Get $10 tickets to the February 16th performance of Magic and Comedy of Justin Williams.

Food Network TV host Justin Willman brings a dash of magic with him to the Abbey Pub for his Tricked Out tour, a show of spectacular comedy and magic. You know Willman as the host of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and Last Cake Standing. The performer US Weekly described as “like a magician, but cooler” has made countless appearances on The Ellen Show, Rachael Ray, Attack of the Show, and Disney’s The Suite Life on Deck. Willman is also the star and creator of the Nerdist Channel series Magic Meltdown, which is named after his monthly sold-out, cult-following comedy and variety show at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood. At his Tricked Out tour show, Willman will entertain you with his charm, wit, sleight of hand and fabulously cool brand of make-believe.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of the highly original British crime novel The City & The City, winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the 2010 Hugo Award for Best Novel.  An American student is found dead in the streets of Beszel, and Inspector Tyador Borlú of the Extreme Crime Squad is assigned to the case. But when this seemingly isolated homicide reveals ties to a powerful political cover-up that crosses the divide between Beszel and its mysterious twin city, Ul Qoma, Borlú must navigate uncharted territorial waters to bring down the mastermind of the most unusual and dangerous case of his career.

I read one of the the author’s other books (Un Lun Dun – not London, get it?), which was fascinating!  I might just grab this Goldstar offer (and remember, it’s only available today, unless it runs out sooner).

Production runs through the end of March; the FREE tickets are for three of the preview performances in mid-February.

Even DH said “That sounds interesting – I wouldn’t mind doing something like that.”  So listen up!  This 2 1/2 hour Chicago History Tour along the Indoor Pedway is all INSIDE, a pretty big deal during most Chicago winters.  Goldstar offer is $12.50 or 50% off the usual $25 ticket price.

Learn all about Chicago’s transformation from a swamp, at the intersection of a lazy river and the Great Lakes, to the world’s sixth ranked “Alpha City” on this winter version of the Chicago History Tour. While strolling with your tour guide in heated comfort through a portion of the city’s Pedway — a 40-block network of indoor tunnels, ground-level concourses and overhead bridges connecting skyscrapers, retail stores, hotels and train stations throughout Chicago’s central business district — you’ll hear fascinating stories of the city’s history and amazing architecture along with plenty of amusing anecdotes. During the two-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll visit the Cultural Cultural Center with its Tiffany art glass dome, Macy’s Department Store, City Hall and more. Several open atrium areas offer fantastic vistas of Chicago’s famous loop.

If you’re looking for a fun night out in Chicago, look no further than Joe’s Bar near Lincoln Park on the city’s North Side. People flock to this huge warehouse-style venue to watch sporting events and listen to great live music — much of it with a decidedly country tinge. Such national names as OAR, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Michelle Branch, Rascal Flatts, Rick Springfield and Snoop Dogg have taken the stage here, as well as favorite local bands like Then Again, 16 Candles, Hairbangers Ball and more. Check out the full event description for a schedule of upcoming shows, then plan your fun night of music, drinks and friends.  This Goldstar deal is for four FREE performance dates in February and March.

Today only, get FREE tickets to the 2013 Chicago Progressive International Motorcycle Show: Stunt Shows, Awesome Bikes and More at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont. Freebies are for February 8th and 9th; February 10th is $8 a ticket.

The 2013 Chicago Progressive International Motorcycle Show roars into the Windy City with everything a bike enthusiast could ask for, including hundreds of the hottest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, side-by-sides and ATVs from the top manufacturers. Perfect for novice and experienced riders, this thrilling motorcycle show lets you sample the latest gear and aftermarket accessories and enjoy informative seminars and interactive entertainment. Experience the latest in the world of motorcycling with DIY maintenance seminars, a MotoGP Experience featuring the industry’s top racing machines, a Pit Stop Challenge that will invite attendees to complete an official race style pit stop and the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, which features hundreds of the hottest custom motorcycles dripping in chrome, wild paint jobs and top-of-the-line performance upgrades. Please see the full event description for a schedule of celebrity appearances.

