Friday 12/26 – Thursday 1/8
27 SATURDAY Louisiana-born bluesman Lonnie Brooks cut his teeth playing guitar under Clifton Chenier, the king of zydeco. He first came to Chicago in 1959 as part of Sam Cooke’s backup band. In the 1970s he hooked up with the local Alligator Records, and the rest, as they say, is history. The blues tradition continues today when Brooks and his son, guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks, perform as part of the Cultural Center’s “Rollin’ on Randolph” series. It’s from 2 to 3:30 in the Cassidy Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. It’s free; call 312-744-6630.
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31 WEDNESDAY While a lot of people will be downing drinks, cutting rugs, kissing strangers, driving drunk, and breaking resolutions tonight, the folks at the Zen Buddhist Temple will be lighting candles, chanting, meditating, reflecting on the past year, meditating some more, and listening to a dharma talk–a discussion based on the teachings of Buddha. At midnight a giant gong will be struck 108 times to symbolize participants’ 108 vows to eliminate the 108 defilements, including lust and gluttony. The Kindling Light of the Mind service begins at 8 and lasts until 10. There’ll be a short reception until the meditation starts at 10:30. It’s at the Zen Buddhist Temple, 1710 W. Cornelia. It’s free. Call 773-528-8685.
We’re taking the week off at the Reader. Here are some things to do in our absence:
