Watch where your drinks are ... there continue to be reports from both men's and women's parties where people are being slipped drugs, possibly GHB, that knock them out. Someone is then taking advantage of them, including sexual assaults and robbery. Don't leave your drinks unattended any place, any time.
The Patch's 5th anniversary party (under the current ownership), is Sat., Aug. 2. Help Nikki celebrate, no cover, customer appreciation party, DJ KC, food, prizes, some surprises and lots of fun; 201 W. 155th St., Calumet City, (708) 891-9854, www.ThePatchBar.com .
Homolatte: Queer Words and Music hosted by Scott Free Thursday features Corey Black and Your Hero, No Exit Cafe, 8 p.m., 6970 N. Glenwood, (773) 743-3355.
Dylan Rice performs Thursday at Speakeasy Supper Club, 8:30-10:30 p.m., 1401 W. Devon.
Test Positive Aware Network and Berlin present PULSE, the 14th anniversary of the HIV Social Hour, Thursday, July 31, 6-10 p.m., 954 W. Belmont. Prizes, entertainment, and Jessica Halem as comic relief MC, (773) 989-9400.
Chix Mix Productions' Fantasy Friday dance party, with a chance to be selected to appear in the Chix Mix 2004 calendar, is Aug. 1. Also, DJ Kid Xsite, sexy cage and pole dancers, many hot women and more; 9 p.m.-4 a.m., Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted.
Celebrate Maneuvers' 23rd anniversary with drink specials, a buffet and more, Friday, Aug. 1, 118 E. Jefferson, Joliet, (815) 727-7069.
Uncommom Ground's R.A.W. Event (Recorded Art Words), an evening of poetry, performance art and music featuring Ellen Rosner, Emily Calvo, The Hillbilly Winos, Kurt Heintz and many more, is Aug. 2, 6-11 p.m., $5, 1214 W. Grace, (773) 929-3680.
Friday, Aug. 1 at The Note, Goth punk meets glam rock when the band All the Pretty Horses, fronted by transgender artist Venus, makes its Chicago debut, 10 p.m., $8, 1565 N. Milwaukee, (773) 489-0011.
Buddies' Rodeo ba-da-Bingo, Tuesday, Aug. 5, is hosted by Mr. ILGRA and Amy Armstrong. Money raised goes to Rodeo Association charities; 8:30 p.m., 3301 N. Clark, (773) 477-4066.
The Renslow family and Abstone Communications sponsor a wine tasting, to benefit Lambda Legal, Chicago House, Leather Archives & Museum and HRC, Tuesday, Aug. 5, T's Bar & Restaurant, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $20, 5025 N. Clark, (773) 814-5091.
National Poetry Slam (www.nps2003.com) and Estrojam (www.estrojam.org) are coming next week. Catch it all!
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