2009 Bailiwick Chicago launch party:
After two decades as Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, the company revamps itself as Bailiwick Chicago. Meet executive director Kevin Mayes, ensemble members and other local theater professionals and hear about the troupe’s new Artistic Associate program and other plans for 2010. 6 p.m. Sun.; $5. SoPo, 3418 N. Southport Ave.; 773-348-0100
20th annual Chicago Humanities Festival:
Readings, performances, lectures, discussions, films and concerts feature internationally recognized authors, scholars, poets, artists, comedians and others. This year’s theme is “Laughter.” Highlights include a lecture with “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening (Thu.), a solo theater piece by Marga Gomez (Wed.) and a screening of short films from “Waking Life” and “A Scanner Darkly” filmmaker Bob Sabiston (Nov. 15). Participating venues include the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Rd.), Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.), and Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph St.); through Nov. 15. $5-$25 per program. Various locations; 312-494-9509, 312-661-1028
Margaret Atwood:
The author gives a 70-minute dramatic reading from her 13th novel, “The Year of the Flood,” with accompaniment by a troupe of actors and a choir. 7:30 p.m. Fri.; $20. Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive; 312-922-1999
Beast Women 2009 winter series:
A variety show features live music, belly dancing, erotic poetry, burlesque, sketch comedy, modern dance, fire spinning and more from a rotating roster of local women. Curated by local performer Jillian Erickson. Michelle Power hosts; through Dec. 19. 10:30 p.m. Sat.; $15. Prop Thtr, 3504 N. Elston Ave.; 773-278-1212
The Chocolate Lab:
Support the no-kill shelter in Park Ridge by indulging in all things chocolate, from martinis to fondue to cookies and candy. Also includes beer, wine and a silent auction. 5:30 p.m. Thu.; $35-$40. Trader Vic’s, 1030 N. State St.; 847-858-3990
Coffee and Art:
A casual class and networking event addresses current museum exhibitions. 10 a.m. Sat.; $12-$18. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-280-2660
Conversations at the Edge:
Writers, filmmakers, artists, animators and theorists present film screenings, performances and discussions; through Nov. 19. 6 p.m. Thu.: Harry Dodge and Stanya Kahn; $4-$10. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; 312-846-2800
Cougar 5k run/walk:
Compete for medals, recover with post-activity refreshments and take home a T-shirt at the inaugural fundraiser. 8 a.m. Sun.; $25, RSVP required. Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Drive; 773-995-2217
DIFFA’S Dining by Design Chicago:
The annual benefit features tables designed by decorators Kathy Taslitz, Francine Turk, Stephanie Wohlner and more. Events include — Thu., 5:30 p.m.: Cocktails by Design cocktail reception with the designers ($100). Fri., 10 a.m.: Public viewing of designs ($10). Sat., 11 a.m.: Table Hop and Taste with wine and dishes from local restaurants such as La Madia, Chaise Lounge and Market; 6:30 p.m.: gala dinner with entertainment ($500). Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza; 312-644-6412
First Fridays:
An after-work mixer features a new theme each month, plus Wolfgang Puck appetizers, a DJ, digital-dating bar and a cash bar. 6 p.m. Fri.; $8-$16. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-397-4010
First Thursdays:
Galleries in the River North, West Loop and Fulton Market neighborhoods stay open until 7 p.m. and offer refreshments. Participating galleries include Marx-Saunders Gallery (230 W. Superior St.), Schneider Gallery (230 W. Superior St.), Flatfile Galleries (217 N. Carpenter St.) and others; through Dec. 3. 5 p.m. Thu.; free. Various locations; 312-649-0065
The Flesh Hungry Dog Show:
Local musician Gary Airedale hosts this monthly LBGT and queer-friendly rock ‘n’ roll variety show with giveaways from the Pleasure Chest. 9 p.m. Fri.; $8-$10. Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark St.; 773-743-5772
Food drive:
Bring five food items (canned or otherwise non-perishable) for an hour of drinks, or pay $10 cover for the same deal. Also includes various drink specials. 8 p.m. Thu. Coach House, 950 W. Wolfram St.; 773-665-5660
Terry Galloway:
The author reads from her humorous memoir, “Mean Little Deaf Queer.” 7:30 p.m. Wed.; free. Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.; 773-769-9299
Green City Market:
The market sets up inside a heated tent during the fall session (Sat.-Dec. 23) and moves inside the museum for the winter months (Jan. 16-April 24). Shop for smaller amounts of fresh produce and also pantry items, such as artisanal cheeses, meats, fish and poultry, apples, root vegetables, baked goods, sauces, fresh pasta and more, from about 25-35 vendors. Chef demonstrations take place at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday during the fall market, and about four times daily during the winter markets. RSVP to attend chef demos: admin@chicagogreencitymarket.org; through April 24. 8 a.m. Sat., Wed.; free. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive; 773-880-1266
Joy Harjo:
The author reads from her ritual poem-song book about milestones in girls’ and women’s lives, “For a Girl Becoming.” 7:30 p.m. Tue.; free. Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.; 773-769-9299
Holiday fest:
Browse holiday decorations, handcrafted jewelry, catnip pillows and mats, cat-theme ornaments and more for sale. 11 a.m. Sat.; free. Harmony House for Cats, 3809 N. Kedzie Ave.; 773-463-6667
Howard Zinn discussion:
The activist and author (“A People’s History of the United States”) cites significant impacts average citizens have made on society. Sports writer Dave Zirin serves as moderator. 7 p.m. Sat.; $10. Mandel Hall, University of Chicago, 1131 E. 57th St.; 773-702-8069
