Weekend Warrior: 5 Things To Do In Chicago

1. Monotonix and Turbo Fruits

9 p.m. Sunday at Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia; $12

One of the most exciting live rock bands out there, Monotonix is known for performing on the floor among the crowd, setting instruments on fire and stealing drinks from audience members. When the members found themselves banned from most venues in their hometown Tel Aviv, they decided to take the show on the road. Touring the U.S. and Europe since 2006, theirs is a concert you experience, not watch. Catch Monotonix’s stage antics and Led Zeppelin/Thin Lizzy-inspired riffs, as well as opening act Turbo Fruit’s Kinks-esque neo-surf/garage rock for a night your eardrums won’t soon forget.

For more of this weekend’s music, including Jeff Tweedy, Cheer-Accident and Buckwheat Zydeco, check out the calendar.

2. The Cupid Players present “Cupid Has a Heart on: a Musical Guide to Relationships”

10:30 p.m. Saturday at IO Theater, 3541 N. Clark; $18 in advance, $20 at the door

Chicago’s premier musical-sketch-comedy group, The Cupid Players, presents a special Valentine’s Day performance of its acclaimed revue. Enjoy 90 minutes of sharply written comedy sketches that burst into song and offer a witty, raunchy, sweet, cynical, touching, inane and above all funny take on relationships, love and life. On Valentine’s Day only, audience members will receive a champagne toast and the chance to win a romantic giveaway.

More V-Day theater awaits you, including Kama Sutra: The Musical.

3. Black Cat Cabaret

8:30 p.m. Friday at Happy Dog Gallery, 1542 N. Milwaukee

We’ve all had romances that ended up like horror movies. Rather than rue the day we fell in love, why not embrace it? Valentine’s Day eve promises to be a real scream at Black Cat Cabaret. In the second edition of the Art & Burlesque series, you can bear witness to Dancing Beauties and Banshees as they shake to the howls and moans of Satan’s sweet serenade. Plus, unique curio created by local artisans will be for sale. After all, nothing says, “Take me back, I’ve changed” like a unique handmade treasure. After the show, DJ team Dinosaur Espionage conducts a dance party wild enough to wake the dead.

For even more burlesque, check out Blue Bayou, 3734 N. Southport, tonight and every Thursday at 11 p.m..

4. Gothic Funk Party #19 and launch of Paramanu Pentaquark

8 p.m. Friday at Lucky Number Grill, 1931 N. Milwaukee; $5 suggested donation

Gothic Funk Nation, a post-post-modern organization of artists, writers, and thinkers, is launching the debut issue of its arts journal Paramanu Pentaquark. The launch coincides with its 19th party, entitled “No Luck in Love.” Guests will receive a copy of the newly minted magazine and enjoy readings by the published authors, the music of Black Automatic and drink specials.

If you’re already lucky in love, stay that way with Centerstage’s guide to the best florists in the city.

5. Official Friday the 13th movie launch party

10 p.m. Friday at Rednofive, 440 N. Halsted

Celebrate the rebirth of the classic Friday the 13th horror film series with terrifying concoctions like the Crystal Lake Martini (chilled premium vodka, Triple Sec, Blue Curacao, $7) and The Survivor (Malibu rum mixed with fresh pineapple juice, $5). The first 50 people to enter the safety of Rednofive will receive complimentary movie passes to attend Friday the 13th on the day of their choice as well as keychains, posters and other promotional items.

Scared of spending Valentine’s Day alone? Don’t be.