Lingering in the aftermath of Looptopia — the massive coming out party for the Loop — we couldn’t help but wonder: When there isn’t a great big ol’ happening, what is there to do on a Friday night downtown? Excluding destination-type events such as “Color Purple” and “Wicked,” here’s what we found:
– Go to a movie
The Loop doesn’t have a multiplex to show “Spider-Man 3.” No loss. Take in films at the Gene Siskel Film Center. This weekend features “Everything’s Gone Green,” a dark-toned comedy, and “Zero City,” a bizarre Russian effort from 1988. (164 N. State St.; 312-847-2600 or siskelfilmcenter.org)
– Do a good deed
Art Futura 2007 is an awards reception for the “Innovation” exhibition, but it’s also a fundraiser for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. So give ’til it hurts. 6 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center. (77 E. Randolph St.; $50-$60, 312-238-1253)
– Hear an epitaph
The great bassist Charles Mingus’ great jazz work lives. (See story, page 19)
– Mirth en espanol
Uruguayan actress Graciela Rodriguez performs her one-woman show, “Como Rellenar un Bikini Salvaje” (“How to Fill a Wild Bikini”).
7 p.m., Conaway Center, Columbia College. (1104 S. Wabash Ave., first floor; $20, 312-431-1330)
– Get yourself fed
There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink in the Loop, after all. Some boast live entertainment, some are entertaining all by themselves. Russian Tea Time Restaurant. (77 E. Adams St.; 312-360-0000. Open until midnight on Friday and Saturday)
– Get shorn
“Shear Madness” is still playing in the Chicago Theatre basement (see Chris Jones’ column, page 6)
—-onthetown@tribune.com
