec 12 at 6:30pm; $60–$105.


A Christmas Carol


Trans-Siberian Orchestra ’Tis the season for prog- metal renditions of Christmas standards, guitarists on platforms and seizure- inducing light shows at Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s annual arena spectacle. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL (847-635-6601, ticketmaster.com). Dec 28 at 3:30, 8pm; $40.50–$72.50. —Zach Long


DIARRHEA PLANET + JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD Nashville pop-punk group Diarrhea Planet’s moniker may be crude, but its triumphant, four-guitar anthems will set off the New Year on a rocking, positive note. Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave (773-525-2508, lh-st .com). Dec 30, 31 at 10pm; $25–$35.


REACTION NEW YEAR’S EVE Take some extra time to celebrate the new year at this two-day party featuring Skrillex, Deadmau5, Chance the Rapper, Run the Jewels and


more great acts. Donald E Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL (847-692-2220, reactionnye.com). Dec 30, 31 at 5:30pm; $99–$399.


RICHARD THOMPSON The prolific folk-rock guitar hero


returns to Evanston, playing behind his latest record, Still, which Jeff Tweedy produced. SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL (847- 492-8860, evanstonspace.com). Dec 29–31 at 10pm; $45–$185.


ROBERT RANDOLPH AND THE FAMILY BAND


Pedal-steel whiz Robert Randolph greets 2016 with his exuberant funk-blues-gospel jams. City Winery, 1200 W Randolph St (312-733-9463, citywinery.com /chicago). Dec 31 at 6, 10pm; $75–$115. —ZL


December 2015–February 2016 TIMEOUT.COM/CHICAGO 29


PHOTOGRAPHS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): CHERYL MANN; PAMELA LITTKY; LIZ LAUREN


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