Surveying hate: The Youth Pride Center, 637 S. Dearborn, is currently collecting data from local youths who have been victims of what they believe are crimes based on their sexual orientation. The survey is anonymous. For a survey, e-mail Tommy at tommyavantgarde007@yahoo.com .
Chi wiz: A tai chi class tailored for the needs of people with chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS is starting at the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA's Center at 1922 W. Montrose. The new classes will be 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 2-3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Call 773-275-5992, visit www.taoist.org/usa/illinois, or e-mail chicago@taoist.org .
Suicide group: An LGBT suicide survivors' group meets every second and fourth Monday at Howard Brown, 4025 N. Sheridan. Contact Edmond Yomtoob, Psy. D., at 773-450-4434 or Edmond.Yomtoob@psychologistchicago.com .
Test factor: Project VIDA and AIDS Foundation of Chicago are collaborating on a new case management model that pairs clients and health case managers. Participants will be able to, among other things, experience support with one-on-one counseling and relax with complimentary alternative therapies. Contact Debra Jordan at 773-522-4570 or Luis Quezada at 773-277-2291 for more info.
Network to do: The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will hold a Mix & Mingle on Wed., Jan. 24, 6-9 p.m., at Mary's Attic , 5400 N. Clark. Register at www.glchamber.org .
The wheel deal: BEHIV and TPAN will hold their Ride for AIDS Chicago 2007 kick-off party on Thursday, Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m., at Chicago in Bloom Floral and Events, 4223 N. Lincoln. The ride will take place June 2-3. See www.rideforaids.org for more info.
Laugh-in: Lesbian comic Karen Williams ( and her son ) will be performing at The Town Hall Pub, 3340 N. Halsted, on Fri., Jan. 26, at 9 p.m. The cost is $5; patrons must be 21. For more info, see www.teambyb.com .
Liver let die: Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Game will run at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee, starting Fri., Jan. 26. For tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com . It's BYOB and patrons must be at least 21.
Rice and easy: Singer Dylan Rice—who will soon have a song called The Lie on a compilation CD called Revolutions—will perform at Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark, on Fri., Jan. 26, at 8 p.m. For reservations, call 773-929-3680.
Condition of the heart: Michael Tarbi's 'The Human Condition'—an exhibition that contemplates 'weighty themes of life and death through anatomical imagery'—will be shown through Fri., Jan. 27, at Thomas Robertello Gallery, 939 W. Randolph. E-mail info@thomasrobertello.com or call 312-421-1587.
It's Greek to me: Vittium Theater at Northwestern University Settlement House, 1012 N. Noble, will show The Search for Odysseus on Fri.-Sun., Jan. 27-Feb. 18. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. Call the box office at 773-342-4141 or visit www.vittumtheater.org .
Picture this: 'Inside Out: Photographs by Iraqi Civilians and Farah Nosh,' a photo exhibit from wartime Iraq will run Mon.-Fri., Jan. 29-April 27, at Roosevelt University's Gage Gallery, 18 S. Michigan. Call 312-341-6458.
Ace in the hole: The Apprentice winner Bill Rancic and the 'Dream Ace Machine' will stop by the Will Cook Ace Hardware store, 12121 W. 159th, Homer Glen, on Tues., Jan. 30, 12-3 p.m. Visitors will receive info about a contest to win an Ace Hardware store as well as material about sales and discounts. See www.dreamacehardware.com .
Lip service: Lip, The Poetry Center of Chicago's reading series devoted to emerging writers and performers, celebrates Black History month with poets Quraysh Ali Lansana and Michael Warr at The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway, on Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. Contact Lisa Buscani at 312 899-7483 or at Lbuscani@poetrycenter.org .
Art-felt: The 2007 Lake View East Fine Art Festival is seeking entries from up-and-coming artists. Entries are due for jury selection by Thurs., Feb. 1. Artists must be at least 18 years of age; reside in Cook County; and must submit four ( 4 ) 35-mm slide images of work and one ( 1 ) slide showing booth display along with a $25 jury fee. See www.amdurproductions.com .
Grub and happiness: Renowned East Coast chef Christopher Prosperi will cook up a gourmet storm to benefit Gerber/Hart Library on Fri., Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. at Whole Foods Market, 3300 N. Ashland. Prosperi will prepare a three-course tasting and demonstration menu; he will be assisted by Bill Daley, Chicago Tribune food and wine reporter and Gerber/Hart board member. Tickets are $50 per person, and may be purchased through PayPal on the Gerber/Hart Web site, www.gerberhart.org; by calling Gerber/Hart at 773-381-8030; or by stopping by Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville.
No love: This American Life creator Ira Glass headlines a bill featuring cutting-edge prose, poetry and spoken-word writers in 'No Love for Love: The Poetry Center of Chicago's Anti-Valentine's Day Show' on Mon., Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. at The Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln. Tickets are $20-$50. Call the box office at 773 935-6100 or Ticketmaster at 312 559-1212. All proceeds benefit The Poetry Center of Chicago.
Songs of Africa: The Grammy Award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park on Sat., Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39-$48. Call The Center box office at 708-235-2222 or visit centertickets.net .
Ice, ice baby: Parkways Foundation and the Chicago Park District are hosting an afternoon of ice skating on Sat., Feb. 17, 1-4 p.m., at Daley Bicentennial Plaze Ice Rink, 337 E. Randolph. The cost is $25 per person or $80 per family; proceeds benefit the 2007 youth summer programs. RSVP at 312-742-4808 or purchase tickets on-site.
Monk rock: The Gyuto Monks Tibetan Tantric Choir will perform at The Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, on Sat., Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22-$32. Call 312-334-7777 or see www.harristheaterchicago.org .
Criminally funny: On Sun., Feb. 18 at Joe's, 940 W. Weed, there will be 'Da Laugh Jam,' a comedy show fundraiser to benefit GOAL ( the Gay Officers' Action League ) , an organization serving LGBT criminal justice professionals. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For ticket information, see www.samesideofthefence.com . or call 773-744-0110.
All around the world: 'Ethnic Dress: Art & Culture'—an exhibition that showcases 22 garments from such places as Afghanistan, Sumatra, Nigeria and North America—will run until Wed., Feb. 21 at C33 Gallery, 33 S. Wabash. Contact Nancy Julson at 312-344-6856 or see cspaces.colum.edu .
Party for a cause: The Lesbian Community Cancer Project's 16th Annual Coming Out Against Cancer Ball will be held Sat., Feb. 24, 6 p.m.-12 a.m., at 7059 S. Shore Dr. Tickets are available online ( at www.lccp.org ) and at Women and Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark, for $75.
Hwang-ing tough: On Tues., Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, playwright-composer-lyricist David Henry Hwang ( M. Butterfly ) will engage in a dialogue with Chicago arts writer and critic Lucia Mauro. Call the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs at 312-744-6630 or visit www.dcatheater.org .
