Winna, Winna, Winna

SAT 2/26
Once upon a time, long hours and hard work were the keys to success in the business world. Thanks to this modern age, however, apparently all it takes is a photogenic appearance and a sliding scale of dignity. The Apprentice, the reality show that made Donald Trump famous again, holds an open casting call Saturday at Union Station (30 West Pershing Road) in search of the next Bill Rancic or, um, that other guy. Contestants vying for spots on either The Apprentice or Martha Stewart’s Apprentice should arrive early to get one of the wristbands necessary for scoring an appearance in front of the casting team. (Organizers will pass them out from 9 a.m. to noon.) Aspiring bigwigs should also complete an application (downloadable at http://www.nbc.com/nbc/ the_apprentice). Winners agree to spend eight weeks away from their jobs and under the Donald’s thumb.

To be honest, we aren’t sure whether winning a job with Trump or getting fired on national TV is more terrifying. — Christopher Sebela

Doh — er, Dough!

SAT 2/26
Organizers putting together a gaming event for charity should be upfront about the worthy-cause angle. If not, gamblers might riot when they realize they’re not taking home the actual cash represented by their towering piles of chips. (This cautionary scenario played out on The Simpsons.) But the Huntington’s Disease Society of America could not be more forthcoming about its Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. Participants must make a $60 donation before taking a seat at the table; the proceeds fund research about the degenerative brain disorder, which is untreatable. The game isn’t solely a philanthropic pursuit for its players: The top card shark walks away with $500, and the top ten finishers also receive prizes. The game, which will stick to World Poker Tour rules, starts at 1 p.m. Saturday at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill, 10975 Metcalf in Overland Park. To register, call 866-707-4372. — Andrew Miller

Last Hurrah

FRI 2/25
The best parties often celebrate the end of something. (Think graduations, retirements and, um, wakes.) That’s the idea behind the fifth annual BlackOut, Higher Ground Entertainment’s farewell fete to Black History Month, from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday at the Emerald House, 3620 Main. Touted as “upscale groove meets festival,” the bash hypes a cappella entertainment by Soul Serenade and Mia Ramsey, Jamaican cuisine by Black Belt BBQ and a fashion show at which buyers can purchase designs on-site — instant gratification at its most stylish. General admission is $15 (VIP status costs double). Call 816-965-7697 for information. — Annie Fischer