Here are 3 things to do for the weekend of Jan. 26-28, 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.
An artful astronomy primer: The ISU planetarium presents the documentary “Unveiling the Invisible Universe” as a full-dome experience, offering viewers an awesome, cinematic history of celestial science. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays through March 2; tickets $7 (cash or check only) at the door beginning 20 minutes before show time.
The Illegal Smiles: This well-loved John Prine cover band from Chicago makes its central IL debut as the 2024 kickoff to Destihl Beer Hall’s stellar Americana, listening room-style concert series. 7:30 p.m. in the Barrel Room; tickets $15 at destihl.com.
Be vewy vewy quiet: Music director candidate Yaniv Dinur returns for his final audition with the Illinois Symphony, leading the orchestra in “Tunes from the ‘Toons.” Looney Tunes standards like Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” and Rossini’s “William Tell” finale are there, plus Saturday morning theme songs from Mickey Mouse, Tom and Jerry and Pink Panther, to name a few. Animated films are well represented, too, with music from “Lion King,” “Coco,” “Aladdin” and more. 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the ISU Center for Performing Arts. Tickets $22-$66 at 309-438-2535 and ilsymphony.org.
