“When you look around your community, it’s easy to help the people around you. And once you start doing that, it’s easier to understand how we can effect change.”

Adam Gogola, 35, sings and plays guitar for Chicago punk band Blind Adam & the Federal League.…Read More

This week’s featured gig poster was created by Nashville graphic designer Terri Morris.

This week’s gig poster was created for a livestream concert by a famous Chicago-born jazz musician who’s recently returned home.…Read More

Among the myriad injuries inflicted upon Americans by COVID-19 (though admittedly one of the mildest) is the impossibility of attending your favorite holiday concert. For the past dozen years, Chicago-based saxophonist Mars Williams has hosted a unique variation on that seasonal tradition.…Read More

The blaze was reported about 7 a.m. at an apartment building in the 1300 block of South Homan Avenue.

An apartment building caught on fire Wednesday morning in Lawndale on the West Side.

The blaze was reported about 7 a.m. at an apartment building in the 1300 block of South Homan Avenue, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

No injuries have been reported as crews continue to battle the fire, fire officials said.

The number 82 Kimball-Homan buses were temporarily rerouted in both directions to accommodate fire crews at Homan Avenue and Roosevelt Road, CTA said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing story, check back for details.

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Crews began battling the fire about 5:30 a.m. and it was struck out about an hour later.

Firefighters extinguished a two-alarm fire Wednesday morning in Englewood on the South Side.

Crews began to battle the blaze about 5:30 a.m. in the 5800 block of South Ashland Avenue, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

A hazardous materials response was also ordered, and the fire was struck by 6:20 a.m., fire officials said.

No injuries were reported.

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Did the Chicago White Sox overpay for Lance Lynn? by Patrick Sheldon

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Chicago Bears (Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports)

Which Chicago Bears are most at risk under a new general manager?

At this point, it feels like not if, but when, the Chicago Bears make a change at the top of the organization. Such an overhaul would include a new coach, a new general manager, and according to a recent report, possibly even a new president of football operations.

It is a much-needed change that would be welcomed by just about the entire fan base, with the exception of the few that still hold out belief in Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy. But after six seasons of futility, where, absent a miracle turnaround this season, they will have made the playoffs only once, a change has to happen.

While that change would be celebrated by the fans, it could spell trouble for some players. Anytime a new administration takes over a team, just about every player’s future with the team is evaluated for continued service.

For many, that’s of little concern, as their status with the team is cemented and not in doubt. However, there are plenty of players who, for lack of a better term, are tied to the previous general manager. This could be for a variety of reasons that we will get into later, but suffice it to say that a new general manager could spell trouble for certain players on the Bears.

In fact, we have identified the three players who are the most at risk should a new general manager take over in the Windy City.

Next: No. 3

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Chicago Bears: 3 players most at risk under new GM by Patrick Sheldon

The 2020-21 season is about development for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Chicago Blackhawks are not going to be a very good team in 2020-21. The season is finally shaping up to begin on January 13th and then hopefully hockey starts to see itself get back to the way things used to be. For the Hawks, they still have Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on their team so they will still have a chance on most nights but things are getting worse. Their defense has been bad for a while now and Corey Crawford or Robin Lehner aren’t there aymore.

Of course, when your team is bad you hope that there are still things to watch for. Watching Toews and Kane will always be exciting and they are a reason to watch in their own right. In addition to them, there are so many young players that we need to see growth from over the next few years and it starts this year.

Kirby Dach, Alex DeBrincat, and Adam Boqvist have all already made their NHL debuts and in the case of DeBrincat, played a few seasons in the pros. Those guys are all players that the Blackhawks hope to develop even further and that starts this season. In the case of Dach and DeBrincat, they are both guys with star potential in this league.

DeBrincat struggled to score goals during the 2019-20 season at the rate we were getting used to seeing. He didn’t have bad numbers by any means but he was about half as good as the year before. Dach struggled in his teenage season as well but came back to the bubble looking like an entirely different player. As the third overall pick in the 2019 draft, he has the potential to be a seriously good player. Boqvist might not have number one defenseman potential but he could be a great puck moving power play guy.

