THU 1/11
Cat in the house
According to our calendars, Thursday is the new Friday (not that we need another excuse to go out on a weeknight). Get your groove on at Debonair Social Club when pioneer Chicago house DJ Felix da Housecat spins you into the weekend a little early, along with DJs Mark Gertz, Trancid and Greg Corner. 9 p.m. No cover. 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-7990.
Snub it in
No one’s calling you a reject, even though your name isn’t exactly synonymous with employee-of-the-year. Rub elbows with other passed-up acts at the third annual Snubfest, a comedy showcase featuring performers brushed off by a least one fest in 2006. A stand-up showcase kicks off the four-night bash with TJ Miller, Jim Mendrinos and others. 8 p.m. $10; $25 for all-event pass. The Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-865-7731.
Party story
You’ve mingled at the MCA and frolicked at the Field. Now, mix things up at the Chicago History Museum for the monthly after-work bash, Play Chicago. Live music features Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki and local cover band Maggie Speaks. Also, get one drink and snacks with admission and browse the museum’s exhibits, including “Colonia to Community: The Southeast Side.” Cash bar. 5:30 p.m. $15-$20. Tickets: chicagohistory.org. 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600.
FRI
Hi-fi hiatus
Celebrate a birth and a temporary passing all at once when Africa Hi-Fi blends international beats for the last time at Sonotheque. The party honors the Jan. 15 birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and features a final set at the club by resident DJ Ron Trent and host Sonia H. 9 p.m. $10 after 10 p.m. Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago Ave. 312-226-7600.
Eyes spy
Wish you had eyes in the back of your head? Take in thousands of green ones at the MCA’s newest exhibit, “Jellyfish Eyes,” a 116-foot-wide, 24-foot-high wallpaper installation by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. The huge work, inspired by pop culture and anime, is said to distort and hypnotize as it peeks out from the wall of Puck’s Cafe. 10 a.m. Through January 2008. Free with general admission, $6-$10. 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660.
SAT 1/13
Killer job
In a day’s time, you can swill a few brews and consider laundry while watching TV reruns. No problem. But can you write and rehearse a play? Probably not. See what some can accomplish at the “24 Hour Project: Death.” The whirlwind process of writing and rehearsing culminates in two performances of four short plays with a common theme. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Reservations recommended. Acting Studio Chicago, 10 W. Hubbard St. 312-458-9780.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
