WED 3/12
Nice abs
Is your jones for trendy new absinthe cocktails driving you a bit mad? The Drawing Room can help. Whether you already know the storied status of this once illegal spirit or you’re thirsty for more knowledge, swing by Le Passage’s newish culinary cocktail lounge for a three-course meal with Kubler absinthe cocktail pairings. The event is part of The Drawing Room’s new cocktail dinner series. $45. 7:30 p.m. RSVP required. 937 N. Rush St. 312-266-2694.
Hobo chic
Ladies, hitch a ride on the fashion train at Union Station for Shecky’s Girls Night Out. The Great Hall at the massive transportation hub gets a one-stop shopping makeover with discounts on clothing and accessories from more than 50 emerging brands. Includes cocktails and beauty tips; splurge on deluxe admission ($30) to receive a jam-packed swag bag. $10. 5 p.m. Through Thursday. 210 S. Canal St. 212-242-2566 ext. 27. Tickets: girlsnightout.sheckys.com.
Beat it
There’s been a whole lotta shamrockin’ going on lately, but we’re ready to switch gears for a night. Dance to Afro-pop beats from The Real DJ Lady D, Madrid and Ron Trent at Chicago Public Radio’s Club ‘BEZ party at the AV-aerie inWest Town. 7 p.m. $8-$10. 2000 W. Fulton St. Suite 310. 312-948-4644. Tickets: chicagopublicradio.org.
THU 3/13
Joy shtick
If you were raised on a steady diet of Atari and ’80s rock, you’re sure to appreciate “TRAN — The Atari Musical.” The pop-fueled musical created by The Scooty & JoJo Show, the team behind last year’s music-theater mashup “Carpenter’s Halloween,” is a gender-bending satire of the 1982 Disney film “Tron.” It features a radical mix of ’80s music, video game intrigue and characters that really just want to know where all that ’70s sexual freedom went. 8 p.m. Through March 22. $15. The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway. 773-728-8934. RSVP: scootyjojo.com.
X marks it
Clean comedy gets the night off at Zanies on Thursday, when the Old Town comedy club hosts two X-rated acts. Otto & George kick the night off with ventriloquism at 8:30 p.m. At 10:30 p.m., John Valby spins dirty ditties, limericks and satirizes current events. Tickets per show: $25 plus a two-item food or beverage minimum. 1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027.
FRI 3/14
Party animals
Give yourself a pat on the back at the St. Pet’s Day Celebration. The festive benefit for The Anti-Cruelty Society includes appetizers and themed cocktails such as Cat-tails and Pet-inis. Sorry, Fido has to sit this round out — the bash is limited to humans. And leprechauns. 9 p.m. $20-$30. The Underground, 56 W. Illinois St. 312-751-5531.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
