February 19 - 22

Old Man Winter is trying to show us he's still boss around but that doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. There's plenty of hot happenings this weekend, if you're cold stop by the new bear party FURR at Cell Block on Saturday night and try on a furry chest for size, maybe you'll find one that fits. It's gonna be cold out there this weekend boys - so bundle up! Spring will be here before you know it!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Laugh it up but don't bust a gut as you catch some hilarious queer comedians at the Lincoln Lodge - 4008 N Lincoln at 9PM. Adam Guerino, Puterbaugh Sisters and Recapitulation will have you in stitches at this Center on Halsted Benefit hosted by Join the Impact - Chicago. Tickets are $10, bar/menu available during the show.

The Art Institute just unveiled it's latest exhibition 'Becoming Edvard Munch: Influence, Anxiety, and Myth' now is the perfect time to catch it as the museum is open until 8PM tonight and tickets to the new exhibit are half-price in February. General admission to the museum is free during February.

Co-editor Jaclyn Friedman will discuss her new book 'Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape' at Women & Children Books at 7:30 in Andersonville.

Johnny Rivers and the Ripettes will attempt to tease you with their Burlesque Cabaret at Hamburger Mary's, 7:30PM. Tickets: $15

NewTown Writers are holding their fortnightly 'Writers Workshop Meeting' at Gerber/Hart Library - 1127 W Granville.

The Flatiron Arts Building 'Bike Winter Art Show' continues with the 'Bike Winter Open Mic & Video" as bikers share the mic and projector to share projects. 7-10PM Flatiron Arts Building, 1579 N Milwaukee

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Novelist Janet Burroway will read from her new book 'Bridge of Sand' at Women & Children, 7:30PM. 'Bridge' is the 7th in the series of the tale of 'Dana, a woman on a quest to find herself after the death of her husband.'

A Mini Silent Auction is still in play at Gerber/Hart Library, place your bid for some great packages to help you keep your New Years Resolutions.

Stop by the Center on Halsted for the opening reception of 'Hear Me Roar: Three Perspectives' an exhibition of works of women painters Carol James, Jordan Kost and Jill Sutton. 6:30-9:30PM,$5 suggested donation.

Catch the 9th Annual Black Bra Party at Circut starting at 9PM. 'It's all about the music. It's all about the sex." Make sure you wear a black bra!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Hop over to the Chicago History Museum while you can still catch 'Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures.' Get a glimpse of the museums extensive collection of garments dating from 1861. Museum Admission: $14

AIDSCare Chicago presents'Fat Saturday Ball: Nocturne' at the Stan Mansion tonight. Tickets start at $250

Sappho's Salon: A Provacative Night of Lesbian Diversions takes over Women & Children First books in Andersonville at 7:30PM. $7-10 sliding fee includes food and wine. Performance poet Michelle Renae and poet Jenn P. will perform.

Catch a matinee at the Leather Archives & Museum where they'll screen - Erotikus - a survey of gay pornography narrated by Fred Halsted - 2PM

Mardi Gras and Carnival are just around the corner. Get into the festive mood of the season as Swing Brasileiro performs at the Morse Theater at 9PM. Don't forget your feathered head dress, Tickets: $25

Catch a rare screening of 'Los Angeles Plays Itself' at Chicago Filmmakers at 7:30PM A documentary of how Los Angeles has appeared in the movies with clips from 191 movies, voted best Documentary 2004 by the Village Voice. Tickets: $8

GRRRRR, it's time for FURR - Chicago's newest and hottest 'Bear Night' at Cell Block, enjoy furry men, some Furry Red Headed Sluts and chances to win prizes! The party starts when you get there! I heard a rumor on Facebook that Ryan was going to be there snapping photos.

Light up the Night on the Midnight Marauders Ride starting at the Flatiron Arts Building. A Fashion show will kick off the night at 7PM.

CAKE: Chicago hits the Red Line Tap for "Flannel February" 9PM - Mara Levi, 10PM - Ripley Caine, 11PM Shoes for Mabel. Wear something flannel - come on, you know you have some!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Whooo hoooo....it's Oscar Night! Where are you watching the Oscars? Catch it at Hamburger Mary's starting at 7:30

Don't just watch the Oscars - become part of the Oscar experience at the Center on Halsteds 'Red Carpet Oscar Party.' Walk the Red Carpet, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and complimentary cocktails. 6PM, Tickets start at $75

You can catch the Oscars at Crew Bar + Grill - 4804 N Broadway, where they'll be flipping the channel on all of their TV's over to the Oscar telecast, you can start casting your ballots for Best Picture starting at 5PM and crusing boys at 5:05

Roxy Bellows taks over the stage at Mary's Attic at 7:30 to share her intesting mix of comedy and music, tickets: $7. Check out this hilarious preview of Roxy

Have you taken the opportunity to view 'Polaroids: Mapplethorpe' exhibit at the Block Museum at Northwestern? It's free

COMING SOON:

MONDAY - One Night Only: ON THE BRINK

TUESDAY - Inside Chicago Fashion at CHM

TUESDAY - Men's Group Book Discussion at Gerber/Hart Library