Sound Advice

Get your Christmas list checked off by purchasing tickets for all your music-loving friends. Chicago is coming to Stephens Auditorium in Ames on May 25. The legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago is one of the highest-charting American bands in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 history. Tickets from $80-$129.

Find that ugly holiday sweater and wear it to xBk on Dec. 15 for the Ugly Sweater Winter Party featuring Colo Chanel, Big Smoke Sp, Tony Guns and Static Soul. Tickets: $10 in advance or $15 day of show.

Listen to a triple treat at Wooly’s on Dec. 16. A tribute to three iconic bands includes: Hashpipe: A Tribute To Weezer, American Dookie: A Tribute To Green Day and Nevermind: A Nirvana Tribute. Tickets $15.

The Des Moines Symphony New Year’s Eve Pops concert is a long-standing Des Moines tradition. On Dec. 31, Broadway brass meets old-school class in a fresh take on the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and more, performed by award-winning vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare. Tickets $40-$95.

Wooly’s New Year’s Eve party features Pianopalooza and The June Bugs. The 21-and-older show tickets start at $15. ♦