Things to do around Chicago: Common, The Commodores and a cold dip in Lake Michigan
On our list this week, live music, the annual Polar Plunge and an extension for the Adler’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”
Common
The Chicago-born rapper, actor and activist is back in his hometown not for a concert, but for an appearance at the Chicago Public Library. He’ll be talking about holistic approaches to wellness and his new book, “And Then We Rise: A Guide To Loving And Taking Care Of Yourself,” in conversation with Chicago author Natalie Moore. The event will officially open the library’s programming for Black History Month, and will also stream on its Facebook and YouTube pages.
5 p.m. Jan. 29 Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.; more information at chipublib.bibliocommons.com
Barn Dance Apocalypse
Kick up your heels in Bridgeport. The Golden Horse Ranch Band will be leading a night of square dance, contra, line dance, two-step, polka and waltz as one of the first big events at the brand new Ramova Theatre.
8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.; tickets $25 (18+) at ramovachicago.com
The Commodores
In an event titled “An Evening of Icons,” the Motown legends Commodores are in concert with The Spinners at the Hard Rock Casino’s Hard Rock Live venue.
7 p.m. Jan. 26 at Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana, 5400 W. 29th Ave., Gary; tickets from $79.50 (ages 21+) at www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com
Black Pumas
The psychedelic soul band from Austin, Texas, is in Chicago for a short run of concerts at the Salt Shed, with guests The Dip.
7 p.m. Jan. 26-27 at Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; www.saltshedchicago.com
Polar Plunge
It’s warmer this weekend, but warm enough for a dip in Lake Michigan? Yes, for a brave few. Saturday is the 23rd Annual Polar Plunge at Oak Street Beach, hosted by the Chicago Polar Bear Club, a nonprofit that raises money through donations tied to the event to help Chicago-area families.
Noon Jan. 27 at Oak Street Beach, 1000 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; www.chicagopolarbearclub.com
Disney on Ice
The latest skating Disney tour, “Magic in the Stars,” will feature loads of Disney favorites including the on-ice debuts of characters from “Frozen 2″ and “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
Multiple daily showtimes through Jan. 28 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $35 at www.unitedcenter.com
‘Cinderella’
Composer Rossini’s “La Cenerentola” — don’t let associations with Disney version fool you — is now at the Lyric Opera, in a production originally directed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle. Expect Vasilisa Berzhanskaya in the lead role, a richly emotional story and visual punch — just no glass slippers.
Through Feb. 10 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive; $49-$319 at 312-827-5600 and lyricopera.org
‘The Dark Side of the Moon’
Just announced by the Adler Planetarium, the museum’s 43-minute planetarium show based on Pink Floyd’s album has been extended and will play through the end of the year in the Adler’s Grainger Sky Theater.
Select days and times through Dec. 31 at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets $20 at adlerplanetarium.org
Orny Adams
The comic has specials on Netflix, Comedy Central and Showtime and was Coach on the MTV show “Teen Wolf.”
7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Jan. 26-27 at Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg; tickets from $30 (ages 18+) at improv.com