Prices for certain dates start at $6.25 for the Provision Theater’s production of Fish Eyes.  Tickets are available for performance through the end of March.

It’s a normal morning for Peter and Andrew in their small fishing town and the two brothers have no idea that they are about to meet a man who will change their lives forever. The stranger is a different kind of man than they are accustomed to: simple, wise and vulnerable, yet strong and convincing. The story of Jesus and his disciples has fascinated cultures around the world for 2,000 years. Lee Eshleman and Ted Swartz’s Fish Eyes is a poignant and humorous look at how he affected the world, as told through the eyes of Peter and Andrew.

Some prior FREE deals are still available – just click on the COMP tab from any Goldstar page.

Bella Gaia: Award-Winning Film Takes Viewers on a Mesmerizing Journey Through Space.  Tickets are half-price, starting at $12, for the January 25th performance at Dominican University Performing Arts Center in River Forest.

A stunning collaboration between NASA and award-winning director and classically trained violinist Kenji Williams, Bella Gaia: A Poetic Vision of Earth From Space is inspired by astronauts who have described the life-changing power of viewing Earth from outer space. The 70-minute film is a transcendent simulation of this so-called “Overview Effect,” taking you on an unforgettable journey around Earth guided by Williams’ ethereal music. Working closely with NASA’s scientific visualization studio, Bella Gaia simulates space flight and features a live performance by Williams against a large-screen backdrop of Earth from space.

The freebie offer is over, but you can still get 1/2 price tickets to this year’s Travel & Adventure Show this Saturday and Sunday, January 26th and 27th.  See the host of ABC’s The Bachelor, Chris Harrison, guidebook author Pauline Frommer, PBS star Rick Steves (Rick Steves’ Europe) and author Patricia Schultz (1000 Places to See Before You Die). With advice on top local, national and international destinations, show-only specials and giveaways, hands-on adventure activities (scuba diving, animal encounters, Segway riding), exotic culinary demonstrations, and live cultural performances, attending the Travel & Adventure Show almost feels like its own little getaway.

Free tickets to the 4th Annual Simply Elegant Wedding Showcase at Pleasant Home in Oak Park on February 10th.  This is a very cool house – one of the oldest in Oak Park and, I believe, the first one with electricity (they had their own generator).  The name comes from the intersection of the two streets.  Go and experience living in a more genteel time.

Are you engaged or thinking about getting married? Save the date and get inspired! The Simply Elegant Wedding Showcase brings together Chicagoland’s top wedding professionals to display their products and services. Attendees have the opportunity to meet a variety of wedding experts, from florists to reception venues to photographers, all under one roof. Sample delicious treats, win prizes, and even attend wedding workshops to learn industry secrets to planning the perfect wedding. It’s a great day for the bride- and groom-to-be to get a lot of items checked off that often overwhelming to-do list.

Get FREE tickets to this year’s Travel & Adventure Show on Sunday, January 27th.  See the host of ABC’s The Bachelor, Chris Harrison, guidebook author Pauline Frommer, PBS star Rick Steves (Rick Steves’ Europe) and author Patricia Schultz (1000 Places to See Before You Die). With advice on top local, national and international destinations, show-only specials and giveaways, hands-on adventure activities (scuba diving, animal encounters, Segway riding), exotic culinary demonstrations, and live cultural performances, attending the Travel & Adventure Show almost feels like its own little getaway.

The Cupid Players return to Stage 773 with their new musical sketch show Cupid Has a Heart On: A Musical Guide to Relationships.  A collection of songs and skits about love and lust, Cupid Has a Heart On will puncture your aorta like a funny little arrow. The all-musical sketch comedy group has performed all over the country and was recently voted a Critic’s Choice by the Chicago Reader. The smart and satirical group is led by director and keyboard player Brian Posen, the producer of The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. FREE tickets are available for all performances through the end of March.

Goldstar freebies are a wonderful way to sample shows at different theaters – we saw the Charles Dickens one-man show and PITA and I are going to Das Barbecü tomorrow.  If you don’t like the location or actors – whatever – you’re not out a whole lot of money.  Like the show and grab a season ticket.