There are also prospects in the system that we need to see develop that haven’t played an NHL game yet. Ian Mitchell comes to mind right away. He was brilliant to end his college career and the Hawks are hoping he shows big things in his rookie NHL season. He has captain potential based on his leadership abilities so that is excitng as well. It would be nice if he turns out to be a guy who can lead on and off the ice while playing great defense.

Hot: The Blackhawks are sending three prospects to USA Hockey for WJC

None of this is going to click full-time in 2021 but it just needs to start it’s development. The Hawks have leaders that have developed together enough to win multiple championships and now they will be relied on to mentor younger players. With the defense and goaltending in shambles the way that it currently is, you shouldn’t expect a lot of wins but you can expect to see some good play from players who are very important to the future of the club.

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Joseph “Mojo” Morganfield grew up with a musical legend for a father: the late Chicago blues deity and rock progenitor Muddy Waters. “He was just ‘Dad’ at home,” recalls Morganfield, who declares his upbringing in suburban Westmont — replete with school, chores, basketball practice, et al — as “a good childhood, in a normal household.”

He does acknowledge, though, that normal households typically don’t see the likes of Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones dropping by to pay a visit.

“Eric came over quite a bit, whenever he was in the States,” Morganfield said of the British guitar god, noting that Clapton served as best man in Waters’ 1979 wedding. (As for fellow Brits the Stones, Mick Jagger and company not only drew inspiration from Muddy’s music, they famously appropriated their band name from Muddy’s 1950 hit, “Rollin’ Stone.”)

Alicia Johnson

And when it wasn’t superstar rockers coming to call, it was elite players from Chicago’s fertile blues scene. Home was simply awash in live music — and spicy conversation, Morganfield remembers — over his father’s Deep South cooking. “We’d have fish fries, and musicians would be here. They’d pull guitars out and go till 3, 4 in the morning, drinkin’ and talkin’ [stuff].

“I got an earful at that age, believe me,” he added with a laugh.

“Mojo” Morganfield, 56, is the youngest son of Waters, who was born McKinley Morganfield in 1915. Raised on a Mississippi plantation where he picked up guitar and harmonica, Muddy Waters arrived in Chicago in 1943 to ply his trade as a professional musician. He remained here for the rest of his storied life, emblazoning his mark on music history.

And it all started with Muddy’s introducing the electric guitar to local blues clubs, in the words of essayist Michael Hill of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted Waters in 1987. “His groups, which played with all amps cranked, consisted of bass, drums, second guitar, piano and harmonica, with Waters on slide guitar and vocals,” Hill wrote. “He and a shifting company of stellar sidemen played hard-edged, unadulterated blues, but his bands had the earmarks — in size, volume and attitude — of rock combos to come.”

The most recent of Muddy’s offspring to pursue his own career in music, Morganfield has released a new single. “It’s Good to Be King,” on Chicago’s longstanding independent Delmark label.

The irrepressible, quintessentially Chicago-style blues track was recorded by Morganfield and his combo, the Mannish Boyz — another band name sparked by a Muddy Waters hit song. In this case, it was the paradigmatic 1955 “Mannish Boy” (co-written by Waters, Bo Diddley and Mel London). Its pile-driving central riff, instantly recognizable, hammers home the lyrics “I’m a man, I spell M – A – N” – simple, declarative sentences that resounded with much deeper meaning amid the Jim Crow era in which it debuted.

When Mojo Morganfield and the Mannish Boyz (the band’s official moniker) recorded “It’s Good to Be King” this past summer at Chicago’s VSOP Productions Studios, the band and producer Michael Freeman paid appropriate deference to COVID-19. “[Facility staff] would clean the studio before we got there,” Morganfield related. “Each musician had his own section. And they had to wear masks; I didn’t, because I was isolated from everyone in the vocal booth.

“And the next day we couldn’t come in, since they’d take that day to clean, again, before we could come back and finish.”

