The Sidetracks 10
Our top picks for what to do in McHenry County, the region and Chicago
1. AMERICAN STARS
WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan
INFO: Former “American Idol” contestants perform holiday music. With Constantine Maroulis, Gina Glocksen and others. Tickets are $32-$53 at 312-559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.
2. "GRINCH"
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Crystal Lake South High School, 1200 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake
INFO: Algonquin Academy of Dance and Music performance. Tickets are $12, available in advance at 847-854-6221 or at the door.
3. E/GO EXHIBITION GALA RECEPTION
WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. today
WHERE: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
INFO: Refreshments will be served at reception for an exhibit of artwork by six local artists. Free. Call 815-455-8000 or visit www.e-artgroup.com.
4. “THE NUTCRACKER BALLET”
WHEN: 7 p.m. today; 3 & 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake
INFO: Performed by the Berkshire Ballet Theatre with Tchaikovsky’s music. Tickets are $22 and $25 at 815-356-9212 or www.rauecenter.org.
5. CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG AND DOUBLE-FEATURE
WHEN: through Wednesday
WHERE: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
INFO: Annual showings of “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Christmas carols sung between films. Tickets are $10 for one film, $15 for a double-feature. Visit www.musicboxtheatre.com.
6. ED HALL’S WOODSTOCK CHRISTMAS GUITAR NIGHT
WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock
INFO: Internationally acclaimed musicians will perform holiday season favorites. Tickets are $20 at 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
7. HOLIDAY MAGIC
WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: Brookfield Zoo, 31st St. and First Avenue, Brookfield
INFO: Light displays, laser light show, ice-carving demonstrations and more. Admission is $7-$11. Call 708-688-8400 or visit www.brookfieldzoo.org.
8. “THE NUTCRACKER BALLET”
WHEN: 8 p.m. today; 2 & 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock
INFO: Presented by the Judith Svalander Dance Theatre with music by Tchaikovsky. Tickets are $22 adults, $16 students at 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.
9. WYNONNA
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Paramount Arts Centre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
INFO: Country music star performs. Tickets are $65-$75 at 312-559-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.
10. FOUR STRINGS ATTACHED
WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock
INFO: Young violinists of the Martin Lopez Academy will perform classical pieces and Christmas songs and hymns. Tickets are $25 balcony, $20 main floor at 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.