Looking for some cool things to see and do in the week ahead in Chicago?
Here are some highlights to consider:
Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel
The immersive concert-style show, “The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” tells the story of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s partnership from its humble beginnings to their success as one of the best-selling groups of the ’60s to their dramatic split in 1970. The show uses state of the art video projection, photos and film footage, as well as a live band performing the duo’s classic hits. From Nov. 19-Dec. 8, Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, $35-$85; broadwayinchicago.com.
Red Bull Fest
More than 40 artists will be performing as part of the Red Bull Music Festival Chicago, running Nov. 17-30. The two weeks of events includes club nights in legendary venues and expressive conceptual performances. The lineup includes Lupe Fiasco, Saba, Jamila Woods, Smino, Jesse De La Pena, Derrick Carter and more. Events/concerts take place at Metro, 3730 N. Clark; Concord Music Hall, 2051 N. Milwaukee; Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central; Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport; The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne. For the full schedule and ticket info (tickets range from free with rsvp to $30, depending on specific event), visit redbull.com/chicago
Folk with a twist
The world-folk band Rising Appalachia recently released “Leylines,” a mix of songs that Rolling Stone called “protest music for the modern age.” Founded and fronted by sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith, whose roots are in folk and blues, the band also includes David Brown (bass, guitar), Biko Casini (percussion, n’goni) and two new members West African musician Arouna Diarra (n’goni, talking drum) and Irish musician Duncan Wickel (fiddle, cello). The musician’s various musical roots enhance this eclectic blend of folk, world and urban music. At 7 and 10 p.m. Nov. 14, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $23-$45. Visit oldtownschool.org.
Music in the chapel
The London-based chamber choir Tenebrae is known for its performances of 20th century choral works including Joby Talbot’s “Path of Miracles,” which the choir commissioned in 2005. The piece traces Spain’s Camino de Santiago and the experience of walking the 500-mile pilgrimage route stretching from the Pyrenees to the Atlantic coast. A second companion piece, Owain Park’s “Footsteps,” allows the choir to collaborate with local choirs. In Chicago, this piece will be performed Nov. 15 with the Chicago Children’s Choir Hyde Park Presto. And what better place to experience the choir’s music than the Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn. The evening begins with a 6:30 p.m. pre-concert talk with Talbot and Tenebrae conductor Nigel Short followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10-$38. Visit tickets.uchicago.edu.
Sondheim salute
A 90th birthday tribute to legendary lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim features the city’s best theater, jazz, cabaret and classical artists putting their spin on songs from classic musicals such as “Company,” “Follies,” “Into the Woods,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Sweeney Todd” and more. Among the performers at “Chicago Celebrates Sondheim,” are singer-songwriter Susan Werner, musical theater performer Heidi Kettenring, jazz singer Paul Marinaro, tenor Rodrick Dixon, cabaret artist Beckie Menzie, classical vocalist Robert Sims, singer-pianist Johnny Rodgers and more. Accompaniment is by the Chicago Philharmonic conducted by Rich Daniels. At 8 p.m. Nov. 16, Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Tickets: $30-$95. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org
New work debuts
The 125-member Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, featuring musicians from across the Midwest, performs the Chicago premiere of Zhou Tian’s “Transcend,” a work commemorating the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Chinese laborers who helped build it. The work was commissioned by 13 orchestras, with the CYSO the only youth orchestra performing the piece. Also performed are works by Serge Koussevitzky, Augusta Reed Thomas and Camille Saint-Saens. At 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. Tickets: $20-$60. Visit cyso.org.
Everyone’s favorite nanny
Children of all ages will enjoy “Mary Poppins,” the Cameron Mackintosh musical based on P.L. Travers book and the Disney film. Set in Edwardian London, the timeless story tells of the nanny who arrives at No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane to care for the unruly Banks children and take them on some magical adventures. The cast features Emilie Lynn as Mary Poppins and James T. Lane, as Bert, the chimney sweep who befriends nanny and children. From Nov. 15-Jan. 19, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets: $60-$75. Visit drurylanetheatre.com.
Power of words
The Museum of Contemporary Art digs into its collection for “Direct Message: Art, Language and Power,” an exhibit that looks at the ways artists use words to challenge ideas about the messages written, heard, read and spoken daily. A centerpiece of the exhibit is Jenny Holzer’s mesmerizing “For Chicago,” an immersive floor installation of her signature LED lights programmed with a retrospective of her writings. To Jan. 26 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. Admission: $15. Visit mcachicago.org.
Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.