Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and what better way to start the festivities than with a dose of Cranberries? Tart and sassy, the Cranberries (both edible and musical) are a side dish of the Gods.  Of course we'll save the food for Thursday, because the Cranberries I'm lusting after are straight out of Ireland and have a much longer shelf life than anything that tastes great with poultry.  Dolores O'Riordan has a voice straight out of every memory of 1993, but she's bringing more to the table than ever before.  Her live show is still one of epic proportions and really... who doesn't love a little Linger now and again?

Insider Info:  The Riv is mostly general seating, but for anyone that might wanna rest the old bones, definitely head for the seating in the Balcony.  For some cheap Thai food before and/or after the show, check out Thai Uptown, located at 4621 N. Broadway Ave (between Clifton Ave & Leland Ave).  This show is also featuring all original seven members of the Cranberries reunited for the first time in seven years, so this is a great way to start off your holiday weekend!

I tend to wear earplugs at most shows. I’m old and could care less what the young pups think of me. Now, I know it’s not the most popular thing to do, but I would highly recommend bringing a pair along with you to this show. So make me and your mom proud and head out to the Bottom Lounge on Monday, earplugs in hand, for a night of aneurysm-inducing, unadulterated merriment and revelry. Frontwoman Yasuko Onuki and guitarist Ichirou Agata compete in their live performances for who can offer the most high-pitched, shrieking, frenetic, primordially crushing spectacle. If that doesn’t sound like the perfect way to spend your post-Thanksgiving Monday night, well, you just aren’t the person I thought you were when I married you.

Insider Info: Melt-Banana's live album, out on November 3, features the vocals of Yasuko O, but not the unique guitar arrangements of Ichirou Agata, hence the "Melt-Banana Lite" in the title. If Agata's your thing, pick up one of their many other albums instead. Sick of turkey? Head to the show early and grab some grub from the Bottom Lounge kitchen. They have comfy booths, amiable waitresses, and absolutely delicious french fries.

Everyone knows the song “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…,” but how would you like to sing it at the top of your lungs with other “Sound of Music” lovers? After gorging yourself with turkey, head over to The Music Box Theatre for a full-screen Technicolor sing-a-long of the classic Julie Andrews musical. Audience members will receive a “magic moments” pack that contains all of the props needed to complete the experience, and on’t worry: the host will show you how to use the props.  After a pre-screening vocal warm-up, just follow the subtitles and enjoy the show!

Insider Info: Just like Rocky Horror, there are certain expectations when attending a “Sound of Music” sing-a-long. The famous fancy-dress competition will be in full force, inviting all costume-clad attendees on stage to show off their ensemble. There are also a few cue words that prompt audience reactions. Remember to boo the Nazis, hiss at the Baroness and cheer when ever you see Maria. And it’s completely kosher to add in a few of your own one-liners.

Another not-to-miss show at Richard Gray Gallery just opened and, since most of us will be on Michigan Ave. a few times in the next few weeks, head up to the Hancock building to see it. Almost everyone recognizes artist Jim Dine’s heart and robe images, but this latest show is personal. Old Me, Now consists of twenty recent self portraits. Dine has been a major player since the 60s, working in painting, sculpture and drawing, and he’s used himself as a subject several times. This latest body of work is an expertly drafted, intimate and sincere look at aging as well as character.

Insider Info: The gallery has produced a full color catalogue published by Steidl for this exhibition. When galleries go through the time, effort and money to put together a real catalogue, you know that the artist is a big deal and the gallery considers them worth their salt. Plus, buying the catalogue is a super inexpensive way to take work home with you, especially by an artist like Dine, whose work is in major museums and private collections around the world.

Family in town this weekend and not sure what to do? Take advantage of the special Thanksgiving performance schedule of Million Dollar Quartet, the little-musical-that-could that literally brings to life the original kings of rock n’ roll. About an actual 1956 jam session between Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, this show is more than just four guys singing old songs. The extremely talented cast, especially Levi Kreis’ ivory-tickling Jerry Lee Lewis, goes beyond impersonation and is an absolute blast for fans and non-fans alike.

