It might be snowing in Chicago, but summer isn’t that far away. With the announcement of the dates for Pitchfork Music Festival, along with the first round of bands, July seems just beyond the horizon. Pitchfork Festival brings some of the biggest and most promising acts to Union Park for three days of culture and music in the heart of Chicago. A smaller less corporate production than Lollapalooza, Pitchfork tends to cater towards the indie rock crowd (although that blanket term doesn’t really apply well anymore). It’s safe to say if you read Pitchfork online, you’ll love the music the festival offers. This year they are doing away with the 2-day passes, and only selling 3-day and single tickets. So expect 3 day passes to sell out pretty fast. Go ahead and play it safe. Get a ticket now, and we’ll see you in July!

Insider Info: With the first round of artists announced, the line-up is already looking very promising and impressive. Headlining the festival is the recently reunited Pavement, a reunion many never thought would happen. Also playing is Modest Mouse, LCD Soundsystem, St. Vincent, Raekwon, Lightning Bolt, and many more to come. I’m really excited to see Lightning Bolt and LCD Soundsystem, two bands I always miss when they come to Chicago, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see Pavement. With the elimination of 2-day passes, and the fact that 3-day passes always sell out, buy your ticket in advance. You won’t have to worry about it, and you won’t be stuck searching on Craigslist come summer.

In the wave of synth-leading bands that inhabited the decade, Editors are one band that somehow escaped much eye-rolling from post punk die-hards. Their lush, stone-cold tracks seem to have the potential to incite as much dancing in the listener as a later Depeche Mode. This show will surely have it's share of stoic, barely swaying on-lookers but when the Editors are good, it is all about making you move. In Europe they sell out stadiums, so playing at The Vic is sure to bring a warm, more intimate show than the band is used to. Check out the band's myspace page for sample sounds and more info.

Insider Info: Come early enough to check out the opening band, The Antlers who (unlike Editors) have recieved critical love from the likes of Pitchfork, The Onion AV Club, Time-Out and more. Find out for yourself and check out their myspace page.

French, electro musician Vitalic is coming to Chicago to sink his teeth into your weeknight. While the french-electro thing has blown up and over, don't be so fast to write Vitalic off as another banger doppelganger. He's not out to simply make a fun party song or solely entertain. Vitalic's first album, OK Cowboy (2005) came at the end of bawdy, minimal electroclash and was a dark and deep contrast at the time. Where that album's dance party might have been a little post-apocalyptic, Vitalic's new release, Flashmob, will bring some sun to the party. There is a little italo disco laced into the hard hitting synths. Don't get me wrong, the music will still be heavy, unruly and sharp but don't be surprised when you find the brightness layered beneath the robotic exterior.

Insider Info: Check out Flashmob before heading out to the show. Get a taste from the Vitalic Myspace page. Or just peep the video for Flashmob's single Your Disco Song which features a woman so obsessed with disco balls, she is willing to undergo surgery to look more like the mirrored design she loves. Compare that with the club-classic Poney pt 1 to get an idea of the icy-to-warmer transformation.

Martin Parr is exactly the kind of photographer I love most, because he has a sense of humor, takes unflattering pictures of people, and he’s British.  But his photos are certainly more than awkward portraits of the English and their unappetizing food.  He creates stories by wittily exploring places and cultures and capturing our most genuine moments. The new exhibition at the (recently relocated!) Stephen Daiter Gallery brings together work from nine series spanning over thirty years.

Insider Info: Parr is also part of In the Vernacular at the Art Institute of Chicago through March 31. He will attend an artist’s reception at Stephen Daiter Gallery on March 12, so to meet the man in person, be sure to save the date.  The museum exhibition looks at everyday photos – souvenirs, magazine images, newspapers, family-albums. The most common images we see, and even produce ourselves, are the inspiration for a great deal of fine-art photography.  Note that the gallery is open W-Sa, 11am-6pm.

