Best known as the band that sings that one song...you know the one with the whistling and that cartoon music video all over YouTube, ("Young Folks"), Peter Bjorn and John are as high on the talent charts as they are on the Cool-Swedish-Guy charts. Whether being sampled by Kanye or reaching #5 on Pitchfork's Songs of the Year list in 2006, Peter Bjorn and John's new album, Young Thing, promotes the love of music for all kinds of folks--both young and old. (But older than 18 tonight).

Insider Info: There is a Cubs game today at 1:20 so the Wrigleyville neighborhood will be saturated with Cubs fans who will be out well into the evening. Finding a parking spot could equate to a religious experience on a night like tonight, and God forbid the Cubs lose. Public transportation is your best bet.  

Even if you’ve never heard OK Go’s music, you’ve likely seen their sweet dance moves. Best known in the limelight for their choreographed performance on treadmills (which won them a Grammy award in 2007), OK Go creates infectious power pop that will get the whole crowd dancing.

Insider Info: OK Go originally formed in Chicago. Before they were dancing on treadmills, they were performing choreographed moves on the Chicago cable access show, Chic-a-Go-Go, and cutting their teeth as the house band on the popular Chicago-based radio show, This American Life.

Spring’s hottest single on the Hip Hop charts is Wale’s “Chillin” featuring Lady Gaga. With Gaga’s charm and Wale’s lyrical silky smooth delivery, it's hard not to bob your head to 2009’s hottest new rapper. Wale will be making his Chicago debut this Wednesday at Abbey Pub. Doors open at 8:30 and the show also features a few other up-and-coming artists. Wale has sold out shows across the U.S. and Europe and his Chicago show should be no different.

Insider Info: This show is a guaranteed sell out. You can expect a long line before the doors open at 8:30 so get your tickets NOW, get to 3420 W. Grace early, and prepare for the best rap show you have seen in a while. Wale is the next big rapper and this show will likely be his last intimate one in Chicago. The show will also feature legendary Go-Go Band, UCB, along with Colin Munroe, Mic Terror, Dave Coresh, Bin Laden, DJs Vic Lloyd & Chaise Marcel. The event is also hosted by 1993.

French pop-rocksters, Phoenix, are finally getting some recognition after their stellar Saturday Night Live performance a few weeks ago. They're also about to release a follow up to their criminally underrated debut album, It’s Never Been Like That. They're keeping their schedule busy by heading out on tour with a stop just announced for Chicago on June 13th at Park West.

Insider Info: First off, get these tickets fast, because they’ll sell out soon, especially since they are only $17. Second, go download the song "1901" from Phoenix’s website. It’s a fresh synthesizer-tinged danceable track that will be a mainstay on many playlists this summer.

Ever wonder if those sommeliers in restaurants really know what they're talking about? Do you feel your palate can hang with some of the best? Well here's your chance to find out! Chicago's Best Palate will put some of the city's best sommeliers and chefs to the test. With help from The Local Tourist, the Windy City Wine Guy, Michael Bottigliero, a certified sommelier, will try to stump the palates of some of the best. And for the wine novice, you can play along by tasting the same wines and answering the same questions for a chance to win a special bottle of wine from Eno (of the Hotel Intercontinental) and a framed certificate proclaiming your expertise.

Insider Info: Not only will guests have the opportunity to test their own palates, but they will also get the chance to mix and mingle with some top sommeliers and chefs from Chicago. Scott Tyree (formerly of Tru and Hart Davis Hart Wine Company), Lucas Henning (sommelier of Marcus Samuelson's C-House) and others will be on hand to chat and answer all those questions you never wanted to ask in a restaurant. Even if you don't want to test yourself, just pick which sommelier you think has the best palate and you could win a $50 gift certificate to Eno. 

