Things to do in Chicago Jan. 8-14: The Mix
Movies
- “2001: A Space Odyssey,” one of Stanley Kubrick’s greatest films known for its stunning visuals and use of classical music, is screened as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs its score which includes Richard Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra,” Johann Strauss Jr.’s “The Blue Danube” and works by György Ligeti. At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9-10 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: $89+. Visit cso.org .
- “Working Girl: The Films of Barbara Stanwyck” features films that highlight the work ethic and resourcefulness that made the iconic actress a favorite among Hollywood’s top directors. The matinee films include Preston Sturges’ “The Lady Eve,” Samuel Fuller’s “Forty Guns,” Frank Capra’s “The Miracle Woman,” Cecil B. DeMille’s “Union Pacific” and William Castle’s “The Night Walker.” From Jan. 10-Feb. 27 at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. Tickets: $11. Visit musicboxtheatre.com.
Music
- What began as an impromptu jam session at a golf course morphed into Bill Murray & his Blood Brothers, a blues-rock collaboration fronted by the actor with contributions from guitarists Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia and Jimmy Vivino. At 8 p.m. Jan. 9-10 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Tickets: $79.50. Visit thaliahallchicago.com.
- Women’s Jazz Festival features women-led ensembles: Carmani Edwards, Honey Noir (7:30 p.m. Jan. 8); Christy Bennett (4 p.m. Jan. 9); Stacy McMichael, JoVia Armstrong (7:30 p.m. Jan. 9); The Hey Nonny Rising Stars (noon, Jan. 10); Lucy Smith with JoAnn Daugherty (4 p.m. Jan. 10); and Joanie Pallatto, Tromblau & Friends (7:30 p.m. Jan. 10). At Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Ticket prices vary. Visit heynonny.com.
- On her most recent album, “Still + Bright,” singer-songwriter Amethyst Kiah merges her revelatory storytelling with a darkly cinematic twist on the rootsy alt-rock of her previous work. The songs encompass everything from fuzzed-out guitars and industrial leaning beats to gilded pedal steel and Kiah’s graceful banjo playing. At 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $27.27. Visit evanstonspace.com.
- Winter Chamber Music Festival returns to Northwestern University with festival favorites including the Dudok Quartet Amsterdam, the Vertavo String Quartet, the Dover Quartet, the Isidore String Quartet and more. From Jan. 9-23 and Feb. 14 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston. Ticket prices vary. Visit music.northwestern.edu/events.
Family Fun
- “Once Upon a Symphony: The Ugly Duckling” introduces children ages 3-5 to the world of classical music via this story of self-discovery and inner-strength. Features musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra along with sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre. At 10, 11:45 a.m. Jan. 10, 31 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: $40+. Visit cso.org.
- A new series of Family Day events at the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.) begins Jan. 10 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with “Myths and Legends,” a program which takes inspiration from artists Firelei Báez and Yoko Ono. Family Day events continue the second Saturday of the month through May. Tickets: Free or pay-what-you-can. Visit mcachicago.org.
Theater
- TimeLine Theatre stages “Eureka Day,” Jonathan Spector’s Tony Award-winning satire set at an ultra-progressive school where parents and board members clash over vaccines, personal freedom and viral misinformation. Lili-Anne Brown directs. From Jan. 13-Feb. 22 at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St. Tickets: $30-$90. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
- New Stages Festival features readings of new plays by some of the country’s hottest playwrights: Calamity West’s “Feast!,” Hansol Jung’s “Pennies,” Christina Anderson’s “This Part of His Life Blooms” and Ike Holter’s “The Audience Unseen.” From Jan. 11-18 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets are free. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
- Brightside Theatre presents Maury Yeston and Arthur’s Kopit’s classic musical “Phantom in Concert,” inspired by Gaston Leroux’s novel “The Phantom of the Opera.” Jeffrey Cass directs. From Jan. 9-18 at Madden Theater, North Central College, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets: $32-$37. Visit brightsidetheatre.com.
Museums
- Head downstate and check out “Lincoln: A Life and Legacy That Defined a Nation,” a companion exhibit to the book “Lincoln: A Life and Legacy That Defined a Nation in 100 Objects.” Both exhibit and book highlight many of the museum’s treasured artifacts. The museum also offers several permanent exhibits exploring Lincoln’s life and legacy. To April 26 at 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield. Admission: $6-$15. Visit presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.
- For another road trip head north to Wisconsin to the Kohler Arts Center where the museum’s Art Preserve (offsite from the main museum) is highlighting selections from the Roger Brown Study Collection. The collection, which remained in Brown’s house museum on Halsted Street since his death in 1997, was recently acquired by the Arts Center from the School of the Art Institute. The installation highlights a portion of Brown’s collection and is installed near the collection of another Chicago artist Ray Yoshida. The Art Preserve is open Tuesday-Sunday at 3636 Lower Falls Road, Sheboygan, Wis. Admission is free. Visit jmkac.org/art-preserve/.