Insider Info: The show recently announced that it will be heading to Broadway in spring of 2010 – so make sure to catch it before it leaves (and likely takes its cast with it). If you can’t make the show, catch a live performance from the cast during Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on WGN this Thursday. For a taste of what the show's all about, check out this video.

A Christmas Variety show set in 1977, 'The David Bowie Hepzikat Funky Velvet Flarney Solstice Spectacular, Live...From Space!' (Or David Bowie's Christmas Special 1977 Network Edit) is ready to take you on a glitter-infused ride of a lifetime. The play is based on a Christmas Special that never happened, with Bowie as the host and enough star-studded appearances to light any Christmas tree. This year's performance will bring us appearances by a faux Mick Jagger, Annie Lenox, Iggy Pop, Charo and more! The play is pure comedy but is also chock full of song and dance. There will be recognizable tunes from the glam, rock and roll, punk days of the late 70s mixed in with a little bit of the Christmas classics.

Insider Info: From the looks of the play reviews, attendees are in for a trip and laughter on this ride. From a Bowie battle between the host and a glitter-throwing doppelganger to the singing ghost of Freddie Mercury, the audience reports being in stitches the entire performance of this screwball, giddy, feel-good comedy. For a limited time, discounted tickets are available for half the price.

Enjoy homemade soul food, made with love for you and your loved ones at the Weathington-Dismukes' first, but soon to be annual, fundraising soul food dinner. The menu includes classic dishes such as Chitterlings and Short Ribs, but doesn't lack on the dessert either. Sweet dishes like banana pudding and sweet potato pie will also be served. For questions and carry-out orders, leave a message at 1-888-858-4996.

Insider Info: Haven't got a clue what a 'chitterling' is? Or maybe you'd just like to learn how to prepare them yourself? Regardless of your foodie quest, if you're new to soul food, the best place to start is the mecca of southern cooking. Soul Food Online is full of recipes, history and a store that offers cookbooks specializing in classic soul food dishes.

Looking for a modern-day way to channel the experience of the very first Thanksgiving? The Spirit of Chicago has the perfect event for just that. Only, unlike the original Pilgrims you’ll be heading away from shore out to Lake Michigan for a Dinner Cruise. This event is perfect for anyone who wants to take part in an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner but without having to go through all the messy prep work.  This dinner cruise will feature a traditional Thanksgiving menu and there will also be live entertainment and a DJ on board as well. In addition to being a stress-free way to spend the holiday, the Spirit of Chicago cruise is a great way to impress any out-of-towners coming in for Thanksgiving, as they will be able to see the Chicago skyline at its very best!

Insider Info:This cruise costs $65.90 for adults, but feel free to bring the kids too-tickets are half-price for them! Be sure to make your reservations early though, as there is only a certain amount of space on the ship. Also, if you’d like to take part in a Spirit of Chicago cruise but already have Thanksgiving dinner plans, they’re offering a Day After Thanksgiving cruise too! This would also be a great event to bring any visitors to. If for some reason Chicago weather shows its unpredictable and sometime volatile nature on Thanksgiving Day, the dinner will be held dockside and you’ll still be able to experience the great view of the skyline at night!

There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than at River North’s Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party, hosted by the River North Business Association (RNBA). The holiday celebration features a live pianist from The Redhead Piano Bar, as well as Dickens-era carolers and a classic cocktail bar presented by Templeton Rye whiskey. The River North Business Association was founded in 1981 and quickly became a force in the community, representing businesses and providing member services to help them succeed. The RNBA hopes to preserve a community environment that will provide a high quality of life for all who live, work and visit River North.

Insider Info: There will be opportunities to win a variety of prizes, including weekend packages featuring tickets to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, and event passes and hotel stays.  Passed appetizers and an open bar are included in the price of admission to this event. If you so desire, you'll also be able to have your picture taken in the winter wonderland photo booth. Don't forget your free delicious gift from Ricci & Company, a local highly rated company who makes delicious roasted nuts!

