The Five
Don’t-miss picks for Wednesday, December 31, 2014 through January 6, 2015
1 Buddy Guy
Music: The city’s greatest living blues guitarist mounts his annual residency at Legends, during which he’ll share the bill with an array of rising and seasoned openers. The Chicago R&B Kings kick off the show on Friday night.
1/2 at 9. $65. Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S. Wabash. etix.com
2 The 1968 Exhibit
Museums: If you’ve already seen David Bowie Is or couldn’t score tickets to its last weekend, consider going to the Chicago History Museum for its engrossing exhibition on a pivotal year in American history. The Vietnam War, Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and the notorious Democratic National Convention riots are only a few of the events that happened that year.
Through 1/4. $12–$14. Chicago History Museum. 1601 N. Clark. chicagohistory.org
3 Burning Bluebeard
Theater: This weekend’s your last chance to catch The Ruffians’ near-perfect blend of tragedy and comedy (based on the Iroquois Theater fire of 1903) in which a corps of singed performers try to get through their show without setting their world ablaze.
Through 1/4. $36–$45. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. goruffians.org
4 Christmas Around the World and Holiday Lights
Seasonal: The Museum of Science and Industry’s annual display of Christmas trees from different cultures never disappoints.
Through 1/4. $11–$18. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore. msichicago.org
5 First Tuesdays with Mick & Ben
Live Events: Chicago Reader political reporters Mick Dumke and Ben Joravsky host this roundtable about all things city governance.
1/6 at 6:30. $5. hideoutchicago.com/event/733757-first-tuesdays-mick-ben-chicago
What I’m Doing This Weekend
“What I’m Doing This Weekend” is taking a break for the holiday, but will return next week. —Tomi Obaro
Freebie of the Week
Congrats on Your Success
Comedy: Spend your New Year’s Day with the folks behind this lively stand-up showcase. Local comedian Brian Smith headlines.
1/1 at 7:30. Free. Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee. facebook.com/CongratsOnYourSuccessComedy