Weird Al, John Mellencamp, 'Jagged Little Pill' and more: Don't miss these 2023 shows

While you're considering your New Year's resolutions, take time to plan some time for local entertainment. Performances from live stage to live music will fill the calendar in 2023 at dozens of venues in the Bloomington area. Here's a list of some of the offerings from four possibilities: Brown County Music Center, Indiana University Auditorium, Buskirk-Chumley Theater and Constellation Stage and Screen.

Brown County Music Center 2023 lineup

Weird Al Yankovic's "The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour," 8 p.m. Feb. 3, 2023

"Weird Al" Yankovic is experiencing something of a renaissance, having released "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter, now all grown up) on Roku, a soundtrack from the film featuring 46 tracks, and the future release of a graphic novel, "The Illustrated Al," in which his song lyrics are visualized by artists and illustrators.

Weird Al's musical parodies of popular songs, such as "My Bologna," based on the 1979 hit by The Knack, "My Sharona," and "Eat it," a take on Michael Jackson's "Beat It," often incorporate accordion and polka rhythms. But that's not what Weird Al is promising on this tour. The five-time Grammy winner has a pared down, low-production show planned composed mostly of his original, non-parody songs. This rescheduled show is sold out, so if you want to attend, you'll need to find resale tickets and may have to pay more than face value.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 8 p.m. March 11, 2023

"Baby get ready" for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to go "Fishin' in the dark" in Nashville. A mix of country and rock, this genre-defying band has been around for nearly 60 years. Founding members Jeff Hanna and Jimmie Fadden are joined by four others to make up the current version of the band. The band's latest album, "Dirt Does Dylan," is an ode to the early days of learning to play Bob Dylan's songs. Tickets start at $35.75.

Lewis Black "Off the Rails," 7:30 p.m. March 26, 2023

The King of Rant makes a stop in Nashville to share stories and complaints in his signature style. Lewis Black's comedy hinges on pointing out absurdity and hypocrisy in a highly annoyed fashion. He has filmed several stand-up specials, the latest being "Thanks for Risking Your Life," which was his last live performance before the COVID-19 lockdown. It premiered in October 2020. Tickets start at $30.75.

Buddy Guy's "The Legend: Damn Right Farewell," 7:30 p.m. April 30, 2023

Eight-time Grammy award winner Buddy Guy is 86, so when he says "Damn Right Farewell," he probably means it. Buddy Guy's brand of blues influenced many artists who came later including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn. He learned from the best, playing alongside Muddy Waters and others on Chess Records' legendary roster. He's touring in support of a new album, "The Blues Don't Lie," and tickets, starting at $40.75, are going quickly.

More details and tickets for the above shows can be found at https://www.browncountymusiccenter.com/

IU Auditorium 2023 lineup

John Mellencamp "Live and In Person 2023," 8 p.m. Feb. 5 and 6, 2023

A local legend sometimes seen around Bloomington is kicking off his latest tour with two dates at the IU Auditorium. John Mellencamp recently released "Scarecrow," a two-disc set featuring remixed and remastered songs and some previously unreleased tracks and alternate versions. Among the singer's 22 Top 40 hits are "Hurts so Good" and "Jack and Diane" from his early '80s rise to fame. Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Both concerts are sold out, so you'll have to look for tickets on the resale market and may have to pay more than face value.

Justin Willman "Magic for Humans," 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 2023

Justin Willman takes magic to the streets in his three-season series "Magic for Humans" on Netflix. His brand of entertainment is part charm, part mystery and part trick. This all-ages show aims to delight kids, grandparents and everyone in between with its light-hearted, mind-blowing mix of magic and comedy. Tickets start at $34.50 and great seats are still available at this price.

Alanis Morrisette's "Jagged Little Pill: The Musical," 7:30 p.m. April 3 and 4, 2023

This musical inspired by Alanis Morrisette's groundbreaking album of the same name debuted on Broadway in December 2019 and earned two Tony awards, of 15 nominations. Featuring music from both the "Jagged Little Pill" album and Morrisette's later songs, the musical is a journey through opioid addiction, relationships and coming of age in a perfectly unperfect family. Tickets start at $30.

For more details about IU Auditorium and its performances, go to https://www.iuauditorium.com/.

Buskirk-Chumley Theater 2023 lineup

Scott Joplin's "Treemonisha," 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, 2023

The Bloomington Chamber Opera presents Scott Joplin's ragtime opera "Treemonisha," the tale of a young woman who overcomes hostilities and prejudice to lead her 1884 rural Arkansas community away from ignorance and superstition. Nearly lost to history, Joplin was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for "Treemonisha," albeit posthumously. A celebration of African-American history, the opera encompasses a wide range of musical styles with elements of black folk and spirituals. Completed in 1910, the opera was never fully performed in Joplin's lifetime. Tickets start at $15.

"The Haunting of Night Vale" 8 p.m., April 24, 2023

Podcasts come in all varieties, and "Welcome to Night Vale" has proven itself among the best long-running fictional ones. It takes the form of a radio show about Night Vale, a desert community where strange things are mundane and the conspiracies are real. The Buskirk-Chumley Theater is just one of 14 stops on this tour. Critics say "Welcome to Night Vale" has elements of NPR, Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft. Expect a spooky and funny good time. Tickets start at $30.

DJ Spooky presents "Body and Soul" 8 p.m. June 16, 2023

A masterpiece of the silent film era, "Body and Soul" was written, directed and produced by Oscar Micheaux, the first African-American to produce a full-length feature film. Micheaux's 1925 film features Black characters portrayed by Black actors and was intended for Black audiences and addresses race and gender issues considered taboo by Hollywood. DJ Spooky, aka Paul Miller, has composed an original score that will accompany the film live. Tickets start at $25.

For more about these and other performances at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, go to https://buskirkchumley.org/.

Constellation Stage and Screen

"Deathtrap" by Ira Levin, 7:30 p.m. with matinees select dates at 2 p.m. Jan. 26-Feb. 12, 2023

Hailed as Broadway's longest-running comedic thriller, "Deathtrap" is a two-act play depicting the life of washed-up playwright Sidney Bruhl, who is willing to kill for another chance at success. When a student shows up with what could be the next Broadway hit, Bruhl and his wife concoct a plan to make the manuscript their own. Sharply funny and full of twists and turns, the production will be staged at the Ted Jones Playhouse, 107 W. Ninth St. Tickets start at $38, but Constellation is offering pay-what-you-will tickets for Thursday performances.

"American Fast" by Kareem Fahmy, 7:30 p.m. with matinees select dates at 2 p.m. March 23-April 3

This new play explores the life of college basketball star Khady Salama, who has a chance to lead her team to glory during March Madness. It just so happens the tournament coincides with the beginning of Ramadan, a time for Muslims to fast from dawn until dusk. Salama finds herself both a role model and flashpoint of controversy when she lies about observing the fast while competing. Tickets start at $38, but Constellation is offering pay-what-you-will tickets for Thursday performances at the Ted Jones Playhouse.

"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical" by Mo Williams, various times, April 28-May 14

From the creator of beloved children's books starring Elephant and Piggie comes a musical adventure and unforgettable ride. When the bus driver takes a break, a pigeon steps in. The show promises to be an innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. Constellation is offering a sensory friendly performance at 4 p.m. May 14. Tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for children under 18. Performances at the Waldron Auditorium, 122 S. Walnut St.

For more about Constellation Stage and Screen and its offerings, go to https://seeconstellation.org/.