Art Works Chicago — A Progressive Corporate Exhibition of Chicago Artists:
View abstract oil paintings by brothers Shan Zuo and Da Huang Zhou, founders of the Zhou B Art Center; through May 14. 9 a.m. Thu.-Fri., Mon.-Wed. Metropolitan Capital Bank, 9 E. Ontario St.; 312-640-2327
Beast Women 2010 spring 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 performers; through April 17. 10:30 p.m. Sat.; $15. Prop Thtr, 3504 N. Elston Ave.; 773-278-1212
Bicycle Workshop:
Swing by the shop for a work session. Repairs are strictly DIY, but an instructor is on hand to help on a first come, first served basis; open end. Noon Sat.; 7 p.m. Tue.; $10 or more suggested donation. West Town Bikes, 2459 W. Division St.; 773-772-6523
Boneshaker:
A nightclub-style party features DJ the Red Menace, Emcee Staccato Fitch, performance art and a cash bar; through Sat. 10:15 p.m. Sat.; $5. Redmoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard St.; 312-850-8440
CakeWalk Midnight Extravaganza!:
Local improv troupe CakeWalk hosts a variety show with a live band and a rotating roster of sketch, improv and stand-up comedians, tap and burlesque dancers, magicians, jugglers, fire breathers and other novelty acts; through April 30. 11:59 p.m. Fri.; $5. The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted St.; 773-871-3793
Called to the Challenge — The Legacy of Harold Washington:
Exhibit examines the life of the former mayor and provides an overview of several projects initiated during his tenure; open end. 9 a.m. Thu.-Sat.; 1 p.m. Sun.; 9 a.m. Mon.-Wed.; free. Harold Washington Exhibit Hall, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St., 9th floor; 312-747-4050
Chicago Fashion Foundation scholarship fashion show:
Local design students compete for $5,000 in financial assistance in a “Project Runway”-style fashion contest judged by fashion and media pros, including Stacy Jones of Chicago magazine, Andrea Schwartz of Macy’s and others. A cocktail reception includes light appetizers and drinks. Bring gently used women’s attire to donate to Dress for Success. The first 150 to arrive score swag bags. 6 p.m. Thu.; $20-$45, tickets: chicagofashionfoundation.org. Macy’s, 111 N. State St.; 312-781-1000
Chicago Polar Plunge:
Take a dip in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. 9:30 a.m. Sun.; $100 suggested donation. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive; 312-527-3743
Cirque du Soleil — Alegria:
The acclaimed touring production forsakes its signature big top for an indoor arena. Alegria — a Spanish word for jubilation — features a cast of 55 performers and musicians from 15 countries in a baroque tale of kings’ fools, minstrels, beggars, elderly aristocrats, children and clowns. Opens Wed.; through Sun. $35-$95, $31.50-$85.50 for military, $28-$76 for children 12 and under. Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates; 800-745-3000
Contemporary Sculptures From China:
Four large-scale works take up temporary residence in the park’s Boeing Galleries. Participating sculptors and installation artists include Sui Jianguo, Zhan Wang, Shen Shaomin and Chen Wenling; through Oct. 31. 6 a.m. daily; free. Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.; 312-742-1168
Dirt:
A three-weekend festival features environmentally themed performance art, dance, readings and videos; through March 21. 8 p.m. Fri.: Public Phenomena. 7:30 p.m. Sat.: The Mountains of Illinois. 7 p.m. Sun.: The Mountains of Illinois; $12-$15, $20 for weekend pass, $25 for all-festival pass. Links Hall Studio, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave.; 773-281-0824
El Circo Cheapo Cabaret:
See performances by local aerialists, jugglers and other circus artists. Want to perform? Contact the studio. open end. 7 p.m., 10 p.m. Sat.; $10. Aloft Loft, 2041 W. Carroll Ave., 773-782-6662
FAME 2010 — Fashion and Media Extravaganza:
Annual showcase of student works features fashion shows, animation, visual effects and more from the Illinois Institute of Art’s various design and media programs. Cash bar. Noon, 6 p.m. Wed.; $35. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph St.; 312-334-7777
