An die Musik presents the second in an ongoing series focused on new American works for solo piano. Chicago pianist Amy Briggs will perform a world premiere by Augusta Read Thomas, as well as works by Philip Glass, Eric Moe, Nico Muhly, David Rakowski, Elliott Smith/Christopher O’Riley, Bruce Stark and Peabody composer David Smooke. The 8 p.m. concert will be preceded by a 7 p.m. conversation with acclaimed composer David Rakowski. A wine reception follows. 8 p.m. $10 to $15. An die Musik, 409 N. Charles St., Baltimore. 410-385-2638, www.andiemusiklive.com. MUSIC
New blues chanteuse Alice Smith, one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists to Watch” in 2006, plays in the vein of Corinne Bailey Ray. 8 p.m. $20. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis. www.ramsheadonstage.com.
Shannon Cottman plays music for the late-dinner crowd. 10 p.m. Joe Squared, 133 W. North Ave., Baltimore. 410-545-0444.
Not a night owl? Drink decaf espresso concoctions and listen to live music by Otis Gibbs, playing an early evening set. 8 p.m. BaltimoreChop.com, 625 Washington Blvd., Baltimore. 410-752-4487, www.myspace.com/baltimorechop.
Resident soul lady Lady D. performs at tonight’s live jazz concert, hosted by Mully Man. Eden’s Lounge, 15 W. Eager St., Baltimore. 410-244-0405, www.edenslounge.com.
ART
The aquarium’s new Immersion Theater will bring you closer to the sights, sounds and smells of the action. The exhibit Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes! reveals movement of skittering lizards, gliding crocodiles and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. National Aquarium in Baltimore, 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore. 410-576-3800, www.aqua.org.
Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum: Soft Animal features work by the Botswana woman who grew up in Africa and Southeast Asia. Sanstrum uses collage, beads and animation in her exhibit, and depicts her alter ego Asme on a hero’s quest with a vast landscape for the background. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Feb. 21. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. 410-276-1651, www.creativealliance.org.
Check out the exhibits at HCCA. Gallery I features Fluid Identity, an exhibit of work that explores themes of identity with work by Carl Gombert, Sherill Anne Gross, Lisa Kellner, Susan Palmisano and Mary Robinson. Gallery II is where you’ll find ( ) is in the Details, an exhibit featuring works from MFA candidates from the Hoffberger School of Painting at MICA. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Howard County Center For The Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City. www.hocoarts.org.
AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Cockeysville Library’s Toddler Story Time for 18-to-35-month-olds with adults is an interactive program of short stories, music and movement activities for you and your toddler. Registration required. 10:30 a.m. Cockeysville Library, 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville. 410-887-7750.
DISCUSSION
Institute for Urban Research associate Tracy R. Rone will lecture on the ongoing issue of low academic achievement in Baltimore City at this evening’s lecture “Baltimore Lead and Succeed Program: A Blueprint for Creating a Community of Academic Excellence in Baltimore City.” 5:45 p.m. Loyola College, 4501 N. Charles St., Baltimore. 410-617-5025, ww.loyola.edu.
CLASSES
Howard County Center for the Arts’ “Basic Drawing Skills” classes begin today. The course will culminate with an introduction to the human figure. Both sessions kicking off today run through March 23. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:30 Monday. Howard County Center For The Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City. www.hocoarts.org.
