Going out to a party or attending a concert isn’t a traditional activity during Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. In recent years, event producers have shifted focus from rowdy events to marking the national holiday as a day of service. However, there are still ways to celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights activist at night. The following list includes a unique show specifically dedicated to honoring King’s legacy as well as a variety of events created by or showcasing the talents of Black artists and musicians. Whether you’re interested in dancing to house music or immersing yourself in an electronic and orchestral concert, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this long weekend. Shawnee Dez Hailing from the city’s South Side, multifaceted musician Shawnee Dez opens this concert at Sleeping Village as part of the ongoing, multi-venue music festival Tomorrow Never Knows. Rooted in classic soul and R&B, Dez often elevates her sound with electronic production and fiery, expressive lyrics that reveal a more complex artist than might appear at first glance. Expect selections from her captivating 2023 debut album, “Moody Umbra,” and possibly some new tunes. 9 p.m. Jan. 17 at Sleeping Village, 3734 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets $20.60 (ages 21+) at sleeping-village.com Get Loose, Taylor Bennett’s Birthday Juke Party Not much is known about what will take place at this upcoming birthday celebration for beloved and joyful rapper Taylor Bennett, but fans can expect a great time. The event will feature performances from Jukie Tha-KidD, DJ Simmy, and Nosike, and seems designed for a fun, high-energy evening (especially if juking is still part of the program). Expect a much-needed hip hop dance party filled with ghetto house and footwork that’s sure to raise temperatures, even with below-freezing weather outside. 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave.; tickets $25.25 at chopshopchi.com All-Building Queen There’s no party in the city quite like Smartbar’s ongoing Queen. Featuring some of the most beloved house and techno DJs from Chicago and around the world, Queen is a one-of-a-kind, industry-rooted event that caters to late-night partiers who don’t mind celebrating on a Sunday evening. The weekly party shines brightest during “For Frankie,” an annual celebration dedicated to the late Frankie Knuckles, a former Smartbar resident and a central figure in the house music movement since its early days. Proceeds from the party benefit the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing house music and addressing causes such as LGBTQ youth homelessness and AIDS research that were important to the musician and producer. This year’s edition of “For Frankie” features house music staples like Ralphi Rosario, Derrick Carter, and New York and Atlanta-bred DJ Tedd Patterson. 9 p.m. Jan. 19 at Smartbar, 3730 N. Clark St.; tickets $20-$30 (ages 21+) at smartbarchicago.com Black Being In recent years, the Chicago Sinfonietta has been unafraid to experiment with the types of artists and performances they showcase, and this latest event is no exception. Titled “Black Being,” this one-of-a-kind concert will feature composer-performer duo Flutronix, which includes Nathalie Joachim and Allison Loggins-Hull. Dubbed an “electro-acoustic exploration of the Black female experience,” Black Being will incorporate everything from flute solos and newly commissioned poetry by Jaki Shelton Green to unique lighting elements. The classical and electro performance aims to create a visually and sonically engaging event that honors King’s life and legacy. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets $27-$67 at chicagosinfonietta.org Midnight Sun First established in 1976, this beloved Chicago 10-piece ensemble is made up of music industry veterans who have performed with a roster of elite talent, including the Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott and Buddy Guy. For their latest residency at City Winery, Midnight Sun will revisit the funk and soul sounds of the ’70s and ’80s. While they’ll perform a show the night before featuring songs by Kool & the Gang and Cameo, this tribute to Maze and Frankie Beverly is especially noteworthy. Last year was a hard one for music fans, and the loss of cookout staple Frankie Beverly was immense for listeners young and old. This thoughtful tribute will surely please old-school soul and quiet-storm fans who are looking for another chance to celebrate one of their favorite artists. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St.; tickets $28-$45 at citywinery.com/chicago Britt Julious is a freelance writer.