THU 5/18
Get nailed
Ladies, a little after-work bubbly and chat with friends makes for therapy no doctor can top, but those gnarled nails of yours just might make the flute go flat. It’s hard to polish when you’ve got partying to do, so hop on the beauty bandwagon and do both at Elm Street Liquors. The Beauty Bar event includes a manicure or massage, select open bar, plus chocolate and Kamehachi sushi. 7 p.m. $35. RSVP recommended: info@elmstreetliquors.com. 12 W. Elm St. 312-337-3200.
‘Desperate’ for entertainment?
With Sunday’s “Desperate Housewives” finale around the picket fence corner, it’s time to introduce your pupils to a different flavor of eye candy. uPressplay’s V.2 Release Showcase features a compilation of short indie films and music videos broadcast simultaneously on projector screens, HD monitors and large-screen TVs. That should be enough screens per square footage for even your TV-obsessed self. Rub elbows with the artists at 7 p.m. Screenings at 8 p.m. Cash bar. No cover. O’Malley’s West, 2249 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-935-2719.
Go Nouveau
Prefer living, breathing, twirling bods to the two-dimensional variety? Swing by Cirque Nouveau 2006 to ogle performances by magicians and dancers, including Ameba Dance, M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Ken Schultz, “The Flying Fool.” With tastings from local restaurants, an open bar, and live reggae and blues. 6 p.m. $100. Tickets: cirquechicago.org. Proceeds benefit the UCLA AIDS Institute and the HIV Care Program at Michael Reese Hospital. River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St.
Tapped in
You’re eager to soak up more culture than cocktails, but who can resist the call of half-price martinis and a broken-in barstool? Here’s a timely excuse to shake a leg: The National Tap Dance Day Concert features performances by a changing lineup of dancers with live music by the Jeremy Kahn Trio and a birthday cake celebration for Bill “Bojangle” Robinson. Thursday’s show features Footprints Tap Ensemble and a reception. 7:30 p.m. $50. See metromix.com for additional prices and a full schedule. Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St. 773-281-1825.
FRI 5/19
Cheer the beer
They brewed, they challenged, they conquered all. Now Piece boasts sole possession of the 2006 World Beer Cup, proving their brews rock. You may not score a sip from the mouth of the trophy, but you can fete the brewpub’s win with free samples and $5 22-ounce Top Heavy Hefeweizen drafts. With live music by Matthew Santos and Friends. 9 p.m. No cover. 1927 W. North Ave. 773-772-4422.
SAT 5/20
Don’t mooch the pooch
Your best friend doesn’t mind sloppy kisses from your perky, four-legged friend. In fact, he seems to think he is, by default, co-owner of your hairy companion. You don’t want to step on any toes, but you and Fido are a duo, not a trio. This weekend, throw your buddy a bone: Local shelters honor National Pet Adoption Month at Dogs on Damen, where your pal can meet about 85 canines in need of new homes. 10 a.m. Free. Lincoln Park Savings Bank Parking Lot, 4035 N. Damen Ave. 800-780-5886.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
