TUE 6/26
Light it up
Want to help shine the spotlight on a Chicago filmmaker? Head to the “Night of the Fireflies” Benefit, where a luminous lineup of local bands raises bucks for this film-in-progress from local director Matthew Vasiliauskas. Metromix Rock ‘n’ Vote contenders White Hot Knife, acoustic musician Cam Wyckoff and others bring the tunes, while a silent auction and filmmaker discussion add more spark. 8 p.m. $10. Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn St. 312-266-1944.
Proud prose
The party might be over, but GLBT pride month didn’t end with Sunday’s parade. Follow the rainbow to the Ninth Annual Pride Open Mic Reading. Novelist Achy Obejas, poet J.T. Newman and other bards recite GLBT-themed works. Reserve a spot and present your own one-minute composition. Includes refreshments. Produced by Women & Children First and the authors of “A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago.” 7 p.m. Free. Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St. 773-769-9299.
Starry night
If the closest you ever get to rubbing elbows with celebs is sitting in the front row at the movies, you won’t want to miss the Gen Art Film Festival Opening Night. Actress Heather Graham will be on hand at the Chicago premiere of Alan White’s thriller “Broken,” in which she stars with Jeremy Sisto and Linda Hamilton. Afterward, catch Bryon Cunningham’s short “Blindsight.” Then it’s on to the Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Drive) for a free afterparty. 8 p.m. $15-$20; fest passes $60-$75. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. 312-229-1701. Fest runs through Saturday.
WED 6/27
Courageous comedy
Talk about a hot ticket: New York City firefighter-comics Billy Bingo, Wyatt Lawrence and Steve Alleva put a fiery spin on stand-up at The World’s Bravest Night of Comedy! During a two-night engagement, the trio fans the flames with funny tales of life on and off the job. The K. Michaels Band — a group of Chicago police officers and firefighters — brings more bravery to the scene with live music. Partial proceeds benefit families of fallen Chicago firefighters. 8 p.m. $15-$20. Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St. 773-895-8978.
Fondue and you
Cheese or chocolate? Chianti or cabernet? You can never decide. And at Fondue and Wines of All Kinds you don’t have to. The walk-around tasting includes more than 40 wines, plus a variety of fondue appetizers and treats for dipping. 6 p.m. $40 advance; $50 cash only at the door. The Melting Pot, 609 N. Dearborn St. 773-687-0784. Tickets: uncorkedchicago.com.
B-I-N-G-O
If you associate bingo with VFW hall basements and old-folks homes, Dick O’Day’s Big, Lovely Bingo is about to change the way you play. The former “Wild Chicago” correspondent hits the spot during a show of impromptu karaoke, aerobicizing, makeovers and, yep, bingo. Prizes may include Cher dolls and New Kids on the Block puzzles. 8 p.m. $10. The Annoyance Theatre, 4840 N. Broadway. 773-561-4665.
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