THU 1/25
Pod off
Mp3 players will never trump the awesomeness of hoisting a boombox to your scrawny shoulder. Pay homage to old-school cool at “Boombox with Power Speakers,” a showcase of contemporary visual artwork with an urban edge. The group show features the Boom-Box Art Collective’s Dustin Harris, Lea Pinsky and Joel Maxime Jr. The opening reception includes beats from DJ Alo. 6 p.m. Show continues through Feb. 28. Free.Columbia College Chicago’s Hokin Gallery, 623 S. Wabash Ave. First floor. 312-344-7663.
Do the truffle
Chocolate isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think about Thai food, but we’re willing to try new word associations. The Chocolate Truffle Tea Soiree at Vong’s Thai Kitchen makes it easy, with chocolate tea-infused cocktails, mini-desserts and a selection of chocolate truffle teas from Mighty Leaf, plus themed appetizers such as tea-infused duck and tea-smoked pork sandwiches. 5:30 p.m. $25. Includes tax and tip. 6 W. Hubbard St. 312-644-8664.
Don’t fake it . . .
If you’re not living in the DIY era, head to a ready-made bash in honor of MAKE magazine. The tech-loving craft “mook” (book-magazine hybrid) celebrates the release of issue No. 4 with readings by Ingrid Rojas, Fred Sasaki and others; a slide show by Miguel Cortez; and performances by Michael Zerang, Hamid Drake, pop band Alla and DJ Tony Sarabia. Includes a copy of MAKE. 8 p.m. $7. The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4433.
FRI 1/26
Global trotting
Dazzling dance doesn’t have to leave your wallet in a state of awe. Case in point: For just $5, you can see “Mosaic: World Stories Told Through Contemporary Dance” at Northeastern Illinois University. The concert, peppered with ethnic, cultural and global influences, features works from Civic Ballet of Chicago, River North Chicago Dance Company, Same Planet Different World, choreographer Randy Duncan and others. 8 p.m. 5500 N. St. Louis Ave. 773-442-4636.
Bear down
Take a break from perfecting your Super Bowl shuffle to raise a glass to a different Bear. The Signature Event of the Bear Necessities Auxiliary Board starts at Blue Water Grill. Sip cocktails and munch appetizers before heading to the second stop, The Underground (Illinois and Dearborn Streets) for free admission and complimentary drinks until 10:30 p.m. 6 p.m. $40-$50. Proceeds benefit Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. 312-836-2337.
SAT 1/27
Go Holm
The prospect of seeing your apartment through the eyes of a stranger is daunting (it’s not exactly spring cleaning season). But catching a first look at Chicago? Now you’re talking. Local director Rob Federighi’s fish-out-of-water comedy, “Holm Away from Home” takes on the story of Doug Holm, a thirtysomething logger from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Dave, a Chicago socialite, who agrees to show him life in the big city. 4 p.m. $20. Film Row Cinema of Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. Tickets: luccaproductions.com.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
