Friday 4/8
In light of the recent tsunami in Japan, the After Chernobyl exhibition will provide insight on the scope of the nuclear accident. The reception for the exhibit features photographs taken by Michael Foster Rothbart 25 years after the explosion, and will feature talks by the photographer and Timothy Mousseau of the Chernobyl Research Initiative. (Harper Memorial Library, 6 p.m., free)
For the sixth anniversary of The Flesh Hungry Dog Show, the queer-friendly rock ‘n’ roll variety show will bring back past favorites, including The Joans and the Patty Elvis Band (fronted by Chicago’s only lesbian Elvis impersonator). Rock impresario Gary Airedale will be hosting the show with DJ Sky spinning between sets. (6406 N. Clark St., 9 p.m., 21+, $12)
Saturday 4/9
Of the many eccentric tours Chicago is known for, the Chicago Rocks 1980-2002 Tour is probably one of the least known. The three and a half-hour booze-serving tour tells the story of alternative rock in Chicago by viewing sites such as Billy Corgan’s Wrigleyville home and Liz Phair’s favorite Wicker Park hangouts, among others. (3159 N. Southport, 2:45 p.m., $28)
Sunday 4/10
While Shark Week on the Discovery Channel has its merits, it’s nothing compared to the annual ReptileFest operated by the Chicago Herpetological Society. Not only will there be hundreds of reptiles and amphibians from around the world for visitors to touch and play with, but attendees will also get to play with Spectre, the fourteen-foot long albino Burmese python, and ride on a giant tortoise. (901 W. Roosevelt Rd., 10 a.m., $10)
Monday 4/11
Get an insider’s view of the Egyptian Revolution at A Voice of the Egyptian Revolution. The event will show footage from Tahrir Square, followed by a discussion on the role of women participants in the recent protests. Guest speaker and eyewitness Sahar El-Nadi will also be speaking on her role in the intercultural communication project “Don’t Hate, Educate.” (International House, 5:30 p.m., free)
Tuesday 4/12
Catch the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock blockbuster The Birds at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The screening is part of the theater’s “The Mask of Sanity: Psychological Horror Films” series accompanied by weekly discussions with Art Institute professor Jim Trainor. (164 N. State St., 6 p.m., $4)
Wednesday 4/13
Orchestre National de France has been a leading force in contemporary symphonic pieces since 1934. This week, France’s “musical ambassador to the world” makes a rare stop at Symphony Center for a springtime performance of Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun,” Ravel’s jazz-inspired “Piano Concerto in G,” and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” (220 S. Michigan Ave., 8 p.m., $10 student tickets)
Thursday 4/14
“Indie” takes on a whole new meaning at the Indy Film Festival. Every week in April, the Oriental Institute is screening a different movie from the Indiana Jones franchise. This week’s screening is the second film in the series, “The Temple of Doom.” (Oriental Institute, 7 p.m., free)
