TUESDAY 6/12
Bad example
Think Sanjaya is the most famous Idol? Try to surpass his legacy at the Infamous Idol Karaoke Contest, where you can show off your pipes for actors impersonating “Idol” judges. Top prize: accommodations at a lakefront cottage in Michigan. Just watching? Bring a fistful of dollars to vote for your favorite contestants. With raffle prizes, free appetizers and $3 drink specials. Arrive early to sign up. Proceeds benefit Infamous Commonwealth Theatre. 7 p.m. $5. Hamburger Mary’s, 5400 N. Clark St. 312-458-9780.
Make a splash
If wild summer nights already are wearing you out, perhaps it’s time to relax with a Night on the River. Unwind with cocktails, appetizers and desserts, then reflect on your charitable side during a silent auction of autographed memorabilia, including a Bruce Springsteen guitar and a Brian Urlacher helmet. Proceeds benefit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. 6 p.m. $65-$75. Fulton’s on the River, 315 N. LaSalle St. 847-491-0905.
Artistic ambush
Ready to add an indie touch to your digs? Head to the Guerrilla Furniture and Art Truck Show, where teams of independent Chicago furniture designers display and sell artistic custom-made tables, draperies and more in U-Haul trucks. DJs Frier Tuck and Ben Fasman spin. Includes complimentary refreshments. 6 p.m. Free. Morlen Sinoway Atelier, 1052 W. Fulton Market. 312-432-0100. Information: morlensinoway.com.
WED 6/13
Last laugh
Fuel up for the weekend with a full tank of laughs at “Theatre Momentum I.” Three long-form improv scenes riff on modern-day lifestyles with scenes that explore missed connections, the power of a nickname and the social effects of a single event. Directed by local pros James Honey, Jason R. Chin and Cholley Kuhaneck. 7 p.m. Through Aug. 1. $12-$14. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 312-528-9071.
THU 6/14
Get into the groove
Street fests prompt all kinds of dance-floor disasters, like the ubiquitous beachball-to-beer knockout. Step up your style at the Chicago SummerDance Festival. The 11th annual, 11-week outdoor festival launches with Amaniyea Payne and the Chicago Afrobeat Project. Catch the rhythmic revolution with an hourlong dance lesson before the live music starts. 6 p.m. Through Aug. 26. Free. Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. 312-742-4007.
Singles with bite
When it comes to romance, maybe a stint in the doghouse isn’t so bad. Show your pride and your love for animals at Gays for Strays, where partial proceeds benefit ARFhouse Chicago. Mingle with other GLBT singles during five-minute dates, nibble appetizers and sip a cocktail. Be one of the first 10 people to RSVP for free dog-themed goodies. 7:30 p.m. $32. The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway. 800-957-3274. Registration required: dateanddash.com.
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metromix@tribune.com
Furniture show.
