Looking for some cool things to do and see in the week ahead in Chicago?
Here are some suggestions to consider:
Young scribes
The 33rd edition of the Young Playwrights Festival features full productions of three works by high school students who have won the 2020 playwriting competition. Angelina Davila’s “Public In Private” is the story of a young woman’s struggles to get into an art college. In Henry Williams’ “Clause 42” a man dies and is wrongly sent to the afterlife of a weird cult-like religion. And in Reba Brennan’s “Cobalt,” a shy teen seeks an escape from family dysfunction. From Jan. 8-25 at Pegasus Theatre at Getz Theater Center, Columbia College, 72 E. 11th. Tickets: $18-$30. Visit pegasustheatrechicago.org.
The world beat goes on
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A new season of World Music Wednesdays begins with the joyful music of Le Vent Du Nord. Founded in 2002, the Canadian band is a leading force in Quebec’s progressive francophone folk movement. The musician’s repertoire draws from both traditional sources and original compositions. The hard driving music is rooted in the Celtic diaspora but with a broad range of global influences. At 8:30 pm Jan. 8, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. Free ($10 suggested donation). Visit oldtownschool.org.
Exploring identity and more
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Choreographer and poet J’Sun Howard presents his work “aMoratorium,” a work that explores black male identity, visibility, temporality and its absence, focusing on death as it relates to the black church and black spiritual traditions. The work, commissioned by the Art Institute of Chicago, was a response to its retrospective exhibit of the works of Chicago artist Charles Wilbert White (1918-1979) who interpreted African American history, culture and lives in striking works that transcend racial categorization. At 8 p.m. Jan. 3-4, Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted. Tickets: $20. Visit steppenwolf.org.
The Tardis returns
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The time/space traveling adventurer Doctor Who returned for season 12 of the popular BBC series on Jan. 1. Fans can gather to celebrate the popular show at a screening of the premiere episode and a sneak peak of the season’s second episode plus a Q&A with the show’s actors at 1 p.m. Jan. 5 at local movie theaters. The current and 13th Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, and companions Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill take part in the Q&A live from the Paley Center in New York. For theater locations and to purchase tickets, go to fathomevents.com.
New year, new laughs
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Kick off 2020 with comedian Dulcé Sloan’s vibrant, unique comedic voice. Rolling Stone recently hailed the comic and “The Daily Show” correspondent as one of the “10 Comedians You Need To Know,” declaring, “She speaks and they simply fall in line behind her.” Also on the bill are comedians Alex Kumin, who hosts the show, and Dave Helem. At 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Jan. 3-4, 7 p.m. Jan. 5, UP Comedy Club at The Second City, 230 W. North. Tickets: $20. Visit secondcity.com.
Guitar master class
When it comes to the hierarchy of guitar players, Albert Lee ranks among the most respected and renowned. His illustrious career is storied — The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris. The British-born country-rock artist began his career in 1960s London where he performed with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. In the States, he joined the country music scene and garnered a reputation as one of most nimble guitar players in the business. Harris has said of Lee: “A brilliant guitar player. His sound is unmistakable — often emulated, never equaled.” Lee lights up the stage at 8 p.m. Jan. 4, at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston. Tickets: $18-$34. Visit evanstonspace.com.
