—You better think: Center on Halsted offers "Queer Spirit Chicago Drop-In Guided Meditation," a weekly guided meditation, at 11-11:45 a.m. on Mondays, and 6-7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays. The fee is $5-$10. RSVP's are strongly encouraged; contact Cathy Jones at cjones@centeronhalsted.org or 773-472-6469, ext. 265.
—Casting call, part one: MTV is looking for people 18-23 to be in a show about individuals battling drug and alcohol addictions. E-mail MTVcasting@gigantic.tv with a story and some information about you or a loved one's situation.
—Band on the run: Gay amateur musicians are sought to form an artists' group. Pianists, violinists, cellists, brass players, etc., are welcome. Perfection is not required—only enthusiasm. E-mail PVarnell@aol.com , and indicate interest and instrument ( s ) .
—Photo finish: Golden, 816 W. Newport, is hosting "Marginal Waters," a photography show by Doug Ischar, through Saturday, Oct. 17. The photos feature men on Chicago's Belmont Rocks. A closing reception will be held Sunday, Oct. 25, 3-6 p.m. See www.golden-gallery.org or call Jacob Meehan at 773-209-8889.
—Art to art: Erik Sosa will present an exhibition of new art at Cuvee, 177 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, Wis., through Saturday, Oct. 31, and some of the sale proceeds will go to the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. The opening-night reception is Friday, Oct. 16. Call Cuvee at 414-225-9800.
—How sweet it is: Austrian Bakery & Catering, 2523 N. Clark, is marking its fifth anniversary with a raffle and complimentary goods Thursday, Oct. 15, 5-7 p.m. A VIP event will feature the general consul of Austria, Dr. Robert Zischg. See www.AustrianBakery.com .
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—"Honey" girl: Acclaimed singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams—known for such CDs as Little Honey and Car Wheels on a Gravel Road—will perform at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage, through Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. as part of her 30th-anniversary tour. See www.Ticketmaster.com .
—What's cooking?: Chef/entrepreneur Rick Bayless will prepare his favorite dishes at Macy's State Street, 111 N. State, on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, and proceeds benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
—Doing the "bump": Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen will present the Halloween show "Things That Go Bump In The Night" at 9 p.m. at Roscoe's, 3356 N. Halsted, on Thursday, Oct. 15. In addition, Equality Illinois will be selling tickets to The Addams Family. See www.roscoes.com .
—Class action: The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance will hold a back-to-school brunch at Rockit Bar and Grill, 22 W. Hubbard, on Sunday, Oct. 18, 11:30-2:30 p.m. State Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch and Xavier Ramirez will be honored as advocate and activist of the year, respectively. See www.IllinoisSafeSchools.org .
—Care supply: Howard Brown Health Center, Broadway Youth Center and other organizations are presenting "Trauma Stewardship: Caring for Self while Caring for Others" Tuesday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Loyola University, 25 E. Pearson, in Kasbeer Hall, 15th Floor. The cost is $10; see www.howardbrown.org/traumastewardship .
—Movie queens: Women in Film Chicago will honor Nora Dunn, Donna La Pietra and Janice Arthur Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 W. Mart Center, at 6:30 p.m. See www.WIFChicago.org .
—Dance fever: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, will present River North Dance Company Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. Attendees will see world premieres that will debut Nov. 7 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Tickets are $10; e-mail culture@centeronhalsted.org or call 773-661-0763.
—School daze: The Hetrick-Martin Institute and Harvey Milk High School will sponsor an event Wed., Oct. 21 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, 7-9 p.m. RSVP by Oct. 15 to hopenow@levi.com .
—Guerrilla my dreams: Sapphic Adventures is sponsoring Guerrilla Girl Bar Friday, Oct. 23, at Old Town Social, 455 W. North. See www.SapphicAdventures.org or e-mail kellyxzeng@sapphicadventures.org .
—School spirit: The Northwestern Gay & Lesbian Alumni ( NUGALA ) 2009 Homecoming & Reunion will take place Friday, Oct. 23, 8-11 p.m. at minibar, 3341 N. Halsted. Admission is $20 ( members ) and $30 ( non-members ) ; see www.alumni.northwestern.edu/nugala or e-mail nugala@alumni.northwestern.edu .
—In fashion: Horacio Nieto will present his 2010 spring/summer collections Friday, Oct. 23, at Envent Studio, 1376 W. Carroll, at 9 p.m. See www.HoracioNieto.com .