Chicago is the home of house music, so what better way to celebrate Chicago than a big house-party bash?  The venue is a massive warehouse and is designed to cater to your every need: VIP areas, funky furniture, complimentary drinks, and delicious food. The DJ lineup is impressive, with French DJ Dim Chris and Chicago classics Ron Carrol, Victor R, and Funky Couture. The event offers free drinks for a full two hours from 9-11 p.m. and Italian pasta and appetizers to complement.  After all the free treats disappear, premium drinks and shots are only five dollars! Cheap drinks are going to come in handy when you’re dancing in the full 8000 square feet, get hot and need to cool down. You’ll get your dance on with the amazing sound and light system the people at Private Warehouse Loft plan on having ready for you!

Insider Info: Tickets are meant to be $40 at the door but there is a special for Chi Guide readers for $25. To get your discount tickets click here and look for The Chi Guide link! If you plan on making this a super bash with your friends, bottle service is priced at $150 but you get your own booth and staffers to help you drink you bottle of spirits.  There is also a charity aspect to the event in that if you bring a canned good for donation, you get a free drink or shot.  It’s a great deal, so don’t forget to do you part!

This is the fourth installment of Imerman Angels' annual holiday party. This year's event will held high atop the city, among Chicago's beautiful skyline at The Mid-America Club on the 80th floor of the Aon Building.  The event will feature an open bar, light appetizers and a special DJ and dance performance by Platinum Events.

Insider Info: Last month I produced a Stand-Up Comedy show in River North and chose Imerman Angels as the benefiting charity. Imerman Angels is a wonderful organization that pairs up cancer survivors with cancer fighters.  Imerman Angels partners a person fighting cancer with someone who has beaten the same type of cancer. One-on-one relationships give a fighter the chance to ask personal questions and get support from someone who is uniquely familiar with their experience. The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world.  Founder Jonny Imerman attends as many benefit events as possible and always delivers passionate and inspiring speeches to attendees.

If you talk to any of the Chicago house-heads who were around for the Chicago hey-day of house music, there are two words you are sure to hear: Red Dog. Red Dog was a dance music Mecca.  It was a huge warehouse style club in Wicker Park and one of the first places you could go to hear real underground house music. To this day it is the one club that ex-ravers are quick to wax-poetic about.  It was one of those rare spaces that between the ambiance, sound quality, line-up and crowd was juuuust right. Flash forward ten years later, and Ohm night club is inhabiting the historic Red Dog space. That is, until flyers mysteriously began appearing online, marking November 28, 2009 as the re-opening of Red Dog at the Ohm address. House music legend Denis Ferrer is set to play the opening, but any details other than that seem to be kept under-wraps!

Insider Info: According to the enigmatic flyer, this party is scheduled to happen every Saturday night. And according to the manager of Ohm, the night club isn't leaving but rather having a Red Dog party each Saturday night. Regardless, a Red Dog party is sure to bring out some familiar (but aged) faces of house music past.

The roads of Uptown are about to be filled with some seasonal cheer. Get some exercise after this week's food-full festivities by taking a brisk stroll through Uptown while viewing some holiday scenery. The path will be paved with beautiful and unique winter-wreaths. Many different groups within the community have personally decorated wreaths which will be on display for this walk.

Insider Info: In addition to the walk (which will be mapped out on the official website and available to download by November 28), several businesses lining the path of the walk will be offering sales. Fifty businesses are participating and if you can't make it to the walk, you can still catch some good deals. Many of the sales will be going on through the holidays and the wreaths will still be on view, so you've got all season to take in the cheer! If you have difficulty downloading the map or would like more information, contact the Chamber for Uptown at 773-878-1184.

