TUE 5/22
Melo-mama-drama
We love camp, but not the kind with bug-ridden cabins and nature hikes. We’re thinking more along the lines of Hell in a Handbag Productions’ Summer Camp. The company presents “Die! Mommie! Die!” by Charles Busch as part of its “camptastic” series of cabaret readings. The melodrama tells the story of a washed-up singer and mother who finds happiness with a gigolo. 8 p.m. Through June 19. $10. Hamburger Mary’s, 5400 N. Clark St. 312-409-4357.
Branching out
You’ll soon need fresh tomes for your trips to the beach, but you’re so above supermarket thrillers and trashy bodice-rippers. Try the experimental writings of Carly Sachs and Reb Livingston at the latest installment of Chicago Literary Reading: Series A. The authors read from their works, then meet-and-greet with the audience. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your new summer fave. 7 p.m. Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. 773-324-5520.
WED 5/23
‘cue tip
That tiny fire escape you call a balcony will never be large enough for a grill, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on home-cooked ribs. West Town Tavern offers a barbeque sparerib dinner with Texas-style sauce for $18.75 every Wednesday. The slow-smoked special comes with fried potato salad — and none of the hassle of firing up the grill (or cleaning it) yourself. 5 p.m. 1329 W. Chicago Ave. 312-666-6175.
We heart spring
Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and we’re in love … with the season (um, until the cicadas come buzzing along). Spark a tastebud romance at the Spring Wine Fling. Sommeliers Alpana Singh and Adam Seger host a walk-around tasting of 20 Italian wines with appetizers. Find a bottle you want to take home? Get discounts on select labels. 5:30 p.m. $20. Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State St. 312-642-8450.
Thawed out
Speaking of seasonal tastes: Boat tour season is upon us. And even though you’ve done the architectural lake tour a zillion times, we think you’ll want to spring for the two-hour Wine and Waves Tour. See the city from the best vantage points — Lake Michigan and the Chicago River — while sipping wine, eating Italian food and sampling olive oils. 5:45 p.m. Through Oct. 13. $57. Wendella Sightseeing Boats, 400 N. Michigan Ave. 312-337-1446.
THU 5/24
Girl time
Jockeying for position at the bar with a bunch of brawny boys is no fun — especially when you’re not even looking to go home with one of them. But don’t give up, girls. Instead, get your piece of the action at Crew’s monthly Women Wanna Play event, with tunes from VJ Kris V, $2.50 Berghoff bottles, $3.50 Goose Island 312 pints, and raffle prizes including (ahem) specialty items from Tulip Toy Gallery. 8 p.m. No cover. 4804 N. Broadway. 773-784-2739.
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metromix@tribune.com
