Jeff Tweedy performing at two Chicago benefits

The wind's blowing Jeff Tweedy back via Chicago once again. The Wilco frontman is stepping up to the plate for his adoptive home this December, playing benefits at two of the city's most venerable cultural institutions.

First up on the Tweedy itinerary: a 50th anniversary benefit for Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music on Dec. 1. The school offers classes and workshops in music, art and dance to some 6,000 students each week. Among the many artists joining Tweedy at the Auditorium Theatre performance are Roger McGuinn and the Bloodshot Family Band - featuring the combined talents of Robbie Fulks, the Mekons' Sally Timms and Jon Langford, frequent Neko Case collaborator Kelly Hogan and Nora O'Connor. See the lineup here.

Next, Tweedy swings on over to Chicago's improv comedy institution Second City for a marathon concert event. The sixth annual “The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters To Santa” features 24 hours straight of improv comedy with special musical guests. The proceeds will buy presents for needy children, which perhaps justifies a whole day of riffing on sexual innuendos in "wacky" situations. Joining Tweedy as musical guests are Will Oldham (no stranger to comedic performance himself), Steve Albini, Kim and Kelley Deal, and (once again), Fulks, Timms and Langford. So will these guests be performing in sketches or just singing in between them? If you're in the Windy City, head down to Second City e.t.c. sometime between 7 p.m. on Dec 4. and 7 p.m. Dec. 5 to find out.

Thanks to the Chicago music barons at Pitchfork for alerting us to both of these events.

Got news tips for Paste? Email news@pastemagazine.com.