Friday 25
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Ruben Blades has never been a typical salsa singer. While others sang about new dance steps and doing it all night, Blades talked about street violence, better education, and love’s ambivalence. His career has been enigmatic and intense: a Harvard law grad, he first appeared on-screen in Crossover Dreams, a tiny, wildly successful independent. When Robert Redford offered him the lead in The Milagro Beanfield War, Blades opted for a lesser, meatier role. Blades will be in town tonight with Brazilian performer Sonia Braga (Kiss of the Spider Woman) hosting a special premiere of Redford’s movie to benefit the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, the Bilingual Education Committee, and the Chicago Latino Cinema. There will be two simultaneous screenings, one in English, the other in Spanish, beginning at 8 at McClurg Court Theatres, 330 E. Ohio. Tickets are $15 or $25 for the film and a reception that starts at 6:30. For further information, call 748-1503 or 870-4122 between 9 and 4:30.
The fashion call for the season is anything goes–not just in skirt lengths, but in fabrics and accessories. It’s a pretty damn important issue–even the Tribune recently editorialized on how women have become more independent in their fashion choices. Women in Fashion, an all-day affair from 8:30 to 3, will try to pinpoint trends as well as dispense advice on skin care, makeup, and hairstyles. It’s at the Center for Community and Continuing Education, 10900 S. 88th Ave. in Palos Hills. There’s a $30 fee. Call 371-3800 for details.
Monday 28
Fortune is unlikely to follow a stint at Cabaret Voltaire’s Open Mike (with no microphone), but notoriety is surely in the offing. Bring your babbling prose and your huddled muses and expound to one and all. The fun starts at 8 at 1860 N. Elston, and you can read or hang out for free. For more, call 489-7792.
It’s easy to blame psychological problems on substance abuse. While the two are often related, they can also exist independently, making therapy difficult and confusing. Double Trouble: When Substance Abuse Isn’t the Only Problem is the topic in a series of talks and workshops at Hartgrove Hospital, 520 N. Ridgeway, from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. It’s free, but advance registration is requested. For more information, call 722-3113.
