Weekly picks: Have a downhome holiday with Phil Vassar, Kellie Pickler
Country Christmas
Country stars Phil Vassar & Kellie Pickler team up for “A Christmas Tour” on Thursday at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $26-$58. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30
Indie films
Get your fill of free independent films with the Pop-Up Film Festival starting Tuesday at Oakton Community College's Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. No admission charge. (847) 635-1950 or oakton.edu. “Porto” 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29; “Mercury in Retrograde” 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30; “Woman in Danger” 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
Hometown humor
Comedian Michael Palascak honed his craft in Chicago, so see how his standup career has grown when he returns for a series of standup shows starting Wednesday at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com/rosemont. 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 29 and 30; 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
'Pumped Up' Christmas
Foster the People's “Pumped Up Kicks” introduced the California act to an international spectrum of commercial acclaim, netting the band Billboard's 2012 Rock Song of the Year and cementing a comfortable position in indie pop/indie rock's evolution. Foster the People plays Chicago's WKQX The Nights We Stole Christmas (with Cold War Kids and Sir Sly) this weekend in support of this summer's release, “Sacred Hearts Club,” the band's third studio album, but rest assured you'll hear the hit that first broke them out. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. Sold out, but tickets are available via verified third-party outlets. aragonballroom.org. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. WKQX's The Nights We Stole Christmas also features Rise Against, Papa Roach and Night Riots at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30; tickets start at $42; aragonballroom.org; and Queens of the Stone Age, Run the Jewels and Biffy Clyro at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; sold out, but tickets are available via verified third-party outlets. aragonballroom.org.
Chicago's own
Chicago history lovers won't want to miss the return of the Joffrey Ballet's new production of “The Nutcracker,” set at the Windy City's influential 1893 Columbian Exposition. See the classic Tchaikovsky ballet starting Friday at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $35-$158. (312) 341-2300 or joffrey.org. 33 performances between Friday, Dec. 1, to Saturday, Dec. 30
Mmmboppy holidays!
Remember Hanson? The three brothers who Mmmbopped their way into the public consciousness back in 1997? In case you've missed it, they've been playing music this whole time, slinging out six studio albums in the last 20 years. Now they're back in Chicago, and this time they're bringing the holidays with them. Join the trio for two performances of the “Finally It's Christmastime” tour at Chicago's House of Blues this weekend, 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. $50-$55. (312) 923-2000 or houseofblues.com. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
New 'Nutcracker'
A & A Ballet and The School of the Performing Arts (based in Naperville) collaborate to unveil choreographer Alexei Kremnev's new version of the classic Tchaikovsky Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker” this weekend at the Studebaker Theater, Chicago. $30-$45. (312) 753-3210 or aacenterfordance.org. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Here's to boy bands
Arlington Heights native and Joseph Jefferson Award nominee Max DeTogne co-stars in Theo Ubique's revival of “Altar Boyz.” A sendup of boy bands and the Christian pop music scene, the mock concert unfolds during the final performance of a Christian rock band whose members are named Matthew (DeTogne), Mark, Luke, John and Abraham. Courtney Crouse directs. Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. The show opens Monday, Dec. 4. $34, $39. theo-u.org.
Red Theater mash-up
Red Theater Chicago combines the swashbuckling romance of “Cyrano de Bergerac” with the violence of “Little Red Riding Hood” in its latest production, “Little Red Cyrano.” Described as “an apocalyptic clown comedy,” Aaron Sawyer's all-ages mashup of classic tales features hearing actors and actors who identify as deaf. The cast includes Benjamin Ponce as Cyrano and Dari Simone as Red. Opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Strawdog Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., Chicago. $15-$40. redtheater.org.
Cracked-up Christmas
Chicago's best-known improv company brings seasonal, sketch comedy to the suburbs as “The Second City's Nondenominational Christmas Show” runs Dec. 1 to 23 at the Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 3 p.,m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Billy Gardell at the mic
Actor and comedian Billy Gardell (“Mike & Molly,” “Sullivan and Son”) returns to his standup roots for a special series of shows this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $28 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
'Chances Are'
Marvel at the cool vocal stylings of showbiz veteran Johnny Mathis and his “Christmas Concert” on Friday at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 River Road, Rosemont. $39-$59 (also verified resale tickets); $15-$20 parking. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
Dear, Santa
The Winter Wonderland Holiday Festival promises loads of games, crafts, performances and visits with Santa this weekend at its new location of the Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. No admission charge. (847) 391-57111 or dpparks.org. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3
Cool cat
See the comic strip characters Garfield, Odie, John and more when a “A Garfield Christmas” plays a family touring performance on Saturday at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $20.50-$40. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Classics for Christmas
Classical music gets mixed with circus acts when Cirque Musica Holiday presents “Believe” in a spectacle-filled concert on Saturday at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $25-$85. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Soul sisters
Darlene Love and Shirley Alston Reeves (of the Shirelles) share a concert bill filled with holiday music on Sunday at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$99. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com. 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
A Cappella caroling
Tickets are scarce to see “A Pentatonix Christmas,” which sees the famed a cappella group performing a series of three concerts Sunday to Tuesday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $149.50 and more for verified resale tickets. (800) 745-3000 or thechicagotheatre.com. 7 p.m. Sunday to Tuesday, Dec. 3 to 5
'Songs for Lulu'
Singer, songwriter and opera composer Rufus Wainwright performs an intimate concert of his music on Sunday at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $48-$68. (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Concert highlights
Wage War, Oceans Ate Alaska, Gideon, Varials, Loathe: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $15-$22. (847) 358-9150 or durtynellies.com.