“It’s Good to Be King,” penned by Johnny Lee Schell, was previously recorded by Big Daddy Gumbo (aka the late Tommy Dardar.) “It’s a good song, but it has a Louisiana twang; I wanted to Chicago it up,” Morganfield said.

So, Morganfield and Freeman brought in a trio of stellar Chicago blues artists: Ronnie Baker Brooks — son of celebrated hometown bluesman Lonnie Brooks — on guitar, Emmy-winning blues harpist Billy Branch, and Brother John Kattke on piano. “What the song says to me,” Morganfield said, “is that every person has their castle: family, friends and the things you surround yourself with. A person should feel like a king or queen when everything is going right — when the mojo is working. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, enjoy it.

“We were supposed to put out a full CD,” he continued. “But with the virus being out there, we wouldn’t really have been able to [tour in order to] promote it. So we released the single, just to keep our name out there.”

Mojo and the Mannish Boyz aim to have the album recorded, mixed and released “sometime in 2021. But we’re watching the corona numbers; if they’re high we won’t go back in the studio. Keepin’ it safe and still being productive is really difficult right now.”

Muddy Waters’ youngest son first took up guitar under the exacting tutelage of his father; it was an exercise in perfectionism. “He’d play me a note, and then he’d leave. Once I got that note, I would call him back in and play it. I wouldn’t call him back if I didn’t have it down, though, ’cause he had no patience!”

Morganfield Family Archives

Bob Margolin, guitarist for Waters’ band from 1973 to 1980, knew Joseph as a youngster, and recalls Muddy suggesting one day in the Morganfield kitchen, “Show Joe some things on guitar.” Margolin happened to have brought along a vintage Fender Stratocaster, which he placed in the 9-year-old’s hands — and marveled as Joseph spun out a line from one of Waters’ own songs, staying behind the beat exactly like his old man (who called the technique “delay time”). Whether genetic or learned, Margolin said, little Mojo “had the feel of Mississippi blues — of Muddy Waters.”

Morganfield, also a spokesman for Muddy’s estate, said that the South Side home on 43^rd and Lake Park — the first house Waters ever bought, now owned by his great-granddaughter Chandra Cooper — is currently being “rehabbed and repaired” in preparation for a Muddy Waters museum to be headquartered there. Morganfield expects the museum project, overseen by Cooper, will be up and running in two years.

“The main goal,” Morganfield said, “is to keep my father’s legacy alive.”

Moira McCormick is a local freelance writer.

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It’s a fact: We could all use some holiday cheer these days. And even amid a pandemic, there are still many seasonal events to make your holidays merry, while supporting many local artists and artisans.

When it comes to live events, the rule of thumb is simple: Outdoors is in and indoors is out. Zoos and botanic gardens are offering their annual light extravaganzas, while museums are offering only streaming events. And many holiday theater and dance staples such as “The Nutcracker,” “A Christmas Carol,” Christkindlmarket,” Andrew Bird’s “Gezelligheid” and many more are also transitioning to online presentations. All in-person events will follow all COVID-19 precautions. Please consult individual websites for updated information and more specifics.

Here’s a sampling of some of what’s offered this season across the Chicago area and streaming online.

Above all, take some time to breathe — and be entertained. Happy Holidays!

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

The festive season got underway with the city’s always very large and very pretty holiday tree in Millennium Park (to Jan. 7). There was no public lighting ceremony this year, but a 30-minute virtual program “Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Holidays” (youtube.com/chicagodcase) features music performances by Chicago Children’s Choir, Sones de Mexico and Percy Bady with a tribute to Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” There will be no skating in the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink this season but the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon will be open. Reservations (maggiedaleypark.com) and masks are required. Admission is free to all park events; millenniumpark.org

MUSEUMS

Holiday Happenings at the Art Institute of Chicago: The lions that flank the entrance to the museum will be wearing their usual holiday wreaths but no public “Wreathing of the Lions” ceremony will take place. Scaled back holiday events this year include several free virtual art tours: “Gratitude” (Dec. 2) looks at works of art that encourage us to slow down, focus in and make connections; “Home for the Holidays” (Dec. 16, 18) explores artworks that connect us with what makes the holiday meaningful. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan, included with admission except where noted; artic.edu

