TUE 8/21
Music mode
It’s been a long time since their heyday, but if you “just can’t get enough” of ’em, tip your hat to your new wave faves at A Tribute to Depeche Mode. DJs Qbot and Kamar spin the band’s hits, remixes, b-sides and side projects while you cut a rug on the dance floor. 10 p.m. No cover. Neo, 2350 N. Clark St. 773-528-2622.
Very funny
The weather’s been playing jokes on us all week. Get even — and perk up your dreary mood — at Funny Ha-Ha: With a Vengeance! Claire Zulkey hosts the comedy showcase featuring short films by Steven Delahoyde and humorous readings from “Check, Please!” host Alpana Singh, comedian Kumail Nanjiani, RedEye’s Mark Bazer and others. 7 p.m. $5. Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4433.
Something stinks
Britney causing a stink on the cover of People is one thing, but tabloid reporting really gets personal in “Sweet Smell of Success” at the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival. Burt Lancaster stars as a powerful gossip columnist who hires a sleazy press agent to sabotage his sister’s engagement in the 1957 film noir. 8:13 p.m. Free. Butler Field, Grant Park, 100 S. Lake Shore Drive 312-744-3315.
WED 8/22
Tango partner
If it only takes two to tango, the 2007 International Chicago Tango Festival has more than enough talent to go around. Polish your skills during five days of lessons from 14 instructors, then dance during nightly socials featuring live tunes by orchestras from around the world. Also on Wednesday (6 to 8 p.m.), see Argentinean artist Luis Bourband’s tango paintings at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts (66 East Randolph St.). Noon. Through Sunday. $25-$50; $350 for all-inclusive package. Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. 312-733-6324. Registration and full schedule: chicagotangofest.com.
THU 8/23
Wine time
With football season on the horizon, you’ll be downing all the domestic drafts your heart desires in no time — and that’s all the more reason to turn the Spotlight on Wine now. Soak up summer while sipping reds and whites from Randolph Wine Cellars and noshing food in Lightology’s rooftop garden. Even better, it’s for charity. Proceeds benefit Avenues to Independence, an organization supporting adults with developmental disabilities. 6 p.m. $75. 215 W. Chicago Ave. 847-292-0870.
Party for pets
Turns out dog days aren’t just about lazy, hazy August afternoons. PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Chicago’s Dog Days of Summer event heats things up for a good cause with an open bar, a dinner buffet, auction, raffle and live jazz-funk by the Fly Williams Band. Proceeds benefit PAWS Chicago. 6 p.m. $45. Yak-Zies Bar and Grill, 3710 N. Clark St. 312-399-5822.
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metromix@tribune.com
