A Quick Guide To Spending Your Tax Refund

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 15, 2008 3:31PM

As if you needed reminding, it's Tax Day, one of the more stressful times of the year, especially with the economy in the toilet. But maybe you're lucky enough to get a half-decent refund from the Federal Government this year and feel like treating yourself to something nice.

The Second City opened its new show, No Country for Old White Men, this weekend. If we know anything, it's that a Second City show is always worth seeing. Tickets are $19, except Fridays and Saturdays which are $25.

We covered the Ravinia lineup a month ago, but tickets are just now going on sale. Online ticket sales start at the Ravinia website this Thursday, April 17. Among the shows worth checking out are Alison Kraus & Robert Plant, Willie Nelson, Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion, and Feist.

If art is more your thing, be sure to check out this weekend's Spring Art Sale at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Going on Friday (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at the MacLean Center Ballroom, 112 South Michigan Avenue, the sale features works by the school's students, who receive 85% of the commission from their sales, while the other 15% goes to the Student Government. Admission is free.

But what if Uncle Sam took his fair share from you this year and you're a little short on cash? Looking for something free to do? Well, how about checking out a book from your local library? After all, it's National Library Week and local filmmaker Daniel Kraus's entertaining videos are still showing over at American Libraries Focus, featuring local improv comic Shad Kunkle.

Or if you feel like working off some of your IRS-related frustration, head down to Humboldt Park this Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. for the Earth Day Clean Up & Celebration. There will also be activities including crafts, music, and live animals (no cougars, though). Admission is free and you can call 312-742-4786 for more information.

Second City image from their website