Entertainment and Culture Music Theater

The Mix: Barenaked Ladies, Great America holidays and more things to do in Chicago Dec. 17-23

There’s much to see and do in the week ahead.

By Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times

Barenaked Ladies will perform carols and comedy at “A Very Virtual Christmas.”

Barenaked holiday

It’s a blast from the past when the rock band Barenaked Ladies presents “A Very Virtual Christmas.” Like variety shows from holidays past, the virtual event features sketch comedy written by the band and performances including fan favorites from the “Barenaked for the Holidays” album. Streams at 8 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets: $15. Visit sessionslive.com/BNL/tickets.

Wynton Marsalis

Jazzing up the holidays

Since 1989, Big Band Holidays has been a seasonal favorite at Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis. This year the celebration featuring big-band renditions of classic holiday tunes goes virtual with performances by vocalists Catherine Russell, Kurt Elling, Rubén Blades, Ashley Pezzotti and more. Livestreams at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 and on demand to Dec. 27. Tickets: $25. Visit jazz.org/bbh.

Tito Matos y la Masquina Insular

Island holiday

Chicago’s Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center brings the joy and spirit of the traditional Puerto Rican holiday season to Chicago via a special concert. The holiday edition of the center’s Abrazo Virtual concerts streams from Taller Comunidad La Goyco, the community center in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and features performances by Tito Matos y la Masquina Insular and Kily Vializ, two acts that represent the island’s bomba and plena scene. The concert streams at 7 p.m. Dec. 23. Free but donations are appreciated. Visit segundoruizbelvis.org.

Hamid Drake (left) and Michael Zerang

Sunrise celebration

Links Hall and Constellation present the annual Winter Solstice Concert Series. Hamid Drake and Michael Zerang return for their 30th year of welcoming the sun on the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The sunrise concert, featuring Drake and Zerang on drums and percussion, livestreams at 6:30 a.m. Dec. 21 with an evening concert at 8 p.m. featuring the duo and their longtime collaborators Joshua Abrams (contrabass, gumbri) and Ayako Kato (movement) in a celebration of song and dance. Free, but a suggested $20 or pay-what-you-can donation for each concert is appreciated. Visit linkshall.org or constellation-chicago.com.

Chicago’s Great Tree with Christmas decorations in the Walnut Room at Macy’s. — The Macy’s Christmas tree is one of the holiday traditions considered in the Chicago Detours event.

Storied landmarks

Virtual Holiday Stories Happy Hour is Chicago Detours’ live interactive event that takes viewers to the city’s most beloved holiday landmarks and hidden gems while also telling the historical stories that celebrate Chicago’s festive spirit. There’s also a Reindeer Disco Party, a holiday décor contest and more. Streams at scheduled times through Dec. 28. Tickets: $20, $35. Visit chicagodetours.com.

Brandon Dalquist, Dara Cameron and Michael Mahler in “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!”

Welcome to Bedford Falls

American Blues Theater keeps a 19-year tradition alive with a virtual edition of its staging of “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” The annual radio-play adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film features the actors performing each night live from their homes. In a first, set designer Grant Sabin designed sets for each actor to install in their homes. Directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Michael Mahler. Streams through Jan. 2. Tickets: $25-$55. Visit americanbluestheater.com.

David Broza

Music and stories

Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza celebrates the holidays with his annual The Not Exactly Christmas Show. The evening of music and storytelling features a mix of Spanish flamenco, Cuban rhythms, American folk, rock and poetry performed by Broza and his band: Itai Kriss (flute), Manny A (percussion), Yuniel Jimenez (Cuban tres guitar) and Jorge Bringas (bass). Special guests include Spyro Gyra co-founder Jay Beckenstein, Julio Fernandez and bassist Francisco Santano. The livestream begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 23. Tickets: $10. Visit citywinery.com/chicago.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great America

Holiday themes

Six Flags Great America’s Holiday in the Park offers two ways to enjoy the decorated theme park in Gurnee. A walk-through outdoor light extravaganza includes shows, children’s activities, holiday-themed photo ops, holiday food and more. (No rides will be open.) Available through Dec. 30, $19.99. There’s also a drive-through option available through Jan. 18, $14.99. Advance tickets/reservations are required. Visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.

Mary Houlihan is a Chicago freelance writer.

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