What to do around Chicago: Jon Batiste, a timeless ‘Fiddler’ and a puzzle swap

Also in the area this weekend, events at the Chicago History Museum and a Black-owned vendor market.

Jon Batiste:  He won the 2022 Grammy for album of the year; he composed with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross the Oscar-winning score for Pixar’s “Soul”; he directs music coverage for The Atlantic and he’s written a symphony. Then there’s his actual recording career. Batiste is at the Riv this weekend with his Uneasy Tour, presented by Jam Productions. 8 p.m. Feb. 24 at Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave.; www.axs.com

“Fiddler on the Roof”: Yes, the musical by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joseph Stein has been around since the middle of the 20th century but there’s nothing musty about the production now in the western suburbs, as directed by Elizabeth Margolius. Instead, says the Tribune’s Chris Jones in his review, there’s a new humanity in its story of a Jewish community in fictional Anatevka, Russia. Through March 24 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace; tickets $85.75-$96.25 at 630-530-0111 and drurylanetheatre.com

Chicago History Museum: Celebrate Black History Month with some hands-on and family-friendly activities at the Chicago History Museum. Events include a scavenger hunt, storytime sessions and printmaking crafts. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.; admission included with museum admission, more information at chicagohistory.org

“The Band’s Visit”: Writers Theatre in Glencoe currently has a local, intimate production of the musical by David Yazbek and Itamar Moses about a traveling Egyptian police band lost in an out-of-the-way Israeli town. Through March 24 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; tickets $35-$90 at 847-242-6000 and www.writerstheatre.org

Wabash Y Open House and Black-owned Market: The Renaissance Collaborative hosts this event that’s a combination open house, history exhibit and Black-owned vendor market, featuring books, jewelry and food. 1-4 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Historic Former Wabash YMCA, 3763 S. Wabash Ave.; free, more information at eventbrite.com

Ravenswood Puzzle Swap: Bring a new or gently used puzzle and exchange it for another one. There will be free coffee and Mexican bread for participants. 10 a.m. to noon at Falcon’s Handcrafted Sandwiches, 1968 W. Lawrence Ave.; more information at ravenswoodchicago.org

Porno for Pyros: Perry Farrell and Porno for Pyros are in town with their Horns, Thorns En Halos 2024 Tour, with guest Tigercub. 8 p.m. Feb. 26 at Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave; tickets from $49.50 at www.saltshedchicago.com

 

Related posts