Things to do this weekend: August 21-23

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="513" caption="From Valentino: The Last Emperor"][/caption]

There's only so much that can be done, isn't there? Betsy McCaughey was once widely credited (and, of course, discredited) with sinking the Clinton universal health-care plan by making impeccably false claims. And now she's back, doing her darndest against health care reform, and willing to do battle with Jon Stewart. Those hoping for Cramer Part Deux were disappointed, largely because Cramer at least seems to have ears and could hear Stewart's questions. The whole thing was baffling, unsettling, and just the sort of confrontation that makes us happy to shut off our televisions for the weekend and head out into the city for some rational silliness. Enjoy.

UPDATE: Please note, Art events have been changed to reflect accurate dates.

FRIDAY 21

ART & DESIGN - Public Works Speaker Night #2
Graphic designers Chris Eichenseer (Someoddpilot), Justin Fines (Demo) and Jason Teegarden-Downs (Delicious Design League) continue a great lecture series about running creative, independent businesses. Andrew Rafacz Gallery, 7–10pm. FREE!

COMEDY - Danny Bhoy
Kick it in the 'burbs with this sly and witty Scottish comic. The Improv, 8pm, $17.

MUSIC - Sneaker Pimps: Clipse
Virginia Beach weight pushers spit their tragicomic crack-hop for the sake of selling shoes. Metro, 8pm, $25, 18 and older.

THEATER - Stages 2009
Theatre Building Chicago's annual weekend of works-in-progress presents six new musicals in various stages of development. Theatre Building Chicago, 7:30pm, single ticket $15, festival pass $30.

FILM - Sixteen Candles
Honor the memory of John Hughes with a midnight show of the film that made us love Molly Ringwald. It was a brief
affair. We really ought to give her a call one of these days. Music Box, midnight, $9.25.

SATURDAY 22

ART & DESIGN - “(Astral) Projections”
Joe Grimm and Ben Russell turn hacked 16mm projectors into light and sound installations. Vega Estates, 6–10pm. FREE!

MUSIC - Solillaquists of Sound
No doubt the heady Florida hip-hop crew will find a comfortable reception in the free-spirited local rap landscape carved out by indie imprints All Natural and Galapagos4. Subterranean, 9:30pm, $10, 17 and older.

THEATER - Cool as Ice Cream SocialFor one night only, the Neos bring back this summer's It Came From the Neo-Futurarium opener, a reading of 1991's Vanilla Ice vehicle Cool as Ice. Dina Connolly rocks your mike like a vandal in the title role. Show up at 7pm for a pre-show ice cream reception. Neo-Futurarium, 8pm, $25.

COMEDY - John OliverThe Daily Show correspondent and Brit jokester delivers diatribes with a political slant. Lakeshore Theater, 7:30pm, 10:30pm; $20.

BOOKS – Windy City Story Slam
The city's rowdiest, and most egalitarian, reading series returns to its roots at the Q4 gallery tonight, featuring a slew of poets, storytellers and Chicago characters. Quennect 4, 8pm. $5.

SUNDAY 23

ART & DESIGN - Sunday Soup Brunch

Gitte Bog, who's completing a residency at ThreeWalls, revives InCUBATE's tasty artists' talks. Orientation Center, Noon–2pm. $10.

MUSIC - Pearl Fest: Nona Hendryx + Dianne Reeves
The 15th anniversary of the Little Black Pearl workshop is celebrated with supersized talent, including Labelle’s Nona Hendryx and jazz diva Dianne Reeves. Mandrake Park, 900 E Pershing Road at Ellis Ave. Bus: 4 Cottage Grove (24hrs), 39 Pershing Road, 11am–10pm, FREE!

FILM -Valentino: The Last Emperor
You don’t have to be a fan of high fashion to enjoy this doc about the fashion designer. It’s great fun just as a portrait of a prima donna and his eternally patient lover and business partner. It’s a love story, folks. Just one with hissy fits and fashion. Gene Siskel Film Center, 3:15, 5:15pm; $9, students $7, members $5.

DANCE - Trinity Academy of Irish Dance: Passion
Founded by two-time Emmy Award–winning choreographer Mark Howard, the Trinity Academy of Irish Dance is one of the most renowned Irish dance programs worldwide. Included in this performance lineup is Peter Dziak, the Villa Park 11-year-old and 2009 North American Irish Dance Championship silver medalist. Field Museum, South
Lakefront Trail, 4pm. $20, kids ages 3–11 $15, kids under 3 free.

SHOPPING - Caroline DeVillo Sample Sale
Times may be tough, but brides still don't want to resort to Grandma's puritanical lace confection on the big wedding day. At the Caroline DeVillo two-day sample sale, scurry to get the couture dress of your dreams for 30–70% off. Caroline DeVillo Couture Bridal, 11am–4pm. FREE!