HRC Chicago Gala — Time to Shine:
Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child performs at the annual benefit. Includes an appearance from “Queer as Folk” star Robert Gant, dinner and silent and live auctions. DJ Laura B spins. VIP tickets ($350) include admission to a reception. 6 p.m. Sat.; $225-$350. Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive; 312-565-1234
Marwen Art Fair 2009:
Browse works for sale from 80 students and teachers at the art-education facility. An opening night celebration features refreshments and live music; through Nov. 13. 6:30 p.m. Fri.; noon Sat.; 9 a.m. Sun.-Wed.; $20 suggested donation. Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St.; 312-944-2418
Naked Girls Fall in Love:
Exotic dancers including Michelle L’amour read (in the nude) love letters from across time. BYOB. 7 p.m. Fri.; $15. Studio L’amour, 939 W. Randolph St., Suite 300; 312-243-6690
Old Town School holiday craft bazaar:
Browse an array of inexpensive, handmade gifts such as prints, cards, knit items, jewelry and soaps at the fifth annual event; through Dec. 4. 6:30 p.m. Fri.; free. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-751-3327
Pearl of the Snowlands — Buddhist Printing at the Derge Parkhang:
The first exhibition of its type in the U.S. features prints, books, photographs and videos of the only surviving traditional Tibetan printing temple; through Dec. 5. Fri.-Sat., Mon.-Wed.; free. Center for Book & Paper Arts, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd floor; 312-344-6684
Nikki Rashan:
The lesbian author reads from and signs her book, “You Make Me Wanna.” 5 p.m. Sun.; $10. Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.; 773-472-6469
Rebecca’s Dream gala:
Paige Hemmis of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is honored at the fourth annual benefit, which includes dinner, cocktails, live music from the Steve Edwards Orchestra and a silent auction. Steve Cochran of WGN-AM 720 emcees. 6:30 p.m. Sat.; $250-$500. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St.; 312-642-0049
Run to benefit Special Olympics:
The second 5k includes refreshments after the race, plus a T-shirt for the first 200 registrants. Registration begins at 7 a.m. 9 a.m. Sat.; $20-$25. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora; 630-973-6761
Site Unseen 2009 — (dis)abling conditions:
The sixth annual showcase of site-specific art, theater, dance, audio and spoken word performances throughout the building features works that explore issues about disability. 6 p.m. Mon.; free. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; 312-744-6630
SOFA Chicago 2009:
The 16th annual International Exposition of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art features three-dimensional fine art in glass, ceramics, wood, metal and fiber, from 68 galleries in 10 countries. Also includes a lecture series on art-related topics. All artwork is for sale. Please note: Tickets to Thursday’s preview party cost $50; through Sun. 7 p.m. Thu.; 11 a.m. Fri.-Sat.; noon Sun.; $15, $25 for three-day pass. Navy Pier, Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Ave.; 800-563-7632
Sweet Dreams 20th anniversary benefit celebration:
Mayor Richard M. Daley is honored at this benefit performance at which River North Chicago Dance performs the world premieres of “Forbidden Boundaries” by artistic director Frank Chaves and “Evolution of a Dream” by co-artistic director emeritus Sherry Zunker; and current signature piece, “Habaneras, the Music of Cuba” by Chaves. A reception with cocktails, a silent auction, dinner and dancing follows at The Fairmont Hotel Imperial Ballroom (200 N. Columbus Drive). 8 p.m. Sat.; $175-$300. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.; 312-334-7777
Terese Svoboda, Maureen Seaton and Gina Frangello:
Hear readings by poet and memoirist Svoboda (“Weapons Grade,” “Trailer Girl and Other Stories”), Lambda Award-winning poet Seaton (“Cave of the Yellow Volkswagen”) and author and OV Books editor Frangello (“My Sister’s Continent” ). 7:30 p.m. Thu.; free. Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.; 773-769-9299
Tim Long — Daniel Burnham’s Enduring Vision for the Philippines:
Features photographs from architectural and landscape photographer Tim Long of Manila’s streets and buildings, which were designed by Burnham two years before he began work on the “Plan of Chicago”; through Jan. 10. 10 a.m. daily; free. City, 806 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-744-6630
UBS 12 x 12 Talk — After Party:
Artists choose music and images from their personal collections as a backdrop for a gathering following the monthly UBS 12 x 12 Artist’s Talk; through April 13. 6 p.m. Tue.: Haptic and Lisa Slodki; free. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-280-2660
Wicker Park/Bucktown First Friday:
Explore two floors of art in more than three dozen artist studios and living spaces. Guest artists exhibit in the building’s common areas, and impromptu performances take place throughout the evening. 6 p.m. Fri.; free. Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 708-415-6370
Winter beer tasting:
Sample more than 70 limited edition craft and import beers. Participating breweries include Berghoff, Flying Dog, Great Lakes and Samuel Smith. 6:30 p.m. Tue.; $15-$25. Binny’s Ivanhoe Castle, 3000 N. Clark St.; 773-935-9400
With Malice Toward None — The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial exhibition:
Celebrate the 200th birthday of America’s 16th president with a showing of rarely seen artifacts, including the Bible he was sworn in on (also used by President Obama) and a lithograph of the Emancipation Proclamation; through Dec. 19. 8:15 a.m. Thu.-Sat., Mon.-Wed.; free. Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St.; 312-255-3700
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For complete listings, go to metromix.com.
