WED 5/3
Second chance After a day’s work, even trudging up the stairs to a second-floor apartment feels like a haul (yep, we’re that lazy). But here’s one Second Story we’ll lug our tired bods to. The fourth annual series spotlights tales from 45 writers and performers; each night features four storytellers and–suddenly we feel much less sleepy–samples of four wines ($5 extra). With DJs and more. 7 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Through May 14. See metromix.com for schedule. $10. Serendipity Theatre Company at Webster’s Wine Bar, 1480 W. Webster Ave. 773-296-0163.
Maki our day
Believe it, folks. Just when you thought Chicago couldn’t spare one more square foot of real estate for sushi, another raw bar pops up. Not that we’re complaining. More like salivating. In honor of its grand opening, Kohan Japanese Restaurant offers free, buffet-style samples of house maki, sushi, appetizers and more. Wash it all down with half-price sake and Japanese beer. 7 p.m. Prices vary. 730 W. Maxwell St. 312-421-6254.
Calling all Hammerheads
Ladies, start your engines: The boys are back in town. We know some of you have a little crush on Chicago’s own INXS runner-up, Marty Casey (hey, we’ve got the photos to prove it). Now’s your chance to nestle up next to the singer and his slew of hard-charging rockers when Marty Casey & Lovehammers spin rock at Elm Street Liquors. The night even has a titillating title: Get Hammered on Hump Day. 8 p.m. No cover. Elm Street Liquors, 12 W. Elm St. 312-337-3200.
THU 5/4
Help them help you
When you’re trying on swimsuits for the first time each spring, the view in those unforgiving (read: fattening) mirrors can be too much to take. Sorry, we can’t do anything about that winter insulation you now call your hip region, but we can offer a little Spring Self Reinvention. Get free hair, wax and nail consultations, plus drinks and appetizers at new Chicago Avenue Salon. Plus, browse accessories and clothes to beats by Mutiny fave DJ Joe Vor-tech. 7 p.m. Free. 1941 W. Chicago Ave. 312-421-0336.
Hip-hop? Heck, yeah
Hey, we’ll make do with our “second city” nickname as long as we keep getting Big Apple exports like the Hip-Hop Theater Festival. The fifth annual New York-based showcase makes its local debut with a slam-packed lineup of artists. Thursday’s sked includes Danny Hoch, Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Will Power. See metromix.com for more details. 7:30 p.m. Through Saturday. $18-$22. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-397-4010. Find more art and theater events on Page 51.
‘Rita rewards
Friday’s may be Cinco de Mayo, but it’s drinko de Mayo Thursday at Salud Tequila Lounge. Celebrate the Eve of Cinco de Mayo with cocktails, appetizers, music, a raffle and silent auction. 6 p.m. $75-$85. Tickets: friendsofdrummond.org; benefits Drummond School. 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave. And speaking of drinking, vote now for your fave margarita at metromix.com, then tune in Thursday for results and our top picks.
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jwehunt@tribune.com