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. The theme for March is “The Street” and the event features a scavenger hunt. Matt Clark and Brian Case spin; open end. 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 Carrie Secrist Gallery (835 W. Washington St.), Schneider Gallery (230 W. Superior St.), Linda Warren Gallery (1052 W. Fulton Market) and others; through Dec. 2. 5 p.m. Thu.; free. Various locations; 312-649-0065
The Flesh Hungry Dog Show:
Local musician Gary Airedale hosts this monthly LGBT and queer-friendly rock ‘n’ roll variety show with giveaways from the Pleasure Chest. March guests: 8 Inch Betsy, Athens Boys Choir, Spooky-Qs, Girlie-Q Burlesque and DJ Sky. 9 p.m. Fri.; $8-$10. Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark St.; 773-743-5772
Forest Park St. Patrick’s Day parade:
The 15th annual spectacle features the Proviso East Marching Band, Medinah Shriners, bagpipers, antique cars, floats, Irish dancers and more along Madison Street, from Van Buren Street to Harlem Avenue. 1 p.m. Sat.; free. 7850 Madison St., Forest Park; 708-366-2543
Forever Green:
Billed as the largest St. Patrick’s Day benefit bash in Chicago, the 35th annual celebration includes food and drink vendors, Irish dancers and live music from the Larkin and Moran Brothers, the Shannon Rovers and others. 5 p.m. Fri.; $35-$55. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; 312-595-7437
Free wine tasting:
Get a 10 percent discount on any of the featured wines; open end. 2-6 p.m. Sat. Randolph Wine Cellars, 1415 W. Randolph St.; 312-942-1212
Gold Rush:
A benefit bash features an open bar, appetizers, an art exhibition from Misa Verbeek, a fashion show from Sahar Dada and giveaways. Includes an afterparty at Cuvee Ultra Lounge (10 p.m.-2 a.m.). 6:30 p.m. Wed.; $75-$100. Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive; 312-445-0847
Haiti fundraiser:
A benefit features live acoustic music, fair trade wines and presentations from nonprofit experts. The store donates 15 percent of sales to earthquake relief. 6 p.m. Thu.; $10 suggested donation. Greenheart, 1911 W. Division St.; 312-264-1625
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at the Art Institute of Chicago:
The modern dance ensemble creates and performs new works at various locations throughout the museum and hosts discussions in conjunction with the Art Institute’s permanent collection of modern and contemporary art; through June 17. 6 p.m. Mon.: Conversation — Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in Dialogue: Ensemble members discuss creating visual environments for dance pieces for nontraditional venues including galleries; free. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-443-3600
In One Ear poetry night:
Five-minute performances range from spoken word and poetry to music and visual art. Pete Wolf hosts. Performances are videotaped unless otherwise requested. Food for sale; open end. 10 p.m. Wed.; $3. Heartland Cafe, 7000 N. Glenwood Ave.; 773-465-8005
Jeff McBride — Magic at the Edge:
The Las Vegas-based magician blends masks, martial arts, kabuki theater, sleight-of-hand and storytelling. An optional lecture and master class are also offered; through March 11. Wed., 7:30 p.m.: show; 9:30 p.m.: lecture; $25-$30 for show or lecture, $40-$50 for both, $110 for master class. City Lit Theater Company, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. (inside Presbyterian Church building); 773-984-3817
Kane County flea market:
About 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles, new merchandise and crafts; through Dec. 5. Noon Sat.; 7 a.m. Sun.; $5, free for children ages 12 and under. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; 630-377-2252
Letters/X 7 — Breakups. Now More Than Ever:
The seventh annual cabaret of love gone awry features songs and monologues based on actual breakup letters, e-mails and text messages selected from more than 100 submissions; through Sat. 8 p.m. Sat.; free. Hungry Brain, 2319 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-386-2649
Louder Than a Bomb finals:
Now in its 10th year, the world’s largest teen poetry festival features performances by finalists and hosts Kevin Coval (also the fest founder) and Idris Goodwin. 6 p.m. Sat.; $10-$15. Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.; 773-486-4331
Magic Cabaret:
P.T. Murphy, David Parr and other local magicians perform interactive, small-scale parlor magic in an early 20th century setting; open end. 7:30 p.m. Wed.; $20. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-404-7336
Meet the Oscars:
Snap a photo with the Oscar statuette destined for the hands of the best actor winner at the 82nd annual Academy Awards on Sunday. (The statuette heads for Los Angeles Friday.) The exhibition also features historic statuettes and information on how they are made; through Sun. 10 a.m. Thu.-Sat.; 11 a.m. Sun.; free. The Shops at North Bridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-327-2300
Millennium Park ice skating:
Warm up with a few rounds on the outdoor rink; through March 14. Noon Thu.-Fri.; 10 a.m. Sat.-Sun.; noon Mon.-Wed.; free, $10 skate rental. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-742-1168
The Myth of Post-Racial America:
Author Danzy Senna (“Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” and “Symptomatic”) speaks about prejudice and intolerance. 5:15 p.m. Thu.; free. Fisk Hall, Northwestern University, 1845 Sheridan Road, Evanston; 847-491-5122
On the Red Carpet Oscar Party:
Dress up and walk down a paparazzi-lined red carpet to watch the Academy Awards telecast on TV. Includes appetizers, cocktails and a raffle. 6 p.m. Sun.; $75-$100. Fairmont Millennium Park Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive, International Ballroom; 773-661-0787
Open gym volleyball:
Features coed pickup games on three indoor courts; open end. 6 p.m. Thu., Mon.; $5 per session, $20 for monthly pass. Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.; 773-472-6469
Oscar party at Center on Halsted:
Watch the red carpet festivities and 82nd annual Academy Awards. Includes cocktails, appetizers and a raffle. VIP tickets ($100) include reserved table seating and cocktail service. 6 p.m. Sun.; $75-$100. Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.; 773-661-0787
Osha Boom’s Burlesk Idol:
A roster of 12 aspiring striptease artists compete for cash and prizes before a panel of judges in an “American Idol”-style competition. Also features performances by three professional dancers; open end. 11 p.m. Sat.; $15. National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway; 773-327-7077
Out at CHM — Queer Latinos: Art and Change:
Scholars Lawrence La Fountain-Stokes and Lourdes Torres speak during a series that focuses on the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities in Chicago. 5:30 p.m. Thu.; $10-$12. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.; 312-642-4600
Outlaw:
See more than 12 large graffiti works and several smaller illustrations by Brooklyn B-boy and tagger-turned-artist Mike “Mr. Kaves” McLeer on the hotel’s Art Hall floor, including two works commissioned for MTV’s reality show “Real World: Brooklyn.” The show also features two graffiti works by Blackstone general manager Robert Cartwright (a childhood friend of Kaves); through Sept. 25. 9 a.m. daily; free. Blackstone Hotel, 636 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-542-3437
Poetry slam:
Emerging and established spoken word artists thrown down at an open mic; open end. 7 p.m. Mon.; no cover. Bolat African Cuisine, 3346 N. Clark St.; 773-665-1100
Red Carpet Oscar party:
Walk the red carpet before watching the 82nd annual Academy Awards show. Includes appetizers, cocktails and raffle prizes for getaways to Beverly Hills, and Miami Beach. 6 p.m. Sun.; $75-$100, RSVP required. Fairmont Millennium Park Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive, International Ballroom; 773-661-0787
The Roast of Kimberly Senior:
Strawdog ensemble member and “The Game Show Show and Stuff” host Anderson Lawfer hosts a tribute to the director of “Uncle Vanya” and many other Chicago shows. 11 p.m. Sat.; $5. Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, 2nd floor; 773-528-9696
Scrabble Sundays:
All you lucky wordsmiths can break out your wicked nerd skills here in good company and with sweet rewards. If you’re the big winner, bring your score sheet up to the register for a free drink; open end. 1 p.m. Sun.; free. Swim Cafe, 1357 W. Chicago Ave.; 312-492-8600
Sessions at Strawdog:
