ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time.

To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations of things you do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org

An Enchanted Ride!

CTA Holiday Train and Bus

Santa and his sleigh are zooming around Chicago on the flatbed car of CTA trains for the holidays. After two years, you can ride along again in passenger cars outlined in lights. Find Santa on the Yellow Line December 22. W.hen you hear holiday music and a “Ho, Ho, Ho,” look for Santa peering from the roof hatch of the decorated CTA Holiday Bus. Find him December 21 on the #28 Stony Island; December 22 on the #29 State and December 23 on the #J14 Jeffrey Jump. Face masks required. Schedules at Transitchicago.com/holidayfleet/

Entertainment for All!

B Posi+ive Productions Presents: Good Vibes

Good Vibes is coming to the Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway, on December 30 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. B Posi+ive Productions was created by Dario Durham and Darrian Lewis in October 2019 to cause “a shift in the Chicago entertainment culture” towards inclusivity and teamwork. Good Vibes showcases the best stand-up comics in a show that encourages audience participation.

Start your weekend with positive vibes and high energy. Good Vibes is open to adults 18+. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.

B I N G O!

Drag Bingo

My Buddy’s, 4416 N. Clark St., is notorious for hosting drag shows, stand-up comedy, karaoke, and cabaret, among other extravaganzas. On December 23 from 7:30 to 11 p.m., My Buddy’s is hosting a night of Drag Bingo. Combining the art of drag with the excitement of bingo, Drag Bingo features drag queens Aurora Divine and Giselle Brooks (pictured). W.hat better way to spend a raunchy Thursday night than with vivacious drag queens! So come on down to My Buddy’s, play bingo, meet fabulous drag queens, and enjoy some mouth-watering food. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at mybuddyschicago.com.

Happy Kwanzaa!

MXC Kwanzaa Celebration

Malcolm X College,1900 W. Jackson Blvd., is hosting a Kwanzaa Celebration on December 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. inside their auditorium. There will be a panel discussion celebrating Kwanzaa and its history. All-day, there will be an African market with unique vendors who have a wide variety of products. Kwanzaa is the celebration of life in many Pan-African cultures and lasts from December 26-January 1. This celebration is open to the public and welcomes everyone of all ages. FREE.

A Reimagined Classic!

Joffrey Ballet presents 'The Nutcracker'

The Joffrey Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" through December 26 at the Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Drive. "The Nutcracker" is a classic holiday story that follows a young girl who receives a soldier-like Nutcracker that comes to life in her dreams. The Joffrey resets the ballet in Chicago with a community of immigrant artisans working on the 1893 World's Fair. The girl visits the fair in her dreams and meets dancers of various cultures: Spanish, Chinese, Arabian, Venetian. The ballet is suitable for all ages. Tickets start at $37 at joffrey.org.

Live Jazz!

‘Abercrombie Quartet’ Album Performed Live

The Fulton Street Collective, 1821 W. Hubbard St., Suite 307, will host the Paul Hecht Quartet on December 28 from 8-10 p.m. They will be perform John Abercrombie's 1980 release, “Abercrombie Quartet,” a jazz hit from the 1980s. The quartet is comprised of Paul Hecht, Harry Tonchev, Sam Peters and James Russell Sims. Violinist Mark Feldman, who was part of John Abercrombie's first quartet, will make a special appearance. The Fulton Street Collective is a marketplace, art gallery/exhibit, and event space all in one! Free.

No Wire Hangers!

'Christmas Dearest'

Hell in a Handbag Productions presents "Christmas Dearest" through December 31 at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave. Christmas Dearest is a holiday parody of “A Christmas Carol,” starring drag queen Joan Crawford as Scrooge. This show takes place in 1953 and follows Joan’s desperation of restarting her career with the release of her film, “Oh Mary,” a musical about the Virgin Mary. By focusing on her acting career, Joan has turned into a Hollywood tyrant who is visited by three ghosts to teach her how to be nice and embrace the holiday spirit. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at theatreinchicago.com.

Learn to Dance!

Aegea Greek Dance Troupe and Lessons

Are you ready to live your “Mamma Mia” dream? Or dance like they do in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding?” The Edgewater Public Library, 6000 N. Broadway, is hosting Aegea Greek Dance troupe and lessons on Tuesdays from 2-3 p.m. in the Betty A. Barclay Community Room on the 2nd floor. Get ready to learn the Zorba dance and other styles. This class will be taught by an experienced teacher, to Greek music. Greek Dance is meant to promote joy and unity. Free, but limited to 10 participants. Please register at chipublib.org. It is repeated weekly into February.

Symphonic Christmas!

'Merry, Merry Chicago'

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's holiday concert series continues through December 23 at 220 S. Michigan Ave. Music selections will include, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” music from Rimsky-Korsakov’s “The Snow Maiden,” Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” and more. This family-friendly concert will put you in the holiday spirit! Conductor Alastair Willis will be joined by Broadway star Jessica Vosk, who is known for her roles in "Wicked" and "Fiddler on the Roof." Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at cso.org.

-Compiled by Paige Bialik