Alcohol enthusiasts, Rachel and Erin from Lush, are chaperoning a big ol' yellow school bus to take serious beer lovers down to Munster, Indiana for the one and only Dark Lord Day. For those not aware, DLD is the day Three Floyd's Brewery releases their elusive Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout. It's the only day of the year you can get this brew, and the pilgrimage from around the globe means it always sells out. The line for it is just as entertaining as drinking good beer and mingling with other beer enthusiasts over BBQ and live music. Luckily, Lush is providing a designated driver. The package includes a ride from Lush's Halsted location at 11:00 AM with brunch snacks from Twisted Spoke and a return from Munster at 7:00 PM. 

Insider Info:  Call 312-738-1900 or email erin@lushwineandspirits.com with questions or to make a non-refundable reservation with your credit card. This year, Three Floyd's sold Golden Tickets to guarantee one's purchase of Dark Lord.  However, those without a Golden Ticket can still buy the beer by the pint at the brewery, and they can also luck out with bottles if there is more than enough for Golden Ticket holders. The much-anticipated Popsull, the beer baby of Three Floyd's and Dogfish Head brewery, will also be available for purchase. Cue: Family Guy.

Alice Waters, chef of the famous Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California and advocate for locally grown foods, will attend this Saturday's Green City Market. Perfect timing since she's exemplar of the market's vision, it will be days after Earth Day, and it's the first time this year that the market is OUTDOORS. (Sunny and in the 70s so far for Saturday!) You'll find her and the local produce in the Eco-lot of the Notebaert Museum. Waters will be signing her book, The Edible Schoolyard, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM.

Insider Info: Definitely arrive earlier than 10:30 AM for the book signing. Depending if there's a crowd forming, you can at least get dibs on the best produce while waiting. Her book is part biography, but mostly entails how the resulting program, The Edible Schoolyard, developed and became successful. Follow how Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley uses their organic farm and kitchen to teach their students core curriculum, foster awareness of environmental issues, and to feed all the students so no one goes hungry.

Like many of TheChiGuide Weekly readers, I am a strong supporter of the green initiative. I may separate my recyclables from my garbage, but on Earth day, I am not one to go plant a tree (or do anything else that might mess up my manicure). Instead, I will be taking my sustainable self over to the second annual "Renew" at Le Passage. Sponsored by NBC5 and local environmental entrepreneur, Steve Green of GO Green Management, the event will feature delicacies from the Drawing Room and eco-friendly Veev cocktails from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Insider Info: I can’t even list all of the awesomeness that's in the works for this event, so I’ll highlight some of my faves. First, everyone who attends the event will receive a Green Savings Guide Book that includes a free ticket to the Green Festival in May, compliments of MegoGreen. Second, you will also receive a complimentary 100% Organic Tote Bag AND a tree will be planted on your behalf compliments of Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels. Finally, word on the street is Zipcar and Ecopro will supply Designated Drivers to get you home at the events end. Pair these gems with amazing Korean BBQ appetizers and VeeV Ginger Fizz cocktails, and you’re sure to observe Earth Day for many years to come.

A ton of the most popular and highly regarded DJ's can set up shop in less than five minutes--the time it takes to boot up their MacBooks, mess with some plug-ins, and slap on headphones. Is that a real artist at work or just a computer geek with a penchant for beats? It’s hard to say, but the question of talent subsides when you see an artist at work behind the decks, mixing and scratching live. NYC Model-cum-DJ (Miss) Lisa Kensington is bringing her brigade of turntables to do it up right on Tuesday at Stone Lotus.

Insider Info: So you're having trouble justifying a late night on Tuesday with that 8:30 call time on Wednesday morning? That’s fair…unless, like this ChiGuide, you are currently unemployed and looking for ways to maintain your sanity after hours of networking and scouring the internet for job postings. Ok...back to the event...Lisa Kensington is known for her strong house and electronica influences. If you are into more of a rock and hip-hop vibe, Jesse Seely will be in the VIP area downstairs, where entrance is usually open to anyone on a weeknight.

