MON 1/ 22
Love stinks
Do the scars from your bitter breakup still feel fresher than the flowers you just bought to cheer yourself up? Heal your wounds with humor at Letters/X. Based on actual break-up correspondence from more than 100 submissions, the fourth annual cabaret of love gone awry fuses spoken word, theater, music and puppetry to bring the ultimate disses to life. Want to numb your heartache a little more? The price of tonight’s opening gala also includes beer and wine. (21+). 8 p.m. Minimum $15 donation. Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave. 773-944-0959.
Drink deal
Somewhere between Friday’s dinner and Sunday’s Bears bonanza, your wad of cash morphed into a chunk of change–and a small one at that. No worries. Bin 36 splits the difference with half-price wine bottles. So just sit back, sip, and start the week off right. 5 p.m. Prices vary. 339 N. Dearborn St. 312-755-9463.
Double dose
Making acquaintances in this town is easy, but finding a true connection can be rare. Want to increase your chances of finding love? Head to the FastDater Double Age Range Party and mix with singles over appetizers. Afterward, practice your fast-talking skills during three-minute dates in your chosen age range (25-39 or 33-48). Registration required. 7 p.m. $43. Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St. 708-453-2049.
Room with a view
Four hours of TV’s “24” last week weren’t enough for you? Supersize the Jack Bauer action this week at Take Five’s “24” Viewing Party. Follow the hero’s latest escapades on multiple screens, including two 110-inchers and six plasmas. While you’re at it, kick back with $2.40 PBR cans, $2 select shots, $4 select bombs and $5 menu items. 5:30 p.m. No cover. 3747 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-5555.
TUE 1/23
In a flash
Had it with ill-posed family portraits? Check out “Portrait of West Africa.” In this photography exhibit, black and white shots of West Africa in 1929 and 1930, taken from the Field Museum’s archives, are displayed alongside photographer David Weinberg’s color photos of the same area taken last year. Featuring faces from Ghana, Togo and Benin, the show presents an in-depth view of the region then and now. 10:30 a.m. Through Feb. 24. Free. David Weinberg Collection, 300 W. Superior St. 312-529-5090.
In tune
His name doesn’t end in “-al,” but Brad Peterson fits right in at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Magical Acoustical Musical Showcase. Listen as the Chicago acoustic guitarist and banjo player gives a solo performance presented by Uncommon Ground. 6:30 p.m. Free. Museum of Contemporary Art. 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660.
———-
metromix@tribune.com
