THU 2/22
GLBTV
Think reality TV isn’t keeping it real? Put your cute mug in front of the camera at a casting call for Stiletto Television’s new show, “The Great Gay Escape.” Producers seek “charismatic, fun-loving and outgoing” types ages 21 to 40 for what they call a “real life all-GLBT docu-soap.” The story: 12 strangers live in one house for two months. Hmm … sounds familiar. 8 p.m. No cover. Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted St. Hot line: 310-967-7786. See metromix.com for additional venues.
The next step
You’ve seen dancers balance on toes and heads, hold excruciating poses, and leap across the stage–and they continue to dazzle. Check out Vietnamese-American ensemble Together Higher Dance Troupe, made up almost entirely of deaf or hearing-impaired performers, in the U.S. premiere of “Stories of Us,” an examination of exclusion and segregation. 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. $22-$26. Columbia College Dance Center, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. 312-344-8300.
Sushi chic
Girls, now that Mardi has morphed into Thursday, it’s time to glam it up for Sunday night’s Oscar parties. Regroup at Sheque Ladies Night, featuring appetizers and a sushi buffet, plus martinis and manis, makeovers, massages, and waxing treatments. Bellydancer Miss Taj is on hand to demonstrate hip-hugging moves and give lessons. 7 p.m. $35-$45. Registration: shequechicago.com. Tsuki, 1441 W. Fullerton Ave. 312-638-9033.
FRI 2/23
Roll with ’em
We all know how to fight for a little personal space on the CTA, but these toughies really know what it’s like to take an elbow or two on the track: The Windy City Rollers host a happy hour at Five Star Bar & Grill. Meet rollergirl Melicious as she signs copies of her new book, “Rollergirls: True Tales from the
Track.” Feeling brawny? Fork over $3 to arm wrestle one of the gals. Also, get $2.50 Tecate, Old Style and Schlitz cans. 6:30 p.m. No cover. 1424 W. Chicago Ave. 773-523-3600.
SAT 2/24
Hey, doggie daddy
Ever since you saw Christopher Guest’s flick “Best in Show,” you’ve taken a new interest in shih tzus and hounds, along with the personalities behind them. Geek out at the 2007 International Cluster of Dog Shows, where more than 150 breeds and 10,000 dogs compete daily for the coveted title of “best in show.” Also features vendors, seminars and more. 8 a.m. Friday-Sunday; 9 a.m. Monday. $9-$16. McCormick Place North, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. 773-237-5100.
High notes
You’re an “Idol” wannabe, and you’re not afraid to flaunt it. Take those well-versed chords of yours and put them to good use at Karaoke for a Cure. The setup features a live band and a cash bar. Sounds good to us! 8:30 p.m. $20. Proceeds benefit The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation. Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N. Clark St. 773-680-8091.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