As a person with about 4,200 Facebook friends, I have to say I was intrigued when I heard about Crimson Lounge's Facebook Friends Party this Friday. Hosted by fabulous VIP Hostess, Megan Guritz, Crimson will transform into a live poking and tagging arena for Facebook friends. Guests are encouraged to invite all their Facebook friends and the party with the most friends will win a complimentary stay at the posh rooms at the Hotel Sax. The four largest friend groups will win a $250 gift card (covering bottle service) for Crimson that evening.

Insider Info: So gather your friends and go out for some fun on the town. I may decide to enter too--so get ready Chicago and feel free to recruit me to your party! There is a VIP-hosted bar from 9:00 to 10:00 PM and you must RSVP to get on the list by Tuesday, April 21st. RSVP to mguritz@hotelsaxchicago.com for the guest list.

Named "Best Dance Company" in the Chicago Reader’s "Best of 2009" awards, Chicago Dance Crash brings its trademark mix of breakdance, hip-hop, ballet, modern, and jazz to the all-male show, "Movement/Gentleman." Pieces range from tough-and-sexy to slow-and-beautiful, and in the (very) intimate space of the DCA Theater, you get to see CDC's amazing talent up close and personal. Definitely one of my "can't miss" picks. 

Insider Info: Ladies, it doesn’t hurt that the dancers are all extremely easy on the eyes (especially when performing sans shirts), but even the "me like sports" hetero dude I went with agreed that the show "totally rocked." Because these guys are literally dancing their asses off the entire time, the show is only an hour long, leaving plenty of time for the rest of your night.

The School of the Art Institute’s Fashion Show is Chicago’s own arty version of Fashion Week. This year, SAIC celebrates the Show’s 75th anniversary, now in the recently opened Sullivan Galleries, switching up the usual runway format and showcasing the drama of an art gallery setting. Over 200 innovative garments--all created by students--will be showcased during this multimedia celebration of creative clothing and contemporary art.

Insider Info: A special preview fundraiser, “The Walk 2009,” will be held on April 23, honoring designer and alumna Maria Pinto (BFA 1990), known widely as a favorite of First Lady, Michelle Obama. Guests will be the first to see this year's show and will enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and conversation with the designers. Some of SAIC's other fab alumni are such notable designers as Halston and Cynthia Rowley. Click here for varied show start times.

Before MTV’s Search for the New Elle Woods, before American Idol, there was A Chorus Line. Set in an empty theater, on a bare stage, 17 dancers audition for an unnamed Broadway show. One by one, they share their backstories--funny and moving tales of the hard work and dedication that got them to where they currently stand. In the end, we get to find out which eight are chosen for a spot in "the chorus line."

Insider Info: Although A Chorus Line was a bona fide blockbuster when it premiered in 1975--winning Tonys and Pulitzers--it was among one of the first "meta" musicals, with its minimal staging and self-referential nature. By breaking down the "fourth wall" (the imaginary wall between the front of the stage and the audience), the show makes the audience feel like a participant, not just a viewer. How very American Idol.

It was a packed house at US Cellular last year for the Sox-Mariners series, as fans were anxious to see how Ken Griffey Jr. faired against his old team. The Kid returns this Monday to take on the Sox, who will be starting the second leg of a six-game homestand. Griffey tied Sammy Sosa with his 605th homer of Seattle's R.A. Dickey, as the Sox outscored the Mariners 33-8 in the three game series and took 5 out of 6 overall. But it looks like a new Mariners team has taken the field this year as the M’s are off to a hot start in 2009. Hopefully the Sox can cool them down.

Insider Info: Lucky you--this game falls on a half-price Monday. Having spent many a half-price Monday as a Sox intern working at the 500-level sales booth, I can tell you it's quite the experience. At less than $10 a seat, Sox fans can and do take the extra $10 they didn’t spend on their ticket--and then some--to the various beer vendors around the stadium for seven and a half innings. By the fourth inning, I was always the only person over 21 who could speak in full sentences and walk a straight line. Hey Cubs fans, why don’t you come down to the South Side for this one? You’ll feel right at home.

