Too Much Light: Best of 2007 @ Neo-Futurarium

The Neo-Futurists present their annual best-of show for the year 2007. A selection of the best, funniest, and most thought-provoking really short plays that the ensemble wrote over the last 12 months, so you definitely know you're getting the best of the best if you attend this weekend. The best-of shows run tonight and Saturday night at 11:30 PM, and Sunday night at 7:00 PM. Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (near Foster). (773) 275-5255.

Ralph Arnold: "Who You/Yeah Baby" @ Corbett vs. Dempsey

Until his death in 2006, painter, printmaker, and collage artist Ralph Arnold was a subtle and masterful manipulator of image and identity. The Chicagoan's early works, from the 1950s and early 1960s, were steeped in a earth-toned postwar vocabulary, while his work from the mid-60s utilized the more whimsical elements of neo-Dada and Pop Art, incorporating text fragments and appropriated advertising images into a personal lexicon that drew on his experience as an African-American artist and Korean War vet. Corbett vs. Dempsey's debut exhibition of Arnold concentrates on works from the first quarter century of his oeuvre. A 56-page full-color catalog will be available at the exhibition. Exhibition opens December 7, and runs through January 5. 1120 N. Ashland (upstairs from Dusty Groove). 773.278.1664. An opening reception takes place tonight from 5-9pm. Regular gallery hours are Friday and Saturday 11-4, and by appointment.

Chicago Gay Men's Chorus holiday show @ Athenaeum

The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus presents Fruit Cake, the latest of their annual holiday shows. We are promised in tonight's show soaring holiday anthems, light-hearted carols, and a special appearance by Sister Wendy, who will discuss the hidden meanings in a Nativity painting. Fruit Cake is performed at the Athenaeum Theatre tonight at 8:00, and tomorrow at 3:00 and 8:00. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the Athenaeum box office. Athenaeum: 2936 N. Southport. (773) 935-6860.

Tall Grass Writers Guild @ Book Cellar

Come to the Book Cellar tonight to hear readings from the Tall Grass Writers Guild. The Guild give formal literary readings and performances throughout the city and is open all who write seriously at any level, no matter how much or whether or not it's for publication. This month's theme is "That Place We Call Home: Taking Our Writing Home for the Holidays...Or Not." Free at 7pm, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

Winediva @ The Discovery Center

Take a super fun, no snobs allowed, wine basics class this Friday at 7pm and get your wine on before you hit the town! Register at the Discovery Center website or call 773-348-8120. $65. Welcome to Wine with The Winediva
Learn to swirl, sniff, and sip like a pro! Taste the six “noble” grapes of the world and discover what all the fuss is about. Gain command of basic wine vocabulary and tasting technique. Bring all your questions about wine and food pairing, storage, sulfites or any other vexing wine dilemma.

Empty Bowl @ First Slice Pie Cafe

Join an evening of modest meal--a bowl of soup and bread--to help Chicago’s hungry tonight, from 5 to 9 pm at the First Slice Pie Cafe. Ceramic artists (and hatching eggs of them) of Lillstreet Art Center have donated beautiful hand-made bowls, which will be filled by the Cafe’s hearty soup. The $20 you pay for each bowl of soup will be used to fight hunger, while you can take home the bowl as a “reminder of all the bowls you helped to fill.” The supper, a part of the nationwide Empty Bowl project, is first come, first serve.

Edward Albee in Conversation @ AIC

As part of the yearlong American Perspectives series of events examining the interrelationships between visual art, music, and literature, legendary playwright Edward Albee talks with theater critic Richard Christiansen. In Fullerton Hall, 111 S Michigan. 6 PM. Tickets are $10 to $15; advance purchase is recommended. For more information, visit the website.

Balkan Beat Box @ Logan Square Auditorium

The multi-instrumental/electronic world-music mash-up fusioneers Balkan Beat Box play the Logan Square Auditorium this evening, as they tour to support their recent album Nu-Med. Loto Ball Show opens. 2539 N Kedzie. All ages. Doors open at 8:30pm; tickets $18 in advance, $20 night of.

Trunk Show @ Gamma Player

Wicker Park’s Gamma Player boutique has a cure for these unreasonably cold conditions: a Spring/Summer ‘08 Trunk Show to jumpstart all those warm weather daydreams. The hip 2035 W. Division shop hosts local designer Agga B for cocktails and a sneak preview on Friday December 7 from 6 to 9. RSVP to info@gammaplayer.com or call 773-235-0755.

Sacred Art Holiday Mixer

Sacred Art, the local art shop at 2040 W. Roscoe, holds its holiday party for artists and shoppers tonight from 6-9 pm. Enjoy snacks, wine, a chance to win prizes, and a trunk show with jewelry designer Bridget Mullozzi. The shop also has plenty of locally made gift ideas for under $50.

Apartment Therapy House Tour

Apartment Therapy Chicago is hosting its first-ever live house tour and party this evening starting at 7pm. Tour five Live/Work Lofts in one West Loop Building, 845 W. Fulton Market:
1. David Dilworth and Jennifer Alberti, WOM Space Gallery
2. Alex Fuller, The Post Family
3. Sam Rosen, One Design, The Post Family
4. Noor Shikari, Noor Shikari Photography
5. Brandon Fenninger, Brandon Fenninger Designs

After the tour, join everyone for an after party next door at Lumen, 839 W. Fulton Market, from 8 to 10pm. ($15 happy hour charge includes wine and beer, available to AT guests but not required.) More info here. RSVP to chicago@apartmenttherapy.com if you plan to attend.

Fair Trade Holiday Bazaar @ Bethany UCC

Need to get a present for your favorite do-gooder for the holidays? The Fair Trade Holiday Bazaar featuring Ten Thousand Villages will be held at Bethany UCC at 4250 N Paulina. Browse through a global marketplace of fair trade merchandise including handcrafted textiles, folk art, ceramics, and jewelry from all corners of the world. The bazaar will run weekends from 6 pm until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays from now until the 16th. It will run from noon until 3 pm on Sundays. Call 773-472-0729 or email bethanychicago@sbcglobal.net for details.

Cold War Kids @ Metro

If a blog buzz band falls in it's second year, does it make a sound? The slick simplistic sounds of these California boys are on display at the Metro, and it'll cost you sixteen bucks. Personally, I'd recommend spending two bucks downloading Spoon's "I Turn My Camera On" and Smog's "Justice Aversion" to find out what their two top hits sound like when played by better musicians, but to each their own. Show starts at 6:30.

Naughty or Vice @ Around the Coyote

RE:Action Reading Series teams up with Around the Coyote to present Naughty or Vice, a series of original monologues that explore the darker side of the winter holidays. In conjunction with the Multiples & Miniatures exhibition, these tales range from the adventures of holiday car theft to a desperate search for a turkey dinner while in Spain, and take a delightfully acerbic look at the year's most magnified holiday. Readings occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1935 1/2 W. North and last from 7pm to 8pm. And they're free.