National Museum of Mexican Art: Virtual holiday events include art-making for parents and toddlers (Dec. 5, $20); Cafe y Compras: Holiday Edition, a visit with two local artisans plus a peek at the museum’s online gift shop (Dec. 6, Free), and a paper mache ornament workshop (Dec. 19, Free); nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

ZOOS

Courtesy Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights: The zoo grounds are transformed into a land of twinkling lights. To Jan. 3, $5. Additional festive activities include a socially distant visit with Santa, an Enchanted Forest ($3); light maze ($3) and more. Other events include, an evening to enjoy seasonal and international craft beers; Holidaze (Dec. 10, sold out), an after-hours event for adults with music and cash bar; Chris White Trio with a tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” (Dec. 13, live event is sold out, $15 for virtual stream). There’s also the ZooLights Virtual Challenge, a race with various distances and packages that is a fundraiser for the zoo (Nov. 27-Jan. 3, $24.99+). Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark; lpzoo.org

Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic: The zoo is illuminated with more than one million twinkling lights, animal sculptures, lights synchronized to music and Game of Gnomes scavenger hunt (Nov. 27-Dec. 31, $17.95-$24.95). No Santa appearance this year but there will be a life-size cutout for selfies, and kids can drop off letters addressed to the North Pole. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield; czs.org

GARDENS

Morton Arboretum’s Illumination — Tree Lights: The eighth annual event is reimagined as a drive-through experience with new light displays, drive-up concessions and a customized music soundtrack. The 2-mile route includes 11 light displays including new features as well a returning favorites such as Symphony Woods, Woodland Wonder, Crystal Promenade and more. There’s also a drive through concession stand. To Jan. 3 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Route 53, Lisle, $29-$49, timed advance tickets required; mortonarb.org

Chicago Botanic Garden — Lightscape: The night comes alive at this holiday light show featuring a world of color, imagination and sound. The illuminated trail features displays created by Chicago and international artists. To Jan. 3 at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, sold out; chicagobotanic.org

THEATER: ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’

Provided

“A Christmas Carol”: College of DuPage Theatre presents a filmed version of William J. Norris’ adaptation of the holiday classic. Streams Nov. 27-Jan. 3, $16; atthemac.org

“A Christmas Carol — An Audio Play”: The Goodman Theatre presents a streaming audio version of its annual staging of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story with Larry Yando returning as Ebenezer Scrooge; directed by Jessica Thebus. Streams Dec. 1-31, also broadcast on WBEZ (91.5 FM) and Vocalo (91.1 FM) on Dec. 24-25, Free; goodmantheatre.org

Provided

Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol: The performance collective’s imaginative adaptation, co-commissioned by Writers Theatre, updates the holiday tale for the 2020 holiday season as Aunt Trudy, an avowed holiday skeptic, is recruited to channel her late husband’s famous Christmas cheer. Performances livestreamed Dec. 3-20, $15-$50; manualcinema.com and writerstheatre.org

A Christmas Carol: Writers Theatre presents the holiday tale adapted by and featuring Michael Halberstam in a solo performance; directed by Stanton Long. Streams Dec. 8-Jan. 3, $15-$50; writerstheatre.org

A Christmas Carol in the Dark:Theatre in the Dark presents an audio play adaptation of the holiday classic. Livestreams Dec. 10-24, $25-$30; theatreinthedark.com

A Christmas Carol: London’s The Old Vic presents Matthew Warchus’ staging of Jack Thorne’s adaptation of the holiday classic with Andrew Lincoln (“The Walking Dead”) as Ebenezer Scrooge. Each performance is livestreamed Dec. 12-24, $13-$86; oldvictheatre.com

