For the week of jan. 21-27
thu
Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago landmark
LOOP
Ed Uhlir, the director of design, architecture and landscape for Millennium Park, explains the process of creating the massive public space. Free. 6 p.m. Chicago Cultural Center. 78 E. Randolph St. millenniumpark.org
FRI
Battle of the Bands 2010
NORTH PARK
Check out local bands Where The Cinema Begins, Crash Hero and more before they make it big. Proceeds go to Women in Action, a nonprofit group helping people with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. $5 with student ID. 7-10 p.m. Northside College Prep, 5501 N. Kedzie Ave. 773-534-3954.
‘Parade’
EVANSTON
Northwestern University students perform the musical about the true story of Leo Frank, a man wrongfully accused of murder. $15 with student ID. 8 p.m. Cahn Auditorium. 600 Emerson St. nudolphinshow.org
SAT
Polar Adventure Days
NORTHERLY ISLAND
You don’t have to stay indoors all winter, dress warm and head to Northerly Island to watch artists create ice sculptures, meet winter animals and sip on hot cocoa. Free. Noon-4 p.m. 1400 S. Lynn White Drive. 312-745-2910.
Skate for the animals
TINLEY PARK
Don’t like the cold? Stay indoors and go old-school by roller skating to benefit needy dogs and cats. $6 plus $2 skate rental. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Tinley Park Roller Rink. 17658 S. Oak Park Ave. pawstinleypark.org
SUN
Concert in the Park
WASHINGTON PARK
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs a 50-minute concert followed by a Q&A with the musicians. Free. 3-7 p.m. Washington Park Refectory, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive. 773-256-1248.
Chicago Music Awards
WEST LOOP
Join Jeremih, Twista, Rachel Barton Pine and others to celebrate the best in Chicago’s music scene. $55. 7 p.m. Alhambra Palace. 1240 W. Randolph St. chicagomusicawards.org.
MON
Youmedia sketch book
LOOP
Like to draw? This program lets artistic teens experiment with digital animation and visual art tools. Free. 3:30-5 p.m. Harold Washington Library Center. 400 S. State St. Call 312-747-5260 to register.
Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough
LOOP
The co-hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” sign copies of their latest books. Free. 6 p.m. Harold Washington Library Center, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. 400 S. State St. 312-747-4300.
TUE
The Nature of Diamonds
GRANT PARK
Beyonce’s wedding ring has nothing on this collection of jewels from Cartier, Tiffany and more. $13-$23. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through March 28. Field Museum. 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. fieldmuseum.org
Spruce Up Your Smile
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
Pick up some tips for getting your smile picture-perfect before prom as dentist Joseph Favia discusses teeth whitening and extreme makeovers. Free. 7 p.m. Arlington Heights Memorial Library. 500 N. Dunton Ave. 847-392-0100.
WED
Doowop: The Chicago scene
KENWOOD
Author Robert Pruter discusses his book about the history of doowop, the music genre that was all the rage in Chicago in the 1950s. Free. 6:30 p.m. Blackstone Library. 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. 312-747-0511.
