THU 2/16
Spin cycle
Enough with the mix tapes; that’s so junior high. It’s time to put your talents to the test: Mix, along with Gramophone Records, is hosting a weekly DJ Search through April 6. The winner gets a six-month residency and gift certificates totaling $600. Prefer to give the dance floor a spin? Show support during 50-minute competitor sets. Weekly winners return for championship rounds beginning April 13. Want to compete? Contact mark@mixbarchicago.com. Just want to watch? Be there at 9 p.m. No cover with RSVP to e-mail above; $5 without. Mix, 2843 N. Halsted St. 773-528-7569.
Altitude, not attitude
Will the singles be breathtaking? We’re not sure, but the views should catch your attention at DateandDash Singles Speed Dating Party at the John Hancock Building. Who knows? You might score a stargazing buddy. 7 p.m. $32. Includes observatory admission. Advance registration required: dateanddash.com. 875 N. Michigan Ave. 815-931-5674.
Tower of style
Need an extra-long lunch to discuss Wednesday’s “Project Runway” reveal? Head to local fashion icon Water Tower Place, celebrating 30 Years of Style with raffle prizes, store promotions and free refreshments. Get Body Shop discounts, the chance to win a $2,500 prize package and more. Models on levels 2 through 7 showcase retro and contemporary designs. 11 a.m. 835 N. Michigan Ave. 312-440-3166.
He’s got your goat
Gear up, Cubs fans: The home opener is less than two months away, and one local playwright is setting up for a positive pitch. Michael Flores’ new comedy, “Cubs Win!” focuses on the totem pole at Lake Shore and Recreation Drives, where Wrigley Field beer vendors discover they have to turn the pole to face east, not west, to secure a World Series spot for their team. Which just proves Chicago theatrics aren’t limited to the stage. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday. Through March 10. $10 includes postshow cover. Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago Ave. 312-226-7600.
FRI 2/17
Band aid
After a hectic workweek, we’re not always sure how to fling ourselves into weekend mode. Relaxing dinner? Action flick? Spa treatment? Save planning for Monday; we’ve got your Friday under control. Tunes & Booze, a benefit party for AIDS Outreach, features live music by The Opposition Party, Smokin’ Train, Velvet Sun, What is Bill? and The Idiots, plus $2 domestic pints, $3 select cocktails and $4 shots. 6 p.m. $10. Hi-Tops, 3551 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-348-0009.
Cop out
It sounds a bit like a cross between “Close Encounters” and “Police Academy,” with a pinch of our post-speeding ticket fantasy thrown in for taste. The Factory Theater’s new dark comedy, “The Willing Participant,” follows a Chicago police officer who struggles with a bevy of crises, only to be abducted by aliens and forced into a galactic civil war. And you thought that ticket was bad luck. 7 p.m. Through March 25. See metromix.com for schedule. $10-$40. Prop Thtr, 3504 N. Elston Ave. 866-811-4111.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
