aiplannerevanston events & things to do this week
Feb 23 - Mar 1, 2026
Exciting events and experiences happening this week in Evanston.
THE PETS
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Workshop Production It’s 2011 and an animal collector in Zanesville, Ohio has set every one of his 50 exotic pets free. St. Francis of Assisi shows up to help during this wild, dark roam around the countryside. It's Animal Farm meets The Wizard of Oz meets a road trip comedy with a late ‘90s soundtrack. This pastoral comedy is based on a true story. Written by Dizzy Turek and directed by Dan Washelesky+. Featuring performances by Kylie Anderson+, Alexander Attea, Haley Bolithon+, Rasheeda Denise+, Capri Gehred-O'Connell, Suzy Krueckeberg+, Ben F. Locke+, Johnard Washington+, and Alice Wu +Denotes Bramble ensemble member In an effort to make our performances financially accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to attend, we offer a limited number of $5 Access Tickets for each performance. Sunday, Feb 22 - Masked Performance. Masks will be required for attendees on this date. Friday, Feb 27 - Student Night. Free pizza, plus a post-show discussion with the artists. Please note that all late audience members will be seated at the house manager's discretion due to the actors using all entrances. This show runs 2.5 hours including a short intermission
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Tinsley Ellis
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Ellis delivers a powerful punch of deep roots blues and wicked guitar...a foot-stomping, raucous good time...a joyous and triumphant celebration of acoustic music. Youll feel it down to the bone.Living BluesGlorious, raw and propulsive acoustic blues...killer vocals and biting, dazzling guitar work.AllMusicStripped down and raw...gruff, unembellished vocals...glistening melodies fingerpicked with delicacy...so genuine it seems like a long lost recording.Blues Music MagazineOn Friday, January 30, 2026, Atlanta-based blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis will release Labor Of Love, his second acoustic album (after 2024s Blues Music Award-nominated Naked Truth), and first acoustic album to contain all original material. The first single from the album, the powerful Hoodoo Woman, premieres today, along with a newly created video directed by filmmaker Troy Bieser. According to Ellis, the song reflects his love of the Mississippi Hill Country Blues. Its inspired by R.L. Burnside, Ellis says of the track. I did shows with R.L. here and in Europe, and his music became ingrained in my soul.With Labor Of Love, Ellis delivers a raw, edgy, self-produced set of 13 original compositions, all performed with pure, emotional honesty. The songs spin modern tales of floods, conflagrations, voodoo spirits, personal travails and heaven-sent prayers. From the feral opener Hoodoo Woman to the John Lee Hooker-groove of Long Time to the evocative, Skip James-inspired To A Hammer to the Son House-style stomp of Sunnyland, Ellis inhabits his songs in a way that is simply astonishing. Each performance carries the weight, experience and hard-earned wisdom Ellis learned over four decades on the road, making Labor Of Love as profoundly deep and moving as any music he has made in his career. It covers the gamut of emotions, finding good times in the hard times, mixing gentle beauty with foot-pounding ferocity.During a break from the recording of the new album, Ellis spent time in Bentonia, Mississippi, birthplace of Skip James and home to blues legend Jimmy Duck Holmes. Ellis soaked up the spirit of this tiny Delta town, hanging out with Holmes and getting a deep insight into genuine Bentonia blues. Later, Ellis performed with Holmes at his famous Blue Front Caf, soaking up every moment. Once I got home, notes Ellis, I went right back to the studio and incorporated everything that I just experienced into my music.
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Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100 (Early)
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In celebration of the centennial of John Coltrane and Miles Davis, pianist Emmet Cohen brings together an all-star quintet to explore the fundamental questions that shaped their artistry: Why are we here? What are we reaching for? Where does the music take us? Guided by the spirit of the infinite, Cohen continues the journey set forth by the architects of jazz seeking deeper truths through sound. A dedicated champion of musical community, Cohen believes in jazz as a living, evolving conversation one that unites people across time and place. Join Cohen and his ensemble for a bold, reimagined experience of the music that forever changed the course of jazz.
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Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100 (Late)
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In celebration of the centennial of John Coltrane and Miles Davis, pianist Emmet Cohen brings together an all-star quintet to explore the fundamental questions that shaped their artistry: Why are we here? What are we reaching for? Where does the music take us? Guided by the spirit of the infinite, Cohen continues the journey set forth by the architects of jazz seeking deeper truths through sound. A dedicated champion of musical community, Cohen believes in jazz as a living, evolving conversation one that unites people across time and place. Join Cohen and his ensemble for a bold, reimagined experience of the music that forever changed the course of jazz.
