Sonny Rollins @ Pritzker Pavilion

The 30th annual Chicago Jazz Festival gets underway this evening with a kick-off performance by saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins. One of the greatest musicians of the bebop era, Rollins hasn't slowed down all that much in recent years. Anyone who's seen him perform lately can attest to the 77 year-old tenorist's ability to wow the crowd and sometimes leave younger sidemen eating his dust. Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The show starts at 6:30 and is free to the public. See the Jazz Institute of Chicago's website for the full schedule of this year's Festival.

Breakbone DanceCo @ Viaduct Theater

The "De-evolution of MUDWOMAN (an evening of dance exile, fashion, and humor)" from Breakbone DanceCo begins with a "superficial poptart diva"--representing today's female role models--who de-evolves into the primordial female, complete with head-to-toe mud. In this process, Breakbone will mock themselves, mock a lot of the heavy-handed social commentary out there, and encourage the audience to laugh, all while "de-mystifying" the "objectification of women." The show is filled with entertainment, including a couture fashion show and videography, and is punctuated by commentary from three "expositors" who critique the goings-on throughout the evening. The choreography will use Breakbone's unique, athletic style.

August 28, 29, 30, and September 4, 5, 6--all shows at 9:00. $18 ($15 students and seniors). Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave., Chicago. Click here for tickets or visit Breakbone's website for more information. (Also see the GB A/C page for more info.)

Mahjongg/Yea Big & Kid Static @ Schubas

Schubas
3159 N. Southport
9:00pm 21+
$5

Amplify: New Music Series

Mahjongg
Yea Big + Kid Static
DJ Jordan Z

Featherproof Books @ Book Cellar

Featherproof Books comes to the Book Cellar tonight for a selection of readings from their mini-books collection. Authors will include Lindsay Hunter, Caroline Picard and Scott Stealey. Presented as part of the Fixx Reading Series. Free at 8pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

A Day Without A Mexican

Females United for Action hosts a screening of A Day Without A Mexican tonight at 5pm at its offices, 11 E. Adams St., Ste. 902. It's free, but RSVP is requested: call Manju at 312-341-9650.