You better think: Center on Halsted offers "Queer Spirit Chicago Drop-In Guided Meditation," a weekly guided meditation, at 11-11:45 a.m. on Mondays, and 6-7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays. The fee is $5-$10. RSVP's are strongly encouraged; contact Cathy Jones at cjones@centeronhalsted.org or 773-472-6469, ext. 265.
Casting call, part one: MTV is looking for people 18-23 to be in a show about individuals battling drug and alcohol addictions. E-mail MTVcasting@gigantic.tv with a story and some information about you or a loved one's situation.
Band on the run: Gay amateur musicians are sought to form an artists' group. Pianists, violinists, cellists, brass players, etc., are welcome. Perfection is not required—only enthusiasm. E-mail PVarnell@aol.com , and indicate interest and instrument ( s ) .
Heart smart: The first annual National Start! Eating Healthy Day is on Wed., Nov. 4. The American Heart Association is offering recipes for healthful alternatives to traditional favorites. The American Heart Association's "Holiday Healthy Eating: Tips and Recipes" brochure is available for download at www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3069262 .
Art time: Better Existence with HIV ( BEHIV ) will hold an art-therapy exhibition Wed., Nov. 4, 5:30-7 p.m., at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. E-mail EricNelson@behiv.org for more information.
SOFA, so good: SOFA ( Sculpture Objects & Functional Art ) Chicago 2009 will take place Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 5-8, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. The Chicago fair will feature special exhibits by renowned museums, universities and arts organizations, as well an extensive lecture series. See www.sofaexpo.com .
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"Body" language: The Artists of Eastbank will present the "Within the Body" art show Friday, Nov. 6, at 1200 W. 35th, 6-11 p.m. The event will benefit the social-justice group GenderJUST. See "Within the Body" on Facebook.
Now "Year" this: Acclaimed author Margaret Atwood will present a 70-minute dramatic reading from her new novel, The Year of the Flood, backed by a troupe of actors and a choir, Friday, Nov. 6, at the DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20; call 312-922-1999.
A matter of race: The International Federation of Black Prides, Inc,. Orgullo en Accion, the LGBT Leadership Initiative and Chicago Windy City Black LGBT-SGL Pride are hosting the "Black and Brown Regional Summit" at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 W. Mart Center, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7. The cost is $10; see www.chiblackpride.com or e-mail cnelson@chiblackpride.com .
Two of a kind: Local musicians Jen Thompson and Joe Rosenmayer will perform a mix of contemporary songs in "The Jen and Joe Show" on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. at Wild Pug, 4810 N. Broadway. Tickets are $10-$20; call 773-459-6775.
"Girl" talk: Jill Sobule ( who recorded the '90s song "I Kissed a Girl" ) and Erin McKeown will perform at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $21-$25; see www.OldTownSchool.org or call 773-728-6000.
A twist of date: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, will host an evening of speed dating Thursday, Nov. 12 for lesbians. Daters should arrive between 6:45-7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; e-mail culture@centeronhalsted.org or call 773-661-0763.
And "Justice" for all: The Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health is holding an "Advancing Reproductive Justice" reception Thursday, Nov. 12, 6-8 p.m., at Three Peas Art Lounge, 75 E. 16th. Somilia Rabee will deliver an acoustic performance. Tickets are $20-$40; RSVP to www.ICAH.org ( under "Events" ) by Nov. 6.
Still Rivers run deep: Famed comedian Joan Rivers will perform at the Raue Center, 26 N. Williams, Crystal Lake, on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. To order tickets, call the box office at 815-356-9212 or visit www.rauecenter.org .
Touching: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater—which performs choreography based in the African-American traditions of storytelling along with universal themes in contemporary modern dance—will present "Touch" Nov. 13-14 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin Luther King, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$45; see www.deeplyrootedproductions.org .
Pins and outs: Better Existence with HIV ( BEHIV ) is hosting its first "Pins for a Cure" fundraiser at Waveland Bowl, 3700 N. Waveland, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2-5 p.m. See www.behiv.org or visit "Pins for a Cure" on Facebook.
