Big concerts on tap at The Venue

The Venue, the 200-seat music performance space in Aurora, highlights its next December offerings.

“The Twelve Grooves of Christmas” CD release party featuring The Pete Ellman Big Band will bring its good cheer to The Venue at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. The band has knocked out audiences with its awe-inspiring Tuesday music series at The Venue since August, a news release stated. This special show will feature music from their brand new CD, “The Twelve Grooves of Christmas.” Premium seating costs $30, general admission $25 in advance; all ticket prices increase by $5 at the door.

Bill Grady brings the blues and boogie at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17. A longtime Venue favorite, Grady is a Berkeley graduate with an affinity for the long lost art of slide guitar. Grady has appeared on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” on NBC, and at the Chicago Blues Festival. He will bring his full band to the stage for the first time. Expect an evening of original music, and covers that show the broad landscape of American music. Tickets cost $15 and $10.

Mud Morganfield makes his debut appearance at The Venue at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. The multi-award winning artist is the eldest son of legendary bluesman Muddy Waters. His latest album, “They Call Me Mud,” is receiving worldwide praise and radio airplay all over the globe. Mud’s musical history began at birth with his father, but Mud is not simply keeping the family name alive; his songs, his stage presence and his performances have been winning over audiences because of his originality, the release stated. Tickets cost $25 and $20.

The Pete Ellman Jazz Big Band will continue its weekly residency series on Dec. 21. Each Tuesday, the band will be joined by an area college, high school, or middle school group that will open the show. General admission is $5. The Tuesday shows resume Jan. 4.

And check out the website for details on a New Year’s Eve celebration starring Joanna Connor.

All patrons will be asked to show proof of vaccination along with a photo ID to enter. Masks are required at all times except while consuming beverages in ticketed seats.

The full entertainment lineup can be found at themusicvenue.org.

The Venue is owned and operated by the nonprofit Fox Valley Music Foundation (foxvalleymusicfoundation.com).