In these hard times (i.e. the week before tax time) we could all use something to cheer us up – preferably something legal. And what could be more cheery (and legal) than a little polka music and a fried bologna sandwich? You’ll find both Saturday at the International Polka Association’s Annual Hard Times Dance, where Stas Bulanda’s Average Polka Band will be pumping out the tunes and the association’s staff will be frying up the bologna. Address: 4145 S. Kedzie Ave. Tickets: $3.99. Phone: 773-254-7771.
For some of Latin America’s cheeriest music, join Latin jazz giant Eddie Palmieri Friday at Apollo 2000, 2875 W. Cermak Rd. Expect Palmieri’s large band to play from his newest release, “Vortex,” and if you’re lucky, maybe he’ll perform one of our favorite Palmieri salsa tunes, “Muneca.” Showtime: 9 p.m. Tickets: $25-$30. Phone: 773-247-0200.