Chicago Sun-Times: 10 REALLY COOL THINGS TO DO

1It takes a Village People

Then add a Little Richard and and you've got a heck of a party. Ravinia's annual YEA! Highland Park Benefit Concert on Saturday will raise money for nonprofit organizations that service youth, education, arts and social programs. In addition to the performances by Village People and Little Richard, partygoers will get a gourmet meal catered by Carlos'. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner; show time is 8 p.m. Benefit tickets are $225; concert only is $40 for pavilion, $10 for lawn. Call (847) 266-5100; www.ravinia.org.

2 On their toes Six of Chicago's dance companies come together for one evening to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS. Dance For Life will feature Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Melissa Thodos and Dancers, River North Chicago Dance Company, Luna Negra Dance Theater and Trinity Irish Dance Company. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Tickets are $75-$500. Call (312) 922-5812.

3Happy anniversary Chicago a cappella celebrates a decade of making music with a trio of concerts starting Tuesday. The Tenth Anniversary Concert will feature Renaissance sacred music, African- American spirituals, new compositions and vocal jazz, plus the world premiere of the group's first-ever commission, "The West Lake" by Chen Yi. Performances are: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph; 8 p.m. Saturday at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park; 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Northwestern University's Lutkin Hall, 700 University Place, Evanston. Tickets are $12-$25. Call (773) 755-1628; www.chicagoacappella.org.

4 Starry starry night The Lyric Opera of Chicago is presenting a star-studded free concert on Saturday night in Grant Park. Stars of the Lyric Opera at Grant Park will feature Ben Heppner, Ruth Ann Swenson, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Michael Schade, Peter Mattei and others performing with the Lyric Opera Orchestra conducted by Andrew Davis. Show time is 7:30 p.m. at the Petrillo Music Shell, Columbus and Jackson. Call (312) 332-2244; www.lyricopera.org.

5 Oysters and beer Music, beer and fresh oysters is what you'll get if you attend the Guinness Oyster Festival on Saturday. Ben Folds and Hello Dave lead the list of performers for the fest, which runs from noon to 11 p.m. at New City YMCA, 1515 N. Halsted (at North and Clybourn). Admission is $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Call (773) 868-3010.

6That great street On Tuesday morning, the Greater State Street Council will kick off a monthlong campaign to draw attention to the ongoing revitalization of Chicago's central business district. During State Street Reigns Supreme, there will be live street performances, giveaways, celebrity appearances and more. Just show up between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. at State and Madison. Call (312) 782-9160; www.greaterstatestreet.com.

7 A howlin' good time Around the Coyote's Fall Arts Festival starts tonight and runs through Sunday all over the Wicker Park area. The visual arts exhibition takes place at multiple venues; music events at Club Lucky, 1824 W. Wabansia; dance at Pulaski Park Auditorium, 1419 W. Blackhawk; theater at Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division; poetry at Club Lucky and The Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee; short film & video at The Note; Coyote Kids Korner on Saturday at Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen. Call (312) 342-6777; www.aroundthecoyote.org.

8 A tradition begins The Brazilian Cultural Center of Chicago is hosting its first Viva Brasil! festival on Sunday to celebrate the cultural heritage of Brazil through music, art and dance. Along with live performances and art exhibits, there will be plenty of Brazilian cuisine to taste. The fest runs from noon to 6 p.m. at the International House at the University of Chicago, 1414 E. 59th St. Admission is $5; free for children under 12. Call (773) 465-3717; www.brazilianculturalcenter.org.

9 Take your chances Gamble for a good cause during the 12th annual Casino Swing on Saturday. The 20/30 Club of Chicago, which raises money for children's organizations, is hosting the black-tie affair. Play blackjack, roulette and craps and redeem winnings for raffle tickets. There also will be hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction and live music. Tickets are $115-$200. Call (312) 409-3454; www.2030club.org.

10Chills, thrills and stilts On its first-ever U.S. tour, the Polish theater troupe Teatr Biuro Podrozy will perform Carmen Funebre this weekend in Millennium Park. "Carmen Funebre," an allegory of war and human destruction, emerged from the personal testimonies of Bosnian war refugees. It is performed outdoors using fire, chilling music and menacing figures on stilts. Show time is 9 p.m. today and Saturday in the park on the southeast corner of Michigan and Randolph. Tickets are $15-$25. Call (773) 722-5463; www.pachicago.org.