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Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Thursday Jan 22, 2009.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Lifestyle Feed

1. A Winter Block Party for Chicago's Hip-Hop Arts
Noon-10 p.m. Sunday at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater; free until 6 p.m. (7 p.m. discussion costs $15)
This day-long event showcases all aspects of Chicago's hip-hop culture, from music (performances from DJs Itch13 and Issues, and an open-mic showcase featuring Idris Goodwin and Poetry Slam champ Roger Bonair-Agrad) to art (Revise CMW will create a live mural, and there will be a gallery exhibition with works for sale from local artists) to politics (the day closes with a 7 p.m. ticketed discussion featuring William "Upski" Wimsatt, former graffiti artists and author of Bomb the Suburbs).

2. 23rd Annual Chicago Young Playwrights Festival
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday at Pegasus Players; $12
When it comes to new work and new playwrights, Pegasus has the newest. Now in its 23rd year, the Young Playwrights Festival is a citywide, school-based program that takes hundreds of high-school kids and causes them to create hundreds of scripts. Four are selected by judges, and are performed by Pegasus actors. Sure, the work tends to smell of adolescence, but unlike a lot of playwrights out there, these kids have an iron-clad excuse. Show up to see bright young minds, slightly older theater artists helping them along and audience members supporting an amazing educational program.

3. Disco Biscuits, RJD2, Prefuse 73
8 p.m. Saturday at the Congress Theater; $25-$49.50
Are you a former jam-fan who's found life beyond Phish? Do you think music made with only guitars and drums is soo last century? If so, this showcase of top electronic artists is for you. Headliners the Disco Biscuits have been creating their electro-jam fusions for years, and recently have begun to add elements of hip-hop to their serious grooves. RJD2 and Prefuse 73 know a thing or two about that genre; RJ's 2002 album, Deadringer, is considered a modern classic for beatheads (though he's actually turned to singing and instrument-playing in his recent work), and Prefuse's glitchy soundscapes have been rapped over by MCs like local standout Diverse. Expect a head-nodding night.

4. Chicago Motion Graphics Festival
Through Sunday at various locations in the Loop; see website for ticket details
This downtown fest showcases the very latest in motion-picture design with screenings, studio tours, art showcases and more. One of its biggest features is Imagination College; attend this "school" and collaborate with others in the field of media art during 14 classes and 10 panels. Classes take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. We're also excited about the Chicago Motion Graphics Screening, 6:30-9 p.m. Friday at the Chicago Cultural Center's Claudia Cassidy Theater; it features works from artists like Nine Inch Nails, David Byrne, Chuck D and more.

5. Second Annual Chicago Originals Restaurant Week
Sunday through Saturday, January 30 (also February 1-5)
Restaurant Week next month, why not warm up with an affordable meal at one of Chicago's favorite independent restaurants? Starting Sunday, you can get a specially priced meal ($24.09 for lunch and $29.09 for dinner) at several eateries, including Cyrano's Bistro & Wine Bar, Cafe Matou and Prosecco.

Looking for more to do this weekend? Visit the Sun-Times' new Our Town blog.