Chicago - March 26, 2009

The Weekend Guide

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Aretha Franklin’s birthday. Hats off to her.

HEAR
Wiley and the Checkmates
What: Mississippi Delta band plays a gig of stripped-down soul with a touch of funk.
Why: DJs spin dusty grooves after the show.
When: Sat., 9 p.m. (East of Edens Soul Express starts at 11:30 p.m.)
Where: The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., at Ada St. Tickets at 866-468-3401.

PREVIEW
Blake Standard Spring Collection
What: Champagne, chocolate, and peeks at the Chicago designer’s latest styles (terry vests, wrap tops, tailored jackets).
Why: Spring your closet forward.
When: Thurs., 5-8 p.m.
Where: Riley, 1659 N. Damen Ave., b/t Wabansia & North Aves. (773-489-0101).

EAT
Kendal Duque’s Farewell Dinner
What: Sepia chef prepares a special menu (flatbreads, baby octopus and garbanzo bean salad, slow-roasted veal breast) for his last night at the resto.
Why: Andrew Zimmerman (Del Toro, NoMi) is stepping up to the plate.
When: Sun., 5-9 p.m.
Where: 123 N. Jefferson St., at Washington Blvd. Reservations (recommended) at 312-441-1920.

BUY
Do It Your Own Damn Self Show
What: Local crafters hawk unwanted supplies at bargain prices.
Why: What goes around comes around.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk St., at Cleaver St.

SEE
You Get What You Deserve
What: California artist Cameron Gray’s latest exhibit shows off large-scale works crafted from pieced-together mini oil paintings.
Why: Don’t brush it off.
When: Thru Apr. 18. Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Carl Hammer Gallery, 740 N. Wells St., at Superior St. (312-266-8512).

  Music