Are you full of pride yet! Well, don't forget, it's Black Pride Weekend. And Melissa Etheridge is at the Taste of Chicago July 1, + fireworks downtown this weekend. Basically, don't get in your car, don't pass go, and drink and play safe.
There is a benefit for Janice Polito, a.k.a. 'Lips,' who is fighting breast cancer. The event is at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, on Sat., July 10, 2-6 p.m. Features musical guests Lynette and Erick of 7 Pound Fury, a silent auction, and raffle. $10 donation. Lips took a lot of photos for Outlines and Nightlines in the late 1980s, and early 1990s, and was a regular at the softball fields.
Chix Mix Productions hosts Wild On, a party for women with wild bartenders, Friday, July 2, bar dancing, DJ Dragonfire, lap dances. Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted, (773) 325-2233.
D/E Entertainment and House of Blues host A New Reality, their annual celebration of pride and independence, featuring Grammy Award Winner Frankie Knuckles with VO5 - DJ Elbert Phillips. July 4, 10 p.m., $21, 329 N. Dearborn, (312) 339-5938, www.windycitymediagroup.com .
White Heat Party with guest DJs Boolumaster, Sheron and Gloria, is July 4. Attire: white! 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $15 til midnight, $20 after, Excalibur, 632 N Dearborn, (773) 779-2399.
Dick O'Day's Big, Lovely Liberty Live show is a guided tour between the covers of overwrought celebrity autobiographies, tell-alls, bizarre fiction, and more. With special guest Melissa Helstern. Followed by music from Deep Blue Organ Trio. Tuesday, July 6, 7 p.m., $6, Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway.