I have certainly fallen off the wagon and almost off the face of the earth during the last couple of weeks, working like a Hebrew slave to close a complex low-income housing tax credit deal, while also fulfullling my duties as a "Maid" of Honor at my girlfriend's Nigerian-American wedding.  But, that didn't stop me from getting out and enjoying some of the holiday weekend!  I hope you did the same and that you didn't miss out on the vibrant bundle of festive energy, commonly known as the African Festival of the Arts!  The art, the crafts, great food and festive folk made for a great fest, but, Rachelle Farrelle was certainly the highlight in my book!  She really rocked the park Sunday night!!!

The Windy City Wine Festival will give you ample opportunity for outdoor revelry during the weekend on the Daley Bicentennial Plaza!  "This festival brings more than 250 fine wines from across the globe! Chicago will become an epicurean's delight as guests stroll through the park enjoying live music and indulging their palates with outstanding wine varieties of the highest character, presented by 45 vendors throughout the world. To complement the wine's finish, many of the Chicago area's finest restaurants will serve gourmet specialties."  (www.WindyCityWineFestival.com)  Enjoy wine (duh), live cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, top notch food from some of Chicago's well-known restaurants and live music.  There's even a special designated driver package!  

You also still have time to catch Millennium Park Morning Fitness (Saturday mornings through September 27th); 61st Street Farmers Market (Saturdays through October 25th); Bronzeville Community Market (Sundays through October 26th); Musician's Network Mecca Jam at the Museum Shores Inner Harbor (Mondays through); and, Tuesdays on the Terrace (through September 30th), this week featuring Greg Ward. 

Step inside and enjoy a night of cool house with Osunlade on Friday night.  Or put on your black tie and support the eta Creative Arts Foundation at their Annual Benefit Gala, honoring TV personality Merri Dee, publisher Dorothy Leavell, author/actor Hill Harper, corporate executive Greg Hinton and motivational speaker Taylor Moore.  Or get history lesson during Ida: In Her Own Words, a book signing and reading of the new book by Michelle Duster that features the writing of her great-grandmother.   For the ladies, Flirty Girl Fitness offers its Crave Party - an exclusive, festive, glam-gal gathering of fun, entertainment, personal pampering, specialty shopping, sippin' & noshin' and just hanging with the girls.  Or, give Nation Beat a try, as they perform during the World Music Series at the Old Town School of Folk Music.  This series continues on Wednesdays through October 22 - and it's free (but, you should contribute the $5 suggested donation).