Chicago Calendar

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Updated: December 29, 2011 4:11PM

Chicago Event Calendar

The Featured Five

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Collage and Comics Show: The Kinzie Corridor Community Gallery, 2010 W. Carroll Ave., hosts an opening night event from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 6 to kick off the year of exhibitions in 2012. Open to the public. Refreshments will be served, including pretzels from Kim and Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels and beer. A live concert featuring two bands and the First Friday Open Mic hosted by the Art or No Art Emcees. The first band, to be announced, plays at 7, the Open Mic is at 8, and the band I Luv Luv Birds plays at 9. A sampling of the art is showcased at http://kinziecorridor.tumblr.com.

Shakespeare’s Influence on Music: British conductor Sir Mark Elder returns to Orchestra Hall for a two-week residency that explores the influence of Shakespeare and other works of literature on music. Actors from Chicago Shakespeare Theater also perform scenes from selected plays. Jan. 5-10 and Jan. 12-15. Sir Mark also leads a Civic Orchestra of Chicago concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 9. Tix are $23 to $250 and are available at CSO ticketing services at 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114, online at www.cso.org or at the Symphony Center box office, 220 S. Michigan Ave.

Far Out 2012: The Judy A. Saslow Gallery presents their annual exhibition of artists from all over the world: Far Out 2012. A reception for the general public is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 6. This exhibition features more than 40 outsider and contemporary artists. Far Out: 2012 will be open through Feb. 18. The gallery is at 300 W. Superior St., Suite 103. More info about Judy Saslow and her gallery at http://jsaslowgallery.com/.

More New Year’s Eve

Mayne Stage New Year’s Eve: Ring in 2012 LIVE on ABC7 with English R&B and soul musician James Hunter at Mayne Stage. General Admission — $50, first come first served, not guaranteed a seat. General Admission with Drink Package — $100, first come first served, not guaranteed a seat, includes drink package. Total limit is 100 tickets for all sections. Special New Years Eve drink package – well drinks, wide selection of drafts and domestic bottles available all night, after 9 p.m., $50. Drink package upgrades available at the door. 1328 W. Morse Ave. Box Office 773-381-4554. www.info@maynestage.com.

Trader Todd’s New Year’s Eve: Ogre, everyone’s favorite bully from Revenge of the Nerds will be at Trader Todd’s, 3216 N. Sheffield to help bring in the New Year. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. $85. Open bar and champagne at midnight. www.TraderTodd.com.

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New Year’s Eve listed last week:

A Navy Pier New Year’s Eve: Two great fireworks shows, multiple New Year’s Eve bashes, and free events for both children and adults on Dec. 31. More info at 312-560-4422 or crystalgardensnye@gmail.com and www.navypier.com.

Radio Disney AM 1300 “Noon Year’s Eve”: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Allstate Arena’s Skyline Room, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Sponsored by The Chicago Wolves, this free family-friendly celebration gives kids the opportunity to have all the fun of New Year’s Eve together, featuring interactive games, VIP prize giveaways, including a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, a Chicago Trolley and Double Decker’s VIP 3-day Explore Chicago family four pack, exclusive Chicago Wolves items and more. Party to songs from Radio Disney’s “Top 50 Countdown of 2011.” More info at www.radiodisney.com/chicago.

A Zanies New Year’s Eve: Mike Young performs on New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m., $30 tix, and 10:30 p.m., includes party favors and a champagne toast at midnight for $40. Zanies Comedy Club, 1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027 or www.ZANIES.com.

Butch McGuire’s 50th New Years Eve: Live entertainment, open bar, food and DJ Jennefa from Toast and Jam. $135 per person until the event is sold out. Butch McGuire’s, 20 W. Division St. 312-787-4318. On Twitter @ButchMcGuires and on Facebook at “Butch McGuire’s Tavern & Grill”.

Ring in the New Year Twice: AJ Hudson’s Public House, 3801 N. Ashland, rings in the New Year twice: first to toast the New Year ‘cross the pond in the United Kingdom at 6 p.m. CST, and then again, stateside, at midnight. Open until 3 a.m. 773-348-2767. www.AJHudsonsPublicHouse.com.

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Metra’s $7 Weekend Pass: Weekend passes are good for unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday for all stations. Weekend parking is available at all stations. Note: Boat taxis are available from Union Station to Navy Pier and/or the museum campus and other points along the river or lakefront. Reasonable pricing and fun.

Comment at beaconnewsonline.com.