The Blackhawks take on the Flames this week in the NHL Playoffs for games 3 and 4 in Calgary. Though the weather in Calgary is supposed to be more pleasant than Chicago, Expedia.com's lowest-priced round trip flight is $700. If you’re choosing not to use three years worth of miles to head out there, check out Game 4 this week at Billy Goat Inn, about four blocks east of the UC. Hawks fans pack this bar for every game, and this week should be no different. Should the 'Hawks keep up the pace and the Flames continue to struggle, hopefully you’ll be able to hang tight and catch them at home for Round 2.

Insider Info: The bar does have its own private lot with free parking, so if you choose to drive, you might want to lay off their signature drink: the “Horny Goat,” made with Bacardi Limon, 7-up, and a splash of cranberry juice. If you’re hungry, locals suggest the cheeseburger with fries at this no frills bar and grill.

This Saturday, the fourth annual "Race to Wrigley" 5K Run will take place in Wrigleyville. The race kicks off the 2009 baseball season and commences at 8:00 AM at the corners of Clark & Waveland. Benefiting various Chicago Cubs Charities, the race runs through the streets of Lakeview and Wrigleyville and finishes under the Wrigley Field Marquee located at Clark and Addison. Chicago Cubs Charities support community groups, organizations, programs, and projects in the Chicagoland area.

Insider Info: As always, it is recommended you pre-register, which you can do that at the Runners Edge in Andersonville located at 5243 N. Clark. If you pre-register, you have a chance to win a pair of Cubs tickets to see them play the LA Dodgers, Thursday, May 28th at 7:05 PM. Race day registration will be open from 6:30 to 7:50 AM in the Purple Lot at Wrigley Field. The chip-timed 5K Run costs $33, and the 5K Fun Run is $30. If you don't pre-register, the race day fee is $37 (there will be NO chip-timed run registration on race day).

Chicago’s hottest designers have come together in this free shopping event at the Metropolitan Club hosted by Cece & Melinda of Raymi Productions. The event will present everything from clothing to accessories for your pampered pooch at amazing discounts. Dior will also be on site for complimentary makeup applications, and victim empowerment non-profit, PAVE, will host a raffle. And if you find you want to spend more time at this exclusive club at the top of the Sears Tower, they're offering a discounted initiation fee and 50 percent off the first three months of your membership.

Insider Info: Attention serious fashionistas! This event is perfect for boutique shoppers who are on the lookout for those one-of-a-kind pieces. So make sure to grab your friends for a little Mother’s Day shopping. And don’t forget to RSVP to the event by clicking here. 

Solar panels and composting are not viable options for city-dwellers, so to celebrate Earth Day, Chicago's own fair trade GreenHeart Shop will teach free classes all day on how to become an eco-friendly Urbanite. Attendees will sample organic and fair trade wines and beers, learn how to become energy efficient while living in an apartment, and discover which Chicago businesses are the most socially and environmentally responsible. Click here for a complete list of classes and times. The day culminates with a party at Avila, complete with music from the island of Ibiza and Earth Month performances.

Insider Info: If you’re really feeling the environmental vibe, there will be an Ohio Street Beach cleanup and ecology analysis from 10:00 AM until noon. Be sure to bring gloves and RSVP at info@greenheartshop.org.

How do you get Lululemon pants for 40% off? And Paige Premium Denim jeans for $100 less than retail? The answer is Rue La La. Ruelala.com is an exclusive, invitation-only online destination that offers members premier-brand, private sale boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time. Membership is gratis, but it's invitation-only. Want in? Email me at pamelasherman@hotmail.com and I'll send you your invitation!

Insider Info: All boutique sales start at 10:00 AM CST and quantities are limited, so make sure you hop on right when the sale starts. The good items will sell out in less than an hour.