A Christmas Carol: New York’s Summoners Ensemble Theatre in association with Merchant’s House Museum presents the holiday classic with John Kevin Jones as Charles Dickens, who embarks on a telling of his classic holiday tale. Streams Dec. 18-24, Free (donations appreciated) but reservations are required; summonersensemble.org or merchantshouse.org

Frank Ishman

THEATER

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!: American Blues Theater its 19^th annual radio-play adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film. The 80-minute production is livestreamed with actors performing at their homes; directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside. Streams through Jan. 2, $25-$55; americanbluestheater.com

“Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish — The Musical”: A family-friendly musical, based on the book by Denise McGowan Tracy, about a rag doll who lives in the magical world of the North Pole. Streams Nov. 27-Dec. 27, $25, party boxes $70, $85; eleanorswish.com

Christmas Bingo — It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night: Vicki Quade’s holiday show brings together two of the best things about being Catholic — Christmas and bingo. A portion of ticket sales goes to the retirement fund for the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago. Streams Nov. 27-Dec. 27, $20; nuns4fun-entertainment.ticketleap.com

“The Steadfast Tin Soldier”:In Lookingglass Theatre’s staging of Hans Christian Andersen’s story, director Mary Zimmerman concocts a spectacle about the unlikely adventures of a little tin soldier. Streams Dec. 1-27, $25; lookingglasstheatre.org

Michael Courier

“Burning Bluebeard”: Porchlight Music Theatre presents Jay Torrence’s play inspired by the 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, a story told with music, clowning, tumbling, acrobatics and dance. Streams Dec. 4-Jan. 3, $15-$50; porchlightmusictheatre.org

The Rip Nelson Holiday Quarantine Special: Hell in a Handbag Productions celebrates the holiday with the return of America’s favorite funnyman; directed by Stevie Love. Streams Dec. 4-Jan. 9, $25; handbagproductions.org or stage773.com

“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”: Strawdog Theatre’s reimagined staging of Michael Dailey’s adaptation of the classic children’s holiday book by Eric Kimmel returns in an all-new virtual production performed live; directed by Spencer Ryan Diedrick. Livestreamed Dec. 5-20, $25-$30; strawdog.org

Black Ensemble Virtual Holiday Extravaganza:Black Ensemble Theater cast members and musicians perform holiday songs. Streams Dec. 18-25; $25;blackensembletheater.org

The Chimes:Remy Bumppo Theatre presents Nick Sandys’ one-man adaptation of a Charles Dickens’ work, the second of the so called Christmas novellas. Streams Dec. 7-Jan. 3, $15; remybumppo.org

Rick Aguilar Studios

Fefu and Her Friends: An impressive lineup of Chicago actresses star in this staged reading of Maria Irene Fornes’ feminist classic. A benefit for Season of Concern, it stars Charin Alvarez, Sandra Delgado, Ora Jones, Delia Kropp, Sadieh Rifai, Lisa Tejero, Janet Ulrich Brooks and Penelope Walker; Stacy Stoltz directs. Streams Dec. 5-12, $10; seasonofconcern.org

Evan Hanover

That’s Weird, Grandma — House Par-Tay: Playmakers Laboratory rings in the holidays with stories written by elementary school students, adapted and performed by professional actors. Streams Dec. 7-28, $2-$4; playmakerslab.org

Happy Holidays from Porchlight!: Porchlight Music Theatre presents a holiday special featuring Porchlight favorites singing holiday classics and winter-themed songs for a variety of musical theatre productions. Streams Dec. 11-Jan. 3, $15-$50; porchlightmusictheatre.org

Wally World: For the second entry in its Steppenwolf Now series, Steppenwolf Theatre presents a two-act radio play by Isaac Gomez set on Christmas Eve at a superstore as employees do everything they can to find purpose in a place that has never seen purpose in them. Co-directed by Gomez and Lili-Anne Brown. Streams Dec. 15-Aug. 31, $75 membership includes access to all six virtual productions in the series; steppenwolf.org/now

“Peter Pan — A Musical Adventure”: Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s 2018 production of the classic tale; directed by Amber Mak. Streams Dec. 19-Jan. 1, Free; chicagoshakes.com/peterpan