Sheila Kelly, creator of the S Factor pole dance workout, lives to help women gain confidence in their bodies through an innovative workout class. The class combines pilates, yoga, pole dancing and ballet in a comprehensive way. This is the perfect way to prepare for a Christmas gift for your special someone and give them a taste of your new moves. Maybe even buy a sequin halter and bottoms so you can dress to impress! This class fee is now discounted at 50% off so you can get a preview of the entire program. If anything, check out the website to learn about the other products and services available at S Factor.

Insider Info: To get the 50% discount, enter "Thanksgiving" into the coupon code online when registering or mention the Thanksgiving special when calling to enroll for class. Also, you can click here to learn about why Sheila created the program, you may have already heard some of her ideas as she has been featured on Oprah to talk about pole dancing more than once.  The idea of pole dancing as taboo is her main motivation, her goal is to bring out the beauty of the dance--which is often hidden beneath stigma.

Do you ever get midnight cravings of the non-traditional sort? Do you like to drink coffee at midnight or clean your house in the middle of the night? Maybe you’ll get an urge for some vigorous exercise and a little relaxation at midnight this time. If so, then you’re in luck because there is a Midnight Yoga class available on December 4. Switch up your routine with some live sitar and didgeridoo while you gain a deeper understanding of your body. Afterward, you can sip on wine and enjoy some cheese with your classmates.

Insider Info: Preregistration is required. Reserve your spot here. Be aware that cancellations will not be refunded unless they are made 24 hours in advance and you willonly receive a studio credit rather than your payment. One isn't supposed to eat before yoga classes so afteward, if all the poses, breathing and concentration have put your stomach into a state of hunger, head over to Cinners, a restaurant that will even the score for the night. Located at 4757 N. Talman, it's just a stone's throw from the studio and is open until 2 a.m.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is presenting its annual 'ZooLights' celebration, covering the entire zoo with almost two million lights. All of the animal exhibits will remain open and the zoo has added a few holiday-themed activities for the whole family. 'Arctic Artists' will give ice sculpture carving demonstrations or families can head over to the Primate House for complimentary craft-making and temporary tattoos. There’s also a musical light show on the South Lawn choreographed to holiday tunes and Santa will be visiting the Kovler Lion House through December 23 (after Santa goes back to the North Pole, the Lion House will host live musical entertainment December 26 though January 3). And since the Zoo is now using LED bulbs, on opening night, the first 500 people to turn in their incandescent holiday lights at the ComdEd table will receive up to two strands of energy efficient LED lights.

Insider Info: The Lincoln Park Zoo will host two Friday Night Lights events to celebrate ZooLights and the holiday season. On December 4, the zoo will host the Polar Bear Party at the Judy Keller Auditorium, teaching children all about the life cycle of the polar bear. On December 11, the auditorium will host an educational talk and penguin-viewing event. Both events are for small children, and parents can attend the events at no charge. Click here to view a slideshow of last year’s ZooLights.

Already a New York Times Best-Seller, Former Vice President Al Gore's latest book, "Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis", picks up where An Inconvenient Truth left off. 'Our Choice' gathers together possible solutions for the environmental problems described in his first book. Al Gore will be at the Chicago Loop Borders store to sign 500 copies of his latest best-selling book.

Insider Info: Get up early and head to Borders because a limited number of wrist bands will be handed out at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. You will need a wristband for access to the noon signing. When you get your book signed, there will be a signature only; no written messages from the former Vice President. Also, no photos are allowed. It might seem like a lot of red tape and restrictions, but you still get to meet Al Gore.

If Black Friday’s rowdy crowds and less-than-impressive door-busters make you squeamish, then head over to the 14th annual Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza for a variety of one of a kind apparel, jewelry and home goods. The Christmas Market will feature over thirty international merchants – many hailing from Germany – selling handcrafted wares and Christmas-related merchandise. The holiday bazaar will also feature plenty of traditional German food vendors and an Oktoberfest–inspired beer tent with plenty of German brews and Gluhwein to go around. Christkindlmarket will be in town from November 27th through December 24th.

Insider Info: Though the market officially kicks off on November 27th at 4 p.m., the 96th annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place on November 25th from 4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The market will also host a ‘preview’ on Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.