March 4 - March 7

Even though I've been on vacation this week trying to find the sun in Florida, I couldn't let you miss a weekend of fun. There's all sorts of great things happening this week, there's a Chili Cook-off, the CIMM festival and music from CAKE Chicago. Get out there and have some fun!

THURSDAY, MARCH 4

Tonight kicks off the Chicago International Music and Movies Festival with the US premiere of the film UNIVERSALOVE with the score to the film being performed live by the band Naked lunch. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Director Thomas Woschitz and the band. The festival runs all weekend so check the site for full details.

Head over to the Chicago History Museum for Out at CHM: Queer Latinos: Art & Change at 5:30. Explor Chicago's long standing and diverse queer Latino community with scholars Lawrence La Fountain-Stokes and Lourdes Torres. Tix available at the door for $12

Chicago's Lesbian Feminist Chorus, Artemis Singers will pesent their Winter Concert at the Sulzer Public Library - 4455 N Lincoln Ave at 7PM. They will sing some old favoriates as well as some new work that they are developing for their Sister Singers Network Festival performance later this summer.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5

Don't you dare miss the Feast of Fun Live podcast at Steamworks. Joining Fausto Fernos and Marc Felion, hosts of the wildly popular and award winning LGBT Podcast - Feast of Fun - as they record a live show at Steamworks at 8PM. Cameron Esposito, Teri Yaki, Bill Cruz and Keith Ecker (pictured) will perform. You do need to be a member of Steamworks to attend, but you can get a discount if you register online.

Chicago Filmmakers will screen the 1979 classic HAIR with Treat Williams and Beverly D'Angelo. The revival of the musical has been taking Broadway by storm - and you know you know all the words to the songs. So head north and catch the 8PM screening. Tix $8 at the door.

It's time for First Friday's at Museum of Contemporary Art. This month take in the current exhibits, such as the 'Artists Studio inside-out" and their innovative show 'Hide and Seek' that forces to you to find the art within the art. Tix are $16 at the door (if available) but only $11 if you purchase online.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6

It's that time of year when Chicago Takes Off takes it all off for Charity. Head to the Park West for this burlesque revue-style show that will have you writhing in your seat with excitement. This years theme 'Tv Land - Outside the Box' will have hot dancers taking it almost all the way off for you. This hot event benefits TPAN. Tickets start at $50 for two shows at 7:30 and 10PM. Don't miss it!

If you're looking to add to your art collection, why not head up to the Edgewater Community Artisans Sale at 1020 W Ardmore (near the intersection of Hollywood & Ardmore at Hollywood Beach). Grab some artisan made soaps, hand crafted totes, art glass and more. Check it out from 10AM-5PM.

Go northto the Red Line Tap - 7006 N Glenwood to catch The Painted Lady (9PM), Typsi (9:45), Nicole Reynolds (10:30) and The Homoticons (11:15) at this months edition of Cake Chicago.

BONUS: Head to Sidetrack this afternoon from 2-6PM for The Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce's 11th Annual Chili Cook-off. You will get the chance to judge more than 15 chilies from restaurants and caterers from around the city. $10 gets you all the chili you can eat!

SUNDAY, MARCH 7

It's time for the Oscars, where will you watch it? Who do you think will win? The Oscar presentation starts at 7PM but the Red Carpet experience begins as soon as you flip the TV to E!. If you haven't printed out your ballot get one here.

Just because it's winter, doesn't mean you can't get farm good freshness. Head to the Winter Farmers Market in Oak Park today from 9AM to 1PM. Find all types of winter yummies like jellies/jams, honey, wool, cheeses, meats and who knows what else. Go get some goodness.

If you just can't wait to get to Hollywood Beach then head to North Avenue for the 10th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics. The madness begins at 9AM, you are requested to register and raise a minimum of $100.