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Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100 (Late)
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In celebration of the centennial of John Coltrane and Miles Davis, pianist Emmet Cohen brings together an all-star quintet to explore the fundamental questions that shaped their artistry: Why are we here? What are we reaching for? Where does the music take us? Guided by the spirit of the infinite, Cohen continues the journey set forth by the architects of jazz seeking deeper truths through sound. A dedicated champion of musical community, Cohen believes in jazz as a living, evolving conversation one that unites people across time and place. Join Cohen and his ensemble for a bold, reimagined experience of the music that forever changed the course of jazz.
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Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100 (Early)
Event Information
In celebration of the centennial of John Coltrane and Miles Davis, pianist Emmet Cohen brings together an all-star quintet to explore the fundamental questions that shaped their artistry: Why are we here? What are we reaching for? Where does the music take us? Guided by the spirit of the infinite, Cohen continues the journey set forth by the architects of jazz seeking deeper truths through sound. A dedicated champion of musical community, Cohen believes in jazz as a living, evolving conversation one that unites people across time and place. Join Cohen and his ensemble for a bold, reimagined experience of the music that forever changed the course of jazz.
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Blind Boys Of Alabama
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The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music . Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy/GRAMMYs with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of six GRAMMY Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years. The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from t raditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince, and Tom Waits . They have appeared on recordings with many artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Su san Tedeschi, Ben Harper, Patty Griffin, and Taj MahalThe Blind Boys released their latest album, Echoes Of The South, in Aug ust of 2023 . It f ound the Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees coming home to Alabama to record in Muscle Shoals . The eleven - son g collection is a portrait of perseverance from a group well - versed in overcoming incredible odds - from singing for pocket change in the Jim Crow South to performing for three different American presidents, soundtracking the Civil Rights movement, and hel ping define modern gospel music as we know it. The album garnered three GRAMMY Award nominations, and won for Best Roots Gospel Album.That win continued a run of GRAMMY Award nominations from the two previous years. In 202 1 , the groups collaborative recording with Bla Fleck, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, was tapped in the Best American Roots Performance category . In 202 2 , the y garnered another no d for their collaboration with the band Black Violin on The Message in th e Best Americana Performance category.
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THE PETS
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Workshop Production It’s 2011 and an animal collector in Zanesville, Ohio has set every one of his 50 exotic pets free. St. Francis of Assisi shows up to help during this wild, dark roam around the countryside. It's Animal Farm meets The Wizard of Oz meets a road trip comedy with a late ‘90s soundtrack. This pastoral comedy is based on a true story. Written by Dizzy Turek and directed by Dan Washelesky+. Featuring performances by Kylie Anderson+, Alexander Attea, Haley Bolithon+, Rasheeda Denise+, Capri Gehred-O'Connell, Suzy Krueckeberg+, Ben F. Locke+, Johnard Washington+, and Alice Wu +Denotes Bramble ensemble member In an effort to make our performances financially accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to attend, we offer a limited number of $5 Access Tickets for each performance. Sunday, Feb 22 - Masked Performance. Masks will be required for attendees on this date. Friday, Feb 27 - Student Night. Free pizza, plus a post-show discussion with the artists. Please note that all late audience members will be seated at the house manager's discretion due to the actors using all entrances. This show runs 2.5 hours including a short intermission
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Shemekia Copeland
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Shemekia Copeland is the greatest blues singer of her generation. The Washington PostShemekia Copeland has established herself as one of the leading blues artists of our time. Profound and truly powerful...inviting you to think and to party. NPR MusicShemekia Copeland gets her message across loud and clear. She transcends with a mix of styles including gospel, rock, blues, soul, and Americana, proudly representing her generation with style and grace in a voice too strong to be ignored. No DepressionShemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. The multi-GRAMMY nominee is beloved and honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and humor of her revelatory songs, as well as for her winning, engaging personality. The Chicago Tribune says, Copeland is the greatest female blues vocalist working today. Theres no mistaking the majesty of her instrument, nor the ferocity of her delivery. On Copelands new album, Blame It On Eve, the songs all hit hard, with jaw-dropping performances that instantly take hold and command repeated listening. Theres serious business on the new album, Copeland says, but there are a lot of smiles here too, a lot of joyous moments. Its my blues for sure but its the brighter side. Issues are always important to me, but so is rocking, dancing and just having fun. And thats something we all can all agree on.
