WED 1/3
In your dreams
Get a peek into the First Lady’s subconscious mind–or a creative interpretation of it–during “Karen Finley: The Dreams of Laura Bush/The Passion of Terri Schiavo.” Performance artist Finley, whom former Attorney General John Ashcroft once accused of profanity, delivers a monologue about Bush’s fictional dream journal and the country’s obsession with Schiavo’s case, all while drawing and painting onstage. 7:30 p.m. Through Sunday. $20-$25. Bailiwick Repertory Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090.
Hot tropic
You swear you’ll lose weight in the new year, but skipping meals won’t do the trick. Shape up at Noches de Tropicana. The weekly Latin cabaret-style show features live dancers and other performers while you dine. Afterward, catch a complimentary dance lesson so you and your honey can break a sweat before heading home. 7:30 p.m. Menu prices vary. Rumba, 351 W. Hubbard St. 312-222-1226.
Be a pigskin
The season’s almost over, so get your fill of college football while you can at Rockit Bar & Grill. Nine 50-inch flat-screen TVs and a special Bowl Championship Menu feed your appetite for grub and grunts. Sip $4 Bud Select drafts and Bud Light bottles, and munch on turkey chili, wings, Rockit Pockets, Rockcorn shrimp, pizza, nachos, sandwiches, burgers and more. 11:30 a.m. Menu prices vary. 22 W. Hubbard St. 312-645-6000.
THU 1/4
Sketchy business
Need a good laugh now that holiday guests have gone home? The sixth annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival pits more than 90 local and national acts against your winter-weary, hungover self. We suspect the battle for laughs will be short and sweet. Stay tuned for our lineup of must-see shows tomorrow in metromix. 8 p.m. Through Jan. 14. $12 per show; $20-$40 for all-night pass; $100 for all-festival pass. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252.
FRI 1/5
The new you
Screw resolutions. The only promise you should make to yourself is to live well. Step one: Museum of Contemporary Art’s gluttony-themed First Fridays bash. Nibble Vosges chocolates and Wolfgang Puck appetizers, and get mini-manicures. Also, browse paintings by Steven Husby, the latest artist featured in the “12×12 New Artists/New Work” exhibit, and dance to sounds from DJ Jordan Zawideh. 6 p.m. $7-$15. Tickets: ticketweb.com. 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-397-4010.
Dress down
Work would be much more tolerable if you could show up in your PJs. Unfortunately, even terry robes don’t comply with the dowdy dress code. At least you can slip into something comfortable in preparation for the Pajama Party at Mojo Spa. The monthly bash features $15 basic manicures and $35 basic pedicures or, get both for $40. If you spend at least $15 on services, you get a makeover, desserts and refreshments. Pajamas are optional. 6 p.m. RSVP required: launchparty@mojospa.com. 1468 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-580-5391.
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metromix@tribune.com