BAC Winter Art Show & Craft market featuring Invisible Cartoons, Ted Alliota: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at The Outta Space, 6840 32nd St., Berwyn. $5 suggested donation. theouttaspace.com.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas Concert: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, 1099 S. York St., Elmhurst. Free. (630) 833-1457 or elmhursthistory.org.
Friday Night Jazz with Rare Export: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1808 Miller Road, Crystal Lake. $15. (815) 455-2424 or livingwaterschurch.com.
Chicagoland Pops Orchestra's Christmas at Pops Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Springbrook Community Church, 11247 S. Heggs Road, Plainfield. $14 in advance, $16 at the door. brownpapertickets.com.
The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $22-$51. (847) 673-6300 or northshorecenter.org.
Wheaton College Christmas Festival: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Wheaton College, 501 College Ave, Wheaton. $18. (630) 752-5010 or wheaton.edu.
Wintersong - Christmas with the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at College Church, 335 E. Seminary, Wheaton. $8-$18. (630) 415-3066 or gewchorale.org.
St. Charles Singers Candlelight Carols: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Avenue, St. Charles. $10-$35. (630) 513-5272 or stcharlessingers.com.
Johnny Mathis: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $39. (847) 671-5100 or rosemont.com/theatre/events/johnny-mathis/.
Winger, Firehouse: 8 p.m. Dec. 1, at Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $39. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com.
Rosie and The Rivets “Jingle Bell Rock” Holiday Show: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Hard Rock Cafe, 63 W. Ontario St., Chicago. Free. (312) 943-2252 or hardrock.com/cafes/chicago/.
Mest, the Mr. T Experience: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., Chicago. $24. (312) 666-6775 or bottomlounge.com.
The Midtown Men Holiday Hits: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $35-$65. (847) 263-6300 or geneseetheatre.com.
Selfie and the Photobombs: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at O'Neills Pub, 236 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard. Free. (630) 627-1600.
Julianne Q, Marvin Stumbles, Abzu, Human Bloom: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. $10. (773) 549-5549 or elboroomlive.com.
Pert Near Sandstone, Miles Over Mountains: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $13-$15. (773) 525-2508 or lh-st.com.
In the Stix, Moon Money: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Austin's Fuel Room, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville. Free. (847) 549-1972 or fuelroom.com.
Three Bad Jacks: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at BrauerHouse, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $10-$12. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
Teed, The Good Batch: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Logan Bar, 2230 N. California Ave., Chicago. Free. (773) 252-1110 or loganchicago.com.
Doctor Death Crush, Blacklist Regulars, Sadie and the Stark: 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Gallery Cabaret, 2020 N. Oakley Ave., Chicago. Free. (773) 489-5471 or gallerycabaret.com.
Lynne Jordan's “A Great Big Diva”: Noon Saturday, Dec. 2, at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $12. (312) 733-9463 or citywinery.com.
She's Alive, Better Love, Tiny Kingdoms, Detour North, The Glory Years: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Wire, 6815 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $10-$12. All ages, but 21+ after 10:30 p.m. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.
Inbound, Ignescent, Stosh: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Penny Road Pub, 545 Penny Road, Barrington. $8. (847) 428-0562 or pennyroadpub.com.
The Wild and Hungry, Revolt Coda, Barret's Hidden Agenda: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Live Wire Lounge, 3394 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $8. (773) 756-5363 or livewire.do312.com.
The Werks, Concrete Roots: 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at BrauerHouse Live, 1000 N. Rohlwing Road, Lombard. $12-$15. (630) 495-2141 or brauerhouse.com.
Boy Band Review: 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at BaseCamp Pub, 5750 Lakeside Drive, Lisle. $7. (331) 777-4712 or basecamppub.com.
Heartsfield: 9 p.m. Dec. 2, at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $15. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Angry Planet, Useless Fox, Over The Sun, River Snakes: 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at The Mutiny, 2428 N. Western Ave., Chicago. $5. (773) 486-7774 or themutinychicago.com.
Afterlife + SoundNest w/ Angelz, Bijou & Ciszak, Kings Of Class, Nikho, GoodSex, Eric Dangerwayne, Hi Five, Who Cares: 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Evil Olive, 1551 W. Division St., Chicago. $10. afterlifechi.com.
Marc Anthony: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Tickets start at $59. (800) 745-3000 or rosemont.com/allstate/events/marc-anthony/.
“A Pentatonix Christmas Tour”: 7 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Dec. 3-5, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $75. (312) 462-6300 or msg.com.
Jay-Z, Vic Mensa: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Tickets start at $67. (800) 745-3000 or unitedcenter.com.
Joe Pug, Juanita Stein: 8 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.) Wednesday, Dec. 6, at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $22-$32. (312) 733-9463 or citywinery.com.
Nathan Weber & Friends: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Wire, 6815 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $8. (708) 669-9473 or wireismusic.com.
FitzGerald's New Faces Night with Christian Lopez: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $8-$10. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
Thrice, Circa Survive: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago. Tickets start at $48. (844) 425-5923 or aragonballroom.org.
Andrew Ripp: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Evanston S.P.A.C.E., 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $20-$35. (847) 492-8860 or evanstonspace.com.
<i>Information is provided by entertainment venues. Check with venue before purchasing tickets. For more concert listings or to add an event, visit dailyherald.com/calendar.</i>