The Mix: Shemekia Copeland and other cool things to see and do Dec. 26-Jan. 1
Tools of the Trade — a new exhibit at the American Writers Museum — is among the fun things to see and do in the week ahead.
Blues and beyond
Blues diva Shemekia Copeland’s voice is many things — sultry, assertive and roaring, delivering every song with unparalleled honesty and passion. Her recent album “America’s Child,” produced by Will Kimbrough, takes her beyond the blues and into Americana, with elements of rock, soul and country. Kevin Burt opens the shows at 8 p.m. Dec. 26-27, City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph. Ticket: $38-$52. Visit citywinery.com/chicago.
Blast from the past
The exhibit Tools of the Trade examines the many implements — typewriters, inkwells, Braille writers and more — that have made writing possible through the decades. Items on display range from Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 portable Underwood to Maya Angelou’s electric Adler Meteor from 1980 to those used by Truman Capote, John Lennon, Orson Welles and Tennessee Williams. To June 30 at American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan. Admission: $8, $12. Visit americanwritersmuesum.org
Concert for peace
Hothouse closes out its 32nd year with a family-friendly afternoon peace concert featuring Ugandan singer and multi-instrumentalist Kinobe. Known for its inspired synthesis of African roots and global fusion, his music comes with an incredible amount of history and culture. Kinobe’s performances offer great music but also a chance to teach and learn and bring people together through the universality of music. At 3 p.m. Dec. 31, May Chapel, Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N. Ravenswood. Tickets: $20. Visit hothouse.net.
A comic with complexity
Comedian Laurie Kilmartin brings her sharp, fearless stand-up show to two Zanies locations. She’s on the “Conan” writing staff, and her 2016 stand-up special “45 Jokes About My Dead Dad” was hailed by the New York Times as “showing that comedy can tell a story of complexity and nuance and emotional power.” She’s also the author of the sardonic self-help book “Dead People Suck.” Kilmartin performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 30, Zanies Rosemont, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont; and at 6, 8:15, 10:30 p.m., Dec. 31, Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells. Tickets: $25, $40. Visit zanies.com.
Waltz to the music
The music of Johann Strauss and his contemporaries is brought to life in the annual Salute to Vienna Concert, an event dedicated to preserving the heritage of Viennese music. The program features pieces ranging from the “Blue Danube Waltz” to overtures and arias from beloved operettas. Also performing are vocalists Sera Gosch and Roman Martin, dancers from the Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine and International Champion Ballroom Dancers. At 2:30 p.m. Dec. 29, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. Tickets: $33-$131. Visit cso.org.
All of Potter
There’s still time for Harry Potter fans to catch “Potted Potter — The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience.” Created by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the play takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books into 70 madcap minutes. Expect multiple costume changes, clever songs, ridiculous props and lots of Hogwarts magic. Plus there’s a game of Quidditch played by Clarkson and Turner’s rules. To Jan. 5. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut. Tickets: $39.95-$79.95. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Master of the bass
Chicago bassist Junius Paul, who tours with the Art Ensemble of Chicago, celebrates the release of his solo debut album, “ism,” at a performance with his quartet — Corey Wilkes (trumpet), Justin Dilliard (piano) and Vincent Davis (drums). The 37-year-old Paul has established himself in many genres, ranging from jazz to hip-hop, house music, funk, classical and gospel. “Ism” showcases Paul’s range and was recorded over a four-year span in various clubs and studios throughout Chicago including The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) where he’ll perform at 9 p.m. Dec. 27. Tickets: $12. Visit hideoutchicago.com.