On the fringe
The 31st annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival returns for six weeks of performances featuring new plays, dance, devised works, variety, music, performance and new takes on classic texts. Curated by Curious Theatre Branch and Prop Thtr, the festival is committed to discovery, and this edition’s run of 48 shows features many young and emerging companies and individuals as well as returning favorites. Among the shows Jan. 17-22: Social Sciences Productions’ “All My Little Words,” Curious Theatre’s “Four Story Animal Plus Dessert,” Kate BlackSpence and Chris Brickhouse’s “Ghosts of Whitechapel,” Sweet Back Productions’ “Deep Fried Refried” and more. Rhino Fest funs through Feb. 23 at Prop Thtr, 3502 N.
Elston. Tickets: $15 or pay-what-you-can. For a complete schedule, visit
Celebrating MLK
The MLK Tribute Concert is the Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The concert features vocalist and semi-finalist on “The Voice” Kymberli Joye performing Patty Griffin’s “Up to the Mountain” and the Chicago premiere of Joel Thompson’s “The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed,” as well as the traditional spiritual “Deep River” and John Legend and Common’s Academy Award-winning “Glory” from the movie “Selma.” At 3 p.m. Jan. 19, Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago, Naperville ($10-$62) and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan ($10$99). Visit
Ideas in modernism
The new exhibit “Modernisms: Iranian, Turkish and Indian Highlights from NYU’s Abby Weed Grey Collection” is a survey of art from three nations where vibrant forms of modernism were created in the 1960s and 1970s. The 114 colorful and intriguing works range from Iranian and Turkish artists who explore calligraphy and ornamentation through avant-garde abstraction to Indian painters whose expressive canvases draw upon Hindu iconography. From Jan. 21-April 5 at Block Museum, Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle, Evanston. Admission is free. Visit blockmuseum.northwestern.edu.
Intimate classical experience
Fans of classical music or anyone who enjoys a unique musical experience can check out Candlelight, a series of candlelit performances of iconic classical music running through April 21. The performance at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Stan Mansion (2408 N. Kedzie) features violinist David Lisker and pianist Ilya Friedberg performing works by Brahms and Franck, and at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Jan. 22, the Euclid Quartet performs six selections from Beethoven’s catalog. Tickets: $25-$50. The series also includes performances at the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton). For a complete schedule, visit https://secretchicago.com/ chicago-candlelight/.
‘Messiah’ reworked
Celebrating 15 years in Chicago, “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” is a version of the composer’s oratorio conceived by composer Marin Alsop that has people on their feet and clapping along. The performance features soprano Alfreda Burke, alto Karen Marie Richardson, tenor Rodrick Dixon, pianist Alvin Waddles and a 100-person choir. At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 and 3 p.m. Jan. 19, Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets: $29+. Visit auditorium theatre.org.