THU 7/13
Talkin’ tiki
When the going gets tough, the tough get Tonga–at this singles soiree, anyway. Get in the metromix Wet Week spirit and throw caution to the tropical wind at Ben Pao’s Passport to the South Pacific. Tongan cuisine, make-your-own rum punch and cooking demos add spice, while hands-on lessons in feats of skill (think walking on a bed of glass) keep things daring–if uncomfortable. Massage, anyone? 6 p.m. $30. Reservations recommended. 52 W. Illinois St. 312-222-1888.
Four-eyed foreplay
Curling up on the couch with your glasses and a good read may sound relaxing, but the only match you’ll meet there is, well, no one. Leave Dan Brown at home, grab your specs and stare down some romance at Eye Spy Optical’s Sixth Annual Singles Party. You’ll meet other lens-wearin’ eligibles over poker and blackjack, sip bottled beers and cocktails, and win prizes–maybe even the one that matters most. 6 p.m. $5-$7. 2130 N. Damen Ave. 773-252-8660.
Brew-ha-ha
The master of the house is in, and he’s got beer on the menu. Sidle up for the Brewmaster Dinner at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro; a three-course tasting menu includes four pairings and upscale dishes like pan-roasted halibut. Experts are on hand to answer queries. 7 p.m. $45. 3905 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-248-3905. Still curious? Check out our summer beer breakdown on Page 19.
FRI 7/14
Get trashed
Quit talkin’ trash and see some instead at Chicago Art Department’s “Your Trash” exhibit, where artists KS Rives and Mike Nourse showcase works made from cigarette butts, parking tickets and other discarded items. Prefer graffiti to garbage? Stop by Parts-Unknown Gallery for “Nine Lives,” a group show highlighting works by graffiti artists Michael Genovese, Jerry Inscoe, Anthony Lewellen and six others. Both Pilsen galleries host Friday opening receptions: “Your Trash”: 7 p.m. Free. 1837 S. Halsted St. 312-226-8601. “Nine Lives”: 6 p.m. Free. 645 W. 18th St. 312-492-9058. Also Friday: VISION 11 kicks off in River North and West Loop ‘hoods. See metromix.com for details.
Clowning around
You’ve got a case of frizzy haired-head-in-the-clouds this week? Face it: Your fantasy material isn’t what it used to be. Leave daydreaming to the pros and take a peek at “Cirque du Soleil: Corteo.” Set in an imaginary space between heaven and earth, the acrobatic show tells the story of a clown who dreams up a funeral parade in his own honor. 8 p.m. Through Aug. 20. See metromix.com for schedule. $35-$205. Tickets: cirquedusoleil.com. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
SAT 7/15
Golden glows
Not on your best behavior lately? Heck, you know better than anyone that you’re more scoundrel than saint. But wherever you land on the holy scale, the Southside Neighborhood Gospel Fest has more than 20 acts to lift your spirits. Did we mention food vendors, and arts and crafts? Amen to those too. 10 a.m.; music starts at noon. Free. Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave. 312-458-9100.
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metromix@tribune.com
