THU 8/24
Pass the bucks
You’d absolutely dedicate huge amounts of time and money to charity–if you only had more to go around. Here’s a way to help out that’s within your means: Bar AIDS, a night when 47 local bars and clubs donate proceeds to people living with HIV/AIDS. All you have to do is show up and sip. Participating spots include Innjoy (2051 W. Division St.), Smartbar (3730 N. Clark St.) and The Closet (3325 N. Broadway.) See baraids.org for a complete list. Opening hours vary. 773-359-0120.
Something’s dishy
Does your standing dinner menu consist of leftovers and a trio of dips? Trade in a stale night at home for Latino Chefs of Chicago, a benefit for March of Dimes. The menu includes samples from Carnivale (702 W. Fulton Market), Rios d’Sudamerica (2010 W. Armitage Ave.), Haro (2436 S. Oakley St.) and other local restaurants. Also, meet Daisy Martinez, host of the PBS show “Daisy Cooks!” 5:30 p.m. Kaleidoscope, 800 W. Superior St. 312-596-4717.
When art attacks
The only thing we love more than a summer festival is the party that kicks it off. The Bucktown Arts Fest Kickoff Party features a silent auction with works donated by artists participating in the annual fest (Saturday-Sunday), plus appetizers, wine and beer. 6 p.m. $40. Proceeds benefit community arts programming and the Holstein Park playground sculpture fund. Dodo, 935 N. Damen Ave. 312-409-8305.
FRI 8/25
Lip service
Beatboxing. We’ve all tried it, and most of us have ended up with a palm full of spit. Find out what makes actor-musician-beatboxer Yuri Lane (“From Tel Aviv to Ramallah: A Beatbox Journey”) tick when he workshops “The Making of a Human Beatbox,” his new piece about growing up in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district during the ’70s. 8:15 p.m. $10-$15. Live Bait Theater, 3914 N. Clark St. 773-871-1212.
Celeb-u-taunt
Whether they hail from hotel chains or reality TV, celebrities are everywhere these days. Take a break from glossy, airbrushed versions of Paris Hilton and other celebs in favor of satirical paintings and prints by the “Gallery of the Absurd” blogger known as 14. Opening night of 14’s show “Alter Ego” includes wine and appetizers. 7 p.m. Exhibit continues through Sept. 17. Free. DvA, 2568 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-4382.
SAT 8/26
No bull
There’s still time to squeeze in a summer road trip before colder temps tie you down, so grab your cowboy hat and ride to Crete (about 50 miles south of Chicago) for the Windy City Rodeo 2006. The 10th annual competition features barrel and flag racing, pole bending, bull riding, team roping and other traditional events, plus vendors hawking eats, Western apparel and more. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $10 per day. Proceeds benefit Howard Brown Health Center, Vital Bridges and Direct Aid. Rain or shine. Six Guns Ranch and Arena, 26926 S. State Line Rd. 312-409-3835.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
