Wednesday's best bets: Jazzin' at the Shedd, New York Dolls at Double Door

AROUND TOWN - Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Feel the breeze and rhythms at the Shedd’s annual outdoor, after-work jazz concert series. OGD smooth-jazz band plays on the terrace. The Oceanarium and Polar Play Zone (additional $6 admission) stay open until 8pm, and original galleries are open through 10pm. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S Lake Shore Dr (312-692-3361, sheddaquarium.org). 5–10pm; $12, seniors and kids ages 3–11 $10.

ART & DESIGN - "File Type"
More than a dozen new-media artists examine how digital files affect artistic practices in “File Type,” which closes Sat 30. Innovative works by artists such as Siebren Versteeg and Chris Meerdo demonstrate that programming has become an artistic skill. Gallery 400 (UIC, 400 S Peoria St, 312-996-6114, gallery400.aa.uic.edu). 10am–6pm. FREE.

DANCE - Chicago SummerDance in the Parks: Athletic Field Park
Two of SummerDance's nine satellite events are at Athletic Field and, while the Northwest Side park's biggest claim to fame is its ceramics studio, potter's wheels won't be the only things spinning once you've taken a free dance lesson from 6–7pm. Live music and an open floor follow; twirl to your heart's content until 9pm. Athletic Field Park (3546 W Addison St, 773-478-2889, chicagoparkdistrict.com). 6–9pm; FREE.

DANCE - World Music Wednesdays: Muntu Dance Theatre
R.S.V.P. by phone to 773-728-6000 for free tickets to see Muntu Dance Theatre at Old Town, on the heels of its recent Harris Theater program. Further details are online at oldtownschool.org. Old Town School of Folk Music (4544 N Lincoln Ave, 773-728-6000, oldtownschool.org). 8:30pm; $5 suggested donation.

DANCE/DRINK UP - Innervation Dance Cooperative: Halloween in July: A Dragalicious Dress-Up Drink Date
Get liquored up at this two-hour, open-bar benefit featuring karaoke, a raffle and Priscilla Darling in performance. Further details are online at innervationdance.org. The Granville Anvil (1137 W Granville Ave, 773-973-0006). 8–10pm; $20.

MUSIC - New York Dolls
David Johansen and Syl Sylvain may be the only original Dolls, but it still does our hearts good to see the iconic New York punk band playing local shows. In all his guises—Buster Poindexter, radio DJ, Harry Smiths frontman, actor—Johansen remains a masterful showman. Double Door, 8:30pm, $25.

MUSIC - Starlicker
Vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz's signature washy textures lend themselves nicely to Starlicker, a new vehicle from cornetist Rob Mazurek that earns its name with galaxy-sized workouts that would be an apt soundtrack for NASA were it not pulling the plug on its shuttle program. Filled out by Tortoise’s John Herndon on the drum throne, the trio celebrates its Delmark debut, Double Demon. Hideout, 9pm, $10.

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