Hollis Sigler's exhibition on view at the Chicago Cultural Center screams with color and emotion. Sigler's signature painting style is of intense colors which depict interior spaces. There are twenty years worth of paintings on view. Pieces from the eighties are her pre-breast cancer paintings with the later narratives deaing with her life with cancer. Each canvas deals with her drama and emotions through her lively and dramatic scenarios.  Her works each tell a different story, of knowing she would not live to be an old woman but living every day as an artist to tell her story through her artwork with dignity. Sigler, who passed away ten years ago, was an outstanding Chicago artist who is widely collected by patrons and museums.

Insider Info: Coinciding with the major retrospective at the Chicago Culture Center, Print Works Gallery, specializing in contemporary prints, drawings, photographs and artists' books will have an exhibition of Hollis Sigler's works on paper, February 19th-April 3rd, 2010.  Also in the exhibition at the Cultural Center is a three dimension installation Print Works Gallery that Hollis Sigler created based on one of her paintings which received great press and was on view at one of the major Art Expo openings.

Don't let the generic name fool you – Duets For My Valentine will most definitely not be an evening of tutus, tight pants, and selections from Swan Lake and Cinderella. Under new management from the uber-hot Chicago Dance Crash, this annual V-Day alternative will feature Chicago’s top ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop dancers as they explore love and romance in a night of duets that will most likely have attendees skipping the post-party and heading straight for, er, home.

Insider Info: Don’t forget, this IS Park West, so getting up to peruse the full cash bar throughout the performance is encouraged. There’s even a free in-house afterparty from 9:30 – 11:00 that will most likely be attended by the dancers – so if your date bores you, there will be plenty of hot dancers in the sea. But if you plan on sticking with your date, making reservations in advance will give you the option of reserving a private booth at no extra cost. Guys, I guarantee this will impress her more than dinner and a movie. Or even that hot new restaurant. Get on it.

Ring in the Year of the Dragon at chic River North spot, Sunda. The executive chef will be creating a family style dinner featuring traditional Chinese dishes, such as crab and asparagus egg drop soup, shrimp and chicken dumplings, pepper pork and beef tenderloin. There will also be sides and dessert. If you come on Valentines Day, there will be a live dragon dance performance, to bring good luck to all.

Insider Info: If the traditional Chinese menu doesn't perk your taste-buds, check out their regular menu. Sunda specializes in eclectic Asian fare that is also surprisingly simple, with ultra fresh ingredients. A full Japanese noodle menu is available, as well as a signature sushi bar. This restaurant has also garnered a lot of love from critics, check out their press page to read more.

Grab your sweetheart for a little classic diner style date! DMK Burger is offering a V day Fix Prixe. For a measly $24 a pop you get a seriously full belly. The menu includes deviled eggs, lobster soup, burgers, truffle fries, two cupcakes, a strawberry milkshake and two Gumballhead (A Three Floyd's beer) drafts. If that fantastic combination doesn't impress you, then you can order off their regular menu which includes such combinations as pastrami burgers, lamb burgers and prosciutto burgers.  A regular once told me that "it pays to stray from the standard" when coming here as their regular burger and fries are not nearly as impressive as their imaginative combinations.

Insider Info:  Everyone seems to complain that you don't get ketchup or lettuce on your burger, so you might want to consider bringing the condiments.  Also, they complain that even if they ask for ketchup for fries, it never gets to the table.  So! Bring your own ketchup and you will not be disappointed!  (But to be honest, you usually get something even better in which to dip your fries, but you'll just have to go there to find out!)

The Hideout "is the place where the hard working man and the hard working hustler meet for beer and eggs," so its only fitting they be home to the second annual "Soup and Bread" cookout to help raise money for Chicago neighborhood food pantries. Come join Chicagoans and enjoy complimentary soup prepared by several chefs and food experts such as Chicago Reader food writer, Mike Sula, Dinner is Solved personal chef Roger Greene, the Vegetarian Librarian Kelly Reiss, and more! For a taste of what soups will be prepared and more information on the event check out the official blog.

