concerts Blues at the Crossroads: The Robert Johnson Centennial Project
It’s a mash-up on par with Jeff Tweedy producing Mavis Staples: a project we never saw coming, but we’re sure glad it came all the same. Todd Park Mohr, of Big Head Todd and the Monsters and a part-time Northfield resident, spearheads this concert and companion album dedicated to Robert Johnson, the late Delta bluesman and cornerstone of rock who died a mysterious death in 1938 at age 27. Also on stage: David “Honeyboy” Edwards, the 95-year-old Chicago musician who was one of the last to see Johnson alive. Read our February story on Mohr and Co.’s endeavor—but first, drop everything and get yourself tickets.
GO: 2/11 at 8. $15–$80. Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan. cso.org

theatre Wake
Next to time spent digging out parking spots, nothing is more front-and-center in the minds of locals than the mayor’s race, which would make this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it production especially topical, even if it weren’t from Chicago’s long-ago editor Hillel Levin: Live from Berwyn, it’s a one-night-only return to the tumultuous days following the death of a fictionalized Harold Washington, as seen in this staged reading by Levin (When Corruption Was King, In with the Devil). As at all proper wakes, the bar will remain open throughout.
GO: 2/13 at 6. $18. 16th Street Theater at FitzGerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn. 16thstreettheater.org

ALSO THIS WEEK: In other all-politics-is-play-fodder news, Working begins previews 2/15 at the Broadway Playhouse. And at the Goodman: Playwright Thomas Bradshaw and director May Adrales host a talk before the 2/9 performance of Mary, about the homophobia, racism, gunfire, love, and hysteria that erupt in 1983 over a scary new disease called AIDS.

concerts Gang of Four
An essential post-punk Brit band, Gang’s combination of jagged guitars, punk-funk rhythms, and protest lyrics continues to work its influence on groups such as Bloc Party. Now composed of two original members—vocalist Jon King and guitarist Andy Gill—and a new rhythm section, the band is touring on the heels of its first album in five years, Content.
GO: 2/11 at 8. $28.50. Metro, 3730 N Clark. metrochicago.com

ALSO THIS WEEK: One night prior, Metro welcomes Justin Townes Earle, the more tradition-bound scion of the alt-country star Steve Earle, who draws on old-time country and folk even as he sings about life in Brooklyn.

classical Alon Goldstein
While we hope for his speedy recovery and send Muti our sincerest well wishes, putting all of our classical eggs in one basket might make us basket cases (visit cso.org for the latest on pinch hitters handling the maestro’s concerts). Thank goodness for the pianist Goldstein, who, at 40, is still considered a kid on the keyboard but whose delicate touch would make you swear his fingers were filled with down feathers. Here he pairs the modern sounds of György Ligeti with works by Ligeti’s inspirations: Bach, Chopin, Janácek, and Debussy.
GO: 2/12 at 7. $10–$20. Pianoforte, Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan, #825. pianofortefoundation.org

dance Duets for My Valentine
Love means never having to say you’re sorry for stepping on her toes. Ladies love dancing—and, gentlemen, if you’re not light on your own feet, the next best thing is taking her to a performance by the pros. Our pick? This showcase of sensual motion spearheaded by Chicago Dance Crash. The evening features a bouquet of local modern, ballet, and hip-hop troupes reflecting on the many facets of romance, even the broken hearts—and, we presume, the smushed toes.
GO: 2/12 at 8. $20–$25 includes an afterparty. Park West, 322 W Armitage. duetsformyvalentinechicago.com

ALSO THIS WEEK: For those whose Valentine’s wouldn’t be complete without the sultry River North Dance Chicago, the troupe returns to the Harris Theater 2/11–13 with a lineup of signature moves.