WED 7/30
‘Throw’ down
Score a free flick at The Grant Park Music Festival. The alfresco series amps up its concert formula with the U.S. premiere screening of Franz Osten’s 1929 Indian silent film, “A Throw of Dice.” The Grant Park Orchestra, led by conductor Stephen Hussey, accompanies the romantic drama with a new live score composed by DJ Nitin Sawhney. 8 p.m. Free. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. 312-742- 7638.
Chuckleheads
Don’t expect the standard martinis-and-manis treatment at Funny Ha-Ha: Ladies’ Night. (And there’s no need to leave the guys at home.) This female-themed evening salutes a handful of media mavens with readings, comedy and short films. Participants include authors Wendy McClure (“I’m Not the New Me”) and Amy Shearn (“How Far is the Ocean from Here”), blogger Mimi Smartypants, comedian Cameron Esposito, filmmaker Steve Delahoyde and others. Blogger Claire Zulkey hosts. 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4433.
THU 78/31
Book it
Whether he’s working the crowd or the mic, Kevin Coval is our kind of celeb. See the four-time HBO “Def Jam” poet and Louder Than a Bomb teen poetry series founder — also recently featured in Chicago magazine’s roundup of 2007 Hottest Singles — when he reads from his new book of poetry, “Everyday People.” 7:30 p.m. Through Friday. $15; $25 includes a copy of the book. Victory Gardens Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-3000.
Pretty drunk
Get more than a beer buzz at An Intoxicating Night Of Beauty, a girls’ night out fundraiser for cancer support group Imerman Angels. Includes massages, skin and makeup consultations and appetizers, plus swag bags for the first 50 guests. Drink specials include $2.50 Miller products and $5 Effen martinis. 7 p.m. $5-$10. Aberdeen, 1856 W. North Ave. 773-772-5500. RSVP recommended: colleendffy@yahoo.com
FRI 8/1
Call of the sprawl
Chain stores get more starring roles in bitter blog posts than on Broadway, but local playwright Kristin Garrison is ready to flip the script. Her new work, “Strip Mauled! The Musical!” takes inspiration from suburban sprawl, the networking potential of support groups and other topics relating to community, as part of Live Bait Theater’s annual Fillet of Solo Festival. 8 p.m. Friday. Through Aug. 16. $10-$15. Live Bait Theater, 3914 N. Clark St. 773-871-1212.
SAT 8/2
Clean fun
Summer heat and stinky pets go hand in paw, but the Anti-Cruelty Society is offering to pitch in on the dirty work at its annual Doggie Wash and Day Spa. The pet-primping soiree includes prizes for dirtiest, smallest and biggest dog, refreshments and tips from animal behavior specialists. 10 a.m. $10-$25 per dog. The Anti-Cruelty Society Education and Training Center, 169 W. Grand Ave. 312-644-8338.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