Insider Info: The Hideout is known for giving back to the working person, and the Soup and Bread fundraiser is encouraging all those attending to pitch in as well. The hat will be passed around while you enjoy your soup and is encouraged that you make a donation to help give back to those Chicagoans in need.

Windy City Social is known for throwing some top-notch parties and this event should be no exception. It’s a pre-party for Special Olympics Chicago’s Polar Plunge, an event where 1,500 spectators watch while over 1,000 “Plungers” and suspend all reason for a few hours while they raise money for extraordinary Special Olympics Chicago Athletes. There will be no jumping in the lake at the pre-party, but guest will get: Three drink tickets good for draft beer or sponsored Three Olives Vodka cocktails, light appetizers from Roti, mini-chair massages and make-up touch-ups from ElleHomme Med Spa, chocolate covered strawberries from The Melting Pot and a fashion show. We have some great local models and nightlife hotties that will be showing you the latest and greatest ways to look stylish while you take a leap into freezing water for a fabulous cause!

Insider Info: The VIP ticket is definitely the way to go. For only $45 /$55 at the door, you not only get the ticket to the event, but also either a 60-minute massage or facial from ElleHomme Med Spa – each service is valued at $120. If you go VIP, you’ll have to attend the event to get the certificate. Oh yes, the fashion show-- it will feature local models and nightlife hotties D.C. Crenshaw from Game Time Dine and 24 / 7, Justin Jacobson the man behind Platinum Events and Michelle Reed, host of The Happy Channel.

You and your gal pals have something to do for V-day: come out to The Red Canary this week to enjoy a classy dinner centered around the celebration of Valentine's Day. If you bring three friends, you get a complimentary bottle of champagne!  In addition to the bubbly, they will be offering specialty desserts and a host of beauty products and services from their sponsors.  If you've never been to The Red Canary before, you'll be in for a treat!  This gastro-lounge is a quaint, 1920's-esque spot that sets to mood with red satin and dim chandelier lights.  This intimate space will give you and your gal pals something to celebrate this V-Day!

Insider Info:  Want to know what the coolest part of this event is?  A portion of the proceeds will go to the Big Love Little Hearts foundation. This is such a great cause, because they help children with heart defects find the care that they truly need. What a perfect result of such a delightful event!  Another fantastic aspect of this evening will be the jazz performance by singer Lisa Roti--a woman who has toured the world over.

The global launch of blowing kisses to cities around the world makes its triumphant return to the Windy City this Thursday as Chicagoans come together to share their love for the city they love. Join each other as you'll have the chance to write your own love letter to praise Chicago, while in the company of local music artists performing live. As the event takes place at EP Theater, artwork, paper goods and t-shirts will be on display constructed by local artists for purchase. If that wasn't enough, a tip beer and wine bar will be open the whole night for your enjoyment! For more information on the event check out the official blog.

Insider Info: The EP Theater is located in the heart of the Pilsen/Little Village neighborhood and is surrounded by good eats and entertainment. Twenty five percent of the proceeds generated this year at the "Blowing Kisses" event will benefit the Haiti Relief Fund! For a list of future events at the EP Theater visit their website.

Ladies, come to this class at Ciclo Urbano and never have to worry about calling your brother to ask how to fix something on your bike ever again. Born from boredom with this very scenario, the Women and Trans night (open to women and transsexuals only) will teach you everything you need to know about your bike. Sixty dollars gets you three consecutive Sunday classes that according to the site teach you everything from how to fix a flat to learning how to set up your own brakes. Attendees will walk away with knowledge of bike-fixing terms and tools. Walk in knowing next to nothing and leave saying, "That was so easy!"

Insider Info: Check out Ciclo's other bike workshops, some of which are open to children. They aim to get kids on bikes and in a youth program. Other workshops are open to everyone who want to learn more about building, fixing and taking care of their bikes.

