Things to do this weekend: Dec 7-9

This week's Shoot Out picture comes to us from Flick user sfmoe. It's taken from inside the Brewster Apartments (a.k.a. The Lincoln Park Palace) at 2800 N Pine Grove. See more Shoot Out photos and find out how to add your own here.

Here are some things to do this weekend.

FRIDAY

AROUND TOWN - Clark by the Park Holiday Shop & Stroll
Clark Street comes alive for the holidays as shops stay open late, Ald. Vi Daley lights a towering Christmas tree and carolers spread cheer from block to block. Santa Claus also will be on hand, while other attractions include refreshments and the "The World's Most Valuable Christmas Tree." The precious tree, which is made from five pounds of 18-karat gold and adorned with 250 carats of diamonds, will be unveiled and auctioned off to benefit the American Cancer Society at a later date. 5–9pm. Clark St between Armitage and Diversey Aves (773-880-5200). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Armitage. Bus: 8 Halsted, 73 Armitage. FREE!

ART & DESIGN - Empty Bowls
Help First Slice Pie Café raise money for Heartland Alliance, The Night Ministry, American Indian Center Youth Program and Howard Area Alternative High School by participating in this nationwide fundraiser to fight hunger. Admission includes the purchase of a handmade bowl and a generous serving of soup and bread. 6-9pm. Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N Ravenswood Ave (773-769-4226, lillstreet.com). El: Brown to Montrose. Bus: 50 Damen, 78 Montrose. $20.

DANCE - Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble: Voices Project 
This evening is more “danz” than “theatre.” In collaboration with Paul Braille of the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, CDE core members Ellyzabeth Adler, Morgan Christiansen, Beth Czechanski and Lindsey Marks adapt writings by Chicagoans about their concepts of home into multidisciplinary performance pieces. Links Hall, 3435 N Sheffield Ave at Clark St (773-281-0824, linkshall.org). El: Red to Addison. Bus: 22 Clark (24hrs), 152 Addison. 8pm; $15, $10 seniors and students.

FILM - The Lodger at Block Cinema
Master of the keyboards David Drazin will tickle the ivories for a special screening of the silent Hitchcock thriller The Lodger, in which a copper starts to suspect that he knows the identity of a serial killer stalking the women of London. Block Cinema Northwestern University, Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston (847-491-4000). El: Purple to Foster. Metra: Union Pacific N to Davis. Fri 7 at 8pm. $10, students, staff, seniors and members $7.

MUSIC - Up Close and Personal Tour with Chris Brown + Bow Wow + Shop Boyz + Soulja Boy + Lil Mama
Neo-soul prodigy Chris Brown is growing up, which means he may see more money on the big screen than he does in music. But before he totally gives in to the acting bug, he's still hitting the road in support of his second album Exclusive. Also on the bill is fellow boy to man Bow Wow and Chicago-born but Atlanta-raised overnight sensation Souljah Boy. 7:30pm. Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd; Rosemont, IL.  847-635-6601. El: Blue to Rosemont, connect to Pace 221. $39.75–$69.75.

GAY & LESBIAN - The Pink Party
Kudos to musician Ripley Caine for kickin' out the queer jams at her monthly event for queer singer/songwriters. Tonight's she joined by Chelsea Z, Plaid and Plaid and none other than Chicago's own Mr. Scott Free. Dress in pink, it's the theme! Red Line Tap, 7006 N Glenwood Ave at Lunt Ave (773-338-9862). El: Red to Morse. 9pm, $5.

SATURDAY

AROUND TOWN - SantaCon Chicago 2007
This massive Santa gathering draws on the spirit of the season, with a dash of spontaneity thrown into the mix: The whole city has been invited to show up dressed as Claus and march with the group to a few watering holes for drinks and some hell raising. The Santarchy holiday tradition is an international phenomenon—started in San Francisco in 1994—although it graces the streets of Chicago for the second time. Santas, meet in the hotel bar. 2pm. Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 S Michigan Ave between Congress Dr and Harrison St (register at santaconchicago.com; santa@santaconchicago.com). El: Red to Harrison. FREE!

ART & DESIGN - Holiday Open Studios
Enjoy panettone and eggnog while browsing unique gifts made by 35 artists. Noon-6pm. East Bank Artist Studios, 1200 W 35th St (artistsoftheeastbank.com). Bus: 35 35th, 8 Halsted. FREE!

DANCE - Music and Dance—Josh Berman, Ayako Kato & Jason Roebke
Known collectively as Art Union Humanscape, noted Chicago dancer-choreographer Ayako Kato and bassist Jason Roebke explore the music-dance relationship through sensitive and highly abstract improvisation. Here they are joined by cornetist Josh Berman in the raw, environment at Heaven in Wicker Park. Heaven Gallery, 1550 N Milwaukee Ave between Damen Ave and Honore St (773-342-4597, heavengallery.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. 10pm, donations accepted.

MUSIC - The Redwalls at Metro
Oh, the fickle strategies of major labels. The Redwalls signed to suddenly indie-friendly Capitol for their second album De Nova, but less than two years later they were out on their asses. Luckily the label let them take their completed third album with them, which has made it to the shelves as a self-titled and truly excellent indie release. 7pm. Metro, 3730 N Clark St. 773-549-0203. El: Red to Addison. Bus: 22 Clark (24hrs), 152 Addison. $15.

SUNDAY

AROUND TOWN - Nut Tapper
Inspired tap dancer Reggio "the Hoofer" McLaughlin is the mind behind this annual production, in its eighth year. The show unites Chicago-area dance groups on a single stage for a multicultural, stompin' good time. The cast includes legendary tapper Ernest "Brownie" Brown (McLaughlin's mentor), as well as Flamenca Michelle "La Caoba" Nascimento. 4pm.  Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N Southport Ave at Oakdale Ave (773-935-6860). El: Brown to Wellington. Bus: 9 (24hrs), 11, 76. $15–$25, kids get $5 off.

ART & DESIGN - “Important Design” Auction
Featuring work by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé, George Nakashima, Ron Arad and many more. Noon. Wright, 1440 W Hubbard St (312-563-0020, wright20.com). Bus: 9 Ashland (24hrs), 65 Grand. FREE!

MUSIC - Robbie Fulks' Secret Country at Old Town School
This reportedly will be the last Secret Country show ever, so Mr. Fulks is gonna do it up right with this salute to Southern music pioneers the Carter Family. Also helping out will be Kelly Hogan, Steve Dawson, Scott Ligon, Danny Barnes, Joy Lynn White, Casey Dreissen and Carter Family biographer Charles Hirshberg. 4, 7:30pm. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave. (773-728-6000, oldtownschool.org).  El: Brown to Western. Bus: 11 Lincoln, 49 Western (24hrs). $16-20.