That scariest day of the year is almost upon us.
Good guess but no, we aren’t referring to Halloween. We’re talking about good ol’ November 2, the day that will determine the subject of our dinner party conversations for the next four years. Whatever the outcome, you’re going to need a stiff drink either way. Here’s a heads-up on some worthy Tuesday night bashes:
HotHouse
Election Night Party: Step up and Step Out
31 E. Balbo; 6 p.m.; $10; 21+
Chicago Indymedia and Third Coast Press join forces at this event at HotHouse. Grab a cushy booth and “keep an eye on unfolding election coverage through both network news and Internet sources, celebrate the momentum of U.S. progressive political movements since the dawn of the Bush era, and sample a smorgasbord of local live music, political art, spoken-word poetry, political satire and local fare.” The organizers aim to throw "the party of the decade, during the election of the century." Music by Rebecca F (folk/rock), StarPeople (hiphop/reggae), PAL (punk), and the Chariots (emo); screenings of provocative new film shorts from producers that include the Guerilla News Network and Street Level Youth Media; other artists and entertainers include spoken-word poet Triple Black, recently featured on Def Jam Poetry. Info at http://www.hothouse.net.
Schubas
A Night of Apocalyptic Possibilities
3159 N. Southport; 6 p.m.; free; 18+
Check out DVD screenings of “pARTicipation” (a just-completed documentary about Chicago’s Interchange Festival, which includes performances by Andrew Bird, Bobby Conn, Diverse, Tortoise, The M’s and more) and “Fahrenheit 9/11” in the early evening, followed by live band rock n’ roll karaoke with The Karaoke Dokies…perform your musical faves, both political and non, with a live band in front of the election on the big screen. Info at http://www.schubas.com.
Piece
Election Night Party
1927 W. North Ave.; 6 p.m.; no cover
Grab a piece of pie then pick your poison: Piece brews are $2, well drinks will run you $3.
Joe's Bar
Bush V. Kerry Party
940 W. Weed; free; 21+
All flat and plasma TVs in the front bar will be tuned in to election night coverage; the jumbo 10-foot screens will tune in to different networks, “just in case they disagree again on the outcome.” Imagine that. You can also check the results on your very own 13-inch TV, located in each booth. Drown your sorrows or celebrate with a Kerry Cosmopolitan, Blue Elephant or Apple Nader-tini, at $5 each. Show your support for your candidate of choice with $3 Texas Lone Stars or $3 Sam Adams Boston Lager bottles.
Park West
Vote Then Rock
322 W. Armitage; 7 p.m.; free
Now that the days of the Rock the Vote blitz are behind us, it’s time to Vote Then Rock. This first-come, first-served concert requires a voter receipt for entry, so, obviously, you have to vote to rock. Performers include DJs Jesse De La Pena, Madrid and Dayhota, along with Poi Dog Pondering. Election results play on the big screen.
Neo-Futurarium
Election Night 2004
5153 N. Ashland; 7:30 p.m.; $10 or pay-what-you-can
A night of “agonizing suspense” with the creators of the always socially and politically-minded “Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind.” Live results are paired with the expert, state-by-state commentary of the Neo-Futurists. Additional performances by Theater Oobleck and Hell in a Handbag Productions.
Handlebar
Election Night Extravaganza!!!
2311 W. North Ave.; 6 p.m.
“Be with the people” for a laugh performance, fire spinning dancers, drumming and political karaoke. Scheduled performers include Mrs Rao's Growl, Spunn, Jeni Swerdlow, Environmental Encroachment and K.A.R.A.O.K.E. Poets and musicians can voice their opinions at the 9:30 p.m. open mic. Election viewing, of course, in the basement. Sponsored by Chicago art group Anti-Gravity. Info at http://www.handlebarchicago.com.
Cans
Election Night + Americana
1640 N. Damen; 21+
Celebrate your American pride at Cans. Show off your voter registration card (we’d encourage you to use it, as well—your “I Voted” sticker will get you a free beer) and feast on homegrown eats like mac ‘n’ cheese, apple pie, election coverage and political comedies playing. Info at http://www.cansbar.com.
SWK
Prix-Fixe Election Menu
710 N. Wells; $60, $80 with wine pairings
Looking for a more elegant way to commemorate the big day? SWK’s election night menu is one for the history books. John Kerry’s Amuse, a mini lobster roll with brioche, kicks the night off, followed by George Bush’s sweet corn, orange marmalade and crawfish soup. Munch on Teresa Heinz Kerry's Boston bibb lettuce, baby pear, bacon, red onions and walnut salad (appropriately dressed in a Heinz vinaigrette). Show your political affiliation when it counts: when choosing your entree. Picks include venison osso bucco with Bush's baked beans or Maine lobster cakes with New England clam chowder. Apple pie caps it all off. A laptop at the bar will keep diners in-the-know as the evening progresses.
