Fri | May 11
There will be mud and women aggressively writhing in it at Reggie’s Rock Club this evening. The Mud Queens of Chicago, who apparently coalesced after a particularly dirty summer night absinthe binge, hope to bring mud-slinging in all its slimy grimy goodness (and rock ’n roll; they do that, too) to the dangerously clean Chicago hipster scene. They also donate a portion of their proceeds to the Young Women’s Empowerment Project and the Chicago Women’s Health Center. And, if you miss them this weekend, they will, apparently wrestle in your living room some other time. 2109 South State Street. Starts at 9 p.m., $12 at the door. 21+.
Have you ever saved Latin? That’s what I thought. It’s obvious then that you could benefit from seeing Wes Anderson’s Rushmore (1998) for the first, second, or fortieth time on the big screen at the Music Box Theatre. Watch this heartwarming, hilarious tale of love, expulsion, and revolution, and you’re bound to discover your own Rushmore. I’ll see you at next year’s RSO fair. 3733 North Southport. Starts at midnight, $8-$10.
Instead of catching a shuttle home from the Reg this evening, take one to Pilsen for 2nd Friday. If you’re unfamiliar with the monthly event, it’s a smashing good time where 30 galleries around South Halsted open their doors to the public, free of charge, and offer art viewing, music, food, wine, and the chance to talk to artists from around Chicago. ArtShould is providing a shuttle to and from event for U of C students. Shuttle leaves at 6:30 from 57th and University, leaves Pilsen at 9:30 (2nd Fridays runs from 6–10 p.m.; $4 roundtrip on shuttle.
Sat | May 12
Don’t feel like dancing? You can find something better to do (sit and watch other people dance) at RBIM’s annual spring showcase, “Legendary,” featuring a dazzling array of dance varieties including hip-hop, jazz, and flamenco. There will be an additional show at 6 p.m. on Sunday. 1131 East 57th Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Show starts at 7 p.m., $7 in advance, $10 at the door.
What exactly is Art Apocalypse anyway and why do I keep getting ominous and incredibly intriguing emails about it (the last one linked me to the “Use of T.S. Eliot’s Poetry in Apocalypse Now” Wikipedia entry)? All I know is that there will be 100 performers, in 90 minutes, at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. There will be sword fighting, fire spinning and Shakespeare. The rest is darkness. 915 East 60th Street. 10:15–11:45 p.m., free.
Sun | May 13
The Hideout has found a space-saving, environmentally friendly and far less comfortable alternative to the drive-in-movie. Trade hand-holding for handle-bar holding (and beer) at their Bike-In Movie Theater screening of The T.A.M.I Show (1964), which documents a free, teen-only concert that took place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and included performances by James Brown, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, and a young Toni Basil as a back-up go-go dancer. 1354 West Wabansia Avenue. Starts at 8 p.m., free.
Le Vorris & Vox are slated to hold their spring show in Rockefeller Chapel. The 20-person student circus will perform all sorts of stunning and startling feats, including aerials, hand manipulation, dance, and dreamscapes. And, as if that weren’t impressive enough, they will do it all to music composed by U of C students specifically for the show. 5850 South Woodlawn Avenue, starts at 9 p.m., $5.
If your mother is in town this weekend, you ought to have a game plan. If not, show her how well she’s raised you by taking advantage of Chicago’s Mother’s Day offerings regardless. Dozens of restaurants throughout the city will offer special prix fixe menus and à la carte items (mostly brunch), but my vote is for Volare, which is churning out pasta, crepes, and slow-cooked baby lamb and mini pizza (for dessert), or Bistronomic and its brunch of Deviled Eggs and Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad. Or head to The River East Art Center for the monthly Dose Market, which will feature special handbag sale, vintage clothing galore, Do-Rite Donuts, and Little Black Dress vodka. Plus, if you do bring a flesh-and-blood mother (preferably your own) she will be automatically entered into a raffle to win one of two boxes of this month’s Dose goodies. Volare: 201 East Grand Street. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Bistronomic: 840 North Wabash Avenue. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $32/person. Dose: 456 East Illinois Avenue. 10 a.m.–4p.m.
