The Mix — Cool Things to Do 01.20.12

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Bassist Christian McBride

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THE MUSIC MAN

Charles Mingus, whose awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Grammys’ Lifetime Achievement Award (received posthumously in 1997) is regaled by bassist Christian McBride (left), singer Meshell Ndegeocello (above) and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble during Beneath the Underdog: The Musical World of Charles Mingus at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Harris Theater of Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph. tickets are $18-$48. Call (312) 334-7777; harristheaterchicago.org .

OH, MAMMA!

“Mamma Mia!,” the Broadway hit musical based on the songs of Swedish pop icons ABBA, returns to Chicago Jan. 24-29 at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph. Tickets, $18-$85. Call (800) 775-2000; broadwayinchicago.com.

MEN IN TIGHTS

The all-male dance troupe Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, which perform parodies of classical ballets, returns for one night with a new program showcasing its impressive dance-through-comedic antics at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets, $45-$75. Call (312) 334-7777; harristheaterchicago.org.

BRIDAL PATH

Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera, who makes the extraordinary happen for the ordinary bride on WEtv’s “My Fair Wedding,” will be featured during Bridal Expo, Jan. 22 at Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, Joliet. The bridal event showcases products and services from wedding vendors. Admission (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is $15 (expo only); $35-$40 includes expo and Tutera’s special presentation. Call (815) 726-6600; rialtosquare.com; ticketmaster.com.

DUELING DISHES

Chefs Tony Mantuano and Sarah Grueneberg prepare winning dishes from Bravo’s food reality shows during “Top Chefs Master” vs “Top Chef” Cooking Class at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at Spiaggia, 900 N. Michigan. Cost, $125, includes wine pairings. Reservations required. Call (312) 280-2750.

BREAKING AWAY

WBEZ’s Winter Block Party for Chicago’s Hip-Hop Arts returns noon to 11 p.m. Jan. 21 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark. Afternoon events include a visual art and graffiti gallery, literary readings, breakdancing exhibitions and record spinning by Chicago DJs including Hip Hop Barbershop. Admission is free noon to 6 p.m. The main event “Legends of the BodyRock: An All-City 3-on-3” breakdancing retrospective hosted by the Brickheadz features archival footage of Chicago breakdancing crews, interviews and a live 3-on-3 dance battle at 8 p.m. Admission, $10-$15. Call (312) 948-4600; wbez.org/off-air.

ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Brides-to-be can sip champagne and nosh on hors d’oeuvres while sifting through floral, photography and wedding cake samples during Odyssey’s 6th Annual Dockside Engagement Gala 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Reservations required for the complimentary event. RSVP via e-mail at chicagoevents@entertainmentcruises.com; odysseycruises.com.

COMEDY CAPERS

“West Side Story” collides with the fantasy worlds of “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” when characters square-off in a Sharks-vs-Jets-style battle during Octavarius: “Harry Potter vs “Twilight” at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont. Tickets, $10; $7 if you dress in character or bring a homemade sign. Call (773) 549-8080; octavarius.com .

CASH BACK

The Irish American Heritage Center hosts Cash for Kids, a Johnny Cash Festival to benefit Gompers Park Athletic Association at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 at IAHC, 4626 N. Knox. Featured acts include: Tom Petty/Johnny Cash tribute band Petty Cash, Haydn Thompson, Iron Horse, Tommy Tuesday, the Back 40 and Platform 29. Admission is $10. Call (773) 282-7035; irish-american.org .

DANCE OFF

Hip Hop dance crew ICONic Boyz is in concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 20 as part of the NRG Dance Project Convention at the Westin O’Hare, 6100 N. River, Rosemont. Tickets are $27.50. Call (847) 698-6000; iconicboyzatnrg.evenbrite.com.

SPY CELEBRATION

U.K. sensation Sasha performs and Chris Walsh spins during Spy Bar’s (646 N. Franklin) 15th anniversary party at 10 p.m. Jan. 20. Tickets, $25; 21+over. Call (312) 337-2191; spybarchicago.com .

ISLAND HOPPER

Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn, is hosting Polar Adventure Days noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 21. Activities include crafts, storytelling and live music. Ongoing adventures include snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Ski and snowshoe rentals are $5. Open to Feb. 26 when ground is covered with 3 or more inches of snow. Admission to Northerly Island is free. Parking is $3. chicagoparkdistrict.com .

DON’T MISS

Singer Claudia Hommel along with pianist/singer Bob Moreen salute Parisian chanteuses during a dinner and concert featuring the music of cabaret-singing French divas from the 19th century’s racy performer Yvette Guilbert to 20th century’s demure ballad-singing Edith Piaf, at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the
Cliff Dwellers Club, penthouse, 200 S. Michigan, $40. A cash bar opens at 5:30 p.m. Call (312) 922-8080.