Coffee & Tea Exchange's Grinder: queer words and music hosted by Scott Free Dec. 27 features words by Robert MacDonald and music by Kimi Hayes, 8 p.m., 1100 W. Thorndale, ( 773 ) 907-3500.
Commemorate the seven principles of Kwanzaa at Kwanzaa Karamu: Festival of First Fruits, a celebration featuring performances by Ameen Muhammad's Griot Band and inspirational speaker Sporty King and a delicious Kwanzaa Karamu dinner, Dec. 27 at DuSable Museum, 6-8 p.m., 740 E. 56th Pl., ( 773 ) 947-0600.
Adodi Chicago presents its 3rd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, with prose, song and dance, Sat., Dec. 29, 6-10 p.m., suggested donation $10, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1218 W. Addison, ( 312 ) 458-9584.
Minnesota singer-songwriter Lisa Kane performs at Girlbar Dec. 26,9:30 p.m., no cover, 2625 N. Halsted, ( 773 ) 871-4210. Female Rock Trio Half Mad Poet performs Dec. 27.
Every bar in town is having something New Year's Eve, and there are also some non-profits hosting events. See calendar for details. But here are some highlights:
Berlin: NY Eve, Berlin style, with dancers, drama and DJ Greg Haus.
Chicago 35: Womyn's Dance, smoke- and alcohol-free, 8:30 p.m., $12 advance/$15 at the door, Wheadon Church, 2214 Ridge, Evanston, ( 847 ) 622-4493.
Cozy Cat Productions exclusively for women, with lavish buffet, champagne toast and music by DJ Drell, 9 p.m.-4 a.m., $25/person, $45/couple, 8220 S. Western, ( 312 ) 941-3763.
Gentry on Halsted's Twisted New Year's with the Weird Sisters from 7-9 p.m. and Khris Francis from 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $10 includes buffet.
Girlbar: dancing, party favors and a free champagne toast.
Hunters Dance Club with buffet, party favors, balloon drop and champagne toast, with music by DJ Paul and VJ Dan.
Sidetrack: Moulin Rouge Style party, with bawdy entertainment, raffle and giveaways.
Star Gaze: food, raffles, champagne splits and drink tix.
Temptations: women, champagne and dancing with music by DJ Hybrid.
If you're looking for some radio airwave alternatives, turn to Windy City Radio on Sundays, WCKG, 105.9 FM, from 10:30 p.m.-midnight. Also hear in anytime at www.windycityvoices.com .