MON 2/12
Love sick
You’re not such a smooth player in the game of love, but your track record does make for great storytelling. Hear other tales of love gone awry with “This American Life” creator Ira Glass and other local writers at No Love for Love: The Anti-Valentine’s Day Show. Slam poet Mary Fons hosts the fest, and pianist Justin Hayford adds twisted torch songs to the program. Also features a silent auction with singles-oriented prizes. Proceeds benefit The Poetry Center of Chicago. 8 p.m. $20-$50. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-935-6100.
Remedy for romance
Does the imminent arrival of Valentine’s Day feel more like the onset of the flu than a prime opportunity for flirty banter? Seek a cure for your lovesick self at the Dating for Queer Nerds Valentine’s Day Antidote. Mix it up with other smart GLBT singles over board games and vie for love-themed prizes during trivia games. Includes one cocktail and a chance to snag a ticket to “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Registration required. 7 p.m. $20-$25. Guthries Tavern, 1300 W. Addison St. 312-351-3285.
Bend it
Baby, we know, it’s cold outside. But before you reach for the hot chocolate, opt for a healthier warmup: Free Yoga Week. Brush up on your downward dog and strengthen your mind, body and spirit during complimentary classes at 23 Chicago parks (indoors, not out in the snow), including Archer Park (4901 S. Kilbourn Ave.), Clarendon Community Center (4501 N. Clarendon Ave.) and others. Hours and locations vary. Free. 312-742-7529. Through Sunday. See metromix.com for a complete list of participating parks.
Pick me up
Has the recent cold spell got you down? Lift your spirits at A Wine Happy Hour. Raise glasses of prosecco, chianti and five other Italian vintages at the tasting and sample appetizer pairings from chef David DiGregorio. Montecastelli Imports founder Jens Schmidt discusses the picks. Reservations recommended. 5:30 p.m. $20. Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State St. 312-642-8450.
What’s next?
If the only graffiti you’ve seen lately is on the CTA, see how the masters scrawl in documentary flick “Next: A Primer on Urban Painting.” Director Pablo Aravena is on hand to introduce the film, which explores the history of graffiti, tagging and other street art via interviews with artists and others from around the world. Includes pizza and refreshments. 7:30 p.m. Free. FOUR, 1551 W. Division St. 773-235-9100. RSVP required: scion.com/dashboard.
TUE 2/13
Ready to roost
Just can’t wait for Wednesday? Welcome Cupid a little early at a Pre-Valentine’s Day Soiree. The annual networking party for singles and couples includes a hosted cocktail reception (5:30-6:30 p.m.), appetizers, music and advice for singles and lovebirds looking to nest in a new home. Produced by Finders Plus Real Estate. 5:30 p.m. No cover. Kroll’s South Loop, 1736 S. Michigan Ave. 312-554-8840.
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metromix@tribune.com
