Jan 21 - Jan 24

The weekend will be here before you know and the temps are above freezing! There's no reason to suffer from cabin fever, there's plenty to do this weekend, so get out there and have some fun

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

Head downtown for Adler After Dark at the Planeterium from 6-10PM, their new 21+ event. Cano Bros will be on hand showcasing underground house music, grab a screening of the movie BLAST! find out how many helium balloons you would need to float away and snap a picture in the photo booth . Tix are $10 in advance/$15 at the door and can be purchased online.

Head to the Center on Halsted for the Cook County Board President Candidate Forum starting at 6PM. You'll have an opportunity to meet and question 8 candidates regarding the issues of violence against women and girls in our community. Make your voice heard and learn so you can make the right choice on election day. Stick around for T-OUT Mic, a trans-focused open mic night starting at 7:30

I hope you haven't forgotten that the Art Institute Chicago is open late tonight and admission is free after 5PM. If you haven't had a chance to take in the new Modern Wing - now is your chance.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

Head north for 'Andersonville on Sale' where most of the stores will be offering special discounts from 6-10PM. Check the site for a full list of participants and discounts/freebies available. While you're there, stop by Chicago Filmmakers for the Chicago premier of 'Say My Name' a documentary of women hip-hop artists. Tickets are $8 and the screening starts at 8PM Have fun in Andersonville tonight.

The 21st Annual Rhino Theater Festival kicks off tonight and runs through February 14th at the Prop Theater. Chicago's longest-running, last-standing fringe festival presents solo performance, live art, avant-garde theater and experiemtnal music. Check the site for a fulls list of performances, dates and times.

If you're looking to get out of the city and head back to your childhood. Head to the Genesee Theater in Waukegan tonight for a screening of Jaws! You'll think twice about going in the lake! Screening starts at 7PM, tickets are $6

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

The Chicago Spirit Brigade is hosting the BIG BANG Seven at Circuit Nightclub starting at 8PM. CSB is one of the highest energy groups of people I've ever seen and their annual fundraiser is one of the hottest around. This event is the only time that they raise money for themselves because all the money the collect during the year at their performances is all donated to worthwhile charities. Go and support an amazing group and check out this great video of clips from last years show.

Repo! The Genetic Opera will screen at the Music Box Theater. Co-creator and star Terrance Zdunich will be at the theater at 10:30 with the movie starting at midnight. Check the site for full details

Get dressed up in your best clothes and head down to the Hilton Chicago for the 2010 Justice For All Equality Illinois Gala. One of the biggest events of the year draws hundreds of LGBT supporters and allies. Cocktails start at 6 followed by dinner, dancing and awards - and don't miss the silent auction!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24

Just because we're in the throes of winter, that doesn't mean you can't get some fresh produce. Check out the Winter Farmers Market at the Irving Park Luterhan Church (3938 W Belle Plaine) from Noon to 3PM today. You'll find meats, cheeses, dried fruits as well as wool, honey, preserves and more.

Kate Clinton 'The Lady of Haha' will make a stop at the Center on Halsted tonight at 6PMtickets are $40 and cash bar will be available. Seating is limited so buy your tickets online.

Dreamgirls opened earlier this week at the Cadillac Palace Theater. If you've only seen the movie then you owe it to yourself to head downtown and catch the live show - it'll blow you away. The show is in town until Jan 31st. Check the site for full details and tickets.

If you have an event that you would like to promote, please email me at michael.lehet@gmail.com