Jesus J. Montero

‘THE NUTCRACKER’

The Nutcracker: Ruth Page Center for the Arts presents a trio of holiday events. “A Sugar Plum of a Tradition — Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker Past Present & Future” is a behind-the-scenes look at the holiday classic featuring archival footage, interviews and commentary from the artists behind the production, a holiday tradition since 1965. Streams Nov. 27-Dec. 31, $20. An online fundraising auction streams Nov. 30-Dec. 16. “Visions — A Nutcracker Experience” transforms the holiday tradition into a new experience taking place over the five floors of the Ruth Page Center. Streams Dec 4-20, $45; ruthpage.org

Making a New American Nutcracker: While there won’t be a staging of the Joffrey Ballet’s annual holiday ballet this year, fans can instead enjoy a free stream of this PBS documentary (Dec. 1-31). Also young dancers can take a Virtual Enchanted Evening “Nutcracker” journey with Joffrey company members, for ages 4-6 Dec. 4 and ages 7-9 Dec. 11, $15; joffrey.org

Anthony Robert La Penna

“The Art Deco Nutcracker”: A&A Ballet’s adaptation, set in 1920s America, is a fresh take on the holiday favorite. If COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, limited-audience performances will take place on Dec. 19-20 at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan. If the guidelines stay the same, the performances will be streamed. Tickets are $15-$50; aacenterfordance.org

“The Nutcracker”: Hyde Park School of Dance presents a virtual performance of the classic that features ballet, modern dance and hip-hop. Streams Dec. 11-20, $25; hydeparkdance.org

“Dance-Along Nutcracker”: In lieu of the Chicago Cultural Center’s annual event, the original Dance-Along Nutcracker is streamed by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. Streams Dec. 12-13, Free; dancealongnutcracker.org

“The Nutcracker”: Celebrate the holiday season with Ballet Chicago’s staging of the holiday classic. Features archival performances as well as performances with the company’s current roster. Streams Dec. 18-30, $16-$51; balletchicago.org

Great Russian Nutcracker: Moscow Ballet’s staging of the classic features world-class Russian dancers, hand-painted sets, Russian snow maidens and nesting dolls. Streams Dec. 19-Jan. 1, $24.99; atthemac.org

DANCE

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: Debut of “The Sky Was Different,” a film of new work by former company member and choreographer Jonathan Fredrickson. Streams Dec. 3, 5-6, Free; hubbardstreetdance.com

Ensemble Espanol: Annual holiday show features favorite dances performed by company members, guest artists and members of Ensemble Espanol Youth Company. Streams Dec. 12, Free; ensembleespanol.org

MUSIC

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Ramsey Lewis Trio: The jazz pianist revisits his classic holiday record “Sound of Christmas. Streams Nov. 28, $20; ramseylewis.com

FitzGerald’s 12 Streams of Christmas: Jon Langford, Bonnie “Prince” Billy (Dec. 2), The Western Elstons (Dec. 15), Honky Tonk Christmas with Big Sadie and The Lawrence Peters Outfit (Dec. 20), James McMurtry, Pat MacDonald (Dec. 23) and more to be announced. Free; fitzgeraldsnightclub.com

Jim Brickman: The pianist-songwriter blends personal yuletide memories with holiday carols. Livestreams Dec. 4, $40-$125; jimbrickman.com/naperville/

Alfreda Burke & Rodrick Dixon: The “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” soloists, accompanied by the Jo Ann Daugherty Trio, perform their favorite holiday standards and spirituals. Streams Dec. 4-Dec. 31, $25; tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org

Candlelight Carols: The St. Charles Singers present Christmas songs from the Renaissance to the 20^th century. Streams Dec. 6, Free; stcharlessingers.com

New Philharmonic — Holiday Sing-a-Long with the Symphony: Featuring vocalists Emily Birsan, Kate Tombaugh, Bill McMurray and Jesse Donner. Streams Dec. 12-Jan. 3, $40; atthemac.org

