'Women of Concern' event Feb. 25
Concern Worldwide will hold its annual Women of Concern Brigid Awards luncheon on Fri., Feb. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, 1 W. Wacker.
The 2011 Women of Concern Brigid Awards luncheon honors three Chicagoland women ( Justice Anne Burke, Patricia Blunt Koldyke and Terrie McDermott ) for their achievements. A silent auction featuring national and local celebrities' new and gently used handbags and wallets will take place. The funds raised from this event will support Concern Worldwide's maternal and child health programs in Haiti, Rwanda and Malawi.
Call 312-431-8400 or visit www.concernusa.org .
Sykes, Eder at Human First gala
Center on Halsted's Human First gala is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 200 E. Randolph.
Out comedian/actress Wanda Sykes and Broadway singer Linda Eder will perform.
Tickets are $100-$500; see www.centeronhalsted.org or call 773-661-0794.
Center's Oscar party Feb. 27
On Sunday, Feb. 27, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, will host its annual "On The Red Carpet" Oscar Party.
Guests will enjoy sponsored cocktails and buffet while the Academy Awards are broadcast live on the big screen in the Hoover-Leppen Theatre. For those who prefer to mingle, video monitors will be stationed throughout the third flooreven on the roof garden, which will be encased in a heated tent exclusively for the night's event. Guests may bid on vacations, spa packages and more in our silent auction throughout the evening.
For the first time ever, the center is conducting an Oscar prediction competition. For $10, guests can submit a ballot with their predictions before the telecast begins, and results will be tabulated throughout the night. The person with the most correct predictions will be announced at the conclusion of the ceremony, and will split the winnings with the center.
Doors open for the red carpet pre-show at 6 p.m., and the telecast begins at 7 .pm. Director-level tickets ( $75 ) include admission to the party, and producer tickets ( $125 ) include reserved telecast seating in the theater with table service. See www.centeronhalsted.org .
Burroughs special Feb. 22 on PBS
Featuring never-before-seen archival footage of the legendary beat author William Burroughs, as well as exclusive interviews with colleagues and confidants including John Waters, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Gus Van Sant, and Laurie Anderson, William S. Burroughs: A Man Within looks at the man whose works at once savaged conservative ideals, spawned countercultural movements, and reconfigured 20th-century culture.
Narrated by Peter Weller, with a soundtrack by Patti Smith and Sonic Youth, Yony Leyser's William S. Burroughs: A Man Within will premiere on the PBS series Independent Lens, hosted by America Ferrera, on Tuesday, Feb. 22. ( Check local listings. )
Cinema Q film series in Chicago
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Queer Film Society, the Center on Halsted and Chicago Filmmakers are presenting Cinema Q, a new film series celebrating outstanding LGBT movies made in Chicago.
The free screenings will take place on four WednesdaysMarch 16, 23, 30 and April 6in the Chicago Cultural Center 's Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 E. Washington, at 6:30 p.m. All screenings will feature a discussion and Q&A following the film. This series contains films with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Films include Quearborn & Perversion: An Early History of Lesbian & Gay Chicago ( March 16 ) ; Go Fish and outtakes from Fish Out of Water ( March 23 ) ; JoJo Baby and two music videos of The Joans by Peter Neville ( March 30 ) ; and Were the World Mine ( April 6 ) . For more info, visit www.ChicagoCulturalCenter.org or call 312-744-6630.
Ke$ha event at Enclave
Pop singer Ke$ha will be performing live at the nightclub Enclave, 220 W. Chicago, after her performance at the House of Blues Thursday, Feb. 24.
She is known for hits such as "Tik Tok" and "Your Love Is My Drug."
Pre-sale tickets are $20 for general admittance and $30 for VIP. A VIP ticket holder will have express entry and a private cocktail reception ( 9-10 p.m. ) . For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.EnclaveChicago.com or call 312-654-1230. Enclave doors open at 9 p.m.
Ariel Aparicio coming out with 'Aerials'
Brooklyn-based Cuban-American singer Ariel Aparicio will be releasing his new album, Aerials, via digital distribution March 8 on Rock Ridge Music.
"I wanted to make a dance record, but with all guitars," he said in a press release. "I was trying to incorporate all the sounds that I heard when I was first going out to clubs where they didn't just play 'dance music,' but would bring in all these other genres that you can dance to and appeal to everyone."
Among the songs on the CD is "Sorry," an older fan favorite about Aparicio coming to terms with his sexuality. Visit www.arielaparicio.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Ariel-Aparicio/39944058816.