11 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 4, 2016 4:45PM
Winter ain't so bad. There's still plenty to do this week, including celebrating David Bowie's birthday (and impending album release) with several parties.
MONDAY JANUARY 4
DANCE CLASSES: Learn how to dance at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Winter Dance Free-4-All. They’re offering free classes in tap, breakdance, hip hop, pilates and much more at the American Rhythm Center from January 4-9. Check their website for the full schedule.
TUESDAY JANUARY 5
READING SERIES: Eden Robins and Gapers Block editor Andrew Huff co-host the eclectic monthly reading series Tuesday Funk at Hopleaf at 7:30 p.m. Among this week’s guests is former Chicagoist editor-in-chief, Chuck Sudo. Free.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6
BEER AND BURPEES: A new kind of workout launches in North Center on Wednesday. Work out at Bethany United Church of Christ’s gymnasium and then reward yourself at The Piggery afterward. Repeat with the Beer and Burpees crew from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. every week. First month is $20.
THURSDAY JANUARY 7
Image via Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival's website.
COMEDY SKETCHFEST: The world’s largest sketch comedy festival kicks off on Thursday at Stage 773. This is the fifteenth year for the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, and it’s grown to 165 groups performing 186 shows over 8 days. All shows are $15.
ELVIS FEST: Thursday would have been the King’s 81st birthday, and The Original Mother’s hosts their annual Elvis Fest in his honor. They’ll have performances from the Elvis Entertainers Network, a peanut butter and banana buffet, and a lookalike contest with a trip to Vegas as the grand prize. $5 suggested donation benefits the Variety Children’s Charity of Illinois.
BOWIE BALL: What better way to celebrate the Thin White Duke’s birthday than with a ball at Berlin? The evening, hosted by mistress of ceremonies Lucy Stoole, will feature bowiesque DJ sets founder Heaven Malone with Maewest plus a glitter and glam makeover booth from Anjali and performances and other odditys. 10 p.m. RSVP for reduced cover.
FRIDAY JANUARY 8
NAKED GIRLS READING: Check out the Chicago Naked Girls as they read stories from Roald Dahl, while—you guessed it—naked at Studio L’amour. It’s a golden ticket to see the ladies read classics like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “James and the Giant Peach” and more. 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.
BANDS + ARCADE: DJ Nodj and Terrible Spaceship take the stage for a free night of performances at Emporium Arcade Bar Wicker Park. The music gets started at 9 p.m.
BOWIE BIRTHDAY BASH: Late Bar hosts another birthday party for David Bowie featuring a live tribute performance from Rebel Rebels. Expect glam rock all night long from DJs Lisa Marchese and Carrie Monster. 8 p.m. No cover.
TRUMP ROAST: The Late Late Breakfast at the Hideout has pancakes, drinks and a roast of Donald Trump from an expert panel of comedians. They’ll be in character as politicians and celebrities attacking the Donald, as well as each other. 8 p.m. Tickets are $5.
STAND UP COMEDY: Hometown comedian Beth Stelling sets out on a weekend-long stand at Zanies on Friday. She’s appeared on Conan and Jimmy Kimmel Live and had her very own special on Comedy Central last fall. Tickets are $25.