Pencil This In

Lecture
As part of The Chicago Cultural Center's new Ars/Scienta series, a panel of artists and scientists will explore the emerging relationship between the environmentalist movement and art. Featured eco-artists Tiffany Holmes and Frances Whitehead, along with choreographer Carrie Hanson will take the stage, all of whom have recently made strides in what Holmes calls "eco-visualization."
Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Randolph, tonight, 6 p.m., Free.

Open Mic
The Spoken Word Café in the Grand Blvd. neighborhood hosts Mixtape Mondays, an open mic event with a focus on hip hop and soul performances. Participants not only have the chance to wax poetic on the mic, but win free studio time as well. DJ Awol spins after the show.
4655 S. King Drive, Mondays, 10 p.m. - 2 p.m., $5 for audience, free to performers, Sign-up at 9 p.m.

Music
Now in its 10th year, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs continues its "New Millenium/New Music" program with a series of shows featuring both local and international improvised music artists. The program, originally started up by Chicago musicians and supporters of the music genre, is meant to connect members of the underground jazz scene. Essentially an avant-garde jam session, The Necks hailing from Australia as well as an installment of rotating emsemble Chicago Sound Map are scheduled to play next month, and the Sten Sandell Trio of Stockholm are up tomorrow night.
Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Randolph, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m., Free admission.
The Necks, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
Chicago Sound Map, Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.