Friday | January 29
Although it doesn’t quite have the grandeur of its parent orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet still manages to command quite a presence when it performs. Enjoy the Wind Quintet’s performance of various contemporary pieces without leaving the confines of Hyde Park. (Mandel Hall, 7:30 p.m., $5)
There is nothing rabid about Chicago-based band Rabid Rabbit. The avant-garde metal band is mainly known for its long instrumental songs. Rabbit will be appearing with fellow Chicago-based band Loto Ball Show at Cal’s Liquors. Bassists Ingebrigt Håker Flaten and Nate McBride will also engage in a “bass duel” before the show. (400 South Wells Street, 10 p.m., $5)
Saturday | January 30
Learn about the stark reality of global poverty at the Hunger Banquet for Haiti. At the door, guests will be assigned to groups that reflect global food distribution statistics, and meals will be served accordingly. Guests include Haiti expert Greg Beckett and other speakers on the issue of global poverty. (Ida Noyes, 6 p.m., $3 suggested donation)
Sunday | January 31
Chinese filmmaker Zhao Liang (not to be confused with the world’s second-tallest man of the same name), will be at the Film Studies Center for a screening of his latest film Petition: The Court of the Complainants. The documentary is an exposé on the scores of Chinese who go to Beijing to plead their case against injustice. A conversation with Liang will follow the screening. (Cobb 306, 3 p.m., free)
Monday | February 1
After being fired from Queens of the Stone Age, Nick Oliveri has maintained a prolific solo career. He released his second album Death Acoustic last October. The guitarist, who usually performs shirtless or naked, will be appearing with My Cold Dead Hand and Blackbox. (1572 North Milwaukee, 9 p.m., $10)
Tuesday | February 2
The 2010 Midwest Independent Film Festival kicks off with a screening of the highly anticipated thriller Chicago Overcoat. The film stars Frank Vincent (of Sopranos fame) as an aging hit man determined to take out one more hit and regain his former glory. A cocktail reception will precede the screening. (2828 North Clark, 7:30 p.m., $10)
Every first Tuesday of the month, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts Doodleganza, a drawing extravaganza that brings together people of all different skill levels for an evening of art making. The Museum provides art supplies and instruction by sculptor Kelly Kaczynski. (220 East Chicago Avenue, 6 p.m., free)
Wednesday | February 3
So-called dream pop group Asobi Seksu will play an acoustic show at Schubas Tavern to promote its latest album, Rewolf. Asobi Seksu, which means “playful sex” in colloquial Japanese, is known for its flowy melodies and ethereal sound. Singer-songwriter Barton Carroll will open for the band. (3159 North Southport, 9 p.m., $14, 21+)
Thursday | February 4
In the latest installment of the “World Beyond the Headline” speaker series, Deborah Brautigam will discuss Chinese “aid” to Africa in a talk titled “The Dragon’s Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa.” The presentation will debunk myths about the two countries’ relationship, and coincides with the release of Brautigam’s book by the same title. (International House, 6 p.m., free)
