Party like a king—or queen—this weekend

The legendary house music vocalist Barbara Tucker performs at Club 720 on Sunday. (Photo: Bacci Bros.)


Let’s take a moment and give props to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (who would’ve turned 79 on Jan. 15), who fought for equality and peace for us all.

And with Monday, Jan. 21 going down as the national celebration of Dr. King’s Day, most of you have a three-day weekend. And of course that means the weekend will be off the hook more than usual.

Don’t mind the cold; these events are certain to keep you warm:

Room21 (2110 S. Wabash Ave., 312-328-1198). And speaking of b-days, tonight would’ve been notorious gangster Al Capone’s 109th. This swingin’ South Loop eatery—which incidentally still has a secret room where he took shelter—fetes the occasion with complimentary cocktails and appetizers (5:30-7:30pm), and local author and Chicago historian Richard Lindburg will discuss the history of the building. Room21’s staff will be dressed in period attire and antique cars will be displayed in front of the building. All evening, guests will be able to toast to the legend with Capone specialty cocktails, including the Sidecar, Scarface Barcardi cocktail, Old Fashioned and Capone’s Champagne cocktail.

Landmark Grill+Lounge (1633 N. Halsted St., 312-587-1600). Also happening tonight is the Art in Action: A Revolutionary Painting Party. The event includes “live” art by Chadwick, bodypainted models and an opportunity for guests to also get in on the action and do some painting themselves. Drink specials by Belvedere. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222). More unique style can be found at this sleek Warehouse District lounge as Scoop NYC hosts Twenty Looks, featuring 20 chic runway looks with hair by Marianne Strokirk Salons. One lucky guest will win "the ultimate spring wardrobe" from Scoop NYC. Complimentary Veuve Clicquot will be served from 8-10pm; party happens tonight 8pm-2am. $10.

Bella Lounge (1212 N. State Pkwy., 312-787-9405). Another installation of Music & Martinis happens tonight in the Gold Coast bar. Miracle Entertainment’s popular party for urban professionals will include drink specials and music by deejay Malik Shabazz. 5pm-2am. RSVPMe@SLDMarketingGroup.net for complimentary admission.

Luxbar (18 E. Bellevue Pl., 312-642-3400). Winter Classic Cocktails, hosted by Lincoln Park Young Professionals, takes place tomorrow in the Gold Coast. For $25 ($30 at door), guests get a buffet of booze, including cocktails, whiskey, wine and more. Appetizers and mini-cheeseburgers will be passed around. Call 312-642-5097 for more info. 6-8pm Friday.

Plan B (1635 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-252-2680). Movie lovers may want to check out this hip Wicker Park tavern for Keep It Reel: Untraceable. Guests will be able to pick up advance screening tickets to the new Sony Pictures film, "Untraceable," featuring Oscar nominee Diane Lane. (The special advance screening is by invitation ONLY on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at the AMC 600 N. Michigan Ave at 7pm.) During the event guests can enjoy a complimentary cocktail and rock out to a sexy blend of vintage hip-hop, rock and classic 1980s hits. 8pm-2am Friday. No cover.

La Pomme Rouge (108 W. Kinzie St., 312-245-9555). Internationally known house music deejay Bear Who? celebrates his birthday, and it’s hosted by Music 101 and Effen vodka during the weekly Radio Paradiso. Get your $5 Effen drinks and $175 Effen bottles all night. Expect tons of local nightlife royalty to come through. 10:30pm-3am Saturday. No cover.

DeLaCosta (465 E. Illinois St., 312-321-8930). Get ready for Great Grape Night every Sunday, with all bottles of wine—including bubbly and sparkling wine—half off. They’re also featuring a mojito for $8. Deejays spin Latin-influenced lounge music. 7pm-2am Sundays. No cover.

Hotel Sax (333 N Dearborn, 4th Floor, 312-431-8801). Sippin on Sunday returns with its MLK Edition—one of its most popular parties of the year. Get ready to dance and mingle to the sounds of hip-hop, house and R&B with this mostly urban professional crowd. 9pm-3am. Free 9-10pm; $20 after.

Club 720 (720 N. Wells St., 312-787-8720). One of the best-kept secrets in town, this all-out dance party features the amazing vocals of legendary house music diva Barbara Tucker ("Beautiful People," "Stay Together," "I Get Lifted," “Love Vibrations”). Deejay Ron Carroll spins his infamous "live" deep house set. Hosted by BMC Entertainment Family. Sunday 10pm-4am. $20.