Friday | October 23
In keeping with its tradition of bringing diverse musical acts to campus, Chicago Presents’ second concert of the 2009-10 season will feature the Chuchito Valdes quartet. Cuban-born Valdes lives up to his family’s history of talented jazz pianists with his flamboyant improv and fiery rhythmic riffs. (Mandel Hall, 7:30 p.m., $10)
Saturday | October 24
In celebration of its 26th anniversary, the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago presents “The Essence of Mexico.” Along with festive and lively traditional dancing, there will be a performance by two-time Grammy nominee Sones de Mexico Ensemble Chicago and the legendary group Mariachi Real Guadalajara. (2850 West 24th Blvd., 7 p.m., $10)
Sunday | October 25
Enjoy an evening of coffee, sandwiches, and acoustic pop at the Third World Café. Local musicians Phil & Michael Combo and Roger Baker will provide the non-electric musical entertainment. The event is BYOB with a $5 corking fee per table. (1301 E. 53rd St., 5 p.m., $5)
Show your support for the Hyde Park Bark Alliance at the Howl-O-Ween Paws Parade in Harold Washington Park. Dogs of all shapes and sizes will strut down the runway in hopes of winning the event’s costume contest. Be sure to sign a petition in support of instituting a Hyde Park dog park. (Harold Washington Park, 1 p.m., free)
Monday | October 26
Unlike the smooth sound of John Coltrane, the Chicago-based band Coltrane Motion is known for its mix of numerous, and sometimes clashing, musical styles, ranging from electropop to acid folk. The band itself likes to think that the last 40 years of pop music in general is its main influence. Casual Encounter will be performing as well. (2421 North Milwaukee Ave., 9 p.m., free)
Tuesday | October 27
There is no better way to relax on a lazy autumn afternoon than with a cup of hot tea and sumptuous organ music. Rockefeller Chapel hosts a weekly Tea and Pipes performance every Tuesday by University organist Thomas Weisflog, who ocasionally brings on a special guest. (Rockefeller Chapel, 4 p.m., free)
Wednesday | October 28
In celebration of Halloween, it’s Mummies Night at the Oriental Institute. The museum will stay open late for guests to try on replicas of King Tut’s outfits, partake in a treasure hunt, and check out various painted coffins. The highlight of the evening will be a reveal of what a mummified Egyptian princess looked like in the flesh (and alive) 3,000 years ago. (Oriental Institute, 6 p.m., free)
If Icelandic rock is your scene but Björk is too mainstream, check out the experimental Icelandic group múm playing at the Logan Square Auditorium with equally obscure Icelandic bands Sin Fang Baus and Hildur Gudnadottir. Don’t fret if you don’t speak Icelandic—half of múm’s songs are in English. Just sit back and enjoy the inevitable wackiness. (2539 North Kedzie, 8 p.m., $18)
Thursday | October 29
Current U.N. bureau chief and former New York Times Middle Eastern correspondent Neil Farquhar will be at International House sharing his experiences. In a talk titled “The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday: Unexpected Encounters in the Changing Middle East,” Farquhar will focus on the men and women currently driving social and political change in the region. (International House, 6 p.m., free)
Catch Gloria Trevi, the so-called “Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop” at V Live. The formerly scandalous pop star known for supposedly partaking in the kidnapping of teenage girls is on tour to promote her latest album Una Rosa Blu and to clean up her bad girl image. (2047 North Milwaukee, 11 p.m., $30)
