Winter wonderland: Lincoln Park Lagooners is offering a chance for a weekend getaway in Madison, Wis., at the Best Western 'Inn on the Park.' The hotel is close to local dining, shops and not far from Devil's Head Ski Resort. Weekend package includes lodging, Friday dinner, breakfast coupons, free parking and snacks and beverages all weekend. Cost is $122 per person for a two-person room. Other options are available. Call Gary at 773-293-2040 to reserve or for more info. Register at www.lincolnparklagooners.org .
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 .
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.
Peak performance: The Chicago Gay Ski and Snowboard Club is holding a Granite Peak ( Wausau, Wis. ) pre-trip social on Wed., Jan. 10, 7-9 p.m., at Crew Bar and Grill, 4804 N. Broadway. For more information on the Chicago Gay Ski and Snowboarding Club, contact Patrick Ross at Patrick@chicagogayskiers.org .
Handel this!: 'Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah' is returning to Chicago's National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. There will be two performances—on Sat., Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 14 at 3 p.m.—at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress. Tickets are $29-$59. Visit the box office; call 312-902-1500; or see www.ticketmaster.com or www.auditoriumtheatre.org .
Heads and tales: Award-winning writers Carlos T. Mock and Felice Picano will read from their latest writings on Sun., Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. at Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville. Mock will read from The Mosaic Virus, his second work of fiction, and Picano will read from Tales From A Distant Planet, his new collection of short stories. Call 773.-381-8030 or visit www.gerberhart.org .
Chances are: Chances Dances—a dance event for the LGBTIQ community—will be held Mon., Jan. 15, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at the nightspot Subterranean, 2011 W. North. See www.chancesdances.org .
Media wars: 'Fighting for Air: The Battle to Control America's Media,' a dialogue with author Eric Klinenberg, will take place Wed., Jan. 17, 12-1:30 p.m., at the Jane Addams Hull House Museum, 800 S. Halsted. The program is free and lunch will be provided. RSVP at 312-413-5353 or jahh@uic.edu .
I hear a symphony: Symphonica Toscanini will present a special performance of works by Rossini, Mendelssohn, Debussy and Tchaikovsky at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan, on Wed., Jan. 17, at 8 p.m. The Chicago appearance will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of legendary Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini. Tickets are $18-$49. Call PhoneCharge at 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114, or see www.cso.org .
Blast call: Blasted, a production that looks at terror brought on by violence at home and abroad, will run Mon.-Sun., Jan. 22-March 4, at Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells. Tickets are $20-$25. Call 312-943-8722 or see www.aredorchidtheatre.org .