WED 3/19
Snow way
Just when you thought you’d left the fluffy stuff behind for the winter, Gen Art is on the scene with an advance screening of “Snow Angels” (in Chicago theaters Friday). The new romantic drama by David Gordon Green features Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, Amy Sedaris and “Juno” star Olivia Thrilby. Includes an afterparty at Ole Lounge with cocktails and beer. $15. 7 p.m. Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St. 312-229-1701.
Buyers and cellars
Make a grape date at Broadway Cellars’ first wine tasting, 20 Wines for 20 Dollars. Sip picks from California, Europe and the Pacific Rim from Pure Wine Company and Metro Premium Wines. Includes appetizers such as bruschetta, grilled meats, pates, cheeses and more. Find a wine you love? Order a case and get a 10 percent discount. 6 p.m. $20. 5900 N. Broadway. 773-944-1208.
Family style
There’s no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen — at least not when those cooks are Shawn McClain (Spring), Takashi Yagihashi (Takashi), Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia) and Paul Kahan (Avec/Blackbird). The award-winning chefs join culinary forces at the Friends of James Beard Dinner to create a five-course meal. Also, see digital art by three local food photographers. 6 p.m. $175-$200. Proceeds benefit the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Fund. Spring, 2039 W. North Ave. 773-395-7100.
THU 3/20
Justice for all
Grammy-nominated French electro duo Justice (Xavier de Rosney and Gaspard Auge) plays a sold out show Thursday at the Riviera Theatre (4746 N. Racine Ave.), but if you don’t have tickets, you can catch the pair at the Official Justice After Party at Debonair Social Club. Also features DJ Diplo. Club opens 9 p.m. $10 cover before 11 p.m. 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-7990.
Rock, paper
Talk about a good read: Junot Diaz (“The Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao”), ZZ Packer (“The Thousands,” a work-in-progress) and Colin Channer (“The Girl with the Golden Shoes”) read from their works at Literary Rock and Roll, the annual Story Week Festival of Writers favorite. Stick around for book signings, live music by punk rock marching band Mucca Pazza and an appearance by performance artist/author Hillary Carlip. 6 p.m. Free. Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. 312-344-7611.
FRI 3/21
Emote control
Don’t just get mad in March. Opt for more extreme emotion at the Sixth Annual March Mania Party, a benefit for the Off the Street Club. Watch the NCAA basketball tourney on 32 HD screens while sipping drinks from an open bar. Raffle prizes include a trip to the Final Four. 7 p.m. $30. Varsity Club, 2142 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-348-0414.