Winter in Chicago would be nothing without Bears football, but with the season finished and baseball spring training just a few weeks away, Harry Carey's Tavern is throwing a skating party at Wrigley Field! Chicagoans have had the opportunity to lace up the skates at Wrigley for much of the winter but your chances are winding down. To end the skating year the folks at Harry Carey's Tavern will be providing hot chocolate, alcohol and bottomless bowls of chili to warm up your winter! Come join in on the fun for an hour of ice-skating on the "Friendly Confines" and enjoy the festivities afterward. For more information on Harry's Skating Party visit the official website.

Insider Info: All guests must pre-register to attend the event @ Player Sports Groups. $30 tickets give participants ice skate rental, hot chocolate, hot toddies, draft beers and bottomless chili. Also the Tavern will have 1/2 off "Holy Cow" Burger Bar, $2 Corona and Corona Light, Pacifico bottles, and $5 O Bombs. Last but not least at the end of the night one lucky participant will have the chance to win tickets to "Harry's Blackhawk Bonanza."

If you’ve tried yoga before, you know that sometimes it can be a bit difficult to do alone. Some of the poses can be complicated (especially for those of us who aren’t particularly flexible naturally), and sometimes you’re not sure if you’re doing them the right way. The AcroYoga Fundamentals class works to help this by having participants work with a partner. AcroYoga features not only yoga, but also combines it with acrobatics and Thai massage. This class promises to be an interesting twist for all yoga lovers.

Insider Info: If you’ve never done yoga, you may want to sit this one out: participants in this class are requested to be familiar with yoga. However, Bloom Yoga Studio has many other classes that may be better suited for beginners.  Pre-registration is also required, so be sure to reserve your space if you decide to attend.

Valentine’s Day is all about your love for other people, but what happened to your love for yourself? Women empowerment organization Madly in Love with Me is working to break the cycle of low self esteem, self-criticism and exhaustion, and they will present the perfect Valentine’s Day pick-me-up: an afternoon of reconnection and self love. Madly in Love with Me has partnered with Chicago life coaches and personal care experts to provide a playful and refreshing experience. You’ll learn how to love and express yourself freely and how to put yourself first every day.

Insider Info: After your afternoon of empowerment, you can network with your fellow empowered sisters at a complimentary cocktail event. There will also be a Girls Night Out at 7:00 p.m., but details have yet to be posted.

It’s time to dig out those ‘80s, puffy-sleeved wedding dresses and powder blue tuxes and head over to the Field Museum for free admission and celebration. You don’t have to be attached to take advantage of this offer - all men, women and children dressed in wedding day duds are welcome! (So much opportunity for creativity here, people!) In celebration of such a spectacle, the museum will host a reception at 2:30 p.m. in Stanley Field Hall, complete with champagne and wedding cake. And, as an added bonus, all guests will have a chance to win prizes like round-trip airline tickets and hotel stays.

Insider Info: Why would the museum pull such an odd publicity stunt? To promote The Nature of Diamonds, the newly refurbished Grainger Hall of Gems and the new and unique proposal method at the Grainger Hall. If you’re looking to pop the question at the museum you can now use a dedicated case with lighting designed to showcase a diamond ring. The case matches the other cases in the gallery, so it will be a nice surprise for your special gal or guy. They’ll even make a small placard with a personal message to take as a memento. The fee for this experience and a champagne toast is $350. However, you can add on “upgrades” for additional dollars.

Are you ready to laugh out loud with a musical spoof about American radio host and political commentator, Rush Limbaugh, at Second City? The same team that came together to create Rod Blagojevich Superstar will grace the stage to present the world premiere of Rush Limbaugh! The Musical. The show will open on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 and run every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m and every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. until March 24, 2010. The show will feature parodies of several Broadway musicals and over dramatized depictions of the people Limbaugh surrounds himself with. Tickets can be reserved by phone at 312-337-3992 or on secondcity.com. Premium seats can be purchased by contacting the box office.

Insider Info: Mark Sutton, the actor playing Rush Limbaugh in the musical will be writing about his in character experience in a blog on Second City's main website. If you want to know about what goes into believably acting as another person, you'll really enjoy it. So check it out!