Friday | January 15
Join the University in honoring the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., at the annual MLK commemoration service. This year’s service features keynote speaker Dr. Melissa Harris-Lacewell, associate professor of politics and African-American studies at Princeton University. A reception and student performance at Ida Noyes Hall will follow the service. Also, don’t forget to register for the MLK Day of Service on Saturday. (Rockefeller Chapel, 3:30 p.m., free)
Saturday | January 16
The 2010 CUSA show “Xiang” (“Hope” in Mandarin) tells the life story of Liu Xiang, the first Asian man to win a gold medal in track and field at the Olympics. Since all the dining halls will be closed Saturday night, a ticket to the CUSA show also includes a banquet dinner at 5:30. (Mandel Hall, 8 p.m., $12)
Why wait for the summer festival season to celebrate all things Armenian when the indoor Armenian Winter Fest is this Saturday? Munch on authentic Armenian food, including homemade pastries and shish kebabs, and dance to live music after 5. (6700 West Diversey, 3 p.m., free)
Sunday | January 17
Chicago Public Radio’s second annual Winter Block Party celebrates the city’s vibrant hip-hop scene. The event will feature live graffiti mural painting and performances by Chicago’s most up-and-coming young artists. The event will culminate with the State of Society Report at 7 p.m., given by social entrepreneur William “Upski” Wimsatt, titled “Movement-Building in the Age of Obama—An Evening of Stories, Strategies and Straight Talk.” (2433 North Lincoln Avenue, noon, free)
Monday | January 18
Human rights activist and the first Richard & Ann Silver Pozen Visiting Professor in Human Rights, Justice Albie Sachs, will be giving a talk on the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa in a special program for Martin Luther King day. Justice Sachs is currently teaching a five-week course at the U of C. (5710 South Woodlawn Avenue, 3 p.m., free)
Wednesday | January 20
At 37, Joey McIntyre is no longer a new kid on the block. Therefore, the former ’90s hottie is on tour promoting Here We Go Again, the latest album in his prolific solo career. Dinoscopy will be spinning DJ sets between McIntyre’s tracks. (2424 North Lincoln Avenue, 8 p.m., $30)
Thursday | January 21
If being in Chicago has made you forget about the stars in the night sky, see them through the Doane Observatory telescope at the Adler Planetarium’s monthly Adler After Dark event. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers while dancing to music by the Cano Bros. or participate in the planetarium’s photo shoot. (1300 South Lake Shore Drive, 6 p.m., $7, 21+)
