The Best of Midwest Burlesk

Now in its third iteration, Best of Midwest Burlesk is the can't-miss event of the year for fans of the modern burlesque (or "burlesk") revival. Although produced by the local troupe Lili's Burlesque Revue, BOMB is a nonpartisan sampling of top local tease artists like Ophelia Flame, Tomahawk Tassels and Coco Dupree, along with a few choice, rarely-seen-here acts like St. Louis starlet Lola van Ella and Chicago headliner Michelle L'amour. New this year is an opening-night gala and mingler at the Varsity with cameo performances and sexy emcees. But the main event is the four weekend shows at the Ritz. The lineups tend to be random and unpredictable grab bags of vintage titillation, but all four are sure to sell out. Opening gala: Thu. 01/28 at the Varsity Theater. Peformances all weekend.

Simon Peter Groebner

'Channeling Carol'

Brought together by a shared love for Carol Channing, 10 local artists created performance pieces inspired by the fabled musical comedian. A highlight is sure to be "Carolesque!" by Jaime Carrera, who says his cabaret-style piece blends performance art, dance, sound design by DJ E-tones, live singing and "a little razzle dazzle" while skewering themes of feminism and domesticity -- a topic present in both Channing's and Carrera's work. The piece should be full of effusiveness and eccentricity, as well as Carrera's penchant for offending and titillating his audience. Other performers include onetime Carrera collaborator Tyler Jensen and Bryant-Lake Bowl artistic director Kristin Van Loon, plus Jeffry Lusiak, Kristi Ternes, Megan Meyer, Molly Van Avery, Rachel Nelson, Sheridan Zuther, and the Wreck Family. More event details.

Jahna Peloquin

Elements in Translation

The eclectic dance revue returns with an all-new lineup of dancers, spoken word artists and musicians. Whatever your style, you're bound to find something you like -- from well known genres like hip-hop, tap, break dancing, belly dancing and modern to lesser known styles such as "waacking" (think pop-and-locking). The performers are tied together with a distinct urban flavor, often merging disparate styles. Highlights should include tap dancer Kaleena Miller, Jewish break dancer MonaLisa of B-Girl Be fame and the African-meets-breakdancing dance troupe Warriors. With spoken word from Meta Def and live music by Manboy and Alicia Steele. More event details.