WED 6/28
Spin those wheels
Just when you thought your awesome spinning skills would never be noticed comes Spin to Win, a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Teams of five ride stationary bikes for an hour in eight-minute shifts. There’s no registration deadline, but you’ll need four fellow spinners (or join an existing team); plus, you’ll drop a $100 per person donation, which includes lunch and a T-shirt–but it’s a worthy cause. Noon. Registration: jdrfspintowin.org. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. 312-670-0313.
Feel the beat
Face it: You just aren’t a dancer. Even your pup hides when Shakira comes on the radio for fear of getting squashed by one of your left feet. The upside: Dance appreciation never hurt anyone. Admire all you want at Muntu Live at the Pier, when the largest African dance ensemble in the country, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, performs. 7 p.m. $20-$125. Navy Pier Skyline Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-559-1212.
Escape to the tropics
We say grass skirts are never out of season, but we have a feeling they’ll be especially welcome at Deja Vu tonight (just don’t forget the undies). Kick off Vu-Au Luau Wednesdays with half-priced cocktails and a yummy frozen drink menu. There’s even bring-out-your-inner-child games, like hula and limbo contests. 10 p.m. No cover. 2624 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-0205.
THU 6/29
One ‘Eve’ is never enough
Sure, your honey rolled his eyes when you suggested celebrating the eve of the anniversary of your bat mitzvah. But we swear, the Midsummer Eve of the Eve is legit. It is–surprise, surprise–the mid-year point until the annual Eve of the Eve bash (Dec. 30), and the fete includes an open bar; appetizers; a silent auction of Cubs tickets, weekend getaways and more; and live music by the Bobby Lewis Band. 7 p.m. $65. Tickets: highsight.org. Cafe Brauer, 2021 N. Stockton Drive. 312-787-9824.
Pride-full
The release of “A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago” comes just in time for those house guests you’ll have during the Gay Games, since it gives readers the scoop on gay-friendly shopping, nightlife and “gayborhood” attractions. Toast the tome’s launch at Women & Children First with readings by authors Kathie Bergquist and Robert McDonald, a wine and cheese reception and a raffle. 7:30 p.m. Free. 5233 N. Clark St. 773-769-9299. Bonus: Read Kathie’s “Triple gay” story on metromix.com.
FRI 6/30
Twinkle Tango Toes
OK, maybe you’re not hopeless. Perhaps a little sweat, sore muscles and a really shiny outfit will whip you into shape. Catch your groove at the 2006 Tango Festival, where you can take Argentine Tango workshops ($25 each) or a free beginner lesson (8-9 p.m.), and then join in a tango-rific dance party at 9 p.m. ($15) with food, drink and a whole lotta sultry moves. Hurry, registration ends Thursday night: tangojoven.net. 1 p.m. Friday. Through July 3. American Tango Institute, 325 N. Hoyne St., Suite C-404. 312-810-0252.
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metromix@tribune.com
