1 ARETHA FRANKLIN (Chicago Theatre) The voice and the passion are both undimmed. If you want to redefine legend, this is where you start. December 17
2 PATTI SMITH AND HER BAND (Park West) The proto-punk phenomenon has become Woody Guthrie’s heir: a compelling voice for social justice. And we need her more than ever. December 31
3 WINTER SOLSTICE CONCERTS (Constellation) Percussionists Hamid Drake and Zerang lead the twenty-sixth annual sunrise performance. December 21 and 22
4 MARC BROUSSARD (City Winery) The “swamp pop” troubadour lends his thrilling voice and soulful strumming to a holiday show. December 19
5 DIY MESSIAH (Harris Theater) Forty-first annual performance of the audience-participation holiday fave. December 20 and 21
Robert Rodi is an author, spoken-word performer and musician who has served as Newcity’s Music Editor since 2014. He’s written more than a dozen books, including the travel memoir “Seven Seasons In Siena,” and his literary and music criticism has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Salon, The Huffington Post and many other national and regional publications. Contact: robert@newcity.com