Ensemble member Mike Przygoda, a house band and a rotating roster of local musicians meet up for an informal jam session; through March 21. 10 p.m. Sun.; free. Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, 2nd fl.; 773-528-9696
Sex, Chocolate and Your Pelvic Floor:
Talk sex with other gals at the annual ladies-only social and fundraiser. Includes champagne, sweets, a dance demo and a discussion about keys to a better sex life. through Thu. 6 p.m. Thu.; $50-$75 Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St. Suite 3W 312-207-1710
Show Us Your Love:
A cabaret revue features love-themed comic and dramatic selections from Broadway shows. Informal audience voting determines upcoming season selections; through March 28. 7:30 p.m. Sun.; $15-$25. Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St.; 773-969-6201
smART Show:
Explore two floors of artwork by more than 150 artists, both residents and guests of the historic Flat Iron building, during the second annual spring show and sale. See mixed media, photography, sculpture and other visual works, plus performances from musicians, poets and others; through Sun. 6 p.m. Fri.; noon Sat.-Sun.; $5 suggested donation. Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 312-335-3000
Spring Flower Show:
A display of seasonal blooms include a changing selection of annuals and perennials. through May 9. 9 a.m. daily; free. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave.; 312-746-5100
Spring Flower Show:
Take in a colorful display of azaleas and a changing selection of annuals and perennials; through May 9. 9 a.m. daily; free. Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive; 312-742-7736
Stephen Sondheim:
The legendary Broadway composer (“West Side Story,” “Sweeney Todd”) discusses his life, work, collaborations and creative process with John Callaway, host of WTTW-Ch 11’s “Friday Night.” 7:30 p.m. Thu.; $35-$65. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph St.; 312-334-7777
T Talk:
Center on Halsted Transgender Program volunteer liaison Christina Kahrl leads a group discussion for adults (18+) about gender identity issues; open end. 5:30 p.m. Mon.; free. Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.; 773-472-6469
Ten Year Photography Retrospective:
An anniversary exhibition showcases works by members of the Chicago Alliance of African-American Photographers (CAAAP), including Pulitzer Prize-winners Ovie Carter, Milbert Brown Jr. and John H. White; through Jan. 7. 9 a.m. Thu.-Sat.; 1 p.m. Sun.; 9 a.m. Mon.-Wed.; free. Carter Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St.; 312-747-6900
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 Talk; through April 13. 6 p.m. Tue.: White / Light; free. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-280-2660
Uptown Poetry Slam With Marc Smith:
Two decades running, this is the granddaddy of all poetry slams. The evening includes an open mic (7 p.m.), scheduled performers (8 p.m.) and a slam competition (9 p.m.); open end. Sun.; $6. Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway; 773-878-5552
“Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!”
Attend a live taping of NPR’s humorous news quiz show with host Peter Sagal, scorekeeper Carl Kasell and a repertoire of guest panelists; open end. 7:30 p.m. Thu.; $21.99, tickets: npr.org/programs/waitwait. Chase Auditorium, Chase Plaza, 10 S. Dearborn St.; 312-948-4644
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. open end. 6 p.m. Fri.; $5 suggested donation. Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 708-415-6370
“Winterreise”:
Chicago Opera Vanguard performs Schubert’s classic song cycle about love and loss with dancers, stage sets, an interactive 360 degree video landscape and more; through March 21. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; $25. Drucker Center, Menomonee Club for Boys and Girls, 1535 N. Dayton St.; 312-664-4631
Women’s Pride Month Cultural and Performing Arts Festival:
POW-WOW Inc. hosts a festival throughout March that focuses on the cultural influences of women through poetry, art, film, entertainment and more. Venues and times vary; for a complete schedule and tickets go to sites.google.com/site/powwowinc/powwowwomenspride2010.
For complete listings go to metromix.com.
