Friday | February 26
Telling the story of a local talk show host and his visit from the personification of hip-hop, the play I Still Love H.E.R. (atributetohiphop) returns to the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts for a special show to benefit the Yéle Haiti Foundation. (777 North Green Street, 7:30 p.m., $20)
Reggie’s Rock Club presents a night of rodent-tastic rocking with bands Screeching Weasel and Lemuria in concert. Originally from Chicago, Screeching Weasel is often credited as a pioneer of the pop-punk movement of the 1990s. Indie-punks The Seething Coast will also be performing. (2109 South State Street, 7 p.m., $20)
Saturday | February 27
Watch the world premiere of That’s Livin’! The Zora Neale Hurston Story at the Gene Siskel Film Center this Saturday. The screening will also include a discussion and book signing with the author’s niece, Lucy Ann Hurston. (164 North State Street, 12 p.m., $25)
If your World Music core class hasn’t already introduced you to the New Budapest Orpheum Society, you can catch the Jewish Cabaret in Exile for free this Saturday. The group performs historical songs written by Jewish composers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (Fulton Hall, 7:30 p.m., free)
Sunday | February 28
Sao Paolo may get to host the 2016 Olympics, but Chicago is hosting this year’s International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows. Over 10,000 dogs from across North America will be competing at McCormick Place in hopes of winning the Best in Show title. Be sure to also catch the Puppy Spectacular and canine drill team demonstration, as well as special meet-and-greets with the competing dogs. (McCormick Place, 8 a.m., $17)
Monday | March 1
The American Theater Company celebrates its 25th anniversary with the Silver Project play festival. Featuring 30 short American plays, the festival will be performed in five parts, each focusing on American identity in a specific year between 1985 and 2010. This month’s showcase features the years 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, and 2001. (1909 West Byron Street, 7:30 p.m., free)
Tuesday | March 2
Professors Eric Posner and Geoffrey Stone of the Law School will be discussing the effects of terrorism on American criminal law. The talk, titled “Gitmo, USA? Torture, Terrorism and the Law,” will focus on legal decisions regarding terrorism and torture as well as President Obama’s decision to close Guantanamo Bay. (Eckhart 133, 7 p.m., free)
Wednesday | March 3
While catching a Furthur show may be scoffed at by true Deadheads, the band still rocks out even though its members are all well past retirement age. Furthur consists of Grateful Dead founders Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, John Kadlecik of the Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra, and a rotating lineup of other guest musicians. (50 East Congress Parkway, 7:30, $47.50)
Thursday | March 4
Show off your creative side or simply enjoy the performance at the Smart Museum’s Open Mic Night, presented in conjunction with the museum’s “The Darker Side of Light” exhibit. Free coffee and a DJ spinning tracks in the background will keep the party going. (Smart Museum, 7 p.m., free)
Party it up in style for Chicago’s 173rd birthday bash at the Chicago History Museum. Visitors can help themselves to free admission until 1 p.m., as well as snacks and a very special birthday cake from Bleeding Heart Bakery. Those who share a birthday with our lovely city can take home the ultimate birthday card: a certificate signed by Mayor Daley himself. (1601 North Clark Street, 9:30 a.m., free)