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THE PETS
Event Information
Workshop Production It’s 2011 and an animal collector in Zanesville, Ohio has set every one of his 50 exotic pets free. St. Francis of Assisi shows up to help during this wild, dark roam around the countryside. It's Animal Farm meets The Wizard of Oz meets a road trip comedy with a late ‘90s soundtrack. This pastoral comedy is based on a true story. Written by Dizzy Turek and directed by Dan Washelesky+. Featuring performances by Kylie Anderson+, Alexander Attea, Haley Bolithon+, Rasheeda Denise+, Capri Gehred-O'Connell, Suzy Krueckeberg+, Ben F. Locke+, Johnard Washington+, and Alice Wu +Denotes Bramble ensemble member In an effort to make our performances financially accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to attend, we offer a limited number of $5 Access Tickets for each performance. Sunday, Feb 22 - Masked Performance. Masks will be required for attendees on this date. Friday, Feb 27 - Student Night. Free pizza, plus a post-show discussion with the artists. Please note that all late audience members will be seated at the house manager's discretion due to the actors using all entrances. This show runs 2.5 hours including a short intermission
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Cocktail Class - Gin Cocktails We Love (Late)
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Join us for another Space cocktail building class curated and hosted by long-time Space bartender Lisa Zielke. This year, our cocktail classes will take place in Spaces new lobby!Please note, by purchasing tickets for this event you consent to having your photograph taken.
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Cocktail Class - Gin Cocktails We Love (Early)
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Join us for another Space cocktail building class curated and hosted by long-time Space bartender Lisa Zielke. This year, our cocktail classes will take place in Spaces new lobby!Please note, by purchasing tickets for this event you consent to having your photograph taken.
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Cosmic Country Showcase feat. Jonny Fritz
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Cosmic Country Showcase is the cult-hit otherworldly country revue. Based in Chicago, the show brings top notch Americana crooners, pickers, and performers alongside a wild mix of drag, outrageous comedy, and stunts that make it a one-of-a-kind variety show. Starting in 2018, the showcase has had talent from an entire universe of genres that it fits into its country galaxy including Sam Evian & Hannah Cohen, Jeff Tweedy, Lizzie No, Tasha, BNNY, Cassandra Jenkins, Nikki Diamonds, Garrett T Capps & NASA Country, Esther Rose and so many more. Hosting the show is the celestial Andrew Sa, an undeniable talent with a vocal range that will take us into the stratosphere. Co-hosting is the Queen of Chaos Mary Williamson. Williamson is a resident clown and performer bringing to life original characters as well as singing and leading a few tunes herself. The night features house band The Flying Objects that back all the special guests & hosts.
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Northwestern Wildcats Mens Basketball vs. Oregon Ducks Mens Basketball
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THE PETS
Event Information
Workshop Production It’s 2011 and an animal collector in Zanesville, Ohio has set every one of his 50 exotic pets free. St. Francis of Assisi shows up to help during this wild, dark roam around the countryside. It's Animal Farm meets The Wizard of Oz meets a road trip comedy with a late ‘90s soundtrack. This pastoral comedy is based on a true story. Written by Dizzy Turek and directed by Dan Washelesky+. Featuring performances by Kylie Anderson+, Alexander Attea, Haley Bolithon+, Rasheeda Denise+, Capri Gehred-O'Connell, Suzy Krueckeberg+, Ben F. Locke+, Johnard Washington+, and Alice Wu +Denotes Bramble ensemble member In an effort to make our performances financially accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to attend, we offer a limited number of $5 Access Tickets for each performance. Sunday, Feb 22 - Masked Performance. Masks will be required for attendees on this date. Friday, Feb 27 - Student Night. Free pizza, plus a post-show discussion with the artists. Please note that all late audience members will be seated at the house manager's discretion due to the actors using all entrances. This show runs 2.5 hours including a short intermission
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PureSoul Presents: Highway Dream: 50 Years of Tom Petty
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In 1976, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers dropped their debut, sparking a legacy of hits that still soundtrack our lives.Enter Highway Dreama blazing tribute that channels Pettys timeless fire. From the full-throttle rush of Runnin Down a Dream to the soul-stirring Wildflowers, this career-spanning show nails the legends essence.No detours, no fillerjust the classic songs you love, delivered with pure rock n roll magic.Presented by PureSoul.
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Senn Arts @ SPACE feat. Farseer
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PURCHASE TICKETS HEREhttps://gofan.co/event/6091814?schoolId=IL15660
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