Behind the Lions

It's Behind the Lions Day (scroll to Special Programs) at the Art Institute! Today you and your family can visit the museum and do all sorts of arty, crafty, music type things, including going on a treasure hunt through the galleries and participating in a 20 minute guided tour. You can even meet Artie, the museum's mascot. Who doesn't love a giant, anthropomorphic, cartoon-faced lion?

The Lt. Dan Band feat. Gary Sinise @ Joe's Bar

After The Bacon Brothers, I bet you never thought you'd see another Hollywood star with his own band, but you were wrong. Steppenwolf actor, screen gem, and CSI: New York star Gary Sinise is touring through Chicago with his very own Lt. Dan Band, stopping tonight at Joe's Bar. The Lt. Dan Band's sound is a "unique blend of oldies, classics and current radio favorites" with Sinise on bass. Tickets are $15 in advance/$20 at the door and the show is actualy a benefit for the USO (active duty military and their dependants get in free with ID). Music starts at 8:30pm. Joe's is located at 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago near North and Sheffield. Call them up at (312) 337-3486. (Admit it, you just kind of want to see Gary play bass? Don't you?)

"Carnival of Love" w/the Chicago Kings

The Carnival of Love is rollin' into town! The Chicago Kings burlesque show turns the Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N Kedzie Blvd., into a carny freakshow tonight, along with all their sword-swallowing, snake-charming, contortionist friends! And it's 18 and over, for once. Doors open at 9pm, show starts at 10pm. Tickets are $10.

7th Annual SPAM Sculpture Contest

Come on out to the Gallery Caberet at 2020 N. Oakley in Bucktown for a night of SPAM Carving fun. Bring your own can of SPAM and some handy things to use when decorating it, or purchase your SPAM on site. After all of the sculptures have been considered, win a prize medal to take home.

Costumes are strongly encouraged but not required, as is a food donation to benefit the R.E.S.T shelter in Uptown. 6-8pm at the Gallery Cabaret. Check out www.planetshwoop.com/noise for more info.