WED 8/10 T-party
Bono jumped on the Coexist wagon during U2’s Vertigo tour (he sported a headband with the fledgling company’s logo on it); now you can get in on the fashion line’s fall 2005 collection and rock trendy, can’t-we-all-just-get-along designs across your chest in lieu of the usual brand names. The Coexist Launch Party includes an open bar, appetizers, a display of T-shirts for men and women, and a short presentation on Artists for Coexistence. 6:30 p.m. Free. W Hotel-Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive. Reservations required: 866-942-7787.
Meet me at the bar
Things may be laid-back in Margaritaville, but Parrot Heads are nothing if not motivated to party. Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band play sold-out shows at Wrigley Field on Sept. 4 and 5, but biweekly celebrations start Wednesday at Trader Todd’s. Flip-flop your way to the beer garden and sip Margaritaville tequila margaritas, sing a karaoke tribute to the singer-songwriter, tackle a two-pound Cheeseburger in Paradise, and rack up prizes and giveaways from party sponsors. Bonus: Two tickets to the sold-out concerts are given away at each party. 6 p.m. Wednesdays; 4 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 4. No cover. 3216 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-975-8383.
Playing detective
You single-handedly solved the mystery of the missing pizza, conducted a household search-and-rescue mission for your pet hamster, and interrogated spiders and ants on their summertime breaking-and-entering techniques. Face it: You’re a cop-drama queen. On Wednesday, sit back and let others do the work during a performance of Strawdog Theatre Company’s Jeff Award-winning production, “Detective Story.” Sidney Kingsley’s 1949 drama is set in a New York City squad room, where 30 seedy and sleuthing characters converge (think shoplifters, burglars, reporters, con artists, lawyers and more), while a lone detective navigates the chaos–until an uncovered secret threatens to unravel his game. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $17.50. Theater on the Lake, 2400 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-742-7994.
They’ve got your back
You’re famous in front of the mirror, on the expressway and in the shower. Now, show off your vocal talents where others can hear them with help from backing band the Durty Lounge Lizards at Excalibur’s weekly installment of live band karaoke. What makes this week special? You could win tickets and movie swag for John Singleton’s new film, “Four Brothers.” Not feeling so “Rock Star: INXS” confident? Swill a few half-price Stoli cocktails before you belt. 10 p.m. No cover. 632 N. Dearborn St. 312-266-1944.
THU 8/11 Free ride
Psst: Looking for an easier way to score film tickets? Head to Loews Cineplex for the weekly Fan Favorites screening. On Thursday, Niki Caro’s 2002 drama “Whale Rider” is on board, in keeping with August’s “open water” theme (the unofficial theme is, of course, “free flick, free AC, no cleanup necessary”). 8 p.m. 600 N. Michigan Ave. 312-255-9340.
Kiss my smoke-free lips
The smoking debate has our heads spinning without the aid of any buzz-inducing cigs. One thing we’re certain of: Laundry sucks, and the more clothes we clean to remove evidence of last night’s bar session, the crankier we get. We’re giving the soapbox a rest and heading to Poag Mahone’s Smoke-Free Night. The Irish pub (the name is Gaelic for “kiss my ass”) serves up $3.50 margaritas, $4.50 20-ounce Guinness drafts and half-price quesadillas. Work in the restaurant industry? Bring your ID for half-price menu items. Will you feel fresh in the morning? Who knows; but you’re sure to smell better than usual after a night at the bar. 3 p.m. No cover. 333 S. Wells St. 312-566-9100.
