MUSIC - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros + Fool’s Gold
The ten-piece acoustic ensemble Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros strums and stomps in unison, stirring an uplifting dust devil of whistling, hand claps, jangling guitars, tambourines and mariachi horns. L.A. troupe Fool’s Gold soaks up the whole of northern Africa in its upbeat, fluid grooves. Lincoln Hall. 10pm, $12. 18 and older.

THEATER - Madam Barker Holiday Variety Show
500 Clown seductress Molly Brennan and musician John Fournier host this late-night holiday cocktail. $10, Prop Thtr, 11pm.

AROUND TOWN/MUSIC - John Williams
The guy who made Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park musical successes stops by for a few movie-themed performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The night’s agenda includes selection from the Harry Potter films (with movie clips!), The Bridge on the River Kwai, Dr. Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia. Actors Holland Taylor and Sir David Lean narrate. Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave (312-294-3000). 8pm, $45–$179.

NIGHTLIFE - L.A. Riots + Dark Wave Disco DJs
Carving a serious name for itself thanks to its numerous remixes ripping up the blogosphere—including mixes for the Ting Tings, Justice and the like—L.A. Riots brings its hipster brand of indie electro to Smart Bar for the Ray-Ban-rocking-rave crowd. The Rioters, Daniel Ledisko and Jo’B are joined by the city’s very own hipster electro crew, Dark Wave Disco as well as Rehab’s Team Bayside High. Boundary-pushing party promoter Derek Specs oversees the whole affair. Smart Bar. 10pm; $10, free before 11pm.

GAY & LESBIAN/NIGHTLIFE - Queerer Park presents BOOM
This new Wicker Park-based LGBT dance party has our curiousity piqued. Weirder Park General Store, 1539 N Damen Ave (weiderpark.com) El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 20, 56, 72. 10pm, FREE!