Here are 3 things to do for the weekend of Oct. 21 and 22, 2023, curated by WGLT's Lauren Warnecke. You can find more coverage on our Datebook - Arts & Music page or by subscribing to WGLT's Weekend Scoop email newsletter, which goes out every Friday.
Spooky season kick-off on Constitution Trail: From Vernon Ave. to Connie Link Amphitheatre, the tree-lined path will be decked out with spooky stuff. This weekend’s “Not-So-Scary” version is for kiddos; thrill seekers might save themselves for next week’s “Scary” edition. 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (plus 6:30-9 p.m. on 10/27 and 28). $3 (cash only). $12 VIP tickets online at normalil.gov.
A country master at Nightshop: Jim Lauderdale’s newest album, dropped last month with Del McCoury and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, leans hard on his bluegrass roots, while the 2022 solo LP “Game Changer”—his 35th studio album—is more representative of his consistent voice in Nashville’s country and Americana scenes since the ‘80s. Central Illinois’ Jake Rebman and The Waitin' Rounders open with a refreshingly Gen Z take on country twang. 8 p.m. Friday (doors 7 p.m.); tickets $25-$30 at nightshop517.org.
Third-gen Latin jazz royalty: Grandson of the legendary Cuban bandleader Bebo and son of seven-time Grammy-winner Chucho, jazz pianist and composer Chuchito Valdes has forged a reputation all his own. His arrangements foreground Cuban rhythms with classical and standard jazz undertones. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Jazz UpFront (doors at 7 p.m); tickets $20-$25 at jazzupfront.com.
