Things to do this weekend: January 16-18

SATURDAY 16

NIGHTLIFE - Deluxe Saturday with Felix Da Housecat
Initially this may seem a bit like worlds colliding: Felix Da Housecat headlining at Griffin Lounge in River North. But, given the rate that hip-hop MCs are rapping over dance tracks, we don't think Griffin's usual clientele will mind when Felix takes over with his signature brand of bubbly techno and driving electro. The Griffin Lounge. 9pm, $20.

SHOPPING & STYLE - Kate Boggiano
For blouses that flatter, we turn to Kate Coxworth, former Ralph Lauren technical tailor turned independent designer, whose exquisitely tailored tops characterize her eponymous line. Boggiano applies her genius to a new line of dresses that, like her immaculately cut shirts, travel effortlessly between work and play. For one day only, the designer opens the doors of her Pilsen studio for shoppers to enjoy 55% off her fall collection and $30 samples. Or place a pre-order for spring and save 15% of the retail price. The only catch: You must bring a ticket to get in (they count for you and a guest). E-mail sales@kateboggiano.com for an invite. 2150 S Canalport Ave. El: Orange to Archer/Halsted. Bus: 8. Sat 16, 8am–4pm.

MUSIC - Contraphonic’s Winter of Love
Offbeat local label's second annual showcase spotlights the moody meanderings of Pillars and Tongues, plus fearless improv heroics from Tobin Summerfield and Frank Rosaly. Hideout, 9pm, $8.

DANCE - Karaoke Night with Synapse Arts Collective
Our three favorite things—dance, karaoke and beer—collide in a cheapie fund-raiser for Synapse’s 2010 season, which is slated to include new works by Rachel Damon and Lauren Warnecke and a tour to France of their excellent 2009 work, Stridulate. Gio’s Bar & Grill, 4857 N Damen Ave (773-334-0345, synapsearts.com). El: Brown to Damen. Bus: 50, 81. Metra: North to Ravenswood. 8pm–midnight, $10.

COMEDY - Red Bar Comedy
Our curiosity has been piqued for this new "Vegas-style" night of downtown comedy. Ontourage, 157 W Ontario St (312-573-1470). El: Red to Grand; Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Chicago. Bus: 22, 65, 156. 8:30pm, $10.

SUNDAY 17

FILM - The Front Page
Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur’s The Front Page is quite simply one of the great plays of the early 20th century, and it gets a solid screen treatment from Lewis Milestone in 1931’s The Front Page. Doc Films, University of Chicago, 1212 E 59th St between Kimbark and Woodlawn Aves (773-702-8574). Metra: Elec Main to 59th St. Bus: 4 (24hrs), X4, 14, 28, 59, 171. 7pm. $5.

AROUND TOWN - Iron Chef Celebration
Jose Garces, Food Network’s newest “Iron Chef,” may reside in the City of Brotherly Love, where he also owns and runs several restaurants. But we’re claiming the Chicago-born executive chef of Mercat a la Planxa as our very own. Come celebrate his victory with all-inclusive cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and food samplings. Guests can also submit entries to win prizes. Mercat a la Planxa, 638 S Michigan Ave (312-765-0524). 6pm, $75.

ART & DESIGN  - “Heartland.”
Though it falls short of capturing Midwestern art, this show offers a good introduction to the scenes in Detroit and Kansas City—and it closes today. Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, 5550 S Greenwood Ave. 11am–5pm. FREE.

MUSIC - Tomorrow Never Knows 2010: Lee Fields & The Expressions + Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers
The sprawling TNK fest wraps up with its oddest bill yet: R&B survivor Lee Fields and former Beat the Devil player Shilpa Ray. Lincoln Hall, 9pm; $15, 18 and older.

MONDAY 18

DANCE - Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre with the Chicago Sinfonietta in “A Dream Unfolds: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
CRDT director Wilfredo Rivera’s world premiere choreography to Hale Smith’s Four Negro Spirituals will be accompanied by the Sinfonietta under the baton of maestro Paul Freeman, with vocals from the formidable pipes of Gwendolyn Brown and Jonita Lattimore. Spirituals is bookended by music selections to match King’s grand oratory, including Fauré’s Pavane and Beethoven’s Ninth, conducted by Kazem Abdullah with the Northwestern University Chorus. Symphony Center, Orchestra Hall (220 S Michigan Ave, 312-294-3000, cso.org) El: Red, Blue to Jackson; Orange, Green, Brown, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Adams. Bus: 1, 3, X3, 4, X4, 6, 7, 10, 14, 26, 28, 126, 144, 145, 146, 147. 7:30pm, $26–96.

EAT OUT - Gage Dogfish beer dinner
Tonight, the Gage teams up with Delaware’s Dogfish Head Craft Brewery to throw a five-course beer dinner. Dishes served will include cauliflower soup and elk medallions with pork cheeks. But who are you kidding? You’ll be here for the Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA and Chicory Stout. 24 S Michigan Ave (312-372-4243). 6pm, $80.

AROUND TOWN/ART & DESIGN/BOOKS/KIDS - “Heart and Soul: Art from Coretta Scott King Awards Books, 2006–2009”
Celebrate Martin Luther King Day when you tour this Art Institute exhibit of children's book illustrations. The display highlights the works of African-American artists whose illustrations depict inspiring moments in black history. While you're there create your own uplifting take-home portrait. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave (312-443-3600). 11am–2pm; FREE.

FILM - The White Ribbon
You should put Michael Haneke’s unsettling, provocative The White Ribbon on your must-see list. It’s an elliptical, enigmatic exploration of the origins of fascism (maybe) as a small German town experiences a series of weird malicious incidents just before World War I. In local theaters. See timeoutchicago.com/nowplaying for showtimes.

SHOPPING & STYLE - Bliss waxing
Bliss Chicago Just because Meryl Streep “went native” (in the words of Alec Baldwin’s character) in It’s Complicated doesn’t mean you have to let your nether regions run wild. Lucky you, Bliss is offering “down-there” discounts ($70 Brazilian waxes and $45 waxing kits) now through Sun 24. Whether you opt for the full monty or a tidy landing strip, you’ll start the year smooth sailing. 644 N Lake Shore Dr (877-862-5477, blissspa.com). El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 134, 135, 136. Daily 9am–9pm.