WED 9/26
All bottled up
Do friends tell you to “stick a cork in it” when your encyclopedic knowledge of wine pours forth unchecked? Party with other lovers of the vine at Uncorked 2007, hosted by master sommelier Alpana Singh. The benefit dinner includes Italian fare with pairings from Markham Vineyards. Silent auction items include wine bottles and dining gift certificates. 6 p.m. $70. Proceeds benefit The Chicago Lighthouse and the Illinois Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. Scoozi! 410 W. Huron St. 312-997-3679.
Two of a kind
When it comes to love stories, we’ve seen it all. Boy-meets-girl? Been there. Boy-meets-boy? Done that. Finally, here’s something new: a staging of New York playwright Tim Acito’s “Zanna, Don’t!,” a musical about two students in a small Midwestern town. The twist? Everyone in town is gay except for these two heterosexual lovers, who attempt to pursue their forbidden love. 8 p.m. Through Nov. 4. $20-$30. Bailiwick Repertory Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090. See page 50 for more theater picks.
THU 9/27
Huddle up
Don’t know the difference between a tackle and a tight end? The Ladies Football Social Club wants to help. Learn gridiron basics at a girls’ night out series hosted by Ardie Sayers, wife of former Bears player Gale Sayers. Thursday’s kickoff to the three-part series covers football fundamentals. Includes appetizers, a buffet dinner, mojitos and martinis, a gift bag and the chance to win Bears tickets and more. 7 p.m. $40. RSVP required. Junior’s Sports Lounge, 724 W. Maxwell St. 773-276-7582.
Game day
Between flirting, pursuing, fleeing and weeding out the riff-raff, a single in the city gets a real workout. Time to call in the pros. Meet Market Adventures hosts a Singles End of Summer After Work Party at Zocalo. The bash includes appetizers (6:30-7:30 p.m.), DJ beats, drink specials, giveaways and more. 6:30 p.m. $19.99-$25. 358 W. Ontario St. 312-235-6741.
FRI 9/28
Noogie attack!
We haven’t dished out a real knuckles-to-scalp noogie in years, but we’re definitely game for Night of a Thousand Noogies. Actors from The Second City interview local personalities such as comic Tim Kazurinsky and “feuding DJs” Steve Dahl and Garry Meier of WCKG (105.9-FM), then salute them in original scenes and songs. Includes beer, a raffle and a silent auction. 7 p.m. $75-$125. Proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club Chicago. Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. 312-464-9900 ext. 31.
Dead right
Day of the Dead is more than a month away, but The National Museum of Mexican Art’s exhibit, “Dia de los Muertos: A New Beginning,” already is getting started. The 21st annual collection celebrates death and the deceased with 30 artworks and 15 ofrendas (altars) by artists from the U.S. and Mexico. 10 a.m. Through Dec. 16. Free. 1852 W. 19th St. 312-738-1503.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
