We know that everyone wants to donate money to help the victims of the tsunami, but unfortunately, some of us are still in a postholiday financial slump. Don’t worry, you can still find a way to help while making rent. There are scores of bars and clubs hosting fundraisers that benefit everyone from the Red Cross, Americares and other organizations. And these bashes will be way fun, so you can hang with your buds guilt-free.
Cherry Red
Toss back drinks at the premium open bar
(9-11 p.m.) and shake it to dance tunes a la DJ Izzi. The best part is that 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Red Cross. 9-11 p.m. Friday. $15. 2833 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-477-3661.
Casey Moran’s Tavern
Nosh on appetizers and all-you-can-drink domestic drafts, wine and soda and enter a raffle to win prizes like a CD/DVD player, an MP3 player and more. Partial proceeds go to the Red Cross. 8-11 p.m. Friday. $20. 3660 N. Clark St. 773-755-4444.
HotHouse
This daylong music fest features sets by Frank Orrall, Funkadesi, Sam Prekop of The Sea and Cake, and others. Plus, there’ll be tons of international food. HotHouse is hoping to raise 100 grand in January to help tsunami victims. 2-10 p.m. Sunday. $25. 31 E. Balbo Drive, 312-362-9707.
JP Chicago
Need an excuse to eat at this American-style bistro? How’s this: For four days, all food sales go to the American Red Cross Tsunami Emergency Response Fund. So you can chow down on as much Australian lamb as you want all for a good cause. 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (also Jan. 13 and 14). Reservations recommended. 901 W. Weed St. 312-337-2001.
Bubbles Academy
Even the little ones can help out survivors at this benefit that includes screenings of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” and “The Wizard of Oz,” plus a pasta dinner. 4-7 p.m. Sunday. $20 suggested donation per family. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Tsunami/Earthquake Emergency Response Fund. Reservations required. 1504 N. Fremont St. 312-944-7677.
MORE WEEKEND PICKS
Found: The Magazine, The Stuff, a group show
Ever since your little sister found that $20 bill on the sidewalk, you’ve kept your eyes peeled as you walk. But, like most of us, you came up with nada. Maybe that’s why we love “Found” so much. Check out this show that features things found for the magazine, including pictures, love notes, to-do lists, poetry and more. Maybe you’ll even find something of yours–or not. Noon-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Through Jan. 29. Free. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. 756 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-243-9088.
The 2005 Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival
Need a laugh? Oh, come on, you know you do. Head to this comedy fest and catch performances by 83 troupes from all over the U.S. and Canada like Punch Drunk Comedy and Monsters from the ID. If you’re just dying to learn the ins and outs of sketches, take a workshop or join in on a panel discussion. Check metromix.com for the full schedule. $12-$75. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252.
The Reputation
Elizabeth Elmore (of Sarge fame) is back with her new band, The Reputation. They hit the stage at Schubas with the group’s second album, “To Force a Fate,” in tow. Bang, Bang! and Hanalei open. 10 p.m. Friday. $8. Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave. 773-525-2508.
I Am My Own Wife
Moises Kaufman directs this Pulitzer Prize- winning one-man show about Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German tranny who survived the Nazis and the Commies. Based on a true story, the drama is sure to be moving. Previews start this weekend. 2 p.m., 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $20-60. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. 312-443-3800.
Cooking in the ‘Hood:
A Mediterranean Culinary Adventure
Learn how to make your favorite Mediterranean food. Shop in Andersonville with chef Stephanie, and then hit the Wooden Spoon for an interactive cooking lesson. On the menu: baba ghanouj, spanakopita, roasted rack of lamb and ma’amoul. Our mouths are already watering. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday. $75. Reservations required. 5047 N. Clark St. 773-293-3190.
Turn Green Into Blue
Don’t just chuck out your Christmas tree–recycle it! Take it to one of 22 parks (check metromix.com for locations) and get a free bag of mulch and a year’s supply of blue recycling bags. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monty Python’s Spamalot
We’ll give you three good reasons to see this superhyped play: David Hyde Pierce, Tim Curry and Hank Azaria. This musical is based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (which we’ve seen, like, 20 times.) The production includes three songs from the 1975 film and a chorus line of legless knights, men in tights and killer rabbits. ‘Nuff said. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Through Jan. 23. $25-$87. The Shubert Theatre, 22 W. Monroe St. 312-902-1400.
