![Roger McGuinn of the '60s rock group, The Byrds](/wp-content/archive/images/2010/1210/CG20101201-Roger-McGuinn.jpg)
BYRD WATCHING What is Roger McGuinn, the Chicago native and leader of the
influential ’60s rock group the Byrds, doing this weekend? Find out below.
THE FIVE
Don’t-miss picks for Wed 12.01.10 through Tue 12.07.10:
1 |
comedy The Interview Show |
2 |
theatre Deathscribe 2010 ALSO THIS WEEK: And also on the radio-play beat: For the second year in a row, American Blues Theater and American Theater Company mount dueling productions of It’s A Wonderful Life. Every time a bell rings, an angel has to pick a side. |
3 |
theatre Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer ALSO THIS WEEK: In other gay-elf news, David Sedaris’s gimlet-eyed monologue about a season in the department store trenches, The Santaland Diaries, returns to Theater Wit, with the witheringly droll Mitchell Fain once again donning the role’s pointy shoes. |
4 |
concerts Sonny Burgess |
5 |
dance Harold and the Purple Crayon: A Dance Adventure |
WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND
Up next in our series of plans from notable, in-the-know locals (a.k.a. people we like): The Chicago native Roger McGuinn returns for a sold-out show Dec 4 at the Old Town School of Folk Music, where he learned to play guitar before going on to help pioneer the jangle-pop genre as leader of the Byrds.
“I’m in San Francisco right now for a concert, then I’ll catch the train from here to Chicago, but this trip actually started when we sailed from Miami to Los Angeles. I like traveling the old-fashioned way, turning the clock back 100 years. It’s much more leisurely than going through airport security.
“In Chicago, my favorite things to do include visiting the Old Town School, my alma mater, but also the Museum of Science and Industry. My grandfather was an engineer in Chicago and helped build some of the bridges that span the river. He would take me to the museum every Sunday, from around age 3 on, and that developed my love of gadgetry.
“I also like going for walks, just enjoying the scenery and the people. It’s refreshing to see a little bit of snow and winter. Psychologically, knowing I don’t have to stay in it all year is a big plus.”
FREEBIES OF THE WEEK
dance Dance-along Nutcracker
What’s cheaper than a $5 Harold? Busting a move to Tchaikovsky, gratis. This annual favorite opens the dance floor to all ages, no professional pirouette skills required.
GO: Dec 5 at noon and 3 (with optional lessons for kids age 3–8 at 11 and 2). Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington. 312-744-6630
galleries Cover Stories: The Art of the Book Jacket
A feel-good story with a happy chapter that, we hope, is far from an ending: The local gallery Printworks celebrates 30 years in the business with a show of faux book covers (think Oliver Twist and The Scarlet Letter) by longtime friends of the gallery (think artists Karl Wirsum and Audrey Niffenegger—plus Audrey’s mom).
GO: Dec 3 opening reception from 5 to 8. Show continues through Feb 12. 311 W Superior. printworkschicago.com