1. Miss HispanoAmerica Illinois 2012 Pageant at the Apollo 2000 Center, 10/23
Support a couple of beautiful Latina Blue Demons competing for this pageant crown: of the contestants, Patricia and Monica Morad are DePaul’s own (not to mention the alum host). This competition will feature performances by Angel Quinceañeras, samba dancers, and, of course, the 15 talented ladies themselves. Come for the unique entertainment, and stay for the free desserts and photo booth. For more info, check out www.dreammhio.com/#!about-mhio.
2. The Sounds at the Vic, 10/22
The Swedish indie dance rockers take the intimate Vic stage for their first US tour in support of the new album, “Something To Die For.” If you’re into fiery frontwomen a la Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Metric, the Sounds are a sure thing. Don’t forget your dancing shoes.
3. The Game Show Show… and Stuff! at The Mercury Theater, opens 10/22
This play is a live interactive game show where the gap between audience member and show contestant is sealed. Critics for Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Reader raved when the show graced city stages around 2007. Now that it’s back by popular demand on a larger stage, it might be time to see what the buzz is about. Check out www.gameshowshow.com for info and tickets.
4. Chicago Int’l Children’s Film Festival at Facets, 10/21-10/30
Admit it, you saw The Lion King in 3D, or at least wanted to. Get your feel-good film fix at this festival for kiddie movies. The 28th annual fest includes 240 from 42 countries, so you can convince yourself it’s just cultural research. Research has never looked for fun.
5. Terrance Hayes at the Poetry Foundation, 10/20
Come hear the compelling poetry of Terrance Hayes straight from the poet’s mouth. The Poetry Foundation will host this 2010 winner of the National Book Award in Poetry for him to read some of his work that employs humor, tenderness and the exploration of identity. Go to www.poetryfoundation.org for more info on the poet and this free event.
6. METZ at The Burlington Bar, 10/22
The Toronto noise-core threesome is back in the city after two Lollapalooza after shows this summer. These guys played the post-Lolla shows with Iceage at the Empty Bottle as well as with the fabulous Death From Above 1979 at the Metro. Get a free, yes, no-strings-attached free, download of their album here: http://www.canvasmedia.ca/advancemusic.php?search=5352820742575108286
7. *Get your ticket now* Freaky Deaky 3 at Congress Theater, 10/29
Here’s a little Halloween help to get that ever-so important weekend locked down as a surefire success. Get your tickets now for the Freaky Deaky 3 event going down at Congress for a scary (sorry) good time. With big-name DJs Wolfgang Gartner, MSTRKRFT, Laidback Luke and more, the beats don’t get much hotter this Halloween, EDM fans. You probably remember Mr. Gartner from his stellar, nighttime North Coast set. If you missed out, take this opportunity not to let it happen again.
