Monday's best bets: Chicago Dancing Festival

DANCE - Chicago Dancing Festival 2011: Opening Night Gala and Benefit
Support the now-essential, still-free Chicago Dancing Festival, in its fifth year, by attending this kickoff, featuring the premiere of a commission by NYC artist Walter Dundervill, choreography by Faye Driscoll, performances by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company and our dance-lovin’ mayor in the house. Call 312-520-2210 or e-mail info@chicagodancingfestival.com to make a reservation. MCA Stage (220 E. Chicago Ave, 312-397-4010, mcachicago.org). 6pm; $250.

ART & DESIGN - "The Urban Imaginarium"
Artists including Jan Tichy and Noelle Mason contemplate city life and urban issues in photographs, fiber art and other media. Marwen (833 N. Orleans St, 312-944-2418, marwen.org). 9am–5pm. FREE!

MUSIC - Gary Clark Jr.
Thank the guitar gods this Austinite didn't come along in the ’80s. He'd have been glossed and bloozed-out like Stevie Ray Vaughan. Today his stunning ax rave-ups can shake, rip and rumble like a virtuosic and soulful Black Keys. SPACE, 8pm, $12–$20.

MUSIC - Love of Everything + Jason Ajemian & The HighLife
The twee brainchild of Joan of Arc's Bobby Burg, Love of Everything celebrates a new EP tonight. Come early for ex-Chicagoan Jason Ajemian, opening with his odd, exuberant art-funk outfit the HighLife. Empty Bottle, 9pm, FREE!

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