Celtic Family Christmas — At Home: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy share music and holiday family traditions. Streams Dec. 12-Dec. 31, $20; tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org

Jesse Lirola

Andrew Bird’s “Gezelligheid”: An intimate performance concentrating on instrumental violin pieces. Livestreams Dec. 13 and on demand to Dec. 31, $20; andrewbird.net

Laurie Berkner: A holiday family concert full of singing and dancing with the popular children’s performer. Livestreams Dec. 13, $20, $80 meet-and-greet package; laurieberkner.com

Lucinda Williams: In the final two evenings of her livestreamed “Lu’s Jukebox” series, the singer-songwriter rocks the holidays (Dec. 17) and welcomes the New Year with the music of the Rolling Stones (Dec. 31), $20-$40; evanstonspace.com

Brandenburg Concertos: Harris Theater presents Bach’s six masterpieces performed by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Streams Dec. 17, 21, Free; harristheaterchicago.org

A Chanticleer Christmas — From Darkness to Light: A program of works by Antoine Brumel and Josquin Des Prez plus Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria.” Streams Dec. 6-27, $25; cso.org

Home for the Holidays: Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians perform songs of the season including Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto” and Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 2.” Streams Dec. 17-Jan. 15, $15; cso.org

Chicago Children’s Choir Fireplace Special: Features a mix of well-known traditional repertoire and holiday songs – from Mozart’s Lacrimosa (from the Requiem mass) to “The Christmas Song.” Streams Dec. 17, Free; facebook.com/ccchoir

Barenaked Ladies: Like variety shows from holidays past, the virtual event features sketch comedy written by the band, a few special surprises and performances including holiday fan favorites. Steams Dec. 18, $15; sessionslive.com/BNL/tickets

Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash — Million-Dollar Christmas: Rockin’ holiday tunes from the legends. Streams Dec. 19-Jan. 3, $50; atthemac.org

Big Band Holidays: Jazz at Lincoln Center presents a virtual concert featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Ruben Blades, Catherine Russell, Kurt Elling, Ashley Pezzotti and more. Streams Dec. 19, $25; jazz.org/bbh

New Philharmonic — New Year’s Eve Concert: Featuring soprano Alisa Jordheim and tenor Jesse Donner. Streams Dec. 31-Jan. 3, $50; atthemac.org

MISCELLANEOUS

Christkindlmarket: The annual German-style holiday market goes virtual this year. Visitors can explore and purchase items from the online marketplace and enjoy family-friendly events and interactive activities. Streams through Dec. 31, Free; christkindlmarket.com

Macy’s Great Tree & Windows: View the 113^th annual Great Tree, a 45-foot tall tree decorated with 2,000 ornaments and 6,600 lights and pick up family-style takeout meals from the Walnut Room. Plus check out the store’s decorated holiday windows. Macy’s, 111 N. State; macyswalnutroom.com

Holiday Experience at FitzGerald’s: While live shows remain elusive, the Berwyn club is open for quarantine partners and family bubbles to enjoy. Book the club for a seasonal film or the SideBar for a date night or a 45-minute session in the photobooth. For more information, visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com

Holiday Classics at the Drive-In:Films include “Home Alone” (Dec. 11), “Elf” (Dec. 12), “Gremlins” (Dec. 17), “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Dec. 18), “A Christmas Story” (Dec. 19) and “Die Hard” (Dec. 26). The Drive-In at Lincoln Yards, 1397 W. Wabansia, $35 per car; davistheater.com/drive-in-movies/

Art on the Mart: The latest edition of nightly projections on the facade of the Merchandise Mart features images from the Joffrey Ballet’s holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” the Art Institute of Chicago’s exhibits “Monet and Chicago” and “Bisa Butler: Portraits” and artwork from the organization Arts of Life, which showcases work by individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Nightly to Dec. 30, on Wacker, between Wells and Franklin, Free; facebook.com/artonthemart

One of a Kind Holiday Show: The popular market goes online for the holiday season with its usual fascinating array of unique gifts including jewelry, household items, food, clothes, art and other items. Streams through Dec. 6, Free; oneofakindshowchicago.com

