July 01, 2025
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Batavia High School big band musicians, rare documentary, music of Fleetwood Mac on tap

By BEST OF THE FOX

The January lineup at The Venue features artists connected to guitarist Derek Trucks, shown performing with the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

The Venue, the 200-seat music performance space in Aurora, highlights some its January offerings, which will include an opening set by musicians from Batavia High School at a big band concert.

The Pete Ellman Jazz Big Band will continue its weekly residency series at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25. The opening set will feature Batavia High School musicians followed by the headliner. General admission costs $5. The series is sponsored by the Fox Valley Music Foundation.

The critically acclaimed film “Learning to Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs & Englishmen” will be shown at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, in what is only the second screening in Illinois, according to the news release. The film tells both the story of Joe Cocker’s 1970 experiment of taking a traveling commune on the road via private plane, and the reunion of 12 Mad Dogs members with the Tedeschi Trucks Band. The Venue intends to make it a celebration. Scott Tipping and Chad Watson will be on hand to DJ vinyl from the era, as well as play a short tribute set to Cocker and Mad Dogs following the performance. Premium seating costs $22, and general admission $20. (All ticket prices increase by $5 at the door.)

Second Hand News performs the music of Fleetwood Mac at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28. Second Hand News combines the Buckingham/Nicks classics with some of the more rare incarnations of Fleetwood Mac. General admission costs $15.

John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band will return at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, as part of its new Burgers, Blues & Brews series. Legendary bluesman John Primer has one of the most impressive resumes within the blues scene. He’s led bands for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Magic Slim. Primer has jammed with Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Gary Clark Jr. and Derek Trucks. The Venue has partnered with Gillerson’s Grubbery Food Truck, and will offer various food items and local cold brews. Premium seating costs $20, and general admission $17.

For COVID-19 protocols, 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.

For the full schedule of January shows, go to themusicvenue.org. Refer to the individual event pages for current entry requirements for the show you plan to attend.

The Venue is owned and operated by the nonprofit Fox Valley Music Foundation; to learn more, visit foxvalleymusicfoundation.com.