Chicago Improv Festival: Dan Castellaneta

It's probably a bit unfair to single out one member of the LA improv group Totally Looped, but when that one member is "Simpsons" demigod (and former Oak Park resident) Dan Castellaneta, well, one just has to make an exception. Dan and the rest of Totally Looped (including Angela V. Shelton, former host of Channel 11's "The Cheap Show") will be performing at the Athenaeum Theatre tonight, as part of the Chicago Improv Festival. Tickets available through Ticketmaster or at the Athenaeum box office. The show starts at 10:00PM. Athenaeum Theatre: 2936 N. Southport.

First Fridays @ MCA

At First Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art, visitors can unwind after work and enjoy an intriguing mix of culture, ranging from live music and performance art to experimental films and hands-on art stations. Not to mention see and be seen by all kinds of young, hip, arty singles looking for love.

First Fridays tickets, which include Museum admission, live entertainment, and complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d’oeuvres, are $14. Doors are open 6–10 pm. A cash bar is available until 9:30 pm. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.

DNC Fundraiser at W Hotel

Tonight Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe hosts an evening with New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to honor her leadership and contributions to the Democratic Party. Along with free vodka cocktails there'll be live hip-hop by Biz Markie, of all people. Tickets range from $50-$200 and proceeds will benefit the DNC's Presidential Fund. Some sites report that Drew Barrymore, Jamie Blythe from ABC's "The Bachelorette," and Mallory Snyder from MTV's "The Real World, Paris" will also be in attendance, so really, there's something for almost everybody. The evening's events take place from 6 to 10 p.m., at the W Hotel, at 172 W. Adams Street, and you must be 21 or older to attend.

Opening @ Defiance Gallery

Defiance Gallery is presenting the work of two local artists Chris Silva and Michael Genovese. It's going to be a whole bunch of good. The opening reception is from 6-9. The show runs until May 29.

The Stray Show

The Stray Show happens this weekend. Now in it's third year, it brings a diverse and vast collection of galleries, artists and other creatives together to foster progression of the arts. Quite a veritiable group of Chicago's finest representing. Be sure to do so as well. Opening night celebrations happen this evening with the Stray Show proper from the 7th - 9th. Check the site for details.

Gay Marriage Rally @ Preston Bradley Center

Tonight, DontAmend.com, the Illinois Green Party, and Chicago Anti-Bashing Network are sponsoring an evening of speakers to address the fight for equal marriage rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. Speakers include Patricia Ireland, former president of NOW and senior advisor to DontAmend.com; Jason West, the New Paltz, NY major who supports gay marriage; Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Metropolitan Community Churches minister; and Robin Tyler, stage producer for the first three national lesbian and gay marches on Washington. It all gets started tonight, at 7 p.m. at the Preston Bradley Center, located at 941 W. Lawrence. If you'd like more information, check out DontAmend.com's website, where you can also download handbills.

Peaches @ Logan Square Auditorium

Peaches is back and I'm sure she's strutting more than ever. You go girl.

PEACHES
MAGAS
YOUNG HEART ATTACK
Logan Square Auditorium - 8PM - 18+

HeWhoCorrupts records live show for release

Local grindcore band HeWhoCorrupts whose popularity and stage intensity and antics keep growing ata rate you can't believe headline a stellar show where they'll be recording a live album for release in Brazil (?!). Yes they're special alright.

Friday, May 7th
Fireside Bowl
Chicago, IL
2646 W Fullerton
6 PM / $6 / All Ages
Hewhocorrupts (Recording For Live Record to Come Out In Brazil!!!) The 4-Squares (10 Year Anniversary!!!) The Repos (Ex Charles Bronson!!) The Brokedowns (Ex...don't worry...they'll fuck shit up!!!)