TUE 6/27
Stew on this
Everybody needs a break from the routine; heck, even Tom Cruise has laid off the couch-jumping lately. Change is good, and that’s why we’re stoked to see poetry slam pioneer Marc Smith out of the Green Mill and into the frying pan at Slampapi’s MuPo Gumbo. The spoken-word MC hosts this Speak’Easy Ensemble potluck featuring the Iron Chef Poets and others, with music by The Strange Brothers. 8 p.m. $5. Martyrs’, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. 312-666-1695.
Simon says?
Taylor Hicks is America’s sexiest bachelor? What’s Jake Gyllenhaal, chopped liver? If you’ve soured on “Idol” since the crowning of the silver crooner, get in a laugh at the talent show’s expense. In “Infamous Idol,” actors portraying Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell evaluate karaoke singers, and crowd votes determine the winner. Includes appetizers, drink specials and a raffle. 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation; proceeds benefit Infamous Commonwealth Theatre. Friar Tuck, 3010 N. Broadway. 312-458-9780.
WED 6/28
Gravity bites
They’re painful, pricey and unpredictable, but we just can’t give up our high heels. At least now there’s a better payoff for braving the beauties: As part of J Bar’s Stiletto night, women get $1 off the cost of their cocktails for every inch of their pumps; plus, one lucky raffle winner takes home a new pair of upscale kicks. Not hypnotized by the heels? Check out the bar’s new art, including photos by Nicola Kuperus and video by J.C. Steinbrunner. DJ Kalendar spins. 6 p.m. No cover. 610 N. Rush St. 312-660-7200.
Varietal show
You sudsed it up all weekend, professing an undying affection for the hops and barley, but we know your dirty little secret: That devotion to cheap brew really is a cover-up for a deficient wine vocab. Don’t closet your ignorance any longer; increase your cork rapport at Galleria Wine Down. The evening features tastings of 30 Italian vintages, plus appetizers and art from local galleries. 6 p.m. $25. Reservations recommended. Scoozi! 410 W. Huron St. 312-943-5900.
THU 6/29
Happy feet
Maybe it’s the shrill judges, maybe it’s the campy choreography, but you’ve got an itch “So You Think You Can Dance” just can’t scratch. Perhaps this foot-tapping buffet will hit the spot: Open House Dance Collective’s Happy Third-iversary features Chicago Dance Crash and others. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. $15; proceeds benefit multiple charities. Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. 773-275-5314.
Where to Park it
What a week. You’ve commiserated at the water cooler, examined the jammed Xerox and tested HR’s ire by wearing shorts to work–and it’s not even Friday. Even great minds need a hand now and then to keep up the office pace. Take a break Thursday at Party in the Park; the outdoor concert series features tunes by Down the Line and Good Luck Joes; check metromix.com for future lineups. 4 p.m. No cover. Park Grill, 11 N. Michigan Ave. 312-521-7275.
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jwehunt@tribune.com
