Priority list: A&E choices for Jan. 31-Feb 6

At a loss for what to do this week? Here's a selective starter list.

“Blues at the Crossroads: Muddy and the Wolf”

Feb. 1

Clowes Hall

That’s Muddy as in Muddy Waters and Wolf as in Howlin’ Wolf, both key in the creation of Chicago Blues. Both are celebrated in this revue featuring The Fabulous Thunderbirds as the backup band. The lineup includes Tinsley Ellis (replacing previously announced J.J. Grey, out on vocal rest), James Cotton, Bob Margolin and Jody Williams. Details here.

Emmanuel Ax

Feb. 1-2

Hilbert Circle Theatre

New work isn’t always embraced immediately by classical music audiences. Which is why the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra seems to be playing it smart this week by pairing a world premiere—William Brittele’s “Dunes”—with world-class pianist Emmanuel Ax’s performance of the far-more-familiar Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4. Also on the bill: Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” and Tchaikovsky’s “Francesca di Rimini.” It’s easy to take a chance on something new knowing it’s followed by work that has stood the test of time. Details here.

First Friday

Feb. 1

Various locations

Art galleries open their doors (and uncover their cheese platters) for this month’s shows. Included: “Love,” an exhibition at the Indy Artist Colony featuring works by Pamela Bliss, Mark Lee and others; “Landscapes: Structural, Ethereal” at the Stutz Art Gallery; and, at the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, “Double Vision,” featuring photographs by Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie. Details here.

Art & Soul

Feb. 1-24
Artsgarden

Downtown workers alert: Prepare to liven up lunch hours by spending time at the Artsgarden. In a Feb. 1 kick-off celebration, vocalist Cynthia Laine helps launch the series of afternoon free concerts, which continues with, among others, Everett Green (Feb. 5), Lonnie Lester (Feb. 14), Blair Clark and Rusty Redenbacher & Mr. Kinetik (Feb. 15), iibada Dance Company (Feb. 16), and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (Feb. 24). Details and full schedule here.

Also this week

The Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Family Fun” concert Feb. 3 allows kids to sit with the musicians. Details here. 

 The Bloomington Playwrights Project presents the new musical “The Truman Show” Feb. 1-16. Details here. 

2002 International Violin Competition of Indianapolis laureate Susie Parks performs with the East Coast Chamber Orchestra Feb. 5 at the Palladium. Details here. 

Actors Theatre of Indiana spoofs composers in “Musical of Musicals: The Musical” at the Studio Theatre Feb. 1-24. Details here.

On Feb. 1, The Great American Songbook Movie Series presents 1953’s “Kiss Me Kate.” Details here.

Classical Chinese dance and music are featured in Shen Yun, Feb. 5-6, at Clowes Hall. Details here.

IU Opera presents a new production of Handel’s “Xerxes” Feb. 1-9. Details here. 

The BBC Concert Orchestra under the direction of Keith Lockhart performs Britten, Butterworth and Elgar Feb. 2 at the Palladium. Details here. 

Butler University’s Gospelfest, Feb. 2 at Clowes Hall, features the Voices of Deliverance Gospel Choir. Details here.