Friday 26
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Chicago Park District Commissioner Rebecca Sive, one of Mayor Harold Washington’s earliest supporters, has a long history of involvement with progressive causes. As the Chicago-area rep for the New Israel Fund, she will talk tonight about NIF’s efforts to promote better relations between Jews and Arabs, and about the organization’s role in fighting for civil rights in Israel for everyone, including gays. Following services, which start at 8:30, she will speak before Congregation Or Chadash, the gay and lesbian synagogue that meets at the Second Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry. It’s free. Call 525-9945.
Saturday 27
“Party people all around me / feeling hot, hot, hot,” sings Arrow, the king of soca, whose hit is the theme of the Lizard Lounge’s official welcome to summer, Hot, Hot, Hot–A Tropical Limbo Party. DJ King Scratch will spin worldbeat music all night, including Byron Lee’s calypso, Machito’s salsa, and Segun Adawale’s African high-life. The midnight limbo contest will determine how low you can go; Chicago aldermen, the sponsors say, may not compete. It starts at 9 at 1824 W. Augusta. There’s a $2 cover. For more call 489-0379.
Wednesday 31
One of the last remnants of Illinois’ tallgrass prairies–a five-and-a-half-acre plot that has never been plowed–will open to the public today. A trail runs through the site, and some of the more than 200 plant species that grow there are labeled in a display garden. The Woodworth Prairie Preserve, located in Glenview on the east side of Milwaukee one-quarter mile north of Greenwood, will be open from 10 to 3 daily through September 30; free admission. Call 965-3488.
