THU 3/8
Wag your cocktail
Need a cure for cabin fever? Forget March Madness and get groomed for ARF Madness, a benefit event for local no-kill shelter ARFhouse Chicago (Animal Refuge Foundation). Sip from an open bar of beer, house wine and cocktails while learning about the organization. Includes a raffle. 7 p.m. $25. Proceeds benefit ARFhouse Chicago. Casey Moran’s, 3660 N. Clark St. 773-755-4444.
Power cords
You’re a natural-born crooner, so get out there and show the world what you’ve got. The Windy City Gay Idol contest is back to find the ultimate amateur singing sensation in the GLBT community. That could be you. Head to Hydrate for the preliminary round. How it works: Audience votes determine a winner (who takes home $100) and a panel of judges offer critiques. Top two singers proceed to the semifinals on June 2. Sign-up is first come, first served. 8 p.m. signup; 9 p.m. start. $5 to watch; $10 entry free. (21+). 3458 N. Halsted St. 773-871-7610.
FRI 3/9
Play it again
The big end-of-week question: Do you spend Friday night embracing museum culture or kick-ass music? Mix them together and call it a night at Play Chicago, the Chicago History Museum’s afterwork bash. This month’s installment features live music by Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinninger of Umphrey’s McGee. While you’re there, check out the new exhibit “Chicago Roots Music” (through May 20). Includes one cocktail. Cash bar. 5:30 p.m. $15-$20. Tickets: chicagohistory.org. (21+). 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600.
Second best
If you think fresh air is the best cure for a workweek stuck in a stuffy, mind-numbing cubicle, take a stroll through East Pilsen for the Chicago Arts District Second Fridays, where a slew of artists display and sell work in a dozen or so emerging galleries (complete artist list: chicagoartsdistrict.org). 6 p.m. Halsted Street between 18th and 19th Streets. 312-377-4444.
SAT 3/10
Deviled legs
We’ll have to wait a few weeks for any signs of life to pop up from the soil, but the season’s lively dance concerts are in full bloom already. Don’t miss electric L.A.-based troupe Diavolo perform a very limited engagement at the Auditorium Theatre. Under the direction of Cirque du Soleil “Ka” choreographer Jacques Heim, the award-winning, 10-member group makes its Chicago debut showcasing its signature blend of spectacle, dance, acrobats and more. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $34-$49. 50 E. Congress Pkwy. 312-902-1500.
Birthday Patty
Get in gear for Sunday’s South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade with $2 Guinness drafts at Houndstooth Saloon. The Lake-view bar celebrates its first anniversary with birthday cake and an appetizer buffet from 6 to 8 p.m., plus $1 domestic drafts, $3 cocktails and bombs and that incredible special on a St. Pat’s staple all night. 5 p.m. No cover. 3438 N. Clark St. 773-244-1166.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
