THU 6/21
Reel rank
Trashy TV is decent fodder for water-cooler chat, but the bad movies we love to hate deserve a stage of their own. The Neo-Futurists couldn’t agree more. See the company’s sixth annual staged reading series, It Came From The Neo-Futurarium VI: Curse of The Neo-Futurarium! The Neo-Futurists and guest artists direct and perform their favorite worst film scripts, including Thursday’s title, “Xanadu,” the 1980 flick starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. 8 p.m. Through July 26. $8-$10. The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. 773-275-5255.
Fashion statement
At its worst, your passion for fashion sparks finicky self-doubt a la Tim Gunn (“Can I make this outfit work?”). At its best, it makes you fierce. Show your stylish pride as 12 local designers raise funds for HIV/AIDS at Make a Statement: Design for the Cure. Models dressed to the nines in symbolic red fabric work an 18-foot catwalk around the bar. Includes cocktails and a raffle. 7 p.m. $50-$60. Proceeds benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Transit, 1431 W. Lake St. 312-334-0935.
High five
Buying wine should be a joyous occasion, like ditching work or snagging second helpings at the multiplex. But surveying rows of wine solicits your worst traits, such as suspicion and stinginess. Let us help. Sample 30 affordable wines (translation: less than $10 per bottle) at the Metromix “Five and Dime” wine tasting. Includes appetizers and live acoustic music. 6 p.m. $15. Partial proceeds benefit the McCormick Tribune YMCA. Take Five, 3747 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-5555.
FRI 6/22
Pride camp
Pepper your Pride celebrations with a pair of campy comedies by American actor and writer Charles Busch at the Pride 2007 Theatre Festival. See “Theodora, She-Bitch of Byzantium,” a tongue-in-cheek tribute to actress Sarah Bernhardt; and “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom,” which chronicles a rivalry between two bloodsucking actresses. Shows run in rotation starting 7 p.m. See metromix.com for schedule. $15 per show. Ludicrous Theatre Company at The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway. 630-988-0768.
Get your grass in gear
Kick off your weekend — and your shoes — in Millennium Park and tune in to the Grant Park Music Festival, dipping into its 73rd season this week. Stake your grassy claim and cozy up to picnic eats and drinks while the Grant Park Orchestra and guest guitarist Eduardo Fernandez sweep you into serious relaxation mode. 6:30 p.m. Free. 100 N. Michigan Ave. 312-742-7638.
SAT 6/23
Theme party
You’ll have plenty of time to show your pride this weekend, but you can also sneak a peek at inaugural Roscoe Village bash BAM! Fest: Belmont Arts and Music Fest. The newcomer hosts The Redwalls and Bob Mould (Saturday), Michael McDermott and Omega Moos (Sunday) and others on two stages. Expect more than 40 craft vendors, plus food and drinks. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation benefits the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce. Belmont and Damen Avenues. 773-327-5123.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
