WED 9/5
Silly celeb
One look at Britney’s latest misstep, and it’s clear that being famous ain’t easy. Jillane Jenkins will tell you all about the pitfalls of celebrity during the musical parody “Suitcase Full of Lies.” (OK, Jenkins isn’t a real celebrity — she’s a character portrayed by “MADtv’s” Nicole Parker — but the fictional TV star is more than happy to take you through the highs and lows of her career.) 8 p.m. $10. The Second City e.t.c., 1608 N. Wells St. 312-337-3992.
Shake a leg
Booty shaking has always done wonders for the waistline, but now it can help others too. Benefit bash Contigo Peru supports the Peruvian American National Roundtable, which helps victims of the August earthquake in the South American country. The party features DJs Jesse De La Pena, CZR, David Sabat and FLX, music group Trio Peru, dance troupe Peru Profundo and others. 7 p.m. $15. Vida Argentinean Restaurant and Lounge, 1248 W. George St. 773-935-5700.
THU 9/6
Brew redux
If your usual beer just isn’t getting the job done these days, test out some new brews at Festive-Ale: a Celebration in Beer Tasting. The benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation includes appetizers and beer samples from Capital Brewery, Flatlander’s, Flossmoor Station, Goose Island, Great Lakes Brewing Co., Shelton Brothers, Summit Brewing Company, Walter Payton’s Roundhouse and others. 7 p.m. $40-$65. State Restaurant & Cafe, 935 W. Webster Ave. 312-236-4491.
MP3 me
Anyone who’s passed time on a morning train ride by counting the number of white ear buds in the car knows it: Chicago loves its iPods. GayCo Productions plays up technolust in new sketch comedy review “iHole,” directed by ensemble member Mary Beth Burns. The production features performers Kelly Beeman, Jim Bennett, Andy Eninger and others. 8 p.m. Through Oct. 20. $15. Tickets: gayco.com. Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. 800-838-3006.
FRI 9/7
Wine up
If you bought your last bottle of wine because the label looked cool, it might be time to head to the Windy City Wine Festival to get schooled in the finer points of bottle selection. Experts are on hand to help, and 250 wines are available to sample. Admission includes music, seminars, food and wine tastings, and a souvenir wine glass. Stick around till 8 p.m. when Bumpus performs. 4 p.m. Through Saturday. $20-$25. Tickets: windycitywinefestival.com. Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 E. Randolph St. 847-382-1480.
Viva Brasil!
Don’t slip into the doldrums because fall is on the way — you’ve still got lots of excuses to party. For starters, try the Brazilian Independence Day Celebration. Capoeira performers, samba dancers and drummers perform at 9 and 10 p.m. A special menu includes feijoada (a traditional Brazilian stew), stuffed crab and more. Menu prices vary. SushiSamba Rio, 504 N. Wells St. 312-595-2300.
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metromix@tribune.com
