Forced Entertainment @ MCA

Forced Entertainment, the acclaimed UK performance group, makes its Chicago debut this week at the Museum of Contemporary Art. They are performing a seres of shows including "First Night" on February 5, 6, and 8 at 7:30 pm and "And on the Thousandth Night..." on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 9pm. See the museum website for ticket information.

Five Easy Pieces @ Siskel Film Center

The Siskel Film Center is showing a series of major films from the 1970s. Tonight's is the 1970 classic Five Easy Pieces, which turned Jack Nicholson from a character actor into a star with one simple line: "I want you to hold it between your knees." The movie screens tonight at 8:00, and again Tuesday, February 10th, at 6:00. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Opening Reception @ Foundation Gallery

"S&M", a show featuring new paintings by Sayre Gomez & Matthew Rodriguez, will be on view from February 6 until March 14 at Foundation Gallery. There is an opening reception tonight from 6-10. The gallery is open Sundays 1-5 and by appointment.

Taste of Check Please

Join WTTW for a food & wine event with tastings from restaurants that have been featured on Check, Please! Alpana Singh will host the event with prizes, a silent auction, music, and more… Friday, February 6, 2004; WTTW Studios; 5400 North St. Louis Avenue

VIP Admission 6:30 - 7:30 PM, tickets $150
General Admission 7:30 - 10:30 PM, tickets $80 -- alas, it's sold out.

Around The Coyote Winter Festival

Didn't stock up on enough art this fall at the usual Around The Coyote? Another art festival by the same people is being held this weekend, Feb 6 and 7th in the Flat Iron Building at North, Damen, and Wells. In addition to the usual visual art on display, you'll also have a chance to see theater, hear poetry readings, and see some short films. Details and performance schedule at http://www.aroundthecoyote.org/.

Crafty Collective

The craft just keeps on coming. This time, it's the Crafty Collective who are putting together a craft show at 1205 N. Milwaukee Ave (just at the corner of Milwaukee and Division). The reception gets kicked off tonight from 6-10 pm. If you're going to be going, be polite and give the organizers an email: rsvp@craftymonkey.com.