Happy National Tap Dance Day!!!!

Yes, this is a real holiday, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1988. Why May 25? Because it's the birthday of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson:

Bill Robinson was the most famous of all African American tap dancers in the twentieth century, and tap dancers around the world honor him and that art form every year.

Even though it's only celebrated for one day, there are performances and classes happening all month long throughout the country. (I was in a National Tap Day Show at the Old Town School of Folk Music this past Saturday.) Check out the International Tap Association website for the event nearest you.

And now for your viewing pleasure, a few great moments in tap history:

It's an "END OF THE WORLD" Kind of Weekend

This weekend's impending end of the world might put a damper on your plans, but I say we should party!

Tomorrow sounds like the perfect day to check out Dirty Betty's, Cookie Bar's new pop-up doughnut shop. Doughnuts available all day! And after you grab a delicious baked good, head straight down Lincoln to:

National Tap Day @ Old Town School of Folk Music - Saturday, May 21 7:30 p.m.
I know I listed another National Tap Day Show last week, but even though the holiday is actually on the 25th, the tap community puts up shows all month. And you should definitely make it to this one because I'm in it! Tickets are $20 and include performances by tap greats from all over the country.

Chill & Grill @ Lincoln Park (Stockton & Clark) - Saturday, May 21 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, May 22 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

I love my apartment, but I wish I had a balcony or terrace to grill out on. I haven't heard of this festival before this year, but I'm super excited for delicious grilled foods. Tickets to this event are set up a bit like the Taste of Chicago; tickets are sold on a punch card. Each punch card has 12 "punches," and food and drinks are a certain amount of punches. (A restaurant tasting is 3 punches, a full-sized grilled item is 5 punches, etc.) Tickets are available online for $12 or at the festival for $15. You can also take various grilling classes at the event.

And if you're one of the many people hoping that Saturday will actual mark the beginning of the zombie apocolypse, be sure the check out the CDC's Zombie Survival Guide. I'm loving the CDC's PR/social media stunt. You can even grab an awesome button for your blog or website. Amazing!!!

It's a "Dirty Tap Dancing Bake Sale" Kind of Weekend

Blogger was down, Twitter is being stupid, my computer keeps freezing....not a good Friday the 13th for Andrea! But I'm heading to Green City Market tomorrow to kick off my weekend of relaxation and NOT having to drive to the suburbs. YAY!

Down & Dirty Romeo & Juliet @ Justins - Saturday, May 15 7:00 p.m.
Yeah, you've seen the Leonardo DiCaprio version, and you probably had to read it in high school, but have you ever been in it? Shattered Globe Theater does a very interesting take on this classic, presenting 14 actors who know the lines and the roles, but the audience gets to cast the show. If you don't like it, swap the actor out for another one. And audince members can join as various Montagues and Capulets. Sounds fun to me!

Chicago Food Blogger Bake Sale @ The Poison Cup - Saturday, May 14 12:00 p.m.
Chicago food bloggers like West of the Loop, EZ Bake Oven, Not A Crazy Vegan, Blondie's Cakes, Joy's Misadventures, Engineer and an Oven, Chef Druck Musing, NBC Feast, The Pink Apron will participate in the National Food Blogger Bake Sale on Saturday. Enjoy these blogger's homebaked goods and proceeds will go towards Share our Strength, a non-profit that strives to end childhood hunger. Check out the gluten-free and vegan options and the wine tasting.

National Tap Dance Day @ DuSable Museum of African American History - Sunday, May 15 5:00 p.m.
One thing you probably don't know about me is that I'm a tap dancer. Tap dance is such an amazing art form, and unfortunately too many people don't know much more than what they learned in 2nd grade dance class. If you want to experience the Chicago tap scene and some of the most fabulous tap dancing ladies in the entire world - including the incredible Dianne Walker - check out the National Tap Dance Day show put on by the Chicago Human Rhythm Project this Sunday.

And to give you a tap preview, check out this video of today's tap greats Jason Samuels Smith, Chloe Arnold, John Klauss, Yokiko, Tre Dumas and Dianne Walker.