Small Print Show: Find unique artwork from more than 60 artists at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative’s annual show. Shop either in person (3 people at a time) or online. To Feb. 6 at 4912 N. Western, Free; chicagoprintmakers.com

Houndstooth Holiday Market: Find handmade holiday ornaments, candied nuts, hot pretzels, hot cider and more at this outside market. To Dec. 31, Free; houndstoothchicago.com

Rudolph’s Rooftop: Dress warm for the pop-up on the rooftop terrace at LondonHouse Chicago, which features holiday decor, photo ops and outdoor igloos. To Jan. 3, $50 includes two cocktails and two bites; londonhousechicago.com

Provided

Santa Baby and Rudolph’s Christmas Bar: Two outdoor pop-up bars in the Wrigleyville neighborhood offer immersive, interactive holiday experiences plus the usual libations. Donations to Toys for Tots can be made at both locations. To Jan. 7 at Santa Baby, 3505 N. Clark and Rudolph’s Christmas Bar, 3660 N. Clark, Free-$20+; santababybar.com or rudolphsbar.com

Holiday Market: A Christkindlmarket-themed outdoor pop-up featuring German food, cocoa, cider and vintage Christkindlmarket mugs. From Nov. 27-Dec. 24 at DMen Tap, 2849 W. Belmont; dmentap.com

Holiday in the Park: A walk-through outdoor light extravaganza along with shows, children’s activities, holiday-themed photo ops, holiday food and more. No rides will be open. Nov. 27-Dec. 30 at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, $19.99; sixflags.com/greatamerica

Chicago Wolves Ice Rink: Parkway Bank Park’soutdoor ice skating rink runs Nov. 27-Jan. 5. Limited capacity; reservations are required. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont, Free; parkwaybankpark.com

Virtual Holiday Stories Happy Hour: Chicago Detours’ interactive holiday event 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. Streams Nov. 27-Dec. 28, $20, $35; chicagodetours.com/virtual-tours/holiday-event/

Holidays at Burr Ridge Village Center: Features the Good Gift Holiday Pop-up with jewelry, clothing and accessories from local businesses (Nov. 27-Dec. 23) and a Mistletoe Market featuring handmade items (Dec. 12). Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Burr Ridge Pkwy, Burr Ridge, Free; shopburridge.com

Provided

Santa — The Experience: A virtual experience in which families can take an interactive elf-led journey to the North Pole and explore Santa’s favorite winter wonderland. Plus you can video chat with Santa! Streams Dec. 1-24, $34.95+; santatheexperience.com

Holiday Artisan Market: Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s online pop-up shop features 25 Chicago artisans showcasing one-of-a-kind, homemade items. Streams from Dec. 3-6, Free; chicagoshakes.com

Vintage Holidays in Long Grove: The annual lighting of the Christmas tree is a virtual event this year with Christmas songs, a sing-a-long and story telling. Streams from 4-5 p.m. Dec. 5; longgrove.org

Hyde Park Art Center: A virtual ornament-making workshop by artist Dorian Sylvain. Streams Dec. 6, Free; hydeparkart.org

NOTE: All information was accurate as of publication date. Please check with individual productions/venues for complete information.

Kailley Lindman Photography

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A person was shot during an exchange of gunfire with Chicago police Tuesday in Rogers Park on the North Side.

Officers conducting a follow up investigation on a domestic violence incident stopped a suspect’s vehicle about 4:56 p.m. in the 6900 block of North Ravenswood Avenue, according to preliminary information from Chicago police.

A male got out of the vehicle and allegedly fired shots at the officers, police said. The officers returned fire, striking the male.

He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston in serious-to-critical condition, according to Chicago fire officials.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

No officers were hurt, according to police, but fire officials said four people were sent to hospitals in good condition with minor injuries.

Police said officers recovered a gun from the scene.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating the use of force.

The officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative duty for 30 days as COPA investigates.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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